Chapter 2 — SIGN REGULATIONS

Section

4-2-1 Title

4-2-2 Purpose

4-2-3 Definitions

4-2-4 Prohibited signs

4-2-5 General restrictions and provisions

4-2-6 Real estate signs

4-2-7 Temporary signs

4-2-8 Murals

4-2-9 District regulations

4-2-9-1 Residential Zone Districts

4-2-9-2 Commercial Zone Districts

4-2-9-3 Industrial Zone Districts

4-2-10 Freeway oriented signs

4-2-11 Specific use regulations

4-2-11-1 Service station signs

4-2-11-2 New and used vehicle dealership signs

4-2-12 Nonconforming signs

4-2-13 Amortization

4-2-14 Safety and maintenance

4-2-15 Permits

4-2-16 Sign permit application information

4-2-17 Variances

4-2-18 Appeals

4-2-19 Enforcement

The title of this chapter shall be the “Sign Chapter of the City of Livingston”.

(Ord. 596, passed 10-18-2011)

The purpose of these sign regulations is to provide minimum standards to safeguard life, health, property and public welfare in keeping with the character of the city by regulating and controlling the size, height, structural design, quality of materials, construction, location, electrification and maintenance of all sign structures to accomplish the following results:

(A) To protect and enhance the character of residential neighborhoods and property values by prohibiting obtrusive and incompatible signs;

(B) To promote and maintain healthy commercial centers and property values, to effectively communicate the nature of goods and services, and to avoid wasteful, ugly and unsightly competition in signs;

(C) To provide a reasonable and comprehensive system of controls of signs;

(D) To encourage signs which are well designed and pleasing in appearance, and to provide incentive and latitude for variety, good design relationship, spacing and location;

(E) To encourage a desirable urban character which has a minimum of overhead clutter;

(F) To attract and direct persons to various activities and enterprises in order to provide for the maximum public convenience; and

(G) To enhance the economic value of the community and each area of it through the regulation of size, location, design and illumination of signs.

(Ord. 596, passed 10-18-2011)

For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.

A-FRAME. A freestanding sign usually hinged at the top, or attached in a similar manner, and widening at the bottom to form a shape similar to the letter “A”. Such signs are usually designed to be portable; hence they are not considered permanent signs.

ABANDONED SIGN. A sign which no longer correctly directs or attracts any person, nor advertises an existent bona fide business or related activities and products from the premises on which such sign is displayed.

ANIMATED SIGN. Signs that have moving parts (inclusive of rotating signs) or lighting or motion picture projection, which creates the illusion of moving parts; animated viewing screens; flashing, chasing, scintillating or twinkling lights.

AREA OF SIGNS. The area of the sign shall be determined by circumscribing the exterior limits of the mass of each display with a rectangle, parallelogram or other acceptable geometric figure connecting all extreme points, but excluding any reasonable embellishments and the necessary supports or uprights. If the sign consists of more than one section or module, all areas will be totaled.

AWNING. A temporary or permanent structure attached to, or supported by a building, designed for aesthetics, or shelter over a pedestrian or vehicular way and which may or may not project over public property.

BANNER SIGNS. A temporary sign composed of lightweight material not enclosed in a rigid frame, secured or mounted to allow movement of the sign by the atmosphere.

BARBER POLE. A stationary cylindrical pole of red, white and blue spiral stripe design and which identifies a barbershop.

BILLBOARD. Any sign which directs attention to a business, commodity, service, industry or other activity which is not sold,

offered or conducted on the premises upon which such sign is located, or to which it is affixed.

BUILDING FACADE. That portion of any exterior elevation of a building extending vertically from the grade to the top of a parapet wall or eave, and horizontally across the entire width of the building elevation.

BUILDING FRONT. That portion of the main building which affords public entry. In the case of more than one public entry, the entrance with the assigned address shall be considered the main public entry for computation purposes.

BUILDING FRONTAGE. The length of the side of a building, which faces directly upon a public street. For the purposes of this chapter, FACES DIRECTLY UPON A PUBLIC STREET shall mean the area formed by extending perpendicular lines to the street from the two building sides. This definition does not include any portion of a building that intersects any portion of another structure fronting onto an adjacent street or any portion of another lot. If a building is curved or triangular, the BUILDING FRONTAGE shall be the shortest distance between the points on the outside extremity of the building elevation measured parallel to the public street upon which the building fronts.

BUILDING IDENTIFICATION SIGN. Signage that is limited to the name of the tenant or business where the logo or the tenant or business does not contain product information.

BULLETIN BOARD. A sign used to announce a coming event or attraction or used to convey a specific message related to the building or use of the property in which the bulletin board is located. In all zones, BULLETIN BOARDS, which are displayed so as to be viewed from a public street, highway, parking lot, walkway or mall shall be subject to the sign regulations of the zone in which the building or property is located.

CANOPY. A permanent roof structure of covering extending along part or all of a building facade, but not over a public right- of-way.

CANOPY SIGN. A sign that is constructed in or on, attached to the face or suspended below a canopy or cantilevered covered walkway or arcade, whether parallel to or at right angles to the face of the building.

CIVIC SIGN. A sign, other than a commercial sign, posted to advertise a civic event, public agency, school, church, civic- fraternal organization or similar noncommercial organization.

COMMERCIAL ZONE AREA. All areas within the city zoned for commercial use.

COMMUNITY DIRECTIONAL SIGN. A sign informing the direction to a community service organization, public facility or a church.

CONSTRUCTION SIGN. Signs located on a site during construction, which informs of new buildings opening dates, leasing opportunities and/or identifies the architects, engineers, contractors and financiers.

CURB LINE. The line at the face of the curb nearest the roadway.

DILAPIDATED SIGN. Any sign or element of a sign which is excessively weathered or structurally unsound, or where the copy can no longer be seen or understood by a person with normal eyesight under normal viewing conditions.

DIRECTIONAL SIGN. A directional or informational sign designed to direct and guide pedestrian and vehicular traffic while said traffic is on a parcel or real property.

DISTRICT. Zoning district.

ERECT. To erect, construct, attach, hang, place, suspend, paint, post or affix, but shall not include change of copy.

FLASHING SIGN. Any sign in which the illumination source alternately is on and off when the sign is energized.

FREESTANDING SIGN. A sign wholly supported by one or more uprights, poles or upright members in or upon the ground, which are not part of, or supported by a building, and are not temporary in nature.

FREEWAY. A highway to which the owners of abutting property have no right of easement or access to or from their property, and which is declared to be such in compliance with the California Streets and Highways Code.

FREEWAY SIGN. Any professional, retail/commercial, or industrial use located on property within 500 feet of the State Highway 99 right-of-way.

GROUND SIGN. A freestanding sign six feet or less in height with a base or method of support, which is an integral part of the sign.

HISTORIC SIGN. A sign which exceeds 50 years in age and exhibits historic, cultural or aesthetic qualities that embody or represent the character of the city.

IDENTIFICATION SIGN. A sign identifying an apartment, residence, school, church or other nonbusiness use or a use allowed on a lot in a residential zone.

ILLUMINATED SIGN. Any sign which has characters, letters, figures, designs or outlines illuminated by electric lights, or luminous tubes as a part of the sign.

INCIDENTAL SIGN. A sign that has a purpose secondary to the use of the property where it is located. Generally informational, these signs include posting of “no parking”, “loading only” and other similar directives. No sign with a legible commercial message shall be considered incidental.

INDUSTRIAL ZONE DISTRICT. All areas within the city zoned for industrial use.

INSTITUTIONAL SIGN. Any identification signs for churches, schools, fraternal organizations, hospitals, public facilities and institutional uses.

LOGO SIGN. An established trademark or symbol identifying a product or use.

MARQUEE. Any permanent roofed structure, projecting over public property or right-of-way, attached to and supported by a building.

MONUMENT SIGN. Any “freestanding sign”, as defined herein, which does not exceed a height of five feet.

MURAL. A permanent picture painted directly on an exterior wall or on panels affixed to exterior walls.

MURAL PERMIT. A permit issued by the city authorizing the painting of a mural within the city.

NONCONFORMING SIGN. See § 4-2-12 of this chapter.

OFF-PREMISES SIGN. Any sign that advertises goods, products, services or facilities not sold, produced, manufactured or furnished on the premises on which the sign is located.

PARKING LOT SIGN. A sign that is placed or displayed on a parking lot to supply information to people using such lot, including information with respect to liability as well as entry, exit and directional information, as is necessary to facilitate the safe movement of vehicles served by the parking area.

PERMANENT SIGN. Every sign except temporary signs.

POLE SIGN. A freestanding sign independently supported by one or more poles.

POLITICAL SIGN. A temporary sign designed for the purpose of expressing support for, or opposition to, a political candidate, campaign issue, or proposition at a public election.

PORTABLE FREESTANDING SIGN. Any sign that is designed to be movable and is not structurally attached to the ground, a building, a structure, or any other sign. Such portable sign may or may not be in the configuration of an “A”.

PROJECTING SIGN. Any sign other than a wall sign which is suspended from or supported by a building or wall and which projects more than 12 inches therefrom.

READER BOARD. A sign constructed so that individual letters or other advertising material can easily be changed, used only by businesses, activities or uses that depend on frequently changing events.

REAL ESTATE SIGN. A sign that is a temporary sign advertising the sale, lease or rent of the property upon which it is located, which may include the identification of the person or firm handling such sale, lease or rent, and an attached rider providing additional information about the property.

RESIDENTIAL ZONE DISTRICT. All areas zoned within the city for residential use.

REVOLVING SIGN. A sign which rotates in either part of or a full circle.

ROOF SIGN. Any sign erected upon, against or directly above a roof, or projecting above the roofline of the building.

ROOFLINE. The ridge of the roof or the top of the parapet, whichever forms the top line of the building silhouette.

ROTATING SIGN. Any sign which physically moves about on an axis.

SHOPPING CENTER. Any combination of five or more separately owned or operated business establishments on a single or commonly owned parcel of land.

SHOPPING CENTER IDENTIFICATION SIGN. A freestanding sign used to identify a shopping center or group of businesses which function as an integral unit and does not reference or advertise any individual tenant.

SIGN. Any insignia, display board, bill, announcement, poster, picture, lithograph, map, plat, banner, bunting flag, pennant, balloon, valances, sample, model, structure or other device when erected or maintained out of doors in view of the general public, including application of such to window surface so as to be displayed to the exterior, used to announce, declare, demonstrate, display, advertise or attract the attention of the public, including, but not limited to, clocks, and barber poles or other similar devices, but shall not include display of the American flag or State of California flag.

SIGN AREA. The number of square feet of the smallest rectangular figures which a sign face can be enclosed.

SITE (INCLUSIVE OF PARCEL, LAND AND PREMISES). Only that portion of the site or building land area actually occupied by the building and/or contiguous improved surfaces (parking area and the like). This is not to be construed as including vacant or unimproved land under the same ownership or contiguous to the building site area; however, off premises parking lots shall be subject to identification signs as defined by “directional sign”.

SNIPE SIGN. Signs of a temporary nature advertising a specific event or product and which are illegally posted to trees, posts, poles, stakes, fences or similar support structures.

SUBDIVISION DIRECTIONAL SIGN. A directional or informational sign, located on a site other than the subdivision being advertised, and designed to direct or guide traffic to another location where new homes are available for sale.

TEMPORARY SIGN. Any sign approved for a limited period of time.

TIME AND TEMPERATURE SIGN. A sign or the portion of any sign that displays the current time and temperature in

alternating sequence.

WALL SIGN. Any sign posted or painted on, suspended from or otherwise affixed to the wall of any building or structural part thereof, in essentially a flat position, with the exposed face of the sign approximately parallel to the plane of such wall and not extending more than 12 inches beyond the face of the building or structural part thereof.

WINDOW SIGN. Any sign maintained in or painted upon the surface of a window. Such signs include non-national advertising signs.

ZONE. One of the various classes of areas into which the city has been divided by this chapter.

(Ord. 596, passed 10-18-2011; Ord. 612, passed 4-1-2014)

The following signs are prohibited in all districts within the city, except as provided elsewhere in this chapter:

(A) Any sign which is not included under the types of signs permitted in district regulations or in this section;

(B) Signs which incorporate in any manner flashing, moving or intermittent lighting; or signs which are in any manner animated or include any noisemaking attachments. This does not include public service signs, such as time/temperature units, barber poles or rotating signs conforming to subsection (H) of this section;

(C) Signs which by color, wording, design, location or illumination resemble or conflict with any traffic control device or with safe and efficient flow of traffic;

(D) Portable signs as defined herein, except as noted in §§4-2-7 and 4-2-9 of this chapter;

(E) Any structural supports or members of a roof sign shall not be visible to public view;

(F) Banners, streamers, pendants, balloons, pennants, whirligigs, posters, ribbons, strings of light bulbs, spinners or other similar devices. These devices when not part of any sign are similarly prohibited, e.g., holidays, grand openings and special events, as provided under § 4-2-7 of this chapter;

(G) Stationary motor vehicles, trailers and related devices to circumvent the intent of this chapter;

(H) Any “rotating sign”, as defined herein, where the rotation exceeds eight revolutions per minute;

(I) Signs which are attached to utility poles, trees, fences or other signs, rocks or natural features;

(J) Off site or billboard signs except as authorized by § 4-2-7(A) of this chapter;

(K) On site business related signs that advertise an activity, product or service no longer conducted or available at the site on which the signs are located; and

(L) Any sign displayed on or over public property, unless approved by the City Council.

(Ord. 596, passed 10-18-2011)

(A) Signs in street right-of-way or future right-of-way. No freestanding sign shall be located in or project into the present or future right-of-way of any public street, including sidewalks, unless such location or projection is specifically authorized by other provisions of this chapter.

(B) Signs interfering with sight distance. No sign shall be so designed or constructed as to interfere with the sight distance of motorists proceeding on or approaching adjacent streets, alleys, driveways, or parking areas, or of pedestrians proceeding on or approaching adjacent sidewalks or pedestrianways.

(C) Monument signs. Monument signs, as defined herein, may be used in conjunction with freestanding identification signs on sites one acre or more in size, or as primary identification signs on sites less than one acre in size. Monument signs shall conform to the following restrictions in either case:

1. Maximum 30 square feet per display face;

2. Maximum five feet in height, measured from the adjacent permanent surface;

3. Shall not be placed closer than 100 feet to any freestanding identification sign on the same site or adjacent site;

4. Shall not be placed closer than 200 feet to any other monument sign on the same site or adjacent site; and

5. Shall be no closer than 25 feet from a driveway which intersects the public right-of-way; or, any sidewalks, driveways

and the like, on the same site or adjacent site.

(D) Directional signs. On site directional signs, as defined herein, shall be excluded from the sign provisions of this chapter. These signs shall not contain advertising or promotional information or business related logos.

(E) Closure of business. Upon the closure and vacation of a business or activity, the owner of said business or activity, or property owner, if different from business owner, shall within 90 days have all related signs removed from public view.

(F) Window signs. Window signs, as defined herein, shall be considered as a sign in determining aggregate sign area. The following signs, if used in the specified manner, are not computed as part of the aggregate sign area and do not require a permit: banners or posters on inside of windows. Such signs may be used in conjunction with national advertising programs, or as weekly marketing specials or as decorations customary for special holidays, and may not exceed 50% of the total window area of any window.

(G) Painted signs. Signs painted on exterior walls, windows or structures of any kind shall be computed as part of the aggregate sign area.

(H) Community directional signs on public streets. Permission to erect a community directional sign on public streets shall be obtained from the Director of Public Works.

1. The sign shall be rectangular in shape, a maximum 18 inches by 30 inches in size, constructed of minimum 80-gauge

steel or aluminum, finished with either porcelain enamel, baked enamel, reflective or nonreflective sheeting and have white letters on a green background with a one-half inch white border.

2. The sign shall be easily read by normal traffic and shall contain the name of the organization, location designation or distance in blocks or miles, and a directional arrow.

   (I) Sign area computations.

   1. When computing permitted sign area based on the percentage of square feet of building facade, a maximum height of 16 feet shall be used.

   2. All display faces of a sign shall be used in computing sign area.

(J) Fence signs. Fence signs closer than 50 feet to any street frontage shall be considered freestanding signs. Such signs shall be included in the aggregate sign area.

(K) Marquee/projecting sign requirements. Marquee, canopy or projecting signs shall project no closer than two feet to the outside edge of the curb. Signs projecting more than two-thirds the distance to the curb shall be no lower (bottom edge of sign) than 12 feet above the sidewalk; less than two-thirds the distance, the sign shall be no lower than eight feet above the sidewalk.

(Ord. 596, passed 10-18-2011)

(A) Sale, rent or lease signs. Real estate signs advertising the sale, rent or lease of property and structures are permitted as follows: no sign permit or deposit is required. Such signs shall be removed within 15 days after sale, rent or lease of the property or structure, except where otherwise listed.

(B) Single-family dwellings and duplexes. One real estate sign shall be permitted for each lot. The sign may have two faces, shall not exceed an area of six square feet per face, shall not exceed a height of five feet above the surface of the street, unless placed in a window and shall be unlighted.

(C) Multiple-family dwellings, commercial and industrial.

1. Generally. One real estate sign shall be permitted for each development street frontage. May be attached flat against

the building or freestanding to a maximum height of six feet above the adjacent surface. Shall not project above the eave line or the top of the parapet of the building and shall be unlighted.

2. Area limitations.

(a) Multiple-family dwellings: 16 square feet;

(b) Commercial: 22 square feet;

(c) Shopping center: 40 square feet;

(d) Industrial: 30 square feet;

(e) Industrial center: 48 square feet; and

(f) Multiple use: 40 square feet.

(D) Unimproved acreage. One real estate sign shall be permitted per street frontage. The sign shall not exceed 48 square feet, may have two faces, shall not exceed a height of ten feet above the adjacent surface and shall be unlighted.

(Ord. 596, passed 10-18-2011)

Temporary signs may be permitted by the Planning Director for a time period specified for each type of temporary sign.

(A) Subdivision directional sign permit. The permit for any subdivision directional sign shall be valid for one year from the approval date. The Planning Director shall have the authority to extend the time period for one additional year. Requests for extension shall be submitted to the Planning Department prior to the expiration of the first year permit. Maximum size is four feet by eight feet and may be double sided.

(B) Political signs. Political signs may be posted on private property, with property owner permission, preceding an election. The maximum size of each sign shall not exceed 32 square feet. No deposit shall be required to ensure the proper removal of such signs.

1. No political sign shall be erected within or overhang into any public right-of-way or publicly owned property, nor

constitute a traffic hazard by reason of obscuring motorist vision, or otherwise jeopardizing the normal flow of traffic.

2. All political signs shall be removed from view within seven days after the election date, except for those candidates who

were successful in a primary election or must compete in a runoff election, in which case, such signs shall be allowed to remain until seven days after the final election day.

3. It shall be the responsibility of the property owner to remove all political signs within seven days after the final election

day. In the event that any political sign is not removed within the specified time, the property owner shall be notified of his or her responsibility to remove such signs and directed to remove the sign within seven days or be cited. If the sign has not been removed within the additional seven days, the property owner shall be issued a citation in the amount of $50 for each successive day until such sign is removed.

(C) Construction signs. One sign identifying a project under construction shall be permitted per street frontage on the structure or site under construction. The sign may contain the name of the building contractor and his or her subcontractors, the architect, the engineer, the owner, and the developer. The sign shall be permitted during the period of actual construction after the building permit has been issued. The sign area shall not exceed 50 square feet, shall be one sided, shall not exceed ten feet above the adjacent pavement surface, and be unlighted.

(D) Grand opening and special event signs. A special permit may be issued by the Planning Director for banners, streamers, flags or other prohibited signs, as defined herein, and temporary or portable signs such as A-frame signs, as defined herein, for special events or sales, such as new car models, clearance sales, outdoor fairs and sales, grand openings and events of a similar nature. All such signage shall be located on site at the business location and shall not intrude into setback “vision triangles” or be located on public sidewalks.

1. Signs shall be allowed in all zoning districts for a maximum of 90 days, except residential, subject to the approval of the

Planning Director.

2. A deposit of $100 shall be required to ensure the removal of such signs. The deposit shall be forfeited to the city if the

sign is not removed by the 90 day deadline plus seven days.

3. A minimum distance of 25 feet shall be maintained between a commercial directional sign and any other advertising

sign.

4. The Planning Director may extend a permit by an additional 90 days if, upon inspection, the signage is still considered in

good shape.

(Ord. 596, passed 10-18-2011)

The purpose of this section is to provide opportunities for art citywide that will contribute to livable, aesthetically pleasing and pedestrian friendly streetscapes in accordance with the goals and objectives of the city’s general plan. Promoting murals of historical or community significance will assist in educating residents and visitors about the city. This section will promote the local economy, tourism and city beautification efforts by establishing standards for murals, their location and design.

(A) Application required. Applications for a mural permit shall be filed with the City Recreation Department. Such applications shall include the following:

1. The address and assessor’s parcel number for the property;

2. Written consent of the property owner or authorized representative;

3. A description of the proposed mural, both in written and picture/design form, including a size estimate for the mural; and

4. Any other information the Recreation Superintendent deems necessary in describing whether the mural will comply with

subsection (D) of this section.

(B) Application fee. The application for a mural permit shall be accompanied by a fee established by the resolution of the City Council.

(C) Location. Murals may be located on the sides of buildings and walls on property in any commercial and industrial zone district (C-1, C-2, C-3, DTC, M-1, M-2, P-F) within the city.

(D) Criteria for design of murals.

1. The subject matter of the mural shall be of historical or community significance regarding the growth and development of

the city and the region. A mural may not contain text, registered trademarks, logos or business advertising unless such items fall within the guidelines of this subsection (D)1.

2. The paint and materials to be used shall be appropriate for use in an outdoor locale, for an artistic rendition and shall be

of a permanent, long lasting variety.

3. The mural shall be designed and painted by mural artists with knowledge in the design and painting of such projects.

Mural artists must demonstrate their knowledge by providing photographs of murals they have painted or by providing evidence of their experience.

4. To the extent feasible, the mural shall be resistant to acts of vandalism, such as graffiti.

5. Murals shall be subject to review by the Recreation Superintendent, or individual designated by the City Manager, every

two years, or as needed to determine physical condition and maintenance.

(E) Mural permit and design approval.

1. Prior to painting, installation and execution of a mural, an application shall be submitted to the Recreation Department

and approved by the Parks, Recreation and Arts Commission, subject to appeal as described in subsection (G) of this section.

2. The application shall include all the criteria detailed in subsection (A) of this section, including a detailed drawing or sketch of the mural and other details as described on the application. As required under subsection (A) of this section, the application shall provide proof that permission from the property owner has been secured for the wall on which the mural will be applied; this will require written authorization by the property owner.

(F) Parks, Recreation and Arts Commission review of mural permit.

1. The Recreation Superintendent shall forward the application for a mural permit, with a recommendation, to the Parks,

Recreation and Arts Commission. The Parks, Recreation and Arts Commission shall hold a public hearing to review and approve, approve with modifications, or deny the mural permit as submitted according to the criteria set forth in subsection (D) of this section. Public hearings for the consideration of proposed applications for a mural permit shall require at least one publication in an official newspaper of general circulation in the county not less than ten calendar days prior to the date of the hearing.

2. Should the Parks, Recreation and Arts Commission be disbanded, or not have sufficient members appointed to

constitute a quorum, the Planning Commission shall fulfill the role of the Parks, Recreation and Arts Commission. In fulfilling the role of the Parks, Recreation and Arts Commission, the Planning Commission shall comply with all requirements of this chapter.

(G) Appeal process. Within ten days of the Parks, Recreation and Arts Commission’s decision on a mural permit, any interested party may appeal a decision of the Parks, Recreation and Arts Commission regarding a mural permit application. The appeal must be in writing and must be filed with the City Clerk within ten days of the action by the Parks, Recreation and Arts Commission. The appeal shall state specifically wherein the decision of Parks, Recreation and Arts Commission was inappropriate. The appeal shall be considered by the City Council at a noticed public hearing. Action of the City Council shall be considered final. Public hearings for the consideration of an appeal under this section shall require at least one publication in an official newspaper of general circulation in the county not less than ten calendar days prior to the date of the hearing.

(Ord. 612, passed 4-1-2014; Ord. 635, passed 10-2-2018)

(A) Residential dwellings. One identification sign containing the name and/or street address of the occupant shall be permitted for each dwelling. The sign shall not exceed an area of two square feet per face.

(B) Multiple-family dwellings. One identification sign shall be permitted for each street frontage of each development. The sign shall not exceed an area of 20 square feet per face, may be a wall or freestanding sign, shall be unlighted, and not exceed four feet in height above the adjacent pavement surface.

(C) Home occupations. Home occupations may be permitted one sign in addition to that permitted for dwelling type. The sign may contain the business name, hours and/or telephone number; shall be unlighted, flat against the building, and not exceed two square feet in area.

(D) Neighborhood identification. Neighborhood identification signs may be authorized for residential subdivisions at least five acres in size. One such sign may be permitted for each major collector street entrance to the subdivision subject to the following requirements:

1. Maximum sign area shall be 20 square feet per face;

2. Where ground mounted, the height of the sign shall not exceed four feet above the adjacent pavement surface; and

3. The sign shall be unlighted.

(E) Professional offices.

1. One identification sign shall be permitted per street frontage. The sign shall not exceed 24 square feet per face, may be

a wall sign or freestanding, shall be unlighted, and not exceed a height of six feet above the adjacent pavement surface.

2. One additional nonilluminated wall sign, not exceeding four square feet, may be permitted for each occupant having an

outside entrance.

(F) Mobilehome parks, churches, schools, clubs, parks and the like. One identification sign shall be permitted per street frontage. The sign shall not exceed 24 square feet per display face, may be a wall sign or freestanding, shall be unlighted, and shall not exceed a height of six feet above the adjacent pavement surface.

(G) Institutions. One double faced freestanding or wall identification sign is permitted for each street frontage. The sign area for each frontage shall be one and one-half square feet for each ten linear feet of frontage. Each parcel is guaranteed a minimum of 24 square feet regardless of frontage length. A freestanding sign may not exceed 20 feet in height.

(H) Lighting. All signs allowable within the residential zone district shall be unlighted.

(Ord. 596, passed 10-18-2011; Ord. 612, passed 4-1-2014)

(A) C-1, Central Commercial.

1. Each business within this district shall be allowed a maximum of 30 square feet of sign aggregate per street frontage. All

signs within this district shall be wall signs and shall not extend past the edge of the roofline nor below the awning, except the following signs.

(a) Each business shall be allowed one window sign per street frontage. Such signs shall be included in the business’s

total sign aggregate.

(b) Each business shall be allowed one identification sign below the awning level, which shall be one foot by six feet. The

sign shall not exceed one foot in height and six feet in width. Such signs shall not be included in the total sign aggregate.

(c) No projection signs are allowed.

2. (a) One freestanding identification sign which may list the names of the occupants of a shopping center within its

surface area shall be permitted. The sign may be double faced, shall not exceed a height of 20 feet and may be illuminated.

(b) The sign may have up to two double faced modules and shall not exceed 80 square feet per side for total display

area.

(1) Each tenant/occupant within the shopping plaza shall be allowed up to a maximum of 10% aggregate sign area

across the front building facade of each respective occupancy. An overall site sign design scheme shall be coordinated to gain perspective of size, color and illumination.

(2) No projecting signs are permitted.

(c) It shall be the responsibility of the Planning Director to conduct a sign design review of all new signs proposed within

the DTC district. This design review will be based upon that criteria found within § 5-6-7, Site Plan And Design Review, of this code.

(B) DTC, Downtown Commercial. Same as subsection (A) of this section.

(C) C-2, Community Commercial.

1. Each business establishment shall be allowed a maximum aggregate sign area of 20% of the front building facade. No

projecting signs are permitted.

2. One freestanding identification sign, which may list the names of the occupants of the shopping center within its surface

area, shall be permitted for each street frontage. The sign may be double faced, shall not exceed a height of 30 feet and may be illuminated. The sign may have up to three double faced modules and shall not exceed 120 square feet per side for total display area.

3. Each tenant/occupant within a shopping center shall be allowed up to a maximum of 15% aggregate sign area across

the front building facade of each respective occupancy. No minimum sign area is required; however, an overall site sign design scheme shall be coordinated to gain perspective of size, color, and illumination. No projecting signs are permitted.

(D) C-3, Service Commercial.

1. The aggregate sign area for each parcel shall be three square feet for each linear foot of street frontage. For lots with

more than one street frontage, the aggregate sign area shall be 75% of the total so computed.

2. Each parcel shall be permitted to have one freestanding identification sign per street frontage and one additional freestanding sign per street frontage of 300 feet or more.

   3. Freestanding signs shall not exceed 30 feet in height, may have up to two double faced modules, and shall not exceed an aggregate per side sign area of 100 square feet. No additional attached signs shall be permitted.

   4. One freestanding identification sign, which may list the names of the occupants of the shopping center within its surface area, shall be permitted for each street frontage. The sign may be double faced, shall not exceed a height of 30 feet and may be illuminated. The sign may have up to three double faced modules and shall not exceed 120 square feet per side for total display area.

   5. Each tenant/occupant within a shopping center shall be allowed up to a maximum of 15% aggregate sign area across the front building facade of each respective occupancy. No minimum sign area is required; however, an overall site sign design scheme shall be coordinated to gain perspective of size, color and illumination. No projecting signs are permitted.

(Ord. 596, passed 10-18-2011; Ord. 610, passed 2-18-2014; Ord. 612, passed 4-1-2014)

(A) Sign area. The aggregate sign area for lots of M-1 and M-2 Zones shall not exceed one-half of a square foot per foot of lot frontage. The signs enumerated below shall be subject to the total sign area.

(B) Identification sign. One freestanding identification sign shall be permitted for each lot on each street frontage. The maximum size of said sign shall be 100 square feet per display face, and shall not exceed a height of 30 feet. The sign may be illuminated.

(C) Wall signs. One wall sign shall be permitted for each lot on each street frontage. The maximum size of said sign shall be 20% of the building facade on which it is to be attached. The sign may be illuminated.

(D) Multi-occupant complex.

1. One freestanding identification sign which conforms to subsection (A) of this section shall be permitted per street

frontage. The sign may list the names of the occupants within its surface.

2. Each industrial suite within the building shall be allowed to install two identification signs adjacent to the large rollup door

totaling 40 square feet maximum and may list the name of the business and a logo, and one sign on the main entrance door of each suite, which shall total four square feet maximum and may contain the business name, hours of operation and/or telephone number.

3. Required signage by the state for regulated businesses may be located inside windows or near the main entrance door.

These signs shall be unlighted and lie flat against the building/door.

(a) Such signs shall not be included in the total sign aggregate for the parcel.

(b) An overall site and design scheme (signage master plan) shall be coordinated to review the size and colors of all the

signage, and the illumination of the freestanding sign.

(Ord. 596, passed 10-18-2011; Ord. 612, passed 4-1-2014)

For the purpose of considering freestanding signs only, those businesses within 500 feet of a state or federal highway right-of- way shall be deemed freeway oriented. One freestanding freeway oriented sign per parcel or shopping center, a maximum 500 square feet per side, may be permitted in addition to those signs described in § 4-2-9 of this chapter. The freeway oriented sign shall be limited to 60 feet in height without a use permit, but may be increased to a maximum of 80 feet with an approved use permit. Notwithstanding any prohibition that may be located elsewhere in the Livingston Municipal Code, freeway oriented signs with changeable copy may advertise businesses and services located off-site only within the counties of Merced, Stanislaus, San Joaquin and Fresno and shall allow the city (with content its choosing) a minimum of nine “plays” per hour for a “dwell” duration of eight seconds each per sign face.

(Ord. 596, passed 10-18-2011; Ord. 612, passed 4-1-2014; Ord. 658, passed 1-21-2025)

(A) Aggregate sign area. The aggregate sign area for any lot shall not exceed one square foot for each foot of street frontage. Each lot shall, however, be permitted a minimum 80 square feet of aggregate sign area.

(B) Freestanding identification sign. One freestanding illuminated, double faced identification sign, not exceeding 50 square feet in area per display face, nor higher than 30 feet in height, and one double faced module unit is permitted. No additional attached signs are permitted.

(C) Building identification signs. One all illuminated identification sign, not exceeding 20% of the building facade area to which it is attached, may be permitted for each street frontage.

(D) Gas price sign. One unlighted double faced sign, not exceeding 20 square feet per face, nor over six feet in height, shall be permitted for each street frontage. The sign shall be permanent in nature, identify only gas prices, state and federal information, and credit cards honored.

(E) Freeway oriented signs:. An additional freestanding identification sign may be permitted in accordance with §4-2-10 of this chapter.

(Ord. 596, passed 10-18-2011; Ord. 612, passed 4-1-2014)

(A) Aggregate sign area. Aggregate sign area shall be compatible with requirements of the zoning district.

(B) Freestanding identification sign. A freestanding identification sign shall be compatible with requirements of the zoning district.

(C) Building identification sign. One wall sign shall be permitted for each lot on each street frontage. The maximum size of said sign shall be 25% of the building facade on which it is to be attached. The sign may be illuminated.

(D) Freeway oriented signs. An additional freestanding identification sign may be permitted in accordance with §4-2-10 of

this chapter.

(E) Temporary attractors/signs. Pendants, flags and other temporary attractors/signs may be allowed in excess of 45 days per calendar year with an approved conditional use permit.

(Ord. 596, passed 10-18-2011; Ord. 612, passed 4-1-2014)

(A) Definition. For the purpose of this section, the following definition shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.

NONCONFORMING SIGN. One which was lawfully erected or placed upon real property, but which could not be established in the same manner under the present ordinance.

(B) Alterations. Nonconforming signs may remain in perpetuity and run with the land and may be maintained but not substantially altered, modified or added to, or increased in area. Any such change would require full conformance with the provisions of this chapter. Notwithstanding this section, certain signs shall be required to conform as provided in § 4-2-13 of this chapter.

(C) Damaged or destroyed. A nonconforming sign which is destroyed or damaged to an extent in excess of 50% of its estimated value shall not be replaced, or repaired, except by a sign which conforms to the provisions of this chapter.

(Ord. 596, passed 10-18-2011; Ord. 612, passed 4-1-2014)

Notwithstanding other provisions of this chapter, the following signs shall be required to be removed, or modified to comply with the provisions of this chapter:

(A) Abandoned signs, as defined herein, must be removed within 30 days of business closure; and

(B) Signs nonconforming to the established signing standards must be made to conform within five years after adoption of the sign design standards.

(Ord. 596, passed 10-18-2011; Ord. 612, passed 4-1-2014)

(A) All parts, portions, units and materials composing the sign, together with the frame, background, supports or anchorage thereof, shall be maintained in a proper state of repair and safety, and state of preservation.

(B) All parts of the sign, inclusive of the frame, background, supports or anchorage, shall be maintained in a neatly painted condition.

(C) All signs, other than painted-on wall signs, shall be inspected by the building official.

(Ord. 596, passed 10-18-2011; Ord. 612, passed 4-1-2014)

(A) No person shall place any sign regulated by this chapter without first obtaining written consent of the owner, lessee or person having lawful possession of the property upon which such sign will be placed.

(B) A sign permit shall be required for all signs hereinafter constructed, erected, installed, applied, affixed, substantially altered, relocated, or painted on, within the corporate boundaries of the city.

(C) The following signs must conform with the regulations of this chapter, but do not require a sign permit:

1. For sale, lease or rent signs; and

2. Residential signs for single-family dwellings.

(Ord. 596, passed 10-18-2011; Ord. 612, passed 4-1-2014)

A building permit must be obtained from and fees paid to the Building Department. Sign permit application information is as follows:

(A) Name, address, and phone number of the applicant, property owner and agent;

(B) Name and address of the use for which the sign is intended, and parcel number of land on which it is to be placed;

(C) Three copies of a scale drawing illustrating the sign(s); if lighted, the method of illumination, and height of sign;

(D) Three copies of a scale drawing illustrating parcel development (existing structures, parking, and street improvements),

and location of proposed sign(s); and

(E) If the sign is a wall sign, three copies of a scale drawing illustrating the elevation of the building facade. The drawing shall show the proposed sign(s) and existing sign(s).

(Ord. 596, passed 10-18-2011; Ord. 612, passed 4-1-2014)

(A) A request for variance from the strict application of sign ordinance provisions may be made to the Planning Commission.

(B) A public hearing before the Planning Commission pursuant to §5-6-10(C) of this code shall be required.

1. Findings of fact must be made by the Planning Commission pursuant to §5-6-10(B) of this code before a variance can

be approved.

2. Appeals of a Planning Commission decision can be made to the City Council as prescribed by §5-6-10(D) of this code.

(Ord. 596, passed 10-18-2011; Ord. 612, passed 4-1-2014)

(A) Appeals from administrative decisions rendered on sign ordinance interpretation and its strict application may be made to the Planning Commission. Upon proper application and hearing, a decision shall be rendered by the Planning Commission as to the reasonableness of the administrative decision based upon applicable ordinance standards.

(B) 1. A public hearing before the Planning Commission shall be required for an administrative appeal.

2. A public hearing before the Planning Commission shall be noticed by mailing notices to all property owners within 300

feet of the property in question, these property owners as listed on the last equalized assessment roll of the County Assessor. Such notices shall be mailed out not less than eleven days prior to the date of the hearing.

(C) 1. Within ten days following the decision of the Planning Commission on an administrative appeal application, the decision may be appealed to the City Council by the applicant or any other interested party. The appeal shall be filed with the City Clerk. The appeal shall state specifically wherein the decision of the Planning Commission was inappropriate.

2. A public hearing before the City Council shall be required as prescribed in §5-6-6 of this code.

(Ord. 596, passed 10-18-2011; Ord. 612, passed 4-1-2014)

(A) Notice. If the City Planner finds that any sign or other advertising structure regulated herein is unsafe, or is a hazard to the public, or is abandoned or maintained in a dilapidated condition, or has been constructed or erected or is being maintained in violation of the provisions of this chapter, or otherwise does not meet the criteria specified in §§ 4-2-7 , 4-2-9-1 , 4-2-9-2 or 4- 2-9-3 of this chapter, he or she shall give written notice to the sign user or property owner thereof. If the sign user or property owner fails to remove or alter the structure so as to comply with the standards herein set forth within one week after such notice, the City Planner may require a meeting with the violator as well as a notice. If the violation is not corrected within one week after the meeting, a notice will be sent out to the property owners to clean up the violation within 24 hours. If that is not done, the case will be referred to the City Attorney for prosecution.

(B) Removal. The City Planner may cause any sign or other advertising structure which is an immediate hazard to persons or property, or is located upon public property in violation of this chapter, to be removed summarily and without notice.

(C) Disposal. Any sign removed by the City Planner pursuant to the provisions of this section shall become the property of the city and may be disposed of in any manner deemed appropriate by the city. The cost of removal of such sign shall be considered a debt owed to the city by the owner of the sign and/or the owner of the property and may be recovered in an appropriated court action by the city. The cost of removal shall include any and all incidental expenses incurred by the city in connection with the sign’s removal, storage and disposal, and shall include court costs and reasonable attorney fees.

(D) Penalty. Any person whether as principal, agent, employee, or otherwise, violating or causing the violation of any of the provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $500, or by imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. Such person shall be deemed guilty of a separate offense for each and every day during any portion of any violation of this chapter as committed or continued by such person, and shall be punishable as herein provided.

(Ord. 596, passed 10-18-2011; Ord. 612, passed 4-1-2014)