§ 17.30

A.

The purpose of this chapter is to establish uniform sign regulations that are intended to:

B.

Support and promote viable businesses by allowing signage that provides adequate identification, is of high quality design, and appropriate scale and visibility;

C.

Protect the general public health, safety, welfare and aesthetics of the community;

D.

Reduce possible traffic and safety hazards to pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists through safe signage;

E.

Promote signs that identify uses and premises without confusion;

F.

Implement community design standards, consistent with the General Plan;

G.

Promote the community's appearance by regulating the design, character, location, type, quality of materials, scale, color, illumination and maintenance of signs;

H.

Eliminate visual blight and promote safety by reducing the amount of signage throughout the city within constitutional limitations;

I.

Protect the character of residential neighborhoods;

J.

Provide public notice to ensure participation in the democratic process; and

K.

Protect the public safety by allowing signs that serve to direct traffic and to identify locations for the provisions of emergency services by visible street identification signs.

(Ord. No. 2010-265, § 3, 1-27-2010)

A.

Signs shall only be erected or maintained in compliance with this chapter. The number and area of signs as outlined in this chapter are intended to be maximum standards, which do not necessarily ensure architectural compatibility. The review authority shall consider a sign's relationship to the overall appearance and scale of the site, buildings and the surrounding community, in addition to the standards of this chapter.

B.

It is unlawful for any person to construct, maintain, display or alter or cause to be constructed, maintained, displayed or altered, a sign within the City of Calabasas except in conformance with this chapter.

C.

If a new zoning district is created after the enactment of this chapter, the director shall have the authority to make determinations as to the applicability of appropriate sign regulations in compliance with Chapter 17.03 until this chapter is amended to govern the new zoning district. Any interpretation by the director may be appealed to the commission as provided by Chapter 17.74.

D.

The city's sign design criteria (Section 17.30.060) will be used in the evaluation of sign permit applications to ensure that signs are well designed, compatible with their surrounding, and do not detract from the overall visual quality of the city.

E.

Definitions for this chapter are provided in Chapter 17.90.020.

F.

Noncommercial Sign. Noncommercial sign copy is allowed wherever commercial signage is permitted and such signs are subject to the same standards and total maximum allowances per site, building, or each design type specified in this chapter. An approval is required for a permanent noncommercial sign only when a permanent commercial sign has not been previously approved. For purposes of this chapter, all noncommercial speech messages shall be deemed to be "on-site" regardless of location.

G.

Substitution of Noncommercial Message. Subject to the consent of the property owner, a noncommercial message of any type may be substituted for all or part of the commercial or noncommercial message on any sign allowed pursuant to this chapter. Design criteria which may apply to commercial signs shall not apply to noncommercial signs, including, the following: color, lettering style, and compatibility with other signs on the same parcel or other signs subject to a sign program. No special or additional approval is required to substitute a noncommercial message for any other message on an allowable sign, provided the sign structure is already approved or exempt from the approval requirement. When a noncommercial message is substituted for any other message, the sign is still subject to the same locational and structural regulations, such as size, height, illumination, maintenance, duration of display, building and electrical code requirements, as would apply if the sign were used to display a commercial message or some other noncommercial message. In the event of any perceived or actual conflict between the general provisions of this subsection and other specific provisions in this chapter, the provisions of this subsection shall prevail.

H.

Substitution of Commercial Messages. The substitution of one commercial message for another commercial message is not automatically allowed. The substitution of a commercial message for a noncommercial message is also not automatically allowed. In addition, no off-site commercial messages may be substituted for on-site commercial messages.

I.

Severability Clause. Should any provision of this chapter or a subsequent amendment thereto be held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be either invalid, void or unenforceable, the remaining provisions of this title shall remain in full force and effect.

(Ord. No. 2010-265, § 3, 1-27-2010)

The following signs shall not require approval nor shall the area of the signs be included in the maximum sign area permitted for any site or use:

A.

Required Signs. Official notices required by law, a court, or other government agency.

B.

Government Signs. Signs for traffic, safety, street identification, government services, emergency services, historical locations, interpretive signs, or city-sponsored events.

C.

Educational and directional signs for the purposes of identifying a trail or other recreational amenities in the OS-DR zoning district.

D.

Informational Signs. Signs less than four square feet that indicate the following: addresses, telephone numbers, emergency address and telephone numbers, hours and days of operation, credit information, and whether a business is open or closed. An unlit analog clock that is an integral part of a building's architecture shall also be considered an informational sign.

E.

Window Signs. Temporary non-illuminated window signs advertising products for sale on the premises shall be allowed on the inside portion of the window or on the interior of the building within three feet of the window. No window shall have more than twenty (20) percent of its window area covered by these signs. This limitation shall also include products displayed on the interior of the premises immediately in front of the window when the name of the product is visible.

F.

Noncommercial Flags. Noncommercial flags are exempt but only if they meet the following criteria: (i) a maximum vertical dimension of five feet; (ii) a maximum horizontal dimension of eight feet; (iii) a maximum cumulative square footage of all flags on a parcel of forty (40) ( feet (one side); (iv) a maximum height of pole of twenty (20) feet for one story buildings and twentyfive (25) feet for two story buildings; (v) a maximum number of poles per lot or parcel of one; and (vi) in no case shall a flag pole be higher than the height of the building. In residential zones, unless an administrative plan review is obtained, flags must be house mounted and may not be on freestanding poles. A pole mounted flag in the RS, RC, RR and OS zone may be permitted subject to an administrative plan review but shall be subject to criteria (i) through (v) herein.

G.

Open House Signs. One temporary "open house" sign is exempt, provided it does not exceed three square feet in area on a property for sale, lease or rent. This sign shall only be posted when an owner or salesperson is present. A maximum of two off-site open house directional signs not exceeding three square feet in area shall be allowed and shall contain only the address of the property where the open house is being held and the name of the real estate agent or party holding the open house. Such signs shall be erected and removed on the day the open house is held. Such signs shall not be located on any public right-of-way.

H.

Temporary Noncommercial Signs and Banners. Temporary signs and banners are permitted in all zones subject to the following regulations:

1.

Two temporary freestanding signs per lot containing only noncommercial messages are permitted at all times. In addition, one temporary freestanding campaign sign shall be allowed for each political candidate or issue on each street frontage per lot. All campaign signs shall be removed within ten (10) days after the election for which they are intended. Each sign shall not exceed six square feet in sign area with a maximum height of four feet. Such signs are in addition to all other signage allowed in this chapter.

2.

Such signs shall not be illuminated or posted on trees, fence posts or public utility poles, or located within any public rightof-way or on any publicly owned property and shall not be within the traffic safety visibility area required by Section

17.20.140(F).

I.

Historical Site Plaques. Plaques or signs not exceeding six square feet designating a building or site as a historical structure or site may be displayed without a permit.

J.

Construction Trade Signs. One on-site non-illuminated sign per street frontage advertising the various construction trades participating in the project is permitted on construction sites with a valid building permit. Such signs shall not exceed a maximum of thirty-two (32) square feet in sign area and shall be removed prior to an issuance of a certificate of occupancy. No construction trade sign shall exceed six feet in height.

K.

Temporary Real Estate Signs.

1.

For developed property, non-illuminated real estate signs are allowed in compliance with California Civil Code Section 713 as follows:

a.

In all residential and special purpose zones except OS-DR, a temporary real estate sign shall be permitted subject to the following conditions:

i.

A maximum of one six square foot sign either wall or pole mounted on a single-family or duplex property. A pole mounted sign may have two faces. One on-site sign shall be permitted for each street frontage. Maximum sign height is six feet for pole mounted signs.

ii.

A maximum of one twelve (12) square foot sign either wall or pole mounted on a multi-family property. Pole mounted signs may have two faces. One on-site sign shall be permitted for each street frontage. Maximum sign height is six feet for pole mounted signs.

iii.

One eight square foot wall or pole mounted per lot on public facility, open space or recreation property. Pole mounted sign may have, two faces. Maximum sign height is six feet for pole mounted signs.

iv.

The sign may only remain on the property until the property is sold or leased. For properties with an approved subdivision map, the sign may remain on the property until the last unit is sold, rented or leased for the first time after construction.

b.

In commercial zones a temporary real estate sign shall be permitted subject to the following conditions:

i.

One twenty-four (24) square foot wall sign for each occupancy.

ii.

No lighting of sign allowed.

iii.

Sign may not project above eave.

iv.

The sign may only remain on the property until the property is sold or leased.

2.

For undeveloped property with or without an approved subdivision map a temporary real estate sign shall be allowed subject to the following conditions:

a.

One on-site sign shall be permitted for each street frontage. The sign area shall not exceed twenty-five (25) square feet.

b.

The sign shall be non-illuminated.

c.

Sign height shall not exceed eight feet above ground level. In those instances when the ground level is below the surface of the street, the sign height may be increased to a maximum of eight feet above the surface of the street. Zoning clearance (Section 17.62.090) and building permit approval shall be obtained for any sign of six feet or more in height.

d.

Signs should not be placed on or near ridgelines so that they appear silhouetted against the sky when viewed from any point on a roadway designated as a scenic corridor.

e.

In the case of a corner lot, the sign shall not obstruct the vision of motorists by being located within the traffic safety visibility area of the parcel, which shall consist of a triangular area formed by measuring thirty-five (35) feet from the intersection of the street property lines, and connecting the lines across the parcel.

f.

For properties with an approved subdivision map, the sign may remain on the property until the last unit is sold, rented or leased for the first time after construction.

(Ord. No. 2010-265, § 3, 1-27-2010)

The following signs are inconsistent with the purposes and standards of this chapter, and are therefore prohibited:

A.

Abandoned signs that advertise or otherwise identify a business or activity which has been discontinued on the premises for a period of ninety (90) days or more;

B.

Animated, moving, flashing, blinking, reflecting, revolving, digital screen or any other similar moving or simulated moving signs;

C.

Bus stop bench signs or any copy painted on any portion of a bus stop bench;

D.

Billboards and other off-site signs, except where allowed by Section 17.30.030;

E.

Cabinet (can) signs with translucent plastic faces and internal illumination;

F.

Inflatable signs, balloons, pennants, streamers and flags, except where allowed by Section 17.30.030;

G.

Neon signs;

H.

Permanent pole mounted signs except where allowed by Section 17.30.030;

I.

Roof-mounted signs;

J.

Signs on public property or in a public right-of-way, except as provided in Section 17.30.030(A) and (C);

K.

Signs tacked, nailed, posted, pasted, glued or otherwise attached to trees, poles (including utility and street name), stakes, electrical transformers or other accessory structures. Whenever a sign is so posted, the sign itself shall constitute prima facie evidence that the person or business identified on the sign authorized its placement;

L.

Signs painted on fences or roofs;

M.

Signs that simulate in color or design a traffic sign or signal, or which make use of words, symbols or characters in a manner to interfere with, mislead or confuse pedestrian or vehicular traffic;

N.

Temporary signs, including pedestal signs, "A" frame signs and sandwich boards, except as allowed by this chapter and the Old Town Master Plan;

O.

Temporary Vehicle Mounted or Trailer-Mounted Signs. Signs on vehicles are allowed on vehicles, without sign permits, only when the copy or message (i) relates only to the business or establishment of which the vehicle itself is a part; (ii) pertains to the sale, rent, lease or hire of such vehicle; or (iii) is a noncommercial message. Vehicles displaying signs may not be parked for the primary purpose of commercial advertising. Vehicles may not be used as mounting or holding devices for commercial signs. This provision shall not apply to public transportation vehicles; and

P.

Service station ancillary advertising signs located on the exterior of any structure or equipment. Such ancillary advertising signs include business card kiosks and other displays that advertise businesses, services, or products not located on the site.

(Ord. No. 2010-265, § 3, 1-27-2010)

17.30.050 - Sign permits and program required.

A.

Sign Permit. Signs shall only be constructed, displayed or altered with sign permit approval by the review authority.

1.

Application Filing. Sign permit applications shall be filed on the forms provided by the department and shall include all information required therein. Sign permit application shall also be accompanied by the required filing fee. A nighttime photo simulation shall be included in all sign applications requesting freeway facing monument signs.

2.

Review and Decision. A sign permit shall be approved or disapproved by the director or commission in compliance with subsection (F) of this section. The decision of the director is appealable to the commission and decisions by the commission are appealable to the council pursuant to Chapter 17.74.

B.

Sign Program. A sign program shall be required for all new shopping centers with five or more tenants or remodels of existing shopping centers with five or more tenants where new tenant spaces are created or changes are proposed to the exterior of the building. A program shall also be required as deemed necessary by the director to ensure compliance with the provisions of this chapter. Kiosks are allowed at shopping centers, if approved in compliance with the requirements of Section 17.30.065. Amendments to an existing sign program are not required for approval and placement of a kiosk sign, but only if compliant with the requirements of Section 17.30.065 and all other applicable requirements of this Code.

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, as approved by the director. A separate sign permit shall be required for all signs constructed pursuant to an approved sign program.

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.

C.

Approval Authority. A sign program shall be subject to commission approval. The director may approve minor revisions to a sign program if the intent of the original approval is not affected. Revisions that would substantially deviate from the original approval shall require the approval of a new sign program.

D.

If a shopping center has an approved sign program prior to the adoption of an amendment to this chapter it shall conform to the provisions of that approved sign program and not the amendment.

E.

Modifications to On-Site Sign Regulations (Section 17.30.080). In order to provide for flexibility in sign design, the commission and/or director shall have the authority to approve a sign modification for any new or existing business to allow

modifications to sign area, height, and location. The commission shall have the authority to modify the sign area and height (from the ground) of a sign by no more than fifteen (15) percent. The director shall have the authority to modify the sign area and height (from the ground) of a sign by no more than five percent.

The review authority shall consider the following when it determines whether to grant a modification: sign visibility, compliance with design criteria, distance from intended audience, and relative size of the sign to existing signs. A modification shall not be based on the content of a sign.

F.

Findings for Approval. The director and/or the commission may approve or modify a sign permit, sign program or modification application in whole or in part, with or without conditions, only if the following findings are made:

1.

The proposed sign is permitted within the zoning district including any overlay zone and, except as provided in subsection (D) of this section, complies with all applicable provisions of this chapter, and any other applicable standards.

2.

The sign is in compliance with Section 17.30.060.

==> picture [259 x 326] intentionally omitted <==

(Ord. No. 2010-265, § 3, 1-27-2010; Ord. No. 2014-310, § 1(Att. A), 2-12-2014; Ord. No. 2015-328, § 3(Exh. A), 10-14-2015; Ord. No. 2025-411, § 4, 2-26-2025)

Each sign in the city shall comply with the applicable provisions of (i) any adopted sign program; (ii) the business park development urban design performance standards of Section 17.20.070; and (iii) the following requirements:

A.

Relationship to Structures. Building wall and fascia signs shall be compatible with the predominant visual elements of the structure(s), including construction materials, color, or other design feature consistent with Section 17.30.050(E). Commercial centers, offices, industrial complexes, and other similar facilities shall be required to develop a sign program in compliance with the provisions of this chapter, and shall provide a compatible visual design common in theme to all applicable structures and uses.

B.

Relationship to Other Signs. Where there is more than one sign on a site or building, all permanent signs displaying a commercial message shall have designs that similarly treat or incorporate the following design elements:

1.

Letter size and style of copy;

2.

Shape of total sign and related components:

a.

Type of construction materials,

b.

Sign/letter color and style of copy,

c.

Method used for supporting sign (i.e. wall or ground base),

d.

Type of illumination, and

e.

Location.

C.

Sign Illumination. Illumination from or upon any sign shall be shaded, shielded, directed or reduced so as to minimize light spillage onto the public right-of-way or adjacent properties. Externally illuminated signs shall be lighted by screened or hidden light sources.

D.

Materials and Colors. All permanent signs shall be constructed of durable materials, which are compatible in kind or appearance to the building supporting or identified by the sign. Such materials may include, but are not limited to ceramic tile, sand blasted, hand carved or routed wood, channel lettering, concrete, stucco or stone monument signs with recessed or raised lettering. Sign colors and materials should be selected to be compatible with the existing building designs and should contribute to legibility and design integrity. Monument signs shall be landscaped at the base and the design shall be complementary of the building architecture, color and materials.

E.

Construction. Every sign including all parts, portions and materials thereof, shall be manufactured, assembled and erected in compliance with all applicable state, federal and city regulations including Title 15 of this Code.

F.

Maintenance. Every sign including all parts, portions and materials thereof, shall be maintained and kept in good repair. The display surface of all signs shall be kept clean, neatly painted and free from rust, cracking, peeling, corrosion or other states of disrepair. All temporary signs, banners and balloons shall be constructed and mounted in such a manner that they shall not rip, shred, tear or blow away by exposure to normal weather conditions. Signs constructed of paper, cardboard or other non-permanent materials shall be in place no more than sixty (60) days.

G.

Relationship to Streets/Public Rights-of-Way. Signs shall be designed and located to not obstruct any pedestrian, bicyclist, or driver's view of the public right-of-way.

1.

No sign shall be located in or project into the present or future right-of-way of any public street unless specifically authorized by other provisions of this section.

2.

No sign shall interfere with the sight distance of motorists and cyclists proceeding on or approaching adjacent streets, alleys, driveways, or parking area(s), or of pedestrians proceeding on or approaching adjacent sidewalks or pedestrian ways as determined by the city engineer.

3.

No sign suspended over or projecting into the area above a driveway located on private property shall be situated at a height of less than fifteen (15) feet above the surface of the driveway.

4.

No sign suspended over, or projecting into, the area above a pedestrian way shall be situated at a height of less than eight feet, six inches above the ground surface.

H.

Screening. To minimize the visual mass and projection of the sign, all electrical transformer boxes and raceways shall be concealed from public right-of-way and adjacent properties. If a raceway cannot be mounted internally-behind a finished exterior wall, the exposed metal surfaces of the raceway shall be finished to match the background wall, or integrated into the overall design of the sign. All exposed conduit shall be concealed from public view.

(Ord. No. 2010-265, § 3, 1-27-2010; Ord. No. 2015-328, § 3(Exh. A), 10-14-2015)

A.

Applicability. Notwithstanding any other requirement of this Code, kiosk signs are permitted at shopping centers with at least fifty thousand (50,000) square feet of commercial building area on properties located in the commercial, retail (CR) or commercial, mixed-use (CMU) zoning districts, if in compliance with this section, all other applicable Code requirements, and approved by the director.

B.

A kiosk is defined in Section 17.90.020. A digital kiosk is a kiosk which incorporates one or more digital display screens to convey information visually to passers-by.

C.

Unless otherwise specified, the standards for kiosks are applicable to digital and nondigital kiosks.

D.

General Standards.

1.

The maximum number of kiosk signs shall not exceed one kiosk sign per thirteen thousand (13,000) square feet of gross commercial building area. If the total square-footage of gross commercial building area is reduced, the maximum number of kiosks shall be reduced accordingly, which may result in the removal of existing kiosks.

2.

Kiosk signs shall not exceed ten (10) feet in overall height and five feet in width.

3.

Each kiosk sign shall be located on private property, and shall be:

a.

Setback at least twenty-five (25) feet from all street-side property lines;

b.

Located in interior portions of the property, with orientation toward pedestrian walkways along and proximate to storefronts of the shopping center, not to the street;

c.

Spaced no less than seventy-five (75) feet apart, as measured along the linear frontage of the buildings (straight-line distance across parking lots is not to be applied); and,

d.

Located in a manner that allows for adequate disabled access around the entire kiosk area, and such that no emergency exit or egress is impeded.

4.

Kiosk signs shall not have projecting or protruding elements.

5.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Code, kiosks may contain or serve as for off-site signs. Kiosks shall not be visible from any state highway. Kiosks shall not contain any text legible from any public street.

E.

Display Screens.

1.

The area of kiosk display screens shall not exceed eighty (80) percent of the total vertical surface area of the kiosk. Each individual digital screen shall be framed by other elements of the kiosk.

2.

There shall be no more than two displays per kiosk.

Audio is not permitted.

4.

Light intensity of digital display screens shall not be greater than three foot-candles above ambient lighting levels, as measured at the property lines. The director may require a lighting study, field measurements or other satisfactory methods to verify compliance with this requirement.

F.

Security Cameras Required. Each kiosk sign shall have at least two integrated security cameras surveilling the immediate surrounding exterior, public area. Security cameras shall record twenty-four (24) hours per day and shall provide surveillance footage in real time to the county sheriff. All security camera footage shall be archived for no less than thirty (30) days. The type, precise location, and other security characteristics of the security cameras shall be approved by the city, in consultation with the Lost Hills Sheriffs' Station.

G.

Sign Program Amendment Not Required. Kiosk signs shall be of high-quality design, and be generally compatible with the approved sign program for the shopping center. However, amendments to an existing sign program are not required for approval and placement of a kiosk sign.

H.

Kiosk signs are exempt from scenic corridor permits, provided that the director determines the kiosk sign will not be visible from the scenic corridor.

(Ord. No. 2025-411, § 5, 2-26-2025)

For the purposes of determining compliance with this chapter, the area and height of signs shall be measured as provided by this section.

A.

Sign Area. Sign area shall be computed by drawing a line around the outer perimeter of the writing, representation, emblem, or other display, together with any material or color forming an integral part of the background of the display or used to differentiate the sign from the backdrop or structure against which it is placed. The total area of the sign shall include all sign faces. See Figure 3-18.

B.

Monument Sign Height and Area. Sign area shall be measured using the criteria described in Section 17.30.060(A) except area calculations shall not include architectural treatments and support structures that are separately regulated. One side of a double-faced (back to back) sign shall be included when calculating sign area. Sign height shall be measured as the vertical distance from grade adjacent to the base of the sign footing, to the top of the sign, including the support structure and any design elements. In no case shall an artificial grade be established for the sole purpose of elevating the grade adjacent to the base of the sign footing for purposes of sign measurement. See Figure 3-19.

C.

Freeway Facing Monument Sign Additional Height and Area for Commercial Shopping Centers: The planning commission shall consider an application and may grant the allowance of additional height and area up to the maximum of sixteen (16)

feet allowed when a) recommended by the Architectural Review Panel, and b) at least one (1) of the following circumstances is present:

1.

The sign is obscured by a physical barrier, such as an existing structure or berm, reducing its visibility from a scenic corridor or public right-of-way;

2.

The location of the sign is at a disadvantage for viewing due to its location at distance from a scenic corridor or right-of-way;

3.

The sign seeks to identify multiple tenants, and the legibility of the tenant signage is enhanced by additional sign area;

4.

The sign is located along the freeway corridor, where traveling speed reduces the opportunity to read the sign based on criteria such as reduced visibility, width of lot or other factor as noted above.

==> picture [228 x 293] intentionally omitted <==

• (Ord. No. 2010-265, § 3, 1-27-2010; Ord. No. 2015-328, § 3(Exh. A), 10-14-2015)

The signs described in this section may be allowed only on the same site as the use being advertised or identified unless otherwise noted.

A.

Signs Allowed by Permit in All Zoning Districts. The following signs are allowed in all zoning districts, subject to the regulations in this chapter and issuance of a sign permit or other permit as specified below:

Directional Signs. Signs necessary for public convenience and safety, not exceeding four square feet in size or three feet in height, containing information including "entrance," "exit," or directional arrows designed to be viewed by on-site pedestrians or motorists.

2.

Temporary Banners. One temporary banner not exceeding twenty (20) square feet in size shall be permitted for special events if authorized by a temporary use permit. A temporary banner shall be allowed one time for not more than two weeks per year. Banner signs within commercial centers provided for under an adopted sign program shall not be considered temporary banners. Balloons shall be permitted for special events in conjunction with temporary banners if authorized by a temporary use permit.

All temporary banners and balloons shall be constructed and mounted in such a manner that they shall not rip, shred, tear or blow away by exposure to normal weather conditions. These signs shall not be illuminated or posted on trees, fence posts or public utility poles, or located within any public right-of-way or on any publicly owned property and shall not be within the traffic safety visibility area required by Section 17.20.120(D).

B.

Signs Allowed by Permit in Specific Zoning Districts. A permit shall be required for the installation of any sign within the zoning district listed in Tables 3-17 through 3-21. No permit shall be issued except for a sign in compliance with these tables.

Subject to sign program approval, decorative and other supportive architectural graphics, including company logos, are allowed in a commercial zoning district in addition to permitted building-mounted signs. The graphics shall be clearly secondary to the main sign in terms of their size and the portion of wall area covered, and shall complement the building and main sign in color and style. The area of the graphics and any logo shall be counted as part of the total sign area allowed on the building.

1.

Flag and Land Locked Commercial Lots. Subject to the limitations set forth in the following tables, one monument sign may be located in a private access easement adjacent to a public street to provide business identification and directional information for a parcel without street frontage when (i) a wall sign would not be easily seen from the public street; and (ii) there is sufficient area to accommodate a monument sign. The sign shall maintain an adequate separation from other monument signs in the vicinity and shall be placed to avoid undue concentration of monument signs as determined by the director.

2.

Kiosks. Kiosks are permitted with a sign permit approved in compliance with the requirements of Section 17.30.065. Notwithstanding any provision of an approved sign program, a kiosk is allowed if approved by a sign permit by the director in compliance with the requirements of Section 17.30.065 and all other applicable requirements of this Code.

3.

Calabasas Road District. Monument signs shall be permitted along both sides of Calabasas Road from the east side of Mureau Road to the west side of Parkway Calabasas ("Calabasas Road district"). The maximum height of a monument sign in the Calabasas Road district shall be twenty (20)) feet in height with the sign area not to exceed one hundred (100) square feet. Notwithstanding the forgoing, the council, following review and consideration from the commission, may grant an exception allowing a monument sign up to twenty-five (25) feet in height and up to one hundred fifty (150) square feet in sign area, upon finding that increased height or sign area is necessary to allow the applicant visibility comparable to that enjoyed by a substantial number of other properties in the Calabasas Road district. A property which contains a nonconforming pole sign(s) shall not be authorized to construct a monument sign under this paragraph unless the applicant agrees to abate the pole sign(s) as a condition of this approval.

Signs permitted in RS, RM, RR, RC, and HM (Residential Single Family, Residential Multi-Family, Rural Residential, Rural Community and Hillside Mountainous) Zones.

Table 3-17 Permitted Signs in RS, RM, RR, RC, and HM Zoning Districts

Note: Maximum sign area includes all monument and building mounted signs. All lighting must comply with the Lighting Ordinance.

2.

Signs permitted in CL, CR, CMU, CO, CB (Commercial-Limited, Commercial-Retail, Commercial-Mixed Use, CommercialOffice and Commercial-Business Park) Zones:

Table 3-18

Permitted Signs in CL, CR, CMU, CO, and CB Zoning Districts

Note: A commercial center or complex is defined as where a project shares similar landscape features, common access ways, reciprocal parking or architectural features. Multitenant sites shall have Sign Program, per Section 17.30.050. In street corridors with adopted design guidelines or Master Plans, signage shall be consistent with adopted plans.

3.

Signs permitted in the CT (Commercial-Old Town) Zone:

Note: A commercial center or complex is defined as where a project shares similar landscape features, common access ways, reciprocal parking or architectural features. Multitenant sites shall have Sign Program, per Section 17.30.050. In street corridors with adopted design guidelines or Master Plans, signage shall be consistent with adopted plans.

4.

Signs permitted in PF, OS, and REC (Public-Facilities, Open Space and Recreation) Zones:

5.

Specific land use signs shall be allowed in addition to other permitted signs authorized by this chapter:

Table 3-21 Permitted Signs for Specific Land Uses

(Ord. No. 2010-265, § 3, 1-27-2010; Ord. No. 2014-310, § 1(Att. A), 2-12-2014; Ord. No. 2015-328, § 3(Exh. A), 10-14-2015; Ord. No. 2025-411, § 6, 2-26-2025)

This section recognizes that the eventual elimination of existing signs (on-site and off-site) that are not in conformity with the provisions of this chapter is as important as the prohibition of new signs that would violate these regulations.

A.

Continuation of Nonconforming Sign. A legally established sign that does not conform to the provisions of this chapter may continue to be used in compliance with Section 17.30.100, except that the sign shall not be:

1.

Structurally altered to extend its useful life;

2.

Expanded, moved, or relocated;

3.

Re-established after a business has been discontinued for ninety (90) days or more; or

4.

Re-established after damage or destruction of more than fifty (50) percent of the value of the physical structure of the sign, as determined by the director.

B.

Sign Copy Changes. The sign copy and sign faces of a nonconforming sign may be changed upon obtaining a sign permit provided that the change does not include a structural change in the display.

C.

Correction of Nonconformities Required. Approval of any structures on a site or a change in the land use on a site shall require that all nonconforming signs on the site be brought into conformity with this chapter.

(Ord. No. 2010-265, § 3, 1-27-2010)

A.

Time Limits. A nonconforming sign shall comply with this chapter within the period of time prescribed in subsection (B) of this section.

B.

Amortization Schedule.

C.

Notice of Abatement. Upon the expiration of the amortization period set forth in subsection B of this section, the director may abate a nonconforming sign. The director shall first send a written notice of abatement by certified mail, return receipt requested to owners of the businesses advertised on the signs and the owners of the property on which the sign is located as shown in the current assessor's records. The date of service shall be the date the director places the notice in a U.S. Postal Service mail receptacle. A notice of abatement shall state the following:

1.

A description of the nonconformity; applicable amortization schedule;

2.

A statement that the amortization period has expired; date of expiration;

3.

That an appeal may only be filed with respect to the director's determination regarding the applicable amortization period.

4.

That an appeal must be filed thirty (30) days from the date of service of the notice.

D.

Appeal. The owners of the businesses advertised on the sign and the owners of the property on which the sign is located may appeal the director's determination regarding the applicable amortization period or request a time extension, on a form provided by the director and accompanied by any required fee in compliance with Section 17.60.040, within thirty (30) days of the date of service of the notice.

Hearings. Within sixty (60) days after receipt of an appeal, the commission shall hold a public hearing and shall forward a recommendation to the council as to whether the nonconformity should be abated as indicated in the notice, or whether a time extension should be granted in compliance with subsection (D)(2) of this section.

a.

Notice of Hearing. Notice of the commission and council hearings shall be provided in the same manner as provided by Chapter 17.78. Both the owner of the business advertised on the sign and the owner of the property on which the sign is located shall be given notice of the hearing.

b.

Conduct of Hearing. The commission shall receive written and oral testimony at the hearing relating to the term of abatement. During the hearing, the owner shall be permitted to call witnesses and be represented by counsel.

c.

Commission Recommendation. At the close of the hearing, the commission shall make a recommendation to the council regarding an appeal. The burden of proof shall be upon the appellant to demonstrate by a preponderance of the evidence that he or she is entitled to a longer abatement period than that contained in the notice of abatement. If the appellant is requesting a time extension, the commission may grant or deny the appeal in compliance with subsection (D)(2) of this section.

d.

Council Hearing. The council shall hold a hearing with notice given in compliance with subsection (D)(1) of this section and render a decision regarding an appeal.

2.

Extension of Time. The council may grant an extension of the time for abatement of a nonconforming sign where it can be demonstrated that an unreasonable hardship would otherwise be imposed on the appellant. The council shall base its decision on any competent evidence presented, including the following:

a.

The nature of the sign and the use it advertises;

b.

The amount of the owner's investment in the sign;

c.

The detriment, if any, caused to the neighborhood by continuance of the nonconforming sign beyond the amortization period;

d.

The amount of time needed to amortize the investment in the sign; and,

e.

Any available depreciation information from the owner's latest federal income tax return, or other applicable documentation.

3.

Decision and Order. The council's decision and the findings in support of the decision shall be in the form of a written order and shall be served upon the appellant personally or by certified mail, return receipt requested, within ten (10) days after the decision is rendered. The order shall be binding upon the appellant, the owners of the business advertised on the sign, the

owners of the property on which the sign is located, and the owners' successors, heirs and assignees. If the council grants a time extension, the council may require reasonable modifications or alterations to the sign for the purpose of improving the sign's appearance or compliance with this development code, the Municipal Code or state law.

4.

Recordation of Order. Within thirty (30) days after the hearing, notice of the decision and order of the council shall be recorded with the Los Angeles County recorder's office.

E.

Applicability of Section.

1.

This section applies only to legal nonconforming signs.

2.

Nothing herein prevents the earlier removal of a legal nonconforming sign pursuant to Section 17.30.110.

(Ord. No. 2010-265, § 3, 1-27-2010)

17.30.110 - Removal of illegally installed or unsafe signs.

A.

Unsafe Signs. Any sign that presents an immediate danger to the public health or safety may be removed by the city without prior notice. Alternatively, the director may issue a notice of violation and give the permit holder, property owner, or person in possession and control of the property fifteen (15) days to cure the violation. The date of service shall be the date the director places the notice in a U.S. Postal Service mail receptacle. In the case of an unsafe sign removed by the city, the costs of such removal and storage shall be borne by the permit holder, property owner, or person in possession and control of the property, as applicable and may be collected by the city in the same manner as it collects any other debt or obligation. No unsafe sign that has been removed and stored by the city shall be released until the costs of removal and storage have been paid. If an unsafe sign remains uncured for a period of thirty (30) days after service of the notice, the city may remove the sign and dispose of it.

B.

Illegal Signs. Any illegal sign shall be removed or brought into conformity by the permit holder, property owner, or person in possession and control of the property following written notice from the director as specified in Chapter 17.80. The director's order may be appealed to the council in the manner provided in Chapter 17.80.

C.

Abandoned Signs. A sign that advertises or otherwise identifies a business or activity which has been discontinued on the premises for a period of ninety (90) days shall be considered abandoned and shall be removed by the owner or lessee of the premise.

D.

Penalties. Illegal signs shall be subject to the remedies established in Municipal Code Chapter 17.80.

E.

Removal of Illegal Signs in the Public Right-of-Way. The director may cause the immediate removal of any sign within the public right-of-way or on property that is otherwise abandoned that has been placed there without first complying with the requirements of this chapter.

(Ord. No. 2010-265, § 3, 1-27-2010)

Chapter 17.31 - WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION FACILITIES