Chapter 17.72 — DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS – SIGNS

Sections:

17.72.010 Purpose 17.72.020 Permit required 17.72.030 Definitions 17.72.040 Exemptions 17.72.050 Prohibited signs 17.72.060 Sign design 17.72.070 Signs permitted—RCO district 17.72.080 Signs permitted—AN district 17.72.090 Signs permitted—R districts (RA, R, RM) 17.72.100 Signs permitted—P district 17.72.110 Signs permitted—PO district 17.72.120 Signs permitted—C-1 district 17.72.130 Signs permitted—Other C districts (C-2, C-3, C-4) 17.72.140 Signs permitted—M districts (M1, M-2) 17.72.150 General provisions 17.72.160 Special use signs 17.72.170 Temporary uses 17.72.180 Nonconforming signs 17.72.190 Administration and enforcement 17.72.200 Murals and public art

The requirements and provisions set forth in this chapter shall apply to all signs erected, relocated or maintained within the city. No sign shall hereafter be erected, repaired or relocated except as provided in this chapter. The purpose of the sign code is to protect the public safety and general welfare, and to control the location, size, height, illumination, construction and maintenance of signs and outdoor advertising structures.

• A. No person shall erect, move, alter, repair or attach any sign without first obtaining a permit and paying sign permit fees.

• B. The erection or placement of all signs shall meet the requirements of the Public Utilities Commission of the state, the Uniform Sign Code as adopted by the city and all other relevant federal, state and local laws and regulations.

• C. Shopping Center Signs. The sign program for shopping centers shall be approved with the administrative site plan review. The design criteria for all signs to be located within a shopping center or a mall-type development shall be approved before any individual sign

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permit application for the development is processed. Such review is to ensure that signs located within a shopping center are harmonious and of compatible design.

• D. Application. Application for sign permits shall contain the following information:

  1. Name, address and telephone number of applicant;

  2. Location of building or lot where the sign is to be located;

  3. A sketch drawn to a suitable scale showing the location and position of the sign;

  4. Two (2) copies of the plans and specifications for the design showing the method of construction and attachment to the building or ground;

  5. A copy of calculations and stress diagrams showing that the structure is designed for dead load and wind pressure to meet the requirements of the building official;

  6. The name of the person, firm, corporation or association owning and erecting the sign;

  7. Such other information as the building official may deem necessary.

• E. Posting. Every sign permitted shall post a copy of the sign permit in a conspicuous place on the premises on which the sign is maintained.

• F. Electrical Permit Required. No person shall install any electrical wiring or lighting to be used in connection with any sign without first obtaining an electrical permit.

• G. Appeal from Decision. An appeal may be filed with the planning commission by any person aggrieved or affected by any decision of the building official.

• H. Variances. The planning commission may grant variances to the conditions established in this chapter.

For purposes of this chapter, certain words and forms are defined as follows:

A-board. “A-board” means a portable sign capable of standing without support or attachment.

Advertising structure. “Advertising structure” means a structure erected exclusively for advertising purposes upon which any poster, bill, printing, device or other advertisement of any kind whatsoever may be placed, posted, printed or fastened and having a surface of twelve square feet or more.

Awning sign. “Awning sign” means any sign located on an awning.

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Building. “Building” means the building on which a sign is located or attached, but excluding an advertising structure.

Cut-out sign . “Cut-out sign” means any sign or individual words, letters, figures or characters which are self-supporting and not affixed to any sign surface, but which are erected so as to be approximately parallel to the face of the building but need not be attached to the building.

Directional sign . “Directional sign” means any sign other than a highway marker or any sign erected by public authority which is for the purpose of directing persons to a place or activity not located on the same premises as the sign.

Erect . “Erect” means to build, construct, hang, place, suspend or affix, including the painting or otherwise applying of wall signs.

Face of building . “Face of building” means the exposed side of a main wall of a building, excluding structural projections facing a street, highway or thoroughfare.

Face . “Face” means the surface of a sign on, against or through which the message or design is displayed or illustrated.

Face sign . “Face sign” means any sign painted, affixed or attached on a wall or of solid construction located as to be approximately parallel with the face of a building including a “V” type sign which does not extend more than eighteen inches from the face of the building or structure.

Fin sign . “Fin sign” means any sign which is erected so as to combine the features of both a roof sign and a projecting sign.

Freestanding sign . “Freestanding sign” means any sign which is self-supporting in a fixed location and not attached to any building.

Gross surface area of sign . “Gross surface area of sign” means the area contained within a single continuous perimeter, enclosing all parts of the sign but excluding any structural elements outside the limits of signs which are required for the support of the sign.

Illuminated sign . “Illuminated sign” means any sign illuminated by any light source, on, within or attached to the sign or by a light source removed there from.

Marquee . “Marquee” means a permanent roofed structure attached to and supported by the building.

Marquee sign . “Marquee sign” means any sign attached to or supported by a marquee.

Monument sign . “Monument sign” means any low profile sign located on the premises and advertising the use, business, service or activity being conducted on the premises.

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Outdoor advertising structure . “Outdoor advertising structure (billboard)” means any sign, other than a directional sign, having a gross area of fifty square feet or more, if single-faced; or onehundred (100) square feet or more if double-faced, which advertises a business, product, service or activity made available elsewhere than upon where the sign is located.

Political sign . “Political sign” means any sign whose purpose is the promotion or opposition to any person’s candidacy for public office, any issue in a public election or any other political cause.

Projecting sign. “Projecting sign” means any sign which is attached to the face of a building and projects more than eighteen inches from the face of the building.

Real estate sign . “Real estate sign” means any sign used exclusively for advertising a parcel of property or a building for sale, lease or rent.

Roof sign. “Roof sign” means any sign located on a roof of a building or having its major structural supports attached to a roof.

Sign . “Sign” means any advertisement, announcement, display (including electronic display), illustration, banner, insignia or mechanism which is affixed to, painted on or otherwise represented on a building, structure or site, on any vegetation, rock, wall, post, fence or any other object and which is used to advertise or promote the interests of any person on the sale, use or consumption of any service, commodity, article or thing.

For the purpose of this chapter the term “sign” shall not include the following:

• 1. Advertising media located entirely within an enclosed building;
• 2. Traffic highway markers, parking directional signs not greater than three square feet in area and railroad crossing or danger signals;
• 3. The display of official court or public office notices;
• 4. Any sign erected or maintained by public authority;
• 5. Signs used for the safety, welfare or convenience of the public by utility companies.

Sign structure. “Sign structure” means the structure supporting a sign including uprights, braces and framework but excluding any portion of the sign structure which meets the definition of a “sign.”

Sniping . “Sniping” means affixing of advertising to a building, pole or other surface without consent of the owner or other person exercising control of the premises, excluding any posting by an authorized public officer or employee or the giving of a notice required or authorized by law.

Street frontage of a lot . “Street frontage of a lot” means the face of a lot abutting a street for interior lots and the narrowest frontage abutting a street on corner lots.

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Window sign . “Window sign” means any sign painted on or attached to a window or located inside within a distance equal to the greatest dimension of the window (either width or height) and designed to be viewed from the outside of the building in which the window is located.

• A. Real estate signs not exceeding six (6) square feet in area and having a vertical dimension of not more than four (4) feet pertaining to the sale, lease or rental of the property on which they are displayed, may be erected without obtaining a sign permit; provided, that not more than one such sign shall be permitted on a lot, or upon each sixty (60) feet of frontage of larger parcels; provided further, that when located in any RA, R or RM zone not more than one such sign shall be allowed no matter the size of the parcel.

• B. The following signs and nameplates may be erected without obtaining a sign permit:

  1. Street number and/or name signs not exceeding one (1) square foot per sign for singlefamily or duplex structures and three (3) square feet per sign for all other uses. One (1) sign per street frontage shall be allowed. This shall include signs which identify the location of the office of the manager of the property;

  2. Signs not to exceed six (6) square feet in area identifying persons engaged in construction on the site, while construction is in progress; but for not longer than six (6) months;

  3. Signs for identification of institutional buildings, private clubs, lodges, schools and churches, provided:

     • a. Such signs shall not exceed two (2) in number,

     • b. Such sign or signs shall not exceed more than twenty (20) square feet in the aggregate,

     • c. Such signs shall be attached to a wall of the building, parallel to the wall and shall not project out from the wall more than six (6) inches, nor extend above the wall;

  4. Bulletin boards which may be double-faced, not over twelve (12) square feet on one side, for public, nonprofit charitable or religious institutions, provided that such bulletin boards shall have letters not more than six (6) inches in height, be internally illuminated, and serve only to identify the institution and announce its services and/or activities;

  5. Memorial signs or tablets, historical monuments and religious symbols and similar emblems when such are constructed of incombustible materials, when submitted with the building and approved under the zoning provisions;

  6. Signs not greater than twelve (12) square feet in area accessory to public garages or parking areas, when such signs are located on the same lot;

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7. Signs not exceeding twelve (12) square feet in area denoting the owner, architect, engineer and/or contractor, when placed upon work and during construction; provided that not more than one such sign shall be erected on the site. Such signs shall be removed thirty days after obtaining an occupancy permit for the structure;

8. Signs used exclusively for the posting or display of official notices by a public agency or official, or by a person giving legal notice;

9. Signs erected or maintained by a public agency or official or required by law to be displayed by a public utility for directional, warning or information purposes;

10. Signs not exceeding three (3) square feet in area announcing garage or yard sales which shall be removed immediately after the completion of the sale;

11. Credit cards accepted, trading stamps given and association membership signs when not exceeding one-half (1/2) square foot per window sign and one and one-half (1/2) square feet per hanging sign and a total of four in number;

12. Signs bearing no advertising message and located on the site may be erected when necessary to facilitate circulation within the site or facilitate egress and ingress;

13. Flags of any nation, political subdivision or fraternal or religious organization and those flags determined by the director to be of a noncommercial, nonprofit civic character provided the pole height does not exceed twenty-four (24) feet and the height of the flag is not more than one-fourth (1/4) the height of the pole. A sign application may be submitted for a flagpole higher than twenty-four (24) feet or a flag which exceeds onefourth (1/4) the height of the pole where the applicant can show that the proposed flag and/or pole is consistent with the intent and purpose of this chapter. This section is not intended to allow the clustering or display of flags for the purpose of commercial attraction as determined by the director;

14. Signs such as “rest rooms,” “telephone,” “danger,” “impaired clearance,” “no smoking” and other signs of a similar nature may be allowed up to five (5) square feet in area under this section;

15. Signs located in the interior of any building or within an enclosed lobby or court of any building or group of buildings, and which are not visible from any public right-of-way, shall not be subject to the size and location criteria within this chapter;

16. Temporary display posters in connection with nonprofit civic and cultural events and with noncommercial health, welfare and safety campaigns (such as Red Cross, United Crusade, Tuberculosis Seals, Heart Fund, performing arts and the like). Such posters shall be removed within fourteen days after the termination of the event;

17. The removing and replacing of only the sign copy without increasing or decreasing the area of conforming signs. The sign container, including the structural and electrical

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connections, shall remain unchanged. This section is not intended to allow changeable copy signs;

18. Holiday greetings, decorations and displays, such as relate to Christmas, Thanksgiving, the Fourth of July and the like, excluding advertising signs disguised as seasonal decorations; and

19. Temporary window signs (non internally illuminated) announcing special sales, a change in management, individual product and/or price signs or similar information and designed to be viewed from adjacent streets, sidewalks, public rights-of-way or parking lots within a business center. This section is not intended to allow additional permanent signs.

Unless otherwise provided, the following signs are expressly prohibited:

• A. Off-premises signs, billboards and outdoor advertising structures;

• B. Subject to Section 17.72.170 of this chapter, no person, except a duly authorized public official, shall erect, paint, print, nail or otherwise fasten any banner, sign, advertisement or notice of any kind on any lamp, pole, utility pole, bench, hydrant, bridge, wall, tree, sidewalk or structure in, upon or across any public street, alley or public property except as may be required or permitted by law;

• C. Signs, A-boards, advertising structures or merchandise displays placed upon or attached to the ground on any portion of the public street, sidewalk or right-of-way;

• D. Snipe signs or sniping;

• E. Glaring and flashing lights, including illuminated window signs, excepting seasonal decorations;

• F. Directional signs in any RM or C districts provided, however, that temporary signs for the purpose of directing traffic to a residential property for sale shall be permitted provided that such signs shall have an area on any face not greater than three square feet, shall be limited to two in number pertaining to any property and shall be displayed only during the hours between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.;

• G. Pennants, streamers, spinners, ribbons except as provided in Sections 17.72.130 and 17.72.170 of this chapter;

• H. Animated signs, the movement of which is simulated by variations in the intensity, color, pattern or illumination, and flashing signs shall be prohibited in all districts, subject to the following exceptions:

  1. A sign changing so as to show time and/or temperature,

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2. An on-premises barber pole operated during business hours,

3. Electronic signs displaying such things as time, temperature, advertisement or events of community interest shall be permitted. The area of such signs shall be included when computing the total sign area of a business or site, subject to a conditional use permit;

• I. Murals which contain advertising copy or which function as an advertisement;

• J. Signs having one or a combination of the following characteristics:

  1. Obscene or offensive to morals. Containing statements, words or pictures of an obscene, indecent or immoral character which, taken as a whole, appeal to the prurient interest in sex, and which signs are patently offensive and, when taken as a whole, do not have serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value,

  2. Imitative of official signs. Signs (other than when used for traffic direction) which contain or are an imitation of an official traffic sign or signal, or contain the words stop, go, slow, caution, danger, warning or similar words, or signs which imitate or may be construed as other public notices, such as zoning violations, building permits, business licenses and the like,

  3. Privilege signs. Any sign containing the manufacturer’s name and/or emblem which exceeds one-fourth of the face of the sign,

4. Natural despoliation. Signs which are cut, burned, limed, painted or otherwise marked on a field, tree, rock or other natural item, and

   5. Changeable copy signs. Signs designed to have changeable copy as a part of all of their copy, except as specifically provided by this chapter;

• K. No vehicle may be used as a platform or substitute for a billboard, freestanding sign or movable sign, whether parked on private property or the public right-of-way. This is specifically intended to include the use of vehicles as a freestanding or off-premises sign;

• L. Signs located on benches or on other similar structures provided for the use of passengers along the route of a bus shall be prohibited; and

• M. The tacking, posting or otherwise affixing of signs of a miscellaneous character, visible from a public way, located on the walls of buildings barns, or sheds or on trees, poles, posts, fences or other structures shall be prohibited, unless specifically permitted by this chapter.

The requirements, specifications and conditions set forth apply to all advertising structures, sign boards and supporting structures located or constructed within the city:

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• A. Awning Sign. An awning sign shall be located on the hanging border of awnings only, and shall be not less than seven feet above the sidewalk line.

• B. Barber Pole. A barber pole shall not project more than fourteen inches from the face of the building and the bottom portion shall be not less than eight feet above the ground or sidewalk.

• C. Cut-Out Sign. A cut-out sign shall conform to the regulations for face signs except that not to exceed twenty-five (25) percent of the horizontal dimension of any such cut-out sign may extend above the roof or parapet line of the building not more than four feet.

• D. Face Sign. A face sign, other than a painted sign, shall be located less than ten (10) feet above the sidewalk or ground; no face sign shall project from the face of the building more than eighteen inches, nor extend above the roof line or parapet line of the building.

• E. Fin Sign. A fin sign shall not be located less than ten feet above the sidewalk or ground, shall not project more than four (4) feet from the face of the building, or not closer than two (2) feet to the curb line whichever is more restrictive, shall not extend more than four (4) feet above the roof or parapet wall of the building, and shall have a thickness no more than two (2) feet.

F. Freestanding Sign.

1. A freestanding sign shall be so installed that no part of the sign or structure extends beyond the property line; the advertising surface may be double-faced; the surface of each face shall not exceed seventy-five (75) square feet; the bottom of each surface of any freestanding sign other than a real estate sign shall be at least ten (10) feet above the ground and the top of each surface shall be not more than thirty (30) feet above the ground or property line grade.

2. New freestanding signs shall have a permanently landscaped area and shall be maintained with live plant materials around the base of such signs equal to at least ten (10) percent of the total sign area with a minimum landscaped area of ten (10) square feet. Such signs shall be placed so as not to impede pedestrian or vehicular movement or visibility.

• G. Marquee Sign. A marquee sign shall be located approximately parallel to the face of the supporting marquee, shall be located no less than ten (10) feet above the sidewalk or ground, shall not project more than six (6) inches from the face of the supporting marquee, nor shall be within two (2) feet of the perpendicular projections of the curb line, and shall not be more than four (4) feet in vertical dimension. No more than one such sign per place of business or street frontage shall be permitted.

quee, shall be located no less than ten (10) feet above the sidewalk or ground, shall not project more than six (6) inches from the face of the supporting marquee, nor shall be within two (2) feet of the perpendicular projections of the curb line, and shall not be more than four (4) feet in vertical dimension. No more than one such sign per place of business or street frontage shall be permitted.

• H. Projecting Sign. A projecting sign shall be located no less than ten (10) feet above the sidewalk or ground, except as otherwise provided in this chapter, shall project from the face of the building no more than four (4) feet, or no closer than two feet to the curb line,

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whichever is more restrictive, shall extend above the roof line or parapet wall no more than four (4) feet, and shall be of no greater thickness than two (2) feet.

• I. Roof Sign. A roof sign: shall not extend from the face of a building more than four (4) feet measured at right angles to the building nor more than four (4) feet measured at right angles to the street frontage; shall not extend beyond the face of the building when located approximately parallel to the street frontage of the building; shall not extend more than seven feet above that portion of any parapet wall or roof located directly below said sign, except that no portion of the sign shall project above the maximum height requirement of the zone in which it is located; shall not extend across more than seventy-five (75) percent of any street frontage of the building; and shall have a thickness of no more than two (2) feet when erected at right angles to the street frontage.

• J. Monument Sign. A sign no larger than thirty (30) square feet in size, the dimension of which shall be no larger than ten (10) feet long, three feet wide and one (1) foot deep, located outside the public right-of-way and on the same premises as the place of business in which the use, service or activity shown on the sign is being conducted. The sign shall not exceed fifty-four (54”) inches in height, measured from the top of the curb, across the front of the property on which subject sign is located.

• K. Murals. Murals shall be permitted which contain no advertising copy and which do not function as an advertisement, subject to review and approval by the city council.

Signs permitted in the RCO district are as follows:

• A. Exempt signs as set forth in Section 17.72.040 of this chapter;

• B. For permitted uses, name plates or signs not directly lighted, with an aggregate area of not more than twenty square (20) feet;

• C. For conditional uses, the provisions of Section 17.72.110 of this chapter (PO district) shall apply.

Signs permitted in the AN district are as follows:

• A. Exempt signs as set forth in Section 17.72.040 of this chapter;

• B. Name plates or signs not directly lighted, with an aggregate area of not more than twenty (20) square feet pertaining to a permitted use;

• C. Identification signs or other signs appurtenant to a conditional use not to exceed sixty (60) square feet in aggregate area.

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Signs permitted in the R districts are as follows

• A. Exempt signs as set forth in Section 17.72.040 of this chapter;

• B. Not more than one sign advertising subdivisions and tract homes under construction and located on the site of the subdivision; provided that the dimensions of such sign shall be in accordance with the following table:

• C. Signs and pennants advertising the sale of subdivision lots and tract homes shall be permitted for a period of twenty-four (24) months from the date of beginning construction; provided that when seventy-five (75) percent of the lots in the subdivision have been built, all such signs shall be removed within thirty (30) days;

D. Size.

1. For multiple-family residences only. One monument sign per street of lot frontage not to exceed one (1) square foot per ten (10) feet of lot frontage with a minimum area of twelve (12) square feet and a maximum area of twenty-four (24) square feet shall be permitted,

2. For planned unit developments. Signs shall be approved in conjunction with the conditional use permit for a residential planned unit development;

• E. Location. Multiple-family development may be freestanding or wall-mounted. When freestanding, such signs shall not be less than five (5) feet inside the property line, nor closer than one-hundred (100) feet from another freestanding sign on the same parcel. If buildingmounted, signs shall be flush-mounted on the wall;

• F. Contents. Single-family dwelling signs shall indicate name of the occupant and the address. Multiple-family development signs may give the name of the development, the address and, only when vacancies occur, note “units for rent” (“no vacancy” signs shall not be permitted), not to exceed six (6) square feet;

• G. One identification sign not exceeding twelve (12) square feet in area, located flat against a wall and not projecting above the cornice or roof line of a conditional use which does not occupy a structure; provided, that no sign shall be located in or project into a required front, side or rear yard;

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• H. One non-illuminated sign not exceeding four square feet in area located on the premises of a parking lot.

Signs permitted in the P district are as follows:

• A. Exempt signs as set forth in Section 17.72.040 of this chapter;

• B. One (1) sign for each entrance to a parking facility shall be permitted; provided that said sign shall not exceed one (1) square foot of area for each one (1) lineal foot of street frontage upon the subject lot, and further provided that no single sign shall exceed one-hundred (100) square feet in area;

• C. Exit signs, not to exceed six (6) squares in area, shall be permitted at each exit from said parking lot to any abutting street or alley.

Signs permitted in the PO district are as follows:

• A. Exempt signs as set forth in Section 17.72.040 of this chapter;

• B. A single freestanding sign not to exceed eight (8) feet in height or fifty (50) square feet in area listing the name and address of the office center or the business in the case of a single business development. The total face area may be utilized in one (1) sign or be divided among one (1) sign per street frontage, provided a minimum distance of one-half (1/2) of the width of the lot is maintained between each sign and the street corner of the lot.

  1. The location of such signs shall not be less than one (1) foot inside the property line and shall not interfere with the safety of vehicular traffic entering into or exiting from a business center or with vehicular street traffic or pedestrians;

• C. When an office building has more than one tenant, individual low-profile freestanding signs for each tenant may be permitted in lieu of a single freestanding sign for the site. Such lowprofile signs shall be uniform in construction (except for copy) and shall not exceed four (4) feet in height, eight (8) feet in length and two (2) feet in width per business. The total face area shall be limited to one-hundred (100) square feet. Such low profile signs shall be limited to copy on one side and placed parallel to the street;

• D. Directory Signs. For directory signs located within the interior of a business center, there shall be no quantity limits. For directory signs located along the exterior street frontages of a business center, only one such sign shall be permitted for each approach entrance, or as determined otherwise by the director when the design, location, shape of the center or other special circumstances exist and warrant special consideration;

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• E. Office Uses On Building Identification Signs. Each business frontage having a public entrance shall be allowed on-building identification signs having an area of one-half (1/2) square foot per front foot of building, up to fifty (50) square feet of maximum area. Buildings set back one-hundred fifty (150) feet or more from the street shall be permitted one (1) square foot of sign area per front foot of building, up to seventy-five (75) square feet.

Signs permitted in the C-1 district are as follows:

• A. Exempt signs as set forth in Section 17.72.040 of this chapter;

• B. Signs identifying occupants, type of use or services rendered on the premises; provided such signs shall be attached to and parallel with the wall of the building, and shall be stationary and non-flashing. All signs relating to any one occupant or business shall not exceed sixty (60) square feet in area in the aggregate;

• C. Other signs as permitted in Section 17.72.090 of this chapter (R district).

Signs permitted in the C-2, C-3 and C-4 districts are as follows:

A. Exempt signs as set forth in Section 17.72.040 of this chapter;

• B. Any sign allowed in the C-1 district;

• C. Any awning signs, barber poles, cut-out signs, face signs, fin signs, freestanding signs, marquee signs, monument signs, projecting signs and roof signs as defined and regulated in this chapter;

• D. Real estate signs pertaining to the sale, lease or rental of the property on which they are displayed, not exceeding thirty-two (32) square feet in area, having a vertical dimension of not more than eight (8) feet and extending not more than twelve (12) feet above grade; provided that not more than one such sign shall be permitted on single-owned acreage parcels;

• E. Pennants and flags are permitted for new and used car sales, recreation vehicle and boat sales. The aggregate area in pennants and flags shall not exceed in size the total allowable sign area for a permitted or conditional use;

• F. Upon the granting of a use permit in accordance with the regulations of Chapter 17.80 of this title:

  1. Directional signs provided that such shall be not greater than twelve (12) square feet in area,

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2. Freestanding signs.

• G. Upon the granting of a sign permit, portable signs shall be permitted in the C-2 downtown commercial district in accordance with the following standards:

  1. The maximum height shall be sixty (60) inches and the maximum width shall be thirty (30) inches.

  2. The sign shall be setback two and one-half (2 ½ ) feet from of the curb.

  3. The sign may be double sided.

  4. The sign shall be displayed only during business hours.

  5. The sign shall be constructed of durable material and not conflict with the architecture and color of the business.

  6. Balloons, flowers, or streamers shall not be attached to the sign in a way that interferes with the public’s use of the sidewalk and the sign shall be maintained to city standards.

  7. The sign content shall be limited to name of the business, hours of operation, and minimal advertising i.e. menus, specials, and grand openings.

Signs permitted in the M-1 and M-2 districts are as follows:

• A. Exempt signs as set forth in Section 17.72.040 of this chapter;

• B. Any signs permitted in C districts;

• C. Upon the granting of a conditional use permit in accordance with Chapter 17.86 of this title:

  1. Directional signs; provided that such signs shall be not greater than twelve (12) square feet in area,

  2. Freestanding signs.

• A. Number of Signs. Not more than one freestanding sign shall be erected for any business location; provided, however, that any business having an aggregate frontage on a corner lot of more than three-hundred (300) feet may erect one freestanding sign for the first threehundred feet (300) and one freestanding sign for each one-hundred (100) feet thereafter, and any business having a frontage on an interior lot of more than one-hundred fifty (150) feet

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may erect one freestanding sign for the first one-hundred fifty (150) feet and one such sign for each one-hundred (100) feet of frontage in excess of one-hundred fifty (150) feet.

B. Gross Area of Signs.

1. The aggregate area of signs permitted on any building site shall not, after the date of passage of the ordinance codified in this title, exceed one and one-half (1 ½ )square feet of display area for each front foot of the structure or portion of the structure wherein the use referred to is conducted. For purposes of calculating the permitted sign area, the term frontage as used in this paragraph shall include a public entrance to the related occupancy. Separate calculations may be made for front, side and rear entrances and separate signs may be erected on each of these frontages; provided however, that such signs may be only located on the sides of a building wherein is located a public entry.

2. The aggregate area of signs on any site whereon the majority of the business is conducted outside a building shall not, after the date of passage of the ordinance codified in this title, exceed one (1) square foot of display area for each foot of street frontage of the site, or portion thereof, whereon the use referred to is conducted. In the case of sites having frontage and access by customers and/or customer’s vehicles on more than one street, the aggregate frontage of the site along all such streets may be used in calculating the permitted display area.

• C. Signs Exceeding One-Hundred (100) Square Feet. No sign permit shall be issued for any sign having a gross area of one-hundred (100) square feet or more on any one face unless the design of such sign shall have been approved by the director.

• D. Temporary Signs. Temporary signs of an area not greater than thirty-two (32) square feet may be erected or maintained for a period of not more than ninety (90) days upon approval of the director and the obtaining of a temporary sign permit from the building official, other provisions of this chapter notwithstanding.

• E. Maintenance of Sign Premises. It is unlawful to permit vegetation, rubbish or inflammable material to accumulate within ten feet of any sign.

• F. Obstruction of Fire Escape. No sign shall be erected, relocated or maintained so as to prevent free ingress to or egress from any door, window or fire escape. No sign of any kind shall be attached to a standpipe or fire escape.

• G. Traffic Hazard. No sign shall be erected at or near a street in such a manner as to obstruct clear vision, or at any location where the position, shape or color may obstruct the view of, or be confused with, any authorized traffic sign, signal or device, or which uses any word, phrase, symbol or character in such manner as to interfere with or confuse traffic.

• H. Limitation on Sign Contents. The advertising on all signs except real estate signs, directional signs and political signs erected after the date of passage of the ordinance codified in this title shall be limited to:

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1. Identification of the building whereon the sign is located;

2. Identification of the person occupying the premises and the type of business conducted by such person, firm or corporation;

3. Identification of the product manufactured or sold on the premises.

• I. Movement. A moving sign shall be permitted only in C or M districts, provided that movement shall be slow (not to exceed ten (10) rpm) and shall not simulate effects obtained by varying the intensity, color, pattern or illumination.

• J. Utility Lines and 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 of California and agencies thereof.

• K. Brand Name Advertising. Within any C district, up to thirty (30) square feet 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.

• L. Portable Signs. Portable signs, including, but not limited to, sandwich board, “A” board, movable freestanding, tire stack and wind signs, shall be permitted but shall in no case be placed on a public right-of-way or within thirty (30) feet of a street intersection.

Certain uses, because of their special sign needs or their allowance in several districts, have been specifically listed in this section. Where such uses are approved, the sign standards allowed for such uses shall be as follows:

• A. Auto/RV Sales (New Only With Incidental Used Vehicle Sales).

  1. One (1) freestanding sign may be provided per separate new car showroom. The minimum distance between freestanding signs shall be fifty (50) feet.

  2. Freestanding signs for incidental used car sales shall be no higher than fourteen (14) feet nor contain more than thirty (30) square feet in area. One used car freestanding sign shall be allowed per site with distance between signs the same as for new car sales.

• B. Churches. Not exceeding thirty-two (32) square feet in total sign area for freestanding signs. One allowed per street frontage. Wall signs not to exceed one-quarter (1/4) square foot per front foot of building.

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• C. Drive-In or Drive-Up Uses. In addition to the sign area normally allowed, drive-up restaurants shall be allowed one menu board not to exceed twenty (20) square feet in area nor six (6) feet in height.

• D. Golf Courses, Swim or Tennis Clubs. One freestanding sign per street frontage with vehicular access. Maximum height, ten (10) feet. Maximum area, twelve (12) square feet.

• E. Group Care Facilities. One wall-mounted sign, not to exceed three (3) square feet.

• F. Motels, Hotels. In addition to signs normally allowed, one “vacancy” sign not to exceed five (5) square feet.

• G. Movie Theaters. One (1) square foot of sign area per front foot of building facing a public street not to exceed one-hundred (100) square feet per frontage, and one freestanding sign not to exceed thirty-five (35) square feet per screen up to a maximum of two-hundred (200) square feet and a maximum height of eighteen (18) feet. Changeable copy may be used for movie listings.

• H. Outdoor Uses Other Than Temporary/Seasonal. A maximum of fifty (50) square feet as approved by the director.

• I. Outdoor Uses Temporary Fireworks Sales. Temporary A-frame and I-frame signs may be used. Total number of signs per street frontage shall be one not to exceed twenty-five (25) square feet in size nor six (6) feet in height. Maximum sign area for all street frontages shall not exceed fifty (50) square feet.

• J. Service Stations Including Mini-Markets/Gas, Car Wash/Gas and Combinations (In Addition to Normal Signs, Following Special Purpose Signs May Be Displayed).

  1. Portable merchandise display signs maybe located no farther than six (6) feet from the face of the principal building (connected canopy is not a part of the principal building) providing that each does not exceed five (5) feet in height, three (3) feet in width nor thirty cubic feet in area. Signs on an island shall be limited to advertising the merchandise located on the island. A-frame and I-frame signs are not considered “merchandise islands” within the meaning of this section.

face of the principal building (connected canopy is not a part of the principal building) providing that each does not exceed five (5) feet in height, three (3) feet in width nor thirty cubic feet in area. Signs on an island shall be limited to advertising the merchandise located on the island. A-frame and I-frame signs are not considered “merchandise islands” within the meaning of this section.

2. Gasoline Price Signs. One permanently mounted freestanding price sign per street frontage shall be allowed which lists information for each grade of gasoline, type of service available and type of payment accepted. Such signs shall not exceed a total of twenty square feet with a maximum height of five (5) feet unless mounted on the freestanding business sign or the pump island supports, in which case the height shall not exceed those allowed for the district.

3. In addition to the gasoline signs allowed above, one or a combination of the following gasoline price sign locations not to exceed twenty square feet per street frontage may be displayed:

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• a. On-building or window locations;

• b. Pump island support locations.

K. Time/Temperature.

1. The area of the time/temperature sign shall be counted against the allowed sign area of the site.

2. The sign shall be in keeping with the scale of the site and structure and shall not be located within five-hundred (500) feet of a similar time/temperature sign.

3. If mounted on the building, the top of such sign shall not extend above the roof line.

A. Political Signs.

1. No person except a duly authorized public official shall erect any sign, outdoor advertising structure or display of any character upon any public property other than a public right-of-way and no such sign, outdoor advertising structure or display shall be erected or maintained within any city street right-of-way without first obtaining approval from the city in writing.

2. A sign permit shall be required to erect political signs within the city street rights-of-way, upon receipt of an application and proof of the necessary liability insurance; the application shall be accompanied by a deposit to defer the cost of processing, inspecting and removal of the signs before and after any election.

3. No political signs shall be erected prior to forty-five (45) days before the date of the election to which they pertain.

4. Each person who obtains a permit for such political signs shall be responsible for the removal of all such signs within six (6) days after the polls have closed. After that date, the cost of removal of any sign or signs shall be assessed to the person who obtained the permit.

B. Banners.

1. No person shall erect or maintain over, across or above any public street, alley or other public place any sign or banner for any purpose whatsoever, without first obtaining approval from the city in writing.

2. It is the responsibility of the person installing such banner or sign to remove it at the termination of the event shown on the banner or sign. A six (6) day grace period will be

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permitted for the removal of the banner at the end of which it will be removed by the city and such person will be assessed for the cost of the removal.

• C. Temporary Banners, Posters or Pennants. Temporary banners, posters or pennants are not to exceed in size the total allowable sign area for the lease space. Such signs may be used in conjunction with an event or sale, and may be displayed for twenty (21) one days maximum, and shall be limited to one such display four (4) separate times a year. A minimum of seven (7) days shall separate such display periods. Such promotional displays shall not list individual product prices and will require written notification given to the director.

• D. Grand Opening Signs. A-frame signs, I-frame signs and portable changeable copy signs shall be limited to only one (1) grand opening and a maximum display time of twenty-one (21) days per business, with written notification given to the director.

• E. Search Lights. Search lights associated with a special event or grand opening shall be limited to a maximum display time of five (5) days and shall be limited to one such annual display per location, with written notification given to the director.

• A. Illegal Signs. Every sign in existence at the time the ordinance codified in this title became effective and which was prohibited or illegal at the time of installation, and which does not conform to the provisions of this chapter, shall be an illegal sign. Such signs shall be removed immediately upon notification of illegality. Signs which are not constructed, maintained, or displayed pursuant to the requirements of this chapter, and which are not legal, and which are nonconforming shall be illegal.

• B. Nonconforming Signs. Every sign in existence at the time the ordinance codified in this title became effective and which sign was legal at the time of installation but which does not conform to the provisions of this chapter, shall be a legal nonconforming sign. In the event such nonconforming sign is abandoned or discontinued, such sign shall be required to conform to the provisions of this chapter. A change of copy or sign face shall not be deemed a discontinuance of use. Any structural alteration to any part of the sign shall be deemed a discontinuance of use. A nonconforming sign shall be made to conform immediately to the provisions of this chapter if.

  1. The owner remodels a nonconforming sign display, or expands or enlarges the building or land use upon which the advertising display is located;

  2. The owner relocates a sign;

  3. There is an agreement between the owner and the city for the removal of a sign on a given date;

  4. The sign display is or may become a danger to the public or is unsafe; or

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5. The sign display constitutes a traffic hazard.

• C. Amortization. Nonconforming signs shall, within ten years, be removed or made to conform, except as follows:

  1. Any sign conforming to county laws at the time the property upon which it is displayed is annexed to the city and which is made nonconforming or illegal under the provisions of this chapter shall be removed or brought into conformance within five (5) years after the date it became nonconforming. Any sign which has been declared nonconforming under county laws prior to annexation to the city shall be removed or brought into conformance with this chapter within the time period provided for under the county’s law, provided the time period is less than five (5) years.

• A. Signs and other advertising structures regulated in this chapter, when found by the building official to be unsafe or a menace to the public, or erected in violation of the provisions of this chapter, shall be and constitute a public nuisance and shall be subject to abatement.

• B. Any sign which, because of changes in building or site occupancy or use, does not comply with the requirements of Section 17.72.150 of this chapter, may be maintained for a period not longer than thirty days after which time any such sign shall be in violation of the provisions of this chapter and subject to abatement within a period not exceeding one (1) year.

• C. Any person violating any provisions of this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor. Such person shall be deemed to be guilty of a separate offense for each and every day during any portion of which any violation of this chapter is committed or continued.

• D. Any sign or sign structure erected, altered, moved or maintained contrary to the provisions of this chapter is declared to be unlawful and a public nuisance; and the city shall, upon order of the city council, immediately commence action or proceedings for the abatement and removal and enjoinment thereof in the manner provided by law, and shall take such other steps and shall apply to such courts as may have jurisdiction to grant such relief as will abate and remove such sign or structure.

• A. Murals are painted wall signs which have a majority of sign area comprised of noncommercial content, and which generally have artistic, historic, or cultural themes. New murals, public art and the restoration of murals shall require the prior review and approval by the Architectural Review Committee, hereafter “committee.”

• B. The committee may approve a new mural or public art if it finds that the proposed mural or public art is consistent with applicable city policies and ordinances, and that the mural or public art world not be detrimental to the public health, safety, or welfare. Commercial

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content of murals and public art shall be subject to all applicable sign limitations of the underlying zone district. Murals and public art shall be subject to the following standards and review process.

1. Murals and public art may be located on buildings or walls within the C-2 zone district.

2. Prior to painting or installation of a new mural or public art, or the modification of an existing mural, an application must be submitted for the review and approval by the committee. All applications for new or modified murals or public art shall be referred to the committee for review.

3. Approval of a mural design or public art shall occur only after notice and an opportunity to comment has been provided to any interested party. Interested parties may provide comment on proposed murals in writing or in person to the committee. The committee shall consider any public comments during their review of a proposed mural or public art.

4. The committee shall apply the following design criteria in reviewing proposed murals or public art:

   • a. The subject matter shall be of historical significant regarding the growth and development of the city of Dinuba and its surrounding region. The mural or public art may also contain other subject matter deemed by the committee to significant and of high quality.

   • b. Murals and public art shall be designed and painted by an artist who possess demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the design, materials, and execution of murals and public art.

   • c. To the extent feasible, the mural and public art shall be vandal and graffiti resistant.

   • d. To the extent possible, trompe l’oeil shall be the method of choice for mural creation.

• C. No person shall paint, alter, remove, or repair, a mural or public art with first obtaining a permit and paying sign permit fees.

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