23.5.2 Changeable Copy . — Belmont Zoning Code

(a) Changeable copy, as defined herein, is prohibited except as follows:
- (1) On Nonresidential Properties Fronting El Camino Real . See Subsection 0 (“Additional Sign Allowances for Nonresidential Properties Fronting El Camino Real”).
- (2) For Uses Characterized by Public Assembly and Changing Programs or Events . Changeable copy signs are allowed on nonresidential property, subject to a sign permit, provided the copy area does not exceed 75% of the maximum allowable sign area.
- (3) Gas Station Fuel Prices . Changeable copy is allowed for fuel price signs provided the copy area does not exceed 25% of the maximum allowable sign area for the establishment.
(b) In all cases, the following requirements shall be met:

City of Belmont Zoning Ordinance 23-11

  - (1) _Illumination_ . Changeable copy signs are subject to the illumination standards of the district and use of the property on which they are located. 

  - (2) _Maximum Frequency of Changes_ . Copy shall not be changed more than once every 24 hours.

23.5.3 Illumination Standards. The intent of these standards is to create a safe and comfortable nighttime environment, and ensure personal, pedestrian, and motor vehicle safety while reducing the negative effects of glare, light pollution and light trespass. The illumination of signs shall be designed, installed and maintained to avoid negative impacts on surrounding rights-of-way and properties. The following standards shall apply to all illuminated signs.
- (a) Light Sources and Shielding Requireme nts. Light sources shall be concealed or shielded to prevent or to minimize light spillage, glare, momentary blindness, or other annoyance, disability or discomfort to persons within the view of such light sources.
- (b) Time Controls . All illuminated signs shall be equipped with an automatic timed controller that prevents the operation of lighting fixtures between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. unless a different time limit is established by a Conditional Use Permit.
- (c) Internally Illuminated Signs . Except for address signs, internally illuminated signs are allowed for nonresidential uses only. On any internally illuminated sign, the sign background or field shall be opaque and of a non-reflective material. Only the following internally illuminated structures are allowed:
  - (1) Stencil-cut Internal Illumination . This form restricts the illuminated portions of the sign to the lettering or logo. The remaining face of the sign is opaque.
  - (2) Channel Letter Internal Illumination . This style of sign is comprised of individual letters and symbols, each with its own internal illumination.
  - (3) Halo Lit Illumination. This channel letter sign has an opaque front, with an open or translucent back such that light from the letter is directed against the surface behind the letter, producing a halo lighting effect around the letter.
(d) Light Sources Adjacent to Residential Areas. Illuminated signs located adjacent to any residential area shall be located and installed to reduce glare for residential buildings in the line of sight of the sign.
- (e) Properties Fronting El Camino Real. For nonresidential properties fronting El Camino Real see Subsection 0 (“Additional Sign Allowances for Nonresidential Properties Fronting El Camino Real”).
23.5.4 Maintenance Required . All signs and associated supporting structures shall be maintained undamaged and in good condition.
- (a) Deteriorated Signs . Any sign or sign structure that is sagging, leaning, fallen, decayed, broken, deteriorated or otherwise dilapidated shall be promptly repaired to the satisfaction of the City, or removed.
- (b) Maintenance Standards . All parts, portions, units and materials composing a sign, or a sign structure, including all braces, bolts, supporting frames, and fastenings, shall be

City of Belmont Zoning Ordinance 23-12

maintained in a safe condition, painted, adequately protected from weathering, and reasonably free from deterioration, rot, rust, and loosening, so that they do not create a hazard to persons or property, or constitute a nuisance.

(c) Summary Removal of Hazards . Whenever any sign, by virtue of its physical nature and condition, poses an immediately and serious threat to public safety, the sign may be removed or repaired by the City, to the extent necessary to protect public safety. The cost of such removal or repair shall be assessed against the sign owner.