Article 4 — Special Procedures — Costa Mesa Zoning Code

§ 13-120. Planned signing programs. ¶

Signs may be authorized as part of a planned signing program even if they do not conform to all specific regulations contained elsewhere in this chapter. A planned signing program is intended to provide maximum incentive and latitude to encourage variety and good design, and to allow response to special circumstances, but shall not be used to circumvent the objectives of this chapter.

(a) To encourage consistency of design and regulation, an association of similar businesses may submit a planned signing program for a number of non-contiguous sites.
(b) Procedure. A planned signing program shall be processed as a minor conditional use permit in accordance with provisions contained in Chapter III, Planning Applications.
(c) Review standards. A planned signing program may be approved only if the following findings are made:
- (1) The proposed signing is consistent with the intent of this chapter and the general plan.
- (2) The proposed signs are consistent with each other in design and construction, taking into account sign style and shape, materials, letter style, colors and illumination.
- (3) The proposed signs are compatible with the buildings and developments they identify, taking into account materials, colors and design motif.
- (4) Approval does not constitute a grant of special privilege or allow substantially greater overall visibility than the standard ordinance provisions allow.
(Ord. No. 97-11, § 2, 5-5-97)