Sec. 31.04. - Prohibited signs.

(a)

Signs which obstruct a fire escape or other required access.

(b)

Signs which emit sound, with the exception of a permitted drive-through or menu sign.

(c)

Signs which adversely affect traffic control or safety, including signs which interfere with visibility for drivers at an intersection, public right-of-way, or driveway.

(d)

Signs which have less horizontal or vertical clearance from overhead utilities than required by state agencies.

(e)

Signs which are illegible or which have become a public nuisance due to inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, or abandonment.

(f)

Signs which are unlawfully installed, erected, or maintained.

(g)

Signs which contain obscene, pornographic, or sexually explicit matter.

(h)

Signs which violate federal, state or local laws.

(i)

Signs painted directly onto the exterior wall of a commercial or industrial building, unless 1) as a part of an artistic mural and subject to approval of a major use permit (as provided by Section 31.03.c.3 of this Code); or 2) such painted sign serves as the sole form of identification of an organization or business on its premises, as approved by the planning director.

(Ord. No. 518, § 3, 6-20-2017)

Sec. 31.05. - Nonconforming signs.

Any sign which does not conform to the provisions of this article shall be removed, relocated, replaced or otherwise made conforming, as follows:

Signs erected illegally: Within one year from the effective date of this ordinance.

(Ord. No. 518, § 3, 6-20-2017)

Article 32. - General Provisions and Exceptions.

Sec. 32.01. - Applicability of article.

The regulations specified in this ordinance shall be subject to the following general provisions and exceptions:

(a)

The planning commission may interpret the intent of any of the provisions hereof by written findings, which findings shall be subject to appeal to, and final determination by the city council.

(b)

The regulations set forth in this ordinance shall be subject to the following provisions and exceptions.

Sec. 32.02. - Rules governing use of zoning map and symbols.

Where uncertainty exists as to the boundaries of any district shown on the Zoning Map, the following rules shall apply:

(a)

Where such boundaries are indicated as approximately following property, street, alley lines, such lines shall be construed to be such boundaries.

(b)

In unsubdivided property and where a district boundary divides a lot, the location of such boundary, unless dimensions indicate the same, shall be determined by use of the scale appearing on the Zoning Map.

(c)

A symbol indicating the classification of property on the Zoning Map shall in each instance apply to the whole of the area within the district boundaries.

(d)

Where a public street, alley or parcel of land is officially vacated or abandoned, the regulations applicable to abutting property shall apply equally to such vacated or abandoned street or alley.

(e)

Where one land ownership is divided by a district boundary the total ownership may be placed in either district by approval of a variance application.

Sec. 32.03. - Regulations are minimum.

In interpreting and applying the provisions of this ordinance, unless otherwise stated, they shall be held to be the minimum requirements for the promotion and protection of the public safety, health and general welfare.

Sec. 32.04. - Relationship to other regulations and to private restrictions.

(a)

Where conflict occurs between the regulations of this ordinance and any Building Code or other regulations effective within the city, the more restrictive of any such regulations shall apply.

(b)

It is not intended that this ordinance shall interfere with or abrogate or annul any easement, covenants or other agreements now in effect, provided, however, that where this ordinance imposes greater restrictions than are imposed or required by other ordinances, rules or regulations, or by easements, covenants, or agreements, the provisions of this ordinance shall apply.

Sec. 32.05. - Additional uses permitted.

The following accessory uses, in addition to those hereinbefore mentioned shall be permitted:

(a)

The operation of necessary service facilities and equipment in connection with schools, colleges and other institutions when located on the site of the principal use.

(b)

Recreation, refreshment and service buildings in public parks, playgrounds and golf courses.

(c)

Off-street parking areas in conjunction with commercial uses may be permitted in "R" districts on properties adjoining "C" or "M" districts upon the securing of a use permit in each case.

(d)

Crop and tree farming and truck gardening shall be permitted in all districts, provided that a use permit shall be required for the retail sales of the products of such use in all "R" districts.

(e)

In any block of lots recorded prior to March 1972 and which is included in an R-2, R-3, or R-4 district, the lots may be re-divided so that interior lots have minimum widths of sixty feet and corner lots have minimum widths of seventy feet, and such corner lots may be further divided into two lots each having dimensions of sixty feet by eighty feet.

Sec. 32.06. - Building sites, areas and easements.

(a)

Any lot or parcel of land in one ownership having an area sufficient for more than one dwelling may be used and a building permit may be issued for such use, provided the owner thereof who changes or intends to change any existing lot line or lines or to establish new lot lines files with the city planning commission a record of survey map showing the proposed lot lines and the lots and building sites to be established in conformity with the regulations of the city.

(b)

A detached garage or accessory building not exceeding one story in height and without living quarters may occupy not more than fifty percent of the area of a required rear yard, and a garage or accessory building that is not attached to and made a part of the main building shall not be closer than five feet clear distance to the main building nor closer than five feet to the rear property line or side property line.

(c)

In the case of a corner lot abutting upon two streets, no detached accessory building shall be erected, altered or moved so as to occupy any part of the front half of such lot.

(d)

Any lot of record existing prior to March 4, 1972 may only be developed by first obtaining a certificate of compliance or conditional certificate of compliance from the city planning director. The development of said lot shall comply with all other applicable zoning regulations of the City of Colusa.

(e)

In any cluster lot design subdivision in which open space has been provided and a tentative map has been approved by the city, such lots shall be deemed to be in conformance with the provisions of this ordinance.