23.8 STANDARDS FOR SPECIFIC SIGN TYPES

• 23.8.1 Awning and Canopy Signs. Awning and canopy signs may be attached to or painted on the vertical edges of awnings, canopies, arcades, or similar features or structures. Awning and canopy signs are subject to the specific standards of the zoning district in which the sign is located, and the following additional standards.

  • (a) Awning Height . Maximum awning height is 14 feet above the sidewalk.

  • (b) Vertical Clearance . Minimum vertical clearance is 8 feet above the sidewalk.

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Figure 23.5-1 Awning Sign

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• 23.8.2 Freestanding Signs . Freestanding signs are allowed, subject to the s pecific standards of the zoning district in which the sign is located, and the following additional standards:

  • (a) Where Allowed . Freestanding signs are permitted only on a parcel of land with at least 150 feet of continuous street frontage and where the main building is setback at least 20 feet from the property line.

  • (b) Number . One freestanding sign per street frontage.

  • (c) Height . Maximum height of 6 feet, unless a lower height is established for the zoning district where the sign is located.

  • (d) Area . The sign area may not exceed the limits established for the zoning district where the sign is located.

  • (e) Landscaping . All freestanding signs shall require landscaping at the base equivalent to two times the area of the sign copy. If necessary, planted landscaping shall have an automatic irrigation system.

• 23.8.3 Projecting, Shingle, Under Canopy, or Under Awning Signs. A sign may project horizontally from the exterior wall of a building provided that such projection conforms to the specific standards of the zoning district in which the sign is located, and the following additional standards.

  • (a) Number . One sign per building, or in multiple tenant buildings, one per tenant space.

  • (b) Size . Maximum sign area of 16 square feet.

  • (c) Height. Maximum height of 18 feet above the sidewalk, not to extend above the wall on which it is mounted, the roof-line, or the eve-line, whichever is lower.

  • (d) Vertical Clearance . Minimum vertical clearance of 8 feet above the sidewalk.

  • (e) Projection . A projecting sign cannot extend more than 4 feet from the building to which it is attached and shall be designed and located so as to cause no harm to street trees.

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• (f) Illumination. No special illumination is allowed for projecting signs mounted under a canopy or awning.

Figure 23.7-2 Projecting Signs

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• 23.8.4 Wall Signs. Wall signs are subject to the specific standards of the zoning district in which the sign is located, and the following additional standards.

• (a) Number . One sign per street frontage, or in multiple tenant buildings, one sign per tenant space. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any user occupying more than 15,000 square feet of space shall be entitled to have one additional wall sign for every 5,000 square feet in excess of 15,000 square feet.

  • (b) Height . Maximum height of 28 feet above the sidewalk, not to extend above the wall on which it is mounted, the roof-line, or the eve-line, whichever is lower.

  • (c) Orientation . Wall signs shall be placed flat against the wall of the building.

  • (d) Projection . Wall signs shall not extend more than 12 inches beyond the face of the wall to which they are attached.

  • (e) Placement . No wall sign may cover, wholly or partially, any required wall opening.

  • (f) Properties Fronting El Camino Real . See Subsection 0 (“Additional Sign Allowances for Nonresidential Properties Fronting El Camino Real”).

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FIGURE 23.07-03 WALL SIGN

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• 23.8.5 Window Signs . A permanent sign may be affixed to a window or mounted inside a window on the first or second floor only, subject to the specific standards of the zoning district in which the sign is located, and the following additional standards.

  • (a) Number. Up to 3 signs per window or in multiple tenant buildings, one sign per tenant space.

  • (b) Area . The sign structure and the copy area may not exceed 25% of the total window area on the first and second floor only. The total aggregate sign area for the establishment shall not exceed the limits established for the zoning district where the sign is located.

• 23.9 TEMPORARY SIGNS

• 32.9.1 General Provisions

  • (a) Temporary signs may be erected and maintained only in accordance with the provisions set forth below and the general regulations in 0 (“General Regulations Applying to All Districts”) to the extent they apply.

  • (b) Temporary signs must comply with all provisions of Subsection 0 (“Prohibited Signs, Locations, Materials, and Sign Types”), and Section 23A (“Signs on Public Property”) .

  • (c) In nonresidential districts, no temporary signs other than these specifically described herein are allowed. The sign areas allowed for temporary signs described herein are in addition to the total sign area allowed per table 0 (“Dimensional Limits for Signs in Nonresidential Districts”).

  • (d) On residential use properties, temporary signs are included in the maximum allowable sign area as provided in Subsection 23.5 (“Signs in Residential Districts”).

• 23.9.2 A-Frame Signs . Temporary A-frame signs are allowed in the Village Zoning Districts and for assembly uses subject to the following standards.

  • (a) Placement . A-frame signs shall be placed on private property on the same lot as the establishment that qualifies for such sign. A-frame signs are prohibited on the public right-of-way.

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• (b) Number . Each establishment shall not have more than one A-frame sign.

  • (c) Hours for Display . A-frame signs shall be removed during hours when the establishment is not open to the public and shall not be displayed after the event with which they are associated is over.

  • (d) Size . Maximum size of 5 square feet.

  • (e) Height . Maximum height of 3 feet.

  • (f) Materials . The supporting structure of A-frame signs may not be constructed from plastic and must be suitably weighted to prevent tipping or movement from wind.

• 23.9.3 Construction Site Signs. A temporary sign related to on-going construction or landscaping work may be placed upon property where a building is being constructed or remodeled, or the landscaping is being installed.

  • (a) Area . Construction signs may be no more than:

    • (1) In Residential Districts - 4 square feet.

    • (2) In Nonresidential Districts - 12 square feet.

  • (b) Duration . Construction signs must be removed within 6 months of installation, or upon completion of the project, whichever occurs first.

• 23.9.4 Real Estate Signs. This Subsection is enacted to implement Civil Code Section 713.

  • (a) General . On a property that is available for sale, lease or exchange, a property owner or their agent may display or have displayed on the real property, or on real property owned by another with that person's consent, one sign that advertises the property for sale, lease or exchange, provided said sign meets the requirements of this subsection.

    • (1) Real estate signs are prohibited within the public right-of-way or on public property, and

    • (2) Real estate signs shall be removed within 15 days after such property is no longer for sale, lease or exchange.

  • (b) Area . Maximum sign area is:

    • (1) In Residential Districts - 6 square feet;

    • (2) In Nonresidential Districts - 48 square feet. Signage may be affixed to the subject building or installed as a free-standing sign. Any free-standing sign may not exceed 3½ feet in height when located in any front setback area within 40 feet of a street intersection.

  • (c) Directional Signs and Open House Signs .[1] During an open house event, up to 6 signs giving directions to the subject property or open house may be displayed on private

1 Amended by Ordinance No. 1067 – 10/9/12

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property, while the property is on the market, subject to the following standards. Open house event signs must be removed within 24 hours after the event has concluded.

  - (1) _Size_ . Maximum of 4 square feet per sign; and 

  - (2) _Height_ **.** Maximum of 5 feet above existing grade. 

• 23.9.5 Special Promotional Banners . Temporary promotional banners are allowed for nonresidential establishments subject to the following.

  • (a) Registration . Applicant must register the size, location, and time period for the banner with the Director of Community Development.

• (b) Number . A maximum of one banner is allowed per establishment at any given time.

  • (c) Size . The total banner area shall not exceed 50 square feet.

  • (d) Time Period . No banner shall be displayed for more than 30 days, and a period of 30 days must lapse before displaying a banner again. Banners shall not be displayed for more than 60 total days during a calendar year.

  • (e) Location . Banners are allowed only in locations where permanent signs are allowed.

• 23.9.6 Garage Sale Signs . In Residential Districts, a temporary sign related to an occasional nonbusiness public sale may be placed upon private property. Such signs are prohibited in Nonresidential districts, on Public Property, and on Public Rights-of-Way.

  • (a) Duration . Garage sale signs may be posted one day before the event, until the sale closes, but not later than sunset.

  • (b) Number . Maximum of 3 signs.

  • (c) Size . Maximum of 2 square feet per sign.

• 23.9.7 Temporary Window Signs . In nonresidential uses, up to 2 square feet per establishment of temporary sign may be displayed in the interior of a window. Such sign shall be placed at the lowest corner of the window.

• 23.10 MASTER SIGN PROGRAM

• 23.10.1 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 into the overall development design to achieve a more unified appearance. Minor variations in dimensional standards and other limitations of this Section may be approved, provided the overall signage is consistent with the purpose of this Section as stated in Subsection 0.

• 23.10.2 Projects Requiring a Master Sign Program . A Master Sign Program is required , and only allowable, for the following types of projects.

  • (a) New Multiple Tenant Projects . All new nonresidential projects, or mixed-use residential projects, with multiple tenants.

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• (b) Façade Remodels . All multiple tenant commercial or mixed-use buildings where the entire facade is being remodeled after the effective date of this section.

• (c) Planned Developments. Any project in a PD district or using the planned unit development provisions of the zoning ordinance.

• (d) Specified Sign Types . Specific types of signs in certain nonresidential districts, as defined in Table 0.

• 23.10.3 Planning Commission Findings Required for Approval .

  • (a) A Master Sign Program may be approved only if the Planning Commission finds that:

    • (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 signs are adequate to control pedestrian and vehicular circulation, and address signs provide clear identification for emergency responders.

• (b) Reasonable conditions of approval may be imposed by the Commission to achieve the purposes of this Section and ensure compatibility with adjacent land uses and signage.

• 23.10.4 Required Submittals . An application of approval of a Master Sign Program shall contain the following information:

  • (a) A site plan showing the location of buildings, parking lots, driveways and landscaped areas;

  • (b) A computation of the maximum total sign area, the maximum area for individual signs, the height of signs and the number of freestanding signs allowed;

  • (c) An accurate indication on the site plan of the proposed location of each proposed sign and existing sign which is to remain;

  • (d) The sign dimensions (if tenants are not known, generic dimensions may be presented);

  • (e) The color schemes; lettering and graphic style (if tenants are not known, generic styles may be presented); and

  • (f) The lighting and sign construction materials.

• 23.10.5 Post-Approval Procedures. After approval of a Master Sign Program, no signs shall be erected, placed, painted, or maintained, except in conformance with the approved program, and such program may be enforced in the same way as any provision in this Section.

  • (a) Lease Agreements. The Master Sign Program and all conditions of approval shall be attached to the lease agreements for all leasable space within a project.

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• (b) Individual Signs . Any sign that conforms to an approved program may be approved by the Director of Community Development; however, approval of a Master Sign Program does not waive the permit requirements for individual signs.

• (c) Amendments . The Director of Community Development may approve minor amendments to a Master Sign Program that are in substantial conformance with the original approval. All other amendments, including amendments to conditions of approval, shall be processed as a new application and be subject to review and approval of the Planning Commission.

• 23.11 PERMIT PROCEDURES

• 23.11.1 Permit Applications. Applications for sign permits shall be submitted to the Director of Community Development and shall contain the following information:

• (a) The names, addresses and telephone numbers of the applicant and the owner of the property on which the sign is to be erected or affixed;

• (b) The location and address of the building, structure or property on which the sign is to be erected or affixed;

• (c) The nature of the business or establishment;

• (d) Three copies of a scaled site plan showing the property and buildings involved, affected landscaping and electrical connection points, and the placement of the proposed signs. A total of 8 sets are required if the plans are to be reviewed by the Planning Commission pursuant to Subsection 0;

• (e) Three copies of scaled plans with specifications of the sign to be erected or affixed. These plans and specifications shall include details of the construction and attachment, dimensions, height, materials, illumination, and color. A total of 8 sets are required if the plans are to be reviewed by the Planning Commission pursuant to Subsection 0;

• (f) The color schemes, lettering and graphic style, presented as a photo montage or graphic illustration (If tenants are not known, generic styles may be presented.);

• (g) If required by the building official, the applicant shall submit a copy of stress sheets and calculations prepared by, or approved by, a registered structural engineer licensed by the State of California, showing that the sign is designed for dead load and wind pressure in any direction in the amount required by this and all other applicable ordinances of the City;

• (h) The written consent (demonstrated by a signed letter or signed application form) of the owner (or owner's representative) of the property on which the sign is to be erected or affixed;

• (i) Any other information required by the Director of Community Development to determine full compliance with this Section and any other applicable laws, rules, and regulations; and

• (j) A statement asserting the applicant does not intend to use the proposed sign for general advertising for hire, i.e. to rent or lend display space for off-site commercial messages.

• 23.11.2 Review Process for the Issuance and Revocation of Permits

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(a) Authority for Review .

  - (1) Permit applications for signs to be located on new buildings, building additions, or buildings undergoing substantial exterior remodel shall require review and approval by the Planning Commission, as part of the design review process as stated in Section 13. Permit applications for signs in conjunction with replacement, relocation, and/or additional windows, doors, awnings, and minor modification projects not adding floor area do not constitute a substantial exterior remodel and are subject to review as noted in (0) below. 

  - (2) All other sign permit applications shall be reviewed by the Director of Community Development, or his/her designee. 

• (b) Review Process . Upon the filing of an application for a sign permit, the Director of Community Development shall examine the plans, specifications and other submitted data for the proposed sign. If the application is not complete, the applicant shall be so notified in writing within 20 days of submission, with the notice listing all points of incompleteness. In such case the applicant will then have opportunity to cure the deficiencies within 30 days of notification. If the application request is not in compliance with all requirements and standards of this Section, then the application shall be denied, with notice and reasons given in writing.

o notified in writing within 20 days of submission, with the notice listing all points of incompleteness. In such case the applicant will then have opportunity to cure the deficiencies within 30 days of notification. If the application request is not in compliance with all requirements and standards of this Section, then the application shall be denied, with notice and reasons given in writing.

• (c) Scope of Review . Whenever any sign permit, Master Sign Program approval, or other sign-related decision is made by any exercise of official discretion, such discretion shall be exercised only as to the physical aspects of the sign, such as size, height, orientation, location, setback, illumination, spacing, scale and mass of the structure, and other criteria as specified under Subsection 0 (“Findings for Approval of a Sign Permit”).

• (d) Time to Permit Issuance . At each level of review or appeal, the decision shall be rendered in writing within 30 calendar days. The time period begins running when a challenge is received, the application is complete (or is deemed complete because no notice of incompleteness has been given), an amendment is received, or the notice of appeal has been filed, whichever applies. The timely decision requirement may be waived by the applicant or appellant. If a decision is not rendered within the required time, then the application or appeal shall be deemed denied; in the case of an appeal, the lower level decision shall be deemed affirmed.

• (e) Revocation of Permit . The Director of Community Development is authorized and empowered to revoke any issued sign permit on failure of the holder to comply with any provision of this Section, conditions of approval, or any other applicable statute, ordinance or regulation.

• 23.11.3 Findings for Approval of a Sign Permit . The Director of Community Development or the Planning Commission, whichever has review authority, shall only approve a sign permit upon making all of the following findings:

  • (a) Architectural Compatibility . The sign (including its supporting structure, if any) shall be designed to be architecturally compatible with the building to which the sign relates and with surrounding structures. Any sign that spills over “natural” boundaries or architectural features, disrupts parts of upper floors of buildings, or is detrimental to visual order is not permitted.

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• (b) Consistency with Area Character . The size, materials, illumination, and other architectural features of the sign structure shall be in keeping with the visual character of the street or area in which it is proposed.

• (c) Legibility . To insure that signs perform their essential communicative function appropriately, characteristics such as legibility and visibility from relevant vantage points will be considered.

• 23.11.4 Permit Fees. Every application for a sign approval shall be accompanied by a fee, in an amount specified by the schedule of fees established by City Council resolution, and related provisions of the Belmont Building Code. Whenever a sign permit fee is required by this Subsection and work is started prior to obtaining a permit, the amount of fees shall be doubled for a permit subsequently issued to cover such work.