Sec. 30-731. - Design review — Fontana Municipal Code

(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

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:

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

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

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

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:

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

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;

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

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:

Creative image reflecting current or historic character of Fontana; or

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 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.

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

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.

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).

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:

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

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;

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

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;

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;

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

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

(2)

Creative image reflecting current or historic character of Fontana; or

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.

Exceptions & meaning →

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

Mixed-use or commercially zoned properties;

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

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

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

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

Lighting and sign construction materials; and

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

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.

Exceptions & meaning →

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:

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

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

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

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

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;

Lighting and sign construction materials;

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

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

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

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)

Exceptions & meaning →