Colfax Municipal Code Ch. 17.112 Signs

This chapter shall be known and cited to as the "Colfax Sign Ordinance."

(Ord. No. 519, 8-8-2012)

A. This chapter establishes the legal framework for a comprehensive system for the regulation of signs. This chapter presents a set of reasonable, non-arbitrary and non-discriminatory standards and controls designed to optimize communication between the citizens and their environment. To not only facilitate the protection of the public, but the aesthetic character of the city and to ensure the availability to the community of adequate, high quality signs.

B. Signs have an obvious impact on the character, quality of life and economic health of the city. As a prominent aspect of the scenery, they either attract or repel the viewing public and may affect the safety of vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Their suitability and appropriateness helps define the character of a neighborhood and the larger community. The purpose of this chapter is to regulate signs in a manner that will benefit the public and maintain a high quality of development throughout the city. The regulations contained herein are intended to:

1. Direct persons to various activities and enterprises in order to provide for the maximum public convenience;

2. Provide a reasonable system of regulations for signs in order to ensure the development of a quality visual environment;

3. Encourage signs that are well-designed and pleasing in appearance, recognizing that a well-designed sign enhances a business's image and economic vitality;

4. Provide incentive and latitude for variety, good design relationships and spacing of signs;

5. Encourage a desirable urban character that has a minimum of overhead clutter and reduce sign proliferation;

6. Enhance the economic value of the community and each area thereof through the regulation of such things as size, number, location, design and illumination of signs;

7. Encourage signs that are compatible with adjacent land uses and that provide pedestrian-scale atmosphere;

8. Reduce possible traffic and safety hazards through good signage;

9. Ensure the maintenance of signs; and

10. Implement the community architectural and landscape design goals, objectives and policies of the general plan, design guidelines established by the city, and other applicable design guidelines to enhance the beautification of the city.

(Ord. No. 519, 8-8-2012)

For the purposes of this chapter, the definitions shall be as follows:

"Abandoned" means a sign which has not been maintained in accordance with the provisions of this chapter for a period in excess of thirty (30) days following legal notice to the owner of the property and/or owner of the advertising display or tenant on whose property the advertising display is located that such sign does not meet, in the discretion of the planning director, minimum maintenance standards or a sign display for a business, product or service no longer in existence on the premises.

"Accessory sign" means signs which advertise a product or service in association with the business.

"Agricultural sign" means a sign that advertises the sale or growing of fruits, vegetables, nuts and organic materials.

"Amortization" means the elimination of nonconforming signs over a period of time intended to allow the owner opportunity to depreciate the value of the sign.

"Appeal" means a request for reconsideration of an administrative remedy by a higher level of legislative or quasi-judicial government.

"Architect, contractor or construction sign" means a sign which gives notice of development advertising a contractor, architect or construction company.

"Awning/canopy sign" means a simulated roof or umbrella-type structure which projects from a wall or roof of a building, which contains text advertisement for a business, goods or services.

"Beacon" means any light with one or more beams directed into the atmosphere or directed at one or more points not on the same lot as the light source; also any light with one or more beams that rotate or move.

"Building frontage" means that side of a building which contains the main entrance for pedestrian ingress and egress. If more than one main entrance exists, the one that more nearly faces or is oriented to a parking area or the street of highest classification as portrayed in the current circulation element of the general plan shall be considered the building frontage. For unique designs that do not allow use of the preceding discussion, the planning director shall determine building frontage.

"Combination canopy and under-canopy sign" means a sign painted, placed or installed on an awning/canopy and a sign hanging under an awning/canopy.

"Digital billboard" means a billboard or other off-site sign that uses digital-display technology.

"Exempt sign" means a sign not required to comply with the standards of this chapter.

"Freestanding sign" means a sign standing alone or on its own foundation free of support or attachment.

"Government flags" means flags displayed by federal, state, county or city governments.

"Illumination" means the source of light used for visible display of both interior/exterior signage.

"Maintenance" means ongoing care and repair of a sign.

"Master sign program" means a plan for signage for more than one business sign in a unified commercial area.

"Multi-tenant sign, freestanding" means a freestanding sign that is made up of three or more individual sign faces, one of which must be associated with the parcel upon which the sign is located. For the purposes of this chapter, all multi-tenant signs are considered on-site signs.

"Mural" means an application of pictures or other graphic art forms onto exterior walls, either full or portions of walls to enhance the architecture or aesthetics of a building or wall. Murals must not include the name, logo or other representation that advertises a business, product, service or other commercial activity.

"Nonconforming sign" means a sign that originally complied with all applicable regulations and laws at the time it was erected, but violates a regulation or law subsequently adopted.

"Off-site sign" means individual signs advertising a business, service, commercial or industrial entity not located on the parcel of land as the sign.

"Permitted sign" means a sign that has been approved pursuant to this chapter and for which a sign permit has been issued.

"Political sign/civic sign" means a sign that draws attention to a ballot issue, candidate or measure in a national, state or local election.

"Prohibited sign" means a sign and/or sign materials not consistent with the standards of this chapter.

"Projecting sign" means a sign which extends out from a building face or wall so that the sign face is perpendicular or at an angle to the building face or wall.

"Real estate sign" means a sign which gives notice of the sale, rental or lease of real property.

"Residential sign" means a sign which notices the name of an occupant or resident.

"Roof sign, integral" means any sign erected or constructed as an integral part of a normal roof structure of any design, in such way that no part of the sign extends vertically above the highest portion of the roof and no part of the sign is separated from the rest of the roof by a space of more than six inches.

"Sandwich sign" means a freestanding portable "V"-shaped sign (horizontal or vertical "V") used temporarily for events, goods, services or activities.

"Sign clearance" means the distance of the sign to a public right-of-way, pedestrian or vehicular.

"Sign review" means planning director review of a sign permit application for compliance with this chapter and approval or denial by the planning director or planning commission.

"Temporary sign" means a sign that is limited to the duration of a condition, activity or event.

"Wall sign" means a sign affixed to or painted on the wall surface of a building in such a manner that the surface of the sign is parallel with the prevailing surface of the wall upon which the sign is displayed.

"Window sign" means a sign displayed within a building or attached to the interior/exterior of a window or similar opening for the primary purpose of visibility.

(Ord. No. 519, 8-8-2012)

Unless exempt by Section 17.112.170 of this chapter or an approved freestanding multi-tenant, master sign program, digital billboard sign or off-site subdivision sign, signs shall be located on the same legal parcel as the permitted use and shall be clearly incidental, customary and commonly associated with the operation of the permitted use. For the purposes of this chapter, a unified retail shopping, commercial or business center shall be treated as a single parcel regardless of whether the center is comprised of more than one legal parcel. Freestanding multi-tenant signs must advertise the business located on the parcel, as well as the additional business, product, service or other commercial activity, except as provided in Section 17.112.220 of this chapter, abandoned signs.

(Ord. No. 519, 8-8-2012)

A. Administration of this chapter shall be carried out by the planning director or his or her designee. All limitations shall be as set forth in the California State Planning and Zoning Law (Title 7, Chapter 65000 of the Government Code, as amended) and all applicable sections of the Business and Professions Code, and California Building and Fire Codes.

B. Unless expressly exempted in this chapter, no sign may be erected, displayed, reconstructed or altered until a sign permit is granted as set forth in this chapter and a building permit (when applicable) has been issued.

C. The objectives of sign review are:

1. To provide a means of review appropriate to the magnitude of the proposed signage;

2. To assure the planned character of freestanding multi-tenant signs and master sign programs;

3. To provide a means of flexible application of the sign regulations so as to encourage maximum incentive and latitude in the design and display of signs in order to achieve, not circumvent the intent of this chapter.

D. All sign applications are subject to sign review by the planning director for compliance with this chapter.

E. The planning director will review the sign application and may approve, deny or approve with conditions the sign permit (known as an administrative sign permit) or refer the application to the planning commission. The planning director may also delegate administrative sign permit review and approval to other city employees.

F. Signs associated with projects subject to design review shall be reviewed as part of that process; however, such signs also require a sign permit from the planning director.

G. Planning commission approval is required for sign applications in any instance where it is combined with a project that is subject to be heard by the planning commission, such as a conditional use permit, general plan amendment or rezone.

H. The planning director may approve deviation of letter type fonts after approval of the sign permit. This type of change shall not require the applicant to process an additional sign permit application.

I. Findings. In approving a sign permit, the approval authority shall make the findings set forth in subsection 17.40.070D. or 17.40.070E., as applicable.

(Ord. No. 519, 8-8-2012)

Sign review shall be initiated by the applicant submitting a completed sign application form to be provided by the city. Upon receipt of a completed application, the planning director will review and may grant approval of the sign or refer the application to the planning commission pursuant to the standards of this chapter. If the planning director determines the sign to be unacceptable and/or the sign application to be incomplete, the applicant will be informed of identifiable issues and suggested alternatives to resolve such issues.

(Ord. No. 519, 8-8-2012)

A. For the purpose of determining the number of signs, a sign shall be considered to be a single display surface or display device containing sign faces physically connected and having a coterminous boundary, with the following exception: combination canopy, under-canopy and awning, under-awning signs shall be considered as one sign.

B. A two-sided or multi-sided sign shall be regarded as one sign subject to the following:

1. A "V-type" sign shall be regarded as a single sign only if the two sides are separated by no more than three feet at any point;

2. Double-faced (back-to-back) signs shall be regarded as a single sign only if the distance between the backs of each face of the sign does not exceed two feet.

C. All freestanding signs twenty (20) feet or less in height shall have a solid base comprised of rock, brick, wood, exposed aggregate or natural material(s) or as approved by the planning director.

D. The total number of signs advertising an individual business, service, product or commercial activity shall not exceed three in the historic district.

(Ord. No. 519, 8-8-2012)

A. Signs shall conform to the applicable standards as set forth in this chapter, including the standards set forth in the charts at the end of this chapter.

B. Height of Signs. Except for restrictions contained in the historic district, determination of the height of the sign will be made pursuant to Section 17.40.070.

C. Copyrighted Logos. The City of Colfax will not require the modification, including requiring a change in color, of any copyrighted logo, national logo or state-approved logo of any business located outside of the historic district.

D. The following guidelines should be considered:

1. Interior lit signs are discouraged and will not generally be approved.

2. Signs should respect the architectural design and proportion of the building and should not cover transoms, insignias, or any architectural ornamentation.

3. Limit the number of lettering styles on a sign to increase legibility, i.e. not more than two for small signs.

4. The preferred lettering styles for Colfax are Bostonian, Hasler Circus, Playbill, Mesquite, Wide Latin, Bookman Bold, and Barclay Expanded Ultrabold. Refer to Appendix 2 of this document.

5. The following types of signs are encouraged: flush wall mounted, projecting with solid metal supports, hanging signs, window painted signs, integral roof signs and monument signs.

6. Any change in copy shall still conform to the sign ordinance in terms of materials, sign area, standards, and criteria.

(Ord. No. 519, 8-8-2012)

A. The following standards for illumination apply to all signs in all zones:

1. All sign illumination shall be from the interior or by indirect lighting (diffused) light, which is stationary and constant in intensity and color at all times. All signs shall be turned off after business hours or at ten p.m., whichever is later.

2. Signs without internal lighting shall be lighted from above and in a downward direction.

3. All lighted signs shall be mounted, arranged or shielded to prevent spillage of light off-site or into the sky.

4. Neon tubing as a sign material shall be permitted to the extent that it composes twenty (20) percent or less of the total allowable sign surface area.

5. Neon tubing as an architectural detail shall be used in limited quantities in the commercial or highway/commercial districts subject to the approval as part of sign review. All neon tubing used as an architectural detail shall be integrated into the design of the building. Visible neon tubing outlining the interior of a window shall be considered a sign.

6. Neon tubing used as an architectural detail is prohibited in the historic district.

B. The following standards for illumination shall apply in the A, R, RM, R-MHS and OS zoning districts: maximum illumination of ten (10) foot lambert per sign.

(Ord. No. 519, 8-8-2012)

A. All projecting signs, except awnings or canopies, must be double-faced.

B. An encroachment permit from the building department is required for signs that project more than two feet over a public right-of-way.

C. All signs that project more than two feet over a public right-of-way shall have a minimum height clearance of seven feet.

D. No permit for any sign shall be issued and no sign shall be constructed or maintained that has less horizontal or vertical clearance from communication lines and energized electrical power lines than that prescribed by the laws of the state or rules and regulations duly promulgated by agencies thereof.

(Ord. No. 519, 8-8-2012)

Signs that are temporary or transient in nature and placed in a window or wall area shall be considered accessory signs and shall not count toward the permitted business signage.

(Ord. No. 519, 8-8-2012)

Signs that are incidental or supplemental to the use of the property, such as drive-through menu boards do not count towards the permitted signage. The design, number, location and size of incidental or supplemental signs shall be reviewed and approved as part of a sign review or master sign program by the planning director.

(Ord. No. 519, 8-8-2012)

A. The purpose of a master sign program is to integrate signs with buildings, landscape design and promote a unified architectural unit, to reduce the overall number of signs and to ensure the magnitude of proposed signs are substantially consistent with existing and proposed buildings and the character of the district within which the signs are proposed.

B. A master sign program for a unified commercial area, such as a retail shopping, commercial or business center, shall be processed prior to installation of any signs. Any sign which conforms to an approved master sign program may be approved by the planning director. Approval of a master sign program does not waive the permit requirements for individual signs.

C. Amendment. A master sign program may be amended by submitting an amended master sign program that conforms to all requirements of this chapter to the planning director and obtaining planning director approval.

D. Binding Effect. After approval of a master sign program, no signs shall be erected, placed, painted, or maintained, except in conformance with such plan, and such plan may be enforced in the same ways as any provision in this chapter. The master sign program shall be attached to the lease agreements for all leasable space within the project. In case of any conflict between the provisions of such a plan with any other provisions herein, this section shall control.

(Ord. No. 519, 8-8-2012)

Freestanding multi-tenant signs must comply with all applicable provisions of this chapter and consider topographic conditions and visual impairment.

(Ord. No. 519, 8-8-2012)

Digital Billboard Signs on City-owned Property. For purposes of this section, (1) a "digital billboard sign" means and refers to an advertising structure (as that term is defined in the California Outdoor Advertising Act - Business & Professions Code, Division 3, Chapter 2) that uses digital-display technology; and (2) "City-owned property" means and refers to any property in which the city is the owner of the majority of the fee title interest, as well as property in which the city has a leasehold, easement, license or other possessory interest.

A. Notwithstanding any provision of this title to the contrary, the city, on such terms as the planning director may approve in his or her discretion, may: construct, repair, replace and maintain; cause the construction, repair, replacement and/or maintenance of; or issue a permit for the construction, repair, replacement and/or maintenance of, digital billboard signs within city-owned property and visible from Interstate Highway 80 and/or State Highway 174, subject to subsections A.1. through A.5, below. Such terms may include utilizing a relocation agreement, which would allow the removal of a display and construction of a new display to substitute for the display that is removed. A digital billboard sign may be electronic, programmable and/or illuminated and provide for "off-site" advertising (as that term is defined in this chapter). The total number of billboard signs in the city, whether digital or not, may not exceed the number of billboard signs in the city at the time the digital billboard sign ordinance is adopted, without further action of the city council.

1. The city-owned property must be located in a commercial or industrial zone as of the date a permit for a digital billboard sign is issued.

2. All digital-display faces must be oriented primarily for viewing from the freeway or highway to which it is adjacent.

3. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in this title, the maximum height of a digital billboard sign, measured from grade to the top of the digital-display face, is forty-five (45) feet; and the overall maximum height, measured from grade to the top of the billboard structure, is fifty (50) feet. The planning director may, upon a showing of good cause supported by substantial evidence in the record, grant a variance on the maximum height restriction.

4. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in this Title, a digital billboard sign may have either one or two display faces, and the maximum area of a display face is one thousand two hundred (1,200) square feet. The maximum height of the display face is 25 feet and maximum length of the display face is sixty (60) feet.

5. A digital billboard sign may display only a still image in each of its display messages. This means that the still image being displayed may not move or present the appearance of motion and may not use flashing, blinking, or traveling lights or any other means not providing constant illumination (except that part necessary to give public service information such as time, date, temperature, weather, or similar information). The digital billboard sign must expose each message display for not less than four seconds, unless a greater amount of time is set forth as a recommendation in the most recent guidance document issued by the Federal Highway Administration on the subject of changeable electronic variable message signs; in such case, the minimum FHWA standard shall apply. The transition or blank screen time between one display message and the next may not exceed one second, nor shall this transition time be construed as a failure to comply with the constant illumination requirement set forth above.

B. Notwithstanding any provision of this title to the contrary, an existing sign that is removed and/or relocated in the implementation or exercise of subsection A., above, may include either a legal conforming sign or a legal nonconforming sign; such status shall be determined by the planning director. Any sign approved for relocation must be removed prior to construction or installation of the digital billboard sign that will replace it.

C. Compliance. In addition to complying with the other requirements of this section, a digital billboard sign must also comply with the requirements of the California Outdoor Advertising Act, Chapter 2 in Division 3 of the California Business and Professions Code ("Act"), including, but not limited to, the restrictions on size, height, intermittent flashing lights, proximity to interstate and primary highways and landscaped freeways, and other regulations set forth in Articles 7 and 8 of the Act. To the extent a conflict arises between this section and the Act, the Act will prevail, except for the FHWA recommendation referenced in subsection A.5., above.

D. Findings for Approval of a Digital Billboard Sign or Relocation Agreement. A digital billboard sign or relocation agreement may be approved if the planning director makes the following findings:

1. The digital billboard sign or relocation agreement substantially complies with the purpose and requirements of this section;

2. The digital billboard sign or relocation agreement will not interfere with on-site access or circulation or significantly interfere with visibility.

(Ord. No. 519, 8-8-2012)

A. Purpose and Intent. To ensure a mural enhances the architecture or aesthetics of a building or wall and does not detract from the character of the district within which it is located. To ensure a mural is not detrimental to the public health, safety or welfare, a mural permit shall be required for all murals.

B. Review Process. Murals are considered a means to enhance the architecture or aesthetics of a building or wall and not a form of advertisement. All murals shall be treated as a sign and reviewed pursuant to this chapter. If a mural is proposed containing business or business-related advertising materials, it shall be required to pay the sign permit fee. If the mural is civic-oriented in nature, as opposed to promoting a specific business, the sign permit fee shall be waived. The mural permit process shall require review of murals to ensure that size, location and placement is consistent with the character of the district within which it is located; the character of the building or wall upon which it is placed; and that the mural is not detrimental to the public health, safety or welfare. The approval authority for a mural permit is the planning director, who shall not delegate such authority to other city employees.

(Ord. No. 519, 8-8-2012)

The following signs shall be allowed without a sign permit and shall not be included in the determination of type, number or area of signs allowed in each zone district; however, exempt signs are subject to building, plumbing or electrical permits as appropriate.

A. Official federal, state or local government flags, emblems and historical markers;

B. Official federal, state or local government traffic, directional and information signs and notices issued by any court, person or officer in performance of a public duty;

C. Temporary signs warning of construction, excavations or similar hazards;

D. Temporary holiday decorations;

E. "No Trespassing" signs not more than one square foot in size placed at each corner and each entrance to a property and at intervals of not less than one hundred (100) feet;

F. Parking lot and other private traffic directional signs not exceeding three square feet in area which are limited to guidance of pedestrian or vehicular traffic. If located off-site, the signs are further limited to street number, street name and directional symbols. References to the name of a business and/or business logo are not permitted if the sign is located off-site. In addition, off-site signage requires proof of permission from, or a contract with, the property owner to use the location, which must be in a form found to be acceptable to the city manager prior to sign installation; ;

G. For each service station, pricing and grade signs as required by the state;

H. Legal or ordinance enforcement signs not exceeding three square feet in area and erected by private individuals or businesses and not otherwise regulated by this Code;

(Ord. No. 519, 8-8-2012)

Permitted signs are all signs that have been approved pursuant to this chapter and for which a sign permit has been issued. Such signs include:

A. Integral roof signs, awning/canopy signs, combination canopy and under-canopy signs, wall signs and freestanding signs, subject to the regulations set forth in the charts at the end of this chapter;

B. Temporary advertising signs or special event display, subject to the following regulations and the regulations set forth in the charts at the end of this chapter:

1. Signs painted on a window or constructed of paper, cloth, wood or similar material, including banners, flags, pennants and balloons provided they are displayed for no more than thirty (30) days prior to an event and five days afterward, with a maximum of three thirty-day periods per business establishment) calendar days each calendar year, to promote events or sales of products, merchandise or service;

2. Temporary Gas and hot air balloons or inflatable displays, subject to the following regulations and the regulations set forth in the charts at the end of this chapter:

a. No more than one hot air balloon or inflatable display is permitted per event;

b. Use of gas balloons or inflatable displays are limited to three days per event. Not to exceed thirty-six (36) such displays in each calendar year per business establishment;

c. Balloons or inflatable displays shall not be located on any roof structure nor shall they occupy required parking spaces or be placed in walkways;

d. Window signs, banners, commercial flags and pennants may be used in conjunction with balloons or inflatable displays as listed in subsection A.1. of this section.

3. Permanent window signs limited to hours of operation; business name; address; and emergency information and menu of services or goods

C. Real estate signs for sales, rental or lease subject to the following regulations:

1. Residential dwellings offered for sale, rent or lease on an individual basis not in association with a subdivision or apartment complex, one sign per parcel not exceeding five square feet and six feet in height. Such signs shall be removed within five calendar days after the sale, rent or lease of property. Signs shall not create sight distance hazards.

2. One sign per parcel to advertise the sale, lease or rent of commercial or industrial property provided all of the following are met:

a. Such signs shall not exceed four square feet each and be no greater than six feet in height;

b. Signs shall not create sight distance hazards for pedestrians or vehicles;

c. Such signs shall be removed within five calendar days of the close of the sale or termination of the lease or rental agreement;

d. Where a project has in excess of six hundred (600) lineal feet of street frontage, one additional sign shall be permitted for each full six hundred (600) lineal feet of street frontage.

D. Subdivision signs subject to the following regulations:

1. On- or off-site, unlighted signs advertising subdivisions within the city, containing only the name of the subdivision, its products, the name of the developer and/or agent, an identification emblem and a directional arrow shall be permitted for not more than two years provided:

a. There shall be not more than two such signs located within the city limits for each subdivision. Signs must be located on private property;

b. The total area of each sign shall not exceed ninety-four (94) square feet;

c. The total height of each sign shall not exceed twenty-four (24) feet;

d. Directional subdivision signs may be displayed during construction or until the last lot has been sold.

2. One on-site subdivision sign for each subdivision entrance shall be permitted provided the total area per sign is not greater than thirty-two (32) square feet and sign height does not exceed six feet. Such on-site sign shall be permitted to remain only as long as a sales office is maintained in the subdivision not to exceed four years and provided such signs are maintained in good condition as determined by the planning director.

3. Permanent gateway/entrance subdivision signs must be consistent with the general plan and are subject to the following regulations:

a. One on-site subdivision sign for each subdivision entrance, excluding emergency secondary access, provided the total sign area is not greater than forty-eight (48) square feet;

b. Sign height shall not exceed sixteen (16) feet;

c. Permanent gateway/entrance subdivision signs shall be maintained in good condition as determined by the planning director.

E. Architect, contractor or construction signs providing the name of architect(s) and/or contractor(s) working on the site, subject to the following:

1. For residential projects greater than four dwelling units, up to two signs may be placed on the construction site;

2. For commercial and industrial projects, up to two signs may be placed on the construction site;

3. For all other projects, a total of two signs may be placed on the construction site.

F. Future tenant identification signs to advertise the future use of an approved project on the property may be placed on vacant or developing property to give the location where information may be obtained. Such signs will be approved by the planning director at the time a use permit is issued and are subject to the following restrictions:

1. One future tenant identification sign per parcel;

2. Such signs shall not be erected until a use permit is issued for the development and shall be removed within one year from the date of the building permit.

G. Residential Signs. Multiple-family residential building identification signs limited to address and building number or letter. One wall sign is allowed per building frontage and shall be located below the roof line. Directional signage for the multiple-family residential building complex may be placed along the internal drive areas.

H. Agricultural signs identifying agricultural products grown or sold on the premises shall be approved at the discretion of the planning director.

I. Election Campaign Signs. Political signs advertising candidates or positions on issues for an election campaign may be placed on private property only, and are subject to the following requirements:

1. Location of Signs. Election campaign signs shall be prohibited within any public right-of-way.

2. Maximum Sign Area. Thirty-two (32) square feet.

3. Property Owner Consent Required. The placement of election campaign signs shall only occur with the permission of the owner of the property where the sign is to be placed.

4. Removal Required. Election campaign signs shall be removed from public view no later than twenty-one (21) days after an election to which they apply.

5. Enforcement. If an election campaign sign is in violation of the provisions of this section, notice shall be given by the planning director to either the property owner or manager and/or the candidate and/or organization for which the sign was placed, that directs removal of the sign within seven days of the date of the notice. Failure to remove the sign shall be punishable as provided in Section 17.112.270. (enforcement).

J. Government and noncommercial signs except when displayed in connection with commercial promotion, provided that such flags are no greater in size than ten (10) feet by fifteen (15) feet or as approved by the planning director.

K. Miscellaneous Signs.

1. Memorial tablets, plaques or directional signs for community historical and cultural resources installed by the city or by a city recognized historical society or civic organization.

2. Official and legal notices issued by any court, public body or officer or in furtherance of any non-judicial process by federal, state or local law.

3. Public utility signs indicating danger or that serve as an aid to public safety or that show locations of underground facilities or public telephones.

4. Safety signs on construction sites.

5. Public transportation vehicle signs, including, but not limited to buses and taxi cabs.

6. Signs on licensed commercial vehicles that are not used or intended for use as portable signs and that are not specifically prohibited by the provisions of this chapter.

7. Change of copy on an approved sign in compliance with this chapter.

8. Holiday decorations to celebrate nationally recognized holidays and local celebrations.

9. Vehicle-oriented convenience and directional signs solely for the purpose of guiding traffic and parking on private property and not bearing advertising material, limited to a maximum area of two square feet.

10. Directional, warning or informational signs as required or authorized by law or by any federal, state, county, special district or city authority and "No Trespassing," "No Parking," "Neighborhood Watch" and similar warning signs, limited to a maximum area of two square feet.

11. Incidental signs for auto-related uses, motels and hotels that show notices of services provided or required by law, trade affiliations and credit cards accepted, provided such signs are attached to an otherwise approved ground sign, structure or building and limited to a maximum area of two square feet.

12. "Open" and "Closed" signs.

13. Automobile service stations are permitted to have the following additional signs provided they conform to the height and setback requirements of the district in which they are located:

a. State-Authorized Testing Centers. Four square feet per sign, wall mounted only;

b. Price Signs. One single- or double-faced sign per street frontage, twenty (20) square feet maximum per face. This exception is intended to allow for full compliance with state law for posting of gasoline prices. Portable price signs are not permitted;

c. Pump Signs. One sign for each gas pump unit not to exceed two square feet per pump face or one sign per bank of pumps, not to exceed eight square feet per face, identifying the gasoline brand and rating only.

14. City-sponsored civic signs for community entrance, identification, direction or information.

15. Wall signs must not project beyond the wall surface more than six inches.

L. Signs on vehicles or trailers provided the sign is painted or attached directly to the body of the original vehicle and does not project or extend beyond the original manufactured body property of the vehicle. The sign is incidental to the vehicle's primary use and the vehicle is not used primarily for advertising purposes. Such signs shall not exceed twelve (12) square feet per sign face.

M. Any sign as determined by the planning director to be similar in use and size to the signs listed above.

(Ord. No. 519, 8-8-2012; Ord. No. 549, § 1(Exh. A), 8-24-2022)

A. Any sign not in compliance with the provisions of this chapter. Violations shall be processed pursuant to this title.

B. Roof signs extending more than six feet above the eave or parapet line, except when, in the opinion of the planning director, the sign is a complementary architectural feature of the building. This provision does not apply to integral roof signs.

C. Beacons.

D. Signs emitting audible sounds, odors or visible matter.

E. Portable signs not specifically permitted by the provisions of this chapter.

F. Signs within the public right-of-way except those permitted by a governmental agency, and otherwise permitted for digital billboard signs.

G. Signs in any location that interferes with vehicular, bicycle or pedestrian circulation or safety.

H. Signs in proximity to utility lines that have less horizontal or vertical clearance from authorized communication or energized electrical power lines than that prescribed by the laws of the state or rules and regulations duly promulgated by agencies thereof.

I. Signs blocking driveways, door or window openings or fire escapes.

J. Electric reader board signs that: (i) are not exempt by virtue of being interior signs or (ii) are not otherwise specifically permitted by the provisions of this chapter, such as digital billboard signs and signs subject to an approved master sign program.

K. Signs that simulate, by virtue of size, shape, color, lettering, or design, a traffic sign or signal, or signs with characters or graphics that interfere with, mislead, or confuse the pedestrian or motorist are prohibited.

(Ord. No. 519, 8-8-2012)

Revisions other than copy (text only) to signs will require a modification pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 17.36.180.

(Ord. No. 519, 8-8-2012)

Signs existing prior to the of adoption of the ordinance codified in this chapter that do not comply with the provisions herein shall be regarded as nonconforming signs and shall be removed from the site at the time the business is no longer in operation, in accordance with Section 17.112.220.A, except when the following applies:

A. Historical Signs.

1. Upon written request by a sign owner, the planning director may determine that a sign is historical based on the following findings:

a. The sign is unique because its shape, colors, materials or other aspects of sign design are indicative of the historical period within which it was constructed; or

b. The sign is unique because it is integrated into the design of a historical building and removal of the sign would jeopardize the historical integrity of the building.

2. Historical signs may be maintained, reconstructed, modified or expanded consistent with the historical nature of the sign after notification to the planning director.. New signs proposed on the property shall comply with this chapter and shall be complementary to the historical sign.

3. Signs not qualifying for historical status shall be permitted to remain until such time as there is a change in the use of the property, at which time sign review shall be required pursuant to this chapter.

(Ord. No. 519, 8-8-2012)

A. A sign that pertains to a business or occupation which is no longer using the particular property or which relates to a time or event that no longer applies shall be removed within thirty (30) days after the associated business or occupation has vacated the property. Abandoned signs are prohibited and sign removal shall be the joint responsibility of the owner of the sign and the owner of the property.

B. Any sign copy which no longer identifies the subject matter for which it was intended shall be removed or changed by the owner of the sign or the owner of the property upon which it is located within thirty (30) days of the event causing the improper identification. The structure shall be removed or replaced subject to the appropriate procedures required by this chapter.

(Ord. No. 519, 8-8-2012)

A. Notice and Removal. The chief building official shall remove or cause to be removed any abandoned, dangerous, defective, illegal, prohibited, not maintained, or nonconforming sign subject to removal under the provisions of this chapter, which has not been removed within the time period specified in this chapter. The chief building official shall prepare a notice which shall describe the sign and specify the violation involved and shall state that if the sign is not removed or the violation is not corrected within thirty (30) days, the sign shall be removed in accordance with the provisions of this section. For signs described under provisions of this chapter, the notice shall be mailed or given to the occupant of the property or other employee or, the owner of the sign, or representative upon which the sign is located. If known, the notice may also be mailed or delivered to the owner of the sign and the occupant of the property.

B. Emergency Removal. Notwithstanding the above provisions of this section, in cases where the chief building official determines that the sign may collapse or injure persons or property, thus constituting an emergency, the chief building official may cause the immediate removal of hazardous, dangerous or defective signs, without notice.

C. Cost of Lien. Any sign removed by the chief building official pursuant to the provisions of this section shall become the property of the City of Colfax, and may be disposed of in any manner deemed appropriate by the city. The cost of removal of the sign shall be considered a debt to the city by the owner of the sign and the owner of the property, and may be recovered by the city by a lien against the property or any other remedy prescribed by law.

(Ord. No. 519, 8-8-2012)

specifications and safety.

A. Compliance with Building Code. All signs shall comply with all applicable provisions of this code, including, but not limited to, the California Building Code and the California Sign Code relative to design and construction, structural integrity, connections and safety. Signs shall also comply with the provisions of all applicable electric codes and any additional construction standards set forth in this code.

B. Construction of Signs.

1. All signs shall be structurally safe; shall be made of rust-inhibitive materials; and shall be fabricated, constructed, erected or installed and maintained in such a manner as will comply with the provisions of this title in addition to the California Building Code and National Electrical Code.

2. Each sign hereafter erected or remodeled shall bear, in a visible position, clearly legible identification decals stating the firm or corporation responsible for its construction and erection. Electric signs shall be marked with input amperages at the full load input.

3. No sign shall be attached in any form, shape or manner that will interfere with an opening required for ventilation, except in circumstances when not in violation of the building or fire codes.

4. Signs shall be located in such a way that they maintain horizontal and vertical clearance of all overhead electrical conductors in accordance with the electrical code and the regulations of the affected entity and the public utilities commission.

5. Certain signs may be required to be properly guttered and connected with down spouts to storm drains so that water will not drip or flow into public sidewalks or streets.

6. All permanent freestanding signs shall be self-supporting structures erected on and permanently attached to concrete foundations. Such structures shall have exterior aesthetic materials of rock, wood, exposed aggregate or other such materials as approved by the planning director.

7. All signs shall be constructed to withstand wind loads, acceptable to the chief building official and/or city engineer.

8. No chains or other devices, which allow a sign to move, are permitted. Signs shall be anchored to prevent any lateral movement that would cause wear on supporting members or connections.

(Ord. No. 519, 8-8-2012)

The provisions of this chapter shall not be construed as relieving or limiting in any way the responsibility or liability of any person erecting or owning any sign, for personal injury or property damage resulting from the placement of such sign, or resulting from the negligence or willful acts of such person, its agents, employees, or workmen, in the construction, maintenance, repair, or removal of any sign erected in accordance with a permit issued under this chapter; nor shall it be construed as imposing upon the city or its officers or employees any responsibility or liability by reason of approval of any signs, materials, or devices under the provisions of this chapter.

(Ord. No. 519, 8-8-2012)

A. Every sign and all parts, portions, components and materials thereof, shall be maintained and kept in good condition and proper repair. The display surface of all signs shall be kept clean, neatly painted and free from rust and corrosion. Any cracked or broken surfaces and malfunctioning or damaged portions of a sign shall be repaired or replaced within thirty (30) calendar days following notification by the city. Noncompliance with such a request shall constitute a nuisance and may be abated in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

B. Any maintenance, except a change of copy not specifically exempted, shall be permitted.

(Ord. No. 519, 8-8-2012)

A. Permit Revocation. The planning director or planning commission is authorized and empowered to revoke any sign permit issued by the planning director upon failure of the holder thereof to comply with any provisions of this chapter. Additionally, the planning commission can initiate revocation proceedings. The city council is authorized and empowered to revoke any sign permit issued by the planning commission upon failure of the holder thereof to comply with any provisions of this chapter.

B. Public Nuisance. In the event any person should erect, alter, relocate or maintain a sign in violation of the provisions of this chapter, the same is declared a public nuisance and, in addition to any other remedies available, including but not limited to administrative citations and civil penalties, the city attorney is authorized to bring and prosecute an action in a court of competent jurisdiction to enjoin such person from continuing such violation.

(Ord. No. 519, 8-8-2012)

Decisions on sign permits may be appealed pursuant to Chapter 17.44.

(Ord. No. 519, 8-8-2012)

Residential Sign Standards

Residential Districts: R-1-20 single-family residential (20,000 s.f.), R-1-10 single-family residential (10,000 s.f.), R-1-5 single-family residential (5,000 s.f.), RM-1 multi-family residential (medium density), R-M-2 multi-family residential (high density), R-MHS residential mobilehome subdivision, mobilehome park.

Commercial/Industrial Sign Standards

Commercial/Industrial Districts: I industrial, CR commercial retail and CH commercial highway

Agricultural Sign Standards

A agricultural district

Historic District Sign Standards 1

H historic district

Open Space Sign Standards

O open space district

Special Public Service District Sign Standards

SPSD special public service district

(Ord. 451 (part), 1998)

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(Ord. No. 519, 8-8-2012)