Chapter 232 — LANDSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS

Minimum site landscaping and required planting areas shall be installed and maintained in accord with the standards and requirements of this chapter, which shall apply to all nonresidential projects, multifamily residential projects consisting of five or more units, residential projects in the RMH-A subdistrict, and common areas of common interest residential subdivisions. All other residential projects in RL, RM, RMH, and RH districts consisting of four or less units shall comply only with the general tree requirements of this chapter.

• A. Landscape plans shall be prepared by a California state licensed landscape architect except plans for residential projects with four units or less may be prepared by the developer or a California licensed landscape contractor. The plans shall be submitted to the Public Works and Community Development Departments and receive approval prior to issuance of a building permit. No significant or substantive changes to approved landscaping or irrigation plans shall be made without prior written approval by the Director and the landscape designer. Substantial

changes shall require approval of the Planning Commission or Zoning Administrator, whichever granted approval of the project.

• B. Landscape improvements shall comply with the Arboricultural and Landscape Standards and Specifications on file in the Department of Public Works.

• C. Landscape materials shall not be located such that, at maturity:

  1. They interfere with safe sight distances for vehicular, bicycle or pedestrian traffic;

  2. They conflict with overhead or underground utility lines, overhead lights, or walkway lights; or

  3. They block pedestrian or bicycle ways.

• D. Evidence of completion of required landscaping and irrigation improvements shall be supplied to the Public Works Department on a landscape certification form. This form shall be required to be submitted prior to issuance of an occupancy permit for new construction. The Director shall approve a postponement of the required tree planting for specific residential projects when the Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs) for the project require installation of the Cityrequired tree planting within 90 days from date of occupancy of residential dwelling by the prospective homeowner.

• E. If mature trees that were originally required to be planted by this Code, conditions of approval, or designed plans are removed, or if mature trees that are considered as specimen trees are removed, or if the trees are permanently disfigured or mutilated beyond their ability to regrow to an acceptable form for that specific variety, then those trees shall be replaced and, whenever possible, with equivalent size and specie per the project's original approved plans.

Landscape improvement plans shall be harmonious with the architectural design and demonstrate a recognizable pattern or theme for the overall development by choice and location of materials. Landscape plans shall conform to the following:

• A. Plant materials shall be selected for energy efficiency and drought tolerance; adaptability and relationship to Huntington Beach environment; color, form and pattern; ability to provide shade; soil retention, fire resistiveness, etc. The overall landscape plan shall be integrated with all elements of the project, such as buildings, parking lots and streets, to achieve desirable microclimate and minimize energy demand and water use.

• B. The use of crushed rock or gravel for large area coverage shall be avoided.

• C. Nonturf areas, such as shrub beds, shall be top dressed with a bark chip mulch or approved alternative.

• D. Where shrubs or low-level vegetation are used, vegetative matter at maturity shall cover at least 75% of actual planted area.

• E. The use of landscape materials shall be designed to minimize sun exposure of paved surfaces and structures.

• F. Irrigation systems shall be in accordance with the City water efficient landscape requirements of Chapter 14.52 and the Arboricultural Standards and Specifications on file in the Department of Public Works.

• G. Turf areas shall be minimized. Those areas proposed shall be planted with field-grown established drought-tolerant sod. Seeding may be allowed by the Director.

• H. Seventy-five percent of all shrubs, except those used for ground cover, shall be a minimum fivegallon size.

• I. Groundcover areas shall be planted with well-rooted cuttings or container stock.

• A. General Planting Provisions.

  1. A minimum of eight percent of the total net site area shall be landscaped, or as required by Title 21 or conditions of approval.

  2. For traffic visibility purposes, the maximum height of shrubbery shall be 32 inches within any parking area and within five feet of any driveway (see Diagrams A, B, C, D).

  3. Turf shall not be installed on grade differential greater than 4:1. Where the maximum overall grade differential is three feet, 3:1 shall be considered maximum.

  4. Any planter or screen wall shall be placed behind the landscape area and shall set back five feet from the edge of any alley or driveway (see Diagram C).

• B. General Tree Requirements.

  1. Each single-family residential lot less than 45 feet in width shall have one 24-inch box tree planted within the front setback area. The City's landscape architect shall determine whether a minimum four to six-foot square (16 to 36 square feet) planting area will be required upon review of the landscape plan. One 24-inch box tree shall also be planted in the streetside yard adjacent to a street without a parkway.

  2. Each single-family residential lot 45 feet or greater in width shall have one 36-inch box tree planted within the front setback area. One 36-inch box tree shall also be planted in the streetside yard adjacent to a street without a parkway.

  3. Multifamily residential lots shall have one 36-inch box tree for every 45 lineal feet of street frontage planted within the setback areas adjacent to a street. In addition, there shall be one 36-inch box tree planted within the common open space areas for each ground or first level unit.

  4. Nonresidential developments shall have one 36-inch box tree for each 45 lineal feet of street frontage planted within the first 15 feet of the setback area adjacent to a street.

  5. Specimen palms may be substituted at a ratio of one-half foot brown trunk height for one inch of box tree inch required.

• C. Off-Street Parking Facilities.

  1. A 10-foot-wide landscaped planter area (inside dimension) shall be provided between any streetside property line and a parking area except at driveway openings. Berming shall be a minimum of 20 inches in height. When a planting area is less than 10 feet wide, a 32-inchhigh wall shall be provided. Where grade differential would not permit mounding, alternatives shown in Diagram B may be used (see Diagrams A, B, C).

  2. Parking facilities shall have perimeter landscaping areas as follows:

     • a. Areas shall be a minimum three feet in plantable width and include one tree for each 90 square feet of landscaped area.

     • b. Areas shall be increased to five feet in plantable width when the parking facility dimension is more than 100 feet adjacent to the side or rear property line.

  • c. Minimum plantable area for each tree shall be 48 inches square.

3. Interior landscaping areas shall be distributed throughout the parking area and shall equal five percent of the perimeter landscaping area. These areas shall include a minimum of one minimum 24-inch box tree for every 10 parking spaces and shall be located throughout the parking area.

4. The end of each row of parking spaces shall be separated from driveways by a landscaped planter, minimum two feet wide and in addition include a step off area (see Diagrams C, E).

5. Planter areas adjacent to parking spaces shall be provided with a 12-inch-wide by threeand-one-half-inch-thick "step off" area flush with and behind the curb for the entire length of planter or provide four-foot-square or five-foot-diameter circular planter surrounded by textured and/or colored concrete.

6. A concrete curb may be required adjacent to the sidewalk within the right-of-way. (Refer to the Arboricultural and Landscape Standards and Specifications.)

7. All parking area landscaping shall be protected from vehicular and pedestrian damage by a six-inch-high, six-inch-wide curb of Portland cement concrete. Additional protection shall be provided by one of the following methods:

   • a. Two feet of landscaping consisting of low shrubs or ground cover may be provided between a parking stall and the required landscape area. The additional landscaping shall not count toward the required percentage of landscaping or minimum planter width. This method will allow vehicles to extend over the additional landscape area in conjunction with permitting a reduction in the required length of the parking space from 19 feet to 17 feet; or

b. Other alternatives acceptable to the Director. (3334-6/97, 3410-3/99)

All landscape areas shall be provided with a permanent underground, electrically automated irrigation system, designed to provide complete and adequate coverage to sustain and promote healthy plant life. The irrigation system shall not cause water to spray onto or cause water, mud or debris to flow across a public sidewalk. Pop-up sprinkler heads shall be required directly adjacent to all pedestrian or vehicular surfaces and located in areas that avoid vehicle overhang. See Section 232.06(F) .

• A. Existing developments approved prior to June 7, 1983, shall, at the time of expansion and/or exterior modification, provide six percent of the total net site area in landscaping with a minimum six-foot-wide landscape planter (inside dimension) along any street side property line. Current tree quantity and size requirements shall apply.

• B. Existing developments located adjacent to a landscape corridor as depicted in the General Plan shall at the time of expansion and/or exterior modification provide a 10-foot-wide planter with six percent of the site landscaped.

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Diagram A Required Landscape Planter and Berming

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Diagram B Grade Differential Sections

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Diagram C Landscape Planter and Berming

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Diagram D

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Diagram E Parking Island With Step off Area

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Diagram F

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Diagram G Palm Height Measurement

Chapter 233. SIGNS

Sign permits are required for all signs, unless expressly exempted under Section 233.08 or otherwise provided by this Code. A building permit application for a new sign or change in sign panel/face shall be approved by the Planning Division prior to installation and issuance of a building permit by the Building and Safety Department.

• A. Sign Permit. A complete sign application shall include the following information:

  1. Two sets of fully-dimensioned plans drawn to scale. The plans shall include the following:

     • a. Site plan indicating the location of all proposed signs, as well as the size and location of existing signs on the site. Photographs should be submitted if available.

     • b. Sign elevations, indicating overall square footage and letter/figure dimensions, letter style, color (indicate standard color number if applicable), materials, proposed copy and illumination method.

     • c. Dimensioned building elevations with existing and proposed signs depicted.

  2. Property owner approval in the form of a letter or signature on the plans, approving the proposed signs and authorizing submission of the sign application.

  3. For wall signs, method of attachment; for freestanding signs, foundation plan, sign support and attachment plan.

  4. Type and method of electrical insulation devices, where applicable.

  5. Any design modifications from the requirements of this chapter that have been approved shall be noted, and compliance with the Planned Sign Program, limited sign permit, or sign code exception shall be demonstrated.

• B. Planned Sign Program. Review and approval of a Planned Sign Program pursuant to Section 233.20 is required for a sign permit for the following requests:

  1. A site with five or more nonresidential businesses or uses.

  2. A site with two or more freestanding identification signs where there is a request for a new freestanding sign.

  3. Commercial properties with 1,300 feet or more on one street frontage requesting more freestanding signs than allowed pursuant to Section 233.06 .

  4. Consolidated subdivision directional signs identifying multiple projects on multiple sign panels.

  5. Service stations.

  6. Wall signs for second floor businesses with exterior access.

  7. Wall signs installed on a building wall not adjacent to the business suite.

• C. Sign Code Exception. The Director may grant approval for a sign code exception of not more than 20% in sign height or sign area. Ten working days prior to submittal for a building permit, applicant shall notice adjacent property owners and tenants by first class mail. Notice of application shall include the following:

  1. Name of applicant.

  2. Location of planned development or use, including address.

  3. Nature of the proposed development shall be fully disclosed in the notice.

  4. Planning department phone number and address of City Hall shall be provided in the notice to call for viewing plans.

  5. The date by which any comments must be received in writing by the Planning Department.

6. Planning Director shall receive entire list including name and address of those receiving the mailing.

   7. The Design Review Board shall review and render a recommendation to the Director for sign code exception requests of more than 20% in sign height or sign area supergraphics, three-dimensional signs, and relief from the strict application of Section 233.06 . Neighborhood notification required pursuant to Chapter 241 . The following findings shall be made prior to approval of any sign code exception:

      • a. The sign is compatible with the character of the area and is needed due to special circumstances defined by the applicant and applicable to the property.

      • b. The sign will not adversely affect other signs in the area.

      • c. The sign will not be detrimental to properties located in the vicinity.

      • d. The sign will not obstruct vehicular or pedestrian traffic visibility and will not be a hazardous distraction.

• D. Limited Sign Permit. The owner of a sign which does not conform to the provisions of Section 233.06 may file an application for a limited sign permit to the Director for permission to change the face or copy of such sign. A limited sign permit cannot be processed for an illegal sign or a prohibited sign listed in Section 233.10 . The Director may approve the face change and extend a sign's use for a time period deemed appropriate, not to exceed two years. A sign permit shall be obtained pursuant to Section 233.04(A) prior to installation of the new sign panel/face.

A cash bond in an amount determined by the Director to reflect the cost of removal based on information provided by a sign company shall be required to guarantee the sign's removal upon expiration of the limited sign permit. Approval shall be subject to the following findings:

1. Due to unique circumstances, the sign's immediate removal will result in a substantial hardship for the applicant.

2. The sign will not adversely affect other lawfully erected signs in the area.

3. The sign will not be detrimental to properties located in the vicinity.

4. The sign will be in keeping with the character of the surrounding area.

5. The sign will not obstruct vehicular or pedestrian traffic visibility and will not be a hazardous distraction.

• E. Design Review Board. The Design Review Board (DRB) shall review and render a recommendation to the appropriate decision maker (Zoning Administrator, Director, Planning Commission, etc.) on the following items prior to issuance of a permit by the Planning and/or Building and Safety Departments for the following:

  1. Electronic readerboard signs.

  2. Signs on properties within the following areas:

     • a. Areas subject to specific plans which do not include specific guidelines for signs;

     • b. OS-PR (Open Space-Parks and Recreation) and OS-S (Open Space-Shoreline districts); and

     • c. Any other area designated by the City Council.

  3. DRB review or approval shall not be required for signs in Redevelopment Agency project areas.

• F. Temporary Sign Permits. The Director may issue a temporary sign permit valid for up to 30 days, if it is found that the temporary sign is necessary to establish or maintain identity until a permanent sign can be erected. Extensions of the 30-day permit may be granted at the discretion of the Director. The Director may also approve a temporary sign permit for the following temporary signs provided the signs conform with the standards defined in Section 233.06 :

  1. Signs necessary to avoid a dangerous condition, including directional signs during construction.

  2. Signs pertaining to a use permitted by a temporary use permit.

  3. Promotional activity signs that comply with Section 233.18 are permitted up to a maximum of 90 days per calendar year.

(3334-6/97, 3360-12/97, 3527-2/02, 3711-6/05, 3826-4/09, 3872-3/10, 4097-10/16)

All signs shall be governed by the following schedule, except if addressed elsewhere in this chapter. The schedule lists maximum standards for number, area, and height of allowed signs which does not necessarily ensure architectural compatibility. Therefore, in addition to the enumerated standards, consideration shall be given to building setbacks, visibility of attached signing on the site, and the proposed sign's relationship to the overall appearance of the property, to the surrounding neighborhood, and to community goals. Compatible design, simplicity, sign effectiveness and adherence to the objectives and policies in the Urban Design Element of the General Plan shall be used as guidelines for sign approval. Nothing in this chapter shall preclude public access signage.

The City may, in addition, from time to time adopt policies regarding sign standards. Such policies may include separate standards or provisions for specific areas of the community.

A. Commercial Districts.

1. Freestanding Signs on Adams Avenue, Beach Boulevard, Brookhurst Street, Edinger Avenue, Goldenwest Street and Warner Avenue.

2. Freestanding Signs on All Other Arterials Not Listed in Subsection (A)(1) of this Section.

• Bonus signs (B) shall have an opaque background, internal illumination for items of information only.

• Multi-tenant panels are permitted provided the panels are minimum 10 inches in height, with a minimum six-inch letter height. They shall be restricted to one uniform background color and two colors for the sign copy, with the exception that the Center Identification may have a separate background color. Sign copies shall be limited to the company name or one generic item of information. Major tenant identification shall be encouraged by being placed on the largest panel.

• Secondary signs (S) are in addition to the Primary (P) sign. Secondary sign copy shall be limited to business identification only.

• Street addresses shall be included on all freestanding signs with minimum six-inch numerals.

Other Locational Criteria for Freestanding Commercial Signs

• No business shall have more than one freestanding sign facing each frontage.

• Freestanding signs on the same site shall be located a minimum of 150 feet apart unless approved by a Planned Sign Program.

• A freestanding sign shall not be permitted in an area between the building and rightof-way when that portion of the building is located at the minimum setback.

• Signs shall be located in a landscape planter a minimum of two feet wider than the sign itself. Square poles or other architectural treatment shall be required, except if the sign is eight feet or less in height, it shall be of monument type, with a minimum two-foot base. Placement shall conform with Diagram A.

• No freestanding sign shall be located along a local street.

3. Wall Signs.

Notes:

• No sign shall exceed 200 sq. ft. or 1.5 sq. ft. per linear ft. of the wall upon which it is placed.

4. Changeable Copy Signs.

B. Industrial Districts.

1. Freestanding Signs.

2. Wall Signs.

C. Residential.

D. Churches, Schools, and Commercial Recreational Uses Within Public Parks.

E. Service Stations.

F. Permitted in All Districts.

(3334-6/97, 3360-6/97, 3826-4/09)

The following signs are exempt from the sign permit requirements of Section 233.04 . These signs shall not be restricted by content and no fee, permit or application is required:

• A. Cornerstones (including names of buildings and dates of erection), and citations that are made an integral part of the structure.

• B. Signs not exceeding 0.5 square feet each posted by commercial establishments. C. Flags posted by any governmental agency.

• D. Signs posted by neighborhood safety organizations.

• E. Notices posted by a utility or other quasi-public agent in the performance of a public duty.

• F. Signs or notices posted by any court, public body or officer.

• G. Signs posted by property owners on private property, as required by law (including no trespass and legal notices).

• H. One sign, not over six square feet in area, may be posted at each door, loading dock, or other entrance facing a public street.

• I. One double-faced sign per each commercial parking entrance, not exceeding two square feet in area and four feet in height.

• J. Signs erected by a public agency.

• K. Signs manufactured as a standard, integral part of a mass-produced product accessory or display structure including telephone booths, vending machines, automated teller machines, and gasoline pumps.

• L. Signs within a building not visible from a public street and window signs not exceeding 20% of the visible area of a window (50% during December). No window sign shall be displayed above the second story.

• M. Signs required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

• N. Two signs (including, but not limited to, street numerals and "no solicitation" notices), not exceeding two square feet each, placed on any part of a building facing a public street.

• O. Temporary Signs. Temporary signs are permitted on private property where the property owner has granted permission for its display. Temporary signs are permitted in public rights-of-way, but not permitted in street medians or dividers, or affixed to trees, shrubs or other landscape materials. This signage shall not be restricted by content and shall be permitted as follows:

(3334-6/97, 3360-12/97, 3826-4/09, 3872-3/10, 3881-8/10, 3927-1/12, 4047-5/15)

• A. Canvas signs, banners, pennants, streamers, balloons or other temporary signs except as provided in Sections 233.08 (Exempt Signs), 233.16 (Subdivision Directional Signs) or 233.18 (Promotional Activity Signs).

• B. Mobile, A-frame, and portable signs and those of a similar nature which are not permanently attached to the ground or building except as provided in Section 233.18 or 233.20 .

• C. Roof signs except those permitted under Section 233.18(D) .

• D. Signs which resemble any official marker erected by the City, state, or any governmental agency, or which, by reason of position, shape, color or illumination would conflict with the proper functioning of any traffic sign or signal or would be a hazard to vehicular or pedestrian traffic.

• E. Signs which produce odor, sound, smoke, fire or other such emissions.

• F. Flashing, moving, pulsating, or intermittently lighted signs, mechanical movement signs, including searchlights, except electronic readerboards and public service signs such as those for time and temperature.

• G. Animals or human beings, live or simulated, utilized as signs.

• H. Projecting signs, except canopy or awning signs and under-canopy signs, subject to subsections 233.06(A) and 233.06(E) .

• I. Signs which constitute a nuisance or hazard due to their intensity of light.

• J. Signs visible from and within 100 feet of an R district which are illuminated between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. unless they identify an establishment open for business during those hours.

• K. Off-premises signs, including billboards or advertising structures installed for the purpose of advertising a project, subject or business unrelated to the premises upon which the sign is located, except as permitted pursuant to Sections 233.14 (Readerboard Signs—Multiple Users) and 233.16 (Subdivision Directional Signs).

• L. Abandoned signs and signs which no longer identify a bona fide business conducted on the premises. Such signs shall be removed by the property owner within 60 days of the business's

closing date. The sign panel may be turned over (blank side out) if the sign complies with code.

• M. Signs located on public property, including signs affixed to utility poles, trees or projecting onto the public right-of-way, except otherwise exempt temporary signs pursuant to Section 233.08(O) and those required by law. This section shall not prohibit the placement of advertising panels on public service items including, but not limited to, trash receptacles, bicycle racks, bus benches, transit shelters, and telephone booths, within public rights-of-way or in publicly operated beaches or parks provided such items are placed in accord with an agreement granted by the City Council, and for such signs proposed in the coastal zone, subject to approval of a coastal development permit unless otherwise exempt.

ncluding, but not limited to, trash receptacles, bicycle racks, bus benches, transit shelters, and telephone booths, within public rights-of-way or in publicly operated beaches or parks provided such items are placed in accord with an agreement granted by the City Council, and for such signs proposed in the coastal zone, subject to approval of a coastal development permit unless otherwise exempt.

• N. Vehicle signs, signs affixed to automobiles, trucks, trailers or other vehicles on public or private property for the purpose of advertising, identifying or providing direction to a use or activity not related to the lawful use of the vehicle for delivering merchandise or rendering service. Any such vehicle signs which have as their primary purpose to serve as a non-moving or moving display are prohibited.

• O. Within the coastal zone, signs that limit or prohibit public access to public coastal areas, public accessways and/or to public parks except, subject to approval of a coastal development permit, when necessary for public safety, no other feasible alternative exists, the signs are consistent with all other applicable local coastal program requirements, and are subject to a requirement that the signs shall be removed as soon as the public safety issue is resolved.

• P. Within the coastal zone, signs that adversely affect scenic and visual qualities of coastal areas and public parks shall be prohibited except, subject to approval of a coastal development permit, when necessary for public safety, no other feasible alternative exists, the signs are consistent with all other applicable local coastal program requirements, and are subject to a requirement that the signs shall be removed as soon as the safety issue is resolved.

• (3334-6/97, 3360-12/97, 3826-4/09, 3881-8/10, 3981-8/13, 4047-5/15)

Electronic readerboards are permitted subject to review by the Design Review Board, and approval of a conditional use permit by the Zoning Administrator.

• A. Required Findings. Prior to approving a conditional use permit to allow an electronic readerboard sign, the Zoning Administrator shall make the following findings:

  1. The proposed electronic readerboard sign conforms with the standards and criteria as set forth in this chapter;

  2. The proposed electronic readerboard sign is compatible with other signs on the site and in the vicinity;

  3. The proposed electronic readerboard sign will not adversely impact traffic circulation in adjacent rights-of-way or create a hazard to vehicular or pedestrian traffic; and

  4. The proposed electronic readerboard sign shall not have adverse visual impacts on adjoining commercial and/or residential neighborhoods.

• B. Readerboard Sign Criteria.

  1. Electronic readerboards may be freestanding or wall type signs.

  2. The maximum number of electronic readerboards shall be one per site.

  3. The maximum sign area shall be 115 square feet; 90 square feet for message center; and 25 feet for other information.

4. The maximum height of a freestanding electronic readerboard sign shall be 25 feet.

5. The electronic readerboard shall have cylinders, a shade screen and a photocell for reducing the intensity of lighting at night.

6. The maximum measurable light output of the electronic readerboard shall not exceed 50 foot-candles at any property line.

C. Location Requirements.

1. Electronic readerboards shall only be allowed on parcels abutting a freeway and on parcels abutting Beach Boulevard, excluding the portion along Beach Boulevard designated as a landscape corridor south of Adams to Pacific Coast Highway.

2. Minimum lot frontage: 200 feet.

3. Minimum distance between electronic readerboards: 150 feet.

4. Minimum distance to any residence: 150 feet.

D. Other Standards.

1. Where a site has an electronic readerboard, temporary banners, balloons, flags, etc., shall be permitted a maximum of 15 days per calendar year.

2. Hours of operation: 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. At least 10% of the message time, or any percentage deemed necessary by the City for emergency conditions, shall be used for public service announcements.

3. Messages in an electronic readerboard shall be no faster than one message every four seconds, and the minimum interval between messages shall be at least one second. Continuous motion of messages is not permitted.

4. Light intensity changes (other than between day and night uses) are not permitted.

5. In addition to the electronic readerboard sign, one monument sign, maximum of seven feet in height and a maximum 50 square feet in sign area, may be permitted and all other signage shall be brought into conformance with this chapter.

(3334-6/97, 3360-12/97, 3711-6/05, 3826-4/09)

Off-site electronic readerboard signs may be permitted subject to review by the Design Review Board and approval of a conditional use permit by the Zoning Administrator. Off-site electronic readerboards as part of an electric vehicle charging station may be permitted subject to building permit and compliance with criteria in subsection F below. Approval of all other electronic readerboard signs shall be subject to the following criteria, subsections A through E.

• A. Required Findings. Prior to approving a conditional use permit to allow a multiple user electronic readerboard sign, the Zoning Administrator shall make the following findings:

  1. The proposed electronic readerboard sign conforms with the standards and criteria as set forth in the Huntington Beach Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance.

  2. The proposed electronic readerboard sign will not adversely impact traffic circulation in adjacent right-of-way or create a hazard to vehicle or pedestrian traffic.

• B. Multiple User Readerboard Sign Criteria.

  1. Multiple user electronic readerboard signs may be located at a site which is not the location of any of the parties using the sign for advertising.

  2. Multiple user electronic readerboard shall be freestanding.

  3. The maximum sign area shall be 1,200 square feet.

  4. The maximum height of a multiple user readerboard sign shall be 85 feet.

  5. The multiple user readerboard shall have cylinders or directional incandescent lamps and have a shade screen or louver system, a shade screen and a photocell for reducing the intensity of lighting at night.

• C. Lighting Standards.

  1. The maximum night time light intensity and illuminance shall conform to the following:

The maximum night time illuminance shall be measured at the receptor site, at ground level, by a direct-reading, portable light meter. Measurements shall not be made within one hour after sunset or before sunrise.

2. Illuminance shall be determined by the difference between a reading taken with the sign on and another reading taken within three minutes with the sign off.

3. An illuminance chart shall be prepared by a licensed engineer and submitted to the Director for approval prior to installation. Conformance with this section shall be verified by actual measurements made, as specified herein, after installation. The method of measurement and results shall be subject to approval of the Director.

• D. Location Requirements.

1. A multiple user readerboard shall be located no farther than 200 feet from a freeway.

   2. The minimum distance between multiple user readerboards shall be 1,000 feet.

   3. The sign shall be a minimum distance of 600 feet from residential properties.

• E. Other Standards.

  1. No off-site electronic readerboard will be permitted except for multiple users.

  2. At least 20% of the message time, or any percentage deemed necessary by the City for emergency conditions, shall be used for public service announcements.

  3. Messages in a multiple user sign shall be no faster than one message every four seconds and the minimum interval between messages shall be at least one second.

  4. Light intensity changes (other than between day and night uses) are not permitted.

• F. Electronic Vehicle Charging Station Sign (EVCSS) Standards.

  1. The EVCSS shall have a maximum of two sides and a maximum of nine square feet of signage on each side. The maximum height of an EVCSS is five feet and shall be designed with a solid monument type base and integrated into the EV charging station.

  2. All EVCSS shall be located at the head of each parking stall and oriented toward the single vehicle user and/or adjacent sidewalk. The EVCSS shall maintain a minimum 10 feet by 10 feet visibility triangle at the foot of each parking stall. The EVCSS shall not encroach into the required parking stall dimensions. If located within a landscaped area, any required landscaping shall be replaced.

  3. Only static or still pictures and images are permitted on the EVCSS; moving video type images are not permitted.

  4. No audio or sound components are permitted on the EVCSS.

  5. The EVCSS shall be located a minimum of 150 feet from any residential property line or residential use.

  6. The EVCSS shall dim by at least 50% between 8:00 pm and 8:00 am.

  7. There shall be a maximum of two EVCSS for every 100 parking stalls on the property.

  8. An EVCSS with Level 1 (approximately 120 volt outlet) and Level 2 (approximately 240 volt outlet) Chargers shall be provided free of charge to the public consumer; Level 3 Direct Current Fast Chargers (approximate range in output from 50 kW to 350 kW) may include a fee to the consumer.

  9. Each EVCSS shall comply with subsection C above.

  10. Each EVCSS shall comply with subsection E above.

  11. Electric vehicle charging stations, which include readerboard signage granted under this section, shall be in operational working condition at all times and, at a minimum, available for use during regular business hours. When an electric vehicle charging station is not operational for 14 consecutive days, it shall be considered to have been removed from service. If removed from service, the EVCSS shall be removed from the site and the parking spaces shall be returned to their original condition within 30 days.

• (3334-6/97, 3360-12/97, 3711-6/05, 3826-4/09; 4234-3/22)

Subdivision directional signs shall contain only the name of a development, the developer, price information, and directional information for land development projects located within the City. Sign permits for off-site subdivision directional signs for land development projects shall be limited to no more than six off-site signs, and approval for such signs shall be subject to the following standards:

A. Location Requirements.

1. Signs shall not be located within any street medians, divides, or other public rights-of-way or on any property developed with residential uses other than that of the subdivision identified.

2. Signs located on the same side of the street shall be a minimum of 600 feet from any other subdivision directional sign except a sign may be permitted on each corner of the intersection of arterial highways.

3. Maximum Area and Height.

   • a. 64 square feet in area and 15 feet high provided there is a minimum 50-foot distance from any adjacent developed property.

   • b. 32 square feet in area and eight feet high provided there is a minimum 25-foot distance from any adjacent developed property.

• B. Permit Expiration. Sign permits issued for subdivision directional signs shall expire either one year from the date of issuance or on the date 90% of the project's units have all been sold, leased, or rented for the first time, whichever is sooner. Annual renewals may be granted for such time as units still exist for sale; however, no more than one directional sign is allowed after 90% of the units are sold, leased or rented.

• C. Street Widening. When a sign conflicts with street widening or construction, it shall be removed upon written notice at no cost to any public agency.

• D. Required Bond. Prior to the issuance of a building permit, the applicant shall file a cash bond in an amount set by resolution of the City Council. The full bond amount shall be refunded if the sign structure is removed and the site restored to its original condition within 15 days after the expiration of the permit. If the sign structure is not removed, the City shall remove the sign and its supporting structure with the cost deducted from the cash bond, and any remainder refunded.

(3334-6/97, 3826-4/09)

• A. Promotional activity signs may be placed on a site subject to the issuance of a temporary sign permit by the Director, and provided that such signs comply with all of the standards set forth in this section, and provided such signs do not create safety hazards or block signs identifying adjoining establishments.

• B. A temporary sign permit for a promotional activity sign, banners, pennant or pennants, unless otherwise specified, shall be valid for a maximum of 90 days in any calendar year and shall not be renewable.

• C. Promotional activity banners shall not exceed one square foot of banner area for each linear foot of building frontage and in no case shall the total banner area exceed 100 square feet. Pennants shall be limited to a maximum of one square foot for each pennant.

• D. A promotional activity banner, as permitted above, shall not be affected by the issuance of a grand opening promotional activity sign permit during the same calendar year. The size of a grand opening promotional activity banner shall not exceed the size specified in Section 233.18(C) .

• E. Promotional activity signs, banners, and pennants shall be maintained and not be in a condition of disrepair. Disrepair shall include torn, faded or sagging signs.

• F. The Director may approve a temporary sign permit for a promotional sign, to be displayed on a site with electronic readerboards up to a maximum of 15 days per calendar year.

• G. Vehicle sales businesses and automobile dealerships located on Beach Boulevard may, without first obtaining a temporary use permit from the Director, display promotional activity signs, banners, pennants, and car-top signs that comply with the following standards:

  1. Eighteen-inch non-metallic helium balloons and large non-metallic inflatables may be displayed on the weekends (Friday 9:00 a.m. through Sunday 12:00 midnight), provided they do not project over the public right-of-way.

  2. Automobile dealerships on Beach Boulevard shall be permitted to display flags, pennants, banners and car-top signs throughout the year.

• H. Vehicle sales businesses and automobile dealerships located on Beach Boulevard shall obtain a temporary sign permit for the use of large displays and inflatables larger than 18 inches in diameter. The displays and inflatables shall be affixed directly to the ground or roof of a building. The displays and inflatables shall be limited to a maximum of 12 weekends per calendar year.

• (3334-6/97, 3360-12/97, 3826-4/09)

• A. A Planned Sign Program shall be submitted to the Director when required by Section 233.04(B) . Such program shall be reviewed and approved by the Director prior to issuance of any building permit. The purpose of the Planned Sign Program is to encourage coordinated and quality sign design as well as to permit more flexible sign standards for commercial and industrial centers.

• B. The standards of Section 233.06 shall be used as a guide in the design of a Planned Sign Program. The property owner shall designate a person or firm as the primary liaison with the City for the purpose of submitting sign permit requests in conformance with the approved Planned Sign Program.

• C. Planned sign program applications shall be submitted to the Planning Division and shall include the following:

  1. A site plan, drawn to scale, depicting the precise locations of all buildings and signs;

  2. Drawings and/or sketches indicating the exterior surface details of all buildings on the site on which wall signs, directory signs, or projecting signs are proposed;

  3. Written text describing the specific sign criteria for the property. The program shall, at minimum, include provisions regulating sign height, area, sign type, colors, design and location;

  4. A statement of the reasons for any requested modifications to the provisions or standards of this chapter; and

  5. The name, address, and telephone number of the person or firm responsible for administering the Planned Sign Program.

• D. A Planned Sign Program may include more than one freestanding sign per parcel or other deviations from the standards of this chapter, provided that the total sign area does not exceed the area otherwise permitted by Section 233.06 by more than 10%, or by 30% for multiple automobile franchises occupying the same lot, and commercial businesses with 50,000 square feet or more of floor area. In approving a Planned Sign Program, the Director shall find that the proposed signs are compatible with the style or character of existing improvements on the site and are well related to each other, reflecting a common theme and design style.

• E. The Director may require any reasonable conditions necessary to carry out the intent of the Planned Sign Program. For developments with existing signs, a schedule or phasing plan for bringing such signs into conformance with the Planned Sign Program shall be submitted and become part of the approval of the Planned Sign Program. A cash bond may be required to guarantee their modification or removal.

(3334-6/97, 3360-12/97, 3527-2/02, 3826-4/09)

• A. Signs within the Downtown Specific Plan or located in any other specific plan areas shall comply with any additional requirements outlined within the plan itself and any applicable design guidelines.

• B. Non-commercial murals, non-commercial large graphic designs, and statuary shall be subject to review by the Director for the sole purpose of ensuring that such displays will not pose a hazard to public health, safety or welfare.

• C. No window or contiguous window panes shall be covered by paper or painting signs that exceed 20% of the total area of that window; however, windows may be covered up to 50% during the month of December.

(3334-6/97, 3360-12/97, 3826-4/09)

• A. Continuation of Use. A nonconforming sign may be maintained on site after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this title, provided that the nonconforming sign is not:

  1. Changed to another nonconforming sign; or

  2. Structurally altered so as to extend its useful life; or

  3. Expanded or altered as defined in Section 233.28 , except that a change of sign panel/face may be permitted provided the items of information on the sign (i.e., business name) remain the same; or

  4. Reestablished after discontinuance for 90 days or more; or

  5. Reestablished after damage or destruction of more than 50% of the sign value at the time of such damage or destruction.

• B. Signs replaced or requested to be modified at the owner's initiative shall comply with all current provisions of this chapter unless the Director approves a sign code exception, a limited sign permit or Planned Sign Program.

(3334-6/97, 3360-12/97, 3826-4/09)

• A. Signs shall be subject to the provisions of this chapter, the Uniform Building Code and National Electric Code, as adopted by the City.

• B. Any sign by design, location or configuration that violates this chapter or creates a pedestrian or vehicle hazard is deemed to be a public nuisance and subject to enforcement under this Code and/or the Huntington Beach Municipal Code.

• C. Penalty. No person, firm, corporation or other legal entity shall maintain, place, erect, or permit any sign to be displayed in violation of this chapter. Violations are a misdemeanor and are punishable as provided in Chapter 249 , Enforcement, of the Huntington Beach Zoning and Subdivision Code.

(3334-6/97, 3360-12/97, 3826-4/09)

The following definitions shall apply to the provisions in this chapter. General definitions are contained in Chapter 203 .

Abandoned Sign. A sign which no longer directs, advertises or identifies a legal business establishment, product or activity on the premises where such sign is displayed.

Alteration. Any change of copy, sign face, color, size, shape, illumination, position, location, construction, or supporting structure of any sign.

Animated Sign. Any sign which is designed to give a message through a sequence of progressive changes of parts or lights or degree of lighting.

Area of Sign.

1. The area included within the outer dimensions of a sign (excluding structural supports).

2. For freestanding signs, sign area shall be calculated on one face of the sign, provided a sign face on a double-sided sign is not separated from the opposite side of the sign by more than 12 inches at any point.

3. For illuminated awning or canopy signs, sign area shall be calculated around the sign copy only.

4. For signs without a border or frame (channel or skeleton letters), the area shall be within a rectangle or eight continuous straight lines (with right angles) formed around the extreme outer limits of the sign message, including all figures and any background or color which is an integral part of the sign.

==> picture [399 x 47] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [240 x 86] intentionally omitted <==

Awning. A shelter supported entirely from the exterior wall of a building and composed of non-rigid materials except for the supporting framework.

Awning Sign. A sign painted on, printed on, or attached flat against the surface of an awning.

Banner Sign. A temporary sign composed of fabric or flexible material with no enclosing frame.

Bonus Sign. An internally illuminated freestanding sign designed with opaque sign faces/panels, and illumination for items of information only.

Building Frontage. The linear extent of a building or business which has frontage on either a street or parking area. Only one side of the building facing the street or parking area shall be used to determine the maximum sign area.

Business Identification Sign. A sign which serves to identify only the name and address of the premises, business, building or portion of building upon which it is located and includes no other advertising such as product lists, phone numbers and hours of operation. Logos may also be permitted.

Canopy. A permanent roof-like structure which extends along and projects beyond the wall of a building, or is freestanding as common in service stations, and is generally designed and constructed to provide protection from the weather.

Changeable Copy Sign. A sign or portion thereof with characters, letters or illustrations that can be changed manually or electrically without altering the face or surface of the sign.

Channel Letters. Individual letters or figures, illuminated or non-illuminated, affixed to a building or freestanding sign structure.

Construction Sign. A temporary sign identifying the persons, firms or businesses directly connected with a construction or development project and may include the name of the future site occupant.

Directional Sign. An on-premises incidental sign designed to guide or direct pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

Electronic Readerboard. A changeable message sign consisting of a matrix of lamps which are computer controlled.

Exposed Neon. Neon tubing used for lighting in signs and other building identification such as raceways and accent lighting.

Exposed Raceway. Visible tube or box behind a wall sign used to house electrical wiring for the wall sign.

Flashing Sign. An illuminated sign which contains an intermittent or sequential flashing light source or any other such means to attract attention. This definition is not intended to include "changeable copy signs" or "animated signs."

Freestanding Sign. A sign permanently attached to the ground and which does not have a building as its primary structural support. This includes ground signs, pole signs and monument signs.

Grand Opening. A promotional activity not exceeding 90 calendar days used by newly established businesses to inform the public of their location and services.

Ground Sign. See Freestanding Sign.

Illegal Sign. A sign which was erected without obtaining a permit as required by this chapter, that does not meet the requirements of the ordinance codified in this title, or has not received legal nonconforming status.

Incidental Sign. A small sign pertaining to goods, products, services or facilities which are available on the premises where the sign occurs and intended primarily for the convenience of the public.

Indirect Illumination. A light cast on the surface of a sign from an exterior source.

Industrial Center. Any site containing three or more industrial activities.

Integrated Development. A development or site comprised of one or more parcels served by common accessways, driveways, parking and landscaping.

Interior Illumination. Any sign face which is artificially lit from the inside.

Item of Information. Each word, design, symbol, or figure.

Limited Sign Permit. A permit approved by the Director that permits a temporary sign used to advertise a short-term special activity or sale, i.e., grand opening, under new ownership, fall sale, etc., and maintenance or modification to the face or copy of a nonconforming sign to extend a use of the sign for a time period deemed appropriate by the Director, but not to exceed two years.

Logo. A trademark or company name symbol.

Mansard. A sloped roof or roof-like facade.

Marquee. See Canopy.

Monument Sign. A freestanding sign with a solid base.

Moving Sign. Any sign or device which has any visible moving part, visible revolving part, or visible mechanical movement.

Name Plate Sign. An attached sign which designates the names and/or address of a business, and/or the words "entrance" or "exit."

Non-commercial Sign. A sign that does not have a message that is commercial in nature, such as, but not limited to, signs that are political in nature, social issues, religious messages, beliefs, candidates, or other non-commercial content. Non-commercial signs do not include:

1. Signs that promote the sale, lease or exchange of goods, services, or property.

2. Signs that identify or attract attention to any place which sells, leases, or exchanges goods, services or property.

3. Signs that identify or attract attention to any club, nonprofit facility, governmental office or facility, or other such place where a person, group of persons, or organization is engaged in any activity involving interaction with the general public or a significant portion thereof, whether for income purposes or not.

"Non-commercial Sign" does not include Directional Signs or Construction Signs as defined in this Section.

Nonconforming Sign. A sign which was erected legally but does not comply with provisions of the current sign ordinance.

Off-Site Sign. Any sign which advertises goods, products, services or facilities not sold, produced, manufactured or furnished on the premises on which the sign is located. These signs are also known as outdoor advertising, billboards, and poster panels.

On-Site Sign. A sign which pertains to the use(s) of the site on which it is located.

Open House Sign. A sign which identifies a building for sale or lease which is open and available for inspection.

Planned Sign Program. A required component for certain sign permits that incorporates coordinated and quality sign design elements and is reviewed and approved by the Director.

Point of Purchase Display. Advertising of a retail item accompanying its display, e.g., an advertisement on a product dispenser.

Pole Sign. See Freestanding Sign.

Portable Sign. Any sign not permanently attached to the ground or a building.

Projecting Sign. A sign which is attached to and projects from the wall of the building more than 18 inches and which has its display surface perpendicular to such wall, to the structure to which it is attached.

Promotional Activity Sign. A temporary sign used to advertise a short-term special activity or sale, i.e., grand opening, under new ownership, fall sale, etc.

Public Access Signage. Signage that directs the general public to the coast or sea and/or public amenities available for general public use.

Public right-of-way shall mean the area across, along, beneath, in, on, over, under, upon, and within the dedicated public alleys, boulevards, courts, lanes, roads, sidewalks, streets, and ways within the City, as they now exist or hereafter will exist.

Public Service Information Sign. Any sign intended primarily to promote items of general interest to the community such as time, temperature, date, atmospheric conditions, news or traffic control, etc.

Real Estate Sign. Any temporary sign indicating that the premises on which the sign is located is for sale, lease or rent.

Roof Sign. An attached sign constructed upon or over a roof, or placed so as to extend above the visible roofline; or a freestanding sign which is greater in height than the building it serves to identify.

Rotating Sign. Any sign or portion thereof which physically revolves about an axis.

Sign. Any medium for visual communication, including its structure and component parts, which is used or intended to be used to attract attention.

Sign Code Exception. A deviation to some of the specifications set forth in this chapter that is approved by the Director.

Sign Copy. Any words, letters, numbers, figures, designs or other symbolic representation incorporated into a sign for the purpose of attracting attention.

Sign Height. Measurement from the adjacent sidewalk or curb to the highest portion of the sign, including architectural elements.

Site. One or more parcels of land identified by the assessor's records where an integrated building development has been approved or proposed. The site shall include all parcels of land contained within or a part of the development application.

Site Frontage. The length of a lot or parcel of land along or fronting a street.

Special Events Sign. A temporary sign advertising or pertaining to any civic, patriotic, or special event of a general public interest taking place within the City.

Subdivision Directional Sign. A sign providing direction to a land development project pursuant to this chapter.

Supergraphic. A painted design which covers an area greater than 10% of a wall, building facade, or other structure.

Temporary Sign. A sign which is installed for a limited time and is not constructed or intended for long-term use.

Temporary Window Sign. A sign painted or constructed of paper or other lightweight material and affixed to the interior or exterior side of a window or glass area on a building for a limited time.

Wall Sign. Any sign which is attached or erected on the exterior, posted, or painted or suspended from or otherwise affixed to a wall of a building including the parapet, with the display surface of the sign parallel to the building wall, and which does not project more than 18 inches from the building, or project above the height of the wall or parapet.

Window Sign. A sign in which the name, address, phone number, or hours of operation are applied directly to the window of a business, or a sign visible through the window from the street.

==> picture [441 x 280] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [441 x 297] intentionally omitted <==

(3334-6/97, 3360-12/97, 3826-4/09, 4047-5/15)

The owner of any sign which is otherwise allowed by this Chapter may substitute non-commercial copy in lieu of any other commercial or non-commercial copy. The purpose of this provision is to prevent any inadvertent favoring of commercial speech over non-commercial speech, or favoring any particular non-commercial message over any other non-commercial message.

(4047-5/15)