Chapter 21.76 — SIGNS

The purpose of this chapter is to:

(1) Implement the city's community design and safety standards set forth in the general plan; and

(2) Maintain and enhance the city's appearance by regulating the design, character, location, number, type, quality of materials, size, illumination and maintenance of signs; and

(3) Protect and improve pedestrian and vehicular traffic safety by balancing the need for signs which facilitate the safe and smooth flow of traffic (i.e., traffic directional signs) without an excess of signage which may distract motorists, overload their capacity to quickly receive information, visually obstruct traffic signs or otherwise create congestion and safety hazards; and

(4) Eliminate the traffic safety hazards to pedestrians and motorists posed by off-site signs bearing commercial messages; and

(5) Generally limit commercial signage to on-site locations in order to protect the aesthetic environment from the visual clutter associated with the unrestricted proliferation of signs, while providing channels of communication to the public; and

(6) Allow the communication of information for commercial and noncommercial purposes without regulating the content of noncommercial messages; and

(7) Allow the expression of political, religious and other noncommercial speech at all times, and allow for an increase in the quantity of such speech in the period preceding elections; and

(8) Respect and protect the right of free speech by sign display, while reasonably regulating the structural, locational and other non-communicative aspects of signs, generally for the public health, safety, welfare, and specifically to serve the public interests in traffic and pedestrian safety and community aesthetics; and

(9) Minimize the possible adverse effects of signs on nearby public and private property; and

(10) Serve the city's interests in maintaining and enhancing its visual appeal for tourists and other visitors, by preventing the degradation of visual quality which can result from excess signage; and

(11) Protect the investments in property and lifestyle quality made by persons who choose to live, work, or do business in the city; and

(12) Defend the peace and tranquility of residential zones and neighborhoods by generally forbidding commercial signs on private residences, while allowing residents the opportunity, within reasonable limits, to express political, religious and other noncommercial messages from their homes; and

(13) Enable the fair, consistent, and efficient enforcement of the sign regulations of the city. (Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).

For the purposes of this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the following meanings ascribed to them: (1) "Abandoned sign" means any sign where for a period of ninety days or more, there is no sign copy appearing on the sign, or where the establishment to which the sign is attached has ceased operation and where it is clear that the sign has been forsaken or deserted.

(2) "Adjacent" means located entirely within two hundred fifty feet of the freeway as measured from the freeway centerline, when referring to an electronic billboard adjacent to a freeway.

(3) “Animated sign” means any sign that uses movement or change of lighting to depict action or create a special effect or scene, including beacons, pennants, hand-held signs, large balloons or other inflatables used as signs, highintensity illuminated signs, or other moving or flashing signs. Electronic or mechanical indications of time and temperature and decorations shall not be included in this definition for animated signs.

(4) “Barber pole” means any cylindrical sign used to identify hair cutting establishments.

(5) "Billboard" means an off-site sign that identifies or communicates a commercial or noncommercial message related to an activity, a service rendered, or a commodity sold mostly at a location other than where the sign is located. The terms "billboard" and "off-site sign" may be used interchangeably to mean the same.

(6) "Billboard, electronic" means a billboard where the alphabetic, pictographic, symbolic informational and/or other content may be changed or altered on a fixed display surface composed of electronically illuminated or electronically actuated or motivated elements and can be changed or altered electronically. This includes billboards with displays that must be preprogrammed to display specific types of information (i.e., time, date, temperature) and billboards whose informational content can be changed or altered by means of computer-driven electronic impulses. This includes, without limitation, billboards also known as digital billboards or light emitting diode (LED) billboards. (7) “Building facade” means the portion of any exterior elevation of a building or structure from grade to the top of the roofline and the entire width of the building.

(8) “Building frontage” means the horizontal length of an outside building wall facing a street, public parking lot or mall.

(9) “Building frontage, primary” means the building frontage which faces the street. In cases where a building has more than one street frontage, the longest of the street frontages shall be considered the primary building frontage. In cases where a business has no building frontage facing a street, the building frontage with the primary business entrance shall be considered the primary building frontage. Generally, individual tenants of a multi-tenant building have primary building frontage equal to the horizontal length of their business frontage. However, every multi-tenant building has only one primary frontage, and in no event shall the combined sign area for all tenants exceed the allowable sign area for the building.

imary business entrance shall be considered the primary building frontage. Generally, individual tenants of a multi-tenant building have primary building frontage equal to the horizontal length of their business frontage. However, every multi-tenant building has only one primary frontage, and in no event shall the combined sign area for all tenants exceed the allowable sign area for the building.

(10) “Business frontage” means that business elevation that fronts on a public street or that business elevation that fronts the subject business’ parking area and provides a public entrance.

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

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

(13) “Commercial message” means any sign wording, logo or other representation that directly or indirectly names or advertises or calls attention to a business, product, service or other commercial activity, or which proposes a commercial transaction or relates primarily to commercial interests.

(14) “Directory sign” means a sign or set of similarly designed individual signs, placed or displayed in sequence, to list all or part of the businesses within a building or shopping center.

(15) “Directional sign” means an on-site sign designed to direct vehicular or pedestrian traffic that does not promote or advertise a business, property or product.

(16) “Display board sign” means a permanently installed panel (bulletin board or display case) provided for the posting of temporary advertisements and/or messages on which manually changeable messages are displayed. (17) “Flag” means a piece of cloth or canvas, usually rectangular or triangular in shape, displaying graphics, symbols, and/or written copy, and designed to be flown from a flag pole. Colored cloth or canvas without any graphics, symbols, and/or written copy is not included in this definition.

(18) “Freestanding sign” means a sign supported permanently upon the ground by poles or braces and not attached to any building. Also referred to as a “pylon sign” or “pole sign.”

(19) "Freeway" means the California Interstate 5 (I-5) freeway.

• (20) "Freeway-oriented" means any electronic billboard that is adjacent to a freeway (as defined herein) and designed to be viewed primarily by persons traveling on the main freeway route.

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

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

(23) “Incidental sign” means a sign, emblem or decal informing the public of goods, facilities, or services available on the premises, including but not limited to a restroom and phone sign, credit card sign or a sign indicating hours of business. Incidental signs also include signs prohibiting trespassing and soliciting, as well as neighborhood watch/alarm signs.

(24) “Integrated development” means a building with more than one independent tenant suite/space or a commercial/industrial site or group of separate properties, under single or multiple ownership, that are developed as one continuous project with shared/common ingress and egress as well as unrestricted on-site vehicular and pedestrian circulation.

• (25) “Logo sign” means a graphic sign that represents a particular trademark or business symbol for identification.

• (26) “Monument sign” means a sign constructed upon a solid base or pedestal.

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

(28) “Neon sign” means illuminated bent glass tubing in the form of symbols, graphics and/or written copy and illuminated linear tubing mounted within windows/storefronts or on the exterior of a building.

(29) “Non-commercial sign” means any sign that does not bear a commercial message including, by way of example and not limitation, commentary on social, political, educational, religious, scientific, artistic, philosophical or charitable subjects. Also includes signs regarding fund raising or membership drive activities for noncommercial or nonprofit concerns.

(30) “Off-site sign” means a sign that directs attention to a business, commodity, service, entertainment, or other product or activity offered at a location other than the site on which the sign is located. This definition does not include real estate signs, temporary signs, or directional signs approved pursuant to this chapter.

(31) “Pole sign” means a freestanding sign attached to a pole.

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

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

(34) “Pylon sign” means any freestanding sign supported by means of more than one pole.

(35) “Roof sign” means any sign erected on the roof or over the roofline of a building. For the purposes of this chapter, the roofline is the top edge of a roof or building parapet, whichever is higher, excluding any cupolas, pylons, chimneys or minor projections.

(36) “Sandwich board sign” means a sign designed with an A-frame structure and intended to be placed directly on a sidewalk or similar ground surface.

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

(38) “Sign area” means the measurable area of a sign face. Said sign area shall be computed by means of a single continuous line composed of right angles that enclose the extreme limits lettering, logo, trademark or other graphic representation, together with any frame or structural trim forming an integral part of the display. For pole and pylon signs, the perimeter of the measurable sign area shall not include support and framing design embellishments

exclusive of logo or written copy. Sign area for multi-faced signs shall be computed by adding together the area of all sign faces visible from any one point.

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

(40) “Temporary sign” means a sign not constructed or intended for long-term use. Included in this definition are hand-held signs that are not attached in any manner to a stationary object.

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

(42) “Wall sign” means a sign attached to a building facade, generally parallel to and extending not more than eighteen inches from the wall of a building with no copy on the sides or edges. This definition includes painted signs, individual letters, cabinet signs, and signs on a mansard.

(43) “Window sign” means a sign installed or placed upon, inside, or behind a window pane or glass door with the purpose of having the sign visible from the outside of the building.

(Ord. 722, §§ 5, 7, 2022; Ord. 627, §§ 5, 6, 2009; Ord. 624 § 8, 2008; Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).

(a) Unless otherwise exempt per this section, the construction, installation or modification of any sign, other than changing the sign face copy, shall require a building permit and zoning clearance to ensure compliance with applicable provisions of this chapter.

(b) Temporary signs identified in Section 21.76.060 require planning division approval of a temporary sign permit (Chapter 21.104).

(c) The community development director shall have the authority to require a comprehensive sign program for commercial and industrial development projects involving the establishment of leasable or saleable building space for more than one tenant.

(d) Signs that do not comply with the requirements of this chapter shall not be permitted unless a variance has been granted pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 21.108.

(Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).

The following signs are exempt from the requirements of this chapter but are subject to compliance with all other provisions of this title. Unless otherwise specified, all exempt signs shall be non-illuminated, externally illuminated, or internally illuminated. Any proposed sign that exceeds the numerical or square footage standards listed below shall require approval of a variance pursuant to Chapter 21.108.

(1) Barber poles. Building-/wall-mounted barber poles in non-residential zones.

(2) Civic signs. City-sponsored civic signs for community entrance, identification, direction and information, located off-premises on private property or in the public right-of-way, with approval of an encroachment permit by the public works department. Such signs shall be limited to a one hundred fifty-square-foot sign area and a maximum height of fifteen feet. All such signs shall be either non-illuminated or externally illuminated.

(3) Construction signs. One on-site temporary sign to identify the names of individuals and/or firms connected with the construction of a project. On residential property, the maximum sign area is six square feet, with a maximum height of six feet. On non-residential property, the maximum sign area is forty square feet and the maximum height ten feet. All such signs shall be non-illuminated and set back a minimum of five feet from the public right-of-way. All such signs shall be removed prior to the issuance of an occupancy permit.

(4) Directional signs. The city has a compelling interest in ensuring traffic safety. To directly advance that interest, one on-site directional sign which does not promote or advertise a business, property, or product for each one-way drive, drive aisle, and service or delivery entrance. Such signs shall be located so as not to impair vehicular or pedestrian traffic. The maximum area of each sign is four square feet and the maximum height four feet.

(5) Directory signs. One or more directory sign internal to the site within an integrated development. Such sign shall be limited to a maximum sign area of twenty-four square feet and a maximum height of six feet.

(6) Display board signs. One or more display board signs, attached to a wall near the entrance to a non-residential use. Such signs shall be limited to a maximum sign area of twenty-four square feet.

(7) Flags. Flags representing a country, state, or other civic entity, and decorative flags with no commercial message.

(8) Governmental signs. Temporary or permanent signs erected and maintained by or required by the city, county, state or federal government for traffic direction, city entrance, or for designation or direction to any school, hospital, historical site, or public service, property, or facility. Signs shall be non-illuminated or externally illuminated.

(9) Garage/yard sale signs. One on-site garage/yard sale sign with a maximum sign area of six square feet and a maximum height of four feet. Such signs may only be displayed during the time of the sale and only in conjunction with an approved garage sale permit.

(10) Holiday decorations. Holiday decorations that do not contain any commercial message. Such signs shall be removed within seven days following the holiday or event.

(11) House numbers. Street numbers identifying the address of a residence or building, with a maximum sign area of two square feet, including those painted on curbs in compliance with city code.

(12) Incidental signs. Signs that do not contain any commercial message, as described in Section 21.76.020.

(13) Interior signs. One or more signs in the interior of a building, mall, court, stadium, or enclosed lobby intended for interior viewing only.

(14) Memorial wall signs. Commemorative wall signs, wall signs indicating the historical significance of a site or building, and building markers. Such signs shall be limited to a maximum sign area of four square feet each. Signs shall be non-illuminated or externally illuminated.

(15) Menu/order board signs. Two menu/order board signs for each drive-in or drive-through business. Each such sign shall be limited to a maximum area of forty square feet and a maximum height of eight feet. Such signs shall be located adjacent to the drive.

(16) Non-commercial signs. Non-commercial signs on private property, provided such signs are not located within or over a public right-of-way, over the roofline of any building, or within any required clear vision triangle. Such signs shall have the following size limitations:

(A) For residential property, no more than two signs on any one parcel of land with a maximum combined sign area of ten square feet and a maximum height of four feet.

(B) For non-residential property, no more than two signs on any one parcel, provided all such signs do not exceed a maximum combined sign area of forty square feet and a maximum height of four feet.

• (17) Political event sign. Political event and/or demonstration signs during the course of and at the site of a political event or demonstration.

• (18) Political campaign signs. Campaign signs pertaining to an election to any public office or ballot measure may be erected not earlier than sixty days prior to the election and shall be removed within ten days following said election.

• (19) Real estate signs.

(A) Real estate signs for sale or lease of property on private property, as set forth below. All such signs shall be set back a minimum of five feet from the public right-of-way and located outside of any required clear vision triangle. Signs shall be non-illuminated or externally illuminated.

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

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

(C) For non-residential property, one on-site sign is permitted per street frontage, each with a maximum sign area of nine square feet.

• (20) Repair and maintenance. Sign repair and maintenance which does not alter the type, size, or location of any sign.

• (21) Residential nameplates. One nameplate identifying the occupants of a dwelling unit, with a maximum sign area of two square feet.

• (22) Service station fuel pricing signs. On-site service station fuel pricing signs in accordance with California Business and Professions Code Section 20880 et seq.

• (23) Sign copy change. Sign copy changes that simply replace the sign face without any structural alteration.

• (24) Signs on bus benches and shelters.

• (25) Temporary community activity signs. Temporary community activity signs, as approved by the community development director, for a period not exceeding thirty days in duration.

• (26) Time and temperature signs. Time and temperature signs in non-residential zones with a maximum sign area of twelve square feet.

• (27) Vehicle signs. Vehicle signs attached to and an integral part of a motorized vehicle or bicycle, if such vehicle is used directly for the transportation purposes of a particular business.

(28) Window signs. Window signs, provided that all such signs (both temporary and permanent) do not cover more than a combined maximum of twenty-five percent of the total window area for each window, except as otherwise may be regulated by a discretionary permit.

• (Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).

The following signs are prohibited:

• (1) Abandoned signs.

• (2) All non-exempt signs without necessary and/or valid permits/approvals.

• (3) Animated signs.

• (4) Any sign located within a required clear-vision triangle.

• (5) Off-site identification signs, except government, civic, and real estate signs as provided in this chapter.

(6) Off-site advertising signs, except electronic billboards permitted within the Freeway Commercial (C-F) Zoning District pursuant to Section 21.76.140 of this chapter. Conversion of a non-electric billboard to an electronic billboard is only permitted within the Freeway Commercial (C-F) Zoning District, and is subject to the requirements of Section 21.76.140.

(7) Pole signs.

• (8) Portable signs, including hand-held temporary signs.

• (9) Roof signs.

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

(11) Signs within or projecting over the public right-of-way, with the exception of governmental or city-sponsored civic signs.

(12) Signs which purport to be or are an imitation of or resemble official traffic warning devices or signs, that by color, location or lighting may confuse or disorient vehicular or pedestrian traffic, excluding authorized on-site directional sites.

(13) Signs painted directly on an exterior wall, fence, fascia, or parapet.

(14) Signs with exposed neon tubing or neon tubing enclosed in a sign cabinet with a clear plexiglas sign face, with the exception of exempt window signs.

(15) Vehicle signs where the primary purpose or use of the vehicle is the display of advertising matter. This does not apply to signs maintained on vehicles when such advertising is incidental to the primary purpose for which the vehicle is being used.

(16) Neon signs including signs with neon tubing enclosed in a sign cabinet with a clear sign face, with the exception of exempt window signs.

(Ord. 722, § 6, 2022; Ord. 627, § 7, 2009; Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).

21.76.060 Temporary signs .

Temporary commercial signs for a business grand opening or a special product, sale, or event advertising may be permitted on the site of the business to which the message pertains. Such temporary signs shall require approval of a temporary sign permit in compliance with the following provisions:

(1) Maximum area. Each business or entity shall be permitted only one temporary sign with a maximum sign area of one hundred square feet.

(2) Location. Temporary signs shall be attached to the main building or wall/fence and shall not extend above the roofline or height of the wall/fence on which they are located. Temporary signs shall not be freestanding or illuminated.

(3) Temporary hand-held signs prohibited. Temporary hand-held signs bearing a commercial message shall be prohibited at all locations in the city at all times.

(4) Time limitation. Each business shall be allowed a maximum of eighty-four days of temporary signage per calendar year. No single temporary advertising period shall be longer than fourteen consecutive days, and no more than six periods of such temporary advertising shall be permitted within a calendar year. Temporary advertising periods may not be combined.

(Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).

21.76.070 Number of permitted signs and allowable sign area .

(a) Number of Signs Permitted. Table 21.76.070 indicates the number of permitted signs by sign type by zoning district.

==> picture [500 x 403] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
(Individual business) of primary business
frontage
Building-attached 1 per business
frontage [12]
(Integrated development)
Monument:
a. Individual business 1 per street 50 square feet 8 feet
frontage [8]
b. Integrated development 1 per street 100 square feet
frontage [7,8]
Pylon: 30 feet
a. Individual business 1 per street 50 square feet
frontage [8,9]
b. Integrated development 1 per street 100 square feet
frontage [7,8,9]
Electronic billboard See 21.76.140 700 square feet per sign 50 feet See 21.76.140
face
M-2 Building-attached 1 per primary 1.0 square foot of sign N/A
area for each linear foot
building frontage [11]
(Individual business) of primary business
frontage
Building-attached 1 per business
(Integrated development) frontage
Monument 1 per street 50 square feet 8 feet
frontage [6,7]
Pylon 1 per street 50 square feet 15 feet
frontage [6,7]
----- End of picture text -----

Notes:

1. Where more than one building attached sign is permitted, the maximum allowable sign area shall include the combined sign area of all non-exempt signs.

2. A monument sign is permitted only for multi-family developments consisting of more than 4 units.

3. Signs shall be either non-illuminated or externally illuminated.

4. Maximum height as measured from ground surface to the top of the sign structure.

5. For building-attached signs, the sign area shall be limited to the lesser of the following: maximum sign area or 35% of the wall area to which the sign is attached.

6. The minimum street frontage for the installation of a monument sign shall be 135 linear feet and the minimum street frontage for the installation of a pylon sign shall be 150 linear feet.

7. For an integrated development, monument and pylon signs may only be considered when included as part of an approved comprehensive sign program that is agreed upon by all affected property owners.

8. The minimum parcel frontage for the installation of any sign shall be 200 linear feet. Parcels with less than 200 linear feet of frontage shall comply with the C-4 zoning district’s sign regulations.

9. Parcels shall have a minimum land area of six acres to install a pylon sign. Separate but continuous parcels may combine to reach the minimum land area provided a recorded agreement, in a form approved by the city, is executed by the affected property owners.

10. Parcels that meet the requirements for a pylon sign may have either a pylon sign or a monument sign along the affected frontage; however, both types of signs on the same frontage shall not be permitted.

11. Buildings with 500 linear feet or more of building frontage and more than 400,000 square feet of gross floor area shall be allowed more than one sign provided the total combined sign area does not exceed the maximum permitted sign area.

12. Tenant suites/spaces, within an integrated development, that encompass more than 24,999 square feet of gross floor area shall be allowed one primary sign and up to four (4) ancillary signs. The total combined sign area of all signs shall not exceed the maximum permitted sign area. Multiple line signs shall constitute one sign. When the installation of more than one sign conflicts with an approved Sign Program, the deviation shall be allowed without having to amend the Sign Program, with the written authorization of the property owner or property management company.

(b) Allowable Sign Area Calculation. The allowable sign area shall be calculated in one of two ways: 1) the sign area assigned to a particular use, or 2) the sign area as a ratio of the length of the primary building frontage for a particular use. Building-attached and freestanding sign area allowances are listed separately. For the purpose of the calculation, building-attached signs shall include all non-exempt wall, canopy, and projecting signs, including nonexempt flags. Similarly, monument signs shall include non-exempt monument signs and freestanding flagpoles with non-exempt flags. Unless otherwise specified, the maximum allowable sign area shall include the combined sign area of all non-exempt signs.

(Ord. 722, § 8, 2022; Ord. 717 § 8, 2021; Ord. 627, § 8, 2009; Ord. 624 § 9, 2008; Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).

• (a) Building-attached Sign Location and Vertical Clearance.

• (1) Building-attached signs may be placed on building frontages facing a street, parking lot, or mall and shall not be located above the roofline.

• (2) Wall signs shall not project more than eighteen inches from the building wall, and the sign length shall not exceed seventy-five percent of the building frontage on which it is located.

• (3) Projecting and canopy signs shall maintain an eight-foot vertical clearance from walkways and may not project into a public right-of-way.

(b) Monument Signs. Monument signs may be located in planter medians abutting a driveway or within the project driveway, provided the community development director determines that safe sight-distance is maintained. Changeable copy may be incorporated into a monument sign, provided that the sign area of the changeable copy does not exceed seventy-five percent of the sign area. Monument signs shall be designed to be compatible with the architectural style of the corresponding development.

(c) Illumination of Signs. Unless otherwise specified, signs may be non-illuminated, or may be internally illuminated. External illumination may be permitted only with the specific authorization of the community development director. If illuminated, the illumination shall be fixed, steady, and directed or controlled in a manner to prevent glare on streets, walkways, and residential property. For the purposes of public safety, any illuminated sign shall be required to remain lighted at least until 11:00 p.m.

• (d) Additional Standards for Signs in the CF Zoning District. The following additional standards shall apply to signs located in the CF zoning district.

(1) A minimum parcel freeway frontage of two hundred linear feet shall be required for any parcel on which a sign is proposed. For parcels having frontage of less than two hundred linear feet, the sign standards applicable to the C-4 zoning district shall apply.

• (2) No more than four businesses shall be identified on any one sign structure.

• (3) For pylon signs, no more than two support pylons shall be used.

(4) The sign structure shall be constructed of materials and colors and in an architectural style that correspond to and coordinate with the buildings housing the businesses identified on the sign.

(5) Sign characters shall have a minimum height of twelve inches.

(Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).

The following requirements apply to the construction and maintenance of all signs:

(1) Structural and electrical requirements. All signs shall comply with the appropriate detailed provisions of the state building code, as adopted by the city, relative to design and construction, structural integrity, connections and safety. Signs shall also comply with the provisions of the applicable electrical code and the additional construction standards set forth in this chapter.

(2) Sign maintenance. All signs shall be maintained in good, operable condition, including maintenance of colors and materials, replacement of defective parts, painted, cleaned, and kept free of graffiti. Any portions of a sign in need of repair shall be identified in writing by the code enforcement officer, along with required action in accordance with enforcement procedures of Chapter 21.14.

(Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).

Any sign, advertising device, or handbill found posted, installed, located, or otherwise affixed on any public property contrary to the provisions of this chapter may be removed by the city or its authorized agents. The person responsible for any such illegal posting shall be warned and/or held responsible for the costs incurred in the removal thereof, and the community development director is authorized to effect the collection of said costs. (Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).

(a) To facilitate emergency response by public safety personnel, every sign in connection with any business which utilizes any non-Roman alphabet letters, characters, and/or symbols shall contain also thereon a general description of the business written in English. The English language portion of the sign shall be readable from the public right-ofway.

(b) In all cases where a sign or other zoning permit is required by this title or other law, the applicant shall submit to the city a certification, issued under penalty of perjury under the laws of the state, containing an English language translation of all non-Roman alphabet letters, characters, and symbols proposed to be displayed on the sign. An application for such permit shall not be deemed complete until the applicant has provided such certification. (Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).

(a) Any on-site sign becoming nonconforming as a result of this zoning ordinance shall not be required to be removed, except as provided in the California Business and Professions Code Sections 5492, 5493, 5495, and 5497. (b) Any off-site sign or billboard becoming nonconforming as a result of this zoning ordinance shall not be required to be removed, except as provided in the California Business and Professions Code Sections 5412, 5412.1, 5412.2 and

5412.3.

(c) Any nonconforming pole sign that is not used continuously for any ninety-day period shall be considered abandoned and shall lose its nonconforming status; such signs shall be subject to immediate abatement. (Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).

(a) Subject to subsections (b) and (c), below, off-site signs are prohibited.

(b) Any off-site sign legally established prior to April 7, 2022, shall be subject to the provisions of Section 21.76.120. No non-conforming off-site sign may be modified, enlarged, reconstructed, or altered except as expressly authorized by Business and Professions Code Section 5497.

(c) Any new electronic billboard, or conversion of a non-electronic billboard to an electronic billboard, for which a deemed complete application has been received after April 7, 2022, to be located within the Freeway Commercial (CF) Zoning District, shall be subject to the provisions of Section 21.76.140.

(Ord. 722, § 9, 2022; Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).

Electronic billboards are recognized as a legitimate form of commercial use in the city. However, the size, number, location and illumination of billboards can have significant influence on the city's visual environment, and can, without adequate control, create or contribute to blighted conditions. The purpose of this section is to provide reasonable electronic billboard control, recognizing that community appearance is an important factor in protecting the general welfare of the community. This section contains the entirety of the city's zoning regulations with respect to electronic billboards within the Freeway Commercial (C-F) Zoning District (C-F Zoning District). In the event of any conflict between any provision contained in this section and any other provision contained elsewhere in this code, the provisions contained in this section shall govern.

(1) Use regulations. Electronic billboards are only allowed in the C-F Zoning District and only after a development agreement, pursuant to Government Code Section 65864 et seq., has been approved. A development agreement shall be entered into prior to the issuance of a building permit for any project involving construction of a new electronic billboard, expansion or modification of an electronic billboard, or conversion of a non-electronic billboard to an electronic billboard. Any such development agreement shall include compensation to be paid to the city as a result of the installation and operation of the electronic billboard, and to administer such development agreement for the term thereof.

(2) Application. A site plan review application is required for each individual proposal to construct a new electronic billboard, modification of an electronic billboard, or conversion of a non-electronic billboard to an electronic billboard, which shall be considered a separate application, and each application shall be separately and individually subject to the provisions and requirements of this Section. Multiple sites, even if located on one parcel, shall not be combined into one application.

(3) Findings. The Community Development Director shall not approve any electronic billboard project unless a development agreement has previously been executed between the applicant and the City of La Mirada, and it is determined by the Director that the electronic billboard will not constitute a hazard to the safe and efficient operation of vehicles upon a street or freeway.

(4) Locations allowed. Electronic billboards are only allowed in the C-F Zoning District adjacent to the freeway.

(5) Prohibited installation locations. Electronic billboards shall not be installed in any of the following locations:

(A) On any roof of a building or projecting over the roof of a building.

• (B) On any wall of a building or otherwise attached or integrated to or suspended from a building.

• (C) Within or encroaching over the public right-of-way.

• (D) Any location which would result in a violation of any applicable federal or state law.

(6) Landscape segment relocation credits. No new electronic billboard shall be constructed or installed within the city through utilization, in whole or in part, of credits given by the California Department of Transportation or State for relocation of billboards located in landscaped freeway segments. This shall include credits for billboards located either within the city or in other jurisdictions.

• (7) Development standards.

• (A) Maximum area. The maximum area of electronic billboards shall be seven hundred square feet (700 sq. ft.) per sign face (e.g., 14 feet x 48 feet).

• (B) Maximum height. The maximum height of electronic billboards shall be fifty feet (50'), measured from the finished grade at the base of the sign to the highest projection.

• (C) Maximum number of signs. No property (defined as a single parcel or two or more contiguous parcels under common ownership) shall have more than two double-sided electronic billboards.

(D) Minimum distance from another billboard on the same parcel. The minimum distance from another billboard on the same property shall be one thousand feet (1,000') as measured from the vertical centerline of each billboard.

(E) Minimum distance from another billboard on the same side of the freeway. The minimum distance from one electronic billboard to another electronic billboard not on the same property but on the same side of the freeway shall be one thousand feet (1,000'), as measured from the vertical centerline of each electronic billboard. The minimum distance of an electronic billboard from existing non-electronic billboards shall be five hundred feet (500'), as measured from the vertical centerline of each billboard.

(F) Minimum setback. The minimum setback distance of the electronic billboard column support post shall be at least twenty-five feet (25') from any property line and at least twenty-five feet (25') from any building.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, no portion of an electronic billboard shall project beyond the subject site's property line onto or over a neighboring property, street, highway or other public right-of-way.

(G) Minimum size of property. The minimum size of any property on which an electronic billboard can be located shall be three acres.

(H) Maximum number of faces. No electronic billboard shall have more than two faces. A face shall be

considered the display surface upon which an advertising message is displayed and shall comply with the following:

• i. No V-shape electronic billboards shall be allowed.

ii. The two faces of two-sided electronic billboards shall be identical in size.

• iii. The two sign faces shall be attached directly to and be parallel to each other.

• iv. The top, bottom and sides of the two sign faces shall be in alignment, and no portion of either face shall project beyond the corresponding portion of the other face.

(I) Face orientation. No electronic billboard shall have more than one face (display surface) oriented in the same vertical plane.

(J) Name of owner. No electronic billboard shall be maintained in the city unless the name of the person or company owning or maintaining it and the identifying number of the electronic billboard are plainly displayed thereon.

(K) Minimum clearance. All electronic billboards shall have a minimum clearance of sixteen feet (16') between the lowest point of the sign and ground level so as not to effect driveways, walkways and provide an attractive nuisance for graffiti and vandalism.

(L) Screening. All back or rear non-electronic portions of single-faced or double-faced electronic billboards visible from a public right-of-way or other public or private property shall be screened to the satisfaction of the

Community Development Director. The screening shall cover all structural members of the sign, not including the pole supports.

(8) Standards of design.

(A) All new electronic billboards shall be designed to have a single architecturally enhanced support. When the subject property is developed with buildings/structures the design and finish shall complement the design of the existing buildings/ structures. A plain cylindrical column support post shall not be permitted.

(B) All new electronic billboard structures shall be free of any bracing, angle iron, guy wires, cables, antennas, etc.

(C) No projections including antennas shall project beyond the sign face.

(9) Design and operational restrictions (applicable to conforming and non-conforming billboards).

(A) Each electronic billboard shall be structurally engineered to withstand such minimum wind pressure forces as required by the Building Plan Check Engineer, but not less than as required by Business and Professions Code Section 5401.

(B) No billboard shall display any statement, words, or images prohibited by Business and Professions Code Section 5402. The required development agreement for electronic billboards may include provisions which preclude: (i) the display of words and/or images which the city or applicant believes will be offensive, obscene, indecent or immoral to a substantial segment of the public; and/or (ii) the advertisement of any product or event which either party considers offensive to a substantial segment of the public, including, but not limited to, marijuana, tobacco products, adult uses such as nude or topless bars or nightclubs, or businesses featuring the sale of adult novelty items, books, magazines, or videos in any media.

(C) No billboard shall display flashing, shimmering, glittering, intermittent or moving light or lights. Exceptions to this restriction include time, temperature and smog index units, provided the frequency of change does not occur within four second intervals.

(D) No billboard shall include any illumination or message change that is in motion or that change or expose a message for less than four seconds. Continuous motion, including full motion video, shall not be permitted.

(E) The utilities of each billboard shall be underground.

(F) Each electronic billboard shall be electronically tied into the National Emergency Network and provide emergency information, including child abduction alerts (i.e., "Amber Alerts").

(G) Each billboard shall comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

(H) Each electronic billboard shall be provided with an ambient light sensor that automatically adjusts the brightness level of the electronic sign based on ambient light conditions.

(I) Electronic billboards shall not operate at brightness levels of more than 0.3-foot candles above ambient light.

(J) Each electronic billboard shall be designed to either freeze the display in one static position, display a full black screen or turn off in the event of a malfunction.

(K) No electronic billboard shall utilize technology that would allow interaction with drivers, vehicles or any device located in vehicles, including, but not limited to a radio frequency identification device, geographic positions system, or other device.

(L) Walls or screens at the base of a billboard shall not create a hazard to public safety or provide an attractive nuisance.

(M) No billboard shall emit audible sound, odor or particulate matter.

(N) No billboard shall simulate or imitate any directional, warning, danger or information sign, or any display likely to be mistaken for any permitted sign intended or likely to be construed as giving warning to traffic, by, for example, the use of the words "stop" or "slow down."

(O) No electronic billboard shall involve any red or blinking or intermittent light likely to be mistaken for warning or danger signals nor shall its illumination impair the vision of travelers on the adjacent freeway and/or roadways.

(P) No electronic billboard shall be operated or maintained so as to constitute an 'improper display' as described in Business and Professions Code Section 5403.

(Q) No electronic billboard shall display messaging for on-site uses greater than 20 percent (20%) of the time in any given hour of the day.

(Ord. 722, § 10, 2022)