§ 33-1392 - (1) Three copies of a scaled plan showing: — Escondido Zoning Code

(A) Location of proposed sign both in plan view and elevation and its relation to adjacent buildings, structures, topography and property lines,
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- (B) The design, dimensions, colors, materials, copy and type of lighting proposed, 

- (C) Location of existing freestanding signs on adjacent properties and dimensions, 

- (D) Details to verify conformance with Article 35 (Outdoor Lighting Ordinance), 

- (E) For freeway-oriented signs, cross-sections of the development site and freeway right-of-way which indicate the height relationship between the proposed sign and the freeway travel lane; 
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- (2) A list of all existing and approved signs (type and size) existing at the subject location or tenant space (if any) as of the date of the application;
- (3) The size of the lot or commercial/industrial center and gross floor area of building or tenant space;
- (4) Such other information the director may require to adequately review an application;
- (5) A sign permit fee, as adopted by city council resolution.
(c) Comprehensive sign program for commercial and industrial zones. A comprehensive sign program shall be required for all new commercial, office or industrial centers consisting of two or more tenant spaces, and for existing commercial, office or industrial centers for which the owner requests permission to remodel, expand, or enlarge the building(s) or land use which affects the existing signs. A comprehensive sign program also shall be required for all new or existing car-wash, polishing, vacuuming, and detailing uses that propose the use of directional/informational signs exceeding two square feet in area or three feet in height. The purpose of the program shall be to integrate signs with building and landscaping design into a harmonious architectural unit and, in the case of directional signage exceeding the aforementioned size limits, to ensure that the size and scope of this signage is appropriate for the site. All comprehensive sign programs shall be reviewed by planning staff to determine conformance with the sign design guidelines, planned development approvals, applicable overlay guidelines, and/or specific plan standards. Comprehensive sign programs to allow directional signage as described above must be reviewed and approved by the zoning administrator. Staff may agendize the matter to the planning commission. Method of application shall be the same as designated in section 33-1392(b). Integration of signs shall be achieved by:
- (1) Using the same background color on all signs or by using various shades as determined compatible;
- (2) Using the same type of support or method of mounting for signs of the same type, and by using the same type of construction material for components such as sign copy, cabinets and supports. Slightly dissimilar signing may be approved if determined compatible;
- (3) Using the same form of illumination for all signs, or by using varied forms of illumination where justifiable and determined compatible;

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City of Escondido, CA

ESCONDIDO CODE

§ 33-1392

§ 33-1393

(4) Providing a comprehensive plan for the location, placement and number of all signs to be permitted for all existing or future development in the center, or by identifying common architectural elements where tenants can physically locate their signs;
(5) Incorporating the design standards established in the sign design guidelines, as may be adopted by city council.
(d) Method of review.
- (1) After receipt of a sign application not related to a project otherwise requiring design review, the director or designee shall approve, conditionally approve or deny such sign request. The director may refer the application to the planning commission when there is a question as to whether the application adequately conforms to the sign design guidelines, unless otherwise required by this chapter. Such a review shall ensure that any sign proposal is in conformance with this article, as well as other applicable ordinances and policies of the City of Escondido. Sign applications referred to the planning commission by the director, shall be scheduled for the next available planning commission meeting upon determination of a complete application.
- (2) Sign permits which do not require review by the planning commission pursuant to this chapter and are not referred to the planning commission shall be processed by the planning division within five working days of submittal of a complete application. In the event that the sign permit application is not approved, conditionally approved or denied within five working days, the applicant may request a refund of 1/2 of the planning sign permit fees.
(e) Appeals. Appeals of the director's decision shall be to the planning commission and must be filed in the planning division in writing within 10 calendar days of that action. Such appeal shall be accompanied by the appeal fee as adopted by the city council. Appeals of the planning commission's decision may be made to the city council by filing a written appeal with the city clerk within

10 calendar days of the commission's action and paying the fees as adopted by the city council.

(f) Building permit required. Sign permits shall be in addition to any other permits which may be required by applicable law. Sign permits must be obtained before other sign related building permits may be issued.
(g) Administration. It is the responsibility of the director to administer and enforce all provisions.

(Ord. No. 92-47, § 1, 11-18-92; Ord. No. 2008-22, § 7, 9-10-08; Ord. No. 2011-19R, § 5, 1-11-12; Ord. No. 2020-14 § 10, 8-12-20)