159.195 Sign Types

1. Automobile sales promotional signage . Special promotional signage consisting of bunting, banners, flags, posters, pennants, ribbons, streamers and similar articles shall be permitted in association with commercial automobile sales only, subject to the following conditions:

   1. The signage shall only be permitted on commercially zoned properties.

   2. The signage shall be installed totally on the property at which the event is being conducted.

   3. Balloons over 14 inches in diameter and other inflatable devices shall be prohibited.

   4. Balloons under 14 inches in diameter may be used on weekends and holidays only.

   5. No part of the promotional signage (banners, flags, balloons and the like) shall exceed the maximum height of the building on the site.

   6. The requirements of all concerned governmental agencies having jurisdiction by law shall be met, including, but not limited to the Building Department, Fire Department, and Cal Trans.

   7. No sign shall be erected or maintained within the clear vision triangle.

2. Banner/pennants signs .

1. Number . Any number, but not exceeding size limit per this section.

2. Location . Banners shall be located on the site of the tenant or use and shall not be erected or maintained within the clear vision triangle.

3. Size/area . The maximum size of all banners shall be 50 square feet in total. The Director shall have discretion to approve a sign exception to increase the total allowable area when, due to unique circumstances (e.g., the length of a building frontage; the percentage of a building frontage covered; the facing or orientation of a building), a larger banner(s) would be appropriate.

4. Duration . A banner may be allowed for a period of time not to exceed 40 calendar days per year.

5. The sign permit application shall include the dates proposed by the applicant for scheduled banner use.

6. Building complex signs . A building complex shall be considered as a single entity, without regard to whether it consists of more than 1 lot or parcel. Each building complex may erect and maintain signage pursuant to the following:

   1. All signs shall comply with the provisions of this subchapter except as provided below.

   2. Sign criteria for the building complex shall be established through a planned sign permit program pursuant to § 159.196 of this subchapter.

   3. Freestanding signs .

      1. Number . Each building complex may erect and maintain 1 freestanding sign. Additional freestanding signs may be permitted upon approval of a use permit by the Planning Commission if the building complex has more than 1 street frontage and/or has an individual street frontage that is greater than 300 feet long with more than 1 project entrance.

      2. Location . No more than 1 sign shall be placed on each street, unless additional signs are approved pursuant to division (C)(3)(a) above. All signs are subject to the requirements of the clear vision triangle.

7. Area . The maximum allowable sign area shall be 40 square feet. The maximum sign area may be increased to 60 square feet for a lot with a street frontage of at least 200 feet. The maximum sign area may be increased to 80 square feet for a lot with a street frontage of at least 300 feet. The area of each sign is determined based on the length of the frontage on which the sign is placed.

   4. Each sign shall utilize a consistent design.

   5. The colors and materials of the sign(s) base and or casing/housing shall be compatible with the colors and materials of the building complex.

   6. Landscaping . Landscaping shall be provided at the base of the sign pursuant to § 159.195(G)(5).

   7. Wall signs .

      1. The size of the letters and the spacing shall be balanced for the tenants within the building complex providing minimum and maximum letter heights.

      2. Signs throughout the building complex shall be consistent in appearance.

   8. Directory signs . As permitted by § 159.195(F).

8. Community directional signs .

   1. Number . As determined by the Director.

   2. Area . Each community directional sign shall not exceed 4 square feet in sign area.

   3. Location . Off-site community directional signs may only be situated on private property and shall not be located within the clear vision triangle.

   4. The signs shall be crafted, generally made of wood, metal or other natural hard materials.

9. Directional signs .

   1. Number .

      1. One directional sign is permitted for each 1-way driveway;

      2. One directional sign is permitted for each drive through aisle;

      3. One directional sign is permitted for each service or delivery entrance; and

      4. Additional directional signs are permitted to satisfy a health and safety need.

   2. Area . The area of each sign shall not exceed 4 square feet.

10. Height . The height of the sign, including the base, shall not exceed 4 feet from grade to the top of the sign.

11. Corporate colors may be utilized; however, corporate logos shall not be applied to the sign.

12. Location . Directional signs shall not be located within the clear vision triangle.

6. Directory signs .

1. Number . Each building with more than 2 tenants is permitted 1 directory sign. Sign may be freestanding or wall mounted.

2. Area . The area of each sign shall not exceed 16 square feet.

3. Height . The height of the sign, including the base, shall not exceed 6 feet from grade to the top of the sign.

4. Location . Directory signs shall not be located within the clear vision triangle.

7. Freestanding signs for individual uses .

1. Number . Each individual use may erect and maintain 1 freestanding sign, regardless of whether a use is conducted on more than 1 contiguous parcel. Additional freestanding signs may be permitted upon approval of a use permit by the Planning Commission if the use has more than 1 street frontage and/or has an individual street frontage that is greater than 300 feet long with more than 1 project entrance.

. Each individual use may erect and maintain 1 freestanding sign, regardless of whether a use is conducted on more than 1 contiguous parcel. Additional freestanding signs may be permitted upon approval of a use permit by the Planning Commission if the use has more than 1 street frontage and/or has an individual street frontage that is greater than 300 feet long with more than 1 project entrance.

2. Location . No more than 1 sign shall be placed on each street, unless additional signs are approved pursuant to division (G)(1) above. All signs are subject to the requirements of the clear vision triangle.

3. Height .

   1. Citywide . The maximum height shall be 15 feet, except as otherwise provided by this subchapter.

   2. Oldtown and Downtown Historic Design Review Districts . The maximum height shall be 10 feet.

   3. Highway 49/Elm Commercial area . The maximum height shall be 25 feet for properties located within the areas delineated on a map maintained by the Planning Department. The map may be amended by resolution of the City Council.

   4. Airport Industrial Design Control (AI-DC) Zone . The maximum height shall be 10 feet.

4. Area . 1. The maximum allowable sign area shall be 40 square feet. The maximum sign area may be increased to 60 square feet for a lot with a street frontage of at least 200 feet. The maximum sign area may be increased to 80 square feet for a lot with a street frontage of at least 300 feet. The area of the sign is determined based on the length of the frontage on which the sign is placed.

   2. Airport Industrial Design Control (AI-DC) Zone . A maximum of 60 square feet (each side if double sided) shall be permitted.

5. Landscaping . Landscaping with automatic irrigation shall be provided at the base of the supporting structure equal to twice the area of 1 face of the monument sign. The review authority may waive or modify this requirement on a case-by- case basis for small monument signs or where existing site conditions preclude this requirement.

8. Menu/order board signs for individual uses .

1. Number . Each establishment with a drive through facility is permitted a maximum of 2 menu/order board signs.

2. Location .

   1. The sign shall be located adjacent to the drive through aisle.

   2. The sign shall not be located as to impair the vision of the driver of a vehicle traveling either into, out of, or through the drive aisle.

3. Area . The area of each sign shall not exceed 32 square feet.

4. Height . The height of the sign including the pole or base shall not exceed 6 feet from grade to the top of the sign.

9. Motor vehicle fuel and service station signs .

1. Freestanding signs . Each motor vehicle fuel or service station may erect and maintain 1 freestanding sign as permitted by this subchapter. 2. Motor vehicle fuel price signs . 1. Number . Each use dispensing any motor vehicle fuel at retail to the general public shall be permitted to erect and maintain 1 freestanding fuel price sign for the primary purpose of advertising motor vehicle fuel prices. 2. The sign shall comply with § 159.195(G) of this code as well as the provisions of California Business and Professions Code regarding display requirements.

2. Area . The maximum area of the fuel price sign, excluding the base or embellishments, shall be 75 square feet.

3. Electronic changeable signs may be used to display motor vehicle fuel price information, except in the Old Town and Downtown design review district. Electronic changeable display shall be limited to the portion of any sign structure devoted exclusively to display of motor vehicle fuel price information required or permitted by the California Business and Professions Code. Sign displays shall remain static and may not change more than once per 12-hour period.

4. Location . No freestanding sign over 3 feet high shall be erected or maintained within the clear vision triangle.

5. Wall signs . Wall signs on the motor vehicle fuel and service station building shall comply with § 159.195(Q) (wall sign criteria for individual businesses). 4. Canopy signs . 1. Wall signs are permitted on the fuel canopy. Such signs shall comply with § 159.195(Q) of this code and shall be considered separately from the main building.

6. Area . The maximum allowable area shall be 1 square foot of sign area for each 10 lineal feet of the canopy.

7. Spandrel signs . Spandrel signs are permitted between the canopy supports. The maximum allowable area shall be 1 square foot of sign area for each 10 lineal feet of the spandrel. The allowable sign area for spandrel signs shall be determined separate from the area for wall signs.

8. Signs advertising the price of each grade of gasoline may be placed on each gasoline pump.

9. Multi-family residential signs .

10. Number .

    1. One freestanding identification sign per project entry.

    2. One wall sign.

    3. One directory sign per building.

11. Area . 1. The maximum area of each freestanding sign or sign mounted on a fence or wall shall be 32 square feet. 2. The maximum total area for the wall sign shall be 1 square foot per 10 lineal feet up to a maximum of 32 square feet.

12. Height .

    1. The maximum height of a freestanding sign shall be 4 feet.

    2. The maximum height of a sign mounted on a fence or wall shall be 6 feet, including the height of the fence or sound wall.

    3. Location . Freestanding signs shall be located outside the clear vision triangle.

13. Off-premise signs . Except as otherwise provided by this subchapter, all off-premise signs shall comply with the following, in addition to any other permit requirements under this subchapter or any other provision of the code:

14. A use permit shall be approved by the Commission.

15. The applicant must demonstrate that the sign is necessary because of unusual access to the commercial business establishment.

    3. No sign shall be erected or maintained on premises used for residential purposes.

    4. No sign shall overhang public property, nor shall it violate the terms of height restrictions.

    5. No sign shall be located within 660 feet of Interstate 80 (I-80) right-of-way.

    6. There shall be no more than 1 off- premise sign on any 1 parcel.

    7. Visual access to an existing sign shall not be blocked or impaired.

    8. All such signs shall comply with the provisions for setbacks in the district located therein.

    9. The maximum size shall be 100 square feet.

    10. Scenic route viewsheds identified in the General Plan shall be protected.

    11. Location . No sign shall be located within the clear vision triangle.

16. Projecting, overhead, and suspended signs . The following standards shall apply to all projecting, overhead, or suspended signs (other than undercanopy signs) in all zones where allowed by this subchapter:

1. Projecting signs .

1. Projecting signs shall only be allowed in the Old Town and Downtown design review districts.

2. The sign and the copy shall be perpendicular to the wall of the building to which it is attached.

3. Overhead and suspended signs . Signs may be placed parallel to the street.

4. The following standards shall apply to all projecting, overhead, and/or suspended signs:

   1. The sign area shall apply to a tenant's allowable wall sign area.

   2. The minimum horizontal clearance between a sign and the curb line shall be as specified by the California Building Code.

   3. The top of a projecting sign shall not exceed the lesser of 14 feet, eave height, parapet height, or sill height of a second floor window.

   4. The minimum clearance from the bottom of the sign to the finished grade shall be as specified by the California Building Code.

   5. Icon using shapes or symbols uniquely suited for the business, creative shapes, and 3 dimensions signs are encouraged. 6. Each sign shall be graphically designed for pedestrians.

   6. Sign supports shall be well- designed and compatible with the design of the sign.

5. Real estate signs . Real estate signs shall be placed upon the property to which it pertains only in accordance with the following regulations. 1. The signs shall not be affixed to trees or shrubs. 2. No sign shall be placed so that any portion is more than 7 feet above the average ground level. 3. The signs shall not be illuminated, directly or indirectly. 4. Not more than 1 real estate sign may be placed on any 1 parcel of real property. However, when a parcel of real property is larger than 3 acres in size, 2 real estate signs may be placed thereon at least 500 feet apart. For the purposes of this section, all contiguous parcels of real property owned by the same owner shall be deemed to be 1 single parcel of real property.

irectly or indirectly. 4. Not more than 1 real estate sign may be placed on any 1 parcel of real property. However, when a parcel of real property is larger than 3 acres in size, 2 real estate signs may be placed thereon at least 500 feet apart. For the purposes of this section, all contiguous parcels of real property owned by the same owner shall be deemed to be 1 single parcel of real property.

5. Location . Signs shall not be placed within 5 feet of any boundary line of the real property. No sign shall be located within the clear vision triangle. 14. Subdivision signs . 1. Off-site subdivision signs . New residential subdivisions are generally located some distance away from the major vehicular entrances to the city, and the public requires additional off-site direction to the subdivisions. Notwithstanding the general billboard prohibition, it is the intent of this subchapter to provide such directional signage.

6. Number . The minimum separation between off-site subdivision signs shall be 1,000 feet.

7. Location .

   1. Standard setback . Off-site freestanding signs shall maintain a minimum setback of 5 feet to the nearest property line.

   2. Freestanding signs shall be located outside the clear vision triangle.

   3. Off-site subdivision signs may be located on vacant property in accordance with this section. A sign located on occupied property may be considered by the Director on a case-by-case basis.

8. Overall sign size .

9. Height : Maximum sign height of 10 feet.

10. Width : Maximum sign width of 10 feet.

11. Display area .

    1. Multiple display areas shall be provided on each off-site sign for individual subdivisions.

    2. Panel size for individual subdivisions shall be a maximum of 2 feet by 7 feet.

12. Design .

    1. The design of all off-site subdivision signs shall be consistent citywide.

    2. Off-site subdivision signs shall be freestanding and contain not more than 2 sides.

13. Placement and removal . 1. Upon approval of a sign permit, no off-site subdivision sign shall be erected until application for plan check has been filed for a house or model home within the subdivision.

    2. A subdivision name shall be removed from the sign within 30 days of the sale of the final lot in the subdivision.

    3. Off-site subdivision signs shall be removed if no subdivision has been advertised on it for a period of 60 days.

14. On-site subdivision signs .

    1. Number .

       1. No more than 2 freestanding signs shall be permitted at each subdivision entrance.

       2. No more than 2 wall signs shall be permitted at each subdivision entrance.

2. Location .

1. On-site signs may be located on either 1 or both sides of the subdivision entrance or within a landscaped entry median.

   2. Signs shall be located outside of the clear vision triangle.

   3. Wall signs may be mounted on an entry wall or sound wall on 1 or both sides of the subdivision entrance road.

   4. Area .

      1. The maximum area of a single sign shall be 32 square feet.

      2. The maximum sign area for all signs at 1 subdivision entry shall be 64 square feet.

2. Height . The maximum height of a freestanding sign shall be 4 feet.

3. Temporary non-commercial signs . Temporary signs and banners are permitted in all zones subject to the following regulations.

4. Location . Signs shall not be posted on trees, fence posts, public utility poles, on any roof, or located within any public right-of-way or on any publicly owned property. No sign shall be located within the clear vision triangle. Off-site signs shall only be allowed on private property with the owner's permission.

   2. No sign shall be placed on private property without permission of the property owner or tenant.

   3. Signs shall not be illuminated.

   4. Height . The maximum sign height shall not exceed 7 feet.

   5. Area . The maximum sign area shall not exceed 32 square feet.

   6. Number . Each lot shall be permitted 2 temporary freestanding signs containing only noncommercial messages. In addition, one temporary freestanding campaign sign shall be allowed for each political candidate or proposed ballot measure on each street frontage.

   7. Duration . A temporary non- commercial sign may be allowed for a period of time not to exceed 60 days prior to the date of an event or election referenced in the sign or to which the sign otherwise relates and shall be removed within 10 days after that date.

5. Under canopy signs .

6. Number . Each use shall be permitted 1 under canopy sign.

7. Location .

   1. The sign shall be perpendicular to the wall of the building to which it is attached.

8. The minimum vertical clearance of an under canopy sign shall be as specified by the California Building Code.

9. Area .

   1. The area of an under canopy sign shall not exceed 6 square feet.

10. The area of an under canopy sign shall not reduce the allowable sign area for wall signs associated with the same tenant/use.

11. Wall signs for individual uses . 1. Number . Each individual use or tenant space may erect and maintain 1 or more wall signs on each building façade. 2. Location . 1. Wall signs may be: 1. Attached flat against or pinned away (peg mounted or similar; no more than 1 foot) from a wall or facade. 2. Attached as a projecting, overhead, or suspended sign as provided in § 159.195(N).

     3. Attached to, or incorporated into, the mansard façade of a sloping roof, but shall not extend above the upper edge of the roof. 
    

12. Painted on or attached to a canopy or awning.

13. Signs should not cover or interrupt major architectural features, including such features as doors, windows, tile embellishments and reveal lines.

14. Area . 1. The total allowable area for all wall signs on a building facade shall not exceed 6 square feet per 10 lineal feet of tenant frontage for each tenant.

    2. Window signs shall not count towards the total square footage calculated for wall signs.

15. Can signs prohibited . Can signs shall be prohibited in the Old Town Design Review District and the Downtown Design Review District.

16. Window signs .

17. Number . Each window may have window signs.

18. Location . Affixed or applied to, or located within 24" of, the surface of a window with its message intended to be visible to and readable from the public way or from adjoining property.

    3. Area . Window sign area shall not be counted against the allowed wall sign area.

(Ord. 12-05, eff. 12-19-2012; Am. Ord. 14-03, eff. 9-10-2014) Penalty, see § 159.999

HISTORY

Amended by Ord. 25-05 on 10/27/2025

159.196 Planned Sign Program

1. The purpose of a sign program is to integrate a project's signs into the architectural design of a subject site and to ensure visibility of all signs. A sign program also enables the city to ensure high quality in the design and display of multiple permanent signs and to encourage creativity and excellence in sign design.

2. Required . A planned sign program shall be provided as follows:

   1. A sign program shall be provided for any building complex established after the date of adoption of this code.

   2. A sign program for an existing building complex may be required at the discretion of the Director when:

      1. A new building is added to the building complex.

      2. There is substantial exterior remodeling of the existing complex (i.e., at least 50% of the complex).

   3. A sign program shall be provided for the replacement of, or significant modification to, an existing planned sign program.

   4. A planned sign program is optional for all other signs.

3. If the provisions of an approved planned sign program conflict with other provisions of this subchapter, whichever provision is more restrictive shall control.

   4. A sign program shall consist of a description, including dimensions, materials, locations, and illustration of all signs proposed on the site. The sign program shall have a unifying design theme or style. A separate sign permit shall be required for all signs constructed pursuant to an approved sign program.

• (Ord. 12-05, eff. 12-19-2012)