Lomita Municipal Code § 11-1.67.06 Permitted temporary signs in other than residential zones

The intent and purpose of this chapter is to discourage indiscriminate and unregulated erection and maintenance of signs and other visual media which tend to create a garish, gaudy, and unsafe atmosphere and which tend to be out of harmony with the goals and objectives of the community, and it shall also be the purpose of this chapter to:

(1) Assure that all signs are designed, erected and maintained in a manner to enhance, rather than detract from, the ultimate design and appearance of the City of Lomita;

(2) Protect the public safety by prohibiting the installation and maintenance of signs which distract motorists' attention from traffic signs and signals;

(3) Program for the orderly removal and replacement of unused signs which tend to have a detrimental effect upon the physical, social, and economic well-being of a community.

Therefore, in order to safeguard the public health, safety and general welfare of the citizens of the City of Lomita, it is necessary that the provisions of this Article classify all signs and regulate the size, location, motion, animation, and method of illumination of all signs erected and maintained now and hereafter within the City of Lomita.

For the purpose of this chapter, the words and phrases set forth shall have the meaning ascribed to them, as follows:

(1) Abandoned sign shall mean any sign which pertains to a time, place, event, or purpose which no longer retains a business license or has ceased to exist for a period of thirty (30) days; or was erected for an occupant and unused by present occupant for a continuous period of thirty (30) days.

(2) Area of sign shall include the entire area within any type of perimeter or border which may enclose the outer limits of any writing, representation, emblem, figure or character, including all open space. The area of the sign having no such perimeter or border shall be computed by enclosing the entire area within a parallelogram or triangle of the smallest size sufficient to cover the entire area of the sign and computing the area of the parallelogram or triangle. Decorative panels or face plates considered an integral part of the building design shall not be included as sign area.

When each letter of a sign is mounted individually against the face of a building and said letters are more than one (1) foot apart, the area of each letter and its background face plate, if any, shall be computed separately as a portion of the total permitted wall sign area.

Sign area for double-faced signs that comply with the requirements of this section shall be computed for one (1) face only; provided, however, that when the angle between the planes of the faces exceeds forty-five (45) degrees, the total area of both faces shall be included in the sign area.

(2.3)

Banner shall mean any cloth, plastic, paper or similar lightweight material used for advertising purposes mounted to a structure, pole, line, vehicle, any framing or tree.

(2.4)

Beacon sign shall mean a type of directional sign providing information or directions for motorists to onsite parking or loading.

(2.5)

Bench sign shall mean a sign located on any part of the surface of a bench or seat placed on or adjacent to a public right-of-way.

(3) Billboard or outdoor advertising sign shall mean any sign or signs used in soliciting public support or directing public attention to the sale, lease, or hire or use of any objects, products, services or functions which are not produced, sold or otherwise available on the premises where such sign is erected or maintained.

(4) Business identification sign shall mean a sign containing the name of the business, or the names of the businesses, to which it pertains and the name of the products or services sold or offered by such business or businesses on the premises on which the sign is located.

(5) Building identification sign shall mean a sign containing any of the following information, and no more; the name of the building, any portion of which is located on the same site area on which the sign is located, and the address of such building.

(6) Building frontage shall mean that portion of the building wall which faces a street. Alleys twenty-five (25) feet or less in width shall not qualify as streets.

(7) Business door nameplate shall mean a sign containing the name of the businesses on the premises, and/or the street address and number only, and shall be affixed to the door of each individual business or adjacent thereto.

(8) Construction sign shall mean a sign listing the names, addresses and telephone numbers of those individuals, businesses or contractors directly connected with the construction project.

(8.5)

Designated space sign shall mean a sign identifying a specific parking space for a particular business use.

(9) Face of building shall mean the wall of a building, including the parapet, fronting on a street, but excluding any appurtenances such as projecting fins, columns, pilasters, canopies, marquees, showcases or decorations.

(9.5)

Fence sign shall mean a sign which is mounted, painted, or otherwise placed on a wall, fence or gate, other than a building wall (see snipe signs).

(10) Flashing or scintillating sign shall mean any sign, including but not limited to, flashing riders, arrows and other similar attachments, which by method or manner of illumination or lighting, flashes on or off, winks or blinks with varying light intensity, shows motion or creates the illusion of being on or off, excepting, however, the numerals only of signs indicating time and temperature.

(11) Freestanding sign (pole sign) shall mean a sign which is supported by one (1) or more uprights, poles, walls or other structural forms when utilizing each as a primary holding brace.

(11.5)

Governmental sign shall mean any sign erected and maintained pursuant to any governmental action, function, regulation or public utility operation.

(12) Guide signs shall mean all signs and sign structures which serve as direction guides to recognized areas of regional importance and patronage within the city. To clarify and define such areas, the following criteria shall apply:

(a) Recreation and entertainment facilities of regional importance.

(b) Regional and community shopping centers maintaining a minimum of three hundred (300) parking spaces in the immediate vicinity.

(c) Entertainment centers, civic centers, post offices and other public building.

(d) Any recognized historical landmark, museum or center for the performing arts.

(e) Public, quasi-public and institutional centers.

(13) Location shall mean a lot, site or premises, building, wall, or any place whatsoever upon which a sign is erected, constructed or maintained.

(14) Lot or parcel frontage shall mean the lineal distance of the lot line or parcel line which is directly adjacent to a public street.

(15) Marquee or message board shall mean a changeable copy sign advertising particular events or products for a usually short period of time. Said sign may be freestanding, projecting, or a wall-type sign, but not including billboards. The changeable copy portion of the sign shall not be greater than fifty (50) percent of the area per face, excepting theaters, religious facilities, schools, and other public institutions.

(16) Mural shall mean a large painting, picture or decoration which is applied directly to a wall and which usually depicts a scene or an event.

(17) No-peddling sign shall mean and include phrases such as "No Peddling, Selling or Soliciting"; "No Trespassing"; and signs of similar nature and message.

(18) Parapet wall shall mean that part of any wall entirely above the roof or eave line, but not to exceed six (6) feet in height above the roof or eave line.

(19) Parcel or lot of real property shall mean in this chapter, for the purpose of determining sign requirements, any parcel or lot of real property owned separately from any other parcel or lot.

(20) Parking entrance and exit signs shall mean directions to the flow of traffic into and out of a parking area and, in addition to the permitted sign area, one (1) exit and/or one (1) entrance sign shall also be permitted at each driveway in close proximity to the vehicle entrance or exit of the premises. Copy on the signs to be limited to the word "Entrance" or "Exit," or other single instruction pertaining to vehicular movement.

(20.5)

Pennants shall mean narrow, long, relatively small flags often triangular used for signaling attention or for identification and shall include streamers and ribbons.

(21) Permanent sign shall mean any sign which is not classed as a temporary sign.

(21.5)

Political sign shall mean a sign identifying either a candidate for public office or an issue relating to a forthcoming election intended to be displayed on temporary basis.

(22) Projecting sign or perpendicular attached sign shall mean any sign supported on the wall of a building or structure and projecting out therefrom more than one (1) foot.

(23) Roof sign shall mean a sign which is affixed to the roof of a building or projects above the parapet wall of the building on which it is located.

(24) Real estate sign shall mean a sign relating to the sale, lease, rental or other disposition of the real property on which the sign is located and shall be temporary in nature.

(25) Residential nameplate shall mean a sign identifying only the name and/or house number of the occupant of the premises.

(26) Rotating or revolving sign shall mean any sign, all or a portion of which rotates, moves or appears to move, in some manner by mechanical, electrical, natural or other means.

(26.5)

Short-term parking sign shall mean a sign identifying a short-term parking space.

(27) Sign shall mean any name, figure, character, outline, spectacle, display, delineation, announcement, signboard, device, appliance, a combination thereof, or any other thing of similar nature to attract attention outdoors or on the face or wall of any building, and shall include all parts, portions, units and material composing the same, together with the frame background, and support or anchorage therefor as the case may be, but shall not include official notices authorized by a court, public body or public officer, nor directional, warning or information signs authorized by federal, state or municipal authority.

(27.5)

Snipe sign shall mean a temporary sign fastened to trees, poles, fences, utility boxes or any other structures which would normally not contain signs.

(28) Special sign or advertising device shall mean any sign, device or display which is not specifically defined herein.

(29) Streamers. See Pennants.

(29.5)

Temporary sign shall mean any sign constructed of cloth, vinyl, canvas, light fabric, paper, cardboard, wallboard, or other light material with or without frame, intended to be displayed or used for a short period of time as set forth in this Article. Snipe signs, banners, political signs, construction and real estate signs, certain window signs, portable signs and signs of similar nature shall be considered temporary signs.

(30) Wall sign shall mean a sign which is affixed to an exterior wall of any building and which projects not more than one (1) foot from the building wall, and which does not project above the parapet wall of the building to which it is affixed. A sign painted on the face, side or rear wall of a building shall be considered as a wall sign. The face of the sign and the lettering shall be parallel to the wall of the building.

(31) Window sign shall mean any sign posted, painted, applied, attached or affixed in or on any window or glass surface exposed to public view and any interior sign which faces any glass surface exposed to public view.

(Ord. No. 306, § 4, 12-17-79; Ord. No. 562, § 1, 5-20-96; Ord. No. 748, § 2(pt. 20), 1-17-12; Ord. No. 847, § 4(E), 4-18-23)

(A) Generally. The following provisions shall apply to all zones within the City of Lomita:

(a) Traffic control:

(1) No person shall place, maintain or display upon, or in view of, any highway, street or alley, any unofficial sign, signal or device, or any sign, signal or device which purports to be, or is an imitation of, or resembles, an official traffic sign or signal, or which attempts to direct the movement of traffic, or which conceals from view any official traffic sign or signal.

(2) No person shall place or maintain or display upon, or in view of, any highway, street or alley, any light of any color of such brilliance as to blind or dazzle the vision of drivers upon said highway, street or alley, nor shall any light be placed in such position as to prevent the driver of a vehicle from readily recognizing any official traffic sign or signal.

(b) Signs on vehicles: No person shall erect or maintain a sign which is attached to, suspended from, or supported in whole or in part by any vehicle, whether self-propelled or towed. A sign will be allowed if painted directly upon, or permanently affixed to, the body or integral part of the vehicle or permanent decoration, identification or display, if such vehicle is used regularly in the business to which the sign pertains, for purposes other than as an advertising device, and such sign shall conform to the limitations set forth in the California Vehicle Code, excluding only public carrier buses and trains.

(c) Maintenance. Signs and awnings, including all supporting hardware, shall be structurally safe, clean, free of visible defects, and functioning properly at all times. Awnings shall be maintained in a clean condition and faded or torn fabric shall be replaced. Repairs shall be equal to or better in quality of materials and design than the original sign or awning.

(d) Sign copy. Sign copy shall be limited to the name of the business, the name of the products or services sold or offered, and the business address. This requirement does not apply to temporary signs or directional signs.

(e) Unless otherwise specified, all signs shall be reviewed by the planning director before they are installed or placed on any property.

(f) Use of English language letters and Arabic numerals.

(1) Any business establishment located in an area zoned to permit an on-premises sign, including but not limited to, an office-professional zone, commercial zone, industrial or manufacturing zone, and any place of public assembly, including but not limited to, a meeting hall, auditorium, club house, assembly hall, shall maintain one or more on-premises signs that shall comply with the provisions of this section.

(2) For the purposes of this section, the "on-premises sign" means a sign used for any of the following purposes:

(i) To advertise the sale or lease of the property upon which the sign is placed.

(ii) To designate the name of the occupant of the premises or to identify the premises by name or street address.

(iii) To advertise the business conducted or services rendered or the goods produced or sold upon the property upon which the sign is placed, including any such sign placed upon the same side of the street or highway and within one thousand (1,000) feet of the property or within one thousand (1,000) feet of the entrance to the site at which the business is conducted or services are rendered or goods are produced or sold.

(3) Any business or place of public assembly mentioned in subsection (1) of this section shall have, at a minimum, at least one (1) conspicuous sign setting forth the trade name of the business or the name of the place of public assembly and the street address number in English letters and Arabic numerals, respectively. The letters and numerals on any such sign shall be large enough to be readable from a distance of one hundred (100) feet.

(4) An on-premises sign shall be deemed to satisfy the requirements of subsection (3) of this section if it sets forth the street address number and either the name or business of the owner or occupant of the premises or the nature of the business conducted, services available or rendered, or the goods produced, sold or available for sale upon the premises, in the English language and/or Arabic numerals, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, the English language letters and Arabic numerals shall appear reading from the left of the sign, and that in the event there is to be only one sign or designation for the name or number of the business, or the name of the owner, or occupant of the premises or the nature of the business conducted on the premises, services available or rendered, or the goods produced, sold or available for sale upon the premises, that sign shall be in English language letters and/or Arabic numerals.

(5) Any business or place of public assembly mentioned in subsection (1) of this section shall have six (6) months from August 7, 2000, the effective date of the ordinance codified in this section to comply.

(g) Substitution clause. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Code, any noncommercial copy may be substituted for any commercial copy on any sign permitted by this Code. If noncommercial copy is substituted, the resulting sign will continue to be treated as the original commercial sign under this Code and will not be deemed or treated as an off-premises sign. The content of any noncommercial copy on any sign otherwise permitted by this Code may be changed without complying with any provisions of this Code normally required for sign copy or design approval.

(B) Commercial Zones. The following provisions shall apply to all commercial zones and the M-C Zone within the City of Lomita:

(a) Permit required; fee:

(1) No person shall have, place or erect a sign as defined in this chapter in a commercial zone or M-C Zone of the City of Lomita without first obtaining a permit from the city clerk.

(2) The city council shall, from time to time, fix the amount of the required permit fee by resolution.

(Ord. No. 306, § 1, 12-17-79; Ord. No. 617, § 2, 3-6-00; Ord. No. 627, § 1, 8-7-00; Ord. No. 672, pt. 2, 12-6-04; Ord. No. 748, § 2(pt. 21), 1-17-12)

No person shall install, erect or maintain any sign in any zone in the City of Lomita except as permitted herein:

(1) R-1 Zone, Single-family Residential:

(a) One (1) residential nameplate sign, not to exceed two (2) square feet in area, identifying the occupant of the premises; said sign may be illuminated.

(b) One (1) unlighted real estate sign not to exceed four (4) square feet in area, offering the premises for sale, rental, lease, or for inspection by the public, and one (1) additional square foot of sign area for riders attached to the sign; sign to be removed within ten (10) days of sale, lease or rental of property.

(c) Unlighted construction sign, as defined in this chapter, not to exceed sixteen (16) square feet in area; sign or signs to be removed prior to final inspection by the building department.

(d) One (1) unlighted no-peddling sign, as defined in this chapter, not to exceed seventy-two (72) square inches in area.

(2) R-V Zone, Residential Variable:

(a) On a lot or parcel containing three (3) or less dwelling units, only those signs permitted in the R-1 Zone.

(b) On a lot or parcel containing four (4) or more dwelling units, one (1) building identification sign flush against the wall of the building and not projecting above the parapet wall. Signs may be illuminated only by spotlighting or silhouette lighting directed toward the face of the building. Interior illuminated signs shall not be permitted.

(i) Size of building identification sign permitted: One (1) square foot of total sign area for each dwelling unit located on the lot or parcel. Signs not to exceed two (2) in number, provided the combined area of both signs does not exceed the total allowable sign area of twenty-four (24) square feet. No permitted identification sign shall be required to be less than ten (10) square feet in area.

(ii) Real estate sign: One (1) unlighted sign of a maximum area of twelve (12) square feet and with a maximum of four (4) feet in any dimension, offering the premises for sale, lease, rental, or for inspection by the public.

(iii) Construction sign: Unlighted construction sign, or signs, as defined in this section, not to exceed a total area of thirty-two (32) square feet. Sign, or signs, to be removed prior to final inspection by the building department.

(iv) One (1) unlighted no-peddling sign as defined in this chapter, not to exceed seventy-two (72) square inches in area.

(3) Reserved.

(4) C-G, Commercial General and C-R, Commercial, Retail:

(a) Wall signs:

(i) Front wall signs flush against the face of the building and not projecting more than one-foot therefrom shall be permitted a total sign area not to exceed fifteen (15) percent of the area of the front wall of the building.

(ii) Rear wall signs flush against the rear wall of the building and not projecting more than one-foot therefrom shall only be permitted if the rear wall of the building faces a street, parking area, or pedestrian mall and shall not exceed ten (10) percent of said rear wall in total sign area.

(iii) Side wall signs flush against the side wall of the building and not projecting more than one-foot therefrom shall be permitted a total sign area not to exceed seven and one-half (7½) percent of said side wall.

(iv) Buildings located on corner lots, or parcels with two (2) frontages, shall be permitted a total sign area not to exceed fifteen (15) percent of the area of the building wall facing each frontage.

(b) Hanging signs, suspended signs and other canopy signs:

(i) Signs supported or suspended from the underside of an awning, canopy, or parapet of a building shall be a minimum of eight (8) feet vertical distance from the sidewalk grade and at approximately a ninety-degree angle to the face of the building.

(ii) Said sign shall be centered between the face of the building and the outer edge of the awning, canopy, or parapet.

(iii) Maximum area of sign shall be determined by the following:

a. The length of said sign shall not exceed two-thirds (⅔) of the length of the projecting of the awning, canopy, or parapet.

b. Said sign shall not exceed two (2) feet in height.

(c) Freestanding or pole signs:

(i) A planned shopping center or service center having three (3) or more stores and sharing a common parking area shall be permitted one freestanding or pole sign with a maximum sign area per face of one square foot for each lineal foot or lot or parcel frontage.

(ii) The maximum sign area permitted under any condition shall not be more than two hundred (200) square feet per face for any freestanding or pole sign. Not more than two (2) sign faces shall be parallel, with a maximum distance of eighteen (18) inches between the faces. However, no permitted freestanding or pole sign shall be required to be less than thirty-five (35) square feet in area per face. Freestanding or pole signs are not to exceed thirty (30) feet in height above grade level, nor to be less than ten (10) feet above grade, and shall not project more than three (3) feet over public rights-of-way.

(iii) One freestanding or pole sign shall be permitted for a fueling service station, with the maximum sign area per face not to exceed one-half (½) square foot of sign area for each foot of lot or parcel frontage. Lots or parcels on a corner, or with double frontages, may count only the largest frontage for determination of sign area. The use of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for signage displaying the current price of gasoline shall be permitted subject to the requirements in section 11-1.67.05(b).

(iv) One freestanding or pole sign may be permitted subject to review and approval by the planning commission for each of the following uses when not a part of an above-described planned shopping center, service center, or automotive service station, with the maximum sign area permitted per face not to exceed one square foot for each lineal foot of lot or parcel frontage:

a. New and used automobile, boat, camper, trailer and motorcycle sales.

b. Hotels and motor hotels.

c. Restaurants, drive-in restaurants, drive-in dairies and car washes with fifty (50) feet or more of street frontage.

(v) Business door nameplate, not to exceed two (2) square feet in area, and to contain the name and address of the business only and shall be affixed to the door of each individual business or immediately adjacent thereto.

(vi) Parking lot signs.

a. Entrance and exit signs, not to exceed five (5) square feet in area per face.

b. Designated parking space signs, one permitted per designated space.

(1) Sign maximum size: six (6) square feet, of which up to four (4) square feet is allowed for branding or logos per face, with a maximum height of six (6) feet above the parking lot surface.

(2) If present, exposed concrete bases shall be covered with decorative stone, stucco, brick, tile, or a natural veneer that matches the building's facade.

c. Beacon parking signs may be installed to facilitate traffic circulation associated with designated parking, provided such signs comply with the following requirements:

(1) No more than two (2) signs shall be permitted per property.

(2) Sign maximum size: two (2) feet by two (2) feet in plan, with a maximum height of twelve (12) feet above the parking lot surface.

(3) Up to three (3) square feet per face is permitted for branding or logos.

(4) If present, exposed concrete bases shall be covered with decorative stone, brick, tile, stucco, or a natural veneer that matches the building's facade.

(5) May be illuminated provided the luminance is stationary and no more than 0.3 foot-candles above ambient light conditions, or the level recommended by the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) for the specific size and location of the sign, whichever is less.

d. Short-term parking space signs may be installed to facilitate parking space turnover. The sign shall have:

(1) A maximum size of eighteen (18) inches by eighteen (18) inches, with no more than a one inch thickness.

(2) The maximum time within which a particular vehicle may occupy a particular parking space and, if applicable, any designated timeframe.

e. All types of parking lot signs shall be installed outside of each parking space's required minimum dimensions.

(vii) One unlighted no-peddling sign, not to exceed seventy-two (72) square inches in area.

(d) Projecting signs shall be ninety (90) degrees to the front face of the building and not project more than three (3) feet over the public right-of-way, nor five (5) feet above the roof line or parapet wall of the building. Sign area per face of a projecting sign shall not exceed one square foot for each lineal foot of building frontage.

(e) Signs which may be permitted subject to the review and approval by the planning commission:

(i) Roof signs. Roof signs shall have a maximum sign area per face of one square foot for each lineal foot of lot or parcel frontage. Lots or parcels located on a corner or with double frontage may count only the largest frontage for determining sign area.

a. The maximum sign area permitted under any condition shall not be more than one hundred (100) square feet per face for any roof sign, may not exceed ten (10) feet in height above the roof line nor thirty-five (35) feet in height above the ground; nor project more than twelve (12) inches out from the building or structure.

b. Roof sign supports shall be architecturally attractive or screened from view.

(ii) Freestanding or pole signs shall not otherwise be permitted in this chapter.

(5) M-C, Light Manufacturing and Commercial:

(a) Wall signs:

(i) Front wall signs flush against the face of the building and not projecting more than one (1) foot therefrom shall be permitted a total sign area not to exceed ten (10) percent of the area of the total building wall.

(ii) Buildings located on corner lots, or parcels with two (2) street frontages, shall be permitted a total sign area not to exceed ten (10) percent of the area of the building wall facing each frontage.

(b) Freestanding or pole signs:

(i) One (1) sign is permitted for each two hundred fifty (250) feet of lot or parcel frontage on a public street.

(ii) One (1) sign may be permitted for a lot or parcel having less than two hundred fifty (250) feet frontage on a public street.

(iii) Sign area per face is to be permitted on the basis of one (1) square foot of sign area for each front foot of lot or parcel frontage, but not to exceed two hundred (200) square feet of sign area per face.

(iv) All other standards for freestanding or pole signs specified in the commercial zones shall be complied with.

(c) Business door nameplates, not to exceed four (4) square feet in area, may be affixed to, or fastened in close proximity to, each door or gate leading onto the premises.

(d) The following signs, as defined in this chapter, and subject to the requirements stated for commercial zones shall be permitted:

(i) Repealed.

(ii) Repealed.

(iii) Parking entrance and exit signs.

(iv) No-peddling signs.

(e) Roof signs by review and approval of the planning commission.

(6) D-C, Downtown Commercial:

(a) Allowed sign area: Each building or tenant space shall be allowed the amount of sign area indicated below.

(i) Front wall signs: The total area of all signs on a front building wall shall not exceed one and one half (1.5) square feet of sign area for each linear foot of building wall or building frontage assigned to a tenant. The maximum front wall sign area for any building or tenant space shall be forty (40) square feet. Signs are intended for ground floor businesses only, except window signs, which may be used by second floor businesses.

(ii) Rear and side wall signs: The total area of all signs on a rear or side building wall shall not exceed one (1) square foot of sign area for each linear foot of building wall or tenant space facing a street, parking lot, pedestrian walkway, or alley. The maximum area for a sign on a rear or side facing building wall or tenant space shall be ten (10) square feet. Signs are intended for ground floor businesses only, except window signs, which may be used by second floor businesses.

(b) Wall signs:

(i) Signs shall be located only on building wall frontages along streets, alleys, parking lots, or other rights-of-way.

(ii) Signs shall not project from the surface upon which they are attached more than required for construction purposes and in no case more than 12 inches.

(iii) Signs shall not project above the eave of a roof or top of parapet wall.

(iv) Signs shall not be placed to obstruct any portion of a window or door.

(c) Projecting signs:

(i) The maximum area for projecting signs shall be calculated in conjunction with the total amount of sign area allowed for the entire building wall or tenant space. The maximum area for each sign face shall be twenty (20) square feet.

(ii) Signs shall be located only on the wall frontage with the primary entrance to the business;

(iii) A clear distance of eight (8) feet shall be maintained from the lowest point of the projecting sign to the ground below; for projecting signs over public driveways, alleys, and thoroughfares a clear distance of fifteen (15) feet shall be maintained from the lowest point of the projecting sign to the ground;

(iv) Signs shall project at ninety (90) degrees from the front face of the building wall and shall not project more than three (3) feet over the public right-of-way; and

(v) Signs shall not project above the upper most part of the parapet on a flat roof or above the eave on a pitched roof.

(d) Awning signs:

(i) The maximum area for awning signs shall be calculated in conjunction with the aggregate sign area allowed for the entire building wall or tenant space;

(ii) Signs on awnings are limited to ground level occupancies only;

(iii) A clear distance of eight (8) feet shall be maintained from the lowest part of an awning sign to the ground below;

(iv) Awnings shall not be lighted from under the awning (back-lit) so that the awning appears internally illuminated. Lighting placed under the awning and directed downwards so as not to illuminate the awning is allowed.

(v) Sign copy on awnings shall be limited to a maximum twelve (12) inch valence and end flaps only. Lettering shall not exceed eight (8) inches in height.

(e) Pedestrian-oriented signs:

(i) Signs may be either suspended from a decorative bracket or mounted flat against a wall;

(ii) The maximum area of each sign face shall be four (4) square feet which shall be included in the aggregate sign area allowed for the building wall or tenant space;

(iii) Only one pedestrian-oriented sign shall be allowed for each use/occupancy. Signs shall be located near the main entrance to the business;

(iv) A clear distance of eight (8) feet shall be maintained from the lowest point of the suspended sign to the ground below. For suspended signs over public driveways, alleys, and thoroughfares, a clear distance of fourteen (14) feet shall be maintained from the lowest point of the projecting sign to the ground;

(v) Mounting hardware and brackets shall be decorative iron; and

(vi) The use of logos, symbols, or figures in addition to, or instead of written words is strongly encouraged.

(f) Window signs:

(i) Signs shall be allowed only on windows located on the ground level and second story;

(ii) Signs shall be permanently painted or mounted on the inside of windows and doors; and

(iii) Signs shall not occupy more than twenty-five (25) percent of any individual window area including permanent and temporary signs. The area of window signs shall be included within the aggregate sign area allowed for the building wall or tenant space.

(iv) Business owners may paint or otherwise install decorative features around the edges of windows. The planning director shall determine whether these features are part of a window sign or architectural in nature.

(g) Directional signs.

(i) Directional signs are intended to provide directions for motorists entering a site from a public right-of-way to on-site parking or loading.

(ii) Directional signs shall not contain any advertising message but may contain the name of business.

(iii) The maximum sign area shall be two (2) square feet and the maximum height shall be four (4) feet.

(iv) The number and location of directional signs shall be at the discretion of the director of planning.

(h) Directory signs:

(i) Each building with three (3) or more tenants may have one directory sign for the purpose of providing the name of the tenants in the building in addition to other allowed signs;

(ii) The area of the sign shall not exceed eight (8) square feet or a height of six (6) feet;

(iii) Directory signs may be either wall mounted or freestanding. If freestanding, signs shall not interfere with pedestrian or vehicular circulation or visibility; and

(iv) The height of each individual nameplate on the directory may be a maximum of six (6) inches in height.

(i) Nameplate signs:

(i) Each tenant or use may have one nameplate sign for the main and secondary entrance; in addition to other allowed signs;

(ii) Signs shall be mounted on, or near the entrance to the business; and

(iii) The maximum sign area shall be one (1) square foot.

(iv) The maximum area for nameplate signs shall be calculated in conjunction with the aggregate sign area allowed for the entire building wall or tenant space.

(j) Reserved.

(k) Neon signs and architectural lighting:

(i) A maximum of two (2) neon signs shall be allowed for each business;

(ii) Neon signs and linear neon tubing used for architectural lighting shall be UL (Underwriters Laboratories) listed with a maximum twenty (20) amps per circuit and be designed to accommodate an automatic dimmer in order to reduce the brightness of the neon;

(iii) Neon tubing shall not exceed one-half ½ inch in diameter;

(iv) Neon tubing shall not be combined with any reflective materials (e.g., mirrors, polished metal, highly-glazed tiles, or other similar materials); and

(v) When used as an architectural element, neon tubing shall be used only to reinforce specific architectural elements of the structure and shall not be used to outline windows and to draw attention to the building or use.

(l) Temporary signs:

(i) All signs listed in section 11-1.67.06 with the following exceptions:

(a) Window signs. Temporary window signs shall meet all of the requirements of section 11-1.67.06(C)(1) but shall not cover more than twenty-five (25) percent of the glass area of any individual window. Permanent window signs shall also be counted towards the maximum twenty-five (25) percent window coverage allowance.

(b) Promotional banner signs. Temporary promotional banner signs shall meet all of the requirements of section 11-1.67.06(C)(6) but no single banner shall exceed twenty-four (24) square feet in area.

(ii) Portable (A-frame) signs. The use of small pedestrian-oriented portable A-frame or sandwich board signs is permitted in the D-C zoning district, subject to the approval of a sign permit and the following requirements:

(a) A portable sign is any sign or advertising device that rests on the ground and is not designed to be permanently attached to a building or permanently anchored to the ground. This includes A-frame or sandwich board signs, but does not include temporary banners, posters, and similar signs made of nonpermanent materials.

(b) No business shall be allowed to have more than one portable sign.

(c) Portable signs may have a maximum sign area of eight (8) square feet. The maximum height shall be four (4) feet and the maximum width shall be two (2) feet. The planning director may allow increases of up to twenty (20) percent over the above maximum standards to accommodate signs of outstanding design and unique character.

(d) Portable signs may be located on private property or within the public right-of-way, provided they do not interfere with pedestrian movement or wheelchair access. A minimum access width of four (4) feet shall be maintained along all sidewalks and building entrances accessible to the public.

(e) Portable signs shall be utilized only during regular business hours and shall be removed during nonbusiness hours.

(f) Portable signs shall not be illuminated.

(g) Portable signs are to be maintained in a neat, orderly fashion so as not to constitute an unsightly appearance or a public nuisance. Signs shall be constructed of durable, weather-resistant materials and be professional in appearance in a manner meeting the approval of the planning director. If such signs are not maintained, the property owner or business owner shall remove them immediately upon notice by the planning director.

(h) A sign permit application for a portable sign to be located on public property shall be accompanied by a certificate of insurance in an amount as specified by resolution of the city council. Unapproved signs and signs not maintained to the above standards shall be subject to immediate removal by the City from the right of way.

(i) When more than one portable sign is requested on a property, the property owner shall determine the locations where the signs may be placed. In any case a portable sign shall not be placed nearer than ten (10) feet as measured parallel to the street to another portable sign.

(j) Portable signs shall not advertise products or services not available at the location of the sign whether the sign is on private property or in the public right of way.

(m) Prohibited signs: The following signs are prohibited in the D-C zoning district.

(i) All signs listed in section 11-1.67.05.

(ii) Cabinet (can) signs with translucent plastic face panels that are internally illuminated so that the entire sign face is illuminated. Cabinet signs with opaque faces that allow only the lettering portion of the sign to be illuminated are allowed.

(iii) Changeable copy signs, including electronic reader board signs.

(iv) Inflated signs, balloons, and figures.

(v) Roof-mounted signs.

(vi) Freestanding pole signs.

(vii) Notices, placards, bills, posters, cards, stickers, banners, signs, advertising, or other devices designed to attract the attention of the public that are posted or otherwise affixed upon any street, street furniture, right-of-way, public sidewalk, crosswalk, curb, lamppost, hydrant, tree, alley, telephone pole, public telephone, or lighting system, or other public alarm or communication system.

(n) Special provisions:

(i) Exceptions to sign standards. An applicant may request approval of a sign permit for a creative sign to authorize signs that may deviate from the standards of this Article but comply with the provisions of this subsection. The purpose of granting an exception from the standards of this Article is to encourage signs of unique design that exhibit a high degree of creativity, imagination, and inventiveness.

(a) Planning commission approval required. A sign permit application for a creative sign shall be subject to approval by the planning commission. A sign permit application for a creative sign shall include all information and materials required by the planning department and a filing fee set by the city's fee resolution.

(b) Design criteria. In approving an application for a creative sign, the planning director shall ensure that a proposed sign meets the following design criteria:

The sign shall:

(1) Constitute a substantial aesthetic improvement to the site and shall have a positive visual impact on the surrounding area.

(2) Be of unique design and exhibit a high degree of creativity, imagination, inventiveness, and spirit; and

(3) Provide strong graphic character through the imaginative use of graphics, color, texture, quality materials, scale, and proportion.

The sign shall contain at least one of the following elements:

(1) Classic historic design style;

(2) Creative image reflecting current or historic character of downtown Lomita; or

(3) Inventive representation of the use, or name, of the business.

(ii) Use of design guidelines. The city may adopt design guidelines for the purpose of assisting development applicants in understanding the city's expectations for quality development including signs. When such design guidelines are adopted, the planning director, or other approval body as appropriate, shall refer to and utilize the guidelines in rendering a decision on a particular sign permit application.

(iii) Historic signs. Signs that have been identified by the city as having historic or cultural significance may be exempt from the requirements of this Article subject to approval of the planning commission and the following conditions:

(a) All parts of the exempted historic sign including neon tubes, incandescent lights and shields, and sign faces shall be maintained in a functioning condition as historically intended.

(b) Parts of historic signs originally designed to flash or move may be allowed to continue to flash or move. There shall be no alterations to the historic pattern, speed, or direction of flashing or moving elements.

(c) The wording or image of an historic sign may be altered only if such alterations do not substantially change the historic style, scale, height, type of material, or dimensions of the historic sign.

(Ord. No. 165, §§ 1, 2(l), (m), 5-6-74; Ord. No. 306, § 2, 12-17-79; Ord. No. 407, § 2, 9-15-86; Ord. No. 562, § 2, 5-20-96; Ord. No. 617, § 1, 3-6-00; Ord. No. 757, § 2, 6-3-13; Ord. No. 845, § 4(S, T), 3-21-23; Ord. No. 847, § 4(F), 4-18-23; Ord. No. 855, § 4(B), 9-5-23)

(a) The following types of signs, as defined herein, are prohibited in all zones within the City of Lomita:

(1) Rotating, flashing, scintillating signs and any other signs indicating motion or change of light intensity. Lights or systems of lights which rotate, flash, change intensity or indicate motion and which are placed or installed on faces, walls or roofs of business places are also prohibited by this section.

The city council may by minute action temporarily suspend enforcement of this provision for civic or other special events or observances.

(2) Rectangle signs which are freestanding, "A-frame" or "sandwich" signs or other similar-type portable signs, which are either carried or freestanding.

(b) LED signs are permitted as follows:

(1) Freestanding signs for fueling service stations are permitted to use LEDs to display the current price of gasoline only.

(i) The LEDs shall be monochromatic, utilizing a dark background with the prices lit in a single color.

(ii) The area of the LED portion of the sign shall not exceed thirty-five (35) square feet.

(2) Other LED signage shall be permitted only by review and approval by the planning commission.

(c) Repealed.

(d) Signs painted on a wall, face or other exterior of any building shall be considered wall signs and shall be subject to all requirements of this chapter.

(e) Repealed.

(f) Abandoned signs, as defined in this chapter, must be removed, and signs painted on the face or exterior walls of a building are to be painted out within ninety (90) days after the sign is abandoned, as herein defined, or within ninety (90) days after the occupant has left the premises, whichever first occurs. If change of occupancy occurs in less than ninety (90) days, no business license will be issued until the new occupant removes or utilizes the former sign or signs and paints out signs not identifying the current business.

(g) Signs required by law: The provisions and conditions herein shall not be construed to prohibit or otherwise include any notice, announcement or advertisement prescribed or required by law in any case, or any notice posted by any lawful officer or agent.

(h) Guide signs, as defined in this chapter, may be allowed for each qualified user and may be allowed on public rights-of-way. Guide signs shall be subject to the approval of the planning commission.

(i) No sign shall be permitted to encroach on any public right-of-way except as permitted by this chapter.

(j) Churches, schools and hospitals located in residential zones may be permitted one (1) unlighted wall sign not to exceed twenty (20) square feet for each face of the building fronting on a public right-of-way. In addition, one (1) freestanding, message-board-type sign, not exceeding ten (10) square feet in area and not exceeding six (6) feet in overall height.

(k) Business and professional office buildings having fifty (50) percent or more of the offices or suites with entrances directly to the outside of the building may be permitted a freestanding directory sign subject to the approval of the planning commission. Directory signs mounted flush against the face of the building shall be treated the same as a wall sign.

(l) Special signs and advertising devices which are determined not to be similar to signs defined in this chapter shall be permitted only by sign review and approval by the planning commission.

(m) Signs existing prior to the effective date of this chapter and not conforming to the requirements of this chapter shall be permitted replacement of letters, normal maintenance, and replacement of sign and structure when less than fifty (50) percent partially destroyed by fire or acts of God; provided, however, that all such signs shall be removed within ten (10) years of the effective date of this chapter. If any owner or individual responsible for a nonconforming sign desires to continue its use beyond the amortization period, an annual fee shall be required as follows:

(1) For the first year following the conclusion of the amortization period, the fee shall be one-half the cost of the annual business license fee for the business involved.

(2) For the second year following the conclusion of the amortization period, the fee shall be equal to the cost of the annual business license fee for the business involved.

(3) For the third and each succeeding year following the conclusion of the amortization period, the fee shall be calculated by adding the cost of the annual business license fee to the previous year's fee.

(n) Billboards and other outdoor advertising signs, as defined in this chapter, are not permitted in any zone. Such signs existing in the M-C Zone prior to the effective date of this amendment [Ordinance No. 306, adopted December 17, 1979] shall be permitted replacement of letters, normal maintenance, and replacement of sign and structure when less than fifty (50) percent is partially destroyed by fire or acts of God; provided, however, that all such signs shall be removed within one (1) year of the effective date of this amendment [Ordinance No. 306, adopted December 17, 1979].

(o) Reserved.

(p) Business and professional office buildings shall be required to erect and maintain a street address sign in close proximity to the main street entrance of the building. Each sign shall have numbers of not less than four (4) inches in height and shall not exceed a total area of two (2) square feet.

(Ord. No. 306, § 3, 12-17-79; Ord. No. 504, § 1, 10-19-92; Ord. No. 552, § 1, 9-5-95; Ord. No. 562, § 2, 5-20-96; Ord. No. 757, § 2, 6-3-13; Ord. No. 855, § 4(C), 9-5-23)

(a) General requirements: The following temporary signs may be permitted subject to the approval of the planning director or a designated representative. The applicant shall submit a written request to the planning director for any temporary sign, except as otherwise specified, indicating the type and size of sign, display dates and location. Should a temporary sign be displayed or erected without first submitting a written request, the city shall cause the sign to be abated subject to section 1-2.01 of the Municipal Code.

All temporary signs shall be aesthetically pleasing and shall be maintained in good condition at all times. Failure to remove the temporary sign(s) after expiration of the permitted time period and failure to maintain the sign(s) in good condition will result in the city causing the sign(s) to be abated subject to section 1-2.01 of the Lomita Municipal Code.

(b) Location of temporary signs: All temporary signs and devices shall be mounted on the wall of the building, unless otherwise specified. They shall be limited to the height of the building to which they are attached or which they are advertising. Temporary signs shall not be located off-site or advertise a business, product, real estate, events, construction or any other item located off site except where permissible for civic events and for political candidates. Temporary signs shall not be located in a public right-of-way.

(c) Permitted temporary signs:

(1) Window sign(s) placed on the glass surface of a building may be either temporary or permanent. However, it may not cover more than thirty-five (35) percent of the total glass surface area. Such signs may be changed out and are not subject to the written request requirement. Signs not larger than two (2) square feet and indicating hours of operation, address, "open" and "closed" are not to be calculated towards the allowable size of the window signs.

(2) Construction sign - one nonilluminated banner or other sign not to exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area. On corner lots, two (2) such signs may be installed, one for each frontage, for a total combined area not to exceed forty-eight (48) square feet. However, neither one of such signs may exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area. Such sign(s) may be free-standing and may remain on the property for one (1) year. Thereafter, the applicant shall submit annually an application for permission to continue displaying the temporary construction sign(s). In case there is very little or no construction activity on the site within any one year, the planning director may determine that such an extension is not warranted. Said sign(s) shall be removed prior to the issuance of an occupancy permit by the department of building and safety.

(3) Real estate sign - one non-illuminated banner sign per business, mounted on the wall of the building, not to exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area, offering the premises for sale, lease or rental. On corner lots, two (2) such signs may be placed not to exceed forty-eight (48) square feet of combined area. However, neither one of the banner signs may exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area. In addition, one free standing real estate sign not to exceed thirty-two (32) square feet may be permitted. Said signs shall be removed within ten (10) days of sale, lease or rental. Real estate banner signs may remain on the property for one hundred twenty (120) days per calendar year. Should an additional time be required, the applicant shall request such an extension in writing to the planning director. The free sanding sign may remain on the property on an as needed basis.

(4) Civic event signs limited to religious, charitable, educational, cultural or civic events-each business or use may display one such sign, in addition to the allowable temporary and window signs. Such sign shall not be larger than six (6) square feet in area and may be displayed for fifteen (15) days prior to the event and be removed within ten (10) days afterwards. The city shall proceed with abatement procedures should the sign become a nuisance and/or in non-compliance with this subsection.

Civic event signs may be located anywhere within a private property. In addition, nonprofit organizations may install a banner(s) across city or state right-of-way subject to the requirements of the planning director.

(5) Political signs, either free-standing or window sign may be displayed up to ninety (90) days prior to the elections and shall be removed within ten (10) days afterwards. Political signs are not subject to the written request requirement. Should the signs not be removed within the specified time frame, city staff shall remove the signs and charge the cost of removal to the candidate.

(6) Temporary promotional banner sign advertising a product, new business, new management, sale or grand opening—one such sign may be displayed per business subject to the general requirements in section 11-1.67.06(a). Such sign shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in size; shall be mounted on the face of the building, shall not occupy a portion of other business nor be placed off-site or above the roof line. Businesses having two (2) frontages may place two (2) such signs, one for each frontage, not to exceed a total of forty-eight (48) square feet of combined area. However, neither one of the banners may exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area. Promotional banners may be displayed up to one hundred twenty (120) days per calendar year, but no longer than sixty (60) consecutive days at any one time, and a minimum of thirty (30) days before the next time the banner is displayed. Said banner shall be kept in good condition at all times. There shall be no extensions granted past the one hundred twenty (120) days.

(7) Temporary devices such as flags, streamers, pennants, and balloons are permitted, except for metallic or mylar balloons, giant inflatables such as hot air balloon signs or promotional display balloons, subject to the general requirements in section 11-1.67.06(a), for a maximum of four (4) events per calendar year not to exceed a total of ten (10) days per event. Events may not be combined or consecutive.

(a) Automobile, boat or motorcycle dealerships may display pennants or flags or pleated fan signs for a continuous basis in their outdoor display area. Such devices may not be placed in a public right-of-way.

(8) Holiday displays - in addition to the allowed temporary signs and window signs, holiday decorations including string lights may be displayed between forty-five (45) days prior to and fifteen (15) days after December 25. Such display shall be placed against the glass or building surface and not project above the roof line. Holiday displays are not subject to the written request requirement. However, the city may abate such display should it become a nuisance and/or in non-compliance with this subsection. Holiday displays may not advertise a product, sale or other promotional message.

(9) Bench signs-subject to approval of the planning director.

(Ord. No. 562, § 2, 5-20-96)