Chapter 23.21 — SIGNS

The purpose of this chapter is to promote the public health, safety, and welfare through a comprehensive system of reasonable, effective, consistent, content-neutral, and nondiscriminatory sign standards and requirements. More specifically, this chapter is intended to:

(A) Balance public and private objectives by allowing adequate avenues for both commercial and non-commercial messages;

(B) Encourage signs as an effective channel of communication while preventing visual clutter that will detract from the aesthetic character of the city;

(C) Protect and improve the local economy and quality of life by preserving and enhancing the appearance of the streetscape;

(D) Maintain and enhance the city's appearance by regulating the location, number, type, quality of materials, size, illumination, and maintenance of signs on private properties;

(E) Restrict signs that may create a nuisance to nearby properties, violate privacy, or create hazards or unreasonable distractions for pedestrians or drivers;

(F) Provide clear and unambiguous sign standards that enable fair and consistent enforcement; and

(G) Ensure that the constitutionally guaranteed right of free speech is protected.

• (Ord. 4823, passed 1-22-24)

As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

ANIMATED SIGN. A sign which is designed to give a message through a sequence of progressive changes of parts or lights or degree of lighting.

AWNING SIGN. A sign which is painted, sewn, stained, and the like, onto the exterior surface of an awning and which does not extend beyond the edge(s) of the awning.

FIGURE 23.21.020.B: AWNING SIGN

BALLOON. Any air- or gas-filled device used for the purposes of signage or advertising.

BANNER SIGN. A cloth or fabric sign of two dimensions suspended in a parallel manner to the building facade. BILLBOARD SIGN. A sign which directs attention to a business commodity, or entertainment conducted, sold, or offered at a location other than the premises on which the sign is located. This definition does not include real estate signs, temporary signs, or directional signs allowed and approved pursuant to this chapter.

BLADE SIGN. See SHINGLE SIGN .

BUILDING IDENTIFICATION SIGN. A sign on a building indicating the name of the building or building sponsor.

CANOPY SIGN. A sign placed on a canopy.

FIGURE 23.21.020.H: CANOPY SIGN

CHANGEABLE COPY SIGN. A sign or portion of a sign with characters, letters, or illustrations that can be changed or rearranged without altering the face or the surface of the sign.

COMMERCIAL MESSAGE. A message on a sign, or portion of a sign, that promotes, informs, or proposes an

economic transaction, primarily concerns the economic interests of the sign sponsor and/or audience, or is intended to

further discussion in the marketplace of goods and services. COMMERCIAL SIGN. A sign with a commercial message.

CONSTRUCTION SIGN. A temporary sign that states the name of the developer and contractor(s) working on the site and any related engineering, architectural, or financial firms involved with the project.

COPY. Also called "sign copy." The visually communicative elements mounted on a sign.

DAMAGED SIGN. Any sign with cracked or broken panels, peeling paint, missing letters, or any sign that has been partially destroyed by any cause.

DEVELOPMENT PROJECT SIGN. A temporary sign identifying a proposed development project or one under construction, located on the site of the project.

DIRECTIONAL SIGN. A sign that directs or guides pedestrian or vehicular traffic and which is non-advertising in nature (e.g., handicapped parking, one-way, exit, and entrance).

DIRECTORY SIGN. A freestanding or wall sign which vertically lists the names of all business tenants in a multitenant building or shopping center.

ELECTRONIC COPY. A sign having the capability of presenting variable message displays by projecting an electronically controlled pattern, and which can be programmed to periodically change the message display

EAVE SIGN OR OVERHANG SIGN. A sign applied to the face of a building façade eave or overhang, parallel to the subject façade and not extending above the building roof line.

FENCE SIGN. A sign which is mounted on a fence or wall other than a building wall.

FIN SIGN. A sign consisting of individual letters applied to or constructed as part of a vertical architectural element integral to the design and construction of a building façade.

FLAG SIGN. A cloth or fabric sign of two dimensions that is suspended in a perpendicular manner to the building façade from a pole or supporting rod.

FREESTANDING SIGN. A sign supported by structures or supports that are placed on or anchored in the ground, and which are structurally independent from any building.

FIGURE 23.21.020.W: FREESTANDING SIGNS

FRONTAGE.

(1) BUILDING FRONTAGE. The linear length of a building which faces a public right-of-way except an alley or a common arcade, mall or walkway on the same parcel of record.

(2) FRONTAGE AREA. The total surface area of any one building frontage, including doors, windows and walls.

(3) PARKING LOT FRONTAGE. Any building elevation containing a public entrance which faces a contiguous parking lot pertaining to the use in the building, but does not face a public right-of-way, except an alley.

(4) PRIMARY BUILDING FRONTAGE. A building elevation which faces the street on which its parcel of record is addressed or which faces a common arcade, mall, or walkway on the same parcel of record, if no building elevation faces a public right-of-way, except an alley.

(5) REAR FRONTAGE. A building elevation containing a public entrance and opposite the primary building frontage which does not face a public right-of-way, except an alley.

(6) SECONDARY BUILDING FRONTAGE. A building elevation which faces a street other than that on which its parcel of record is addressed, or a building elevation, other than a parking lot or rear frontage, which contains a public entrance.

(7) STREET FRONTAGE. The length of a lot or parcel of land along or fronting on a street. GENERAL ADVERTISING FOR HIRE. The advertising or promoting of other businesses, establishments or causes using methods of advertising, typically for a fee or other consideration, in contrast to self-promotion or on-site advertising.

GOVERNMENT SIGN. A governmental sign for control of traffic and other regulatory purposes, including street signs, danger signs, railroad crossing signs, and signs of public service companies indicating danger and aids to service or safety.

GRAFFITI. Marks, such as inscriptions, drawings, or designs, which are placed, scratched, etched, painted, or sprayed on public or private property without the owner's consent.

ILLUMINATED SIGN. A sign with an artificial source of light incorporated internally or externally for illuminating the sign.

INFLATABLE SIGN. A form of inflatable device (e.g., shaped as an animal, blimp, or other object) that is displayed, printed, or painted on the surface of an inflatable background, and is primarily installed outside a building to attract attention to or to advertise a business, a business location, a service, a product, or an event.

INTERNALLY ILLUMINATED SIGN. A sign that is illuminated by a light source that is contained inside the sign where the message area is luminous, including channel-letter signs.

MASTER SIGN PROGRAM. A coordinated sign plan which includes details of all signs (not including exempt or temporary signs) which are or will be placed on a site.

MOVING SIGN. A sign or any portion thereof that rotates, moves, or appears to move in some manner by mechanical, electrical, natural, or other means.

NON-COMMERCIAL MESSAGE. A message or image on a sign that directs public attention to or advocates an idea or issue of public interest or concern that does not serve to advertise or promote any business, product, activity, service, interest, or entertainment.

NON-COMMERCIAL SIGN. Any sign that does not bear a commercial message, including but not limited to commentary on social, political, educational, religious, scientific, artistic, philosophical, or charitable subjects. NONCONFORMING SIGN. A sign lawfully erected and legally existing on the effective date of this code, but which does not conform to the provisions of this code.

OFF-SITE COMMERCIAL MESSAGE. A message that directs attention to a business, commodity, service, entertainment, product, or activity that is not conducted or offered on the same site or parcel on which the sign is located.

OFF-SITE COMMERCIAL SIGN. A sign with a commercial message located on private property that directs attention to a business, commodity, service, entertainment, product, or activity that is not conducted or offered on the same site or parcel on which the sign is located.

OFF-SITE NON-COMMERCIAL MESSAGE. An off-site message that is not commercial, including but not limited to commentary on social, political, educational, religious, scientific, artistic, philosophical, or charitable subjects.

OFF-SITE NON-COMMERCIAL SIGN. Any off-site sign that does not bear a commercial message, including but not limited to commentary on social, political, educational, religious, scientific, artistic, philosophical, or charitable subjects.

OFF-SITE SIGN. A sign that serves purposes of either directing persons to a different property; directs attention to a business, commodity, service, entertainment, product, or activity that is not conducted or offered on the same site or parcel on which the sign is located; or identifies property, political candidates, ballot measures, or other items not tied to the specific site. Examples of off-site signs include real estate signs, directional signs, and political campaign signs allowed and approved pursuant to this chapter.

ON-SITE SIGN. A sign that directs attention to a business, commodity, service, entertainment, product, or activity that is conducted or offered on the same site or parcel on which the sign is located.

PAINTED SIGN. A sign erected by means of painting the copy and all related material directly upon any portion of a building or other structure.

PENNANT. A device made of flexible materials, (e.g., cloth, paper, or plastic) that may or may not contain copy, and which is installed for attracting attention.

PERMANENT SIGN. A sign that is intended to be and is so constructed as to be of a lasting and enduring condition, remaining unchanged in character, condition (beyond normal wear) and position, and in a permanent manner affixed to the ground, wall, or building.

POLITICAL SIGN. A temporary sign supporting or opposing political candidates or issues in connection with national, state, or local elections, international issues, initiatives, referendums, recalls and petitions.

PORTABLE SIGN. A moveable sign that rests on the ground and is not designed to be permanently attached to a building or permanently anchored to the ground, including but not limited to A-frame and H-frame signs.

FIGURE 23.21.020.TT: PORTABLE SIGN,

A-FRAME SIGN

PROJECTING SIGN. A sign that projects horizontally from the face of a building.

FIGURE 23.21.020.UU: PROJECTING SIGN

REAL ESTATE SIGN. A sign pertaining to the sale, lease or rental of the premises, or a portion of the premises, on which the sign is located.

ROOF SIGN. Any sign located on a roof of a building or having its major structural supports attached to a roof that extend above the roofline or parapet.

FIGURE 23.21.020.WW: ROOF SIGN

SHINGLE SIGN. A sign that is suspended beneath a marquee, covered walkway, canopy, or awning. Also known as an under-canopy or blade sign.

FIGURE 23.21.020.XX: SHINGLE SIGN

SIGN. Any object, device, display, or structure, or part thereof, situated outdoors or indoors which is used to advertise, identify, display, direct, or attract attention to an object, person, institution, organization, business, project, service, event, or location by any means including words, letters, figures, design symbols, fixtures, colors, illumination, or projected images.

SIGN AREA. The entire area of a sign if enclosed by a frame, trim, or outline or the area within a single, continuous perimeter enclosing the extreme limits of writing or any representation.

SIGN FACE. The area of display used for a sign.

TEMPORARY SIGN. A nonpolitical sign or advertising display which relates to an event which will be commenced or completed within 60 days of the sign's display.

TOTAL SIGN AREA. The combined total area of each sign located on the premises, unless specifically exempted in this chapter.

TRAFFIC SIGN. A sign for traffic direction, warning, and roadway identification.

WALL SIGN. A sign affixed to and wholly supported by a building in such a manner that its exposed face is approximately parallel to the plane of such building.

FIGURE 23.21.020.EEE: WALL SIGN

WARNING SIGN. A sign limited to messages of warning, danger, or caution.

WINDOW SIGN. A sign which is painted, posted, or displayed on an exterior trans-lucent or transparent surface including windows and doors, or within three feet of the interior surface of the window and oriented to the exterior of the building.

FIGURE 23.21.020.GGG: WINDOW SIGN

(Ord. 4823, passed 1-22-24)

(A) The provisions of this chapter apply to all signs in all zones, constructed or physically altered on or after the effective date of this title, unless otherwise specified.

(1) The provisions of this chapter shall not be construed to prohibit a person from holding a sign while picketing or protesting on public property that has been determined to be a traditional or designated public forum, so long as the person holding the sign does not block ingress and egress from buildings;,create a safety hazard by impeding travel on sidewalks, bike lanes, or vehicle lanes; or violate any other reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions adopted by the city.

(2) The provisions of this chapter shall not require alteration of the display of any registered mark, trademark, service mark, trade name, or corporate name that may be associated with or incorporated into a registered mark, where such alteration would require the registered mark to be displayed in a manner differing from the mark as exhibited in the certificate of registration issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. It is the responsibility of the applicant to establish that a proposed sign includes a registered mark.

(B) Regulatory interpretations. The provisions of this chapter shall be applied in a content-neutral manner. Noncommunicative aspects of all signs, not related to the content of the sign, shall comply with the provisions of this chapter. "Non-communicative aspects" include the time, place, manner, location, size, height, illumination, spacing, and orientation of signs.

(Ord. 4823, passed 1-22-24)

The following signs are exempt from the permit requirements of this chapter, provided that they conform to the specified standards.

• (A) Directional and/or informational signs not more than four square feet in area.

• (B) Governmental signs.

• (C) Political signs removed within 14 days after the election to which it pertains if election related.

• (D) Real estate signs not exceeding 45 square feet in area.

• (E) Signs that are in the interior areas of a building and not visible from the exterior of the building.

• (F) Warning signs.

• (G) Window signs advertising community events sponsored by civic, charitable or nonprofit organizations, or installed pursuant to the requirements of Chapter 6.28.

• (H) Flag signs erected and located in accordance with the following standards:

• (1) Maximum aggregate flag sign area. The total combined area of all flag signs shall not exceed a maximum of one and one-half square feet per linear foot of primary building frontage.

• (2) Individual flag sign size. Each individual flag sign shall be at least four square feet in area, but shall be no more than 20 square feet in area.

• (3) Height. Flag signs shall be located not lower than eight feet above grade and not higher than 25 feet above grade or the cornice line of the building, whichever is lower.

(I) Construction signs and development project signs not exceeding 40 square feet in size or ten feet in height on parcels less than one acre, or 60 square feet in size or 15 feet in height for parcels one acre or larger. A maximum of one non-illuminated sign is allowed per street frontage.

• (J) Additional exemptions for Residential Zoning Districts. In addition to the signs listed above, the following signs are exempt from the permit requirements of this chapter when located in Residential Zoning Districts.

• (1) Wall signs of a non-advertising nature for residential building identification purposes with a maximum area of six square feet and maximum sign height of 15 feet.

(2) Off-site portable open house signs and directional signs to open houses. Notwithstanding any other provision contained in this section, open house and directional signs to real estate "open houses" in any Residential Zone may be placed upon the public parkway provided that all of the following restrictions are met:

• (a) Permission of the adjacent property owner must be attained before placing any such signage.

• (b) Signage shall be limited to one sign per corner, two signs per intersection, per home or property being advertised.

(c) No sign may be closer than 25 feet to another sign (except governmental signs and on-site real estate signs) regardless of whether it is a real estate or other permitted private sign. No sign may be closer than 15 feet from a driveway approach.

• (d) Signage display hours shall be limited to Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 10:00 a.m. to dusk, or 7:00 p.m., whichever is earlier.

• (e) Open house directional signs shall only be posted on the same day of the open house.

• (f) Open house signs shall contain the following information:

1. Directional arrow(s) to, or address of, the subject property.

2. The name of the real estate professional's name and phone number (for identification purposes only, a business card taped to the sign is acceptable).

(g) The message content on the sign shall only relate to an activity actually in progress during the allowable display period.

(h) No sign shall obstruct the safe and convenient use by the public of adjoining sidewalk, curbside parkway, or roadway area.

• (i) All signage must be freestanding on stakes in the ground or stand on their own base. Signs may not be placed on utility poles, stop signs, parkway fixtures, fences, walls, trees or other landscaping.

• (j) No sign shall exceed three feet in height as measured from the ground to the top of the sign.

• (k) No other advertising, flag, pennant, streamer, banner, balloon, or direction sign shall be displayed on public property, except as expressly allowed by this section.

• (l) The real estate professional placing a sign(s) described in this section shall assume all liability associated with the placement of such sign.

• (m) Each sign as permitted in this section shall be in a neat, clean and safe condition.

• (Ord. 4823, passed 1-22-24; Ord. 4844, passed 4-28-25)

All signs not specifically permitted, excepted or exempted from the regulations in this chapter are prohibited. Such signs shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

• (A) Animated, blinking or flashing signs, except barber shop poles and time and temperature signs;

• (B) Billboard signs;

• (C) Flags, pennants and streamers;

• (D) Moving or revolving signs, except barber shop poles;

• (E) Portable signs, unless approved by a temporary use permit;

• (F) Roof signs;

• (G) Permanent windblown devices and balloons;

• (H) Fence signs;

• (I) Any sign constructed on or of paper or similar material which makes use of chalk, felt pen, fluorescent paint, grease pencil, or similar medium;

(J) Any sign applied directly on the interior or exterior of a translucent or transparent surface including windows and doors by the use of chalk, felt pen, tempera, grease pencil or similar medium (seasonal holiday displays of a nonadvertising nature that are displayed for no more than 30 days are excepted);

(K) Wall signs in which the sign face is contained within a cabinet or box constructed of metal, wood, plastic, or other similar material;

(L) Signs in the public right-of-way and on public property, except governmental signs, signage on city-approved transit shelters, and real estate open house signs as specified in this chapter;

(M) Signs placed, located, or displayed in such a manner as to constitute a traffic or pedestrian safety hazard including:

(1) Signs that obstruct use of any door, window, or fire escape.

(2) Signs that impede normal pedestrian use of public sidewalks. A minimum unobstructed width of four feet must always be maintained.

(3) Signs that constitute a traffic hazard or obstruct the view of traffic, any authorized traffic sign, or signal device.

(4) Signs that create confusion or conflict with any authorized traffic sign or signal device due to color, location, wording, or use of specific phrases, symbols, or characters.

(N) Signs displaying a commercial message promoting a business that is a prohibited use and has not been established as a legal nonconforming use;

(O) Unauthorized signs placed on private or public property without the permission of the property owner.

(Ord. 4823, passed 1-22-24; Ord. 4844, passed 4-28-25)

(A) Measuring sign area. Building painting, striping, and supporting structures are not included in sign area. The sign area is the total area contained within the smallest rectangular perimeter encompassing the sign, structures, and any background embellishments. The sign area for individual channel letter signs is the area contained by the smallest rectangular perimeter that will encompass each word. Sign area is not transferable from any one street or building frontage to any other street or building frontage. The area of an individual sign shall be calculated as follows: FIGURE 23.21.060.A: MEASURING SIGN AREA

(1) Single-faced signs. The sign area is the area of the sign face.

(2) Multi-faced signs. The sign area of multi-faced signs shall be computed based on the total area of all sign faces.

(3) Three-dimensional signs. Three-dimensional signs include those that consist of, or have attached to them, one or more three dimensional objects such as balls, cubes, clusters, sculpture, or statue-like trademarks. The sign area is the sum of all areas using the four vertical sides of the smallest rectangular prism that will encompass the sign.

FIGURE 23.21.060.A.4: MEASURING THREE-DIMENSIONAL SIGNS

(B) Measuring sign height. The height of a sign is the vertical distance from the uppermost point used to measure sign area to the existing grade immediately below the sign.

(1) Freestanding signs. The height of freestanding signs shall be measured as the vertical distance from grade at the edge of the right-of-way along which a sign is placed, to the highest point of the sign, including any structural or architectural component of the sign. When the grade at the edge of the right-of-way is higher than the site on which the sign is placed, that portion of the sign below the grade at the edge of the right-of-way shall not be included in determining the sign's overall height.

FIGURE 23.21.060.B: MEASURING SIGN HEIGHT

(C) Measuring sign clearance. Sign clearance shall be measured as the smallest vertical distance between finished grade and the lowest point of the sign, including any framework or background embellishments.

FIGURE 23.21.060.C: MEASURING SIGN CLEARANCE

(D) Building frontage. Building frontage shall be measured as the widest lineal dimension, parallel to the ground, of a continuous frontage. A building's frontage is considered continuous if projections or recesses in a building wall do not exceed ten feet in any direction. For buildings with two or more frontages, the length of the frontage and allowable sign area shall be calculated separately for each building frontage. Sign area is not transferable from any one street or building frontage to any other street or building frontage.

FIGURE 23.21.060.D: BUILDING FRONTAGE

(E) Street frontage. The length of street frontage is measured along the property line adjacent to the public right-ofway.

(Ord. 4823, passed 1-22-24)

(A) Applicable codes. In addition to complying with the provisions of this section, all signs must be constructed in accordance with the Uniform Building Code, the Uniform Sign Code, the Electrical Code, and all other applicable laws, rules, regulations, and policies.

(B) Changes to copy of approved signs. Changes to the copy of approved signs that were legally established and have not been modified to become illegal are exempt from permitting pursuant to this title. Changes to copy do not include changes to the type or level of illumination of an approved sign.

(C) Non-commercial signs. Non-commercial signs are allowed wherever commercial signage is permitted and are subject to the same standards and total maximum allowances per site or building of each sign type specified in this chapter.

• (D) Sign materials. All signs shall be made of sturdy, durable materials.

• (1) Paper, cardboard, and similar materials. Paper, cardboard, and similar materials subject to rapid deterioration shall be limited to temporary signs.

(2) Fabric. Fabric materials shall be limited to awnings, canopies, flags, and temporary signs.

• (E) Changeable copy.

(1) Manual changeable copy. Manually changeable copy shall represent no more than 50% of the sign area.

(F) Encroachment. Signs mounted on private property shall not project into or above public property or the public right-of-way unless an encroachment permit is granted by the Public Works Department.

• (Ord. 4823, passed 1-22-24)

This section establishes the types of signs allowed per zone district. These signs are also subject to the regulations in § 23.21.070, and as well as the specific limitations, requirements, and allowances specific to the sign type located in §§ 23.21.040, 23.21.090, and 23.21.100.

TABLE 23.21.080: ALLOWED SIGNS BY ZONE DISTRICT

(Ord. 4823, passed 1-22-24)

This section establishes standards for specific sign types that apply to all zones where such signs are allowed.

(A) Wall signs. Wall signs include any sign attached to or erected against the wall of a building or structure. Wall signs are subject to the following standards.

(1) Maximum allowable sign area. In all cases, wall sign signage shall not occupy more than 20% of the total area of the wall to which the sign(s) is attached.

• (a) Residential Zone Districts. 20 square feet.

• (b) Commercial and Mixed-Use Zone Districts, Employment Zone Districts.

1. Primary building frontage. Two square feet per linear foot of primary building frontage.

2. Other building frontage. One-half square foot per linear foot of building frontage other than the primary building frontage.

(c) Public and Semi-Public Zone Districts. Maximum 20% of the total area of the wall to which the sign(s) is attached.

• (2) Maximum sign height/placement.

(a) Residential Zone Districts. Signs shall be located on the ground floor not to exceed 15 feet. Conditionally permitted uses shall locate signs on the second floor or below.

• (b) Commercial and Mixed-Use, Employment, and Public and Semi-Public Zone Districts. 30 feet.

• (3) Location of sign.

(a) Wall signs shall not cover or interrupt major architectural features, including such features as doors, windows, or tile embellishments.

• (b) Wall signs shall not extend higher than the building wall upon which they are attached.

(c) Wall signs for a business shall be placed only on the frontage it pertains to, except directory signs.

• (B) Freestanding signs. Freestanding signs are subject to the following standards.

TABLE 23.21.090.B: FREESTANDING SIGN STANDARDS

(1) Support structure. For all freestanding signs less than ten feet in height, the width of the support structure of freestanding signs shall be at least the width of the sign face.

(2) Location of sign. All freestanding signs shall meet visibility requirements pursuant to § 23.12.190 and shall not project over public property.

(3) Changeable copy. The portion of any freestanding sign designed to be used with removable graphics to allow the changing of copy must be less than 50% of the total sign area, except for billboard signs.

(C) Awning and canopy signs. Signs painted, printed, sewn, stained, placed, or the like, on awnings, canopies, arcades, or similar attachments or structures are subject to the following standards.

(1) Maximum allowable sign area. On ground floor level, 30% maximum coverage allowed on the total exterior surface areas of each awning or canopy. On the second floor level and above, 20% maximum coverage allowed of the total exterior surface areas of each awning or canopy.

(2) Minimum sign clearance. Awning and canopy signs shall have a minimum sign clearance of eight feet.

(D) Projecting and shingle signs. Signs that project horizontally from the exterior wall of a building or are

suspended beneath a marquee, covered walkway, canopy, or awning, are subject to the following standards.

• (1) Maximum allowable sign area. 12 square feet.

• (2) Maximum sign height. 15 feet above finished grade.

• (3) Minimum sign clearance. Eight feet above finished grade.

• (4) Maximum number of signs. One for each building frontage or tenant space.

• (5) Location of sign. Shall be located at least 15 feet from any other projecting or shingle sign whether located on

the same property or not, and five feet from any common wall or other point common to two separate business establishments on the same property.

• (6) Projection allowed.

(a) Projecting sign. A projecting sign cannot extend more than five feet from the building to which it is attached and must be designed and located so as to cause no harm to street trees. Signs projecting into the public right-of-way are subject to an encroachment permit.

(b) Shingle sign. A shingle sign cannot extend further than the outer edge of the supporting structure from which it is suspended.

• (7) Illumination. Projecting and shingle signs shall not be internally illuminated.

FIGURE 23.21.090.D: PROJECTING AND SHINGLE SIGNS

(E) Permanent window signs. Signs painted on or otherwise adhered directly onto a window and signs that block a window in any way, and displayed for 60 or more consecutive days, are subject to the following standards.

• (1) Maximum allowable sign area.

• (a) Ground level. 25% of the window area per window.

• (b) Second level. 10% of the window area per window of the business frontage.

• (2) Maximum sign height. Window signs shall not be placed on windows higher than the second story.

(F) Building identification signs. Building identification signs are allowed on buildings of at least two stories, subject to the following standards.

(1) Maximum allowable sign area. Building identification signs shall have a maximum allowable sign area

pursuant to Table 23.21.090.F, Maximum Building Identification Sign Area.

(2) Maximum number of signs. One per street frontage.

(G) Fin signs. Fin signs may only be displayed in association with new construction or as part of a major modification of an existing building's major architectural elements.

(Ord. 4823, passed 1-22-24)

Any temporary sign, banner, balloon, pennant, or advertising display that are not otherwise exempt pursuant to § 23.21.040 may be erected and located in accordance with the following standards.

(A) Temporary event association required. Temporary signs shall be associated with an event of limited duration including, but not limited to, opening of a new business, new services, new ownership, promotional sales, construction, limited time offers, entertainment, and special events.

• (B) Time limits, display duration and frequency.

(1) Temporary signs may be displayed for a maximum display period of 60 consecutive days, with a minimum of

30 days between the time temporary signage associated with an event is removed and any other temporary sign may be displayed.

(2) Temporary signs shall be removed within 14 days after the conclusion of the event served by the sign.

• (3) Exceptions, banner signs.

(a) Banner signs for new business exception. Banner signs intended to promote the opening of a new business (e.g. "coming soon," "grand opening," "employment opportunities," and the like), and displayed without the lapse of a period of at least 30 consecutive days since the removal of any previous temporary signage also intended to promote the opening of a new business, shall be allowed subject to Director approval.

(b) Banner signs for a property listed for sale or a vacant building or unit listed for lease exception. Banner signs for the active advertisement of a property listed for sale, a vacant building, or unit listed for lease, shall be allowed without a display duration time limit subject to Director approval.

• (C) Maximum number of temporary sign types. No more than two different types of temporary signs may be displayed on any one site at any one time.

(D) Temporary sign types. Only the following temporary sign types are allowed, provided that they conform to the standards of this section and the following.

• (1) Banner signs.

• (a) Maximum allowable sign area. Two square feet per linear foot of primary building frontage upon which the sign is placed.

• (b) Maximum number. One banner sign per building frontage not to exceed two banner signs per site.

• (c) Materials. Banner signs must be made of pliable, weather-resistant, and durable material.

• (d) Location.

1. Shall be located on private property and attached to the building façade where the applicant's business is located.

2. Shall not be displayed on the roof, cover any window or storefront glass, obstruct the visibility of any other building sign, or extend above the parapet line of the building.

3. Shall not be displayed in the landscape area, parking lot or fence, unless the applicant's business site is

under active construction or site features renders sign placement on the building physically infeasible, subject to discretionary approval by the Director.

(e) Attachment. Banner signs shall be secured to the building facade with screws so as not to cause any safety hazards, obstructions or constitute a nuisance.

• (2) Portable signs.

• (a) Maximum allowable sign area. 20 square feet.

• (b) Maximum height. Five feet above grade.

• (c) Maximum number. One per business.

• (d) Location. Not to be located on or project over public right-of-way or public property, shall not obstruct required pathways, and must be placed immediately adjacent to the business to which it pertains.

(3) Temporary window signs. Any sign applied directly on the interior or exterior of a transparent window by use of tempera or similar paint medium or professionally printed signs or posters constructed on or of paper or similar material and displayed in or on a window or door area that are displayed for less than 60 consecutive days. Window signs displayed for 60 consecutive days or more are subject to the standards for permanent window signs in § 23.21.090(E).

• (a) Maximum allowable sign area. 10% of the total translucent or transparent window and door area visible from the exterior of the building.

• (b) Location. Temporary window signs shall not be placed on windows higher than the second story.

• (4) Balloons. Balloons, including large-scale promotional balloons are subject to the following additional standards.

• (a) Balloons, windblown devices and other similar inflatable displays, provided such signs are displayed only on Fridays, weekends or holidays and do not project over public property. All such signs shall be removed no later

than noon on Monday (if displayed on a Friday or weekend) or noon on the day following the holiday, unless the holiday is a Thursday or Friday, in which case the display shall be removed no later than noon on Monday. Failure to timely remove such displays shall be a misdemeanor. Displays remaining after these removal deadlines and displays which float from the property to get stuck or come to rest on other private or public property shall be a public nuisance, and the costs for removal thereof shall be recoverable by the city.

(b) Temporary large-scale promotional balloons (e.g., roof mounted hot air balloons) in any zone, provided there shall be no more than four such promotions in any calendar year, that such promotions are not conducted for a period of more than seven consecutive days, that such promotions are related to merchandise or services which are customarily available on the premises, and that such premises are utilized for a permanently established business;

(c) Temporary large-scale promotional balloons (e.g., roof mounted hot air balloons) in the AC and CMU Districts, which shall meet the following standards:

1. That there shall be no more than one such promotion in any 90-day period;

2. That such promotion is conducted for a period of not more than 45 consecutive days;

3. That such promotion is related to merchandise or services customarily available on the premises;

4. That such premises are utilized for a permanently established vehicle sales business on premises not less than 20,000 square feet in lot area; and

5. That the large-scale promotional balloons are subject to the approval of the Director of Community Development.

(Ord. 4823, passed 1-22-24)

(A) Signs in the city may be inventoried for their architectural or historic significance whether local, state, or national. Upon application by the owner, any sign properly included in such a significance inventory may be considered by the Design Review Board for designation as a special significance sign.

• (B) The Design Review Board shall review such applications.

(C) Signs meeting the following criteria may be designated signs of special significance: Signs of special significance are those of historical and/or architectural significance which directly contribute to the distinctive character of the city. Such signs shall consist of:

• (1) Signs constructed at least 30 years ago;

• (2) Signs whose design, material(s) and color(s) are consistent with the architectural styles and building-types to which they relate;

(3) Signs which are integral to a building and/or storefront whose design, material(s) and color(s) have not been compromised, to the point that the integrity of the original sign/building/storefront relationship no longer exists; and

(4) Signs which have been properly maintained and repaired, if necessary, by the original owner; or faithfully restored, if there is a new owner.

(D) Designated signs of special significance shall not be removed or abated as provided in § 23.21.150, unless upon a finding after a hearing the Design

Review Board determines that such exemption will have a significant adverse effect on the achievement of the purposes of this chapter.

• (Ord. 4823, passed 1-22-24)

(A) Approval required. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, it is unlawful for any person to affix, place, erect, suspend, attach, construct, structurally or electrically alter (not including a face change of sign copy), move, or display any temporary or permanent sign within the city without first obtaining approval from the Director or Design Review Board. No approval is required for exempt signs or normal maintenance of a previously approved sign, unless a structural or electrical change is made.

(B) Application. Application for sign approval shall be made upon forms provided by the Planning Division and accompanied by the required fee and application materials showing the following:

(1) Site plan showing the location and dimensions of existing structures and the relationship of the proposed sign to the existing structures;

(2) Location, dimension, and design of all existing and proposed signs; and

(3) Any additional application materials necessary as determined by the Director or Design Review Board.

• (C) Review and decision.

• (l) Signs within a Master Sign Program.

(a) Upon acceptance of a sign application for a sign located on a site with a Master Sign Program, the Director shall review the request for compliance with the standards and requirements of this chapter, and with any standards established in a Master Sign Program pursuant to § 23.21.130, Master Sign Program.

(b) The Director's decision shall clearly state any conditions of approval or reasons for disapproval and applicable appeal provisions.

(2) Signs not within a Master Sign Program. All sign applications for a sign located on a site without a Master Sign Program are subject to review and approval of the Design Review Board, pursuant to § 23.33.020, Applicability. The Design Review Board shall review the request for compliance with the standards and requirements of this chapter, and pursuant to Chapter 23.33, Design Review.

(Ord. 4823, passed 1-22-24; Ord. 4831, passed 8-26-24; Ord. 4848, passed 9-8-25)

(A) Purpose. The purpose of a master sign program is to provide a method for an applicant to integrate the design and placement of signs within a project with the overall development design to achieve a more unified appearance. (B) Applicability. A master sign program shall be required for projects with four or more non-residential lease spaces.

(C) Application. A master sign program application shall contain all written and graphic information needed to fully describe the proposed sign program, including the proposed location and dimension of each sign, as well as proposed color schemes, font types, materials, methods of attachment or support, and methods of illumination. A master sign program application shall also include calculation of maximum allowable sign area, and total proposed sign area, for the site, and any additional application materials necessary as determined by the Director.

(D) Review authority. All master sign programs are subject to review and approval of the Design Review Board for the project with which the signs are associated. A master sign program may be submitted separately or as part of the permit application for the project.

(E) Design standards. The Design Review Board shall approve an application for a master sign program if the master sign program is in compliance with the provisions of this chapter and if the master sign program complies with the following design standards:

(1) The proposed signs are compatible in style and character with any building to which the signs are to be attached, any surrounding structures and any adjoining signage on the site;

(2) Future tenants will be provided with adequate opportunities to construct, erect, or maintain a sign for identification; and

(3) Directional signage and building addressing are adequate for pedestrian and vehicular circulation and emergency vehicle access.

(Ord. 4823, passed 1-22-24)

Each sign displayed within the city, including exempt signs, shall be maintained to comply with the following standards:

(A) Any sign or sign structure shall be maintained in good condition, free of graffiti, without rips, tears, broken elements, and similar damage.

(B) All parts, portions, units and materials composing a sign, together with the frame, background, surface, support or enclosure therefore shall be maintained in a safe condition, painted, and adequately protected from weathering with all braces, bolts and structural parts and supporting frames and fastenings reasonably free from deterioration, rot, rust, and loosening so that they do not create a hazard to persons or property or constitute an attractive nuisance.

(C) Any sign or sign structure that is sagging, leaning, fallen, decayed, broken, deteriorated, or other dilapidated condition shall be promptly repaired, to the satisfaction of the city, or removed.

(D) Whenever any sign, by virtue of its physical nature and condition, poses an immediate and serious threat to the public safety, the sign may be removed by city personnel, or its physical deficiency cured, to the extent necessary to protect the public safety. The cost of such removal or repair shall be assessed against the business or property owner.

(E) Whenever a sign or sign structure is removed, all portions of the surfaces or area where the sign was located shall be repaired or remediated, to the satisfaction of the city.

(Ord. 4823, passed 1-22-24)

(A) Signs which are lawfully in existence at the time of the adoption of these regulations and which are neither specifically permitted nor exempted from these regulations are nonconforming signs and shall be removed or brought into conformity with the regulations within five years, except as noted below in divisions (B) and (E) below.

(B) Billboard signs which are lawfully in existence at the time of the adoption of these regulations are exempt from the provisions of this section. Such signs, if not in accordance with the regulation of this chapter, need not be removed or brought into conformity with the regulations; provided they are continuously maintained and operated and are not expanded, enlarged, or otherwise altered in any manner with the exception of facial copy change or replacement.

(C) Signs which become nonconforming as a result of a zone change, annexation or code amendment shall also be subject to the provisions of this chapter, with the five-year amortization period commencing from the effective date of the zone change, annexation or amendment.

(D) Immediately upon any change, modification or alteration in the building to which any existing nonconforming signs relate, all such signs shall become unlawful and shall be removed or abated within ten days as provided in § 23.21.170.

(E) The Community Development Director shall have the authority to grant an exemption to the requirements of this chapter. Approval of any such exemption shall be based upon a determination there is a strong possibility that displacement of businesses will result.

(F) Removal and disposition of abandoned, non-maintained or illegally installed signs.

(1) Every sign shall be maintained in a safe presentable and good structural material condition at all times, including the replacement of defective parts, painting, repainting, cleaning and other acts required for the maintenance

of said sign. If the sign is not made to comply with safety standards, the Director of Community Development shall require its removal in accordance with this section.

(2) The Director shall remove or cause the removal of any fixed permanent sign constructed, placed or maintained in violation of this section after 30 days, following the date of mailing of registered or certified written notice to the owner of the sign, if known, at their last-known address or to the owner of the property as shown on the latest assessment roll, or to the occupant of the property at the property address, which notice shall describe the sign and specify the violations involved, giving notice that said sign will be removed if the violation is not corrected within 30 days.

stered or certified written notice to the owner of the sign, if known, at their last-known address or to the owner of the property as shown on the latest assessment roll, or to the occupant of the property at the property address, which notice shall describe the sign and specify the violations involved, giving notice that said sign will be removed if the violation is not corrected within 30 days.

(3) Signs removed by the Director of Community Development pursuant to this section shall be stored for a period of 30 days, during which time they 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 30-day period, the sign and supporting structure shall be declared abandoned and title thereto shall vest in the city and the cost of removal shall be billed to the owner. If not paid by the owner, said costs will be imposed as a tax lien against the property.

(4) Any person having an interest in the sign or the property may appeal the determination of the Director of Community Development ordering removal or compliance by filing a written notice of appeal as detailed in § 23.21.210.

(Ord. 4823, passed 1-22-24; Ord. 4831, passed 8-26-24)

The City Council hereby declares that any sign which is in violation of this chapter shall constitute a public nuisance.

(Ord. 4823, passed 1-22-24)

(A) After the expiration of the applicable amortization period detailed in § 23.21.150, the Director of Community Development or such other city official as may be designated by the City Manager, may order the abatement of the offending sign. The city shall cause notice to be sent to the business or property owner of this determination. The sign shall be abated within ten days of this notice.

(B) If the owner of the sign not in conformance fails to abate the sign by the time specified, the city shall cause notice to be given in the manner provided in § 23.21.180, for the holding of a public hearing to ascertain whether the sign remains nonconforming and a public nuisance and shall constitute a lien upon the property on which the sign rests.

(Ord. 4823, passed 1-22-24)

(A) Notice of hearing shall be served upon the owner of each of the nonconforming signs and the owner of the property on which the sign is located (in accordance with the provisions of § 23.21.190) and shall cause a copy thereof to be conspicuously posted on the property on which rests the sign.

(B) The notice shall be posted and served at least ten days before the time fixed for the hearing. Proof of posting and service of such notice shall be made by declaration under penalty of perjury filed with the Community Development Department records.

(Ord. 4823, passed 1-22-24)

Notice of the time and place of hearing before the City Manager or designee shall be substantially in the following form:

“NOTICE OF HEARING TO DETERMINE MAINTENANCE OF PUBLIC NUISANCE DUE TO NONCOMPLIANCE WITH SIGN STANDARDS AND CLAIM OF LIEN

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on the day of 20___, at the hour of said day, the City Manager of the City of Alhambra shall hold a public hearing in the Council Chambers of the Alhambra City Hall, located at 111 South First Street, Alhambra, California, to ascertain whether the sign(s) situated on that certain property located in the City of Alhambra and more particularly described as: ___________________________________________

---

___________________________________________ _________________________________________ constitutes a Public Nuisance due to not being in conformance with the sign standards as defined in Chapter 23.21 of the Alhambra Municipal Code, and whether the late charge authorized by § 23.21.170 of said code is unpaid and shall constitute a lien to be placed upon the property on which rests said nonconforming sign(s). Said violations of the sign standards contained in Chapter 23.21 consist of the following:

---

___________________________________________ _________________________________________ All persons having any interest in or objection to the aforementioned matters are hereby notified to attend the public hearing when their testimony and evidence will be heard and given due consideration. DATED: CITY OF ALHAMBRA

by (Title)”

(Ord. 4823, passed 1-22-24)

(A) The hearing to determine whether there is a public nuisance due to noncompliance with the sign standards contained in this chapter shall be conducted by the City Manager, or his or her duly authorized representative, who shall act as the hearing officer. At the hearing, the hearing officer shall consider all relevant evidence including, but not limited to, applicable staff reports. He or she shall give any interested person a reasonable opportunity to be heard. Based upon the evidence presented, the hearing officer shall determine whether the sign or signs are nonconforming and whether to place a lien upon the property on which rests the nonconforming sign(s) in accordance with this chapter and other applicable law.

(B) The hearing officer within five working days of the hearing shall give written notice of his or her decision to the owner of the sign(s) and the owner of the property upon which the sign is located (if different) and to any other person requesting the same.

(C) If no appeal is filed pursuant to § 23.21.210, the decision to abate the sign as a public nuisance and to place a lien on the affected property is final five working days following the issuance of the written notice of the decision. (Ord. 4823, passed 1-22-24)

(A) The sign owner/property owner or any person in possession of the property or claiming any legal or equitable interest therein shall have the right of appeal to the Board of Appeals as established by Chapter 2.22 of the Alhambra

Municipal Code.

(B) The appeal shall be filed with the City Clerk within five working days following issuance of the decision of the hearing officer. The appeal shall be in writing and shall state the grounds for the appeal.

(C) The City Clerk shall set the matter for a de novo hearing before the Board of Appeals at a date and time not less than ten nor more than 30 days following the filing of an appeal. The City Clerk shall then notify the appellant by mail of the date and time of the hearing. The Board of Appeals may continue the hearing where necessary.

(D) The City Council may, by resolution, establish a fee for the processing of an appeal. (Ord. 4823, passed 1-22-24)

(A) At the time and place set for an appeal, the Board of Appeals shall review the decision of the hearing officer and shall afford the appellant a reasonable opportunity to be heard in connection therewith.

(B) The Board of Appeals may, by resolution, establish rules of procedure for the conduct of hearing appeals. (C) The decision of the Board of Appeals shall be final and conclusive. Pursuant to Cal. Civ. Proc. Code § 1094.6, any action to review the decision of the Board of Appeals shall be commenced not later than 90 days after the date the Board of Appeals' decision is adopted. A copy of the Board of Appeals' decision shall be mailed to the owner, and to any other person requesting same, within five working days after the adoption thereof. (Ord. 4823, passed 1-22-24)

(A) If no appeal of the decision of the hearing officer is timely filed as provided in this chapter, or if the final decision of the Board of Appeals has been mailed to the owner of the affected property, the City Manager or his designated representative shall claim a lien on the property in the amount of the late charge and the amount required to recover the costs incurred by the city in abating signs constituting a public nuisance as provided in this chapter, and shall record a notice of the lien (in the manner provided below) in the office of the County Recorder.

(B) Such notice of lien for recordation shall be in a form substantially as follows:

“NOTICE OF LIEN

(Claim of City of Alhambra)

Pursuant to §§ 23.21.170 et seq. of the Alhambra Municipal Code, the City Manager of the City of Alhambra (or his designated agent) did on or about the day of , 20___, find and determine that the late charge of Two Hundred SeventyFive Dollars ($275.00) imposed for noncompliance with the sign standards contained in Chapter 23.21 of said Code plus the actual cost incurred by the City to abate the public nuisance, has not been paid and that said City of Alhambra does hereby claim a lien on such late charge in the amount of Two Hundred Seventy-Five Dollars ($275.00) plus the actual cost incurred by the City to abate the public nuisance; and the same shall be a lien upon said real property until it has been paid in full and discharged of record.

The real property on which rests the nonconforming sign and upon which a lien is claimed is that certain property located in the City of Alhambra and more particularly described as: DATED: CITY OF ALHAMBRA

by

(Title)”

(C) The notice of lien shall be sent to the affected property owner and to any other person requesting the same, and shall also be sent to the tax division of the County Auditor-Controller's Office. It shall be the duty of the AuditorController to add the

amount of the respective lien to the next regular tax bill or bills levied against the respective property, and thereafter the lien amount shall be collected at the same time and the same manner as ordinary municipal taxes are collected, and shall be subject to the same penalties and the same procedure under fore-closure and sale in case of delinquencies provided for ordinary municipal taxes. Alternatively, after recordation, such lien may be foreclosed by judicial or other sale in the manner and means provided by law.

(Ord. 4823, passed 1-22-24)

Nothing in the foregoing chapter shall be deemed to prevent the city of availing itself of any other remedy as allowed by law, including, without limitation, the abatement of any nonconforming sign pursuant to Cal. Bus. and Prof. Code §§ 5499.1 et seq., the abatement of a public nuisance under Chapter 6.26 of the Alhambra Municipal Code and/or the abatement of a public nuisance under applicable civil or penal code provisions. (Ord. 4823, passed 1-22-24)

In addition to the other fees imposed herein the city shall be entitled to recover the cost of attorney's fees incurred in abating any sign which constitutes a nuisance hereunder.

(Ord. 4823, passed 1-22-24)