Chapter 12.08.25

As used in this Part, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them by this Chapter. Explanatory diagrams of some of the sign definitions set forth herein are provided at the end of this Chapter.

• A. “Advertising surface (facing)” – The entire surface on which any type of letter, figure, emblem, trademark, logo, picture, or other advertising material is placed, or may be placed.

• B. “Appurtenant sign” – A sign pertaining to the business or activity carried on at the premises upon which the sign is located, constructed or erected.

• C. “Awning or canopy” – Any structure made of cloth, metal or other suitable material with a metal frame attached to a building and projecting over a public or private pedestrian walk and supported by the ground or building sidewall.

• D. “Awning/canopy sign” – Any advertising of any nature, which is painted, printed, sewed or otherwise attached to an awning or canopy.

• E. “Building” – Any structure having a roof supported by columns or by walls and designed for the shelter and housing of any person, animal or chattel, including any underground shelter, swimming pool, or any commercial or industrial structure designed for the sale, storage, or manufacture of anything of value.

• F. “Bulletin boards” – A place where people can leave public messages, for example, to advertise things to buy or sell, announce events, or provide information.

• G. “Corner lot” – A lot located and being at the junction to two or more intersecting streets with a boundary line thereof bordering on each of such streets and where such streets intersect at an interior angle of not more than 135 . If the intersection angle is more than 135 the lot is considered an interior lot. The shortest such street frontage shall constitute the front of a rectangular lot for purposes of determining front, side and rear yards. Where the front of a lot differs by the reason of the prevailing custom of the other buildings on the block, the planning director may determine the front lot line consistent with the orientation of other structures in the area.

• H. “Curb line” –The line at the face of the curb nearest to the street or roadway. In the absence of a curb, the curb line shall be established by the Director of Public Works.

• I. “Electrical code” – The electrical code of the City of Loyalton.

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• J. “Electrical sign” – Any sign which is wired to provide current employed in illuminating or animating any part of the sign, except flood lighting.

• K. “Embellishments” – That portion of any sign structure or sign which contains no moving parts, is not animated, nor illuminated, and which contains no advertising copy, nor conveys any portion or all of any advertising message, and is generally located above the message portion of any sign and is constructed for aesthetic purposes as part of the decorative trim of the design of the overall sign structure.

• L. “Erect” – To build, construct, attach, hang, place, suspend or affix to or upon any surface.

• M. “Face of building” –The general outer surface of a structure or wall of a building facing a street.

• N. “Facing or surface” – The surface of the sign upon, against, or through which the copy or message is displayed or illustrated on the sign.

• O. “Frontage” – The full length of a plot of land or a building measured alongside the road on to which the plot or building fronts.

• P. “Hanging sign” – A sign that is hanging from a permanent building canopy or marquee existing over a pedestrian walkway and is sized and located in a manner to service pedestrians using the walkway, advising them of the adjacent use.

• Q. “Marquee” – A permanent roofed structure, attached to and supported wholly by the building and projecting over a pedestrian walkway.

• R. “Monument sign” – A freestanding ground mounted sign not exceeding 8 feet above ground level.

• S. “Multiple tenant sign” – A sign that includes as copy, only the names of 2 or more businesses, places, organizations, buildings or persons it identifies.

• T. “Noncommercial sign” – A sign not advertising or promoting a business entity, commercial activity or product for sale and sets forth the ideas or beliefs of the owner or occupant of the property upon which such sign is placed regarding political, sociological, religious or economic subjects of public interest or general concern.

• U. “Off-site sign” – A sign identifying a use, facility, service or product that is not located, sold or manufactured on the same premise as the sign. Off-site signs require City-approval to assure setbacks are met.

• V. “On-site sign” – A sign identifying a use, facility, service, or product that is located, sold, and/or manufactured on the same premise as the sign.

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• W. “Pole or post sign” – Any advertising of any nature which is wholly supported by 1 or more pole or posts set in or attached to the ground.

• X. “Portable sign” – Any sign or sign device which is designed to be set on the ground without any substantial attachment thereto. Sandwich sign boards are considered a portable sign.

• Y. “Projecting sign” – Any sign other than a wall sign, which is suspended from or supported by any building, pole, post or structure, which projects outward there from.

• Z. “Real estate sign” – Any sign advertising for sale or lease of the lot or parcel of land upon which it is erected or maintained.

• AA. “Roof sign” – Any sign of any nature, together with all its parts and supports, which is erected, constructed, or maintained on or above the roof or parapet of any building including wall signs which extend above the roof or parapet of any building. Roof signs are prohibited within the Loyalton City Limits.

• BB. “Sign” – Any medium sign, including its structure and component parts, which is erected out of doors and which is used or intended to be used to attract attention of the general public to the subject matter for advertising purposes together with window signs as defined in this code.

• CC. “Sign business” – The business of selling, offering for sale, leasing or renting, electric and non-electric signs and includes the business of painting, construction, erection, maintenance or repair of signs upon buildings, fences, windows, posts, structures and surfaces.

• DD. “Sniping” – Advertising by the pasting, posting, sticking, tacking, hanging, affixing or placing of cloth, paper or cardboard bills, cards or posters, or metal signs, to or upon fences, posts, trees, buildings, structures or surfaces other than outdoor advertising structures. This definition does not include any sign or notice issued by any court or public office or posted by any public officer in performance of a public duty or by a private person in giving a legal notice, or any cloth, paper or cardboard sign advertising for sale or lease the property upon which it stands or any type of sign permitted elsewhere in this Part.

• EE. “Street” – A public or private thoroughfare which affords the principal means of access to abutting property, including an avenue, place, way, drive, lane, boulevard, highway, road and any other thoroughfare except an alley as defined herein.

• FF. “Structure” – Anything constructed or erected, the use of which requires location on the ground or attachment to something having location on the ground or underground.

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• GG. “Structural trim” – The molding, battens, nailing strips, latticing, platforms and letters, figures, characters or representations in cut out or irregular form which are attached to the sign structure.

• HH. “Temporary sign” – As regulated by this Part includes any sign, banner, pennant, valance or advertising display constructed of cloth, canvas, light fabric, cardboard, wall board, or other light materials, with or without frames, intended to be displayed for 3 months or less only. City Council approval will be required for all temporary signs to ensure compliance with setbacks.

• II. “Use permits or conditional use permits” – Are conditional use permits as provided in the Zoning Ordinance, and shall comply with all procedures and requirements as provided therein.

• JJ. “Wall” – Any exterior surface of a building or any part thereof excluding the roof.

• KK. “Wall sign” – Any sign of any nature which is attached to or supported by a wall of a building or painted directly on the wall, and shall include all parts and supports of such sign. A sign hanging from a porch or canopy and parallel to the face of the building shall be considered a wall sign.

• LL. “Window sign” – A sign that is applied or attached to a window or located within 2.5 feet of the inside of a window, and intended for view by a pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

A conditional use permit approved by the City Council shall be required if the following sign guidelines are not met:

• A. Total advertising surface limitations. The maximum total exterior advertising surface permitted for any one lot or parcel shall be 100 square feet for a single use and 250 square feet for multiple uses. A use permit may be granted by the City Council to exceed the maximum sign area as provided in Chapter 12.08.27.

• B. Advertising surface calculation. The “advertising surface (facing)” of a sign shall be either the area of the entire sign face, or where individual sign letters and/or other components are mounted individually on a building surface, the area calculated by enclosing the extreme limits of all writing, logo, representation, emblem, or other display within no more than 3 parallelograms or triangles.

• C. Sphere calculations. In the case of a sphere of any type, only one-half thereof shall be considered the “advertising surface (facing)” unless the sphere may be observed on all sides by the public, in which event the entire surface area of said sphere shall be considered the “advertising surface (facing).”

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• D. Sign height. No sign shall exceed the building height limits as set forth in each zone district as specified in this code unless the proposed sign qualifies for an exception by use permit pursuant to this code.

• E. Sign height above public property. Signs projecting over public property, if permitted, shall comply with the minimum standard set forth in the latest edition of the California Building Code and the California Electrical Code. In no event shall the clearance be less than 8 feet unless a use permit is obtained.

• F. Illumination of signs. Illumination of signs shall be permitted, provided, however, when reflectors, flood lights or spotlights are used, they shall be installed, focused and maintained as to concentrate their illumination upon the sign face or outdoor advertising structure face and shall not cause glare upon the street or adjacent private property or cause sky-reflected glare. City Council approval shall be required for all illumination signs to ensure compliance with the Loyalton Municipal Code.

• G. Electric signs and outline lighting. All electric signs and outline lighting shall comply with Article 600 of the current edition of the California Building Code. A building permit and approval by the Building Official is required prior to the installation of any such electrical sign or outline lighting.

• H. Quasi-public uses identification. In addition to any other allowed signing, churches, schools, hospitals and other uses of a quasi-public nature, as determined by the Planning Director, shall be allowed 1 monument sign and 1 wall sign. However, the sign permit and the review and approval process shall be required. Said monument sign shall not exceed 8 feet in height and the advertising surface shall not exceed 24 square feet per side; the wall sign shall not exceed 12 square feet in area. Both types of signs maybe internally or externally illuminated.

by the Planning Director, shall be allowed 1 monument sign and 1 wall sign. However, the sign permit and the review and approval process shall be required. Said monument sign shall not exceed 8 feet in height and the advertising surface shall not exceed 24 square feet per side; the wall sign shall not exceed 12 square feet in area. Both types of signs maybe internally or externally illuminated.

• I. Visibility triangles. Signs shall maintain a minimum 75-foot visibility triangle at street intersections, a minimum 33-foot visibility triangle at driveways, shall not be located less than 10 feet behind the edge of pavement and shall not be located so as to create a traffic hazard as determined by City Staff.

• J. Engineering plans required. The following signs shall require engineered plans, and the building permit application shall include complete plans and calculations sealed by an engineer or architect registered in the State of California:

  1. Canopy and marquee signs, when the area of the face of one sign or the aggregate area of all signs exceeds 25 square feet.

  2. Wall signs exceeding 50 square feet in area, except:

     • a. Wall signs constructed of cut-out letters and insignia attached directly to the building and for which no individual letter exceeds 50 square feet in area.

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  - b. Any signs painted directly upon the wall of a building. 

3. Ground or pole signs when the area of the face of one sign or the aggregate area of all signs on the sign structure exceeds 35 square feet and the structure exceeds 6 feet in height.

4. As otherwise required by the City Building Official.

• K. Building code compliance. All signs shall be required to meet all stipulations of the Building Code.

• L. Sign permits. All signs, except those exempted by this code, shall be processed by the Building Official, with appeal to the City Council, on forms as approved by the City of Loyalton.

• M. Permit fee. A sign permit fee, to be established by resolution, shall be paid by the applicant upon application for a sign permit.

• N. Flashing signs. All electrical signs intended to attract attention by any flashing on and off, or simulating any motion through a series of rapid light changes shall require City Council approval. These signs shall be appropriate to the surrounding environment and shall not cause potential safety issues and shall not have a negative effect on traffic safety or otherwise negatively affect the neighborhood.

• O. Moving signs. Signs with movement or moving parts which is generated by electronic means shall be allowed upon approval by the City Council and engineered plans shall be required. Moving signs shall be evaluated prior to approval to ensure that they will not create a safety hazard.

• P. Marquee signs. Marquee signs shall be prohibited except for theaters, religious facilities, schools, gasoline pricing signs, restaurants, and hotels/motels. These signs shall be allowed and shall not be larger than 25 square feet unless approved by the City Council.

• A. Hanging signs permitting. Permits for a hanging sign shall be approved by the City Council.

• B. Hanging signs standards. A hanging sign is a sign hanging over a covered pedestrian walkway. It shall be at least 8 feet above the walkway. Such sign shall not be internally lighted and shall not exceed 8 square feet in area per face. No more than 1 such sign shall be allowed per use per frontage. Such sign shall only identify the name and/or logo of the adjacent use.

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• A. Projecting signs permitting. Permits for a projecting sign shall be approved by the City Council.

• B. Projecting signs general standards:

  1. Projecting signs shall be permitted as secondary identification signs (in addition to wall signs) for sites with a high degree of pedestrian traffic and where the view of the primary sign by pedestrians is limited.

  2. Projecting signs may be used as primary signs for buildings that do not possess adequate areas with proper visibility for the location of other types of identification signs.

  3. Projecting signs shall be placed perpendicular to the building frontage and shall not extend above the level of the building eave of a sloped roof or highest point on a flat roof.

• C. Projecting signs area limitations. Projecting signs shall not exceed 6 square feet each side. Only 1 such sign shall be allowed per each street frontage.

• D. Projection over public property. Signs projecting over public property shall comply with the minimum standard set forth in the latest edition of the California Building Code and California Electrical Code. In no event shall the clearance be less than 8 feet unless a use permit is obtained.

• E. Extension from pole, wall or buildings. No projecting sign shall be erected with the nearest portion of the sign face extending a greater distance than 18 inches from the pole or wall or building to which it is attached.

• F. Projecting signs wind pressure requirements. All projecting signs shall be constructed in accordance with wind pressure requirements set forth by the Building Code.

• A. Awning and canopy signs permitting. Permits for an awning or canopy sign shall be approved by the City Council. Engineering plans may be required.

• B. Awning signs. Awning signs shall be placed upon the hanging border of an awning. The advertising surface of an awning sign shall not extend above or below the hanging border of the awning. The allowable area of the awning sign shall be limited to 10% of the awning surface or 25 square feet, whichever is less. In no case shall an awning project beyond the back edge of a curb.

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• C. Canopy signs. The advertising surface of a canopy sign shall not extend above or below the canopy border. The area of the canopy sign shall be limited to 10% of the canopy surface or 25 square feet, whichever is less.

• A. Pole signs permitting. Permits for a pole sign shall be approved by the City Council, if the land is to be developed simultaneously with the pole sign, or is already developed. A conditional use permit shall be required for all pole signs that are to be located on land with no development.

• B. Pole signs design and construction:

  1. Maximum total sign area for pole or post signs shall be 100 square feet for a single (one use) sign and 250 square feet for a multi-use sign.

  2. Maximum height of the pole or post for the sign shall not exceed 70 feet above the finished grade, not including the sign. The sign area shall be limited to 100 square feet for a single use and 250 square feet for multi-use.

  3. Pole signs shall only be allowed in the commercial and planned development zone districts, only if the proposed use has been permitted by the City, subject to City Council review.

  4. No pole sign(s) shall be allowed to be constructed within 330 feet of any existing pole sign.

  5. No pole or post sign shall project over any public right-of-way or sidewalk. Pole signs erected over a private vehicular drive shall be erected so as to provide not less than 15 feet vertical clearance.

  6. All such signs shall be required to provide an architecturally enhanced treatment for the sign base, pole and supports compatible with the individual business or the complex/center. Pole covers and sign base shall be a minimum of 25% of the full sign width.

  7. Engineering plans shall be required for all pole signs.

  8. The ground area surrounding the pole base shall be clear of all brush, vegetation, weeds and debris within a 15-foot perimeter at all times.

  9. Multiple tenant signs may be added to and are allowed on existing pole signs as part of the permit process. Added multiple tenant signs may not exceed 250 square feet per side. All requirements of the Loyalton Municipal Code shall apply.

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• A. Monument signs permitting. Monument signs shall be considered and approved by the City Council.

• B. Monument signs standards:

  1. Monument signs shall not exceed a height of 8 feet, including the base. The advertising surface of any sign face shall not exceed 24 square feet per side. When practical, landscaping shall be provided around the base of the sign. Only 1 such sign is permitted for each street frontage. Provided that parcels with frontage exceeding 200 feet may have a maximum of 2 monument signs. The distance between monument signs on any one parcel shall not be less than 50 feet.

  2. All such signs shall have monument-type bases of masonry construction. A comparable alternate basic material may be used upon approval by the City.

• A. Multiple tenant signs permitting. Permits for commercial center signs pursuant to this Chapter or Part shall be approved by the City Council.

• B. Multiple tenant identification signs. A multiple tenant identification sign, which may include tenant directional signs, are permitted upon obtaining approval of the City Council pursuant to the following standards:

  1. Multiple tenant signs shall not be more than 12 square feet in total area.

  2. Multiple tenant signs shall not exceed 6 feet in height above the finished grade.

• A. Wall signs permitting. Wall signs shall be considered and approved by the City Council.

• B. Wall signs location and height. Wall signs shall not project more than 15 inches from the surface of the building to which it is attached. The face of any wall sign which extends over public property must be 8 feet or more above the surface of the adjoining ground, sidewalk or pavement. Wall signs shall not extend above the roof line.

• C. Wall signs area limit. Surface of a wall sign or a combination of wall signs shall not exceed 100 square feet. Signs painted directly on the wall shall be included in the calculation of the 100-square foot maximum area. This includes any existing

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signs painted on the wall. In no event shall the area of the sign exceed 20% of the area of the building wall upon which the sign is to be placed.

• A. Signs urgently needed. Any sign deemed by the Building Official to be urgently needed due to undue economic hardship upon the applicant may be allowed temporarily by the Building Official, upon approval of the City Council for the sign, until such time as the appropriate approving authority approves or denies the application. In the event such application is ultimately denied, any such sign erected pursuant to this Part shall be removed within 15 days from the date of such denial.

• B. Additional signing allowed by a conditional use permit:

  1. The City Council, by way of a conditional use permit, may allow additional sign types, number of signs, size of signs, and number of locations. The applicant must submit a statement with the application supporting the request for the additional signing. Criteria for additional signing may include large parcel size, unusual configuration or location, size of buildings, multiple street frontages, number of independent businesses, location of the buildings on the parcel or unique qualities of the use of the parcel, any of which must relate to the finding which shall be required of the City Council that the additional signing will not be contrary to the intent of this Chapter or the public interest, safety, health and welfare.

  2. Under such conditional use permit sign request, the City Council may increase each allowed sign area by up to 15% for any such sign.

• C. Height and size exceptions-conditions for granting. The City Council, through a conditional use permit, may grant exceptions upon the verified application of any property owner as to the maximum overall height of any sign above natural ground level or as to the maximum square feet of advertising surface, whenever one or more of the conditions hereinafter set forth exist:

  1. The proposed sign identifies a retail shopping center or industrial park or similar complex, involving a total of at least 100,000 square feet of gross floor area, or an individual business with a gross floor area exceeding 50,000 square feet.

  2. The grade of the nearest adjacent street or highway, excluding the interstate freeway, to the proposed sign location is of an elevation 10 feet or more above the natural ground level of the sign site.

  3. In the exercise of the power herein delegated, the City Council shall impose such conditions upon exceptions so granted as in its judgment may be necessary to assure compliance with the spirit and purpose of this Part.

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4. As to the existence of any of the herein above set forth conditions and the necessity for exception from the provisions of this Part, the burden of proof shall be upon the applicant.

• D. Public service or directional signs. Permits for public services or directional signs shall be considered and approved by the City Council. Any such sign will provide only directional information as to the location of services or goods and shall contain no advertising content identifying a particular brand name or product or a particular business.

Public service or traffic signs erected by the City are exempt from the provisions of this Part.

• A. Federal law. Nothing in this Part, either by inclusion or omission, shall be deemed to be in conflict with Public Law 89-285, 89[th] Congress, S. 2084, October 22, 1965, known as the Highway Beautification Act of 1965, 79 Statute 1028, or the State Scenic Highway Act of 1963, as such laws apply or may apply to the portions of the interstate system and the primary system of the Federal and state highways now within or which may come within the limits of the City.

• B. State law. Nothing in this Part, either by inclusion or omission, shall be deemed to be in conflict with any of the laws of the state of California, as such laws apply or may apply to the portions of the interstate system and the primary system of federal and state highways now within or which may come within the limits of the City.

Noncommercial signs shall be allowed under the same conditions in which a commercial sign is allowed pursuant to this Part. The City shall have the right to review, approve or disapprove the contents or copy of any such signs. The permit procedures shall otherwise be the same as for commercial signs.

• 25-13. Sign Maintenance and Materials

  • A. Sign materials. All signs shall be comprised of materials that are not considered hazardous to public safety, as approved by the Planning Department.

  • B. Prohibited sign materials. Signs of the following materials shall be prohibited within the City of Loyalton:

    1. Cardboard

    2. Roof tin

    3. Spray paint

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• C. Sign maintenance. All signage within the City of Loyalton shall be maintained by the owner or person in possession of the property on which the sign is located. Maintenance shall be such that the signage continues to conform to all conditions stated in this Municipal Code.

  1. Any damaged sign or sign base shall be repaired within thirty (30) days of notice to repair, issued by the Building Department.

  2. Any metal pole covers and sign cabinets shall be kept free of rust and rust stains.

  3. Any internally-illuminated sign cabinets or sign panels which have been damaged shall remain un-illuminated until repaired.

  4. All signs erected within the City limits shall be kept weed free.

• A. Comprehensive Sign Plan purpose. A Comprehensive Sign Plan shall be provided for groups of businesses or for the whole of a shopping center development. Such a plan shall regulate the location, size, height, color, orientation, lighting and types of signs included in the area.

• B. Comprehensive Sign Plan contents. The comprehensive sign plan:

  1. Shall propose signage which in height and area is no more than 20% greater than is permitted in the zone district in which the use is located.

  2. Shall not propose signage of a type that is otherwise prohibited by this Code.

  3. Shall be limited to those projects which individually or collectively exceed 10 gross acres in size for non-residential and 100 gross acres in size for residential.

• C. Comprehensive Sign Plan submittal. The applicant shall submit all of the documents, information, data and other requirements for Comprehensive Sign Plan approval to the City at the time of application. The applicant shall be responsible for furnishing any additional information and materials relevant to the application that the City may require.

• D.

• Comprehensive Sign Plan review:

1. Application for the review and approval of a Comprehensive Sign Plan shall be submitted and reviewed concurrently with a site plan or preliminary subdivision plat and shall be acted upon by the City Council.

2. Applications submitted for existing developments shall be submitted to and reviewed by the City and acted upon by the City Council. The City Council

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may approve the Comprehensive Sign Plan subject to any modifications, conditions, requirements, or standards that may be appropriate.

3. Fees for the submittal and review of Comprehensive Sign Plans shall be as set forth by the City Council.

• E.

  • Comprehensive Sign Plan evaluation criteria:

  1. Size and height. All proposed signage shall be no larger than allowed in that zone district. Factors to be considered in determining appropriate size and height include topography, traffic volumes, traffic speeds, visibility ranges, impact on adjacent properties, and copy size.

  2. Location and orientation. All proposed signage shall respect both the developed and undeveloped surrounding environment. Signs shall be located and oriented appropriately to allow sufficient visibility and legibility. Factors that may be considered in reviewing the appropriateness of the sign location and orientation may include: location relative to the surrounding streets, traffic volumes and access points, visibility angles and topographic features.

  3. Color, materials and types of illumination. Signs proposed under the Comprehensive Sign Plan shall be compatible with the architecture and theme of the specific development in which the signs are located. Compatibility with the specific development shall include color, materials and architectural style. Signage shall complement and enhance the character of the project.

• F. Comprehensive Sign Plan amendments. All amendments to an approved Comprehensive Sign Plan shall be processed in accordance with the following procedures. Fees for the submittal and review of Comprehensive Sign Plan amendments shall be as set forth by the City Council.

  1. Minor amendments. Minor Amendments shall include any change which does not increase the number of signs nor increase the size or height of any sign beyond what was approved under the original Comprehensive Sign Plan Approval. All changes processed under the Minor Amendment procedures shall comply with all provisions of this Chapter and shall not deviate from the information provided in the original approval. Minor amendments may be approved administratively by staff.

  2. Major amendments. Major Amendments shall be defined as those amendments not meeting the criteria set forth above to qualify as a Minor Comprehensive Sign Plan Amendment. Major Amendments shall be processed and approved in the same manner as the initial Comprehensive Sign Plan submittal.

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• A. Nonconforming signs:

  1. Any existing sign which was in compliance with all signage requirements when erected, but no longer complies with the provisions of this Part shall not be substantially altered or reconstructed unless the sign, when so reconstructed or altered, complies with the applicable requirements of this Part.

  2. Reasonable repairs and alterations may be made to nonconforming signs. However, in the event any such sign is hereafter damaged exceeding 50% of the reproduction cost, according to appraisal thereof by competent appraisers, or is removed by any means whatsoever, including an act of God, such sign may be restored, reconstructed, altered, or repaired only to conform with the provisions set forth in this Municipal Code.

  3. Whenever the business conducted on premises changes, the subsequent sign modifications to reflect that change, whether it is in copy, size or shape of signage, must bring the sign into conformance with regulations set forth in this Municipal Code.

  4. Any nonconforming sign cannot be expanded or enlarged.

• B. Signs which may confuse traffic:

  1. No sign shall be erected, constructed or maintained if such sign displays or makes use of the words “stop”, “danger”, or any other word, phrase, symbol or character, in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead or confuse traffic.

  2. Signs having red, green or amber lights that could be confused with traffic signals shall not be permitted if designed or located to be seen primarily by vehicular traffic. Such colors are not prohibited where, by the design of the sign or lights used, it is extremely unlikely that such lights could be confused with traffic signals by the driving public.

• C.

  • Roof signs. Roof signs are prohibited.

• D. Portable signs. Portable Signs are permitted in all commercial and industrial zone districts. Portable Signs are prohibited in public right of way, except in downtown district. Portable Signs may not exceed 16 square feet in size.

• E. Obscene signs. Obscene signs containing statements, words, pictures or other representations, which are obscene as defined in Penal Code § 311 are prohibited.

• F. Parking of advertising vehicles prohibited. No person shall park any vehicle or trailer in a public right-of-way, or on private property so as to be visible from a

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public right-of-way, which has attached thereto or located thereon any sign or advertising device for the basic purpose of providing advertisement of products or directing people to a business. This Chapter is not intended to apply to standard advertising or identification practices where such signs or advertising devices are painted on or permanently attached to a business or commercial vehicle and are used in conjunction with the business that it identifies or advertises including vehicles utilized for the delivery of business products.

of products or directing people to a business. This Chapter is not intended to apply to standard advertising or identification practices where such signs or advertising devices are painted on or permanently attached to a business or commercial vehicle and are used in conjunction with the business that it identifies or advertises including vehicles utilized for the delivery of business products.

• G. Unsafe signs. The owner of any sign as defined and regulated by this Part, including supporting structures, shall keep the same in a safe condition at all times. If the Building Official finds that any sign regulated herein is unsafe or insecure, or is a menace to the public, he or she may give written notice to the sign owner and to the property owner. If such sign owner fails to remove or alter the sign so as to comply with the standards herein set forth within thirty (30) days after such notice, the Building Official may cause such sign to be removed or altered to comply at the expense of the sign owner or owner of the property upon which it is located.

The Building Official may cause any sign, which is an immediate danger to persons or property to be removed summarily and without notice.

• H. Clearance from electric power and communication lines. No sign shall be constructed, installed or erected, which has less horizontal or vertical clearance from energized electric power lines and communication lines than prescribed by California Penal Code § 385, the regulations of the California Public Utilities Commission, and the orders of the Division of Industrial Safety, State of California.

• I.

  • Obstruction of fire escapes, stairways, or exterior doors:

  1. No portion of any sign, or the supports thereof, shall be placed so as to obstruct any fire escape, stairway, exterior door or standpipe, nor shall any such outdoor advertising structure or sign or any of the supports thereof, be attached to or supported by any fire escape.

  2. No portion of any sign or the supports thereof shall be placed so as to interfere with human exit through any window of any room.

• J. Removal of certain advertising. Any advertising copy or message now or hereafter existing which advertises a business no longer in operation under the same name, a product or service which is no longer available, a public or private event which has already occurred, or a candidate for public office, the election for which has already taken place, shall be removed by the owner, agent or person having the beneficial use of the building, or structure or premises upon which such copy or message may be found, within 30 days after written notice from Planning Director. Upon failure to comply with such notice within the time specified in such order, the Planning Director is authorized to cause the removal of the advertising copy or message, and the expense incident to such removal shall be the obligation of the owner of the

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building, or structure or premises on which the advertising copy or message is displayed.

• K. Obstruction to traffic signs. No sign shall be erected at any location where, by reason of its position, it will obstruct or interfere with the view of any authorized traffic sign, signal or device.

• L. Liability for damages. The provision of this Part shall not be construed as relieving, or limiting in any way, the responsibility or liability of any person erecting or owning any sign from person injury or property damage resulting from the placing of such sign, or resulting from the negligence or willful acts of such person, his agents, employees or workmen, in the construction, maintenance, repair or removal of any sign erected in accordance with a permit issued hereunder. Nor shall this Part be construed as imposing upon the City, or its officers or employees, any responsibility or liability by reason of the approval of any signs, materials, or devices under the provisions of Part.

• A. Exempt signs general compliance requirements. All signs not expressly exempted below shall be subject to the provisions of this Code and shall comply with all applicable provisions thereof.

• B. Exempt signs. The provisions and regulations of this Part shall not apply to the following signs:

  1. One real estate sign, which advertises the sale, rental or lease of the premises, is permitted on each parcel frontage as follows:

     • a. Single-family residential zoned parcels: 6 square feet maximum area per sign

     • b. Multiple family residential zoned parcels: 12 square feet maximum area per sign

     • c. Non-residential zoned parcels: 8 square feet maximum area per sign

     • d. The residential signs shall not exceed 6 feet in height above the ground, and the non-residential signs 8 feet above the ground.

  2. Window signs, the combined total of which do not exceed 20% of the window area.

  3. Bulletin boards not over 12 square feet in area for public, charitable or religious institutions when the same are located on the premises of such institutions, as part of an approved monument sign.

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4. Signs denoting the architect, engineer contractor, or financing institution when placed upon work under construction, and not exceeding 12 square feet in area.

5. Signs placed flat against the façade of a building that identify the history and name of a building or an historic event not exceeding 3 square feet in area and constructed of bronze, brass or other like incombustible material.

6. Traffic or other municipal signs, legal notices or railroad crossing signs.

7. Signs of public service companies indicating danger, and aids to service or safety.

8. Signs placed on the interior of a property and not seen from the public right of way.

9. Gasoline price signs not exceeding 20 square feet per side. with no more than 2 separate signs per parcel.

  - California and United States flags. 

11. Signs placed in parking lots to direct traffic and inform users of parking requirements.

12. Warning signs to indicate danger or to serve as an aid to public safety or to show the location of public utilities’ underground facilities.

13. Political signs shall be removed within the time frame allowed by State and Federal law.

14. Yard sale/Rummage sale signs shall be removed 48 hours after the sale.

• C. Ordinary maintenance and repair of an existing conforming advertising structure provided there is no structural modification including repainting with the same colors.

• D.

• Informational window signs shall be exempt as follows:

1. Small non-illuminated informational signs related to the operation of the business located on the windows or glass doors are exempt from these provisions and are not included in the total allowed sign area. Examples of such signs are “open/closed” signs, credit card signs, rating or professional signs, and signs of a similar nature. Only one of each type of sign is allowed, not to exceed 1-square foot in area per sign with no more than 4 in number at any individual business.

located on the windows or glass doors are exempt from these provisions and are not included in the total allowed sign area. Examples of such signs are “open/closed” signs, credit card signs, rating or professional signs, and signs of a similar nature. Only one of each type of sign is allowed, not to exceed 1-square foot in area per sign with no more than 4 in number at any individual business.

2. One neon or other “open” sign is permitted in the window per each street frontage as a sign exempt from the provisions of this Part and shall not

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exceed 4 square feet in area. The area of the open sign is not included in the total allowed window sign area.

• E. Temporary signs promoting short-term retail sales programs, special products, activities, or events are exempt provided they comply with the following standards:

  1. The sign shall not be displayed for more than 90 days.

  - No more than 1 such sign is allowed for each street frontage. 
  

  3. Maximum sign area not to exceed 50 square feet. The area of an inflatable device shall be measured like a sphere and shall not exceed 100 square feet with an aggregate maximum of 200 square feet.

  4. If temporary signs are placed in windows, they shall not exceed 50 square feet or 20% of the total window and glass door area, whichever is the most restrictive requirement.

  5. Portable signs are not permitted as a temporary sign.

• F. Fee exempt signs. All temporary signs and signs erected by nonprofit or volunteer organizations are exempt from the requirement of paying application and sign permit fees. An application and sign permit for any such sign is required in the same manner as otherwise provided in this Part. These signs shall not be displayed for more than 90 days. An extension may be granted upon authorization by the City of Loyalton City Council.

• G. Exempt parking and directional signs. Parking directional signs not exceeding 8 square feet per side located in close proximity to driveway entrances are exempt.

Directional signs located within a non-residentially zoned parcel for the purpose of directing vehicular traffic or pedestrians to specific entrances or services at the business facility shall be exempt provided that the face of any such sign shall not exceed 8 square feet.

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