Lake County Zoning Code § 45.11 On-Site sign regulations for signs in the Local Commercial “C1” District

• (a) Two (2) individual sign shall be permitted for any use. The size of the sign shall not exceed one-half (.5) square foot per foot of occupancy frontage. No matter how small the frontage of an establishment, at least sixteen (16) square feet in area of signing will be allowed. All signs may be illuminated.

• (b) Signs may consist of a wall sign, roof or a projecting sign.

• (c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, for each individual occupancy, the total area of signs shall not exceed four hundred (400) square feet in area.

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• (d) In addition to the signs listed above, a neighborhood shopping center may have: One (1) free-standing sign not to exceed twenty-five (25) feet in height or sixty (60) square feet in area on any one face. The total sign area of signs with more than one face shall not exceed one hundred twenty (120) square feet. There shall be a common theme to the signing of a shopping center. The theme should include some identifiable common element or elements such as: dimension, construction material, color scheme, lighting or lettering style. All signs in the center shall be integral components of the common theme.

• 45.12 On-site regulations for signs in the Highway Commercial “CH”, Commercial Resort “CR”, Community Commercial “C2”, and Service Commercial “C3”, Planned Development Commercial “PDC”, Commercial/Manufacturing “M1”, Heavy Industrial “M2”, and Industrial Park “MP” Districts:

  • (a) The total area of signing shall not exceed one (1) square foot in area for each linear foot of street or occupancy and lake frontage, except that any commercial operation may have up to thirty-two (32) square feet of signing, regardless of street or lake frontage. Lake frontage shall be used only in calculating sign areas for lake-oriented signs. All signs may be illuminated.

  • (b) For double-faced signs, the maximum area of any one face shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet, however, only one face shall be counted as part of the total allowed sign area. For signs with more than two (2) parallel faces, all surfaces shall be included as part of the total sign area.

  • (c) Where the face of a building is twenty (20) or more feet in height below the eave, the signing allowance for that frontage may be increased one (1) percent in area for each foot above the initial twenty (20) feet.

  • (d) Signing may consist of any combination of one (1) free-standing sign per occupancy, plus any number of projecting signs, roof signs or wall signs. Corner lots and through lots may have one free-standing sign facing each frontage provided that the total allowable sign area is not exceeded.

  • (e) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, for each individual occupancy, the total area of signs shall not exceed four hundred (400) square feet in area.

• (f) A free-standing sign shall not exceed a height of twenty-five (25) feet at the front property line. This height may be increased to a maximum of thirty-five (35) feet by providing one (1) foot of setback for each additional foot in height.

  • (g) One (1) portable sign may be permitted per parcel. Any permitted portable sign shall be limited to eight (8) square feet on any one face, provided overall sign area on the parcel is not exceeded. Portable signs shall be located outside of any rightof-way.

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• (h) In addition to the above requirements, a shopping center may have one (1) freestanding sign not to exceed twenty-five (25) feet in height or fifty (50) square feet in area on any one face. The total area of signs with more than one face shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet in area. There shall be a common theme to the signing of a shopping center. The theme should include some identifiable common element or elements such as: dimension, construction material, color scheme, lighting or lettering style. All signs in the center shall be integral components of the common theme. Free-standing signs for individual occupancies shall be prohibited.

• 45.15 On-site sign regulations for non-residential uses in the “APZ”, “A”, “TPZ”, “RL”, “RR”, “SR”, “R1”, “R2”, “R3”, “PDR”, “O”, and “U” base zoning districts:

  • (a) As a permitted use: Appurtenant signs as specified in Section 45.11 for the “C1” Local Commercial district.

  • (b) Permitted with a minor use permit: Appurtenant signs as specified in Section 45.12 for the “C2” Community Commercial district.

OUTDOOR ADVERTISING AND OFF-SITE SIGNS.

• 45.21 One (1) outdoor advertising and off-site sign no larger than thirty-two (32) square feet in total surface area per face is permitted per lot in all districts except the “R1” and “O” base zoning districts and “SC” combining district. Temporary real estate signs not exceeding thirty-two (32) square feet are permitted in any district.

• 45.22 Off-site outdoor advertising (billboard) signs may be permitted in the “C3”, “M1”, “M2” and “PDC” districts subject to first obtaining a major use permit in each case; and subject to the following regulations: (Ord. No. 2886, 02/26/2009)

  • (a) No more than four hundred (400) square feet in area per face.

  • (b) One (1) sign per lot maximum.

  • (c) Maximum sign height from ground level to bottom of sign: twelve (12) feet, unless down-sloping terrain from the road necessitates increasing the height. (Ord. No. 2886, 02/26/2009)

  • (d) Signs shall be non-illuminated or illuminated by indirect lighting.

  • (e) Billboard signs shall be located within Community Growth Boundaries, within one – thousand (1,000) feet of said Boundaries or within an incorporated city’s sphere of influence. (Ord. No. 2886, 02/26/2009)

(f) Use permits that are approved for billboard signs shall expire after five (5) years unless applications for renewals are filed and granted. Any subsequent use permit renewals may be approved for a maximum term of five (5) years.

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(Ord. No. 2886, 02/26/2009)

• 45.23 Off-site outdoor advertising signs permitted in the “SC” Scenic Combining District, subject to first obtaining a major use permit in each case:

  • (a) When an “SC” combining district has been established, no off-site sign is permitted, except for one category sign not more than ten (10) square feet in area, carrying words or symbols to denote “Roadside Business”; “Food-Lodging-Gas”; “Resort Area”, or similar words or symbols, which may identify an individual person, firm or place of business. Category signs shall be generally uniform in size, shape, lettering and appearance, to a design approved by the Planning Commission.

• 45.24 Off-site community identification signs and directional signs proposed by local business associations are permitted in all districts subject to review and approval by the Community Development Director in consultation with Lake County Marketing Director and Director of Public Works. Signs shall be consistent with the following standards (Ord. 2670, 12/25/2003) :

  • (a) Sign copy of community identification signs shall be limited to identifying the types of services available in the community, and shall not advertise businesses. One community identification sign per road leading to the community is allowed. Signs shall not exceed 75 square feet, measured on one side.

  • (b) Directional signs shall not exceed 15 square feet, including any emblems or local symbols. Directional signs shall be located near intersections of public roads to direct visitors to the community or other attractions such as public parks, lake access or airports. Signs shall be placed so as not to obstruct sight distance or result in traffic safety hazards. Sign copy shall be limited to the community name, or words such as “Park”, “Lake Access”, or “Airport”, with an arrow pointing in the appropriate direction.

  • (c) All signs for each community shall include a common design theme with consistent colors, scale and insignia, and shall be subject to the performance standards of Section 45.24 of this Chapter. (Ord. 2670, 12/25/2003)

• 45.25 Off-site Business District signs proposed for business districts or main street associations that are not located along major collector roads or highways are permitted in all districts subject to review and approval by the Community Development Director in consultation with Lake County Marketing Director and Director of Public Works. No sign shall be approved by the County along a state highway unless first approved by Caltrans. Signs shall be consistent with the following standards (Ord. No. 2886, 02/26/2009):

(a) Off site signs shall only be allowed in situations where the business district or shopping center is not visible from a major collector road or highway.

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(Ord. No. 2886, 02/26/2009)

• (b) Signage shall consist of one (1) free-standing sign structure not exceeding 20 feet in height. Cumulative signage shall not exceed 200 square feet per side, with a

• maximum of two (2) sides. (Ord. No. 2886, 02/26/2009)

• (c) Individual sign placards or sign copy listing the names of individual businesses shall be included in the sign structure, and all businesses within the shopping center or business district shall be encouraged to participate. Consistent sign

• design and colors shall be used. (Ord. No. 2886, 02/26/2009)

(d) If lighting is proposed it shall be indirect lighting only. No electronic message boards are allowed. (Ord. No. 2886, 02/26/2009)

(e) Signs shall be located no further than one (1) mile by road from the shopping center or business district. (Ord. No. 2886, 02/26/2009)

• 45.26 Performance standards: The following performance standards shall apply to all signs permitted in this chapter and article:

  • (a) Signs permitted by this chapter shall conform to the size, location, height and other development and performance standards established for the zone in which they are located, except as may be modified herein. Signs permitted by Section 45.3 shall be permitted within any required yard area. All other permitted signs may be located within any required yard area upon securing a minor use permit in each case, or as part of a major use permit, upon the finding that the location of the sign is necessary for visibility due to topographical, vegetative or other existing physical constraint.

  • (b) All lighted signs shall be so located or shielded to prevent glare to surrounding properties or public streets. No sign shall be so lighted as to in any way endanger public safety by causing distraction to operators of motor vehicles on the streets and highways.

  • (c) All signs shall in no way endanger the health and safety by causing distraction to operators or motor vehicles on the streets and highways. Location, lighting and color of signs shall not cause confusion with public signs and traffic signals.

  • (d) Except for awning signs and projecting signs reviewed and approved by the Department of Public Works, no sign shall be erected in such a manner that any portion of its surface or supports is located within, or hangs over, any public rightof-way including streets, roads, flood control or maintenance easements, and navigable waters.

  • (e) No sign shall be painted, marked, posted, fastened, or in any manner affixed to any curb, street sign post, or any sign or signal erected for the purpose of directing or warning traffic or to any telephone, telegraph or electric light pole, tree or shrub located in any park or public right-of-way.

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• (f) No permit for any sign shall be issued, and no sign shall be constructed or maintained, where said sign has less horizontal or vertical clearance from communications lines and energized electrical power lines, than that prescribed by the laws of the State of California, or rules and regulations duly promulgated by agencies thereof.

• (g) No sign shall be erected in such a manner that any portion of its surface or supports will interfere in any way with the free use of any fire escape, exit or standpipe, or obstruct any required stairway, door, ventilator or window.

• (h) The maintenance of a sign or support structure or the changing of sign copy not involving any increase in size shall not constitute a new sign and does not require any permits by this chapter.

• (i) No sign shall be allowed within the vicinity of a State Highway unless it has been found to be consistent with Caltrans Outdoor Advertising Sign Standards. (Ord. No. 2886, 02/26/2009)