Encinitas Municipal Code § 4.9 Signage Recommendations

Variety in sign types, sizes and style serve to further the character and vitality of Cardiff-by-the-Sea. Extreme signage however, will detract from the beach town atmosphere. Signs should promote the beach town scale and pedestrian orientation, while providing sufficient building identification. With this in mind, all new development and renovations are encouraged to develop a sign program which integrates the development, addresses a variety of orientations and does not create a monotony of single size and similar color signs across the entire frontage.

Proposing a mixture of sign types, sizes and locations based on storefront styles, sizes and orientation can achieve the desired effect. The intent of the following recommendations is to encourage creativity and diversity of signs throughout Cardiff-by-the-Sea. When consideration is given to the size, design and location, signs can contribute to the beach town atmosphere, serve as symbols of quality for a commercial establishment and relate to pedestrians and traffic.

These recommendations will be applied to each project along with the general requirements of the City of Encinitas sign ordinance.

While creativity in sign design and graphics is encouraged, there are types of signs that are preferred. These include:

A. Under entrance canopies and the valance of awnings at entrances.

B. Blade signs above entrance doorways or projecting signs above entrances.

C. Wall mounted signs located between the first and second floors at the second floor line.

D. Permanent window signs limited to 20% of window area.

E. Address signs and directional signs located approximately at eye level.

F. Sign frames and backgrounds that are integrated into the architectural design.

G. Temporary signs such as A-frames, holiday lights and banners.

H. Externally illuminated signs provided the light source is shielded.

I. Backlit individual letter signs.

J. Attractive painted signs on entrance doors.

K. Modest secondary signs on rear doors.

There are some types of signs that are discouraged due to their distracting nature. Signs are meant to identify and instruct, not create the environment. Some of these instances include:

A. Free-standing signs, except temporary A-frame signs, unless integrated with the site and landscape design.

B. Temporary signs such as paper, cloth, light bulb strings, portable signs, signs attached to nearby vehicles, statues and traffic sign replicas used for signage, off-site signs.

C. Formed plastic or injection molded plastic signs.

D. Internally illuminated can signs.

All signs in the Cardiff-by-the-Sea Specific Plan area should comply with the following general recommendations. It is recognized that these recommendations may not cover all potential situations and conditions. Unique circumstances can be addressed through the design review and/or sign permit process, taking into consideration the overall goals of the plan. Those goals are consistent with the overall design and planning goals stated throughout this document. Those goals apply to signage insofar at it affects the beach town and pedestrian character of the area.

Cardiff-by-the-Sea is a unique area that has been created over a long period of time in an incremental manner, resulting in small-scale individual buildings and businesses. The area is mostly devoid of national businesses with formula approaches to their products or environment. This home-grown quality extends to the signs that have been favored as well. Some general recommendations to continue with the modest, well-scaled approach include:

A. Brief messages conveyed in a simple type face.

B. Simple, carefully selected colors that provide appropriate contrast for legibility.

C. Location of signs close to the entrance of buildings for clear way-finding and location of pedestrian oriented signs at eye level.

D. Location and scale of signage consistent with the proportion and scale of the building.

E. Signs may sometimes be used to establish or continue appropriate design, scale and proportion.

F. Sign proportion should support signage legibility.

G. Generally, the message should occupy approximately 75% of the sign area.

H. Neon should be used as an accent, not as the primary design motif.

I. The design of any sign should be appropriate for the building design and an integral part of the façade.

J. Approved numbers and/or addresses shall be placed on all new and existing buildings and at appropriate additional locations as to be plainly visible and legible from the street or roadway fronting the property from either direction of approach. Numbers shall contrast with their background, and shall meet the standards outlined in Section 505.1 of the California Fire Code (CFC).

Specific Sign Design Recommendations shall follow the sign recommendations outlined in Section 4.9 of the Specific Plan along with the general requirements of the City of Encinitas sign ordinance.