Encinitas Municipal Code § 6.13 Signage

All signage within all zones within the Encinitas Ranch Specific Plan Area shall conform to the standards and requirements set forth in Section 30.60 of Title 30 of the City of Encinitas Municipal Code, except as amended below for the Commercial Zone ("ER-C" Zone) Only:

The definitions contained in Section 30.60.020 of Title 30 of the City of Encinitas Municipal Code shall apply unless otherwise amended below:

Sign Area.

"Sign area" is the entire area within a single, continuous perimeter enclosing the letters and logo forming an integral part of the design of the sign.

Sign Height.

"Sign height" is the total distance between the lowest final grade below the base of the sign measured to the top of the highest sign element, including structural and architectural elements and appendages.

A. Except as allowed by the provisions of Section 30.60 of Title 30 of the City of Encinitas Municipal Code as amended by Section 6.13, Signage, of the Encinitas Ranch Zoning Ordinance, it shall be unlawful for any person to post, erect or maintain any sign within the limits of the Encinitas Ranch Specific Plan Area.

B. It shall be unlawful for any owner of real property within the Encinitas Ranch Specific Plan Area to allow the posting, erecting or maintenance on such person's property of any sign that is in violation of the provisions of the Encinitas Ranch Specific Plan and Zoning Ordinance.

C. Unless authorized by other provisions within the Encinitas Ranch Specific Plan and Zoning Ordinance, it shall be unlawful for any person to post, erect or maintain any sign within the public right-of-way or upon public property.

D. The provisions of this section do not apply to signs posted, erected or maintained by the City on public property for a proper public purpose. Such signs include traffic/pedestrian control signage. All other City signs shall be subject to the regulations of Section 30.60 of Title 30 of the City of Encinitas Municipal Code and the Encinitas Ranch Zoning Ordinance.

E. No sign shall be posted erected or maintained:

1. Within a setback imposed by this Zoning Ordinance on the real property on which the sign is to be located, except as provided by Section 30.60 of Title 30 of the Encinitas Municipal Code and with the provision that freestanding signs may be located within the rights-of-way of Leucadia Boulevard and El Camino Real adjacent to the Commercial Zone and subject to the freestanding signs provisions set forth in Section 6.12.4 of this Zoning Ordinance.

2. So as to obstruct a clear view of the street from any intersecting street or access to public street such as driveways.

3. That moves, flashes, or is intermittently illuminated. Wind propellers and other noise creating devices shall not be permitted. Time and temperature signs shall be permitted subject to the standards and sign area requirements for the specific sign type. No electronic message boards shall be permitted without approval by the Director of Community Development.

F. Signs shall be maintained both visually and structurally to City standards (i.e., Uniform Building Code and Design Review requirements).

G. No sign shall be erected so as to obstruct any door or fire escape of any building or to obstruct free passage over any public right-of-way.

H. No sign shall be erected that would unreasonably obscure from any public view existing, conforming signs on adjacent properties.

On property zoned for nonresidential use, after first obtaining a sign permit to insure that the proposed sign conforms to the provisions of this Section, the property owner may post, erect, and maintain signs consistent with the following regulations:

A. Message. Permanent Commercial signs shall present only a message which is consistent with the commercial uses for which the property is zoned, except no off-site commercial messages shall be presented.

B. General Provisions. On-premise signs may be erected, constructed, placed, created by painting, structurally altered, relocated or maintained provided that a building permit has been issued subject to the following standards:

1. On-Premises Signs. On-premise signs are permitted on sites subject to use permits in accordance with the terms and conditions of the use permit. Signs may be altered, relocated or added upon the issuance of a minor use permit provided that such change is not specifically prohibited by the use permit condition.

2. Permitted Combinations of Sign Types.

a. Projecting signs are permitted in combination with wall signs.

b. Wall signs are permitted on up to four sides of pad tenant buildings and on no more than two sides of major tenant buildings located in an in-line configuration.

3. Lighting. Signs may be illuminated unless otherwise specified in this section provided such signs are so constructed that no light bulb, tube, filament or similar source of illumination is visible beyond the property lines. Neon signs, however, are permitted, provided they do not flash. Signs making use of lights to convey the effect of movement, or flashing, intermittent or variable intensity lighting, or become a distraction/hazard to drivers, shall not be permitted. This restriction shall not apply to signs which convey information such as time, temperature, or weather, however, said sign shall be included in permitted sign area.

4. Sign Program for Multi-Tenanted Buildings. Sign programs shall be required for all buildings with six or more tenants. Sign programs shall remain in force until a new program is submitted and approved. Signs within approved sign programs shall be required to obtain permits, submit applicable fees and shall be in conformance with the approved sign program. Appearance before the applicable Community Advisory Board(s) and the Planning Commission is not required unless so determined by the Director of Community Development. Sign programs shall integrate with the architecture of the building complex, including such elements as size, color, location, and construction material. The sign program is intended to encourage excellence in design, allowing for creativity and art in signage. The signage program shall not vary from the specific limitations of the applicable sign ordinances.

The following standards shall apply only to areas designated as Commercial Zones within Encinitas Ranch and shall supersede the standards set forth in Section 30.60.100, Nonresidential Permanent Sign Standards, of the City's Municipal Code for Commercial Zones only.

A. Number Permitted.

1. No more than two freestanding signs shall be permitted on Leucadia Boulevard at entrances into the Regional Commercial Center. The signs shall not exceed 18 feet in width. In addition, the signs may be multi-sided, but shall not exceed a height of 22 feet, exclusive of architectural features. Architectural features may extend above the 22 foot sign height limit another seven feet for a maximum sign height of 29 feet, subject to Design Review.

2. No more than one freestanding sign (not including shopping complex identification signs) shall be permitted in El Camino Real. This sign may be constructed up to a maximum height of 22 feet exclusive of architectural features and a maximum width of 30 feet. Architectural features may extend above the 22 foot sign height limit another seven feet for a maximum sign height of 29 feet. The sign may contain the names and types of businesses located within the shopping complex and may be double-sided. The sign may be multi-sided, subject to Design Review.

3. Shopping complex identification signs identifying a building or complex of businesses as part of an approved sign program shall be allowed on El Camino Real. These signs shall be low focal elements that are integrated into the landscape and do not exceed six feet in height and 30 feet in length. The signs may be located on either side of the entry drive into the Regional Commercial Center from El Camino Real and at the northwest and southwest corners of the intersection of Leucadia Boulevard and El Camino Real. Shopping complex identification signs may be multisided.

4. No freestanding signs are permitted on streets with rights-of-way of 60 feet and less without the approval of the Director of Community Development.

5. All freestanding/monument signs may include sign area for tenant directory for projects for multiple occupancy building.

B. Lettering Height. The height of letters of individual business names/companies on freestanding monument signs shall not exceed 30 inches; provided that the name of the shopping complex may not exceed 48 inches in height.

C. Addresses. Eighteen inch high numbers shall be provided on the building facade of each business that clearly identifies the address of the subject site. The color of the numbers shall contrast with the background color of the sign. The sign area utilized for the project address shall be in addition to the sign area for the permitted freestanding sign(s).

D. Structure. Pole signs are prohibited. Signs must either be mounted on a wall or structure having a solid base on the ground, or mounted on two posts having a minimum width dimension of eight inches.

A. Area. The maximum area of wall signs, including permanent window signs, on a single building exterior shall be calculated as: one & one-half (1-1/2) square feet per linear foot of building on each building side with a maximum of 250 square feet per sign. No more than four wall signs shall be permitted per tenant with a limit of one sign per building side/frontage.

B. Location and Height. Wall signs may not project above the top of a parapet, the roof line at the wall, or roof line. Wall signs shall be permitted on a parapet wall when said wall is above the roof line. Wall signs shall be permitted on the lower half of roofs when it can be proven that other locations are not visible.

C. Lettering Height. Letters on building wall signs shall not exceed six (6') in height for major tenants.

Projecting signs including canopy signs may be erected or placed in accordance with the following provisions:

A. Number. An establishment with frontage on a street may have one projecting sign along each street instead of a freestanding sign.

B. Area. The area of a projecting sign shall not exceed six square feet. The area of an awning/canopy sign shall not exceed four square feet, except in instances where canopy signs are used in lieu of a wall sign; in these cases, sign area shall be based on the sign area for a wall sign. A projecting or canopy sign is permitted to project over a public sidewalk. Projecting signs are allowed under awnings and canopies with no reduction in awning/canopy sign area.

C. Height. Projecting signs may not extend above the roof line at the wall or above the top of a parapet wall.

D. Installation. Support members shall be a part of the architectural design of the sign, and sign shall be free of unsightly supports or attachments.

E. An establishment may have one projecting sign and one awing sign.

In addition to the foregoing types of signs, the following signs shall be permitted in any location. The area of these signs shall be in addition to the aforesaid maximum sign areas.

A. Directional Signs. Signs to direct or control on-premise traffic or parking provided such signs do not exceed an area per face of eight square feet or a height of eight feet.

B. Accessory Sign – Drive-In and Drive-Through Businesses. Such signs shall not be designed to be viewed from beyond the premises and each shall not exceed 25 square feet per frontage.

C. Service Station Signs. One sign relating to grades and prices of gasoline and diesel fuel shall be permitted per street frontage. Maximum price signage shall be consistent with State Codes (13530 Business and Professions Codes).

The following standards shall apply only to areas designated as Commercial Zones within Encinitas Ranch and shall supersede the standards set forth in Section 30.60.110 of the City's Municipal Code for Commercial Zones only.

In addition to permanent sign standards, the property owner may post, erect and maintain signs on property zoned for commercial use consistent with the following standards:

A. Temporary signs shall not exceed 50 square feet per side nor 15 feet in height. Signs may be two-sided. The number of temporary signs is limited to two signs. The total area of all temporary signs cannot exceed 50 square feet in area.

B. Banners for nonprofit special events may be displayed a maximum of a 14 day period prior to the event and through the event. A maximum of one banner is permitted not to exceed 50 square feet. Said banners must be removed within three days after the end of the event. Banners may be attached to a building or two posts. The height of a banner when attached to the building shall not extend above the roof line. When attached to posts, the height shall not exceed eight feet. The sign may only be one sided.

C. Grand opening/closing banners for businesses may be displayed a maximum of 60 days after the initial opening of a business, subject to permit. Banners may be attached to a building or two posts. The height of a banner when attached to the building shall not extend above the roof line. When attached to posts, the height shall not exceed eight feet, may only be one sided and a maximum of 100 square feet.

D. Banners over public rights-of-way shall be permitted subject to the standards established by the City and approved by the City Manager or his designee. Said banners are for civic and nonprofit City-wide recognized special events. The banner shall not exceed 45 square feet in area and shall be located only on City approved structures. The banners may be displayed no more than 14 days prior to the event and must be removed within three days of the end of the event. Installation shall be to City specifications. Fees to recover City costs in reviewing the applications shall be established by the City Council.

E. On-site banners for commercial uses shall be allowed subject to the following regulations:

1. Message. Banner signs may bear a design, logo, motto and/or slogan, messages for sales and special promotions, except no off-site commercial message shall be presented.

2. Area. The maximum area shall not exceed 100 square feet.

3. Longevity. Each banner shall not be displayed more than 15 consecutive days. Only one banner shall be allowed per display period and there shall be no more than four display periods per calendar year.

4. Location. The banner must be attached to the building on the site. Attachment to the roof or parapet wall is not permitted. The banner cannot extend above the ridge line of a structure.

5. Construction. The banner must be constructed of quality durable material that is weather resistant.

6. Fee. The fee for processing a permit shall be established by the City. In addition, a cash bond in the amount to be determined by the City must be posted with the City prior to obtaining a permit to ensure good faith in compliance. The bond along with a projected banner display schedule must be posted annually with the City prior to permit issuance.

The bond shall be refunded upon a change of ownership, closing a business or the use chooses to not utilize banners. The bond may be applied to the following year provided the applicant has not violated these regulations which will result in a forfeit of the bonding fee.

Reso. 98-17; Ord. 2019-04; paragraph amended 8/23/95 (Reso. 95-91)