Corcoran Municipal Code Ch. 16 Sign Regulations

A. Purpose: The purpose of this Section is to establish uniform sign regulations that are intended to:

• 1. Protect the general public health, safety, welfare and aesthetics of the community;
• 2. Reduce possible traffic and safety hazards through good signage;
• 3. Promote signs that identify uses and premises without confusion;
• 4. Implement community design standards, consistent with the General Plan; and

5. Promote the community's appearance by regulating the design, character, location, type, quality of materials, scale, color, illumination and maintenance of signs.

B. Application: Signs shall only be constructed, displayed or altered consistent with Chapter 20 of this Title site plan review approvals as required. A sign program shall be required as part of the site plan review process for all multi-family, commercial, professional, and industrial uses, or as deemed necessary by the Planning Director to ensure compliance with the provisions of this Section. (Ord. 527, 8-4-1997)

Signs shall only be erected or maintained in any zoning district as established by this Title, except those signs specifically enumerated in this Chapter. The number and area of signs as outlined in this Section are intended to be maximum standards which do not necessarily ensure architectural compatibility. Therefore, in addition to the enumerated standards, consideration shall be given to a sign's relationship to the overall appearance of the subject property as well as the surrounding community. (Ord. 527, 8-4-1997)

The following signs shall not require approval nor shall the area of the signs be included in the maximum sign area permitted for any site or use:

A. Open/Closed Sign: One "open" or "closed" window sign less than two (2) square feet.

B. Flag: An American, Californian, or City flag.

C. Open House Sign: One "open house" sign not exceeding three (3) square feet in area on the particular premises which is for sale, lease or rent, and posted only when a salesperson is present.

D. Political Sign: Limited to forty (40) square feet in total area. Political signs may not be posted more than sixty (60) days preceding the election, and shall be removed within ten (10) days after the election. Political signs shall not be posted on trees, fence posts or public utility poles, or located within any public right of way. No political sign erected on private property shall be placed within the traffic safety visibility area. (Ord. 527, 8-4-1997)

The following signs are inconsistent with the sign standards outlined in this Section, and are therefore prohibited:

A. Abandoned signs;

B. Animated, moving, flashing, blinking, reflecting, revolving, or any other similar moving or simulated moving sign, except: signs owned by public agencies or that provide a public service message:

• 1. A sign changing so as to show time and temperature;
• 2. An on premises barber pole operated during business hours;

• C. Bench signs; (Ord. 527, 8-4-1997)

D. Off site signs (except having first obtained a conditional use permit):

1. Shall be limited to one per lot up to one acre;

2. Larger lots shall be limited to one sign per acre and the signs must be at least one hundred feet (100') apart; (Ord. 549, 8-20-2002)

E. Outdoor advertising structures with the exception of informational structures approved by the commission;

F. Roof signs;

G. Signs on public property or in a public right of way, except for traffic and street identification signs;

H. Signs painted on fences or roofs;

I. Signs that simulate in color or design a traffic sign or signal, or which make use of words, symbols or characters in a manner to interfere with, mislead or confuse pedestrian or vehicular traffic; or

J. Windblown devices. (Ord. 527, 8-4-1997)

The planning director may approve and/or modify a sign program application in whole or in part, with or without conditions, only if the following findings are made:

A. The proposed sign is permitted within the zoning district and complies with all of the applicable provisions of this section;

B. The sign primarily identifies the business name and does not list multiple products or services;

C. The sign is in proper proportion to the building or site on which it is located and as an identification device, does not excessively compete for the public's attention;

D. The sign materials, color, texture, size, shape, height, and placement are harmonious with the design of the structure, property and neighborhood of which it is a part;

E. The illumination of the sign is at the lowest possible level, which ensures adequate identification and readability, and is directed solely at the sign or is internal to it;

F. The sign is not detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, or welfare; and

G. The sign is in compliance with the sign design standards in section 11-16-7 of this chapter. (Ord. 527, 8-4-1997)

A. Permitted Signs: Signs allowed by permit in all zoning districts. The following signs are allowed in all zoning districts, subject to these regulations and issuance of a sign permit, except as prohibited in section 11-16-4 of this chapter: (Ord. 549, 8-20-2002)

1. Civic Event Sign: Signs announcing a civic event within the city of a general public nature for not more than thirty (30) days before and not more than five (5) days after the period during which the event takes place.

2. Construction Sign: One temporary nonilluminated sign, advertising the various construction trades participating in the project. On a site less than one acre, the sign shall not exceed thirty two (32) square feet in sign area or six feet (6') in height. On a parcel of land of one acre or more, the sign shall not exceed fifty (50) square feet in sign area or six feet (6') in height. The sign shall be allowed to remain until the last unit is sold, rented, or leased.

B. Directional Sign: Signs necessary for public convenience and safety, not exceeding four (4) square feet in size or three feet (3') in height, containing information including "entrance", "exit", or directional arrows designed to be viewed by on site pedestrians or motorists.

1. Temporary Subdivision Sign: A temporary subdivision sign declaring a group of parcels, dwellings or occupancies within a subdivision for rent, lease, or sale shall be permitted subject to the following conditions:

a. One on site sign shall be permitted for each street frontage;

b. The sign area shall not exceed fifty (50) square feet, or exceed six feet (6') above the level of the street;

c. The sign shall be unlighted;

d. The sign shall not interfere with the traffic safety visibility area of the parcel; and

e. The sign may remain on the property until the last unit is sold.

2. Temporary Grand Opening Banners, Balloons, Flags, Streamers: "Temporary" means for a maximum period of two (2) weeks. Gas filled balloons shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet in total aggregate surface. Gas filled balloons shall be securely tethered on the premises of the business. Tethered height of the gas filled balloon shall not exceed thirty five feet (35') above the ground surface of the premises. Gas filled balloons shall not be positioned so that they may become a public hazard, encroach on adjoining property or public right of way, or have the potential to make contact with any public utility pole or suspended transmission line or facility. (Ord. 527, 8-4-1997)

3. Garage Sale Signs: Garage sale signs are not allowed on public property or in the public right of way and must be removed from all permitted locations within twenty four (24) hours after sale. (Ord. 549, 8-20-2002)

C. Computations Of Sign Area:

1. For signs attached to business structures, including module letters and/or logo symbols, the effective sign area shall mean any area enclosed by the minimum imaginary rectangle or parallelogram of vertical and horizontal lines which fully contains all the extremities of each word and/or logo symbol of the sign. Each word and/or logo symbol shall be measured separately in computing the total sign area.

2. For projecting signs and freestanding detached signs containing letters and/or logo symbols, the effective sign area shall mean the area enclosed by the minimum imaginary rectangle or parallelogram of vertical and horizontal lines which fully contains all the extremities of the sign, exclusive of its supports and/or ornamental and decorative trim. For freestanding and projecting signs intended to be read from one frontage only, both sides of the sign shall be counted in computing the total sign area for that frontage. Where such signs are placed at an angle to be read from two (2) different frontages, the sign area facing each frontage shall be counted in computing the total sign area for each frontage. If elements of the sign are movable or flexible, as a flag or string of lights, the measurements shall be taken when the elements are fully extended and parallel to the plane of view.

3. The effective sign area of a ball or sphere shall be eighty percent (80%) of the surface area of the ball or sphere.

D. Signs Allowed By Permit In Specific Zoning Districts: The following signs are permitted in the individual zoning districts, subject to compliance with all provisions of this section. See figure 1 at the end of this section for examples of the different types of signs described in this subsection D and the measurement of sign area, and figure 2 at the end of this section for the measurement of sign height and width.

1. Sign Program Required: A sign program shall be required for all new commercial, office, and industrial centers consisting of three (3) or more tenant spaces at the time of site plan review required in chapter 20 of this title. The purpose of the sign program shall be to integrate signs with building and landscaping design to form a unified architectural statement. This shall be achieved by:

a. Using the same background color, and allowing signs to be of up to three (3) different colors and up to two (2) type styles per multitenant center.

b. Using the same type of cabinet supports, or method of mounting for signs of the same type, or by using the same type of construction material for components, such as sign copy, cabinets and supports.

c. Using the same form of illumination for all signs.

d. Major tenants will be permitted to deviate from the sign program to accommodate national trademarks or logos.

2. Signs Attached To Buildings: Signs attached to buildings shall be installed parallel to the building with no more than a fourteen inch (14") projection from the wall, except where permitted below and/or attached directly to the vertical or sloped face of the marquee.

3. Marquee Or Awning Signs: Signs may be attached vertically to marquee or awning facades with less than a forty five degree (45°) slope provided the height of letters or logos does not exceed twelve inches (12"). Where the marquee or awning is attached at a slope of forty five degrees (45°) or greater, signs may be affixed to the sloped portion above the horizontal extension of the marquee or awning. Signs shall be limited to name and address of business.

Signs may be erected perpendicular to the face of the building under a marquee or awning, provided that such signs shall not project beyond the limits of the overhang. (Ord. 527, 8-4-1997)

4. Portable Signs: Portable signs, including, but not limited to, vehicle mounted, mobile, movable freestanding, tire stack, and wind signs, shall be permitted but shall in no case be placed on public property or a public right of way or within thirty feet (30') of a street intersection. See subsection 11-16-4G of this chapter for prohibited locations.

Sandwich board and A-board signs are allowed in the public right of way, within the boundaries of the storefront under the following conditions:

a. That the sign must advertise merchandise within the store and not that of a temporary vendor.

b. That the sign does not cover more than one-half (1/2) the width of the sidewalk and does not restrict pedestrian travel.

c. That no sign shall interfere with the line of sight of pedestrians, cyclists, or motorists.

d. That no sign shall be larger than eight (8) square feet per side and not more than four feet (4') in height.

e. That the owner of said sign(s) agrees to hold harmless the city of Corcoran and its officers and employees and harmless of any form of claims by any person involving said sign. (Ord. 549, 8-20-2002)

E. Sight Triangle: No sign permitted by this section shall be placed within thirty feet (30') of a street intersection (intersecting curb lines) unless placed so that the top of the sign is at a maximum of three feet (3') above the ground or unless the bottom of the sign is a minimum of ten feet (10') above the ground level.

F. Brand Name Advertising: Within the CN, CH, CC, CT, and CO districts, up to thirty percent (30%) of the signing allowance for any frontage may be devoted to the advertising or identification of an individual brand or brands of products. This provision shall not apply to the identification of one primary brand name identifying a service station.

G. Interference With Utility Easements: No sign or outdoor advertising structure shall be located within a utility easement, or erected or located in a manner which will reduce the vertical or horizontal clearance from communication or energized electric power lines as required by laws, rules and regulations of the state and agencies thereof. (Ord. 527, 8-4-1997)

H. Billboard Signs:

1. Maximum Height: To be established by the planning commission but not to exceed thirty feet (30') measured from crown of highway (facing perpendicular to site of sign) when crown of highway is above ground level of sign, otherwise sign height is measured from ground level at the site of sign.

2. Maximum Area: Not to exceed five hundred (500) square feet.

3. Calculation Of Area: As a guideline only two and five- tenths (2.5) square feet of area per linear foot of parcel frontage facing towards highway.

• 4. Permitted Zones: CH, LI, and HI.
• 5. Sign Permit Needed: Yes.
• 6. Conditional Use Permit Needed: Yes.

7. Location: Limited to within three hundred feet (300') of Highway 43 right of way and at least three hundred feet (300') apart.

8. Compliance: It is the responsibility of the applicant to comply with the provisions of the state of California outdoor advertising act.

I. Restrictive Regulations To Apply: In the event a sign falls under more than one sign definition, the more restrictive sign regulations found in this chapter shall apply. (Ord. 549, 8-20-2002)

Figure 1: Signs Permitted In Residential Zones (RA, R, RM):

Sign Class Sign Type Maximum Number Maximum Sign Area Maximum Sign Height Location Requirements Lighting Allowed? Additional Requirements Sign Class Sign Type Maximum Number Maximum Sign Area Maximum Sign Height Location Requirements Lighting Allowed? Additional Requirements Single-family and duplex identification Nameplate or street address 1 per dwelling 1 sq. ft. 9 ft. Wall, fence, or mailbox Yes Copy limited to name and address of occupant Multi-family identification Wall or monument 1 per street frontage 5 sq. ft. per acre, 25 sq. ft. min., 50 sq. ft. max. 10 ft. wall or monument 10 ft. minimum front setback, 5 ft. side setback Yes Copy limited to name and address of occupant Institutional Wall or monument 1 per street frontage 5 sq. ft. per acre, 25 sq. ft. min., 50 sq. ft. max. 10 ft. wall or monument 10 ft. minimum front setback, 5 ft. side setback Yes Name of institution and illuminated directory only Mobile home park Wall or monument 1 per street frontage 5 sq. ft. per acre, 25 sq. ft. min., 50 sq. ft. max. 10 ft. wall or monument 10 ft. minimum front setback, 5 ft. side setback Yes Name of institution and illuminated directory only Subdivision (temporary) Pole-mounted 1 per street frontage 25 sq. ft. 5 ft. On project site, 10 ft. min. setback from any street No To be removed within 30 days of sale/rental of last unit in project Real estate, single-family/ duplex Wall or pole- mounted 1 per dwelling 4 sq. ft. per face, may have 2 faces 5 ft. On project site No Copy limited to sale, rent, or lease of units Real estate, multi-family Wall or pole- mounted 1 per lot 12 sq. ft. 5 ft. On project site No Copy limited to sale, rent, or lease of units

Figure 2: Signs Permitted In Commercial Zones:

Zoning District Sign Type Maximum Number Maximum Sign Area Maximum Sign Height Location Requirements Lighting Allowed? Additional Requirements CN Monument or freestanding 1 center identifica- tion sign for each shopping center, or lot, if single business location 200 sq. ft 20 ft. Must be in landscaped area (see additional requirements) Yes Landscaped area shall be generally equal to the area of the sign, and shall not block views at driveways. Building- mounted 1 for each occupancy frontage 0.5 sq. ft. per store front; 15 sq. ft. min. and 100 sq. ft. max. 15 ft. Centered on wall or canopy over store front. No projecting signs Yes Letters may be individually mounted on the building or on attached signs and coordinated with a proper sign program, if applicable. Pedestrian 1 for each occupancy 6 sq. ft. per face, 2 face max. 7.5 ft. min., 15 ft. max. Centered under canopy or eave No May be perpendicular to, or flat against building wall. Window No limit 25% of glass None None Interior only Decals only on exterior. Real estate 1 for each occupancy 8 sq. ft. Height of wall Flat on wall No Many not project above eave. CS Monument or freestanding 1 per lot 150 sq. ft. per face, 2 face max. 30 ft. None, except as required by DRC Yes Shall not block views at corners and driveways. Building- mounted 1 for each occupancy frontage 25 sq. ft. for projecting signs, 50 sq. ft. for flush mounted Height of wall Centered on wall or canopy over store front Yes Can-sign and raceways permitted. Multi-tenant sites shall have sign program, per subsection D of this Section. Window No limit 25% of glass None None Interior only Decals only on exterior. Real estate 1 per occupancy 8 sq. ft. Height of wall Flat on wall No May not project above eave. CO Monument or freestanding 1 per lot 50 sq. ft. 10 ft. None, except as required by DRC Yes Shall not block views at driveways. Building- mounted 1 per building 20 sq. ft. 20 ft. Flat on wall Yes Copy limited to building name and/or one major tenant. Window No limit 25% of glass None None Interior only Decals only on exterior. Real estate 1 per occupancy 8 sq. ft. Height of wall Flat on wall No May not project above eave. CC Monument or freestanding 1 per lot 350 sq. ft. per face, 2 face max. (see note below) 20 ft. Must be in landscaped area (see additional requirements) Yes Landscaped area shall be generally equal to the area of the sign, and shall not block views at driveways. Building- mounted 1 for each occupancy frontage 0.5 sq. ft. per store front; 15 sq. ft. min. and 100 sq. ft. max. 15 ft. Centered on wall or canopy over store front. No projecting signs Yes Letters may be individually mounted on the building or on attached signs and coordinated with a proper sign program, if applicable. Window No limit 25% of glass None None Interior only Decals only on exterior. Pedestrian 1 for each occupancy 6 sq. ft. per face, 2 face max. 7.5 ft. min., 15 ft. max. Centered under canopy or eave No May be perpendicular to, or flat against building wall. Real estate 1 for each occupancy 8 sq. ft. Height of wall Flat on wall No May not project above eave. CD Monument or freestanding 1 per lot 75 sq. ft. per face, 2 faces max. (see note below) 12 ft. for lots up to 120 ft. wide, 15 ft. for lots of 120 ft. or wider Must be in landscaped areas (see additional requirements) Yes Landscaped area shall be generally equal to the area of the sign, and shall not block views at corners and driveways. Building- mounted 1 per street frontage 100 sq. ft. (see note below) 15 ft. Centered on wall or canopy over store front Yes Letters to be individually mounted or painted on the building. Multi-tenant sites shall have sign program, per subsection D of this Section. Pedestrian 1 per occupant 3 sq. ft. per face, 2 face max. 7.5 ft. min., 15 ft. max. Perpendicular to building No Must be under canopy, may not project into street. Window 1 per window 25% of glass None None Interior only Decals only on exterior. Real estate 1 per occupancy 8 sq. ft. Height of wall Flat on wall No May not project above eave. CH Monument or freestanding 1 per lot 350 sq. ft. per face, 2 face max. (see note below) 20 ft. Must be in landscaped area (see additional requirements) Yes Landscaped area shall be generally equal to the area of the sign, and shall not block views at driveways or corners. Building- mounted 1 for each occupancy frontage 0.5 sq. ft. per store front; 15 sq. ft. minimum and 100 sq. ft. max. 15 ft. Centered on wall or canopy over store front. No pro-jecting signs Yes Letters may be individually mounted on the building or on attached signs and coordinated with a proper sign program, if applicable. Window No limit 25% of glass None None Interior only Decals only on exterior. Pedestrian 1 for each occupancy 6 sq. ft. per face, 2 face max. 7.5 ft. min., 15 ft. max. Centered under canopy or eave No May be perpendicular to, or flat against building. Real estate 1 for each occupancy 8 sq. ft. Height of wall Flat on wall No May not project above eave.

Note:

Total sign area shall not exceed 2 percent of gross ground floor area or one square foot per foot of frontage, whichever is greater.

Figure 3: Signs Permitted In Industrial Zones:

Zoning District Sign Type Maximum Number Maximum Sign Area Maximum Sign Height Location Requirements Lighting Allowed? Additional Requirements Zoning District Sign Type Maximum Number Maximum Sign Area Maximum Sign Height Location Requirements Lighting Allowed? Additional Requirements IL Monument and wall-mounted 1 per lot and 1 per occupant, monument or wall-mounted 0.50 sq. ft. per linear ft. of lot frontage, with min. 10 sq. ft. per tenant guaranteed 10 ft. for monument signs, 40 ft. or eave height for wall- mounted signs Monument signs must be in front yard landscaped area Interior or exterior for wall- mounted, exterior only for monument Can-signs or raceways allowed, but raceways are preferred. Multi-tenant buildings shall have a coordinated sign program per subsection D of this Section. Window 1 per window 25% of glass 15 ft. None Interior only Decals only on exterior. Real estate 1 per occupancy 8 sq. ft. Height of eave Flat on wall No May not project above eave. IH Monument and wall-mounted 1 per lot and 1 per occupant, monument or wall-mounted 0.75 sq. ft. per linear ft. of lot frontage, with min. 10 sq. ft. per tenant guaranteed 10 ft. for monument signs, 40 ft. or eave height for wall- mounted signs Monument signs must be in front yard landscaped area Interior or exterior for wall- mounted, exterior only for monument Can-signs or raceways allowed, but raceways are preferred. Multi-tenant buildings shall have a coordinated sign program per subsection D of this Section. Window 1 per window 25% of glass 15 ft. None Interior only Decals only on exterior. Real estate 1 per occupancy 8 sq. ft. Height of wall Flat on wall No May not project above eave. IP Monument and wall-mounted 1 per lot and 1 per occupant, monument or wall-mounted 0.50 sq. ft. per linear ft. of lot frontage, with min. 10 sq. ft. per tenant guaranteed 10 ft. for monument signs, 40 ft. or eave height for wall- mounted signs Monument signs must be in front yard landscaped area Interior or exterior for wall- mounted, exterior only for monument Letters to be individually mounted or painted on the building. Multi-tenant sites shall have sign program, per subsection D of this Section. Window 1 per window 25% of glass 15 ft. None Interior only Decals only on exterior. Real estate 1 per occupancy 8 sq. ft. Height of eave Flat on wall No May not project above eave.

Figure 4: Signs Permitted In Special Purposes Zones:

Zoning District Sign Type Maximum Number Maximum Sign Area Maximum Sign Height Location Requirements Lighting Allowed? Additional Requirements Zoning District Sign Type Maximum Number Maximum Sign Area Maximum Sign Height Location Requirements Lighting Allowed? Additional Requirements AG Wall-mounted or monument 1 per lot 32 sq. ft. 12 ft. 15 ft. from street right of way No Copy shall primarily identify site. Real estate 1 per lot 32 sq. ft. 10 ft. On-site only No May not project above eave. PD See applicable planned development for sign standards and development guidelines. PF Wall-mounted or monument (public site) 1 per lot 5 sq. ft. per acre up to 100 sq. ft. max., 25 sq. ft. min. 10 ft. monument, eave height for wall- mounted None Yes Public sites include public utilities, schools, police and fire stations, etc. Wall-mounted or monument (private site) 1 per lot 5 sq. ft. per acre up to 100 sq. ft. max., 25 sq. ft. min. 10 ft. monument, eave height for wall- mounted 10 ft. from any property line for monument sign No Private sites include day care centers, recreational uses, and private schools. Building identification 1 per building 5 sq. ft. per acre up to 100 sq. ft. max., 25 sq. ft. min. Height of eave Flat on wall No Copy should identify name and address of facility. Directional or interpretive No limit 5 sq. ft. per acre up to 100 sq. ft. max., 25 sq. ft. min. 15 ft. None Interior only Real estate 1 per lot 5 sq. ft. per acre up to 100 sq. ft. max., 25 sq. ft. min. Height of eave Flat on wall No May not project above eave. OS Wall-mounted or monument (public site) 1 per street or parking lot frontage 5 sq. ft. per acre up to 100 sq. ft. max., 25 sq. ft. min. 10 ft. monument, eave height for wall- mounted None Yes Copy limited to name and address of facility, or as approved by Community Services Director. Wall-mounted or monument (private site) 1 per lot 5 sq. ft. per acre up to 100 sq. ft. max., 25 sq. ft. min. 10 ft. monument, eave height for wall- mounted 10 ft. from any property line for monument sign No Copy limited to name and address of facility, or as approved by Zone Administrator. Real estate 1 per lot 12 sq. ft. Height of eave Flat on wall No May not project above eave.

Figure 5: Specific Land Use Signs:

Sign Class Sign Type Maximum Number Maximum Sign Area Maximum Sign Height Location Requirements Lighting Allowed? Additional Requirements Drive- through restaurant Menu board 1 per building 30 sq. ft. 6 ft. None, except as required by DRC Yes Shall not be visible from street or block views at corners and driveways. Service station Wall- mounted 1 per street frontage, 2 max. 10% of building face, 100 sq. ft. max. 10 ft. or eave height, whichever is less Flat on wall Yes Copy should primarily identify station. Monument 1 per lot 60 sq. ft. per sign face, 2 faces max. 6 ft. Must be in landscaped area Yes Price signs allowed in compliance with State law. Special service signs 1 per service 10% building face, 25 sq. ft. max. 10 ft. or eave height, whichever is less Flat on wall Yes Copy limited to special service (e.g., car wash, mini-mart, repair services). Directional signs 1 per pump island, 4 per station max. 2 sq. ft. per sign face 10 ft. or eave height, whichever is less Flat on wall or canopy No Copy limited to directions such as self-serve, full- serve, air, water, cashier, etc.

(Ord. 527, 8-4-1997)

Each sign shall complement the architectural style and setting of the structure or use represented.

A. Relationship To Structures: Building wall and facade signs shall be compatible with the predominant visual elements of the structure(s), including, but not limited to, construction materials, color, or other design feature consistent with Section 11-16-5 of this Chapter. Commercial centers, offices, industrial complexes, and other similar facilities shall be part of a sign program in compliance with the provisions of this Section, and shall provide a compatible visual design common in theme to all applicable structures and uses.

B. Relationship To Other Signs: Where there is more than one sign, all signs should be complementary to each other in the following ways:

• 1. Letter size and style of copy;
• 2. Shape of total sign and related components;
• 3. Type of construction materials (cabinet, sign, copy, supports, etc.); and
• 4. Method used for supporting sign (wall or ground base).

C. Landscaping: Each freestanding/monument sign shall be designed to complement the architectural character of the structure(s), and shall be located within a planted landscaped area which is of a shape and design that will provide a compatible setting and ground definition to the sign.

D. Relationship To Street/Public Right Of Way: Signs shall be designed and located such that they do not obstruct any pedestrian, bicyclist, or driver's view of the public right of way.

1. No sign shall be located in or project into the present or future right of way of any public street unless specifically authorized by other provisions of this Section.

2. No sign shall interfere with the sight distance of motorists/cyclists proceeding on or approaching adjacent streets, alleys, driveways, or parking area(s), or of pedestrians proceeding on or approaching adjacent sidewalks or pedestrianways.

3. No sign suspended over or projecting into the area above a driveway located on private property shall be situated at a height of less than fifteen feet (15') above the surface of the driveway.

4. No sign suspended over, or projecting into, the area above a pedestrianway shall be situated at a height of less than seven feet six inches (7'6") above the ground surface. (Ord. 527, 8-4-1997)

Any additional development of a site, or change of use, occupancy, tenant, or sign copy (with the exception of window signs) shall require that nonconforming signs be brought into conformance with this Chapter. (Ord. 527, 8-4-1997)

A. Permanent/Fixed Signs: The Planning Director or designee shall remove or cause the removal of any fixed, permanent sign constructed, placed or maintained in violation of this Chapter, after fifteen (15) days following the date of mailing of registered or certified written notice to the owner of the property as shown on the latest assessment roll. The notice shall describe the sign and specify the violation, and indicate that the sign will be removed if the violation is not corrected within ten (10) days. If the owner disagrees with the determination of the Planning Director, the owner may, within the ten (10) day period request a hearing before the Planning Director to determine the existence of a violation.

B. Temporary Signs: The Planning Director or designee shall have the authority to remove illegal temporary signs without any notice requirements.

C. Storage Of Removed Signs: Signs removed by the Planning Director or designee in compliance with this Section shall be stored for a period of 10 days, during which time they may be recovered by the owner upon payment to the City of costs of removal and storage. If not recovered prior to expiration of the ten (10) day period, the sign and supporting structures shall be declared abandoned and title thereto shall vest to the City, and the cost of removal shall be billed to the owner.

D. Alteration And Removal Of Dangerous, Obsolete And Nonconforming Signs And Advertising Structures: For the purpose of this Section, certain signs and advertising structures are hereby declared dangerous, obsolete or nonconforming and shall be removed or altered to conform as follows:

1. Dangerous Signs: A dangerous sign is defined as any sign which is an immediate peril or a potential menace to the safety of persons or property. The Building Inspector shall give a written order for the repair or removal of any dangerous sign to the owner of the property upon which such sign is located. If such owner fails to remove or repair such sign within the period of time specified by the Building Inspector, the Building Inspector may cause the removal of such sign and may enter upon such property for such purpose. Any cost accrued by the City in the removal of such sign shall be charged to the owner of the property upon which sign is located at a rate established by resolution of the City Council to cover the costs of such removal.

2. Obsolete Signs: Any accessory sign hereafter existing which no longer advertises a bona fide business conducted or product sold on the premises where such sign exists shall be removed or made to conform by the owner of the building, structure, or property upon which such sign is located within ninety (90) days after written notification by the Building Inspector, or the Building Inspector may cause the removal of such sign. Any cost accrued by the City shall be treated in the same manner as provided for dangerous signs.

3. Nonconforming Signs: For the purposes of this Section, the following time schedule for the permitted continuance of nonconforming signs shall apply:

a. Signs which are nonconforming because of their lighting, movement, or animation shall be made to conform or be removed within ninety (90) days after written notification by the Building Inspector.

b. When such nonconforming signs are removed at or before the end of the required amortization period, every future sign shall be in conformance with the provisions of this Section. Repairs and alterations necessary to maintain a nonconforming sign shall not be construed as lengthening the amortization period set forth by this Section.

E. Replacement Of Signs Upon Change Of Use: When a use within a building, a part of a building, or a site is changed to another use, the sign relating to the new use shall be made to conform to the provisions of this Section. (Ord. 527, 8-4-1997)