Division 4 — DESIGN REVIEW SIGN REQUIREMENTS

Sec. 30-725. - Reviewing bodies.

The following reviewing bodies shall make decisions on the design review sign applications provided for in this article. All reviewing bodies shall be responsible for the design review sign applications indicated in Table No. 30-725.A.

DCD—Director of Community Development—Approval Body

PC—Planning Commission—Approval Body

CC—City Council—Approval Body

X—Indicates the reviewing and/or the Approval Body

Table No. 30-725.A.

Responsible Reviewing Bodies

(Ord. No. 1868, § 9(Att. 2), 5-25-21; Ord. No. 1974, § 4(Exh. A), 9-9-25)

Sec. 30-726. - Application and process requirements.

(a)

Application required. All design review sign applications shall be filed on the forms provided by the Community Development Department, together with all required fees and all other information and materials specified by the application requirements list provided by the Community Development Department. It is the applicant's responsibility to provide evidence in support of the findings required by this division for the applicable design review sign approval.

(b)

Business license required. Where a commercial sign is affiliated with a business, that business shall have a valid business license prior to issuance of design review sign approval.

(c)

Hearing notification and appeals. Hearing notification, posting, and appeals shall comply with requirements for Planning Commission hearings as outlined in Sections 30-23 through 30-30.

(d)

Expiration and extension of design review sign approval.

(1)

Design review sign approval expires 12 months after the date of approval unless the sign has been installed or a different expiration date is stipulated in the approval. Notwithstanding these dates, the expiration date of the design review sign approval shall be automatically extended to concur with the latest expiration date of the companion building permit or other applicable permits.

(2)

Prior to the expiration of a design review sign approval, the applicant may apply to the Director of Community Development for one extension of up to an additional 12 months from the original date of expiration. In response to an extension request, the Director may make minor modifications to the original approval or deny further extensions.

(e)

Revisions to design review sign approval. The Director of Community Development may approve minor modifications to an approved application for design review sign if the intent of the original approval is not affected. Revisions that would substantially deviate from the original approval shall require the approval of a new/revised application by the responsible reviewing body.

(f)

Permit Streamlining Act. The reviewing bodies shall make decisions on design review sign applications in compliance with the Permit Streamlining Act as referenced in California Government Code Section 65920.

(Ord. No. 1868, § 9(Att. 2), 5-25-21)

Sec. 30-727. - Design principles.

The following sign design principles shall be used as criteria for review and approval of design review sign applications by the responsible reviewing body:

(1)

Architectural compatibility. A sign (including its supporting structures, if any) shall be designed as an integral design element of a building's architecture and shall be architecturally compatible, including in terms of color and scale, with any building to which the sign is to be attached and with surrounding structures. Where more than one sign is provided, all signs shall be complementary to each other.

(2)

Character context. A sign shall be sensitive in context to nearby uses in terms of height, sign type, quality, and type of illumination, as well as other factors that may be defined by the Director of Planning.

(3)

Downtown character. Where a sign is located within the boundaries of downtown, new signs shall contribute to an integrated appearance of the district. Character-defining treatments shall include:

a.

Use of pedestrian-oriented projecting and suspended signs.

b.

Use of floor inlay signs or graphic projection signs, which are allowed only in downtown.

c.

Use of sign colors and materials that are coordinated with building architecture.

(4)

Route 66 character. As part of the design review or administrative site plan entitlement for development of properties located on the historic Route 66 (Foothill Boulevard), Route 66 themed signage shall be incorporated for one sign per property in the following locations:

• Southeast Corner of Ilex Street and Foothill Boulevard.

• Properties at the intersection of Cherry Avenue and Foothill Boulevard.

• Properties north of the intersection of Beech Avenue and Foothill Boulevard.

• Properties at the intersection of Citrus Avenue and Foothill Boulevard.

• Properties at the intersection of Sierra Avenue and Foothill Boulevard.

• Properties at the intersection of Alder Avenue and Foothill Boulevard

• Properties at the intersection of Maple Avenue and Foothill Boulevard.

Character-defining treatments shall include:

a.

Sign design that is consistent with and reminiscent of historic Route 66 signage.

b.

Use of approved Route 66 logo on signs of at least 24 inches in height.

c.

Use of sign colors and materials that are coordinated with building architecture.

d.

Character-defining treatments can include Route 66 theme signage exceeding the maximum sign area, including height, with Planning Commission approval.

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(5)

Legibility. Signs shall be designed to provide clear, legible information that indicates the proposed sign's purpose. The size and proportion of the elements of the sign's message—including logos, letters, icons and other graphic images—shall be selected based on the average distance and average travel speed of the viewer. Sign messages oriented toward pedestrians shall be smaller than those oriented toward motor vehicle drivers.

(6)

Readability. A sign message shall be easily recognized and designed in a clear, unambiguous, and concise manner so that a viewer can understand or make sense of what appears on the sign. Colors chosen for the sign text and/or graphics shall have sufficient contrast with the sign background to be easily read during both day and night.

(7)

Visibility. A sign shall be readily distinguishable from its surroundings so a viewer can easily see the information it communicates.

(8)

Graphic interest. Sign colors and materials shall be selected to contribute to legibility and design integrity.

(Ord. No. 1868, § 9(Att. 2), 5-25-21; Ord. No. 1969, § 4(Exh. A), 5-27-25)

Sec. 30-728. - Design review permanent sign.

(a)

Applicability and exempt activities. A design review permanent sign approval is required to erect, move, alter, replace, suspend, display, or attach a permanent sign (general sign, freeway sign, and electronic message sign), unless otherwise specified in this article. The following sign activities are allowed without a design review permanent sign approval; however, any required building permit shall be obtained prior to the installation or modification of a sign:

(1)

The normal maintenance of a sign, including cleaning, repainting, or repairing, except when prohibited for a nonconforming sign by Section 30-776; and

(2)

Changes to the face or copy of a sign with changeable copy.

(b)

Compliance with standards. The following standards are required to be found in compliance in order for the responsible reviewing body to approve a design review permanent sign application, with or without conditions:

(1)

The sign complies with the standards of this article and any applicable specific plan or precise development plan;

(2)

The sign is in substantial compliance with the design principles outlined in Section 30-727;

(3)

The sign will not impair pedestrian and vehicular safety from right-of-way; and

(4)

The sign's design or proposed construction will not threaten the public health, safety, or welfare.

(Ord. No. 1868, § 9(Att. 2), 5-25-21)

Sec. 30-729. - Design review temporary sign.

(a)

Applicability and exempt activities. A design review temporary sign approval is required to erect, move, alter, replace, suspend, display, or attach a temporary sign, unless otherwise specified in this article.

(b)

Compliance with standards. The following standards are required to be found in compliance in order for the responsible reviewing body to approve a design review temporary sign application, with or without conditions:

(1)

The sign complies with the standards listed in Division 7 of this article;

(2)

The sign was reviewed and approved through an associated temporary use permit;

(3)

The sign is in substantial compliance with the design principles outlined in Section 30-727;

(4)

The sign does not impair pedestrian and vehicular safety; and

(5)

The sign's design or proposed construction will not threaten the public health, safety, or welfare.

(Ord. No. 1868, § 9(Att. 2), 5-25-21)

Sec. 30-730. - Design review creative sign (minor).

(a)

Purpose. The purpose of design review creative sign (minor) approvals is to encourage permanent signs that exhibit extraordinary aesthetic quality, creativity, and/or innovation through a minor increase to the maximum allowed sign area.

(b)

Applicability.

(1)

Location. An applicant may submit a design review creative sign (minor) request in the following areas:

a.

Within the downtown boundary;

b.

General commercial (C-2) designated properties; or

c.

On properties with frontage on Baseline Avenue, Foothill Boulevard, Sierra Avenue, or Valley Boulevard.

(2)

Requirements. An applicant may request design review creative sign (minor) approval to employ standards that differ from the standards applicable to signs established in this article but comply with the specific provisions of this section, consistent with the following:

a.

Permanent signs may deviate no more than ten percent from the applicable maximum sign area standard established in this article.

b.

A modification permitted by this subsection shall not allow a general advertising sign where it is not otherwise allowed.

c.

A modification permitted by this subsection shall not be additive to any other modification allowance permitted by this article.

d.

A design review creative sign (minor) approval shall not authorize any prohibited sign type or feature set forth in Section 30-722 except where specifically authorized.

Figure No. 30-730.1

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Example of possible design review creative sign (minor) application

(c)

Findings and decision. The following findings are required to be made by the responsible reviewing body for approval of a design review creative sign (minor) application, with or without conditions:

(1)

The proposed creative sign complies with the design principles set forth in Section 30-727;

(2)

The proposed creative sign will provide strong graphic character through the effective use of color, graphics, proportion, quality materials, scale, and texture;

(3)

The proposed creative sign contributes a substantial aesthetic improvement to the site and has a positive visual impact on the surrounding area;

(4)

The proposed creative sign is located and designed so as not to cause light and glare impacts on surrounding uses, especially residential uses; and

(5)

The proposed creative sign utilizes or enhances the architectural elements of the building and is placed in an appropriate location in relation to the overall composition of the building's façade.

(Ord. No. 1868, § 9(Att. 2), 5-25-21)

Sec. 30-731. - Design review creative sign (PC).

(a)

Purpose. The purposes of design review creative sign (PC) approvals are to:

(1)

Encourage signs of unique design and signs that exhibit a high degree of thoughtfulness, imagination, and inventiveness;

(2)

Provide a process for the application of sign regulations in ways that will allow creatively designed signs that make a positive visual contribution to the overall image of Fontana, while mitigating the impacts of large or unusually designed signs; and

(3)

Provide a process for the approval of commercial murals and other emerging sign types that portray Fontana in a positive light and enhance the local aesthetic.

Figure No. 30-731.1

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Examples of possible design review creative sign (PC) applications

(b)

Applicability.

(1)

Location. An applicant may request design review creative sign (PC) approval to authorize one on-site permanent creative sign in the following areas:

a.

Within the downtown boundary. For creative signs in the downtown core, Section 30-371.1 shall apply; or

b.

On properties with frontage on Baseline Avenue, Foothill Boulevard, Sierra Avenue, or Valley Boulevard.

(2)

Requirements. An applicant may request design review creative sign (PC) approval to employ standards that differ from the standards applicable to signs established in this article but comply with the specific provisions of this section, consistent with the following:

a.

A design review creative sign Planning Commission approval may deviate from the applicable standards established in this article, when approved by the Planning Commission.

b.

A modification permitted by this subsection shall not allow a general advertising sign where it is not otherwise allowed.

c.

A design review creative sign approval shall not authorize any prohibited sign type or feature set forth in Section 30-722 except where specifically authorized.

(c)

Findings and decision. The following findings are required to be made by the responsible reviewing body for approval of a design review creative sign (PC) application, with or without conditions:

(1)

Design criteria. The proposed creative sign:

a.

Complies with the design principles set forth in Section 30-727;

b.

Has a unique design and exhibits a high degree of imagination, inventiveness, spirit, and thoughtfulness through the imaginative use of color, graphics, proportion, quality materials, scale, and texture;

c.

Contributes a substantial aesthetic improvement to the site and has a positive visual impact on the surrounding area; and

d.

Utilizes or enhances the architectural elements of the building and is placed in an appropriate location in relation to the overall composition of the building's façade.

(2)

Contextual criteria. The creative sign shall be located and designed not to cause light and glare impacts on surrounding uses, especially residential uses. The sign shall also contain at least one of the following elements:

a.

Creative image reflecting current or historic character of Fontana; or

b.

Inventive representation of the logo, name, or use of the structure or business.

(Ord. No. 1868, § 9(Att. 2), 5-25-21; Ord. No. 1974, § 4(Exh. A), 9-9-25)

Sec. 30-731.1. - Downtown core creative sign.

(a)

Purpose. The purpose of this section is to:

(1)

Encourage distinctive signage that demonstrates unique design and exhibits a high degree of thoughtfulness, imagination, and inventiveness thereby creating a dynamic and attractive downtown core;

(2)

Establish a process for implementing sign regulations that facilitate the approval of creatively designed signs that shall make a positive visual contribution to the overall image of the downtown core, while mitigating the impacts of large or unusually designed signs; and

(3)

Provide a process for the approval of commercial or residential murals and other novel sign types that positively represent Fontana and enhance the local aesthetic.

(b)

Applicability.

(1)

Location. An applicant may seek approval to authorize the installation of one on-site permanent creative sign within the downtown core.

(2)

Requirements. An applicant may request approval to utilize standards that deviate from the requirements applicable to signs established in this article, provided such deviation complies with the specific provisions of this section, subject to the following conditions:

a.

A downtown core creative sign may deviate from the applicable standards established in this article with façade modifications, when approved by the Director of Planning through a design review sign application.

Only one downtown core creative sign may be requested per design review sign application.

b.

This subsection shall not authorize general advertising where it is not otherwise allowed.

c.

A downtown core creative sign approval shall not authorize any prohibited sign type or feature set forth in Section 30-722 except where specifically authorized.

d.

Electronic message signs are only permitted to promote live events and screenings. The site must have a business associated with live events and/or screenings. In addition, the electronic message sign must comply with Section 30-734(c).

e.

Applicants proposing an electronic message sign must have the approval of a minor use permit to ensure compliance with the findings below.

(c)

Findings. The following findings are required to be made by the responsible reviewing body for the approval of a downtown core creative sign application:

(1)

Design criteria. The proposed creative sign shall meet the following design criteria:

a.

The sign complies with the design principles set forth in Section 30-727;

b.

The sign exhibits a unique design and a high degree of imagination, inventiveness, spirit, and thoughtfulness through the use of color, graphics, proportion, quality materials, scale, and texture;

c.

The sign contributes a substantial aesthetic improvement to the site and has a positive visual impact on the surrounding area;

d.

The sign utilizes or enhances the architectural elements of the building and is placed in an appropriate location in relation to the overall composition of the building's façade;

e.

Any proposed façade modifications are demonstrably necessary for the structural integration of the sign or are located in the immediate vicinity of the sign to enhance its visual interest;

f.

Any proposed commercial mural must depict imagery directly connected with the business and project a positive impression; and

g.

Electronic message signs may only be used for businesses to promote live events and screenings and must comply with Section 30-734.

(2)

Contextual criteria. The creative sign shall be located and designed not to cause light and glare impacts on surrounding uses, especially residential uses. The sign shall also contain at least one of the following elements:

a.

Creative image reflecting current or historic character of Fontana; or

b.

Inventive representation of the logo, name, or use of the structure or business.

(Ord. No. 1974, § 4(Exh. A), 9-9-25)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 1974, § 4(Exh. A), adopted Sept. 9, 2025, renumbered the former § 30-731.1 as § 30-731.2 and enacted a new § 30-731.1 as set out herein. The historical notation has been retained with the amended provisions for reference purposes.

Sec. 30-731.2. - Sign programs.

(a)

Purpose. The purpose of the sign programs are to:

(1)

Provide coordinated signage within a development project;

(2)

Create common design elements;

(3)

Provide customed tailored site-specific standards; and

(4)

Integrate the design of signs with the overall building and landscape design to form an architectural statement.

(b)

Applicability.

(1)

Location. An applicant may submit a comprehensive sign program application (design review sign program) if they meet the following criteria:

a.

A new or existing shopping center with a site area of six acres or more;

b.

Mixed-use or commercially zoned properties;

c.

On properties with frontage on Baseline Avenue, Foothill Boulevard, Sierra Avenue, or Valley Boulevard.; and

d.

For sign programs within the downtown core, Section 30-732.1 shall apply.

(2)

Requirements. An applicant may request Planning Commission approval of a sign program, consistent with the following:

a.

A site plan showing the location of buildings, parking lots, driveways, and landscaped area;

b.

The maximum total sign area, the maximum area for individual signs, the height of signs and the number of signs allowed;

c.

An accurate indication on the site plan of the proposed location of each proposed sign and existing sign which is to remain;

d.

Lighting and sign construction materials; and

e.

Sign dimensions (if tenants are not known, generic dimensions may be presented).

f.

Where proposed signage does not meet the requirements of existing sign regulations, the sign program shall provide enhanced design or other elements.

(Ord. No. 1898, § 13, 7-26-22; Ord. No. 1974, § 4(Exh. A), 9-9-25)

Editor's note— See editor's note, § 30-731.1.

Sec. 30-731.3. - Downtown core sign program.

(a)

Purpose. The purpose of downtown core sign program is to:

(1)

Provide coordinated signage within a downtown core site;

(2)

Create common design elements;

(3)

Provide custom tailored site-specific standards;

(4)

Integrate the design of signs with the overall building and landscape design to form an architectural statement; and

(5)

Allow façade improvements in direct vicinity of proposed signage.

(b)

Applicability and eligibility.

(1)

Location. The downtown core sign program must pertain to sites situated within the downtown core.

(2)

Eligibility. In addition to the general location requirement above, the site for which a downtown core sign program application is submitted must satisfy at least one of the following criteria:

a.

The site is a commercial or mixed-use property with commercial or office space measuring one acre or larger, excluding any stand-alone single-family residences (including ADU's); or

b.

The site is a commercial, mixed-use, or residential property that is two stories or higher.

(3)

Requirements. An applicant may request Director's approval of a downtown core sign program through a design review sign application, consistent with the following:

a.

A site plan showing the location of buildings, parking lots, driveways, lot size, building height, and landscaped area;

b.

The maximum total sign area, the maximum area for individual signs, the height of signs and the number of signs allowed;

c.

An accurate indication on the site plan of the proposed location of each proposed sign and existing sign which is to remain;

d.

Show areas of all façade changes including color and material which must be architecturally compatible with the proposed signage and close proximity to proposed signage;

e.

Lighting and sign construction materials;

f.

Sign dimensions (if tenants are not known, generic dimensions may be presented);

g.

Where proposed signage does not meet the requirements of existing sign regulations, the sign program shall provide enhanced design or other elements;

h.

Sites along Route 66 must meet the requirements of Section 30-727; and

i.

Electronic message signs are only permitted to promote live events and screenings. The site must have a business associated with live events and/or screenings. In addition, the electronic massage sign must comply with Section 30-734(c).

1.

Applicants proposing an electronic message sign must have the approval of a minor use permit to ensure compliance with this section.

(Ord. No. 1974, § 4(Exh. A), 9-9-25)

DIVISION 5. - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL SIGNS

Sec. 30-733. - Content neutrality.

It is the City's policy to regulate signs in a constitutional manner that is content-neutral with respect to both noncommercial and commercial messages. For the purposes of this article, a content-neutral regulation is a so-called "time, place, or manner" regulation, which, as the name suggests, does no more than place limits on when, where, and how a message may be displayed or conveyed.

(Ord. No. 1868, § 9(Att. 2), 5-25-21)

Sec. 30-734. - Sign illumination, neon tubing, and electronic message signs.

(a)

General requirements.

(1)

Illumination method. Sign illumination may be internally or externally illuminated and shall not blink, flash, flutter, or change light intensity, brightness, or color unless consistent with the standards for electronic message signs in Section 30-734.

(2)

Bulb face exposure. Reflective-type bulbs and incandescent lamps that exceed 15 watts shall not be used on the exterior surface of signs so that the face of the bulb or lamp is exposed to a public right-of-way or adjacent property. This provision does not apply to light-emitting diodes (LEDs) associated with electronic message signs.

(3)

Energy efficiency. Sign illumination shall utilize energy-efficient light sources, such as LEDs, to the greatest extent possible.

(4)

Shielding—General. Sign illumination shall not interfere with the use and enjoyment of adjacent properties, create a public nuisance, or create public safety hazards. Exterior light sources shall be shielded from view and directed to illuminate only the sign face.

(5)

Shielding—Residential properties. Sign illumination shall be limited to avoid light projection of an intensity or brightness or directed in a manner that will negatively impact residential properties in direct line of sight to the sign.

(b)

Neon tubing.

(1)

Sign types. Neon tubing, including exposed neon tubing, for signs and architectural elements shall only be permitted in commercial zoning districts on canopy signs, marquee signs, and wall signs pursuant to the provisions in this section and Division 6 of this article. Neon tubing shall also be permitted in commercial zoning districts on projecting signs and window signs pursuant to this section and Section 30-721.

(2)

Standards. Neon tubing, including exposed neon tubing, for signs and architectural elements shall comply with the following standards:

a.

Neon tubing shall be UL (Underwriters Laboratories) listed with a maximum 20 amps per circuit and be designed to accommodate a dimmer in order to reduce the brightness of the neon;

b.

The neon manufacturer shall be registered with Underwriters Laboratories;

c.

Neon tubing shall not exceed one-half inch in diameter;

d.

Neon lighting adjacent to residential uses shall not exceed one-half foot-candle measured at the property line; and

e.

Neon tubing shall not be combined with any reflective materials (e.g., mirrors, polished metal, highly glazed tiles, or other similar materials)

(c)

Electronic message signs.

(1)

Sign types. Electronic messages shall be permitted on freestanding menu board signs, freeway signs, pylon signs, and theater marquee signs pursuant to the provisions in this section and Division 6 of this article. Electronic messages shall also be permitted on window signs pursuant to this section and Table No. 30-721.A.

(2)

Display change. Electronic message signs may display changing messages, provided that each message is displayed for no fewer than eight consecutive seconds, and shall not flash, blink, flutter, or display video messages (i.e., any illumination or message that is in motion or appears to be in motion). The transition or blank screen time between one display message and the next shall not exceed one second.

(3)

Nighttime brightness.

a.

Nighttime brightness shall be measured with an illuminance meter set to measure foot-candles accurate to at least two decimals. Illuminance shall be measured with the electronic message off, and again with the electronic message displaying a white image for a full color-capable electronic message or a solid message for a single-color electronic message.

b.

All measurements shall be taken perpendicular to the face of the electronic message at the following distance:

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c.

The difference between the off and solid message measurements shall not exceed 0.3 foot-candles at night.

(4)

Ambient light sensor. Electronic message signs shall be equipped with a sensor or other device that automatically determines the ambient illumination and programmed to automatically dim according to ambient light conditions (e.g., photocell technology), or that can be adjusted to comply with the 0.3 footcandle requirement.

(5)

Turn off. Electronic message signs located within 500 feet and in a direct line of sight of a residentially zoned property or a mixed-use property with residential uses shall be turned off daily at the close of business, or at such a time as specified by the Director of Community Development, and in no case shall be permitted to be turned on between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Direct line of sight shall be measured from any point on the property with residential uses and may be partially, but not wholly, obstructed.

(6)

Electronic sign certification. The owner of any electronic message sign shall arrange for certification by an independent contractor showing compliance with brightness standards.

(Ord. No. 1868, § 9(Att. 2), 5-25-21)

Sec. 30-735. - Sign measurement criteria.

(a)

Sign height.

(1)

Sign height, freestanding sign. The height of a freestanding sign shall be measured from the highest part of the freestanding sign, including any decorative features, to the highest elevation of the adjoining finished grade directly beneath the freestanding sign. The official City logo and/or Route 66 iconography as approved by the Director of Community Development and permitted by Section 30-741 shall not be included in any calculation of sign height. See Figure No. 30-735.1.

Figure No. 30-735.1

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(2)

Sign height, wall sign. The height of a wall sign shall be the greatest vertical distance measured from the highest point of the wall sign to the lowest point of the wall sign. See Figure No. 30-735.2.

Figure No. 30-735.2

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(b)

Sign clearance. Sign clearance shall be measured as the smallest vertical distance between finished grade and the lowest point of the sign, including any framework or other embellishments.

(c)

Building frontage. Building frontage is defined in Section 30-783. For buildings with two or more frontages, the length of the wall and allowable sign area shall be calculated separately for each building frontage.

(d)

Sign area.

(1)

Calculating sign area—Generally.

a.

Supporting structures, such as sign bases and columns, and decorative features shall not be included in any calculation of sign area, provided that they contain no lettering or graphics except for addresses. See Figure No. 30-735.3.

b.

Where separate or individual component elements of a sign are spaced or separated from one another, each component element shall be considered a separate sign.

c.

The official City logo and/or Route 66 iconography as approved by the Director of Community Development and permitted by Section 30-741 shall not be included in any calculation of sign area. See Figure No. 30-735.3.

Figure No. 30-735.3.

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(2)

Calculating sign area—Single-faced signs. Sign area for single-faced signs shall be calculated by enclosing the extreme limits of all sign structures and borders, emblem, logo, representation, writing, or other display within a single continuous perimeter composed of horizontal and vertical lines with no more than eight corners. See Figure No. 30-735.4.

Figure No. 30-735.4.

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(3)

Calculating sign area—Double-faced signs. Only one face of a double-faced sign shall be used to calculate the permitted area of a double-faced sign. Where the two faces are not equal in size, the larger sign face shall be used.

(4)

Calculating sign area—Multi-faced signs. On a multi-faced sign, the combined sum of the area of the largest and smallest faces shall be used to calculate the permitted area of the sign.

(5)

Calculating sign area—Three-dimensional signs. Signs that consist of, or have attached to them, one or more three-dimensional objects (i.e., balls, cubes, clusters of objects, sculpture, or statue-like trademarks), may have a sign area that is the sum of two adjacent sides of the smallest cube that will encompass the sign. Signs with three-dimensional objects that project six inches or less from the sign face shall be measured as a single-face sign. See Figure No. 30-735.5.

Figure No. 30-735.5.

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(Ord. No. 1868, § 9(Att. 2), 5-25-21)

Sec. 30-736. - Sign construction and design.

(a)

Materials.

(1)

Sign materials shall be durable and capable of withstanding weathering over the life of the sign with reasonable maintenance. Paper, fabric, plywood, and other materials subject to rapid deterioration may only be used for temporary signs or as permitted awning signs.

(2)

Reflective materials shall not be included on signs.

(b)

Supporting structures. The size of the supporting structures shall be proportional to the sign they are supporting. In general, fewer larger supporting members are preferable to many smaller supports.

(c)

Mounting. All permanent signs shall be firmly anchored, shall comply with all requirements for public safety, and shall satisfy all applicable safety codes and all other applicable governmental enactments, rules, regulations, or policies.

(d)

Quality construction. All permanent signs shall be constructed by persons whose principal business is building construction or a related trade, including sign manufacturing and installation businesses, or others capable of producing professional results with a valid business license.

(e)

Relationship to buildings. Signs located upon a lot with only one main building housing the enterprise which the sign identifies shall be designed to incorporate at least one of the predominantly visual elements of such building, such as the type of construction materials, color, or other design detail. Each sign located upon a lot with more than one main building, such as a shopping center or other commercial or industrial area developed in accordance with a common development plan, shall be designed to incorporate at least one of such predominantly visual design elements common or similar to all such buildings or the buildings occupied by the main tenants or principal enterprises.

(f)

Relationship to other permanent freestanding signs. Where there is more than one permanent freestanding sign located upon a lot or shopping center, all such signs shall have designs that are visually related or complementary to each other by the similar treatment or incorporation of not less than four of the following six design elements:

(1)

Type of construction materials as used in the several sign components, such as cabinet, sign copy, and supports.

(2)

Letter style of sign copy.

(3)

Illumination.

(4)

Type or method used for supports, uprights, or structure on which sign is supported.

(5)

Sign cabinet or other configuration of sign area.

(6)

Shape of entire sign and its several components.

(g)

Relationship to other permanent wall signs. Multiple tenant complexes with more than one permanent wall sign shall design such signs to be visually related or complementary to each other.

(h)

Relationship to street trees and landscaping. Sign placement shall consider the location of required street trees and potential tree growth over time, with placement at locations most suitable for sign viewing while complying with all sign requirements. Landscaping shall be maintained at all times to avoid obscuring signs.

(Ord. No. 1868, § 9(Att. 2), 5-25-21)

Sec. 30-737. - Sign maintenance and upkeep.

(a)

Generally. All parts of a sign shall be maintained in a good and safe condition, painted, and adequately protected from weathering and deterioration so that they do not create a hazard to persons or property or constitute a nuisance.

(b)

Repairs. Any sign or supporting structure that is sagging, leaning, fallen, decayed, broken, deteriorated, missing or has inoperative lights, or is in an otherwise dilapidated condition shall be promptly repaired with materials and design of equal or better quality as the original design, to the satisfaction of the Director of Community Development, or removed.

(c)

Graffiti. Graffiti on a sign shall be removed within 48 hours of notice of its placement on such sign.

(d)

Landscaping. Landscaping required by this article shall be maintained in a neat, clean, and healthy condition, which includes pruning, mowing of lawns, weeding, removal of litter, fertilizing, replacement of plants when necessary, and the regular watering of all plantings.

(Ord. No. 1868, § 9(Att. 2), 5-25-21)

Sec. 30-738. - Sign removal or replacement.

When a sign is removed or replaced, all brackets, poles, and other supporting structures that supported the sign shall also be removed, and any electrical components shall be removed and/or capped, and any resulting holes filled. Affected building surfaces shall be restored to match the adjacent portion of the building.

(Ord. No. 1868, § 9(Att. 2), 5-25-21)

Sec. 30-739. - Sign location at intersections.

No sign, sign structure, or supporting structure shall exceed a height of 30 inches or create a visual obstruction that would constitute a traffic or pedestrian hazard, if located within the street corner cut-off or driveway corner cut-off, as defined in Section 30-443, subsection 30-488(d), and subsection 30-529(d) in this chapter. The plotting of sight distance lines shall conform to the intersection sight distance standard drawing located in the traffic section of the City of Fontana Standard Design Guidelines Manual.

(Ord. No. 1868, § 9(Att. 2), 5-25-21)

Sec. 30-740. - Interpretations by Director of Community Development.

Whenever the Director of Community Development determines that the meaning or applicability of any of the requirements of this article is subject to interpretation generally, or as applied to a specific case, the Director of Community Development may issue an official interpretation or refer the question to the Planning Commission for determination.

(Ord. No. 1868, § 9(Att. 2), 5-25-21)