Clayton Municipal Code Ch. 15.08 Sign Provisions

Footnotes:

--- (5) ---

Editor's note— Ord. 475, § 2(Exh. A), adopted Aug. 1, 2017, amended in full Ch. 15.08, §§ 15.08.010—15.08.110, in effect repealing and reenacting said chapter as set out herein. Former Ch. 15.08 pertained to similar subject matter and derived from Ord. 328, § 2, adopted in 1997.

The purpose of this chapter is to provide standards for the height, size, location, and appearance of building and street graphics, in order to:

A. Encourage sound signing practices as an aid to business and to inform the public. Signage is to be used primarily for identification, not for advertising.

B. Create an attractive economic and business climate.

C. Preserve and improve the appearance of the City as a place in which to live and work and as an attraction to nonresidents who come to visit or trade.

D. Protect and enhance the rural atmosphere of the City.

E. Minimize adverse effects on public and private property.

F. Prevent excessive and confusing sign displays.

G. Reduce hazards to motorists and pedestrians.

H. Enable the fair and consistent enforcement of sign regulations.

I. Promote the public health, safety, and general welfare.

A. "Address Sign" means a sign listing the street address and, in the case of a residential use, the name of the occupants of the premises.

B. "Animated Sign" means a sign that conveys its message or attracts attention through moving, rotating, changing, or flashing lights or components.

C. "Awning" means a hood or cover that projects from the wall of a building and is composed of rigid or non-rigid materials.

D. "Awning Sign" means a sign or graphic attached to or printed on an awning (see sign illustrations).

E. "Banner" means a temporary commercial, noncommercial, or community event sign of lightweight fabric, plastic, paper, or similar material that is mounted on a building or street light pole (see sign illustrations).

F. "Billboard" means a sign that directs attention to a product, place, activity, person, institution, business, or subject that is not entirely related to the premises on which the sign is located.

G. "Building Marker" means a sign indicating the name of a building, date of construction, and incidental information about its construction, which is cut into masonry or made of bronze or other permanent material.

H. "Building Sign" means a permanent sign attached to a building or other structure that is an integral part of a building. A building sign includes an awning sign, a projecting sign, a suspended sign, a wall sign, and a window sign, an address sign, and a building marker.

I. "Canopy (or Marquee)" means a permanent roof-like shelter extending from part or all of a building face over a public right-of-way and constructed of some durable material such as metal, wood, glass, or plastic.

J. "Commercial Center Entry Sign" means a sign located at the entry to a shopping center, business area, or office park identifying the center, area, or park and identifying the businesses located therein.

K. "Commercial Sign" means any sign with an image or message which primarily concerns the commercial or economic interests of the sign sponsor or intended audience, or which proposes a commercial transaction.

L. "Community Event Sign" means a banner advertising a City of Clayton community event as defined by the City Council in its policies pertaining to the usage of signage in the public right-of-way per Resolution 46-2007 or any subsequent revisions thereafter.

M. "Directory Sign" means a sign or set of similarly designed individual signs displayed in sequence that lists tenants or occupants within a building or business center, and is designed or be viewed primarily by pedestrians (see Sign Illustrations).

N. "Flag" means fabric, banner, or bunting containing distinctive colors, patterns, or symbols.

O. "Ground Sign (or Freestanding Sign)" means a permanent sign supported by one or more uprights, poles, or braces in or upon the ground or placed upon a planter, wall, retaining wall, or other structure that is not an integral part of a building. A ground sign includes a monument sign, a pole sign, a kiosk sign, commercial center entry sign, directory sign, multiple address sign, neighborhood/district entry sign.

P. "Incidental Sign" means an informational sign, whose purpose is secondary to the use of the lot on which it is located, such as "no parking", "entrance", "loading only", "telephone", and other similar directives.

Q. "Interior Sign" means a sign located in the interior of a building, mall, court, standing or enclosed lobby intended for interior viewing only.

R. "Kiosk Sign" means a sign located on a small freestanding structure which has three (3) or more surfaces.

S. "Mobile Billboard" means any vehicle, or wheeled conveyance which carries, conveys, pulls, or transports any sign or billboard for the primary purpose of advertising. Mobile billboard shall not include (1) any vehicle which displays an advertisement or business identification of its owner, so long as such vehicle is engaged in the usual business or regular work of the owner, and not used merely, mainly or primarily to display advertisements; (2) buses; or (3) taxicabs.

T. "Monument Sign" means a type of ground sign constructed upon a solid appearing base or pedestal (see Sign Illustrations).

U. "Multiple Address Sign" means a sign or set of similarly designed individual signs displayed in sequence placed at the entrance of a private residential street or area that lists the street address and names of the occupants of the residences along the street or within the area.

V. "Mural" means a work of art, containing no commercial message, applied to and made an integral part of an exterior wall.

W. "Neighborhood/District Entry Sign" means a sign identifying a neighborhood or district (see Sign Illustrations).

X. "Noncommercial Location Sign" means a sign identifying a noncommercial use.

Y. "Noncommercial Sign" means any sign displaying a message that is not commercial.

Z. "Nonconforming Sign" means a sign legally existing at the time of the effective date of this Chapter which does not conform to the provisions of this Chapter.

AA. "Off-Site Sign" means a sign directing attention to a business, service, product, or entertainment that is not sold or offered on the site where the sign is located, including billboards and other outdoor advertising signs.

BB. "On-Site Sign" means a sign directing attention to a business, service, product, or entertainment that is sold or offered on the site where the sign is located.

CC. "Parapet or Parapet Wall" means that portion of a building wall that rises above the roof level or eave line.

DD. "Pennant" means a sign of lightweight fabric, plastic, or similar material that is attached to a pole at one edge (see Sign Illustrations).

EE. "Permanent Sign" means any sign intended for use for a period greater than thirty (30) calendar days.

FF. "Personal Property Sale Sign" means a temporary commercial sign advertising a sale of personal property.

GG. "Pole Sign" means a type of ground sign mounted to or hanging from a pole or similar structure (see Sign Illustrations).

HH. "Portable Sign" means a sign not permanently attached to the ground, building, or other permanent structure and designed to be transported, including but not limited to: signs designed to be transported by means of wheels; signs in the form of A-frames or T-frames; menu or sandwich board signs; balloons used as signs; umbrellas used for advertising; and signs attached to or painted on vehicles parked in or visible from the public right-of-way, unless said vehicle is used in the normal day-to-day operations of the business. Portable signs do not include mobile billboards.

II. "Projecting Sign" means a sign extending from a building face or wall so that the sign face is perpendicular or at an angle to the building face or wall (see Sign Illustrations).

JJ. "Real Estate Sign" means a commercial sign advertising the sale, lease, or rent of property and the identification of the firm handling the sale, lease, or rent.

KK. "Residential Open House Sign" means a temporary commercial sign advertising an open house for a house for sale.

LL. "Roof Sign" means a sign erected upon or above a roof or parapet of a building or structure. A sign mounted on a vertical extension of a wall that extends above a roof structure is considered a wall sign.

MM. "Sign" means any name, identification, description, symbol, display, illustration, or device, including any structure, machine (including vending machine), component parts and paint, viewable by the general public that directs attention to a product, place, activity, person, institution, or business.

NN. "Sign Area" means the area within a perimeter which forms the outside shape, including any frame, and forms an integral part of the display, but excluding the necessary supports, poles, or uprights on which the sign may be placed. If the sign consists of more than one section or module, all areas visible from any position at one time will be totaled.

OO. "Sign Face" means the visible portions of a sign including all characters and symbols, but excluding structural elements not an integral part of the display.

PP. "Sign Illustrations" means examples of various signs in pictorial format incorporated into Section 15.08.020 of the Clayton Municipal Code.

QQ. "String Pennant" means a lightweight plastic, fabric, or other material, whether or not containing a message or symbols, suspended from a rope, wire, or string in series, usually designed to move in the wind.

RR. "Subdivision Marketing Pole Pennant" means a single piece of lightweight plastic, fabric, or other material, whether or not containing a message of any kind that is temporarily suspended from a pole and is designed to move in the wind to promote the sale of newly subdivided lots and/or newly constructed dwellings.

SS. "Subdivision Marketing Signs" means temporary commercial signs, including ground signs, wall-mounted signs, pole signs, pennants, and real estate signs, designed to promote the sale of newly subdivided lots and/or newly constructed dwellings (see Sign Illustrations).

TT. "Suspended Sign" means a sign attached to and located below any permanent eave, roof, or canopy (see Sign Illustrations).

UU. "Temporary Commercial Sign" means any commercial sign intended for use for a period of less than thirty (30) days.

VV. "Temporary Noncommercial Sign" means any noncommercial temporary sign displaying an ideological, political or other noncommercial message, that is constructed of paper, cloth, canvas, light fabric, cardboard, wallboard or other similar lightweight materials, with or without frames which is designed or intended to be displayed for a limited period of time.

WW. "Wall Sign" means a sign not exceeding six (6) inches in thickness that is painted on, attached to, or erected against the wall of a building or structure with the exposed face of the sign parallel to the plane of said wall (see Sign Illustrations).

XX. "Window Sign" means a sign displayed on window glass (including the glass of doors) or within three (3) feet of a window, designed to be viewed from the exterior of the window (see Sign Illustrations).

SIGN ILLUSTRATIONS [Figure: SIGN ILLUSTRATIONS]

(Ord. 475, § 2(Exhs. A and B), 2017)

A. City Review—General. City review and approval is required for all signs except those specified by this chapter as exempt or prohibited. No City review or approval is required for a change of copy on an existing permitted sign that is in full compliance with the requirements and standards of this chapter. In addition to meeting the requirements of this chapter, all signs shall comply with all applicable California Building Code requirements. No sign shall be constructed, placed, erected, or modified unless such construction, placement, erection, or modification is authorized by the owner, or his or her representative, of the property upon which the sign is to be placed. Application for sign review and approval shall be accompanied by written authorization from the property owner, or his or her authorized representative, for placement of the proposed sign or signs.

B. City Review and Approval. The City shall review and approve signs according to the following procedures:

1. Administrative Review and Approval. The following signs shall be reviewed and approved administratively by the Community Development Department if they conform to the general sign requirements and standards of Section 15.08.060 and the regulations for special signs of Section 15.08.070.

a. Directory signs provided the sign does not exceed ten (10) square feet in area, nor a height of six (6) feet.

b. Any sign proposed for a property consistent in terms of size, number, and location with a previously-approved master sign plan, unless otherwise specified in an applicable master sign plan.

c. All building and ground signs proposed for individual businesses that are located on a property that have a previous approval for similar signage, and the proposed sign(s) are consistent in terms of size, number, and location with the previous approval. (This provision does not apply to a corner lot or through lot where signage is being proposed along multiple property frontages).

2. Exception. Any sign proposal considered within the parameters of this subsection that in the judgment of the Community Development Director may not comply with the intent or purpose of this chapter may be referred to the Planning Commission for consideration.

3. Planning Commission Review and Approval. The following signs shall be reviewed and approved by the Planning Commission in accordance with Chapter 17.64 of the Clayton Municipal Code.

a. Master sign plans.

b. Neighborhood/district entry signs.

c. Commercial center entry signs.

d. Subdivision marketing sign program.

e. Noncommercial locational signs.

f. Directory signs that exceed ten (10) square feet in area and six (6) feet in height.

g. All building and ground signs for individual businesses that are located on a property that have not had previous approval for signage, involve signage on multiple frontages, and/or involve an increase in the previously-approved signage area, increase in the number of signs, or substantially change the location of signage.

h. Any sign proposal that, in the judgment of the Community Development Director, may not comply with the intent or purpose of this chapter.

4. Variance. A variance shall be required from the Planning Commission for any deviations from the general sign requirements and standards of Section 15.08.060 or the regulations for special signs of Section 15.08.070 of this Chapter according to the procedures set out in Chapter 17.52 of the Clayton Municipal Code.

(Ord. 475, § 2(Exh. A), 2017)

The following signs shall not require review and approval by City:

A. Address signs, provided the sign does not exceed two (2) square feet in area.

B. Public information, identification, civic event, and directional signs erected by a public agency or public utility.

C. Incidental signs.

D. Legal notices posted by law.

E. Building markers, provided the sign does not exceed four (4) square feet in area and is not illuminated.

F. Signs displayed by private individuals, when required by law or regulations of any governmental agency.

G. Temporary noncommercial signs on private real property, provided the individual sign displayed does not exceed sixteen (16) square feet in area, with no limit on the aggregate signage displayed at one time.

H. Wall signs indicating the historical significance of a site or building, provided the sign does not exceed four (4) square feet in area and is not illuminated.

I. Signs displayed in the interior of a building, mall, court, stadium, or enclosed lobby more than three (3) feet from an exterior window or door and intended for interior viewing only.

J. Multiple address signs, provided the individual signs do not exceed four (4) inches by twenty-four (24) inches.

K. Residential open house signs for a home sale in accordance with the standards of Section 15.08.070 of this chapter.

L. Flags, provided they are not used in a commercial manner or to advertise a business or its location.

M. Murals containing no commercial message, provided the mural has intrinsic artistic value or appeal regardless of the business in the building on whose wall the mural is painted. Murals shall take into consideration the overall architecture of the building and shall not be placed on decorative surfaces or finishes. The colors and materials used shall be reasonably harmonious with those in the area.

N. Personal property sale signs, in accordance with the standards of Section 15.08.070 of this chapter.

O. Real estate signs in accordance with the provisions of Section 15.08.070 of this chapter.

P. Portable signs in accordance with the provisions of Section 15.08.070 of this chapter.

Q. Banners and pennants in accordance with the provisions of Section 15.08.070 of this chapter.

R. Community event signs not exceeding twenty-four (24) square feet in area.

(Ord. 475, § 2(Exh. A), 2017; Ord. 485, § 2, 2019)

The following signs are prohibited anywhere in the City:

A. Animated signs.

B. Flags used in a commercial manner or to advertise a business or its location.

C. Signs that by color, wording, design, location, or illumination resemble or conflict with any traffic-control device or with safe and efficient flow of traffic.

D. Signs that obstruct the free and clear vision of or create confusion for motorists or pedestrians.

E. Signs with lighting detrimental to surrounding property or prevents peaceful enjoyment of residential uses.

F. Banners and pennants, except as provided in Section 15.08.070 of this chapter.

G. Roof signs.

H. String pennants.

I. Balloons and similar inflatable signs.

J. Permanent signs mounted on fences or deck/balcony railings.

K. Portable signs except as provided in Section 15.08.070 of this chapter.

L. Temporary signs are prohibited in the public right-of-way except for signs for city-sponsored community events in location(s) approved by the City.

M. Signs located on private property without the property owner's approval.

N. Off-site signs except for:

1. Temporary noncommercial signs.

2. Residential open house signs.

3. Garage or yard sale signs.

4. Signs attached to trees, shrubs, or other natural features.

O. Mobile billboard operating on a street or other public place within the City in which the public has the right of travel.

(Ord. 475, § 2(Exh. A), 2017)

A. Signs in the R-10, R-12, R-15, R-20, R-40, R-40-H, M-R, M-R-M, M-R-H, PF, and A Districts—Sign Permits. A sign permit is required in the R-10, R-12, R-15, R-20, R-40, R-40-H, M-R, M-R-M, M-R-H, PF, and A Districts for all non-exempt signs as follows:

1. Noncommercial locational signs in accordance with the standards of Section 15.08.070 of this chapter.

2. Neighborhood/district entry signs in accordance with the standards of Section 15.08.070 of this chapter.

3. Subdivision marketing sign program in accordance with the standards of Section 15.08.070 of this chapter.

4. No other non-exempt signs are allowed in these districts.

B. Signs in the L-C District—Sign Permits. A sign permit is required in the L-C District for all non-exempt signs as follows:

1. Noncommercial locational signs in accordance with the standards of Section 15.08.070 of this chapter.

2. Neighborhood/district entry signs in accordance with the standards of Section 15.08.070 of this chapter.

3. Master sign plan in accordance with the standards of Section 15.08.070 of this chapter.

4. Commercial center entry signs in accordance with the standards of Section 15.08.070 of this chapter.

5. Subdivision marketing sign program in accordance with Section 15.08.070 of this chapter.

C. Signs in the L-C District—Standards. Ground and building signs relating to on-site commercial activities are authorized in the L-C Districts in accordance with the following standards:

1. The aggregate sign area of any combination of ground signs and building signs for a building or a business shall not exceed one square foot per lineal foot of building frontage or store frontage. Exempt signs, directory signs, commercial center entry signs, pennants, and portable signs are not subject to this aggregate sign limit.

2. Monument signs (ground signs) shall not exceed eight (8) feet in height, and the size of such signs may be no greater than sixty percent (60%) of the allowable aggregate sign area for the building frontage to a maximum of twenty-four (24) square feet.

3. Pole signs (ground signs) shall not exceed eight (8) feet in height, and the size of such signs may be no greater than sixty percent (60%) of the allowable aggregate sign area for the building frontage to a maximum of twenty-four (24) square feet.

4. Kiosk signs (ground signs) shall not exceed twenty-four (24) square feet in area (all faces) and shall not exceed seven (7) feet in height.

5. Projecting signs (building signs) shall not exceed twelve (12) square feet in area and shall maintain a vertical clearance of at least eight (8) feet.

6. Suspended signs (building signs) oriented toward pedestrian areas or walkways shall not exceed six (6) square feet in area and shall maintain a vertical clearance of at least eight (8) feet above the surface of a walkway, sidewalk, or pedestrian path.

7. Suspended signs (building signs) oriented toward street traffic and/or parking lots shall maintain a vertical clearance of at least eight (8) feet above the surface of a walkway, sidewalk, or pedestrian path, and may not be displayed over vehicular access. The size of such a suspended sign may be no greater than sixty percent (60%) of the allowable aggregate sign area for the building frontage to a maximum of twenty (20) square feet.

8. Window signs (building signs) shall not cover more than forty percent (40%) of the glazed area of an individual window panel or more than twenty percent (20%) of the aggregate glazed area on any one building frontage or store frontage.

9. Wall Signs (building signs) - one square foot per lineal foot of building or store frontage.

10. Awning Signs (building signs) - one square foot per lineal foot of building or store frontage.

D. Signs in the PD District. Signs in the PD District shall conform to the standards or signs for uses defined in the applicable General Plan designation. For signs in areas designated residential, cultural center, institutional, school, or open space by the General Plan, the requirements and standards for signs in the R-10, R-12, R-15, R-20, R-40, R-40-H, M-R, M-R-M, M-R-H, PF, and A Districts shall apply. For signs in areas designated commercial by the General Plan, the requirements and standards for signs in the L-C District shall apply unless otherwise specified by a master sign plan.

(Ord. 475, § 2(Exh. A), 2017)

A. Neighborhood/District Entry Signs. Neighborhood/district entry signs are allowed in all districts subject to the following standards:

1. The sign shall include only the name of the neighborhood or district.

2. Lettering shall not exceed eighteen (18) inches in height.

3. The top of the letters shall not exceed six (6) feet in height.

B. Commercial Center Entry Signs. Commercial center entry signs are allowed in commercial districts subject to the following standards:

1. One (1) sign may be located near each main vehicular entrance to the shopping center, business area, or office park fronting on a public roadway.

2. The sign may be a pole sign or monument sign.

3. The sign shall not exceed eight (8) feet in height.

4. Lettering shall not exceed twenty-two (22) inches in height.

C. Banners. Banners for new or relocated businesses are allowed temporarily in commercial districts subject to the following standards:

1. Banner in lieu of permanent sign:

a. The banner shall be secured on all sides.

b. The banner may only be displayed for up to thirty (30) days, with up to an additional thirty (30) day extension if approved administratively by the Community Development Department.

c. The banner must conform to the sign area dimensions and location of Section 15.08.060.C of this chapter.

2. Promotional banner. A second banner in addition to that noted above may be allowed subject to the following standards:

a. The banner may be a wall, window, or suspended sign.

b. The banner may only be displayed for up to thirty (30) days.

c. The banner may be no larger than the banner as approved per Section 15.08.070.C.1 and must conform to the sign area dimensions of Section 15.08.060.C of this chapter.

D. Pennants. Pennants are allowed in commercial districts subject to the following standards.

1. Only one pennant may be displayed by any one business.

2. The pennant shall be secured to a pole on one side and shall be hanging.

3. The pennant shall not exceed two (2) feet in width or four (4) feet in length.

4. The pennant shall be made in a professional manner and workmanship of fabric, plastic, or similar material designed to withstand at least six (6) months of outdoor exposure. Paper pennants shall not be allowed.

5. The bottom of a pennant shall be at least eight (8) feet above the surface of a walkway, sidewalk, or pedestrian path. A pennant may not be displayed over a street, driveway, or vehicular access.

E. Portable Signs. Portable signs are allowed in commercial districts subject to the following standards:

1. Only one portable sign may be displayed by any one business.

2. The sign shall only be in the form of an A-frame, sandwich board, menu board, or umbrella.

3. The sign shall not exceed three (3) feet in height or two (2) feet in width per face, except for an umbrella.

4. The sign shall be displayed only during the hours the business is open to the public and shall be removed during non-business hours.

5. The sign shall be displayed immediately adjacent to the business it advertises.

6. The sign shall not be displayed in a public right-of-way nor shall it obstruct a pedestrian walkway.

7. The sign shall be constructed out of a stable and rigid material (i.e., PVC is not considered an acceptably rigid material).

F. Residential Open House and Personal Property Sale Signs. Residential open house and personal property sale signs are allowed for residential uses subject to the following standards:

1. A total of one on-site sign and up to six (6) off-site signs.

2. Only one off-site sign may be displayed at any one intersection for each residential open house or personal property sale.

3. The signs shall not exceed three (3) feet in height or two (2) feet in width.

4. The signs shall only be displayed up to one hour before, during, and up to one hour following the residential open house or personal property sale.

5. The signs shall not be displayed in a public right-of-way nor shall they obstruct a pedestrian walkway, except signs shall be allowed behind the sidewalk or behind the curb if there is no sidewalk.

6. No signs shall be displayed on private property without the prior consent of the property owner.

7. Balloons, flags, pennants, animated devices, and similar objects are prohibited. (see Section 17.16.020.E of the Municipal Code for further regulations for personal property sales).

G. Noncommercial Locational Signs. Noncommercial locational signs are allowed in all districts subject to the following standards:

1. The signs may include building signs and ground signs.

2. The aggregate sign area may not exceed twenty-four (24) square feet for a lot up to forty thousand (40,000) square feet in size. For lots larger than forty thousand (40,000) square feet, sign area may be increased subject to specific Planning Commission review and approval.

3. No ground or pole sign shall exceed eight (8) feet in height.

H. Real Estate Signs. Real estate signs are allowed in all districts subject to the following standards:

1. Only one on-site real estate sign may be displayed on a front or side yard frontage. An additional real estate sign may be displayed on a rear yard frontage.

2. Real estate signs in residential districts shall not exceed six (6) square feet in area. Real estate signs in commercial districts shall not exceed twelve (12) square feet in area.

3. The sign may be in the form of a pole sign or a wall sign.

4. The sign shall not exceed six (6) feet in height.

5. The sign shall be removed within ten (10) days of the lot or building(s) being sold, leased, or rented.

6. Real estate signs located off-site of the subject property (e.g., at nearby intersection, public landscape, public property, public right-of-way) are not allowed.

I. Subdivision Marketing Sign Program. Subdivision marketing signs are allowed in residential districts subject to the approval of a subdivision marketing sign program in accordance with the following standards:

1. The program may include a combination of temporary ground signs, wall signs, subdivision marketing pole pennants, and real estate signs.

2. All subdivision marketing signs shall be displayed within the boundaries of the subdivision.

3. Subdivision marketing pole pennants shall not exceed twenty-five (25) feet in height or be located closer than every fifty (50) feet.

4. All subdivision marketing signs shall be removed within thirty (30) days of the opening of escrow for sale of the last home in the subdivision.

5. The dimensions of any sign shall not exceed eight (8) feet in length, nor eight (8) feet in height, nor a total area of sixty (60) square feet.

J. Master Sign Plan. At the discretion of the City or one or more property owners, a master sign plan may be established for a shopping center, business area, office park, or similar identifiable geographic area. Such master sign plan may impose sign requirements and standards addressing the number, height, area, color, or other sign characteristics in a manner more restrictive than that allowed by the general sign requirements and standards of Section 15.08.060 of this chapter. Such a master sign plan may be established to promote an enhanced sense of identity, aesthetic value, or other feature. A master sign plan will not only identify and describe those sign characteristics that are more restrictive than those allowed by the general sign requirements and standards of Section 15.08.060 of this chapter, but also the purpose or goal for which the master sign plan is established.

(Ord. 475, § 2(Exh. A), 2017)

The following principles shall govern the computation of sign area and height.

A. Computation of Area of Individual Signs. The sign area of a sign face (which is also the sign area of a wall sign or other sign with only one face) shall be computed by means of the smallest square, circle, rectangle, triangle, or combination thereof that will encompass the extreme limits 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 form the backdrop or structure against which it is placed, but not including any supporting framework, bracing, or decorative wall when such wall otherwise meets zoning ordinance regulations and is clearly incidental to the display itself.

B. Computation of Area of Multi-Faced Signs. The sign area for a sign with more than one face shall be computed by adding together the area of all sign faces visible from any one point. When two (2) sign faces are placed back to back so that both faces cannot be viewed from any point at the same time, and when such sign faces are part of the same sign structure and are not more than forty-two (42) inches apart, the sign area shall be computed by the measurement of one of the faces.

C. Computation of Height. The height of a sign shall be computed as the distance from the grade at the edge of the public way along which a sign is placed or oriented to the highest point of the sign, or any structural or architectural component of the sign. When the grade at the edge of the public way is higher than the site on which the sign is placed, that portion of the sign below the grade at the edge of the public way shall not be included in determining the sign's overall height.

D. Computation of Total Permitted Sign Area. The total area of all individual signs permitted on a lot shall be computed according to Section 15.08.060.C of this chapter. Property fronting two (2) or more streets are allowed the permitted sign area specified in Section 15.08.060.C for each such street frontage.

(Ord. 475, § 2(Exh. A), 2017)

All signs shall be maintained in good repair and shall be cleaned, painted, and replaced as necessary to present a neat appearance at all times.

(Ord. 475, § 2(Exh. A), 2017)

A. Except for regular maintenance, no non-conforming sign shall be altered, modified, added to, or increased in area, unless the entire sign is brought into conformity with the requirements and standards of this chapter.

B. Any non-conforming sign that is damaged or destroyed to the extent of fifty percent (50%) or more of its estimated market value shall not be replaced or repaired except by a sign that conforms to the requirements and standards of this chapter.

C. Any non-conforming sign relating to a business that has not operated for six (6) consecutive months shall be removed.

(Ord. 475, § 2(Exh. A), 2017)

In each instance and under the same conditions to which this chapter permits any sign, a sign containing an ideological, political or other noncommercial message that is constructed to the same physical dimensions of the permitted sign shall be permitted.

(Ord. 475, § 2(Exh. A), 2017)

Any person erecting, displaying, or maintaining a sign in violation of this chapter is guilty of an infraction and shall be subject to enforcement and penalties set out in Chapters 1.12, 1.14, 1.16, and 1.20 of Title 1 of the Clayton Municipal Code.

(Ord. 475, § 2(Exh. A), 2017)