§ 22.28

The purpose of this Chapter is to promote the public health, safety, and welfare of the County through a comprehensive system of reasonable, effective, consistent, content-neutral, and nondiscriminatory sign/display standards and requirements to:

A.

Promote and accomplish the goals, policies, and objectives of the General Plan;

B.

Balance public and private objectives by allowing adequate avenues for both commercial and noncommercial messages;

C.

Recognize free speech rights by regulating signs in a content-neutral manner;

D.

Improve pedestrian and traffic safety by promoting the free flow of traffic and the protection of pedestrians and motorists from injury and property damage caused by, or which may be fully or partially attributable to, cluttered, distracting, and/or illegible signage;

E.

Enhance and improve properties and neighborhoods by encouraging signs which are compatible with and complementary to related structures and uses and harmonious with their surroundings;

F.

Prevent property damage, personal injury, and litter caused by signs that are improperly constructed or poorly maintained;

G.

Allow signs to serve as an effective channel of communication through flexible standards applicable in certain circumstances; and

H.

Provide clear and unambiguous sign standards that enable fair and consistent enforcement.

(Ord. No. 3666, § II(exh. A), 2017; Ord. No. 3706, 2019)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 3706, adopted March 12, 2019, amended the title of § 22.28.010 to read as herein set out. Former § 22.28.010 pertained to purpose.

A.

Applicability.

This Chapter applies to all signs within the County unless specifically exempted.

2.

Nothing in this Chapter shall be construed to prohibit a person from holding a sign while picketing or protesting on public property that has been determined to be a traditional or designated public forum, so long as the person holding the sign does not block ingress and egress from buildings, create a safety hazard by impeding travel on sidewalks, in bike or vehicle lanes, or on trails, or violate any other reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions adopted by the County.

3.

The provisions of this Chapter shall not require alteration of the display of any registered mark, or any trademark, service mark, trade name, or corporate name that may be associated with or incorporated into a registered mark, where such alteration would require the registered mark to be displayed in a manner differing from the mark as exhibited in the certificate of registration issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. It is the responsibility of the applicant to establish that a proposed sign includes a registered mark.

4.

Permanent signs shall be constructed, installed, or altered, only with the approval of a Sign Permit or Sign Review, and in compliance with all applicable provisions of this Chapter and Chapter 22.60. Signs that are exempt from the provisions of this Chapter are described in Section 22.60.020.B (Permits for SignsExemptions). Prohibited signs are described in Subsection 22.28.030.B (Prohibited Signs).

B.

Interpretations.

1.

This Chapter is not intended to and does not restrict speech on the basis of its content, viewpoint, or message. No part of this Chapter shall be construed to favor commercial speech over non-commercial speech. A non-commercial message may be substituted for any commercial message displayed on a sign, or the content of any non-commercial message displayed on a sign may be changed to a different noncommercial message, without the need for any approval or permit, provided that the size of the sign is not altered. To the extent any provision of this Chapter is ambiguous, the term shall be interpreted not to regulate on the basis of the content of the message.

2.

Where a particular type of sign is proposed in a permit application, and the type is not expressly allowed, restricted, or prohibited by this Chapter, the Director shall approve, conditionally approve, or deny the application based on the most similar sign type that is expressly regulated by this Chapter.

(Ord. No. 3666, § II(exh. A), 2017)

Signs shall only be erected, placed, constructed, altered, maintained, or otherwise located in compliance with the permit requirements or exemptions of Chapter 22.60 (Permits for Signs).

A.

Location restrictions. Signs may not be placed in the following locations, except where specifically authorized:

1.

Within, on, or projecting over County right-of-way;

2.

On public property;

3.

Any location that obstructs the view of any authorized traffic sign, signal, or other traffic control device;

4.

Signs tacked, painted, burned, cut, pasted, or otherwise affixed to cliffs, hillsides, trees, light and utility poles, posts, fences, ladders, or similar supports that are visible from the public right-of-way;

5.

Any sign mounted, attached, or painted on a trailer, boat, or motor vehicle parked to provide advertising visible from the public right-of-way or parked on public property to clearly provide advertising close to the public right-of-way;

6.

Signs constructed or placed in such a manner as to prevent or interfere with free ingress to or egress from any door, window, or any exit way required by the Building Code or Fire Department standards;

7.

Any location that impairs pedestrian and vehicular safety;

8.

Signs constructed or placed in such a way as to be confused with any authorized traffic signal or device; and

9.

Roof signs.

B.

Prohibited signs. The following signs are prohibited:

1.

Digital displays that can distract drivers;

2.

Billboards;

3.

Signs advertising a use no longer in operation;

4.

Feather signs;

5.

Signs in storage or in the process of assemblage or repair, that are located outside of a premises other than that advertised on the sign, and are visible from a public right-of-way; and

6.

Stuffed or inflated animals or characters used as signs.

C.

Display restrictions. Signs with the following display features are prohibited:

1.

Lighting devices with intermittent, flashing, blinking, or varying intensity or light or color, including animation or motion picture, or any lighting effects creating the illusion of motion, as well as laser or hologram lights unless explicitly allowed by this Chapter (e.g., electronic message center signs);

2.

Sound, odor, or smoke;

3.

Sign with reflective material;

4.

Banners, pennants, streamers except in conjunction with an athletic event, carnival, circus, fair, or during the first 30 days of occupancy of a new structure or operation of a new business in compliance with Section 22.28.060 (Temporary Sign Standards);

Signs, other than clocks or meteorological devices, having moving parts or parts so devised that the sign appears to move or to be animated. Barber poles no larger than three feet high and 10 inches in diameter are excepted from this restriction;

6.

Any changeable copy LED signs, except fixed illumination display signs used to indicate that a business is "open," display prices, or to confirm an order placed in a drive through lane; and

7.

Strings of lights arranged in the shape of a product, arrow, or any commercial message.

D.

Utility clearance. The owner of any sign shall maintain legal clearance from communications and electrical facilities. No sign shall be constructed, erected, installed, maintained or repaired in any manner that conflicts with any rule, regulation or order of the California Public Utilities Commission pertaining to the construction, operation and maintenance of public utility facilities.

E.

Sign message. Any permitted sign may contain, in lieu of any other message or copy, any lawful noncommercial message, so long as the sign complies with the size, height, area, location, and other requirements of this Chapter.

F.

Sign measurement criteria. Sign area and sign height are measured as follows:

1.

Sign area measurement. The surface area of a sign shall be measured as the limits of the message, background, and any frame or outline that does not include any materials used exclusively for structural support. Where a sign message has no background material or where the background is an undifferentiated wall, the area shall be measured as the smallest rectangular shape that encompasses the total message. The area of a conic, cylindrical, spherical or multi-faced sign shall be its maximum projection onto a vertical plane (e.g., for a two-faced sign, only one side shall be measured).

FIGURE 3-11

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FIGURE 3-12

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FIGURE 3-13

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2.

Sign height measurement. Sign height is measured as follows:

a.

Building mounted signs.

i)

For all single-family residential, duplex and multi-family residential uses and mobile home parks, the height of building mounted signs is measured as the vertical distance from the grade below the sign to the top of the highest element of the sign.

ii)

Freestanding signs. The height of a freestanding sign is measured as the vertical distance from grade to an imaginary plane located the allowed number of feet above and parallel to the grade to the top of the highest element of the sign.

FIGURE 3-14

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FIGURE 3-15

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FIGURE 3-16

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G.

Sign placement at intersection. Freestanding signs shall not obstruct sight distance as established by the County Code (Chapter 13.18) and Section 22.20.050.A.2 (Fencing and Screening Standards - Corner lots).

H.

Sign illumination. Sign illumination must be designed to minimize light and glare on surrounding rights-ofway and properties according to the following standards:

1.

Sign illumination must be limited to avoid light projection or reflection into residential zones;

2.

Sign illuminations must not blink, flash, flutter, or change light intensity, brightness, or color unless consistent with standards for electronic message center signs;

3.

Neither the direct nor reflected light from primary light sources may create hazards for pedestrians or operators of motor vehicles;

4.

Internally illuminated signs shall meet the night-time brightness standards for electronic message center signs. Externally illuminated signs must be illuminated only with steady and stationary light sources directed solely onto the sign without causing glare.

Electronic message center signs.

a.

Electronic message center signs must not flash, blink, flutter, include intermittent or chasing lights, or display video messages (i.e., any illumination or message that is in motion or appears to be in motion). Electronic messages signs may display changing messages provided that each message is displayed for no less than four seconds.

b.

One electronic message center sign may be allowed per property.

c.

Night-time brightness.

i)

Night-time brightness must be measured with an illuminance meter set to measure foot candles accurate to at least two decimals. Illuminance must be measured with the electronic message off, and again with the electronic message displaying a white image for a full color-capable electronic message or a solid message for a single-color electronic message.

ii)

All measurements must be taken perpendicular to the face of the electronic message at the following distance:

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Measurement Distance =

iii)

The difference between the off and solid message measurements shall not exceed 0.3 foot candles at night.

d.

Electronic message center signs must be equipped with a sensor or other device that automatically determines the ambient illumination and programmed to automatically dim according to ambient light conditions (e.g., photocell technology), or that can be adjusted to comply with the 0.3-foot candle requirement.

(Ord. No. 3666, § II(exh. A), 2017; Ord. No. 3706, 2019)

Permanent signs shall comply with the sign area, height, number, type, and other requirements of this Section.

A.

Single-Family Residential or Duplex (including home occupations and bed and breakfasts):

Maximum number of signs - one.

Maximum area - four square feet.

Maximum Height - six feet above grade.

B.

Multi-family Residential Developments/Subdivisions/Mobile Home Parks:

Maximum number of signs - one.

Maximum area - 6 square feet.

Maximum Height - 10 feet above grade.

C.

Agricultural Uses:

Maximum number of signs - one.

Maximum area - 12 square feet.

Maximum Height - A minimum distance from the top of the wall or parapet of two feet or 10% of the height of the wall, whichever is greater.

D.

Institutional or Civic Uses:

Maximum number of signs - two.

Maximum area - 24 square feet.

Maximum Height - A minimum distance from the top of the wall or parapet of two feet or 10% of the height of the wall, whichever is greater.

E.

Commercial or Industrial Uses:

Maximum number of signs - two.

Maximum area.

•

Ground floor: One square foot per one linear foot of wall to which the sign is mounted, to a maximum of 50 square feet.

•

Upper floor: 24 square feet.

Maximum Height - A minimum distance from the top of the wall or parapet of two feet or 10% of the height of the wall, whichever is greater.

F.

Outdoor Uses, including Outdoor Commercial Recreation, Outdoor Retail Sales and Activities, and Temporary Outdoor Retail Sales:

Maximum number of signs - one.

Maximum area - 0.5 square feet per one linear foot of distance of the property line that the sign faces most directly, up to a maximum of 50 square feet.

Maximum Height - A minimum distance from the top of the wall or parapet of two feet or 10% of the height of the wall, whichever is greater.

(Ord. No. 3666, § II(exh. A), 2017)

All signs shall comply with the standards established in Table 3-6 (Standards for Specific Sign Types). Each sign type listed in this Section shall be included in the calculation of the total sign area for signs allowed on a development site by this Section. Each sign shall also comply with the sign area, height, and other requirements of 22.28.040 (General Standards for Permanent Signs by Use), and all other applicable provisions of this Chapter. Any non-commercial message may be substituted for the sign copy on any commercial sign allowed by this Chapter.

TABLE 3-6

STANDARDS FOR SPECIFIC SIGN TYPES

End Notes:

1

Only if not visible from the public right-of-way. If the sign is visible from the public right-of-way, it must be considered a freestanding or building mounted sign and will be included in the limitations for maximum number of signs and sign area.

2

Maximum window sign area includes both permanent and temporary window signs.

A.

Supplemental standards by sign type. In addition to the standards in 22.28.040 (General Standards for Permanent Signs by Use), signs must comply with the following supplemental standards applicable to the specific sign type. Each sign must also comply with the requirements of Section 22.28.030 (General Restrictions for All Signs) and all other applicable provisions of this Chapter.

1.

Awning sign. The following standards apply to awning signs (Figure 3-17), in addition to the standards in Table 3-6 (Standards for Specific Sign Types).

a.

Mounting Height.

(1)

Maximum 25 feet on ground floor awnings; and

(2)

Minimum eight feet from the bottom of the awning to the nearest grade or sidewalk.

b.

Sign Placement.

(1)

Only above the doors and windows of the ground floor of a building;

(2)

An awning shall not project above, below or beyond the edges of the face of the building wall or architectural element on which it is located;

(3)

Displayed only on the vertical surface of an awning; and

(4)

Sign width shall not be greater than 60% of the width of the awning face or valence on which it is displayed.

c.

Setback from Back of Curb. Minimum 18 inches.

d.

Illumination. Not permitted.

FIGURE 3-17

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2.

Canopy sign. The following standards apply to canopy signs (Figure 3-18), in addition to the standards in Table 3-6 (Standards for Specific Sign Types).

a.

Mounting height.

(1)

Maximum 25 feet on ground floor canopies (see Figure 3-18);

(2)

Minimum eight feet from the bottom of the canopy to the nearest grade or sidewalk.

b.

Sign placement.

(1)

Only above the doors and windows of the ground floor of a building;

(2)

A canopy shall not project beyond the edges of the face of the building wall or architectural element on which it is located; and

(3)

Shall not extend horizontally a distance greater than 60% of the width of the canopy on which it is displayed.

c.

Setback from back of curb. Minimum 18 inches.

d.

Illumination. Internal illumination allowable only in commercial zoning districts. Internal illumination only for the letters or logos mounted on a canopy. May also be non-illuminated.

FIGURE 3-18

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3.

Changeable copy sign. The following standards apply to changeable copy signs, including non-flashing electronic message center signs, (Figure 3-19), in addition to the standards in Table 3-6 (Standards for Specific Sign Types):

a.

For a non-commercial use, up to 50 percent but not exceeding 50 square feet of the allowed sign area may be used for changeable copy;

b.

For a multi-commercial use, over 50 percent but not exceeding 100 square feet of the allowed sign area may be used for changeable copy; and

c.

Illumination. Internal illumination allowable only in commercial zoning districts. Illumination permitted in accordance with Section 22.28.030.H (Sign Illumination). May also be non-illuminated.

FIGURE 3-19

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4.

Directory signs. The following standards apply to directory signs (Figure 3-20), in addition to the standards in Table 3-6 (Standards for Specific Sign Types).

a.

Maximum sign height.

(1)

Ground mounted directory signs must not exceed six feet;

(2)

Structure mounted directory signs must not exceed six feet from the bottom of the sign to the top of the sign, with the top of the sign no more than 12 feet above ground level; and

(3)

Ground mounted directory signs must comply with the standards for freestanding signs in Subsection 22.28.050.A.5 (Freestanding signs).

b.

Illumination. Internal illumination allowable only in commercial zoning districts. Illumination permitted in accordance with Section 22.28.030.H (Sign Illumination).

FIGURE 3-20

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5.

Freestanding signs. The following standards apply to freestanding signs (Figure 3-21), in addition to the standards in Table 3-6 (Standards for Specific Sign Types).

a.

Setback. Minimum one foot from a property line in non-residential zones, and a minimum of five feet from a property line in residential zones.

b.

Landscaping. Freestanding signs must be surrounded by minimum of 70 square feet of landscaping.

c.

Illumination. Internal illumination allowable only in commercial zoning districts. Permitted in accordance with Section 22.28.030.H (Sign Illumination).

d.

Base width. Freestanding signs larger than four square feet or taller than three feet must include a sign base with an aggregate width of at least 40% of the width of the sign face. See Figure 3-21.

e.

Separation. Multiple freestanding signs should be separated by a minimum of 60 feet to ensure adequate visibility for all signs. The Director may modify this requirement where the locations of existing signs on adjacent properties would make the 60-foot separation impractical.

FIGURE 3-21

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6.

Projecting signs. The following standards apply to projecting signs (Figure 3-22), in addition to the standards in Table 3-6 (Standards for Specific Sign Types).

a.

Vertical clearance. Minimum eight feet from bottom of the sign to finished grade below.

b.

Projection into public right-of-way. Signs must not encroach into the County right-of-way and must not encroach into State right-of-way unless authorized by the State.

c.

Maximum sign height. Top of sign maximum 14 feet above finish grade below.

(1)

Projecting signs must not extend more than six feet from a structure wall;

(2)

Projecting signs must be double-sided.

d.

Illumination. Internal illumination allowable only in commercial zoning districts. Permitted in accordance with Section 22.28.030.H (Sign Illumination).

FIGURE 3-22

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7.

Suspended signs. The following standards apply to suspended signs (Figure 3-23), in addition to the standards in Table 3-6 (Standards for Specific Sign Types):

a.

Vertical clearance. Minimum eight feet from bottom of the sign to finished grade below.

b.

Limited to ground level businesses only.

c.

Illumination. Internal illumination allowable only in commercial zoning districts. Permitted in accordance with Section 22.28.030.H (Sign Illumination).

FIGURE 3-23

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Wall Signs. The following standards apply to wall signs (Figure 3-25), in addition to the standards in Tables 3-7 (Standards for All Temporary Signs On Private Property) and 3-6 (Standards for Specific Sign Types):

a.

Sign placement. The total sign area for wall signs on single-tenant or multi-tenant buildings may be placed on any building elevation, except:

i)

No sign shall face an adjoining residential zone;

ii)

Signs shall be placed the lesser of 12 inches or 20% of the width and height of the building element on which they are mounted (See Figure 3-24);

iii)

The width of the sign shall not be greater than 60% of the width of the building element on which it is displayed; and

iv)

Individual tenants in multi-tenant buildings are permitted building mounted signs only on the primary entrance elevation of the space occupied by the business.

FIGURE 3-24

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b.

Projection. A wall sign must not project more than 12 inches from the surface to which it is attached.

c.

Illumination. Internal illumination allowable only in commercial zoning districts. Permitted in accordance with Section 22.28.030.H (Sign Illumination).

FIGURE 3-25

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Window signs. The following standards apply to window signs (Figure 3-26), in addition to the standards in Table 3-6 (Standards for Specific Sign Types):

a.

Location. Window signs are only allowed on first story windows.

b.

Other standards. Temporary signs placed in a window also count toward maximum allowable window sign area.

FIGURE 3-26

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(Ord. No. 3666, § II(exh. A), 2017; Ord. No. 3706, 2019; Ord. No. 3797, § II(exh. A), 2023)

22.28.060 - Temporary Sign Standards.

A.

Purpose. The proliferation of temporary signs can be a distraction to the traveling public and creates aesthetic blight and litter that threatens the public health, safety, and welfare. The purpose of these regulations is to ensure that temporary signs do not create a distraction to the traveling public by eliminating the aesthetic blight and litter caused by temporary signs.

B.

General to all. All temporary signs must comply with the following:

1.

Wall banners shall not be displayed for more than 30 days per year and other authorized temporary signs shall not be displayed for more than 100 days per year without Temporary Sign Permit approval;

2.

Temporary signs must not be placed on or affixed to any County property, including County rights-of-way, except as specifically authorized in connection with a special event permitted in the County; and

3.

Temporary signs shall not be placed in the clear view zone at street intersections (Section 22.20.050.A.2) or driveways (refer to Chapter 13.18 (Visibility Obstructions) of the County Code).

C.

Standards for temporary signs. Temporary signs placed on private property are allowed in all zoning districts in compliance with the following standards:

1.

Time, place, and manner restrictions for temporary signs on private property. Temporary signs on private property shall comply with the standards provided in Table 3-7 (Standards for All Temporary Signs on Private Property).

TABLE 3-7

STANDARDS FOR ALL TEMPORARY SIGNS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY

2.

Types of Temporary Signs. Temporary signs shall comply with the standards provided in Table 3-8 (Standards for Specific Temporary Sign Types).

TABLE 3-8

STANDARDS FOR SPECIFIC TEMPORARY SIGN TYPES

End Notes:

1 Other temporary sign types may be allowed (e.g. fuel pump topper signs or wraps around waste receptacles) provided the max area limitation for all temporary signs is not exceeded.

(Ord. No. 3666, § II(exh. A), 2017; Ord. No. 3797, § II(exh. A), 2023)