Claremont Municipal Code Ch. 18.020 Signs Permitted in Residential Districts

A. No sign shall be erected within any residential district which does not comply with this chapter. The sign sizes, heights, and numbers in this section are maximums. The City may require smaller sizes, heights, and/or numbers of signs if it determines that such restrictions are required to ensure that an individual sign will harmonize with other nearby signs, with surrounding buildings and setbacks, with the sign's overall physical setting, and with the intent of this title.

B. Proposed signs which do not conform to the provisions of this chapter, or to the illumination, location, or other General Standards of Chapter 18.005, are prohibited unless an adjustment or variance is approved by the Architectural Commission pursuant to Section 18.001.050 and Chapter 16.309 of Title 16.

C. All signs permitted within this chapter shall conform to the following:

1. All signs shall be on-premises unless otherwise specified.

2. Maximum sizes shall be as specified for each sign.

3. All building-mounted signs shall be placed below the eave line of a pitched or mansard roof, or below the top of wall of a building with a flat or parapet roof unless otherwise specified or unless specifically permitted as freestanding (with the maximum freestanding height as specified).

4. All building-mounted signs and sign faces shall be painted on or shall be parallel to and flush against the surface on which they are placed.

5. The placement of all freestanding signs shall be as approved by the City.

6. Illuminated signs shall only be permitted in accordance with Chapter 18.005 (General Standards) and if approved by the Architectural Commission.

7. No sign, flag or pennant permitted by this chapter shall: (i) restrict pedestrian or automobile traffic; (ii) impair motorist visibility or otherwise create a traffic hazard; or (iii) impair the visibility of signs on or off the premises.

(08-05)

The following signs, not specifically listed in this chapter, are permitted within residential districts in accordance with the following:

A. Signs Allowed in All Districts without Sign Permits – Chapter 18.015.

B. Real Estate and Construction Signs – Section 18.035.020.

C. Signs for Churches and Other Institutional Uses – Section 18.035.030.

D. Signs within the Public Right-of-Way – Section 18.035.070.

(08-05)

A. Small Flags, Pennants, and Windsocks

Small flags, and decorative pennants and windsocks conforming to Chapter 18.015 are permitted and are exempt from sign permit requirements.

B. Flags and Banners

Noncommercial flags, other than those exempt from sign permits and review pursuant to Chapter 18.015, are permitted, illuminated or not, provided the following:

1. A sign permit is approved by the Director of Community Development; and

2. The flags are of a size and height that are compatible with the architecture and use of the surrounding development as determined by the Director of Community Development.

(08-05; 12-01; 14-04)

Building-mounted on-premises directory signs for residential complexes identifying occupants within the complex, are permitted and exempt from sign permit requirements in accordance with Section 18.015.040.L.

In addition to the above exempt signs, freestanding directory signs may be permitted provided a sign permit is approved by the Architectural Commission and the following standards are met:

A. Maximum of four square feet in area per sign.

B. Sign shall be pedestrian-oriented.

C. Maximum of four feet in height.

D. One such sign may be permitted at each public entrance to the building or complex if so approved by the Commission.

(08-05)

Permanent signs identifying apartment buildings, condominium complexes, neighborhoods, subdivisions, or other residential developments are permitted upon approval of a sign permit provided such developments have at least five lots or dwelling units.

A. Maximum Number

1. For Apartment or Condominium Complexes – one identification sign per street frontage, either building-mounted or freestanding.

2. Neighborhoods or Subdivisions – two identification signs per project entry, either building-mounted or freestanding.

B. Maximum Size

1. Developments of less than one acre – 20 square feet per sign.

2. Developments of one acre or larger – 32 square feet per sign.

C. Maximum Height

Maximum height of freestanding signs shall be five feet.

D. Review

Neighborhood identification signs shall be reviewed by the Architectural Commission.

(08-05)

Freestanding on-premises parking lot or other direction signs, denoting "entry," "exit," etc., maximum of four square feet in size and four feet in height, are permitted as determined necessary by the Director of Community Development. Signs shall be reviewed pursuant to Chapter 18.001.

(12-01)

Temporary on-premises signs identifying model home complexes, either building-mounted or freestanding, are permitted upon approval of a sign permit provided such signs do not exceed 20 square feet in size. Sign height, placement, and illumination shall be as approved by the staff.

(08-05)

The City shall determine sign standards for land uses other than those listed in this chapter by applying the standards for similar uses from the most applicable chapter of this title.

(08-05)