Chapter 17.76

PARKING AND LOADING Revised 3/26

1. Nonresidential Use.

a. Where an existing structure with a nonresidential use is expanded or enlarged, additional parking is required to serve only the expanded or enlarged area, except as allowed by subsection (C)(1)(b) of this section. b. Within the mixed use village (MU-V) zoning district, an eating and drinking establishment may expand by up to twenty percent of the existing floor area of the business without providing additional parking. Permitted expansions include modification of the internal building layout to enlarge the dining area, additions to the size of the business within an existing building footprint, and new outdoor dining areas. This provision applies only to a single expansion of floor area. Subsequent expansions must provide additional parking. 2. Residential Use. For an existing structure with a residential use, the full amount of parking to serve the use is required when the floor area is increased by more than ten percent. (Ord. 1057 § 2 (Att. 1), 2022; Ord. 1043 § 2 (Att. 2), 2020)

A. Mixed Use Village Zoning District. All land uses in the mixed use village (MU-V) zoning district shall provide the minimum number of on-site parking spaces as specified in Table 17.76-1. Required parking for uses not listed in Table 17.76-1 shall be the same as required for land uses in other zoning districts as shown in Table 17.76-2.

Table 17.76-1: Required On-Site Parking in the Mixed Use Village Zoning District

Note:

[1] The parking demand study shall be paid for by the applicant, contracted by the city, and approved by the planning commission. In the coastal zone, in all cases, hotel development shall provide adequate parking as determined by the planning commission.

B. Other Zoning Districts. Land uses in zoning districts other than the mixed use village zoning district shall provide a minimum number of on-site parking spaces as specified in Table 17.76-2.

Table 17.76-2: Required On-Site Parking in Other Zoning Districts

C. Calculation of Required Spaces.

1. Floor Area. Where a parking requirement is a ratio of parking spaces to floor area, the floor area is assumed to be gross floor area, unless otherwise stated. The floor area of a use shall be calculated as described in Section 17.48.040 (Floor area and floor area ratio). Floor area for the area of the required parking space (i.e., ten feet by twenty feet) and up to one hundred twenty-five square feet of ancillary space within garages and other parking facilities are not included in the calculation of floor area for the purpose of determining on-site parking requirements.

2. Employees. Where a parking requirement is stated as a ratio of parking spaces to employees, the number of employees is based on the largest shift that occurs in a typical week.

3. Seats. Where a parking requirement is stated as a ratio of parking spaces to seats, each twenty-four inches of bench-type seating at maximum seating capacity is counted as one seat.

4. Fractional Spaces. In determining the number of required parking, fractions of spaces over one-half shall be rounded up to the next whole number.

D. Unlisted Uses. The parking requirement for land uses not listed in Tables 17.76-1 and 17.76-2 shall be determined by the community development director based on the requirement for the most comparable similar use, the particular characteristics of the proposed use, and any other relevant data regarding parking demand.

E. Sites with Multiple Uses. Where more than one land use is conducted on a site, the minimum number of required on-site parking spaces shall be the sum of the number of parking spaces required for each individual use.

F. Additional Required Parking. The planning commission may require more on-site parking than required by Tables 17.76-1 and 17.76-2 if the planning commission determines that additional parking is needed to serve the proposed use and to minimize adverse impacts on neighboring properties.

G. Religious Institution Affiliated Housing Development Projects. See Section 17.96.230 (Housing on religious facilities sites) for parking requirements for a religious institution-affiliated housing development project. (Ord. 1066 § 2 (Att. 1), 2024; Ord. 1057 § 2 (Att. 1), 2022; Ord. 1043 § 2 (Att. 2), 2020)

A. Availability and Use of Spaces.

1. In all zoning districts, required parking spaces shall be permanently available and maintained to provide parking for the use they are intended to serve.

2. Owners, lessees, tenants, or persons having control of the operation of a use for which parking spaces are required shall not prevent or restrict authorized persons from using these spaces.

3. A conditional use permit is required to designate parking spaces for exclusive use by an individual tenant within an integrated commercial complex.

4. Required parking spaces shall be used exclusively for the temporary parking of vehicles and shall not be used for the sale, lease, display, repair, advertising, or storage of vehicles, trailers, boats, campers, mobile homes, merchandise, or equipment, or for any other use not authorized by the zoning code.

B. Parking in Front and Exterior Side Setback Areas.

1. R-1 Zoning District. In the R-1 zoning district, the width of a parking space in the required front or exterior side setback area may not exceed forty percent of lot width up to a maximum of twenty feet, except that all lots may have a parking space of up to fourteen feet in width regardless of lot width. See Figure 17.76-1. The planning commission may allow a larger parking area within the required front and exterior side setback areas with a design permit if the larger parking area incorporates design features, such as impervious materials and enhanced landscaping, which minimize visual impacts to the neighborhood.

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Figure 17.76-1: Parking in Front Setback Area in R-1 Zoning District

2. Other Zoning Districts.

a. In all zoning districts other than the R-1 zoning district, required parking spaces may not be located within required front or exterior side setback areas.

b. In the mixed use village zoning district, parking may be located adjacent to the street-facing property line in accordance with Section 17.20.030(E)(5) (Parking Location and Buffers).

c. In the mixed use neighborhood zoning district, parking may be located in the front or exterior side setback area if approved by the planning commission in accordance with Section 17.20.040(E) (Parking Location and Buffers).

C. Location of Parking.

1. All Zoning Districts. Required parking spaces may not be located within any public or private right-of-way unless located in a sidewalk exempt area and if an encroachment permit is granted.

2. R-1 Zoning District. Required parking spaces in the R-1 zoning district shall be on the same parcel as the use that they serve.

3. MU-V Zoning District. Required parking in the MU-V district for new development and intensified uses shall be provided in compliance with the following:

a. The planning commission may approve on-site parking as follows:

i. For property fronting a Commercial Core street shown in Figure 17.76-2, on-site parking is allowed if access to parking is from a side street, alleyway, or existing driveway cut. New driveway cuts are prohibited along a Commercial Core street frontage.

ii. For the Capitola Theater and Mercantile sites, on-site parking is allowed if parking areas are located on the interior of the site(s) and do not directly abut a Commercial Core street. Driveway cuts to serve on-site parking are limited to one cut per site; however, the planning commission may approve additional driveway cuts if (A) a parking and circulation study shows that additional access is necessary to reasonably serve the use; and (B) driveway cuts are located and designed to preserve or enhance pedestrian and vehicle safety.

iii. Within the Riverview Avenue, Cherry Avenue, and Cliff Drive residential overlays.

iv. On properties that do not front a Commercial Core street.

v. As mandated by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) regulations.

b. The planning commission may permit off-site parking if the space(s) are within walking distance of the use which it serves or located at a remote site served by a shuttle system. c. New driveways and curb cuts shall comply with Section 17.20.030(E)(6) (Driveways and Curb Cuts).

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Figure 17.76-2: MU-V Parking Location Map

4. Other Zoning Districts. In all zoning districts other than the R-1 and MU-V zoning districts, required parking shall be located on the same lot as the use the parking is intended to serve, except as allowed by Section 17.76.050(D).

D. Large Vehicle Storage in the R-1 Zoning District. In addition to the required on-site parking spaces for a single-family dwelling, one additional on-site parking or storage space may be provided on a parcel in the R-1 zoning district for a recreational vehicle, boat, camper, or similar vehicle. This space may not be located in a required front or exterior side setback area and may be utilized only to store a vehicle that does not exceed thirteen and one-half feet in height, eight and one-half feet in width, and twenty-five feet in length. Such parking or storage spaces shall be finished in concrete, asphalt, semi-permeable pavers, or a similar paved surface.

E. Covered Parking in the R-1 Zoning District.

1. When required by this chapter, covered parking spaces serving a single-family dwelling shall be provided within an enclosed garage. The planning commission may allow required covered parking spaces to be provided within an open carport with a design permit if the planning commission finds that a garage is practically infeasible or that a carport results in a superior project design.

2. All carports serving a single-family dwelling shall comply with the following design standards:

a. Carports shall be designed with high-quality materials, compatible with the home. The roofing design, pitch, colors, exterior materials and supporting posts shall be similar to the home. The carport shall appear substantial and decoratively finished in a style matching the home which it serves.

b. The slope of a carport roof shall substantially match the roof slope of the home which it serves.

c. Pedestrian pathways connecting the carport with the home shall be provided.

3. Garages in the R-1 zoning district may be converted to habitable living space only if the total number of required on-site parking spaces is maintained, including covered spaces for the covered parking space requirement.

F. Electric Vehicle Charging Stations.

1. Building Code Requirements. Electric vehicle charging stations shall be provided in accordance with the requirements of the California Green Building Standards Code.

2. Use of Space Signage. Signage shall be installed designating electric vehicle charging spaces for the exclusive purpose of charging and parking an electric vehicle.

3. Digital Operation Screens.

a. “Digital operation screens” are defined for the purposes of this section as interactive digital displays used solely for the operation and required for the functionality of the electric vehicle charging station.

b. Digital operation screens are permitted and are limited to a maximum screen size of two square feet. The community development director may allow for a larger screen size of up to of four square feet upon determining that the larger screen is necessary for the functionality of the charging station.

4. Placement on Lot. Electric vehicle charging equipment must be located outside of minimum required property line setbacks.

5. Screening. Electric vehicle charging stations on lots with six spaces or more (including spaces not used for electric vehicle charging) are subject to the screening requirements in Section 17.76.060(I).

6. Impacts on Required Parking Spaces. If an electric vehicle charging station and any associated equipment interfere with, reduce, eliminate, or in any way impact the required parking spaces for existing uses on the property, the number of required parking spaces for the existing uses shall be reduced by the amount necessary to accommodate the electric vehicle charging station and any associated equipment.

7. Permits Required.

a. An application for an electric vehicle charging station that complies with all applicable requirements shall be approved ministerially with a building permit. A design permit or other type of planning permit is not required.

b. The process to review and act on the application shall be as provided in Government Code Sections 65850.7 and 65850.71.

G. Parking for Persons with Disabilities.

1. Parking spaces for persons with disabilities shall be provided in compliance with California Code of Regulations Title 24.

2. Parking spaces required for the disabled shall count toward compliance with the number of parking spaces required by Tables 17.76-1 and 17.76-2. H. Curb-Side Service.

3. Curb-side (drive-up) service for retail uses is allowed in all commercial and mixed use zoning districts.

4. Restaurant curb-side service requires a conditional use permit in the regional commercial (C-R) zoning district and is prohibited in all other zoning districts. (Ord. 1066 § 2 (Att. 1), 2024; Ord. 1057 § 2 (Att. 1), 2022; Ord. 1043 § 2 (Att. 2), 2020)

A. Purpose. This section identifies alternatives to required on-site parking to:

1. Allow for creative parking solutions;

2. Enhance economic vitality in Capitola;

3. Promote walking, biking, and use of transit; and

4. Encourage the efficient use of land resources consistent with the general plan.

• B. Eligibility. Alternatives to required on-site parking in this section are available only to uses located outside of the mixed use village zoning district, except for:

1. Valet parking (subsection F of this section) which is available in all zoning districts, including the mixed use village zoning district; and

A. Minimum Parking Space Dimensions. Minimum dimensions of parking spaces shall be as shown in Table 17.76-3.

Table 17.76-3: Minimum Parking Space Dimensions

Notes:

[1] The dimensions of parking spaces in an enclosed garage shall be measured from the interior garage walls.

[2] See subsection (E)(3) of this section (Tandem Parking Spaces).

B. Compact Spaces. A maximum of thirty percent of required on-site parking spaces serving multifamily and nonresidential uses may be compact spaces. All parking spaces for compact cars shall be clearly marked with the word “Compact” either on the wheel stop or curb, or on the pavement at the opening of the space.

C. Parking Lot Dimensions. The dimensions of parking spaces, maneuvering aisles, and access ways within a parking lot shall conform to the city’s official parking space standard specifications maintained by the public works director and as shown in Figure 17.76-3 and Table 17.76-4.

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Figure 17.76-3: Standard Parking Lot Dimensions

Table 17.76-4: Standard Parking Lot Dimensions

D. Surfacing.

1. All parking spaces, maneuvering aisles, and access ways shall be paved with asphalt, concrete, or other all-weather surface.

2. Permeable paving materials, such as porous concrete/asphalt, open-jointed pavers, and turf grids, are a preferred surface material, subject to approval by the public works director.

E. Tandem Parking Spaces. Tandem parking spaces are permitted for all residential land uses; provided, that they comply with the following standards:

1. Parking spaces in a tandem configuration shall be reserved for and assigned to a single dwelling unit.

2. For single-family dwellings, tandem parking is permitted for up to two uncovered spaces in front of a garage, with a maximum of three tandem spaces, including the covered space in a single garage. Tandem parking spaces of three spaces or more require planning commission approval.

3. The minimum size of an uncovered tandem parking space may be reduced to nine feet by eighteen feet.

4. All required guest parking shall be provided as single, nontandem parking spaces.

5. Tandem parking spaces shall not block the use of the driveway to access other parking spaces located within the parking area.

6. Tandem parking spaces shall be used to accommodate passenger vehicles only.

• F. Parking Lifts. Required parking may be provided using elevator-like mechanical parking systems (“lifts”) provided the lifts are located within an enclosed structure or otherwise screened from public view. Parking lifts shall be maintained and operable through the life of the project.

• G. Lighting.

1. A parking area with six or more parking spaces shall include outdoor lighting that provides adequate illumination for public safety over the entire parking area.

2. Outdoor lighting as required above shall be provided during nighttime business hours.

3. All parking space area lighting shall be energy efficient and directed away from residential properties to minimize light trespass.

4. All fixtures shall be hooded and downward facing so the lighting source is not directly visible from the public right-of-way or adjoining properties.

5. All fixtures shall meet the International Dark Sky Association’s (IDA) requirements for reducing waste of ambient light (“dark sky compliant”).

• H. Pedestrian Access.

1. Parking lots with more than thirty parking spaces shall include a pedestrian walkway in compliance with ADA requirements.

2. The design of the pedestrian walkway shall be clearly visible and distinguished from parking and circulation areas through striping, contrasting paving material, or other similar method as approved by the community development director.

• I. Screening. Parking lots of six spaces or more shall comply with the following screening standards:

1. Location. Screening shall be provided along the perimeter of parking lots fronting a street or abutting a residential zoning district.

2. Height.

See Section 17.72.055 (Parking lot landscaping). (Ord. 1057 § 2 (Att. 1), 2022; Ord. 1043 § 2 (Att. 2), 2020)

A. Applicability. All new multifamily developments of five units or more and commercial uses served by parking lots of ten spaces or more shall provide bicycle parking as specified in this section. B. Types of Bicycle Parking.

1. Short-Term Bicycle Parking. Short-term bicycle parking provides shoppers, customers, messengers and other visitors who generally park for two hours or less a convenient and readily accessible place to park bicycles.

2. Long-Term Parking. Long-term bicycle parking provides employees, residents, visitors and others who generally stay at a site for several hours or more a secure and weather-protected place to park bicycles. Long-term parking may be located in publicly accessible areas or in garages or other limited access areas for exclusive use by tenants or residents.

C. Bicycle Parking Spaces Required. Short-term and long-term bicycle parking spaces shall be provided as specified in Table 17.76-6.

Table 17.76-6: Required Bicycle Parking Spaces

A. Shuttle Program Parking. Parking for the free summer beach shuttle program shall be provided in a remote lot or lots, such as those located on Bay Avenue and the Village public parking lots. The free shuttle shall operate, at a minimum, on weekends and holidays between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend.

A. Applicability. All retail, hotel, warehousing, manufacturing, and similar uses that involve the frequent receipt or delivery of materials or merchandise shall provide on-site loading spaces consistent with the requirements of this section.

B. Number of Loading Spaces. The minimum number of required loading spaces shall be as specified in Table 17.76-7.

Table 17.76-7: Required Loading Spaces

C. Location.

1. Required loading spaces shall be located on the same lot as the use they are intended to serve.

2. No loading space shall be located closer than fifty feet to a residential zoning district, unless the loading space is wholly enclosed within a building or screened by a solid wall not less than eight feet in height.

D. Dimensions.

1. Each loading space shall have minimum dimensions of ten feet wide, twenty-five feet long, and fourteen feet in vertical clearance.

2. Deviations from the minimum dimension standards may be approved by the community development director if the spatial needs are less than the minimum required due to the truck size and type that will be utilized in the operation of a specific business.

E. Design and Configuration.

1. Loading spaces shall be configured to ensure that loading and unloading takes place on site and not within adjacent public rights-of-way.

2. Sufficient maneuvering area shall be provided for loading spaces so that vehicles may enter and exit an abutting street in a forward direction.

3. Loading spaces and their associated maneuvering areas shall not encroach into required employee or visitor parking areas or other on-site areas required for vehicle circulation.

4. Loading spaces shall be striped and clearly identified as for loading purposes only. (Ord. 1043 § 2 (Att. 2), 2020) Home Previous Next

Home Previous Next Chapter 17.80 SIGNS

The following definitions apply to this chapter:

A. “Awning sign” means a sign incorporated into, attached, or painted on an awning.

B. “Awning face sign” means a sign located on the sloping plane face of an awning.

C. “Awning valance sign” means a sign located on the valance of an awning perpendicular to the ground. D. “Center identification sign” means a sign identifying the name of a shopping center and that does not include the name of any business within the center. A shopping center is a commercial building or group of buildings operated as a unit on a single parcel, sharing common parking areas or commonly owned adjacent parcels. E. “Commercial message” means any sign copy that directly or indirectly names, draws attention to, or advertises a business, product, good, service, or other commercial activity, or which proposes a commercial transaction. F. “Commercial sign” means a sign with a commercial message. G. “Construction site sign” means an on-premises sign for an approved construction project that publicizes the future building and occupants as well as the architects, engineers and construction organizations involved in the project. H. “Directory sign” means an on-premises sign which shows the direction to or location of a customer entrance to a business. I. “Election period” means the period beginning one hundred twenty days before and ending one day after any national, state, or local election in which city electors may vote. J. “Flags” means fabric, textile, or material with colors and/or patterns which display a symbol of a nation, state, company, or idea. K. “Monument sign” means an independent, freestanding structure supported on the ground as opposed to being supported on the building. L. “Projecting sign” means any sign permanently attached to a building or wall such that the sign face or faces are perpendicular to the building or wall. M. “Roof sign” means any sign that is mounted on a roof or a parapet of a building. N. “Sidewalk sign” means movable or permanent business identification signs placed in or attached to a public sidewalk. O. “Sign” means any device, fixture, placard or structure that uses any color, form, graphic, illumination, symbol or writing to advertise or announce the purpose of a business or entity, or to communicate information of any kind to the public. P. Sign Area. See Section 17.80.040(A) (Calculation of Sign Area). Q. “Sign copy” means the area of a sign occupied by letters, numbers, graphics, or other content intended to inform, direct, or otherwise transmit information. R. “Sign face” means the area of a sign where sign copy is placed. S. “Wall sign” means a sign which is attached to or painted on the exterior wall of a structure with the display surface of the sign approximately parallel to the building wall. T. “Window sign” means a sign posted, painted, placed, or affixed in or on a window exposed to public view or within one foot and parallel to a window exposed to public view. (Ord. 1043 § 2 (Att. 2), 2020) 17.80.030 Permit requirements. A. Administrative Sign Permits. An administrative sign permit (Chapter 17.132) is required to install, construct, or enlarge a sign, except for: 1. Signs exempt from the permit requirements of this chapter as specified in Section 17.80.050 (Signs allowed without permits).

in one foot and parallel to a window exposed to public view. (Ord. 1043 § 2 (Att. 2), 2020) 17.80.030 Permit requirements. A. Administrative Sign Permits. An administrative sign permit (Chapter 17.132) is required to install, construct, or enlarge a sign, except for: 1. Signs exempt from the permit requirements of this chapter as specified in Section 17.80.050 (Signs allowed without permits).

• A. Calculation of Sign Area.

1. Sign area is measured as the area of all sign copy, framing, or other display enclosed within a continuous perimeter forming a single geometric shape with no more than six sides. See Figure 17.80-1.

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Figure 17.80-1: Measurement of Sign Area

2. Supporting framework or bracing that is clearly incidental to the display itself shall not be calculated as sign area.

3. The area of a double-faced (back-to-back) sign shall be calculated as a single sign face if the distance between each sign face does not exceed eighteen inches and the two faces are parallel with each other.

4. The area of spherical, free-form, sculptural or other nonplanar signs are measured as fifty percent of the sum of the area enclosed within the four vertical sides of the smallest four-sided polyhedron that will encompass the sign structure. See Figure 17.80-2.

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Figure 17.80-2: Nonplanar Sign Area

B. Monument Sign Height Measurement. The height of a monument or other freestanding sign is measured as the vertical distance from the sidewalk or top of curb nearest the base of the sign to the top of the highest element of the sign. (Ord. 1043 § 2 (Att. 2), 2020)

d. Text or graphics that present a clear and present danger due to their potential confusion with signs that provide public safety information (for example, signs that use the words “Caution,” or “Danger,” or comparable words, phrases, symbols, or characters in such a manner as to imply a safety hazard that does not exist).

2. The content prohibited by subsection (B)(1) of this section is either not protected by the United States or California Constitution or is offered limited protection that is outweighed by the substantial governmental interests in protecting the public safety and welfare. It is the intent of the city council that each subsection of subsection (B)(1) of this section be individually severable in the event that a court of competent jurisdiction were to hold one or more of them to be inconsistent with the United States or California Constitution. (Ord. 1043 § 2 (Att. 2), 2020)

A. Maximum Permitted Sign Area. Table 17.80-1 identifies the maximum cumulative/total sign area permitted on a property in each zoning district. Each business may have a mix of the sign types allowed by Section 17.80.080 (Standards for specific types of signs) provided the area of all signs on the property does not exceed the maximum established in Table 17.80-1.

Table 17.80-1: Sign Area Standards

The planning commission may allow temporary auto dealership signage, such as signage on light poles and flags and pennants, that deviates from temporary sign standards in Section 17.80.110 (Temporary signs) with the approval of a sign permit.

B. Awning Signs.

1. Standards for awning signs in each zoning district are as shown in Table 17.80-2.

2. Awning signs shall be located on the awning above a display window or the entrance to the business it serves.

3. An awning sign that projects over any public walkway or walk area shall have an overhead clearance of at least eight feet.

Table 17.80-2: Awning Sign Standards

Note: In the visitor serving (-VS), community facility (CF) and parks and open space (P/OS) zoning districts, standards for awning signs shall be established by the planning commission through a sign permit. In the planned development (PD) zoning district, standards for awning signs shall be established by the city council in the development plan. C. Monument Signs.

1. Standards for monument signs in each zoning district are as shown in Table 17.80-3.

Table 17.80-3: Monument Sign Standards

Note: In the visitor serving (-VS), community facility (CF) and parks and open space (P/OS) zoning districts, standards for monument signs shall be established by the planning commission through a sign permit. In the planned development (PD) zoning district, standards for monument signs shall be established by the city council in the development plan.

2. Monument signs shall be placed on the property of the business associated with the sign.

3. Where two monument signs are allowed on a corner parcel, each sign shall be placed at least two hundred feet from the intersection corner.

4. A monument sign for up to four tenants may be approved with an administrative sign permit. Monument signs listing more than four tenants require planning commission approval of a sign permit.

5. The area surrounding the base of a monument sign shall be landscaped consistent with Chapter 17.72 (Landscaping).

6. Monument signs shall be placed at least five feet away from any public or private driveway.

7. Monument signs shall be placed at least five feet behind sidewalk or property line, whichever is greater.

8. The height of a monument sign is measured as the vertical distance from the sidewalk or top of curb nearest the base of the sign to the top of the highest element of the sign.

9. Monument signs are not allowed in conjunction with wall signs on a property with three or fewer businesses.

D. Center Identification Signs.

1. Standards for center identification signs in each zoning district are as shown in Table 17.80-4.

2. Center identification signs shall identify the name of the center but may not include the name of any business or businesses within the center.

3. No more than one freestanding sign is permitted per center street frontage. If a monument sign is located along the center frontage, an additional center identification sign is not permitted.

Table 17.80-4: Center Identification Sign Standards

Note: In the planned development (PD) zoning district, standards for center identification signs shall be established by the city council in the development plan. E. Directory Signs.

1. Standards for directory signs in each zoning district are as shown in Table 17.80-5.

2. Directory signs may not be legible from adjacent public rights-of-way.

3. Directory signs shall identify the names of the occupants of the building or complex.

Table 17.80-5: Directory Sign Standards

Note: In the visitor serving (-VS), community facility (CF) and parks and open space (P/OS) zoning districts, standards for directory signs shall be established by the planning commission through a sign permit. In the planned development (PD) zoning district, standards for directory signs shall be established by the city council in the development plan.

F. Wall Signs.

1. Standards for wall signs in each zoning district are as shown in Table 17.80-6.

2. Wall signs shall be attached parallel to the exterior wall of the business associated with the sign and may not extend above the top of building wall.

3. Wall signs may be in cabinets, on wood, or on similar material attached to the wall or painted directly on the wall.

4. Any portion of a wall sign that projects over any public walkway or walk area shall have an overhead clearance of at least eight feet.

5. Wall signs are not allowed in conjunction with a monument sign on a property with three or fewer businesses.

6. On a corner lot, one wall sign is allowed per street frontage.

Table 17.80-6: Wall Sign Standards

Notes:

• [1] In the visitor serving (-VS), community facility (CF) and parks and open space (P/OS) zoning districts, standards for wall signs shall be established by the planning commission through a sign permit. In the planned development (PD) zoning district, standards for wall signs shall be established by the city council in the development plan.

• [2] Wall signs are not allowed in conjunction with a monument sign in the industrial (I) zoning district.

G. Projecting Signs.

1. Standards for projecting signs in each zoning district are as shown in Table 17.80-7.

2. Projecting signs shall be attached to the ground-floor exterior wall of the business associated with the sign and may not extend above the top of the second-story finished floor.

3. Projecting signs shall maintain a minimum two-foot horizontal clearance from a driveway or street curb.

4. An encroachment permit must be obtained for all signs projecting over a public right-of-way.

5. A projecting sign that projects over any public walkway or walk area shall have an overhead clearance of at least eight feet.

Table 17.80-7: Projecting Sign Standards

Note:

In the visitor serving (-VS), community facility (CF) and parks and open space (P/OS) zoning districts, standards for projecting signs shall be established by the planning commission through a sign permit. In the planned development (PD) zoning district, standards for projecting signs shall be established by the city council in the development plan.

H. Gas and Service Station Signs. In addition to signs allowed with an administrative sign permit (Section 17.80.030(A)), the planning commission may allow special gas and service station signs that comply with the following standards:

1. A maximum of two signs, not exceeding four square feet, shall be allowed on each pump island to denote either full service or self-service.

2. No other signs will be allowed to be attached to pumps or islands other than required by state law. (See Business and Professions Code Section 13530.)

3. A six-foot-high monument sign which displays prices charged, credit cards accepted or special services rendered shall be allowed on each street frontage.

4. Digital changeable copy signs for gasoline pricing are permitted.

5. Two additional signs up to a maximum of one square foot are permitted to advertise ancillary services such as ATMs and propane. Such signs must be attached to another sign or structure and may not be a portable freestanding sign.

I. Parking Garage Signs. A maximum of one digital display sign not exceeding four square feet on each street frontage is permitted to show the number of available parking spaces.

• J. Window Signs.

1. Standards for window signs in each zoning district are as shown in Table 17.80-8.

2. Window signs may be attached only to the inside of a ground-floor window of the business associated with the sign.

3. Interior signs within one foot of a window and publicly visible from outside of the building shall be included in the calculation of sign area for the property.

Table 17.80-8: Window Sign Standards

Note:

In the visitor serving (-VS), community facility (CF) and parks and open space (P/OS) zoning districts, standards for window signs shall be established by the planning commission through a sign permit. In the planned development (PD) zoning district, standards for window signs shall be established by the city council in the development plan. K. Sidewalk Signs.

1. Where Allowed. Sidewalk signs are permitted only in the MU-V zoning district consistent with the requirements of this section.

2. Permits Required.

a. Sidewalk signs consistent with this section and the approved BIA design as illustrated in Figure 17.80-3 can be issued an over-the-counter sign permit by the community development director.

• b. All sidewalk signs shall obtain an encroachment permit. The encroachment permit will identify the location and method used to drill a hole in the sidewalk and/or the location of a sign on a base. c. The owner of any business desiring to place a sidewalk sign on the city right-of-way shall provide an executed city hold harmless waiver and proof of liability insurance to the satisfaction of the city attorney in the amount of one million dollars prior to placing the sign within said right-of-way.

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Figure 17.80-3: Sidewalk Sign Standards and Design Concepts

3. Dimensions. Sidewalk signs shall comply with the dimension standards in Table 17.80-9.

Table 17.80-9: Sidewalk Sign Standards

Note:

• [1] Measured from sidewalk to top of sign.

4. Number of Signs.

• a. Only one two-sided sidewalk sign per business establishment is permitted.

b. Multi-tenant developments are permitted one sidewalk sign per each common exterior public business entrance.

5. Materials and Design.

• a. Sidewalk signs shall be attached to metal poles. Poles may be either drilled into the sidewalk or inserted into a moveable base. Moveable bases shall be constructed of metal, form a circle with a diameter of no more than eighteen inches, and must be approved as part of the sign permit.

b. Lights, banners, flags or similar objects shall not be placed on or adjacent to sidewalk signs.

c. Sign faces shall be constructed of solid wood, metal or similar durable and weatherproof material.

d. No sidewalk sign may contain lights of any kind.

6. Sidewalk Clearance.

a. The sidewalk in front of the business must be at least seventy-eight inches in width.

b. Sidewalk signs shall not interfere with pedestrian ingress or egress as required by the building code or obstruct vehicular traffic sight distance requirements. A forty-eight-inch level clear path of travel on concrete or similar material must be maintained where the sign is located.

7. Separation from Other Sidewalk Signs. Sidewalk signs shall be spaced a minimum of thirty linear feet from all other permitted sidewalk signs.

8. Display During Open Hours. Sidewalk signs may be used only during the hours when the business is open to the public. At all other times the sign and base must be stored within the business premises.

9. Advertising Multiple Businesses. Individual signs may advertise more than one business.

10. Other Business Signage.

a. No other temporary advertising signs (Section 17.80.110) may be used at the same time as the sidewalk sign is in use.

• b. All other signs on the property must be in conformance with the city’s sign regulations prior to a sidewalk sign permit being issued. (Ord. 1066 § 2 (Att. 1), 2024; Ord. 1043 § 2 (Att. 2), 2020)

• A. Design Standards for Mixed Use Zoning Districts. The following design standards apply to all signs in the MU-V and MU-N zoning districts:

3. Signs shall be mounted to fit within existing architectural features. The shape of the sign shall be used to reinforce the relationship of moldings and transoms seen along the street. 4. Signs shall be located and designed so that they are legible when viewed from the sidewalk. Sign letter styles and sizes shall be designed for legibility from the sidewalk, not the street. 5. To the extent possible, sign attachment parts shall be reused in their original location (holes in the facade or fixing positions) to protect the original building materials.

4. Internally illuminated signs are prohibited in the MU-V and MU-N zoning districts.

5. Wiring conduit for sign lighting shall be carefully routed to avoid damage to architectural details and to be concealed from view as much as possible.

6. Sign materials and colors shall be compatible with the period and style of building to which is it is attached. Sign panels shall avoid the extensive use of primary colors or significant areas of white or cream. 9. Letters and logos shall be raised, routed into the sign face, or designed to give the sign variety and depth.

7. The sign will not have a significant adverse effect on the character and integrity of the surrounding area.

• B. Design Standards for Commercial Zoning Districts. The following design standards apply to all signs in the C-C and C-R zoning districts:

1. Sign design shall conform to and be in harmony with the architectural character of the building. 2. Signs shall be symmetrically located within a defined architectural space. 3. Internally illuminated signs are permitted only when the portion of the sign that appears illuminated is primarily the sign lettering, registered trademark, or logo. Large panel internally illuminated signs are prohibited. 4. The design of monument and other freestanding signs shall relate to the architecture of the building or development they serve. Exterior materials, finishes and colors shall be the same or similar to those of the building or structures on site. 5. Letters and logos shall be raised, routed into the sign face, or designed to give the sign variety and depth. C. Design Standards for Industrial Zoning District. Signs within the industrial (I) zoning district shall be constructed of metal or other materials consistent with the light industrial character of the zoning district. (Ord. 1043 § 2 (Att. 2), 2020)

A. Permitted Temporary Signs. Table 17.80-10 (Temporary Sign Standards) identifies temporary signs permitted either by right or with the approval of an administrative sign permit. The planning commission may allow other types of temporary signs or temporary signs that do not comply with the standards in Table 17.80-10 with approval of a sign permit.

Table 17.80-10: Temporary Sign Standards

(Ord. 1043 § 2 (Att. 2), 2020)

This section establishes procedures to allow the planning commission to approve signs that deviate from certain standards to provide reasonable flexibility in the administration of the sign ordinance.

A. Permit Required. Adjustments to sign standards allowed by this section require planning commission approval of a sign permit.

• B. Permitted Adjustments. The planning commission may allow adjustment to the following sign standards:

1. The type of sign allowed in nonresidential zoning districts (e.g., awning signs, monument signs).

2. Requirements for temporary signs.

3. The maximum permitted sign area up to a twenty-five percent increase.

4. The maximum permitted sign height up to a twenty-five percent increase.

C. Excluded Adjustments. The planning commission may not use the sign standards adjustment process to approve deviations to the following sign standards:

1. Prohibited signs (Section 17.80.060).

2. All general sign standards (Section 17.80.070) except maximum permitted sign area (Section 17.80.070(A)).

3. Maximum number of signs allowed per property.

4. Residential signs (Section 17.80.100).

D. Findings. The planning commission may approve an adjustment to sign standards as allowed by this section if the following findings can be made in addition to findings required to approve sign permit applications:

1. The sign will be compatible with adjacent structures and uses and is consistent with the character of the neighborhood or district where it is located.

2. The sign will not adversely impact neighboring properties or the community at large.

3. The adjustment is necessary due to unique characteristics of the subject property, structure, or use.

4. The sign will be consistent with the purpose of the zoning district, the general plan, local coastal program, and any adopted area or neighborhood plan.

5. The adjustment will not establish an undesirable precedent.

E. Low Visibility Commercial Properties.

1. In addition to adjustments allowed by subsections A through D of this section, the planning commission may allow additional adjustments to sign standards for low visibility properties in the C-R and C-C zoning districts. A low visibility property means a property where signage consistent with applicable standards would not be easily visible from the street or sidewalk due to the width of street frontage, parcel depth or configuration, placement of buildings on the property, topography, vegetation, or other physical characteristic of the property.

2. Adjustments to sign standards for low visibility properties require planning commission approval of a sign permit.

3. Adjustments are allowed to required sign types, height, size, placement, and number. Adjustments may not allow for prohibited signs or monument signs.

4. The planning commission may approve additional or variations to any type of signage upon making the following findings:

a. The special signage, as designed and conditioned, is necessary and appropriate for the subject commercial site, in order to allow the site and the businesses located within it to be competitive with other businesses of a similar nature located elsewhere, and/or to be competitive with industry standards governing sale of the merchandise offered at the site.

b. The special signage, as designed and conditioned, will not have a significant adverse effect on the character and integrity of the surrounding area. (Ord. 1043 § 2 (Att. 2), 2020)

A. Purpose. The purpose of the master sign program is to provide a coordinated approach to signage for multifamily development and multi-tenant commercial developments.

B. Applicability. A master sign program is required for multifamily uses with more than one permanent sign proposed, and any nonresidential development with four or more tenants.

C. Permit Required. A master sign program requires planning commission approval of a sign permit.

D. Applications. Applications shall be filed with the planning department on the appropriate city forms, together with all the necessary fees, deposits, exhibits, maps, and other information required by the department to clearly and accurately describe the proposed master sign program.

E. Master Sign Program Contents. All master sign programs shall identify the materials, color, size, type, placement and general design of signs located on a project or property.

F. Design Standards.

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