Chapter 17.59 — SIGNS

A. Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to coordinate the type, placement and scale of signs within the city. The procedures and requirements of this chapter are enacted to:

1. Encourage a desirable urban character consistent with the General Plan;

2. Preserve and improve the appearance of the city as a place to live, work and visit;

3. Promote commerce;

4. Balance the needs of the business and development community to advertise their
goods and services with the community and planning goals related to streetscape
aesthetics and traffic safety;

5. Establish regulatory distinction between permanent and temporary signs;

6. Promote ease of administration of sign regulations;

7. Provide for eventual elimination of preexisting nonconforming signs on a fair and
equitable basis;

8. Prohibit all signs not expressly permitted by this chapter;

9. Enable the fair and equitable enforcement of the provisions of this chapter.
The above shall be accomplished by regulation of the display, erection, use, and
maintenance of signs. The use of signs is regulated according to land use. The placement
and scale of signs are regulated primarily by standards established for sign type and length
of primary building frontage. No sign shall be erected or displayed except in accordance
with the provisions of this chapter.

B. Scope. The primary objective of this chapter is to regulate signs intended to be viewed from
any vehicular or pedestrian public right-of-way.
(Ord. 831 § 3 (part), 1995)

A. Definitions. For the purposes of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply:

“Abandoned sign” means any sign which is on the premises upon which it is located and
has been vacated for a period of more than 90 days.

“Animated sign” means any sign that uses movement or change of lighting to depict action
or create a special effect or scene, beacons, pennants, hand-held signs, large balloons or
other inflatables used as signs, high-intensity illuminated signs, or other moving or flashing
signs. Electronic or mechanical indications of time and temperature and decorations shall
not be considered animated signs.

“Banner” means any sign constructed of lightweight fabric or similar material that is
mounted to any structure, including a pole, at 2 or more edges.

“Beacon” means a spotlight (searchlight) or other source of light used to attract attention.

“Billboard sign” means an off-site outdoor advertising sign on which space is leased or
rented.

“Building facade” means the portion of any exterior elevation of a building or structure
from grade to the top of the roof line and the entire width of the building.

“Building permit” means a permit issued by the city authorizing construction of a building
or structure, including signs.

“Canopy sign” means any sign that is part of or attached to an awning, canopy or other
material, or structural protective cover over a door, entrance, window or outdoor service
area.

“Changeable copy sign” means a sign or portion of a sign with characters, letters or
illustrations that can be changed or rearranged without altering the face or the surface of
the sign. A sign on which the message changes more than once per day shall be considered
an animated sign and not a changeable copy sign for purposes of this chapter.

“Clear vision triangle” means the required clear cross-visibility area unobstructed by any
sign structure between 30 inches and 7 feet above the surface of the public sidewalk as
follows:

1. At any corner formed by the intersection of a driveway/alley and street, the cross-
visibility area shall be a triangle having 2 sides 15 feet long and running along the
driveway/alley edge and curb line of street, said length beginning at their intersection
and the third side formed by a line connecting the 2 ends.

2. At any corner formed by the intersecting streets, the cross-visibility area shall be a triangle having 2 sides 35 feet long and running along each curb line, said length beginning at their intersection and the third side formed by a line connecting the 2 ends. “Commercial message” means any sign wording, logo or other representation that names or advertises a business, product, service or other commercial activity. “Construction sign” means an on-site temporary sign identifying the names of individuals and/or firms connected with the construction of a project. Such sign may include the name of the project, lender, owner, developer, architect, contractor, address of business and emergency telephone number. “Directional sign” means an on-site sign designed to direct vehicular or pedestrian traffic that does not promote or advertise a business, property or product. “Directory sign” means a sign or set of similarly designed individual signs, placed or displayed in sequence, to list all or part of the businesses within a building or shopping center. “Flag (civic)” means a piece of cloth or canvas, usually rectangular or triangular in shape, representing a country, state or other civic entity, and designed to be flown from a flag pole. Flags of the United States, the state of California, other states, the city of Folsom, foreign nations having diplomatic relations with the United States, and any other flag adopted or sanctioned by the city of Folsom may be flown as a civic flag. “Flag (corporate)” means a piece of cloth or canvas, usually rectangular or triangular in shape, representing a corporation, business or other private organization, and designed to be flown from a flagpole. “Freestanding pad building” means a detached building within an integrated development. “Freestanding sign” means a sign supported permanently upon the ground by poles or braces and not attached to any building. “Freeway sign” means a sign adjacent to a freeway or intended to be viewed from vehicles traveling upon a freeway. Frontage, Building. “Building frontage” means the length of an outside building wall facing a street, public parking lot or mall. Frontage, Primary Building. “Primary building frontage” means the building frontage which faces the street. In cases where a building has more than 1 street frontage, the longest of the street frontages shall be considered the primary building frontage.

“Governmental/civic sign” means any temporary or permanent sign erected and maintained by or required by the city, county, state or federal government for traffic direction, city entrance, or for designation or direction to any school, hospital, historical site, or public service, property or facility.

“Grade” means the elevation of the finished surface of the ground or paving. Finished grade shall be construed to be the grade after construction, exclusive of any filling, berming, mounding or excavating solely for the purpose of locating the sign. In cases in which the finished grade cannot reasonably be determined, the grade shall be determined by either the elevation of the nearest point of the crown of a public street or the grade of the land at the principal entrance to the principal building of the lot. The lower elevation of the 2 points described shall be regarded as the finished grade.

“Height of freestanding sign” means the actual distance from the base of the sign at finished grade to the top of the highest attached component of the sign.

“Home occupation sign” means an attached wall, suspended, projecting or other building sign located at a residence advertising a business conducted in the residence.

“Illuminated sign” means a sign with an artificial light source incorporated internally or externally for the purpose of illuminating the sign.

“Incidental sign” means a small sign, emblem or decal informing the public of goods, facilities, or services available on the premises, including but not limited to a rest room and

phone sign, credit card sign or a sign indicating hours of business.

“Integrated development” means a group of 2 or more adjacent uses or entities planned and developed in a joint manner with undivided or nonsegregated parking facilities shared by

them or that are governed by a common business, tenant, homeowner or other association or by common conditions, covenants, and restrictions (CC&Rs), regardless of whether such uses or entities are located on the same lot or parcel.

“Logo sign” means a graphic sign which represents a particular trademark or business symbol for identification.

“Menu/order board sign” means a sign installed in a drive-through facility and intended for drive-through customers that advertises the products available at the facility.

“Monument sign” means a freestanding sign constructed upon a solid-appearing base or pedestal.

“Multiple-faced sign” means a sign containing 3 or more faces, not necessarily in back-to- back configuration.

“Name plate” means an attached wall, suspended, projecting or other building sign identifying the occupant of a dwelling unit.

“Noncommercial sign” means any sign which does not bear a commercial message. Noncommercial messages include religious, political, social and other state, federal and local issues.

“Nonconforming sign” means a sign which does not meet the requirements of this chapter and which has not received legal nonconforming status.

Nonconforming Sign, Legal. “Legal nonconforming sign” means a sign which was erected legally and has a valid permit, but which does not comply with subsequently enacted sign restrictions and regulations.

“Pennant” means any lightweight plastic, fabric or other material, whether or not containing a message of any kind, attached to a rope, wire or string, usually in series, designed to move in the wind and attract attention.

“Pole sign” means a freestanding sign mounted to a structure, where the average height of the structure is more than 2 times that of the average width.

“Portable sign” means any sign not permanently attached to the ground or other permanent structure, or a sign designed to be transported. Portable signs include, but are not limited to, signs designed to be transported by means of wheels; signs configured as A or T frames; menu and sandwich board signs; balloons used as signs; umbrellas used for advertising; and signs attached to or painted on vehicles parked and visible from the public way, unless said vehicle is used in the day-to-day operations of the business.

“Projecting sign” means any sign affixed to a building or wall in such a manner that its leading edge extends more than 12 inches beyond the surface of such building or wall.

“Real estate sign” means a temporary sign advertising the real estate upon which the sign is located as being for rent, lease or sale.

“Retail commercial center” means a regional-serving commercial development that is zoned C-2 or C-3, is located north of U.S. Highway 50, is located within 1,000 feet of U.S. Highway 50, and consists of 25 or more operating retail stores with an aggregate floor area of at least 100,000 square feet of retail space.

“Roof line” means the top edge of a roof or building parapet, whichever is higher, excluding any mansards, cupolas, pylons, chimneys or minor projections.

“Roof sign” means any sign erected on the roof or over the roof line of a building.

“Sign” means any device, structure, fixture or placard using graphics, symbols, and/or written copy for the primary purpose of identifying, providing directions or advertising any establishment, product, goods or services.

Sign, Area of. The measurable area of a sign face shall be computed by means of a single continuous perimeter composed of any rectilinear geometric figure which encloses the extreme limits of the advertising message. However, if the building attached sign is composed of individual letters or symbols using the wall as the background with no added decoration, the total sign area shall be calculated by measuring the area of a rectilinear geometric figure which encloses each word or logo. The combined areas for the individual words and/or logos shall be considered the total sign area. For freestanding signs, the perimeter of measurable sign area shall not include support and framing design embellishments with logo or no written advertising copy. The sign area of a double-faced sign with identical size and message placed back to back on the same structure (not more than 24 inches apart) so that only 1 face is visible at a time, shall be computed as the measurement of one of the faces. The sign area for multifaced signs shall be computed by adding together the area of all sign faces visible from any 1 point.

Sign, Off-Site. “Off-site sign” means a sign structure advertising an establishment,

merchandise, service or entertainment, which is not sold, produced, manufactured, or furnished at the property on which said sign is located, e.g., “billboards.”

Sign, Off-Site Directional. “Off-site directional sign” means a sign which provides directional assistance to access an establishment conveniently and safely.

“Sign permit” means a permit issued by the planning director approving a sign plan pursuant to this chapter.

“Special event sign permit” means a permit issued by the planning director approving

temporary signage for special events not otherwise permitted by this chapter.

“Temporary sign” means a sign not constructed or intended for long-term use.

“Temporary sign permit” means a permit issued by the planning director approving temporary signage in conformance with this chapter.

“Time and temperature sign” means a sign which displays the current time or outdoor temperature, or both, and which does not display any commercial advertising or identification.

“Under-canopy sign” means a sign perpendicular to the building face that is suspended from the underside of a horizontal plane surface and is supported by such surface.

“Uniform sign program (USP)” means sign criteria established for design consistency among all signs within an integrated development.

“Vehicle sign” means any sign which is attached to and is an integral part of a motorized vehicle or bicycle used directly for the purpose of a particular business and not used primarily as a sign base.

“Wall sign” means a sign attached essentially parallel to and extending not more than 18
inches from the wall of a building with no copy on the sides or edges. This definition
includes painted signs, individual letter, cabinet signs, and signs on a mansard.

“Window sign” means a sign installed or placed inside a window or upon the window or
glass (including the glass of door) intended to be viewed from outside.

B. Illustrations.

(Ord. 831 § 3 (part), 1995; Ord. 1005 § 2 (part), 2004; Ord. 1185 § 2, 2013)

A. Signs Prohibited. The following signs are prohibited:

1. Any nonexempt sign which is not authorized by a valid permit;

2. Abandoned signs;

3. Any sign located in a required clear-vision triangle;

4. Signs within the public right-of-way. The only type of signs permitted in the public
right-of-way are governmental or city-sponsored civic signs, or those which comply
with Section 17.59.030(D), Special Provisions;

5. Signs erected without the permission of the owner (or his/her agent) of the property
on which the sign is located;

6. Billboard signs and off-site directional or off-site identification signs except
government, civic, real estate and other signage as provided in this chapter;

7. Portable signs except those approved in the historic district zone or as otherwise
provided in this chapter;

8. Vehicle signs where the primary purpose of the motor vehicle relates to its use as a
sign;

9. Animated signs unless a special event sign permit is granted by the planning director
or as otherwise provided for in this chapter;

10. Roof signs erected and constructed on and/or over the roof line of a building and
supported by the roof structure;

11. Any sign which simulates or imitates in size, color, lettering or design any traffic sign
or signal, or which makes use of words, symbols or characters in such a manner as to
interfere with, mislead or confuse pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

B. Permits Required. Unless otherwise provided by this chapter, any sign placed, constructed,
erected or modified on a lot or parcel within the city shall require permits and payment of
fees prior to placement or erection of such signs in compliance with Section 17.59.050 of
this chapter. No permit or fee is required for the repair or maintenance of a sign or for a
change of copy on painted, printed or changeable copy signs.

C. Signs Exempt. The following signs shall be exempt from sign permits under this chapter,
but may require a building permit according to the Folsom Municipal Code. Signs which
exceed the numerical or square footage standards listed below may be approved by the
planning commission upon approval of a variance with the finding that there exist special
circumstances applicable to the property, including size, shape, topography, location or
surroundings, such that the strict application of this chapter deprives the property owner of
privileges enjoyed by other property owners within the vicinity and under identical zoning
classification:

1. Any public notice or warning required by a federal, state, or local law or regulation;

2. Governmental signs;

3. Flags (civic);

4. Incidental signs;

5. City-sponsored civic signs for community entrance, identification, direction and information, located off-premises on private property or in the public right-of-way,
with approval of an encroachment permit by the public works department; provided,
that the sign(s) not exceed a 150 square foot sign area and a height limit of 15 feet;

6. Commemorative wall signs, wall signs indicating the historical significance of a site
or building, and building markers, not exceeding 4 square feet;

7. House numbers identifying the address of a residence or building, less than 2 square
feet;

8. Name plates identifying the occupants of dwelling units, less than 2 square feet;

9. Home occupation signs at the residence of currently permitted and licensed home
occupations provided that the signage is less than 1 square foot;

10. Signs prohibiting trespassing and advertising, as well as neighborhood watch and
alarm signs;

11. Garage/yard sale signs; provided, that there are no off-site signs, that only 1 sign shall
be displayed on site with a maximum sign area of 6 square feet and a 4-foot height
limit, and that such sign be displayed only during the time of the sale. Signs in the
public right-of-way may be authorized pursuant to Section 17.59.030(D);

12. Real estate signs for sale or lease of property; provided, that signs are located on
private property, set back 5 feet from the public right-of-way unless authorized
pursuant to Section 17.59.030(D), and out of any required clear vision triangle, with
the following limitations:

a. For residential property, 1 on-site sign with a maximum sign area of 6 square feet. Additionally, a maximum of 3 attached rider signs are permitted on each real estate sign identifying the agent, special feature and/or sales status. On weekends and holidays, open house signs as needed to direct traffic from major collector and arterial streets to the subject property. One sign may be placed for each change in direction to a maximum of 5 signs with a maximum sign area of 6 square feet.

b. For commercial property, 1 on-site sign per street frontage with a maximum sign
area of 32 square feet for parcels with less than 1 acre and 48 square feet for
parcels larger than 1 acre with an 8-foot height limit.

13. Noncommercial sign(s) on private property, not within or over a public right-of-way
unless authorized pursuant to subsection D of this section, or over the roofline of any
building and outside of any clear vision triangle as follows:

a. For residential property, one or more signs are permitted on any one parcel of
land with a maximum combined sign size of ten square feet and a maximum
height of six feet. For noncommerical signs pertaining to an election to any
public office or ballot measure or a noncommercial event or activity, one or
more additional temporary signs which do not exceed a maximum sign size per
sign of ten square feet and a maximum height of six feet are permitted, provided
the signs are posted so that clear vision triangles or other lines of sight for
pedestrians and vehicles are not impeded and the signs are posted during the
durational period provided in this section;

b. For commercial property, one or more signs are permitted on any one parcel of land provided all such signs do not exceed a maximum combined sign size of thirty-two square feet and a maximum height of ten feet. For noncommerical signs pertaining to an election to any public office or ballot measure or a noncommercial event or activity, one or more additional temporary signs are permitted with a maximum sign size per sign of thirty-two square feet, provided the signs are posted so that clear vision triangles or other lines of sight for pedestrians and vehicles are not impeded and the signs are posted during the durational period provided in this section;

c. Noncommercial signs pertaining to an election to any public office or ballot
measure or a noncommercial event or activity may be erected not earlier than
sixty days prior to the election or noncommercial event or activity, and shall be
removed within seven days following said election or noncommercial event or
activity;

d. For purposes of this section, measurement of sign size is the actual sign
dimension. When both sides of the sign are printed upon, or when the sign is
configured in a “V” or triangle shape, then such sign shall be counted as one
sign and shall be permitted;

14. Signs that are displayed during the course of and at the site of a political event or
demonstration;

15. Construction Signs. One on-site temporary sign identifying the names of individuals
and/or firms connected with the construction of a project. The maximum sign area is
40 square feet and shall not exceed 10 feet in height, removed prior to issuance of
occupancy permit;

16. Project identification signs of current and pending development applications with a
sign area of 40 square feet sign and a 10-foot height limit;

17. Holiday decorations that do not contain any commercial message. Such
noncommercial signage must be removed within 7 days following the holiday or
event;

18. Temporary community activity signs in designated banner sign locations throughout
the city or as approved by the planning director, for a period not exceeding 30 days in
duration;

19. Vehicle signs attached to and an integral part of a motorized vehicle or bicycle which is used directly for the purpose of a particular business. This exemption includes authorized commercial signage on public transit vehicles such as buses and light rail cars as determined by the public works director. The total amount of signage shall not exceed 30 square feet on any 1 side of a vehicle and shall not exceed 12 square feet on the rear of a vehicle. Signage shall be located within designated areas as determined by the public works director; 20. One under-canopy sign for each commercial business with a maximum sign area of 4 square feet, located perpendicular to the building face with an 8-foot vertical clearance above sidewalks and walkways. An encroachment permit issued by the public works department may be necessary if a sign projects into a public right-of- way; 21. Window signs; provided, that all such commercial and incidental signs (both temporary and permanent) do not exceed a combined maximum of 25 percent of the total window area for each window. Total signage placed on any window may not include unused signage amounts allowable for other windows; 22. Signs located in the interior of a building, mall, court, stadium, or enclosed lobby intended for interior viewing only; 23. Directory signs internal to the site within an integrated development for commercial, business or industrial uses with a maximum sign area of 24 square feet and a 6-foot height limit; 24. Time and temperature signs in nonresidential zones, not to exceed a maximum sign area of 12 square feet; 25. Barber poles in nonresidential zones; 26. Two menu/order board signs for each drive-through business; provided, that each sign not exceed a maximum 40 square foot sign area and an 8-foot height limit and be located adjacent to the drive; 27. One on-site directional sign which does not promote or advertise a business, property or product is permitted for each one-way drive, drive aisle, and service or delivery entrance, located so as not to impair vehicular or pedestrian traffic. The area of each sign shall not exceed 4 square feet. The height of the sign including the pole or base shall not exceed 4 feet from grade to the top of sign. If the sign(s) contain a corporate logo or identification, the signs are calculated into the total allowable sign area for the use; 28. Sign copy changes; 29. Authorized commercial signs located on permanent structures (e.g., shelters and kiosks, excluding benches) at officially designated transit stops/stations as determined by the public works director. The total amount of signage within a shelter or kiosk shall not exceed 50 square feet and be located within a designated area as determined by the public works director; 30. Noncommercial signs inside a vehicle or painted on a vehicle, provided the sign does not obstruct view or other requirements in the California Vehicle Code. D. Special Provisions for Signs in the Public Right-of-Way. 1. Except as provided herein, setback for signs shall be measured from the right-of-way to the closest edge for the sign. For streets which are improved to a width less than the future right-of-way, setback for signs may be measured from the existing improvements meeting current city standards; provided, that a relocation agreement shall be recorded at the owner’s expense which guarantees that the property owner agrees to relocate the sign at his/her own expense to the required setback from the right-of-way at such time that the city widens (or causes to be widened) the improvements to the future right-of-way. For parcels where improvements are not complete to meet present city standards, setback shall be measured from that point which would abut city standard improvements if they were installed. 2. Signs may be placed in the public right-of-way with approval of a sign permit pursuant to Section 17.59.050(A) and in compliance with the following provisions: a. Signs are allowed only on weekends (and holidays) between Friday evenings after 6:00 p.m. and removed no later than Monday mornings by 7:00 a.m. Removal includes any portion of the sign or supporting structure.

b. Specific location approved by the planning and public works directors for pedestrian and traffic safety, and if located within a city-maintained lighting and landscaping district with approval of the lighting and landscaping district supervisor.

c. The applicant shall provide a certificate of insurance and other documentation
or agreements assuming liability for the sign(s) within the public right-of-way
to the satisfaction of the city attorney.

d. The applicant shall agree to remove the sign(s) at the request of the city without
payment of compensation or authorization for relocation.

E. Nonconforming Signs.

1. All nonconforming signs are deemed public nuisances, except for those signs
satisfying the requirements of subsection (E)(2) of this section.

2. No sign which was lawfully erected anywhere within the city shall be compelled to
be removed, nor shall its customary maintenance or use be limited, without payment
of compensation, as defined in the State Eminent Domain Law (Title 7, commencing
with Section 1230.010 of Part 3 of the Code of Civil Procedure), except as provided
in this section. The compensation shall be paid to owner(s) of the sign and the
owner(s) of the land upon which the sign is located.

3. No nonconforming sign shall be, in any manner, structurally altered, reconstructed or
moved without being made to comply in all respects with the provisions of this
chapter; however nothing in this subsection shall prohibit the painting, maintenance
or repairing of such sign, including the face and changing of copy, except that such
repairs shall not exceed 50 percent of the replacement cost of such sign.

4. Notwithstanding any other provision contained in this section, those nonconforming
off-site signs which meet all of the following requirements shall be removed without
compensation:

a. The sign is located within an area shown as residential or agricultural in the
general plan or within an area zoned for residential or agricultural use.

b. The sign is not located within 660 feet from the edge of the right-of-way of an
interstate or primary highway with its copy visible from the highway, nor is
placed or maintained beyond 660 feet from the edge of the right-of-way of an
interstate or primary highway with the purpose of its message being read from
the main traveled way.

c. The sign is not required to be removed because of an overlay zone, combining zone, or any other special zoning district whose primary purpose is the removal or control of signs.

d. The off-site sign is allowed to remain in existence for 7 years after the adoption
of the ordinance codified in this chapter, and after giving notice of the removal
requirement. The off-site sign shall be deemed to be a public nuisance after the
expiration of the 7-year amortization period, unless the sign was granted
approval by the planning commission or city council, in which case the sign is
not required to be removed.

5. Nothing in this chapter shall preclude the city from entering into agreements for the
relocation of existing nonconforming signs.

6. If at any time any sign in existence or maintained prior to adoption of the ordinance
codified in this chapter, which does not conform with the provisions of this chapter is
destroyed by fire, accident, explosion or act of God to the extent of more than 50
percent of the replacement cost thereof, then, without further action of the city, such
sign, from and after the date of such destruction, shall be subject to all the provisions
of this chapter. For the purposes of this chapter, the value of any sign shall be the
estimated cost and replacement of the sign in kind as determined by the chief building
official in accordance with applicable laws.

7. a. Notwithstanding other provisions of this section, a sign that was legally erected
on private property and where such property is acquired by the city shall be
deemed a legal nonconforming sign and need not be removed if all of the
following criteria are met:

i. The sign was for on-site advertising and the acquisition of the property by
the city would convert the sign to off-site advertising.

ii. No other reasonable alternative exists, as determined by the community
development director, for placement of the sign on the remainder of the
property on which the sign was located and that was not acquired by the
city. Criteria to evaluate alternative locations includes, but is not limited
to, visibility and interference with or proximity to other legally erected
structures or signs.

iii. No expansion of the size, height or structural design of the sign will be
permitted; however, nothing in this subsection shall prohibit the painting,
maintenance or repairing of such sign, including the face and changing
sign copy.

iv. The lighting of the sign shall be subject to approval by the community
development director.

v. The sign shall remain the property of the prior owner who shall be solely
responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the sign, the terms of which
shall be specified in an easement or other similar instrument to the
satisfaction of the city attorney.

vi. No advertising on the sign shall be permitted, except that which advertises businesses located on the remainder of property not acquired by the city.

vii. The city consents to the continued presence of the sign.

b. When the community development director finds that a sign meeting the criteria
of subsection (E)(7)(a) cannot be located on the property acquired or controlled
by the city and when the community development director finds that no
reasonable alternative exists for the placement of the sign on the remainder of
the property on which the sign was located and that was not acquired by the city,
the sign may be relocated to property owned or controlled by the city which is
immediately adjacent to the acquired property. In order for the community
development director to approve the relocation of a sign to an adjacent parcel,
the community development director must find that:

i. No reasonably feasible alternatives exist for placement of the sign on the
property acquired by the city;

ii. No reasonably feasible alternatives exist for placement of the sign on the
remainder of the property not acquired by the city;

iii. Relocating the sign on an adjacent parcel will not impair the value or use
of that parcel;

iv. Relocating the sign will not grant the sign owner special privileges which the owner would not have enjoyed absent acquisition of the property by the city; and

v. Placement of the sign on the adjacent property will not be detrimental to
other neighboring properties or scenic view sheds.
Approval of the relocation of a sign pursuant to this subsection shall be subject
to the criteria set forth in subsection (E)(7)(a).

F. Sign Inventory. Pursuant to Section 5491.1 of the California Business and Professions
Code, the city shall commence an inventory and identification of illegal and abandoned
signs within city limits within 6 months of the date of adoption of the ordinance codified in
this chapter. Additionally, within 60 days after the 6-month period, the city shall commence
abatement of the identified preexisting nonconforming and abandoned on-premises signs.

G. Construction and Maintenance.

1. All signs shall comply with the appropriate detailed provisions of the city building
code and the Uniform Sign Code relative to design and construction, structural
integrity, connections and safety. Signs shall also comply with the provisions of the
applicable electrical code and the additional construction standards set forth in this
chapter.

2. Each sign hereafter erected or remodeled shall bear, in a prominent location, clearly
legible identification decals stating the firm or corporation responsible for its
construction and erection. Electric signs shall be marked with amperages at the full-
load output.

3. Each sign shall have a specified sticker issued by the building department that
identifies the permit number issued by the city, and such sticker must be visibly placed on the frame or outer perimeter of the sign.

4. All signs shall be maintained in good condition including, but not limited to,
maintenance of colors and materials, replacement of defective parts, painted, cleaned,
and kept free of graffiti. Any portions of a sign in need of repair shall be repaired or
contracted for repair within 30 days of notification by the enforcement officer. If the
sign is not made to comply with adequate safety standards, the enforcement officer
shall require its removal in accordance with the provisions of Section 17.59.080 of
this chapter.

H. Sign Removal. An owner of property on which a sign was constructed, painted, installed or
maintained in conformance with a permit under this chapter, but for which the permit has
lapsed, become void, or the amortization period of a nonconforming sign has expired, shall
forthwith remove the sign without additional notice or action from the city.

I. Abatement Obligation by Property Owner or Possessor of Property. It shall be the duty of
both the owner of the property on which the violation is located and any person who is in
possession of such property to at all times maintain such property that can be viewed by
any person using the public right-of-way in compliance with signage requirements
specified by this chapter. If the owner or person in possession of the property fails to
maintain such property in said manner, violations may be summarily abated pursuant to the
provisions set forth in this chapter.
(Ord. 831 § 3 (part), 1995; Ord. 858 § 14(1)—(3), 1997; Ord. 953 § 2, 2002; Ord. 1006 § 2
(part), 2003; Ord. 1185 §§ 3, 4, 2013)

A. Signs for Commercial Uses. Unless otherwise exempt by this chapter, signs for retail and service commercial uses located in nonresidential zones require the planning director’s approval of a sign permit for compliance with the following standards:

1. Building Signs. The maximum allowable sign area for a business or entity is
calculated as a ratio of the length of the primary building frontage. Types of building
signage calculated into the total maximum sign area are wall, projecting and canopy
signage as follows (square footage of exempt signage is not counted toward the
maximum sign area):

a. Maximum Sign Area. One and a half square feet of signage for each 1 lineal foot
of primary building frontage up to a maximum of 150 square feet.

b. Location. Building sign(s) may be placed on building frontages facing a street,
public parking lot, or mall and shall not be located above the roof line. Wall
signs shall not project more than 18 inches from the building wall and the sign
length shall not exceed 75 percent of the building frontage.

c. Projecting signs and canopies shall maintain an 8-foot vertical clearance from
public walkways and may not project into any public right-of-way without
approval of an encroachment permit by the public works department.

2. Freestanding Signs. Freestanding signs shall be set back 5 feet from the public right-
of-way, located outside required clear vision triangles in a landscaped planting area.
However, signs attached to a fence or soundwall may be located within the required setback area. Any sign located within the lighting and landscaping district corridor
requires approval from the city’s lighting and landscaping district supervisor prior
to submittal of an application for a sign permit. Freestanding signs may be located
in planter medians with approval of the public works and planning departments for
traffic safety and clear visibility. Along arterial roads designated in the General Plan,
freestanding signs shall be externally lit, nonilluminated, or internally illuminated
with opaque (nontranslucent) backgrounds. Freestanding signs may include
changeable copy; provided, that the sign area for changeable copy does not exceed 75
percent of the sign’s area. Corporate flags used to identify a business or entity shall
be calculated into the maximum allowable freestanding sign area.

a. Individual Buildings. Individual buildings not part of an integrated development
may choose to substitute 1 freestanding monument sign for a portion of
allowable building attached signage, not to exceed a maximum sign area of 24
square feet and a maximum height of 6 feet, including a maximum 2-foot tall
base.

b. Integrated Developments. Integrated developments with multiple businesses are
permitted 1 freestanding monument sign (exclusive of allowable building
attached signage) with a maximum sign area of 60 square feet and a 15-foot
height limit to identify the name of the center or development, address, and
tenants within the development.

B. Signs for Business/Industrial/Hospital Uses. Unless otherwise exempt by this chapter, signs
for professional office, business park, industrial, hospital, and other similar uses located in
nonresidential zones require the planning director’s approval of a sign permit for
compliance with the following standards:

1. Building Signs. Each business or entity is permitted 1 nonilluminated wall sign as
follows:

a. Maximum Sign Area. The allowable sign area is .5 square foot of signage for
each 1 lineal foot of primary building frontage up to a maximum sign area of 50
square feet.

b. Location. The wall sign shall not be located above the roof line or project more
than 18 inches from the building wall. The sign length shall not exceed 75
percent of the building frontage.

2. Freestanding Signs. Freestanding signs shall be set back 5 feet from the public right- of-way, located outside the required clear vision triangle in a landscaped planting area. However, signs attached to a fence or soundwall may be located within the required setback area. Any sign located within the lighting and landscaping district corridor requires approval from the city’s lighting and landscaping district supervisor prior to submittal of an application for a sign permit. Freestanding signs may be located in planter medians with approval of the public works and planning departments for traffic safety and clear visibility. Freestanding signs shall be externally lit, nonilluminated, or internally illuminated with opaque (non-translucent) background along arterial roads as designated in the General Plan. Freestanding signs may include changeable copy; provided, that the sign area for changeable copy does not exceed 75 percent of the total freestanding sign area. Corporate flags used to identify a business or entity shall be calculated into the maximum allowable freestanding sign area. a. Individual Buildings. Individual buildings not part of an integrated development are permitted 1 freestanding monument sign with a maximum sign area of 24 square feet and a maximum sign height of 6 feet, including a maximum 2-foot tall base. b. Integrated Developments. Integrated developments with multiple businesses or offices are permitted 1 freestanding monument sign with a maximum sign area of 32 square feet and a maximum sign height of 6 feet, including a maximum 2-foot tall base, to identify the name of the development, address, and tenants within the development. C. Signs for Nonresidential Uses in Residential Zones. Unless otherwise exempt by this chapter, signs for nonresidential uses in residential zones require the planning director’s approval of a sign permit for compliance with the following standards: 1. Building Signs. Each nonresidential use in a residential zone is permitted one nonilluminated or externally illuminated wall sign as follows: a. Maximum Sign Area. The allowable sign area is one-half square foot of signage for each one lineal foot of primary building frontage up to a maximum of fifty square feet.

b. Location. The wall sign shall not be located above the roof line or project more than eighteen inches from the building wall. The sign length shall not exceed seventy-five percent of the building frontage.

2. Freestanding Signs. Each nonresidential use in a residential zone (individual building
or integrated development) is permitted one nonilluminated or externally illuminated
freestanding monument sign as follows:

a. Maximum Sign Area. The maximum sign area is twenty-four square feet.

b. Maximum Height. The maximum sign height is six feet, including a maximum
two-foot tall base.

c. Location. Freestanding signs shall be set back five feet from property lines,
located outside required clear vision triangles in a landscaped planting area.
However, signs attached to a fence or soundwall may be located within the
required setback area. Any sign located within the lighting and landscaping
district corridor requires approval from the city’s lighting and landscaping
district supervisor prior to submittal of an application for a sign permit.
Freestanding signs may be located in planter medians with approval of the
public works and planning departments for traffic safety and clear visibility.

d. Freestanding signs may include changeable copy; provided, that the sign area of
the changeable copy does not exceed seventy-five percent of the total
freestanding sign area.

e. Design. The sign shall match the architectural style of the building.

f. Corporate flags used to identify a business or entity shall be calculated into the maximum allowable freestanding sign area.

D. Signs for Multifamily Residential Uses. Unless otherwise exempt by this chapter, signs for
multifamily residential uses require the planning director’s approval of a sign permit for
compliance with the following standards:

1. Building Signs. Each multifamily use is permitted one externally lit or nonilluminated
wall sign as follows:

a. Maximum Sign Area. The maximum sign area is forty square feet.

b. Location. The wall sign shall not be located above the roof line or project more
than eighteen inches from the building wall. The sign length shall not exceed
seventy-five percent of the building frontage.

c. Design. The sign shall match the architectural style of the complex.

2. Freestanding Signs. Each multifamily use is permitted one freestanding sign as
follows:

a. Maximum Sign Area. The maximum sign area is thirty-two square feet.

b. Maximum Height. The maximum sign height is six feet, including a maximum
two-foot tall base. The sign shall not exceed the height of the structure to which
it is attached.

c. Location. The sign shall be set back five feet from property lines, located outside
required clear vision triangles in a landscaped planting area. However, signs
attached to a fence or soundwall may be located within the required setback
area. Any sign located within the lighting and landscaping district corridor
requires approval from the city’s lighting and landscaping district supervisor
prior to submittal of an application for a sign permit. Freestanding signs may be
located in planter medians with approval of the public works and planning
departments for traffic safety and clear visibility.

d. Design. The sign shall match the architectural style of the complex.

e. Corporate flags used to identify a business or entity shall be calculated into the
maximum allowable freestanding sign area.

E. Freeway Signs. In addition to signage permitted in subsection A of this section, the
following section applies to signs for nonresidential uses located directly adjacent to and
intended to be viewed from Highway 50. Freeway signs are subject to Caltrans approval as
well as approval of a conditional use permit by the planning commission.

1. Building Signs. One additional wall sign is permitted on the building frontage facing
the freeway as follows:

a. Maximum Sign Area. The maximum sign area is one and one-half square feet
of signage for every one lineal foot of building frontage facing the freeway, not
to exceed a maximum one hundred fifty square feet.

b. Location. The wall sign shall not be located above the roof line or project more
than eighteen inches from the building wall. The sign length shall not exceed seventy-five percent of the building frontage.

c. Letter Height. Letter height maximums for freeway visible wall signs shall
comply with the following table.

Freeway-Visible Wall Sign Letter Height Calculation Distance of sign from nearest freeway lane Maximum letter height Less than 100 feet 18 inches 100—200 feet 24 inches 200—300 feet 36 inches 300—500 feet 48 inches 500+ feet 60 inches

2. Freestanding Signs. Each integrated development located adjacent to the freeway is
permitted one freestanding sign facing the freeway, consistent with the following
provisions:

a. Maximum Sign Area. The maximum sign area is three hundred square feet with
no more than six panels for on-site tenant identification. Individual letters shall
have a maximum height of three and one-half feet (forty-two inches).

b. Maximum Height. The maximum height of the sign shall be eighteen feet,
measured from the crown of the adjacent highway.

c. Location. The sign shall be set back a minimum of ten feet from property lines,
located outside required clear vision triangles in a landscaped planting area.
However, signs attached to a fence or soundwall may be located within the
required setback area. Any sign located within the lighting and landscaping
district corridor requires approval from the city’s lighting and landscaping
district supervisor prior to submittal of an application for a sign permit.
Freestanding signs may be located in planter medians with the approval of the
public works and planning departments for traffic safety and clear visibility.

d. Design of the sign shall be compatible with the architectural theme of the
business or center.

e. Freestanding signs may include changeable copy; provided, that the sign area
for changeable copy does not exceed seventy-five percent of the sign’s area.

f. Sign copy shall be made of routed letters, so that internal illumination is from
behind letters and/or logos only, not the background.

g. Corporate flags used to identify a business or entity shall be calculated into the
maximum allowable freestanding sign area.

on property abutting U.S. Highway 50 may be approved when the proposal involves the removal of more than one existing billboard sign along Highway 50 or a scenic corridor as defined in this chapter. The sign shall be an authorized billboard within the current city limits. In order to grant approval of the conditional use permit, the planning commission shall find that the proposal results in a net decrease in the number and sign area of billboard signs along U.S. Highway 50 or a scenic corridor within the city and that the property on which the animated sign is located has no other freestanding sign as permitted in subsection (E)(2) of this section. Where a freestanding sign already exists on the property on which the animated sign is to be located, the project shall be conditioned to require removal of the sign. The maximum height of the animated freeway sign shall be no higher than the highest billboard sign being removed and shall not have a greater sign area than the largest billboard being removed. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this chapter, both on-site and off-site commercial messages shall be permitted on animated signs.

3. Off-Site Commercial Signs.

Off-site billboard signs are permitted on the U.S. Highway 50 corridor if all the
following criteria are met:

a. The billboard sign must advertise a retail commercial center which itself does
not have freeway frontage and an existing sign visible to U.S. Highway 50 and
the property on which the retail commercial center is located north of U.S.
Highway 50 and within one thousand feet of U.S. Highway 50.

b. The billboard sign may not advertise a particular store or product, instead must
refer to the retail commercial center.

c. The billboard sign must comply with all applicable codes and regulations
promulgated by Caltrans, including, but not limited to the Outdoor Advertising
Act.

d. The billboard sign shall not exceed twenty-five feet in height and twenty feet in
width. The total sign area (for a single-side of the billboard sign) shall not
exceed three hundred square feet in area.

e. No billboard sign may be erected without approval of a conditional use permit,
a building permit and an outdoor advertising permit issued by Caltrans.

f. No billboard sign may be located within five hundred feet of another freestanding freeway oriented monument or billboard sign.

g. The design, colors and lighting of any billboard sign erected pursuant to this
section shall be subject to the review and approval of the planning commission.
No changes to a sign may be made without planning commission approval. The
design, colors and lighting shall be designed to be consistent with the
surrounding topography, trees and open space corridor along U.S. Highway 50.

h. Qualifying retail commercial centers are limited to one off-site billboard sign.

F. Subdivision Signs. This subsection includes provisions for both temporary and permanent
on-site and off-site subdivision signage. Subdivision signs require approval of a sign permit
by the planning director, in compliance with the provisions below:

1. On-Site Signs.

a. Entrance Signs. One nonilluminated freestanding sign is permitted for each
subdivision street entrance as follows:

i. Maximum Sign Area. The maximum sign area is 24 square feet.

ii. Maximum Height. The maximum sign height is 4 feet, unless mounted on
an entry wall or soundwall, in which case 2 signs are permitted with a
6-foot height limit.

iii. Location. Freestanding entrance sign(s) shall be set back a minimum of 5
feet from the public right-of-way, located outside of required clear vision
triangles in a landscaped planting area. Signs attached to a fence or
soundwall may be located within the required setback area. Any sign
located within the lighting and landscaping district corridor requires
approval from the city’s lighting and landscaping district supervisor prior
to submittal of an application for a sign permit. Signs may be located in
planter medians with the approval of public works and planning
departments for traffic safety and clear sign visibility.

b. Subdivision Flags. New subdivisions can have a maximum of 10 flags on model
home lots, sales offices or at the entryway along the subdivision frontage as
follows:

i. Maximum Flag Size. The maximum flag size shall not exceed 24 square
feet.

ii. Maximum Height. The maximum pole height is 20 feet.

iii. Location. Flags must be set back a minimum of 5 feet from the right-of-
way and outside of all required clear vision triangles. Location of flags
within any corridor of a lighting and landscaping district requires approval
of the city’s lighting and landscaping supervisor prior to submittal of an
application for a sign permit.

iv. Flags must be removed when the last home within a subdivision is sold
and must be maintained in good repair to the satisfaction of the planning
director.

c. Temporary Subdivision Identification Sign(s). One nonilluminated
identification sign is permitted per project for projects which are less than and
including 5 acres in size. For projects larger than 5 acres, the applicant may
request 1 on-site sign for each project frontage with entrance(s), up to a
maximum total of 3 signs.

i. Maximum Sign Area. The maximum sign area is 40 square feet.

ii. Maximum Height. The maximum sign height is 10 feet.

iii. Location. Freestanding signs must be set back a minimum of 5 feet from
the right-of-way and outside of all required clear vision triangles. Any on-
site subdivision identification sign located within a lighting and
landscaping district corridor requires approval from the city’s lighting and
landscaping supervisor prior to submittal of an application for a sign permit.

iv. Signs are to be removed when the last home within a subdivision is sold.

d. Joint-Use Subdivision Directional Signs for Master Planned or Specific Planned
Communities. In order to allow on-site direction within a large subdivision to
those builders/villages which do not have frontage on major streets, on-site
joint-use directional signs may be approved to identify and provide direction for
these builders/villages on other parcels within the same subdivision. Number
and location of such signs to be established by the planning director with the
approval of a sign permit in compliance with the following conditions:

i. Approval. The planning director may grant approval of a sign permit for
on-site joint-use subdivision signs, which provide directional assistance on
the project site only, for a limited 5-year period. One year extension(s) may
also be granted by the planning director if requested prior to the expiration
date on the permit.

ii. Sign Area and Dimensions. The sign area shall be a maximum of 48 square
feet with a 10-foot maximum sign height, an 8-foot maximum sign width,
and a 3-foot base required for ground clearance. The sign shall have a
maximum of 4 subdivision nameplates per sign face.

iii. Location. On-site directional signs within master planned or specific
planned communities shall be located along major arterials and collectors,
no closer than 1,000 feet to any other such sign in the same direction on
any 1 roadway. Joint-use signs shall be set back 5 feet from the public
right-of-way, unless authorized pursuant to Section 17.59.030(D), and
shall not be located within any required clear vision triangle. Any sign
located within the lighting and landscaping district corridor requires
approval from the city’s lighting and landscaping district supervisor prior
to submittal of an application for a sign permit.

iv. Nameplates. Individual subdivision nameplates on a joint-use sign require
an annual sign permit approved by the planning director. Sign copy is
limited to the name of the builder, project identification, and a directional
arrow. Sign area of nameplates shall be a maximum of 12 square feet.
Letter height shall not be less than 8 inches.

v. Responsible Party, Attachments. All sign(s) to display the name, address
and phone number of the company responsible for the placement of the
sign(s). Signs shall not be displayed with any lights, balloons or any other
items attached.

2. Off-Site Signs. Individual builders or subdividers have the option of choosing 1 of the
following types of off-site signage programs in compliance with listed provisions.

a. Joint-use subdivision directional signs as follows:

i. Approval. The planning director may grant approval of a sign permit for
joint-use subdivision directional signs, which provide directional
assistance only, for a maximum 5-year period. One-year extension(s) may also be granted by the planning director if requested prior to the expiration
date on the permit.

ii. Sign Design and Dimensions. Sign design shall be consistent with the city-
wide standard illustrated in Section 17.59.020(B), Illustrations. The sign
area is 96 square feet per sign face (2-sided) with a 15-foot sign height, an
8-foot sign width, and a 3-foot base required for ground clearance. The
sign shall have 6 subdivision nameplates per sign face. Colors and
materials to be approved by the planning director.

iii. Location. Off-site joint-use directional signs shall be located along major
arterials, no closer than 1,000 feet to any other such sign in the same
direction on any one roadway. However, the planning director may
approve more than 1 subdivision sign at any corner at the intersection of 2
major arterial streets. Joint-use signs shall be set back 5 feet from the
public right-of-way, unless authorized pursuant to Section 17.59.030(D),
and shall not be located within any required clear vision triangle. Any sign
located within the lighting and landscaping district corridor requires
approval from the city’s lighting and landscaping district supervisor prior
to submittal of an application for a sign permit.

iv. Nameplates. Individual subdivision nameplates on a joint-use sign require
an annual sign permit approved by the planning director; provided, that
each builder does not exceed a maximum of 8 nameplate locations
throughout the city. Sign copy is limited to the builder and project
identification and a directional arrow. Nameplate dimensions shall be 8
feet wide and 1.5 feet tall with a sign area of 12 square feet. Letter height
shall not be less than 8 inches. If a joint-use sign advertises 3 or fewer
builders, each builder may occupy the area of 2 subdivision nameplates
until a fourth space is leased, at which time all 3 builders shall modify their
signs to the standard nameplate dimensions.

v. Responsible Party, Attachments. All sign(s) to display the name, address
and phone number of the company responsible for the placement of the
sign(s). Signs shall not be displayed with any lights, balloons or any other
items attached to them, nor shall such signs be visible from freeway or
along the on-/off-ramps.

vi. Removal. Joint use subdivision signs shall be permanently removed within
60 days after the sign advertises no subdivisions or within 10 days after the
expiration of the sign permit. Nameplates shall be removed from all joint-
use signs when the last home within the subdivision is sold.

vii. Deposit. A $500 deposit or other financial security as approved by the city
attorney is required for each off-site sign. The deposit shall be made to the
city prior to issuance of building permits as an incentive to take the signs
down at the expiration of the permit. The funds will be returned when the
sign is removed or will be used by the city to remove the signs.

b. Subdivision Directional Signs for Master Planned or Specific Planned
Subdivisions. Large subdivisions with multiple builders or villages may request
a sign program catered to the overall project design for the master/specific planned subdivision as follows:

i. Approval. The planning director may grant approval of a sign permit for
off-site subdivision signs which provide planned community identification
and directional assistance for a maximum 5-year period. One-year
extension(s) may be granted by the planning director if requested prior to
the permit expiration date.

ii. Location. Signs shall be located along major arterials, and all signs for any
particular project must be separated by a minimum distance of 1,000 feet.
However, the planning director may approve more than 1 subdivision sign
at any corner at the intersection of 2 major arterial streets. Signs may be
approved only at decision-making points deemed necessary to provide
direction to the subdivision, up to a maximum of 6 off-site sign locations.
Joint-use signs shall be set back 5 feet from the public right-of-way, unless
authorized pursuant to Section 17.59.030(D), and shall not be located
within any required clear vision triangle. Any sign located within the
lighting and landscaping district corridor requires approval from the city’s
lighting and landscaping district supervisor prior to submittal of an
application for a sign permit.

iii. Sign Design and Dimensions. Sign design shall be approved by the
planning director on a case-by-case basis consistent with the following
parameters. Sign area shall be a maximum of 40 square feet per sign face
to identify the name of the overall subdivision, exclusive of individual
nameplates. Sign height shall be a maximum of 10 feet, with an 8-foot
maximum width, and a 3-foot base required for ground clearance.

iv. Maximum Number of Nameplates. Individual builders within the master
planned or specific planned subdivision are permitted a maximum of 8
subdivision nameplate locations throughout the city, including off-site
subdivision signs erected for the overall development as described herein,
which are exclusive of individual nameplates identifying the builders
within the master planned or specific planned subdivision.

v. Responsible Party, Attachments. All sign(s) to display the name, address
and phone number of the company responsible for the placement of the
sign(s). Signs shall not be displayed with any lights, balloons or any other
items attached to them, nor shall such signs be visible from freeway or
along the on-/off-ramps.

vi. Removal. Off-site subdivision directional signs for master planned or
specific planned subdivisions shall be permanently removed within 60
days after the last home in the subdivision is sold or within 10 days after
the expiration of the sign permit.

vii. Deposit. A $500 deposit or other financial security as approved by the city
attorney is required for each off-site sign. The deposit shall be made to the
city prior to issuance of building permits as an incentive to take the signs
down at the expiration of the permit. The funds will be returned when the
sign is removed or will be used by the city to remove the signs.

c. Temporary Weekend Directional Sign(s). Each subdivision, builder or property
owner is permitted a maximum of 25 weekend directional signs in compliance
with the following provisions:

i. Approval. Temporary sign programs for weekend directional signage are
subject to approval of a sign permit by the planning director for a 6-month
period of time. The applicant shall submit, as a requirement of the
application, a map identifying the proposed location for each temporary
directional sign, property owners authorization, contact person for
placement and removal of signs, as well as a security deposit, in the
amount of $200, provided to the city as guarantee of funds to cover costs
associated with removal and disposal of sign(s) found in violation of this
section.

ii. Maximum Sign Area. Maximum sign area shall be limited to 4 square feet
to advertise the name of the builder, project identification, and a directional
arrow.

iii. Maximum Sign Height. The maximum height of the sign is 4 feet from
finished grade.

iv. Location and Placement. Signs shall not be placed within a required clear
vision triangle, shall not be displayed on private or publicly owned fences,
utility poles or walls, and shall not be visible from freeway or along the
on-/off-ramps. Weekend directional signs may be located within the public
right-of-way pursuant to Section 17.59.030(D). Sign placement is limited
to 1 sign per direction at any one intersection. The placement of a
maximum of 1 sign per project may be approved at points of turn, but all
signs for any particular project must be separated by a minimum distance
of 500 feet. Any sign located within the lighting and landscaping district
corridor requires approval from the city’s lighting and landscaping district
supervisor prior to submittal of an application for a sign permit.

v. Signs are allowed only on weekends (and holidays) between Friday
evenings after 6 p.m. and removed no later than Monday mornings by 7
a.m. Removal includes any portion of the sign or supporting structure.

vi. Weekend directional signs for subdivisions shall not be displayed with any
lights, balloons or any other items attached to them.

vii. All sign(s) shall display the name, address and phone number of the
company responsible for the placement of the sign(s).

viii. Signs shall be designed to ensure that sign face(s) are securely fastened to
the supporting structure and that the supporting structure is securely
fastened to the ground.

ix. Removal. Permanently removed when the last home within the subdivision is sold. Any sign found in violation of any provision herein may be removed by city personnel after compliance with the procedures set forth in Section 17.59.080 of this chapter.

x. Any subdivision sign program found to be in violation of any provision
herein may be grounds for the denial of future renewal permits.

G. Humbug/Willow Creek Parkway Signage. Signage related to surrounding and adjacent land
uses shall not be oriented towards the Humbug/Willow Creek Parkway. Signage criteria for
information or interpretive signs within the parkway is as follows:

1. Sign material, color and design should reflect the natural setting of the site. Whenever
possible, natural materials such as wood, granite and river rock shall be used.

2. Large, light-colored sign faces invite graffiti and are not permitted.

3. For simplicity, continuity and ease of communication, signs shall employ symbols
where appropriate for bike trails, rest rooms, hiking trail designations.

4. In most cases within the parkway, illumination of signs could adversely affect the
environmental qualities of the parkway and is therefore not permitted. An exception
might include a minor, shielded, lighting source at an emergency call box, a trail-head
near an intersection, or at a bike tunnel.

H. Signage in Scenic Corridors. Applicants who wish to have nonexempt signs erected visible
from a scenic corridor are required to obtain a sign permit from the planning director in
compliance with provisions of this chapter.

1. The following are designated as scenic corridors in the city:

i. Greenback Lane (east of Madison Ave. to Rainbow Bridge);

ii. Green Valley Road (from East Natoma Street to the city limits);

iii. Blue Ravine Road;

iv. East Bidwell (from Blue Ravine Road east to the city limits);

v. Prairie City Road;

vi. Folsom Boulevard;

vii. Folsom-Auburn Road.

2. Signs in the scenic corridor shall comply with the following special provisions and
other applicable sections of this chapter:

a. Signs shall be externally lit, nonilluminated, or internally illuminated with opaque (nontranslucent) backgrounds so that the lighting comes through the letter or logo only. Type and level of illumination must be approved by the planning director to prevent excessive glare along scenic corridors.

b. Sign design shall match or complement the color and architecture of the
building.

I. Temporary Signs. Temporary signs are permitted on the site of the business to which the
message pertains with approval of a temporary sign permit issued by the planning director
(unless otherwise exempt in this chapter). Temporary commercial signs include grand
opening, special product, sale or event advertising. Such temporary promotional signs shall not be freestanding, moving or illuminated.

1. Maximum Area. Each business or entity is permitted one or more temporary signs
with a combined maximum sign area of one hundred square feet. Additionally,
businesses or entities with more than one hundred lineal feet of primary building
frontage are permitted an additional two square feet of signage for each lineal foot of
primary building frontage (in excess of one hundred lineal feet), up to a total
maximum sign area of two hundred square feet.

2. Location. Temporary sign(s) must be attached to the main building or wall/fence, but
not located above the roof line or height of wall/fence structure for the business
advertising.

3. Time. Each business is allowed a maximum of two weeks temporary promotional
signage a quarter/season (four times a year) or a total of eight weeks per calendar
year, but not more than four consecutive weeks (twenty-eight consecutive days).
(Ord. 831 § 3 (part), 1995; Ord. 858 § 14(5), 1997; Ord. 890 § 3(1), 1998; Ord. 1005 § 1 (part),
2004; Ord. 1006 § 2 (part), 2003; Ord. 1101 § 2, 2007)

A. Sign Permit.

1. Application. The sign user or authorized representative shall submit a sign permit
application to the planning department upon forms provided for that purpose,
including but not limited to the following:

a. Four sets of sign plans illustrating all permanent attached and freestanding
signage proposed which is calculated into the total maximum allowable signage
for the parcel or business (including the number of signs, location, size, type,
colors and materials, illumination, and construction details of proposed
signage);

b. The sign plan shall illustrate compliance with any applicable Uniform Signage
Program and any other sections of this chapter.

2. Application Fee. The city council may establish a fee for the processing of an
application under the provisions of this chapter by resolution, which may be amended
from time to time.

3. Application Review. Except as otherwise provided herein, the planning, inspections
and permitting director shall review and approve, conditionally approve or deny the
sign permit application based on conformance with the provisions of this chapter and
any applicable uniform sign program. The historic district commission shall review
and approve, conditionally approve or deny sign permit applications for signs to be
located within the boundaries of the historic district based on conformance with the
provisions of this title and any applicable uniform sign program. Applications shall
be approved unless the planning, inspections and permitting director, or historic
district commission finds in writing that:

a. The applicant has failed to provide sufficient or adequate plans, information or
other data necessary to allow determinations respecting compliance with the provisions of this chapter;

b. The proposed signage will violate provisions of this chapter, state or federal
laws, and such violation cannot be resolved by the imposition of conditions
pursuant to this section.

4. Notice of Denial. Written notice of the planning director’s decision shall be given to
the applicant within seven days of the decision.

5. Conditions. The planning director may at the time of approval impose such conditions as are reasonable and necessary to ensure compliance with this chapter, or state or federal laws. 6. Term of Permit. The sign permit shall be effective eleven days from the date of issuance, unless an appeal has been filed, and shall remain in force indefinitely unless suspended or revoked or if installation of the sign is not completed within six months from the date of issuance of such permit. The planning director may grant one ninety- day extension if work has been commenced but not completed. 7. Building Permit Required. Prior to installation of a sign, an applicant shall first obtain any required building permits for the sign. 8. Amendment of Permit. Any proposed changes to the sign(s) shall be reviewed and approved by the planning director in the manner and pursuant to the standards of the city’s current sign ordinance.

   B. Uniform Signage Program (USP). Each integrated development with multiple tenants shall submit a Uniform Signage Program (USP) application for approval by the planning director. The uniform signage program shall include the process for sign review by the landlord and incorporate the city’s requirements for obtaining a sign permit, and shall also include sign criteria for building-attached and freestanding signs for tenants, anchors, freestanding buildings and the integrated development itself. Uniform signage programs shall be consistent with the standards set forth in this chapter. 1. Application. The developer, landlord or authorized representative for integrated developments shall submit a uniform signage program application to the planning department upon forms provided for that purpose. 2. Application Fee. The city council may establish a fee for the processing of an application under the provisions of this chapter by resolution, which may be amended from time to time. 3. Application Review. The planning director shall review, approve, conditionally approve or deny the uniform signage program applications based on compliance with all applicable requirements of this chapter. Applications shall be approved unless the planning director finds in writing that: a. The applicant has failed to provide sufficient or adequate plans, information or other data necessary to allow determinations respecting compliance with the provisions of this chapter; b. The proposed signage will violate provisions of this chapter, state or federal laws, and such violation cannot be resolved by the imposition of conditions pursuant to this section; c. The uniform signage program proposed for the integrated development does not establish standards for consistency of sign type, location, logo and/or letter height, lines of copy, illumination, construction details, and color and material of signs within that development. 4. Notice of Denial. Written notice of the planning director’s decision shall be given to the applicant within seven days of the decision. 5. Conditions. The planning director may at the time of approval impose such conditions as are reasonable and necessary to ensure compliance with this chapter, or state or federal laws. 6. Permits Required. Each tenant within an integrated development shall submit a sign permit application consistent with the uniform signage program to the planning director for review and approval according to subsection A of this section. Additionally, prior to installation of any sign(s), the applicant shall first obtain any required building permits for the sign(s). 7. Binding Effect. After approval of a uniform signage program, no sign shall be displayed except in conformance with such plan and this chapter. The uniform signage program shall be enforced in the same way as any provision of this chapter. In case of any conflict between the provisions of such plan and any provisions of this chapter, the chapter shall control. 8. Amendment of Uniform Signage Program. Any proposed changes in the program after approval shall be submitted to the planning director for review. No person shall undertake activity which does not conform with the uniform signage program, unless approved by the planning director. The planning director shall review any proposed changes in the manner and pursuant to the standards of the city’s current sign ordinance. C. Temporary Sign Permit. Temporary signs not otherwise exempt from or prohibited by this chapter must obtain a temporary sign permit from the planning director. 1. Application. The sign user or authorized representative shall submit a temporary sign permit application to the planning department upon a form provided for that purpose, including but not limited to the following: explanation of number, location, size and promotional period requested.

6. Application Fee. The city council may establish a fee for the processing of an application under the provisions of this chapter by resolution, which may be amended from time to time. 3. Application Review. The planning director shall review and approve, conditionally approve, or deny the temporary sign permit application based on conformance with the provisions of this subsection, Section 17.59.040(J), and other applicable provisions in this chapter. 4. Conditions. The planning director may at the time of approval impose such conditions as are necessary to ensure compliance with this chapter, or state or federal laws. 5. Term Limit. The temporary sign permit shall be effective for the dates identified on the approved permit consistent with this chapter. 6. Renewal of Temporary Sign Permit. A request for renewal for a temporary sign permit may be submitted to the planning director prior to the end of the period for which the temporary sign permit was approved. The planning director may approve a renewal request provided all applicable renewal fees have been paid, and the planning director finds the sign(s) to be in conformance with the standards set forth in Section 17.59.040(J) and other applicable provisions of this chapter.

   D. Special Event Sign Permit. Any person or entity requesting short-term use of temporary animated signs not otherwise permitted in this chapter, including but not limited to beacons, pennants, freestanding banners, or inflatables used as signs, for a special event, shall apply for a temporary special event sign permit. 1. Application. The sign user or authorized representative shall submit a special event sign permit application to the planning department upon a form provided for that purpose including, but not limited to the following: explanation of sign type, number, location, size and promotional period requested. 2. Application Fee. The city council may establish a fee for the processing of an application under the provisions of this chapter by resolution, which may be amended from time to time.

7. Application Review. The planning director shall review, approve, conditionally approve or deny the special event sign permit application for community-wide events, grand openings, and other similar events as determined by the planning director to be of a community-wide benefit; provided, that the sign(s) not be a roof sign and comply with traffic safety standards. No entity or integrated development may be issued more than 2 special event sign permits per calendar year. 4. Conditions. The planning director may at the time of approval impose such conditions as are necessary to ensure the protection of the general health, safety, and welfare of the community. 5. Term Limit. The special event sign permit shall be effective for the dates identified on the approved permit and shall not exceed a maximum of 14 consecutive calendar days.

   E. Use Permit. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, if a particular use in any land use district requires the issuance of a use permit, the planning commission shall, in granting such permit, specify and establish the size, location, number and conditions of signs to be erected in conjunction with the proposed land use and in compliance with the provisions of this chapter. Nothing in this section shall exempt such signs from the requirements of subsection A of this section, Sign Permit. However, in addition to other standards specified, the planning director’s action shall be consistent with the provisions of the use permit.

   F. Planned Development Permit. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, if a particular use in any land use district requires the issuance of a planned development permit, the planning commission shall, in granting such permit, specify and establish the size, location, number and conditions of signs to be erected and maintained in conjunction with the proposed project, in compliance with Chapter 17.38 and the provisions of this chapter. Nothing in this section shall exempt such signs from the requirements of subsection A of this section, Sign Permit. However, in addition to other standards specified, the planning director’s action shall be consistent with the provisions of the planned development permit. G. Appeals.

8. Appeals. If the applicant or other person whose property rights may be affected is dissatisfied with any determination made by the planning director, such person may appeal to the planning commission. Decisions of the planning commission, when sitting as an appeal body, may not be appealed to the city council. Any such appeal shall be in writing, shall state the specific reasons therefor and grounds asserted for relief, and shall be filed with the planning director not later than 10 calendar days after the date of the action being appealed. If an appeal is not filed within the time or in the manner prescribed above, the right to review of the action against which the complaint is made shall be deemed to have been waived. 2. Appeal Fee. The city council shall by resolution adopt and, from time to time, amend a fee for the filing of appeals. Such fee shall be for the sole purpose of defraying costs incurred for the administration of appeals. The fee for an appeal shall be paid at the time of and with the filing of an appeal. No appeal shall be deemed valid unless the prescribed fee has been paid. 3. Appeal Hearing. After the filing of an appeal within the time and in the manner prescribed herein, a hearing shall be scheduled before the appeal body within 30 days of the filing of the appeal for the purpose of determining whether the appeal should be granted. Written notice of the time, date and place of the hearing shall be served upon the appellant not later than 10 days preceding the date of the hearing. 4. Action on Appeals. The appeal body shall review the entire proceeding(s) relating to the decision being appealed, de novo, and may make any order it deems just and equitable, including the approval of the application. At the conclusion of the hearing, the appeal body shall prepare a written decision which either grants or denies the appeal and which contains findings of fact and conclusions. The written decision, including a copy thereof, shall be filed with the city clerk. The clerk shall serve such decision on the applicant and the party filing the appeal. The decision of the appeal body shall become final upon the date of the filing and service with respect to any appeal. 5. Notices. Any notice authorized or required by this chapter shall be deemed to have been filed, served and effective for all purposes on the date when it is personally delivered in writing to the party to whom it is directed or deposited in the United States mail, first-class postage prepaid, and addressed to the party to whom it is directed. Whenever a provision in this chapter requires a public hearing to be conducted, notice of the time, date, place and purpose of the hearing shall be published at least once not later than 10 calendar days in advance of the date of commencement of the hearing in a newspaper of general circulation which is published within the county. The same type of notice shall also be served on each permittee whose permit may be affected by the action taken at the conclusion of the hearing.

   (Ord. 831 § 3 (part), 1995; Ord. 890 § 3(2), 1998)

A. This chapter shall be enforced pursuant to the provisions of Chapters 1.08 through 1.10, inclusive, of the Folsom Municipal Code.

B. The director of planning, inspections and permitting and the code enforcement officer shall
enforce the provisions of this chapter.

C. Each sign installed, created, erected or maintained in violation of this chapter shall be
considered a separate violation when applying the penalty portions of this chapter.

D. Confiscation and Fees. Any sign installed or placed on public property, including signs
within the public right-of-way that do not comply with the requirements of this chapter,
shall be forfeited to the public and subject to confiscation. When noncommercial signs
related to election issues are confiscated by city staff from public property, staff shall notify
the campaign of record within seven days of confiscating the sign and afford the campaign
the opportunity to retrieve the sign. If the campaign has not retrieved the sign within ten
days of notice, the city may dispose of the signs. In addition to other remedies hereunder,
the city shall have the right to recover from the owner or person placing such a sign the full
costs of removal and disposal of such sign, including any administrative staff costs and
attorneys’ fees incurred to enforce this chapter.
(Ord. 858 § 14(5), 1997; Ord. 1185 § 5, 2013)

The penalties set forth in Section 17.03.020 of this title shall not apply and the following penalties shall be applicable for any violation of this chapter:

A. A violation of this chapter shall be an administrative violation as defined in Section
1.08.020.

B. Each of the sanctions for administrative violations identified in Section 1.09.013 shall be
available for enforcement of the provisions of this chapter.

C. Based upon the criteria for the imposition of administrative sanctions set forth in Section
1.09.014, a violation of this chapter shall be deemed a Level B violation, as that term is
described in Section 1.09.012. The range of monetary sanctions available for a violation of
this chapter shall be as set forth in Section 1.09.012(A)(2).
(Ord. 858 § 14(6), 1997)

A. Prior to the suspension, revocation or denial of any license or permit, or the assessment of any fee, penalty or charge, or the commencement of any other enforcement action pursuant to this chapter, the director of the department of planning, inspections and permitting and the code enforcement officer shall follow the procedures set forth in Sections 1.09.020 through 1.09.048, inclusive, of the Folsom Municipal Code. The rights to judicial review set forth in Sections 1.09.050 through 1.09.059, inclusive, of the Folsom Municipal Code shall apply.

B. A notice to correct or stop order shall be served in accordance with the provisions of
Section 1.09.023. The time to correct any violation of a provision of this chapter shall be
no less than 24 hours and no more than 14 calendar days. In determining the appropriate
length of time to allow for correction of the violation, the code enforcement officer shall
consider whether the sign is temporary or permanent.

If an event is advertised by the sign and the event has occurred or will occur within 24
hours, no notice to correct shall be required, and a notice of administrative violation may
be served in accordance with the provisions of Section 1.09.027 of Chapter 1.09, Title 1
of the Folsom Municipal Code. Signs advertising an event that has occurred or will occur
within 24 hours that are given a notice of administrative violation are a Level A violation,
as defined in Section 1.09.012(A)(1).

C. A notice to abate may be served at the same time as the service of either a notice to correct
or notice of administrative violation. The notice to abate shall be served in accordance with
the procedures established in Chapter 1.10, and the city shall be entitled to recover all costs
and expenses of abatement as set forth therein.

D. If a sign has been confiscated pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, it shall not be
returned until all administrative penalties, fines, costs, expenses and other charges are
reimbursed in full to the city.

E. If it is determined that the sign was placed on the land without the consent of the owner of
the land and that the owner has not subsequently acquiesced in the presence of such sign,
the costs of administration or removal of the sign shall not be assessed against the property
upon which the sign exists, and the city shall make no other attempts to collect such costs
from such owner of the land.
(Ord. 858 § 14(7), 1997)