Chapter 19.104 — SIGNS 

The purpose of the sign ordinance is to identify and enhance businesses while maintaining the aesthetic appearance of the City.

A good sign program will provide information to the public concerning a particular business or use and will serve the visual and aesthetic desires of the community.

The City has adopted this title with the intent to:

Provide architectural and aesthetic harmony of signs as they relate to building design and surrounding landscaping;

Provide regulations of sign dimensions and quantity which will allow for good visibility for the public and the needs of the business while providing for the safety of the public by minimizing distraction to the motorist and pedestrian;

Provide for sign regulations that will be compatible with the building, siting, and the land uses the signs are intended to identify;

Provide for maintenance of existing signs and a program for bringing nonconforming signs into conformance with the standards of this title as changes are made to the signs or businesses;

Provide procedures which will facilitate the efficient processing of sign applications; and

Provide design criteria which will promote attractive and effective signs for Cupertino residents, businesses, employees and visitors.

(Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011; Ord. 1987, (part), 2006; Ord. 1624, (part), 1993)

It is unlawful for a sign to be placed, erected, moved, reconstructed or altered unless made to comply with the provisions of this title.

(Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011)

All signs which are not exempted by Section 19.104.100 require a sign permit to be approved by the Director. The Director shall review and approve, approve with conditions or deny the application within thirty calendar days from receiving an application for a sign.

(Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011)

An application for sign approval shall, in addition to information required in Chapter 19.12, contain information regarding the size, color and samples, illumination intensity and type, materials, number, location, type of signs, and the location of the business on the site.

(Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011)

The Approval Body shall review the sign application to ensure that the following criteria are met:

The proposed sign meets the requirements of this title or any special conditions imposed in the development.

The proposed sign's color and illumination is not in conflict with the safe flow of traffic on the City streets.

The sign is in conformance with the Design Criteria in Section 19.104.220.

(Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011)

The Building Inspector or Planner shall have the authority to review the light intensity of all illuminated signs with the power to require reduction of the light intensity to ensure that the sign's illumination does not exceed the illumination standards as regulated by Section 19.104.230.

(Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011)

A decision by the Approval Body regarding the approval or revocation of a sign permit or removal of a sign may be appealed pursuant to Chapter 19.12.

(Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011)

No sign or other advertising structure shall be erected, relocated or maintained so as to prevent free ingress to or egress from any door, window, fire escape, driveway, sidewalk or bike path.

(Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011)

All signs shall conform to the building and wind load requirements of the Uniform Building Code and Uniform Electrical Code as adopted in Title 16 of the Cupertino Municipal Code.

All signs with internal illumination shall be constructed of noncombustible

materials, be approved by Underwriters Laboratory (UL), U.S. Bureau of Standards, or other similar institution of recognized standing, and be maintained in satisfactory condition or be immediately repaired or replaced.

All electrical, gas or other utility service and other pertinent fixtures shall be placed underground.

Guy wires or cable supports used to brace the sign shall not be visible to the observer.

No sign shall be suspended by chains or other devices that will allow the sign to swing due to wind causing wear on supporting members.

All signs shall be maintained in safe, unbroken, and structurally sound manner, including the replacement or repair of any defective parts, painting, cleaning and any other work necessary to maintain the sign and any landscape planter associated with the sign.

(Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011)

19.104.100 Signs Exempt from Permit Requirements. 

The following signs do not require a permit from the City, providing they comply with the following regulations:

Directory Signs. Directories located within the interior of a project which are not oriented to a public street;

Garage Sale Signs. Garage sale signs subject to the limitations in Section 19.104.250 and Chapter 5.16 of this code;

Governmental Signs. Governmental signs for control of traffic and other regulatory purposes, street signs, danger signs, railroad crossing signs, and signs of public service companies indicating danger and aids to service or safety;

Identification Signs. Identification signs for a business or profession which are not illuminated, and which are less than two square feet in area, located on portions of a building, shopping mall or office complex;

Information Signs. Informational or directional signs which are located entirely on the property to which they pertain and are less than four square feet in area. No more than thirty-three percent of the sign area of each sign can be devoted toward business identification of the business located on the property;

Political Signs. Political signs subject to the limitations in Section 19.104.250;

Public Notices. Public notices or posters as legally required by a government agency;

Residential Real Estate Signs. Real estate for sale/for lease/for rent signs, subject to the limitations in Section 19.104.260;

Non-residential Real Estate Signs. Non-residential real estate for sale/for lease/for rent signs subject to the limitations in Section 19.104.260;

Street Address Numbers. Address numbers in all districts, providing they are not meant as an advertising mechanism;

Logos, Symbols or Insignias. Logos, symbols or insignias, commemorative plaques of recognition and identification emblems of religious orders or historical agencies, provided that such signs are placed on or cut into the structure are not internally illuminated, and do not exceed nine square feet in area;

Window Signs. Window signs subject to the limitations in Sections 19.104.150 and 19.104.280. One "OPEN" sign not exceeding two square feet and of any material may be placed in a window without penalty towards window coverage limitations;

Bus Shelter Signs. Signs installed in Santa Clara County Transit Agency bus shelters;

Civic Event Signs. Civic and/or City-sponsored events signs on City property;

State and/or Federal Mandated Signs. State and/or federal mandated signs, including State lottery and certified smog station signs;

Pedestrian Oriented Blade Signs. Blade signs that are not internally illuminated. Such signs shall be less than six and one-half square feet in area and installed at a height between eight feet and twelve feet above pedestrian walkways.

(Ord. 2098, (part), 2012; Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011; Ord. 25-2277, Exh. A (part), 2025)

The following signs are not permitted in the City:

Advertising Statuary;

Animated Signs. Animated signs except for banners, flags, pennants and balloons permitted on a temporary basis as regulated in Section 19.104.260, and electronic readerboard signs as permitted in Section 19.104.180;

Audible Signs. Advertising displays which emit audible sound, odor or visible matter;

Off-site Signs. Any off-site sign except as may be permitted in Section 19.104.240, 19.104.250 & 19.104.260;

Portable Signs. Portable signs except as may be permitted in Section 19.104.270;

Roof Signs. Any permanent roof sign;

Traffic Conflict Signs. Signs which because of color, wording, design, location or illumination resemble or conflict with any traffic-control device or with the safe and efficient flow of traffic;

Vehicle Signs. The parking of any vehicle or trailer, on either public or private property which is visible from a public right-of-way, which has affixed to it a sign which is intended to attract or direct customers to a business on or near the property is prohibited. This subsection is not intended to apply to standard advertising or identification practices where such advertising displays are painted on or permanently attached to a business or commercial vehicle which is actively being used by the business unless the vehicle is in violation of the parking ordinance (Chapter 19.124 of the Cupertino Municipal Code).

(Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011)

Any business regulated by the Monta Vista Design Guidelines, Heart of the City Specific Plan or any area regulated by a specific plan shall be subject to the sign regulations contained within those plans. For all sign regulations not addressed in the Special Planning District plans, the requirements of this chapter will apply.

(Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011)

Applicability.

All developments in a commercial, office, industrial, institutional, or residential district, with four or more tenant spaces on the same parcel, shall adopt a comprehensive sign program to encourage creativity and ensure high quality in the design and display of multiple permanent signs.

The adoption of a sign program shall be required at the time of the initial construction of a new project. Existing developments in the City which do not have a comprehensive sign program shall be required to adopt one when the first tenant in the project requests a change of face as defined in this title. Thereafter, all subsequent changes of face in the project shall be required to conform to the adopted program.

Application requirements. On any commercial, office or industrial site, or building requiring a sign program, the owner shall submit to the Director a sign program application containing the following:

An accurate site plan of the site showing the location of buildings, parking lots, driveways, and landscaped areas on the lot, at such scale as the Director may reasonably require;

Computation of the proposed maximum total sign area, the proposed maximum area of individual signs, allowed maximum total sign area, allowed maximum area of individual signs, the height of signs and the number of freestanding signs; and

Specifications with regard to:

Sign type (individual channel letters, wood signs, etc.);

Lighting; Location of each sign on the buildings;

Materials; Sign proportions;

Any other pertinent information as required by the Director.

Findings. The Director of Community Development may approve a Sign Program if the following findings are made:

The Sign Program complies with the purpose of this chapter.

Proposed signs are creative, and are in harmony with the structures they identify, other signage on the site, and the surrounding development.

The Sign Program contains provisions to accommodate future revisions that may be required because of changes in use or tenants.

Minor modifications to the requirements of this chapter may be permitted,

provided that the proposed Sign Program meets the following criteria in addition to Section 19.104.130C:

Special circumstances, unique to the site and building locations, exist that require a modification from the standards in this chapter.

Demonstrates unique design and exhibits a high degree of imagination, inventiveness, spirit, and thoughtfulness.

Provides high quality graphic character through the imaginative use of color, graphics, proportion, quality materials, scale, and texture.

(Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011)

Table 19.104.140 sets forth the rules, regulations and processing applicable to permanent wall signs.

Table 19.104.140 Wall Signs 

(Ord. 23-2247, § 1 (part), 2023; Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011; Ord. 25-2277, Exh. A (part), 2025)

Table 19.104.150 sets forth the rules, regulations and processing applicable to Permanent Window Signs, Blade Signs & Logos, Symbols or Insignias.

Table 19.104.150: Permanent Window Signs, Blade Signs & Logos, Symbols or Insignias 

(Ord. 23-2247, § 1 (part), 2023; Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011; Ord. 25-2277, Exh. A (part), 2025)

Table 19.104.160 sets forth the rules, regulations and processing applicable to Ground Signs.

Table 19.104.160: Ground Signs 

==> picture [334 x 258] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Size
Use/ Allowed Maximum Review Review
Number Locaton
Zoning Area & Height Authority Criteria
Length
• No
ground
sign shall
be located
closer than
one
hundred
feet from
any other
ground
sign on
the same
property
CDD - Community Development Director;
PC - Planning Commission;
DRC - Design Review Committee;
s.f. = square feet;
ft = feet
----- End of picture text -----

(Ord. 23-2247, § 1 (part), 2023; Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011; Ord. 25-2277, Exh. A (part), 2025)

Table 19.104.170 sets forth the rules, regulations and processing applicable to Gasoline Station Signs.

Table 19.104.170: Gasoline Station Signs 

(Ord. 23-2247, § 1 (part), 2023; Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011)

Table 19.104.180 sets forth the rules, regulations and processing applicable to Electronic Readerboard Signs, Changeable Copy Signs, Exposed & Visible Neon Signs, Decorative Statuary and Beverage Container Recycling Signs.

Table 19.104.180 Electronic Readerboard Signs, Changeable Copy Signs, Exposed or Visible Neon Signs 

(Ord. 23-2247, § 1 (part), 2023; Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011)

19.104.190 Signs in and Near Residential Districts. 

Table 19.104.190 sets forth the rules, regulations and processing applicable to Signs in and near Residential Districts.

Table 19.104.190 Signs in and near Residential Districts 

(Ord. 23-2247, § 1 (part), 2023; Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011)

Table 19.104.200 sets forth the rules, regulations and processing applicable to Freeway Orientation of Signs.

Table 19.104.200: Freeway Orientation 

(Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011)

Subject to the private property owner's consent, a constitutionally protected noncommercial message of any category or content may be substituted, in whole or in part, for any allowed commercial message or any other protected noncommercial message, provided that the sign structure or mounting device is legal without consideration of message content. Such substitution of message may be made without any additional approval or permitting. The purpose of this provision is to prevent any favoring of commercial speech over non-commercial speech, or favoring of any particular protected noncommercial message over any other protected noncommercial message. Message substitution is a continuing right which may be exercised any number of times.

The message substitution right does not:

Create a right to increase the total amount of sign display area on a site or parcel;

Create a right to substitute an off-site commercial message in place of an onsite commercial message or in place of a noncommercial message;

Affect the requirement that a sign structure or mounting device must be properly permitted;

Authorize changing the physical method of image presentation (such as digital or neon) display without a permit; or

Authorize a physical change to the sign structure without compliance with applicable building codes, safety codes, and neutrally-applicable rules for sign

size, height, orientation, setback, separation or illumination.

(Ord. 16-2149, § 9, 2016)

Existing ground signs that have been designated by the City as Landmark Signs (see Appendix B: Landmark Signs) are exempt from the Nonconforming Sign regulations in Section 19.104.310.

Such signs may be structurally reinforced or rebuilt, after damage or destruction, to its original design and specifications.

Minor modifications to such signs may be allowed such that they do not distract from or alter the unique architectural style of the sign, with a Director's Minor Modification.

(Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011)

Although the aesthetic appearance of signs is subjective, the City recognizes that certain basic design guidelines are needed in order to maintain the City's high quality appearance. The following criteria shall be incorporated into the design of signs.

Ground signs shall be either housed in a frame or set onto a base, presenting a solid, attractive, well proportioned and balanced appearance. The size and shape of the frame or base shall be proportionate to the size and weight of the sign. Low signs are generally more appropriate on a base, whereas taller signs are generally more appropriate in a frame. (See Appendix C, Examples of Well Proportioned Signs, Examples of Signs Not Well Proportioned, on file in the City Clerk and the Planning Division, for examples.)

Ground signs shall be located within a landscaped area proportionate to the size of the sign. Appropriate landscaping should be placed at the base of the sign.

All signs shall be architecturally compatible and in harmony with the building with which it is principally associated, by incorporating its colors, materials, shape and design. The sign shall also be compatible with the aesthetic character of the surrounding developments and neighborhood.

Background panels for multi-tenant ground signs should be harmonious in muted colors.

Sign copy shall be simple and concise, without excessive description of services or products.

Internally illuminated signs shall not have a directly visible light source.

The sign's color and illumination shall not produce distraction to motorists or nearby residents.

(Ord. 21-2234, Att. A (§ 9, part), 2021; Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011)

The intensity of illumination for signs located within the commercial, office and industrial districts shall not exceed approximately two hundred fifty foot-lamberts. All other districts shall not exceed approximately one hundred foot-lamberts. The foot-lambert readings shall be used as a guide by staff to evaluate signs which are deemed to be a problem to passing motorists or residents in the surrounding neighborhood.

The color and thickness of the sign panels as well as the brightness of the bulbs used to illuminate the sign shall be designed in such a manner as to avoid excessive illumination and glare.

Illuminated signs which are not a necessary part of the security lighting system for a business shall be turned off at eleven p.m. or within two hours after the business

is closed, whichever is the later time.

All exterior lighting shall be placed in a manner so that the light source will not be seen from off the site.

• (Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011)

A. Unless otherwise provided for in this chapter, it is unlawful for any person to, place, paint, mark, or write on, post, attach or otherwise affix, any temporary sign to or upon any public property, including but not limited to:

• sidewalk, crosswalk, curb, curbstone, fence, wall,

• public playground equipment and/or facilities,

• street lamp post, hydrant, tree, shrub, tree stake or guard,

• railroad bridge or crossing,

• pole for electric light or power or telephone or telegraph (or other communication service) or upon any fixture of the fire alarm or police telegraph system or upon a lighting system,

• public bridge,

• drinking fountain,

• street sign, traffic sign,

• traffic control pole or cabinet,

• utility transformer vaults, or

• Any other building, structure or device permanently affixed on public property.

B. It is unlawful for any person to place, post or otherwise affix, any temporary sign, in the public right-of-way, except as provided in this chapter. The public right-of-way generally includes the median, street, gutter, curb, sidewalk and landscaped strip on public property.

C. Unless otherwise provided for in this chapter, all temporary signs shall comply with the following:

• D. Unless otherwise specified in this chapter, persons who place temporary signs:

  1. On private property shall obtain the oral or written consent of the owner or person entitled to possession of that property and

  2. In public rights-of-way are encouraged to notify and seek concurrence of adjacent property owner(s) and resident(s) before placing temporary signs. For Political Signs see Section 19.104.250(C)

• E. The provisions of Section 19.104.240(B), (C), and (D) shall not be applicable to the following:

  1. The maintenance of signs affixed or painted upon public or private motor vehicles;

  2. The maintenance of signs affixed to Santa Clara County Transit District bus shelters;

  3. The maintenance of banners affixed to the top of the City-owned stanchions located at a site over Stevens Creek Boulevard between Wolfe Road and Portal Avenue;

  4. The maintenance of banners affixed to the top of the City-owned light poles located over Stevens Creek and De Anza Boulevards; and

  5. The maintenance of hazard markers or emergency signs.

• (Ord. 2098, (part), 2012; Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011)

Table 19.104.250 sets forth the rules, regulations and processing applicable to Temporary Signs - Flags, Garage Sales, Political Signs and Subdivision Signs.

Table 19.104.250: Temporary Signs - Flags, Garage Sales, Political Signs and Subdivision Signs 

(Ord. 2098, (part), 2012; Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011)

Table 19.104.260 sets forth the rules, regulations and processing applicable to Temporary Signs - Residential Real Estate, Non-residential Real Estate Signs and Project Announcement Signs.

Table 19.104.260: Temporary Signs - Residential Real Estate, Non-residential Real Estate and Project Announcement Signs 

(Ord. 2098, (part), 2012; Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011)

19.104.270 Temporary Signs–Special Event Banners, Promotional Devices, and Portable Signs and Displays. 

General Authorization. Special event banners, promotional devices, and portable signs and displays which conform to the provisions of this chapter, are permitted in all commercial, industrial, office and institutional zoning districts, subject to the issuance of a permit by the Director.

Public objectives.

Enhance pedestrian experience, activity and convenience.

Maintain the economic stability of the City by enhancing vitality of business. Provide attractive, effective and visible identification reflecting the individual character of the business.

Special event banners. The Director may issue a permit for a Special Event Banner for each business within the commercial, industrial, office and institutional zoning districts under the following provisions:

The banner shall only be displayed for a maximum of one hundred twenty days within a three hundred sixty-day period.

The banner shall be building mounted and have only one face not exceeding one hundred square feet in area.

The banner shall be placed on a building in accordance with the limitations specified in Section 19.104.140 of this title related to building clearance and roofline levels.

Unless otherwise determined by the Director, the display of the banner shall be subject to the tenant schedule for shopping centers as provided in Subsection 19.104.270(E)

Promotional devices. In addition to special event banners described in subsection C. above, the Director may issue a permit for a promotional device for each business within the commercial, industrial, office and institutional zoning districts under the following provisions:

For advertising a special event for an existing business, promotional devices may be displayed for a maximum three-day period, four times within a calendar year.

For conducting a grand opening of a new business, promotional devices (other than search lights, hot air balloons or other extremely large devices as determined by the Director) may be displayed during the first year of a new business's operations for the sole purpose of announcing the grand opening of that business.

The device shall not displace parking or be located in a landscaped front set back area.

The device shall be compatible with adjoining uses, particularly residential uses.

Tethered balloons used for promotional purposes may not exceed twenty-five feet above the building where the special event or grand opening is occurring.

Unless otherwise determined by the Director, the display of the device shall be subject to the tenant schedule for shopping centers as provided in Subsection 19.104.270(E).

Subject to the approval of the Director and the Public Works Department, a promotional device may be located within the public right of way based upon the degree of impact the device will have on traffic circulation as well as upon the environment of the surrounding uses.

Subject to the approval of the Director and the Public Works Department, traffic/parking directional signs may be used in conjunction with a promotional device during the period of the special event or grand opening. The number and placement of traffic/parking directional signs may be restricted by the Director or the Public Works Department in order to insure adequate sight distances and traffic safety clearance are maintained as required in Section 19.104.240.

Tenant schedule: Shopping centers with approved electronic readerboard signs shall only be allowed building mounted banners. Freestanding temporary or special event signs for individual tenants are not allowed. Special event signs for centerwide special events are allowed in accordance with the following schedule:

Portable signs and displays. In addition to special event banners and promotional devices described in subsections C. and D. above, the Director may issue a permit for a portable sign or display for each business location within the above described zoning districts under the following provisions:

Portable signs and displays may not be located in areas, either on public or private property, which are used by the public for vehicular or pedestrian traffic or in other areas, which in the opinion of the Director, are a threat to the public health, safety or welfare.

Portable signs and displays shall not be permanently attached to the ground or a structure on the premises it is intended to occupy and shall only be displayed during business hours.

Design review criteria. Portable signs and displays shall be appropriately designed, installed and maintained with special emphasis on the creative design, character and quality of color and material (vibrant and weather resistant). They shall be complementary to the building architecture and the operation of the business area and shall enhance the overall appearance and texture of the pedestrian shopping experience.

Specific standards.

Modification of specific standards. The Director may modify the specific standards described in subsection F.4. above upon making a finding that special circumstances unique to the site require the application of a modified standard.

Retail tenants larger than 20,000 square feet may be allowed to have one additional sign for each entrance to the building, up to a maximum of three signs with a permit from the Director. One such sign may be up to six feet tall and

twenty-four square feet in area if the sign face is not oriented to a public right-ofway.

Removal of signs. All banners, devices, signs and displays issued under this section must be removed not later than five days after the conclusion of the special event or grand opening to which they pertain.

The City, pursuant to Section 19.104.340 of this code, may cause the banners, devices, signs and displays remaining after expiration or revocation of the five day period to be removed.

(Ord. 2098, (part), 2012; Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011)

Window signs shall be permitted in all commercial zones.

The total area of any window obscured by any combination of permanent and temporary window signs shall not exceed twenty-five percent of the window surface of each storefront bay.

Signs within a window shall be considered temporary if they remain on the window for less than thirty days, and shall not be subject to review.

Window signs intended to remain on display for more than thirty days shall be considered permanent window signs as regulated by Section 19.104.150.

(Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011)

The Approval Body may grant an exception based upon all the following findings:

That the literal enforcement of the provisions of this title will result in restrictions inconsistent with the spirit and intent of this title;

That the granting of the exception will not result in a condition which is materially detrimental to the public health, safety, or welfare; and

That the exception to be granted is one that will require the least modification of the prescribed regulations and the minimum variance that will accomplish the purpose.

(Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011)

The Director or his or her designee is empowered to enforce the provisions and requirements of this title and to remove or cause to be removed any sign or other advertising structure which has been constructed, erected, altered, relocated or maintained in violation of this title. Such powers include but are not restricted to provisions and procedures set forth in the following sections of this chapter. Decisions by the Director or his or her designee in relation to this title may be appealed as set forth in Chapter 19.12.

(Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011)

Any nonconforming sign, except Landmark Signs identified in Section 19.104.210, unless made to conform to the provisions of this title, may not be structurally altered, expanded, moved, modified in any way, or be reestablished after

Discontinuance for one hundred eighty days or more; or

Damage or destruction by intentional acts of the owner and/or tenant of the property of more than fifty percent of the sign.

Any nonconforming sign which was legally erected in accordance with the provisions of the ordinance in effect at the time of erection, or which has a valid

permit from the City, shall be permitted to remain until such time as

There is a change in the use of the property that the sign is located on; or

There are alterations or enlargements to the site or building on the property in excess of twenty-five percent or more of the existing site or building. The amount of alterations shall be cumulative over time.

At such time as any of the events mentioned in subsections A and B occur, the sign must be brought into conformance with this title. Any business with a nonconforming sign, other than a Landmark Sign as identified in Section 19.104.210, shall not be entitled to an additional sign unless the nonconforming sign is made to comply with the provisions of this title.

(Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011)

Any sign which pertains to a business or occupation which is no longer using the particular sign or property, or which relates to a time which no longer applies, is prohibited and shall be removed. The structure and copy shall be blanked out or removed within thirty days after the associated business, occupation or event has vacated the premises. An abandoned sign is prohibited and the removal shall be the responsibility of the owner of the sign or the owner of the premises.

(Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011)

If the Director or his or her designee finds that any sign or other advertising structure has been constructed, erected, altered, relocated or maintained in violation of any of the provisions of this title or any other pertinent ordinance of the City, the Director or his or her designee shall inform the owner and the tenant of the property on which the sign or structure is located, in writing, that the sign or structure must be removed within ten calendar days of receipt of the notice, or an application must be made to the Director for sign approval. Failure to take the required action shall result in a criminal or civil sanction as provided by State law or any legal sanction or remedy set forth in this Code.

If the Director or his or her designee finds that any temporary sign is in violation of this title or any other pertinent ordinance of the City, the Director or his or her designee shall notify the owner of, or tenant using, the sign, in person or writing, that the sign shall be immediately removed.

Illegal political signs may be removed, if, after a two business day verbal notice to the candidate or officially recognized/ designated entity for any public or private political campaign, the violation has not been corrected.

(Ord. 2098, (part), 2012; Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011)

Any illegal signs in the public right-of-way or on public property may be removed immediately by the City.

No notice shall be required prior to removal of illegal signs, including, temporary signs in the public right-of-way or on public property, except for political signs.

Any political sign placed in a park strip within the public right-of-way in residential zones, without the consent of the adjacent property owner or resident, may be removed and discarded by that adjacent property owner or resident.

Illegal political signs may be removed pursuant to Section 19.104.330(C).

Any sign removed by the City, except any sign of de minimus value, shall be held in storage in accord with Section 19.104.360. For purposes of this chapter, a sign of de minimus value means any sign, made of cardboard or other nondurable material. Political signs shall not be treated as signs of de minimus value.

(Ord. 2098, (part), 2012; Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011)

If the Director or his or her designee finds that any sign or other advertising structure, whether conforming with the provisions of this title or any other pertinent ordinance of the City or not, is an immediate peril or menace to the public, to any person, or to pedestrian or vehicular traffic, the Director or his or her designee shall cause it to be summarily removed.

Upon removal, the Director or his or her designee shall hold the sign in storage in accord with Section 19.104.360 and give written notice to the owner.

(Ord. 2098, (part), 2012; Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011)

Any cost incurred by or fees imposed by the City in the removal, alteration, relocation, or demolition of any sign pursuant to the provisions of this title or any other pertinent ordinance of the City, shall be paid by the responsible party. For purposes of this chapter, "responsible party" means the owner, business entity or person having beneficial enjoyment of the sign and, in the case of a political sign, the political candidate and/or officially recognized/designated entity responsible for any public or private political campaign.

Any sign of de minimus value removed by the Director or his or her designee shall be deemed to be abandoned and may be destroyed by the City after removal. No opportunity to reclaim such sign shall be given by the City.

Any sign removed by the Director or his or her designee, other than a sign of de minimus value, shall be stored in the City Corporation Yard.

The responsible party for any removed sign, other than a sign of de minimus value, if known, shall be given written notice to reclaim the sign within twenty calendar days from the date of the notice, provided that any cost incurred or fees imposed by the City has been paid, and, if continued display of the sign is desired, a renewal of the permit for the sign is secured, if required by this Code.

Any sign that remains unclaimed shall be deemed to be abandoned. The City may dispose of the sign.

(Ord. 2098, (part), 2012; Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011)

In the event any person erects, alters, relocates or maintains a sign in violation of the provisions of this title, the sign shall be considered a public nuisance and 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. The procedures for nuisance abatement are contained in Chapter 1.09 of this Municipal Code.

(Ord. 2098, (part), 2012; Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011)

Any person, firm, entity, or corporation violating any provisions of this title shall be deemed guilty of an infraction, and upon conviction thereof, shall be punished in the same manner as other infractions provided under Chapter 1.10 and/or Chapter 1.12 of this Municipal Code.

(Ord. 2098, (part), 2012; Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011)

Appendix A: Example of How to Figure Size and Location of Ground

Signs. 

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Appendix B: Landmark Signs. 

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Appendix C: Examples of Well Proportioned Signs; Examples of Signs Not Well Proportioned. 

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