Article V

All signs must be maintained in the same condition as when the sign was installed. Normal wear and tear of aged signs shall be repaired when they detract from the visible quality of the sign, as determined by the city planner. When signs are repaired, they must be done so in a manner (paint colors shall match, etc.) that is consistent with the approved sign permit. When signs are removed, the wall behind the sign shall be repaired and painted to match the rest of the building wall. (Ord. 552 (Att. A), 2025)

A. No sign shall constitute a hazard to pedestrians or vehicular traffic, conceal from view any public sign or traffic signal, nor extend on or project over or into a street right-of-way.

B. Any sign that, in the opinion of the city building inspector or the city engineer, is unsafe or insecure shall be deemed an unsafe sign and shall be corrected or removed, together with any supporting structure, by the owner of the property on which the sign is located, within seventy-two hours of written notice by the city building inspector or his or her designee. (Ord. 552 (Att. A), 2025)

A sign shall be considered abandoned if the use or business associated with the sign has not been conducted for a period of more than one year. An abandoned sign may be removed in compliance with Section 17.62.190. An exception to this provision may be granted for signage in the historical commercial zoning district that is integral to the character and historical integrity of the building including a reference to its historical use (e.g., Angels Theatre, Utica Hotel) or if the removal would otherwise adversely affect the historical integrity of the building. (Ord. 552 (Att. A), 2025)

Any sign which is nonconforming with this chapter shall be removed if the sign is altered or modified. "Altered or modified" within this chapter means any change to the sign structure including but not limited to changes to the sign cabinet, supports, structure or copy on the face for a new tenant or user. The normal painting of the sign as part of routine maintenance where no change in tenant occurs is not considered an alteration. Signs may remain until any change in design, structure, location or other alteration is made. A nonconforming sign may not be restored or rebuilt if fifty percent or more of the sign is damaged or destroyed for any reason or damaged to the extent of more than half of its current replacement cost. A nonconforming sign may not be resumed if use is discontinued or if business is not being conducted for any reason for a period of more than one year. Nonconforming signs may be altered if necessary for public safety to the restrictions of this section. Such a nonconforming sign, when altered for public safety, shall be subject to securing a sign permit from the city with an explanation for retaining the sign. (Ord. 552 (Att. A), 2025)

Any sign constructed after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter which is nonconforming with the requirements of this chapter may be removed by the city of Angels. Any sign determined abandoned in conformance with Section 17.62.170 may be removed by the city of Angels. Any sign determined to be in violation of the city of Angels sign regulations may be removed by the city of Angels. The city council or its authorized agents may enter upon private property for the purpose of removal of the sign. These signs shall be stored for a period of at least twenty days, and, if not claimed within that time, may be destroyed. The owner shall pay a fee to the city equal to the costs incurred by the removal, storage and handling of the sign(s). (Ord. 552 (Att. A), 2025)

Violations of the provisions of this chapter shall be in conformance with Chapters 1.16, 1.17, 1.18, 1.19 and Section 17.62.190 unless otherwise specified herein. (Ord. 552 (Att. A), 2025)

Prior legislation: Signs provisions based on Ords. 280, 324, 377, 386, 392, 440, 444, 486, and 514 were previously codified in Chapter 15.12.

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It is a misdemeanor for any person to place or maintain or cause to be placed or maintained upon any property in which he has no estate or right of possession any sign, picture, transparency, advertisement, or mechanical device which is used for the purpose of advertising, or which advertises or brings to notice any person, article of merchandise, business or profession, or anything that is to be or has been sold, bartered, or given away, without the consent of the owner, lessee, or person in lawful possession of such property before such sign, picture, transparency, advertisement, or mechanical device is placed upon the property. (Penal Code 556.1)

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Pacific Gas and Electric v. Public Utilities Commission, 475 U.E.1 (1986)

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