Montclair Municipal Code Art. III Design Standards

The design standards set forth in this chapter shall be adhered to for all signs, unless otherwise indicated.

(Prior code § 9-7.601)

The dimensions and height of the sign cabinet, if any, or other configuration of the dimensions of the sign area of each sign on the property shall be proportional to and visually balanced with the size and scale of the building.

(Prior code § 9-7.602)

A. All signs shall be located on the same premises as the land use or activity identified by the sign, unless specifically permitted to be off-premises in this chapter.

B. Signs shall be located in accordance with the provisions set forth for each zoning or land use district in this chapter.

C. No sign shall be located closer to overhead utility lines than the distance prescribed by California law or by the rules duly promulgated by agencies of the State or by the applicable public utility.

D. No sign shall be located in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision of pedestrian and vehicular traffic. The required corner cut-off area as specified under Section 11.38.050(M) of this title shall apply.

E. No sign shall be located within, project, or protrude into any public right-of-way unless specifically permitted in this chapter.

F. No sign shall be installed in such a manner that visibility to signs on adjacent property is unreasonably obscured.

(Prior code § 9-7.603)

Sign copy shall include minimal information identifying the business or primary land use of the property only. The name of the business or brief description of the use shall be the dominant message on the sign. Extraneous advertising such as phone numbers and website addresses shall be prohibited unless part of the registered trademark of the business. The use of a logo that does not exceed 20 percent of the total sign area may be permitted. Freestanding and monument signs shall include the address or address range of the property upon which it is located.

(Ord. 06-871 § 9 (part): prior code § 9-7.604)

Sign colors shall be compatible with the building architecture. Within shopping centers, sign color should compliment the color scheme for the center. The use of garish or fluorescent colors is considered inappropriate.

(Prior code § 9-7.605)

In the case of cabinet signs or monument or freestanding signs, the amount of sign copy, inclusive of logo and other graphics, shall not exceed 40 percent of the total sign face area, leaving a minimum 60 percent background.

(Prior code § 9-7.606)

Internal illumination is preferred; if external illumination is used, concealed or decorative fixtures shall be subject to approval by the Director of Community Development. Monument signs shall be nonmoving, stationary structures (in all components) and illumination, if any, shall be maintained by artificial light that is stationary and constant in intensity and color at all times (nonflashing).

(Prior code § 9-7.607)

Electrical components such as raceways, conduits, wiring, junction boxes, transformers and the like shall be concealed from public view by appropriate means so as not to distract the architectural design of the building or sign structure.

(Prior code § 9-7.608)

Each sign should be designed to relate to the architectural style of the main building or buildings on the site and be compatible with the style or character of existing improvements upon the lot adjacent to the site. Incorporation of one or more of the predominantly visual design elements of such building(s), such as building materials, colors, or other design details shall be required. Sign panels on monument signs shall be constructed of an opaque material, color and/or finish consistent with that on the main building(s). Acrylic or Plexiglas sign panels shall be expressly prohibited. Sign copy on monument signs shall be individual, internally or halo-illuminated channel letters attached to, or routed into, the sign panel background.

(Ord. 06-871 § 9 (part): Ord. 99-791 Exh. A (part); prior code § 9-7.609)

If there is more than one monument sign located on a lot, all such signs shall have designs that are well related to each other by the similar treatment or incorporation of not less than four of the following six design elements:

A. Type of construction materials as used in the several sign components (such as cabinet, sign copy, supports);

B. Letter style of sign copy;

C. Illumination;

D. Type or method used for supports, uprights or structure on which sign is supported;

E. Sign cabinet or other configuration of sign area;

F. Shape of entire sign and its several components.

(Ord. 99-791 Exh. A (part); prior code § 9-7.610)

Each freestanding or monument sign shall be located in a fully landscaped area equal in size to at least that of the sign area so as to provide a compatible setting and ground definition to the sign. The landscaped area shall be maintained on a regular basis.

(Ord. 99-791 Exh. A (part): prior code § 9-7.611)