Montclair Municipal Code Art. IV Sign Regulations

Sign permits may be issued for signs included under this section provided that the signs are in compliance with all other applicable laws and ordinances. Signs and advertising devices not expressly permitted under the provisions of this chapter are generally prohibited.

(Prior code § 9-7.701)

A. A temporary sign permit may be issued by the Director of Community Development for a temporary period of time, as specified in this section, for various special and promotional events. The signs may be used to promote the sale of new products, a special promotion or event, new management, new hours of operation, a service, or to promote a special sale. In addition, grand openings; carnivals; festivals; special educational, cultural, civic, charitable, and religious programs; seasonal crops or tree sales; and other similar special events may be specifically granted the use of such temporary signs in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. The time periods granted under temporary sign permits shall refer to calendar days unless otherwise indicated.

B. To apply for a temporary sign permit, the applicant shall submit to the Planning Division for review and approval a completed application along with the necessary drawings and filing fees as set forth by resolution of the City Council. The use of each sign shall be subject to the following limitations:

1. Each business shall be allowed one 45-day temporary sign permit for the sole purpose of announcing the grand opening of a new business or significantly new use as defined in Chapter 11.02 of this Title, provided that the privilege of utilizing such sign permit shall occur no later than 60 days from the initial occupancy of such business location.

2. Each business, nonprofit, or civic organization shall be allowed to display a temporary promotional banner for a maximum of 90 days per calendar year. Businesses and organizations may obtain a single permit for 90 consecutive days, or multiple permits for display periods of less than 90 days, except that permits shall not be issued for periods of less than 10 consecutive days. Should a business choose to display temporary promotional banners during multiple periods, the display periods shall be separated by a minimum of 21 calendar days. This "separation period" shall also apply between the display period for a grand opening banner as described in (1) above and any subsequent display period for a temporary promotional banner.

3. Temporary banners shall be made of durable materials and attached only to a building on the property upon which the advertised activity is located. The Director of Community Development may allow alternative placement of temporary banners in cases where their placement on a building would not be plainly visible to passersby. In no case shall a banner be placed higher than the roofline of the building to which it is attached.

4. No more than one temporary banner shall be permitted per street frontage on any property, up to a maximum of three signs. If a business with multiple street frontages is entitled to, and chooses to display multiple banners, they shall not be combined on the same building elevation, but displayed one per eligible frontage. The Director of Community Development may allow a temporary banner to be placed on a building elevation with no street frontage provided that the elevation faces an internal customer parking lot with a capacity of 100 vehicles or more.

5. The maximum allowable size of each banner shall be 50 square feet, except that businesses occupying a gross leasable area (GLA) of 50,000 to 100,000 square feet shall be allowed a banner up to 100 square feet in size; and businesses occupying in excess of 100,000 square feet of GLA shall be allowed a banner up to 200 square feet in size.

6. Provisions for special sign permits and advertising devices for new and used automobile, motorcycle, and watercraft dealerships shall be in accordance with Section 11.72.280 of this chapter.

(Ord. No. 11-924, § 1, 7-18-11)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 11-924, § 1, adopted July 18, 2011, repealed the former § 11.72.270, and enacted a new § 11.72.270 as set out herein. The former § 11.72.272 pertained to similar subject matter and derived from prior code § 9-7.702 and Ord. No. 99-791.

Notwithstanding the criteria for temporary promotional banners set forth in Section 11.72.270 of this chapter, temporary banners and graphics shall be permitted to be displayed on the former Broadway/Macy's building at 5200 Montclair Plaza Lane subject to the criteria set forth below. The purpose of this Section is to provide the owner and leasing agent at Montclair Plaza flexibility in promoting the completed interior renovations and the planned major expansion on the property.

A. Location. A temporary banner permit may be issued by the Director of Community Development for temporary banners and graphics on the "basketweave" architectural portions of the north, east, and south elevations of the building. Banners and graphics may cover all or part of each elevation. In no event shall banners and/or graphics be installed below or above the "basketweave" architectural portion of the building.

B. Application. The property owner or leasing agent shall submit to the Planning Division for review and approval a completed application along with the necessary drawings and filing fees as set forth by resolution of the City Council. The temporary banners/graphics shall be subject to the following:

1. One permit shall be required for the location, whether the applicant chooses to install one or multiple banners/graphics on the building.

2. Temporary banners/graphics shall be made of durable materials and attached securely to the building. Worn or deteriorated banners/graphics, as determined by the Director of Community Development, shall be removed or replaced within 72 hours of notification to the applicant.

C. Content. The copy and graphic content of the banner(s) shall be limited to promoting existing and future retailers and activity within Montclair Plaza and the area commonly known as "North Plaza," located on the north side of Moreno Street between Fremont Avenue and the property currently occupied by Target.

D. Duration. A permit for temporary banners/graphics issued pursuant to this Section shall not be a subject to a time limit; however, all temporary banners and graphics shall be removed no later than April 30, 2013, or the commencement of demolition of the subject building, whichever occurs first.

E. Sunset Date. This section shall sunset on June 30, 2013, unless extended prior to that date.

(Ord. No. 12-929, § 1, 5-7-12)

The Planning Commission may grant special sign permits to new or used automobile dealerships, as defined in this title, upon consideration of the uniqueness and the regional characteristic of the use and their contribution to the community.

For the purpose of this section, a "new automobile dealership" means a factory-authorized agency with exclusive franchise agreement to market, display, sell or lease certain new automobiles and related products to the general public and is licensed by the California Department of Motor Vehicles and approved by the City under a conditional use permit to conduct such business activities. Such dealership typically encompasses at least 2 acres of outdoor display area, permanent showrooms, offices, auto parts store, and auto service area.

A used automobile dealership typically refers to an auto agency licensed by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, and approved by the City under a conditional use permit, to market, display, sell, auction or lease pre-owned or used vehicles to the general public upon a certain physical location having an outdoor display area and/or showroom.

A. Permitted Signs for New Auto Dealerships. Other provisions of sign regulations pertaining to commercial uses notwithstanding, each new auto dealership may be allowed one freestanding sign to identify one or more lines of automobiles in accordance with the limitations as to size and height as specified in this section. The Planning Commission shall have the discretion of approving an auto-center identification sign for multiple users in lieu of the individual dealership signs.

1. Freestanding Signs. For new auto dealerships with a minimum lot area of 2 acres, a freestanding sign up to a maximum of 25 feet in height and 80 square feet in sign area may be permitted with approval of a PPD by the Planning Commission. For new automobile dealerships with frontage along the I-10 Freeway which are designed with primary freeway-orientation, consideration may be given for a freestanding sign with maximum height up to 45 feet and sign area up to 200 square feet for identification of the auto complex and product lines. Freeway-oriented freestanding signs shall be located at least 600 linear feet apart unless the applicant can demonstrate that a lesser distance would not adversely impair visibility or create hazardous conditions to freeway motorists.

For new auto dealerships with less than 2 acres in lot area, the provisions of Section 11.72.440 of this chapter (Permitted signs in commercial zones) shall apply.

2. Building Signs. Building signage shall be limited to individual channel letters and logos of appropriate proportion and scale to the building mass and setbacks from the public street or freeway. One wall sign per street elevation will be allowed.

3. Temporary Sign Permits. Notwithstanding other provisions regulating temporary signs and advertising devices listed under subsection (A)(4) of this section, new auto dealerships may be allowed the option of displaying one temporary banner attached to the light poles on the same lot if the building is set back at least 75 feet from the street frontage and further provided that the banner is no higher than 20 feet from finished grade. For a dealership that abuts the freeway frontage, no banner shall be displayed closer than 50 feet from the freeway right-of-way.

Dealerships may also be permitted to utilize temporary promotional signage devices affixed to exterior light poles. Such devices may include "snow cone" or fan-type banners, festoons, bunting, "Olympic" style banners, and pole-mounted flags. Such pole-mounted advertising devices must be of an attractive design and meet the following criteria:

a. A temporary sign permit must be obtained from the Planning Division prior to installation. A site plan and graphic representation of the proposed advertising devices is required for approval.

b. Pole-mounted advertising must be of a durable material and utilize a consistent design and color.

c. Advertising copy may be included, but must also include copy which identifies "Montclair," in an effort to strengthen the City's auto sales identity.

d. Pole-mounted advertising may be utilized on an ongoing basis so long as continuously maintained and/or replaced as necessary. Such advertising devices must be removed within 10 calendar days of City notification that said devices have become unmaintained, by reason of damage, discoloration, fading, improper attachment, deterioration, or are determined to be out of compliance with applicable City standards.

e. Pole-mounted advertising devices shall be limited to a maximum of 50 percent of the dealership's light poles, notwithstanding that each dealership shall be permitted at least two such devices.

f. Pole-mounted advertising devices may not project into or over the public right-of-way and may not be located so as to block reasonable vehicular or pedestrian visibility.

g. Pole-mounted advertising devices may not exceed a maximum area of 80 square feet each and a maximum height of 30 feet as measured from grade.

4. Special Weekend and Public Holiday Promotions. Auto dealerships may be permitted to display certain advertising signs and devices commencing at 12:00 noon Friday through 12:00 noon the following Monday, and from 8:00 a.m. through 9:00 p.m. on public holidays officially observed by the City, including the following:

a. Banners of up to a maximum size of 50 square feet each and of no more than one per street frontage, except that larger banners may be approved on a case-by-case basis by the Planning Division if it can be demonstrated that the building size/length justifies a larger banner;

b. Balloons of no more than 36 inches in diameter, provided that no helium-filled balloons shall be displayed in such manner that is higher than 50 feet, measured from finished grade;

c. Small antenna flags attached to the vehicles within the display lot.

5. All signs not expressly permitted shall be prohibited in accordance with Section 11.72.120 of this chapter.

B. Permitted Signs for Used Auto Dealerships.

1. Freestanding Signs. Other provisions of sign regulation pertaining to commercial uses notwithstanding, each used auto dealership with a minimum 200-foot primary street frontage may be allowed one freestanding sign per parcel with a maximum height of 10 feet and a sign area not to exceed 60 square feet. For dealerships with less than 200 feet of primary street frontage, one freestanding sign not to exceed 8 feet in height and 50 square feet in area may be allowed per parcel or development.

2. Building Signs. Building signs shall be permitted in accordance with Section 11.72.440 of this chapter.

3. Temporary Sign Permits. Used auto dealerships may be permitted to display temporary signs and advertising devices in accordance with subsection (A)(3) of this section.

4. Special Weekend and Public Holiday Promotions. Special weekend and public holiday promotions may be permitted in accordance with provisions under subsection (A)(4) of this section.

5. All signs not expressly permitted shall be prohibited in accordance with Section 11.72.120 of this chapter.

(Ord. 99-791 Exh. A (part); prior code § 9-7.703)

For commercial or office developments with frontage abutting the I-10 Freeway within the City, consideration may be given for additional freestanding and/or building signage in the following manner, subject to PPD approval by the Planning Commission, and provided that no sign shall be placed in such a manner that is inconsistent with any federal, State or local laws regulating freeway advertising.

A. Freestanding Sign.

1. For commercial or office developments having a minimum of 5 acres in lot area and a minimum of 600 feet of freeway frontage, one freeway-oriented freestanding sign up to 250 square feet in sign area and 45 feet in height may be permitted if the development is regional in nature and if such sign is located at least 600 feet from another freeway-oriented freestanding sign on the same side of the Freeway. The Planning Commission may reduce the distance separation requirement if the applicant can demonstrate that a lesser distance would not adversely impair visibility or create hazardous conditions to freeway motorists.

2. Sign panels shall be limited to identification of the center or complex and a maximum of six major tenants occupying a minimum floor area of 30,000 square feet each. Tenants with lesser floor area but which are nationally recognized may be allowed, subject to City approval.

3. For development located within an adopted specific plan area, other design criteria, requirements and limitations for freeway-oriented signs shall also be complied with.

B. Wall Signs. Individual channel letter wall signs and/or corporate logos may be permitted on the freeway-oriented building elevation in the commercial or office zones, subject to the following limitations:

1. Letter heights (maximum):

a. Tenants with 20,000 square feet or more—36 inches,

b. Tenants with 15,000 to 19,999 square feet—30 inches.

c. Tenants with 12,000 to 14,999 square feet—24 inches;

d. Tenants with 11,999 square feet or less—18 inches;

2. Length of sign shall not exceed 60 percent of leasehold width;

3. Only one freeway-oriented wall sign shall be permitted per tenant, regardless of size or exposure;

4. Freeway-oriented wall signs shall not be permitted for tenants in buildings which do not back up to freeway frontage except as otherwise herein provided;

5. Freeway-oriented wall signs may be permitted for tenants who have over 30,000 square feet in floor area in the same development or building which does not otherwise qualify for freeway signage, subject to the approval of the building owner and the City;

6. For developments located within an adopted specific plan area, other design criteria, requirements and limitations for freeway-oriented signs shall also be complied with.

(Ord. 99-791 Exh. A (part); prior code § 9-7.704)

Temporary on-site subdivision directional signs and flags, except those specifically exempt under Section 11.72.110(I) of this chapter, advertising residentially zoned real property which has been subdivided for the purpose of sale may be permitted, subject to the following limitations (nonresidential real estate signs shall be subjected to Section 11.72.110 and other provisions of this chapter):

A. The property owner and developer involved shall first obtain a sign permit from the Community Development Department prior to installation.

B. The construction of any such sign shall be in strict compliance with the provisions of this chapter and all other laws of the City.

C. The signs shall be located on the premises which they advertise.

D. One sign shall be permitted on each main street frontage of the property being subdivided for all phases of any residential subdivision, up to a maximum of three such signs.

E. No sign shall exceed 96 square feet in area and 12 feet in height.

F. Such signs shall be for the identification of a subdivision, price information, and the developer's name, address, and telephone number.

G. A maximum of four flags up to 20 feet in height announcing the availability of tract homes for sale may be permitted for each major street entrance up to a maximum of 12 flags per subdivision. The flags shall not contain any advertising messages.

H. Such signs shall be removed within 10 days from the date of the final sale of the land and/or residences or within 24 months, whichever comes first. Extensions of the 24-month time limit may be approved by the Director of Community Development in case of hardship, upon submittal of a written request prior to the expiration date.

I. All signs and flags shall be maintained in good repair at all times.

J. A refundable cash deposit pursuant to the fee schedule adopted by the City Council shall be made for each sign application. Such deposit shall be made at time of permit issuance, to ensure compliance with the provisions of this chapter and timely removal of such sign. The deposit shall be refunded to the applicant upon sign removal by the applicant. If the City is forced to remove any signs, the cost of such removal shall be deducted from the deposit.

(Ord. 99-791 Exh. A (part); prior code § 9-7.705)

Temporary off-site subdivision directional signs, subject to a CUP, directing prospective purchasers to a subdivision having lots, houses or units for sale may be erected and maintained provided such signs do not create hazardous traffic conditions. Such sign shall be subject to the following limitations:

A. The proposed subdivision or property for sale shall be located within the City or within the City's sphere of influence area.

B. The property owner and developer involved shall first obtain a sign permit from the Community Development Department prior to installation.

C. A sign may be placed on private property only with written consent of the property owner; such consent shall be filed with the Community Development Department prior to issuance of permit.

D. The construction of any such sign shall be in strict compliance with the provisions of this chapter and all other laws of the City.

E. No more than two off-site signs shall be permitted. A minimum distance of 600 feet shall be maintained from other on- or off-site signs advertising the same project.

F. No sign shall exceed 120 square feet in area and 16 feet in height.

G. Such signs shall be for the identification of a subdivision or project for sale, price information, the developer's name, address, and telephone number and directions to the project site.

H. Such signs shall be removed within 10 days from the date of the final sale of the land and/or residence or within 24 months, whichever comes first. Extension of the 24-month time limit may be approved by the Director of Community Development in case of hardship upon submittal of a written request prior to the permit expiration date.

I. All signs shall be maintained in good repair at all times.

J. A refundable cash deposit pursuant to the fee schedule adopted by the City Council shall be made for each sign application. Such deposit sign shall be made at time of permit issuance to ensure compliance with this chapter and timely removal of such sign. The deposit shall be refunded to the applicant upon sign removal by the applicant. If the City is forced to remove any signs, the cost of such removal shall be deducted from the deposit.

(Ord. 99-791 Exh. A (part); prior code § 9-7.706)

Temporary off-site subdivision directional kiosks (real estate directories) directing prospective purchasers to a housing subdivision or subdivisions having lots, houses, or units for sale may be erected and maintained on private property or in the public right-of-way by an association of builders or developers, provided such kiosks do not create hazardous traffic conditions as determined by the Public Works Director or City Engineer. Such kiosks shall be subject to the following limitations:

A. The subdivision(s) identified for sale on individual display panels on a kiosk shall be limited to subdivisions located within City limits and subdivisions no more than one-half mile outside of City limits as measured from the subdivision to the nearest City boundary reference point.

B. The association of builders or developers shall obtain a sign permit from the Community Development Department prior to installation. The design and location of a kiosk is subject to approval of the Community Development Department.

C. A kiosk may be placed on private property with written consent of the property owner, and only after such written consent has been filed with the Community Development Department and a permit has been issued. Written consent provided by the property owner and approved by the Community Development Department cannot exceed 24-months in duration. As a condition of issuance of a permit, the permittee shall provide proof of an indemnity agreement naming the property owner as additional insured or proof that the property owner has declined indemnification.

D. A kiosk may be placed on public property within the parkway area of the public right-of-way, subject to the further issuance of an encroachment permit by the Public Works Director or City Engineer pursuant to Section 9.16.040. No kiosk shall be permitted in the median area of the public right-of-way. As a condition of issuance of an encroachment permit, the Public Works Director or City Engineer shall require execution of an indemnity agreement and a posting of proof of liability insurance naming the City as additional insured, in a form approved by the City Attorney.

E. The construction of any such kiosk shall be in strict compliance with the provisions of this chapter and all other laws of the City including requirements necessary for permits and associated fees.

F. No more than six kiosks shall be permitted on any arterial street within the City limits as defined by the City's General Plan. A minimum distance of 1,000 feet shall be maintained from other on- or off-site signs or kiosks advertising any of the same subdivision(s). The Community Development Department shall also establish distance restrictions from other on- or off-site signs to prevent visual blight.

G. No kiosk shall: (1) display panels cumulatively exceeding forty square feet in area; (2) no kiosk shall exceed eight feet in overall height and five feet in overall width; and (3) the bottom edge of the lowest display panel shall not be lower than four feet above ground.

H. Kiosks shall be used only for the identification of subdivision(s) by name with an arrow for directional purposes. Such kiosks may also include the name of the builder or developer of each subdivision(s).

I. Kiosks and/or individual display panels installed thereon shall be removed within 10 days from the date of the final lot, house, or unit sale of the subdivision(s) identified thereon, or within 24-months after issuance of the sign permit provided for in paragraph "B" of this Section, whichever comes first. Extension of the 24-month time limit may be approved by the Community Development Department upon submittal of a written request by the permittee, or written consent of the property owner, prior to the sign permit expiration date, such extension not to exceed 6-months from the date of the sign permit expiration date.

J. All kiosks shall be: (1) regularly updated to reflect subdivisions with lots, houses, or units still available for sale; and (2) maintained in good repair and free of graffiti at all times. The permittee shall repair any damage to public and/or private property, including repairs to irrigation systems, caused by installation, maintenance, or removal of the kiosk.

K. Any installed kiosk which fails to comply with the provisions of this chapter and all other laws of the City, may, upon 48-hour notice to the permittee and the permittee's failure to correct the non-compliance within 7 calendar days, be deemed a public nuisance and may be removed by the City.

L. A refundable cash deposit of $500.00 shall be required for each kiosk application. Such deposit shall be made at time of permit issuance to ensure compliance with this chapter and timely removal of such kiosk. The deposit shall be refunded to the permittee upon kiosk removal by the permittee and repair of any damage caused to public and/or private property, including repairs to irrigation systems, caused by removal of the kiosk. If the City removes any kiosk due to failure of the permittee to comply with provisions of this Chapter, or if City repairs any damage to public property resulting from permittee's failure to repair damage caused by installation, maintenance, or removal of the kiosk, the deposit provided for herein shall be forfeited in its entirety.

(Ord. No. 17-966, § 1, 4-3-17)

Other off-site signs, utilized to direct pedestrians or motorists to certain locations with simple directions such as places of assembly, civic functions, public parks, park-and-ride lots, transit stations, business districts and other public or quasi-public facilities in any zones may be permitted, subject to the approval of the Director of Community Development.

A. Such signs shall not exceed 4 square feet in area nor 8 feet in height.

B. A maximum of four such signs may be permitted for each destination provided they are located at least 600 feet apart, unless a lesser distance is approved by the Director of Community Development upon making the finding that the reduction in distance separation would not adversely impair visibility or create a hazardous condition to the public.

C. Signs may be placed on private property only with prior written consent from the property owner; such consent shall be filed with the Community Development Department.

D. Signs may be placed on public rights-of-way or public property only with prior written approval from the City Engineer.

E. A maximum of two such signs may be permitted for each street corner. The Director of Community Development may require the two signs to share one common sign post.

(Ord. 99-791 Exh. A (part); prior code § 9-7.707)

A. Churches, schools, and other public and institutional uses may maintain a freestanding announcement or bulletin board sign not to exceed 8 feet in height or 50 square feet in sign area within a landscaped planter subject to PPD review and approval by the Director of Community Development.

B. Commercial entertainment uses, such as movie theaters, playhouses, bowling alleys or skating rinks, may be granted an announcement or bulletin board sign, subject to size and height limitation of the zoning district on which the property is located and subject to PPD review and approval by the Planning Commission.

(Ord. 99-791 Exh. A (part); prior code § 9-7.708)

A. No sign placed in or upon the window of any structure utilized for nonresidential purposes shall be placed so as to obscure visibility of the transparent area of any window, except in the following manner:

1. For uses in A-P, C-2, C-3, M-I-P, M-1 or M-2 Zones, up to a maximum 25 percent of the total window area;

2. Holiday and seasonal window decorations shall be exempt from this requirement, provided that the sign is removed within 10 days from the end of such event or holiday;

3. Window signs shall be temporary in nature and shall not remain in the same location or condition longer than 90 consecutive days.

B. No signs, other than holiday or seasonal window decorations, shall be placed in or upon the window of any structure utilized for residential purposes.

(Ord. 99-791 Exh. A (part); prior code § 9-7.709)

Neon tubing may be permitted as a sign material in exterior monument, freestanding, and wall signs provided that it is not flashing or creating moving motion, subject to the following limitations:

A. Neon tubing designed as outlines of the building in office or commercial zones shall be treated as an architectural element of the building and shall require PPD review and approval by the Planning Commission.

B. Within shopping centers, neon signs may be allowed only as part of a master sign program.

C. All components of the exterior neon sign shall be regularly maintained to be in good working order.

(Ord. 99-791 Exh. A (part); prior code § 9-7.710)

Neon tubing may be permitted as a sign material for interior window signs, subject to the following limitations:

A. Permitted in C-2, C-3 and MIP Zones only;

B. No more than 25 percent of the window area shall be utilized;

C. A combination of generic names and graphic symbols may be used; however, the total combined sign area shall not exceed 8 square feet. The maximum window sign coverage per Section 11.72.340 of this chapter shall apply to all interior neon signs if they are located within 3 feet from the window panes.

(Prior code § 9-7.711)

Electronic message centers (EMCs) are programmable digital signs or message boards that utilize computer-generated messages, text and/or images, or some other means of changing copy. EMCs shall be allowed in specific locations and subject to the criteria set forth in this section, subject to approval of a conditional use permit (CUP) by the Planning Commission. The criteria in this section shall be for freestanding EMCs. Building- and wall-mounted EMCs are prohibited.

A. Locational Criteria. EMCs shall be permitted on developed parcels within the City with a legally established land use and/or business, subject to the following locational criteria:

1. Non-Freeway-Oriented Signs. Non-freeway-oriented EMCs are subject to the following restrictions:

a. Shall be located on parcels having a minimum of 200 feet of lineal frontage on any of the following public arterial streets: Holt Boulevard, Mission Boulevard, Central Avenue, and Monte Vista Avenue; and

b. Shall be located on a parcel or adjoining parcels under common use and/or ownership cumulatively totaling a minimum of three acres. If a parcel, or adjoining parcels, is being leased, the lease must have a minimum of five or more years remaining on the term of the lease, calculated from the date a complete application is received by the City, and as evidenced by a copy of an executed lease agreement; and

c. Shall not be located within 200 lineal feet of any other permitted EMC, or within 50 lineal feet of any existing freestanding identification (monument) sign located on a separate parcel which is not associated with the subject site.

2. Freeway-Oriented Signs. Freeway-oriented EMCs are subject to the following restrictions:

a. Shall be located on parcels, commercial businesses, regional centers, auto centers, or contiguous shopping centers occupying a minimum of seven acres with a minimum of 700 lineal feet of continuous frontage along the Interstate 10 right-of-way; and

b. Shall be located on a parcel or adjoining parcels under common use and/or ownership cumulatively totaling a minimum of three acres. If a parcel, or adjoining parcels, is being leased, the lease must have a minimum of five or more years remaining on the term of the lease, calculated from the date a complete application is received by the City, and as evidenced by a copy of an executed lease agreement; and

c. Shall not be located within 1,200 lineal feet of any other permitted EMC; and

d. Shall be located within 50 feet of the freeway right-of-way line of Interstate 10.

3. EMCs on City-Owned Property. The City may construct and maintain civic signs for community entrance, identification, direction, and information, which are located on City-owned property or off premises in the public right-of-way, including but not limited to electronic, digital, programmable, and/or illuminated signs.

B. EMC Structure Height and Display Size Limits.

1. Non-freeway-Oriented EMCs shall be subject to the following maximum dimensions/limits:

a. Maximum height: 14 feet above adjacent finished grade or adjacent sidewalk elevation.

b. Maximum area of EMC display: 60 square feet.

2. Freeway-oriented EMCs shall be subject to the following maximum dimensions/limits:

a. Maximum height: 65 feet above adjacent finished grade for the structure to which an EMC is attached. In addition, the top of the EMC display screen shall be a maximum of 50 feet above adjacent finished grade to ensure safe readability to motorists on Interstate 10.

b. Maximum area of EMC display: 260 square feet.

The height and EMC display size limits are summarized in the following table:

EMC Structure Height and Display Size Limits

C. Illumination and Display Requirements.

1. Maximum Illumination. No EMC sign display shall exceed a maximum illumination level of 0.3 foot-candles (fc) above ambient light level when measured at the recommended distance, based on the EMC size. All signs shall be equipped with an automatic dimmer control or other mechanism that automatically controls the sign's brightness to continually comply with this requirement. If brightness levels exceed the above standard, an adjustment shall be made within one (1) business day upon notice of non-compliance from the City, or the sign shall be immediately turned off until the adjustment is completed.

a. Pixel Pitch (Resolution). All EMC display components shall be full color with a minimum pitch resolution of 20-millimeter spacing or better.

b. Pixel Calibration. Pixel-to-pixel, module-to-module pixel calibration.

2. Measurement Criteria. The illuminance of an EMC shall be measured with an illuminance meter set to measure foot-candles accurate to at least two decimals. Illuminance shall be measured with the EMC off, and again with the EMC displaying a white image. Measurements shall be taken after sunset with the site fully illuminated by installed site lighting. All measurements shall be taken perpendicular to the face of the EMC at the distance determined by the total area of the EMC display as set forth in the table below:

a. Illumination Limits. The difference between the "off" and "solid white" image measurements using the EMC measurement criteria shall not exceed 0.3 foot-candles on either side of the sign. If the measurement of illumination levels on each side of the sign is different, the side of the sign facing residentially-zoned properties shall take precedent.

b. Dimming Capabilities. All EMC displays shall be equipped with a sensor or other device that automatically determines the ambient illumination and is programmed to automatically dim the EMC display according to ambient light conditions, or that can be continuously adjusted to comply with the 0.3 foot-candle measurements.

c. Initial Certification. At least one week prior to initial operation of the EMC, the applicant shall submit written documentation from the manufacturer of the sign to certify to the City that the EMC is properly equipped with an automatic dimmer control or other mechanism that automatically controls the sign's brightness to continually comply with the brightness levels specified in this ordinance.

D. Architectural and Siting Standards. All EMCs shall be subject to the following standards:

1. Design. The EMC shall be designed to complement the design of the primary building on the property, including colors and materials. The design of the EMC shall include the following elements:

a. A full/solid base structure (with no exposed poles or supports) extending the full width of the EMC; and

b. A display screen framed by no less than six inches on all sides; and

c. A minimum clearance of four feet between the bottom edge of the display screen and adjacent finished grade.

d. Except for the name of the center or the primary business, no other individual sign faces of other businesses or entities shall be attached to the EMC structure.

2. City Identification Required. Freeway-Oriented EMCs shall incorporate and identify the "City of Montclair" as a permanent element in the overall design of the structure supporting the EMC display.

3. Street Address Required. Non-freeway-oriented EMCs shall display the numerical street address of the property/business in a location on the support structure. Numerical characters shall be individual, internally or halo-illuminated characters attached to, or routed into, the base and no less than eight inches in height. Numerals shall be permanently affixed to or displayed on the support structure a minimum of 24 inches above finished grade.

4. Setbacks. EMCs located on private property shall observe the following setback requirements:

a. A minimum of five feet from the adjacent public right-of-way or private street sidewalk. Where no sidewalk exists, no portion of the EMC display or associated support structure shall be closer than ten feet from the adjacent curb face; and

b. A minimum of ten feet from side property line of adjacent property; and

c. A minimum of 25 lineal feet away from any vehicular driveway; and

d. A minimum of 10 lineal feet away from any pedestrian path-of-travel from the public sidewalk to any building on the subject property or adjacent property.

5. Line of Sight. All EMCs shall be sited on the subject parcel in a location offering optimal visibility to motorists and shall not be located in such a manner to obstruct the sight lines of motorists or pedestrians entering or leaving the subject property or adjacent properties. Further, EMCs located at an intersection shall be sited outside of the required corner cut-off area as set forth in Chapter 11.38 of this title.

6. EMC Display Orientation. EMCs may be single-faced or double-faced. Double-faced EMCs shall be oriented perpendicular to Interstate 10 or the street to which they are adjacent, or, if located at an intersection of two streets, shall be oriented diagonally (perpendicular to the adjacent radius of the intersection) so as to be easily visible to motorists on the street segments adjacent to the property. Single-faced EMCs may only be installed at an intersection of two streets or at the end of a cul-de-sac. Single-faced EMCs at an intersection shall be oriented diagonally (generally parallel with the adjacent radius of the intersection) so as to be easily visible to motorists on the street segments distant from the property and so that the back side of the sign is not directly visible to a public right-of-way.

7. Landscaping. EMCs shall be placed within a landscaped area to provide sufficient protection from unintentional damage by vehicles on the property. Landscape material shall not obstruct the EMC display, business identification sign, and/or numerical address at the time of landscape installation or at maturity. It is further recommended that non-living landscape materials, such as decomposed granite, gravel, mulch, or the like, be used in lieu of live plant materials for a distance extending 24 inches around the base of the monument structure.

8. Durability. All EMC displays shall be silicone-sealed for adequate weather protection, shall have integral protective louvers (injection molded or aluminum) to ensure optimal daytime visibility and minimize vandalism, and carry a minimum five-year warranty from the manufacturer. Detailed plans demonstrating compliance with said construction standards and evidence of said warranty shall be submitted at the time of plan check prior to issuance of building permits.

9. Maximum Number. No more than one EMC shall be permitted per qualifying parcel, including parcels with multiple street frontages. Parcels with an EMC shall not be entitled to a monument sign on the same street frontage to identify the name(s) of the business(es) on the property. Any existing pylon or monument sign on a qualified site and on the same street frontage as a proposed EMC, which would be in conflict with the requirement of this section, shall be required to be permanently removed as a condition of approval.

10. Compliance with Regulations. All EMCs shall comply with all regulations related to electronic displays imposed by federal and state agencies.

E. EMC Operational Standards.

1. Digital images shall contain static messages only. Scrolling or flashing messages are prohibited.

2. EMCs shall display each static message for a minimum of four seconds.

3. The only permissible transitions between static messages shall be a "cut" (an instant change from one image to the next) or a "dissolve" or "crossfade" (gradual fade from one image to the next).

4. EMCs shall display a single message at any one time. Split screens shall not be permitted.

5. Hours of Operation. No restrictions on the hours of operation for approved freeway oriented EMC displays. For non-freeway-oriented signs, hours of operation shall be determined by the Planning Commission on a case by case basis depending on the size of the EMC, the proposed location, and proximity of the EMC to residential properties or other sensitive land uses.

6. Representatives of the Community Development Department shall have the right to inspect the EMC on a periodic basis to ensure that it is operating in compliance with this section.

7. Subject to the property owner's consent, a noncommercial message of any type may be substituted for any duly permitted or allowed commercial message or any duly permitted or allowed noncommercial message, unless otherwise prohibited by law.

F. EMC Maintenance Standards.

1. Paint and other finishes on the EMC display and support structure shall be maintained in good condition. Damaged or substandard finishes shall be repaired within 14 days of notification by the City.

2. Mineral deposits and stains shall be removed on a regular basis. Vandalism, graffiti, or damaged surfaces shall be repaired immediately. All repairs shall demonstrate high quality workmanship (e.g., straight, level, plumb, square, etc., as the situation requires) and restore the exterior materials and finishes of the EMC or EMC structure to its original appearance, subject to approval of the Community Development Director.

3. The owner of the EMC shall maintain an ongoing written maintenance agreement with a qualified licensed sign maintenance contractor. The Community Development Department shall be provided documentation of such an agreement upon request.

G. Malfunction. EMC signs shall be designed and equipped to immediately discontinue the display of images or text if sign malfunctions. If, at any time more than 25 percent of the digital display lights malfunction or are no longer working, the owner of an EMC shall turn off the display until repairs are made. The owner of an EMC sign shall provide to the City of Montclair, the name and number of a contact person that is on call at all times and who is able to turn off the digital sign promptly if a malfunction occurs.

H. Enforcement/Penalties. Noncompliance with any of the provisions of this section or the conditions of approval of an EMC shall be grounds for revocation of any issued conditional use permit as provided in Section 11.78.100(A). Prior to initiating revocation proceedings, the City shall provide written notice of such violation(s) to the owner of the EMC and a reasonable timeframe, not to exceed 30 days from the date of written notice, to cure the noncompliant conditions.

Any person or entity violating or failing to comply with any of the requirements of this chapter shall be guilty of a violation pursuant to Chapter 1.12 of this Code.

(Ord. No. 16-957, § 2, 10-17-16)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 16-957, § 2, adopted October 17, 2016, repealed the former § 11.72.370, and enacted a new § 11.72.370 as set out herein. The former § 11.72.370 pertained to electronic message board sign and derived from prior code § 9-7.712 and Ord. No. 99-791.

A. Intent. The intent and objective in establishing the regulation of political signs is to identify the compatibility between the utilization of political signs and the protection of the right to privacy of individuals and the quiet and undisturbed enjoyment of property.

It is recognized that there have been abuses in the placement of political signs within the City, including trespassing upon private property; placement without permission from the property owner; placement in such a fashion as to make it difficult to remove them; littering caused by dislodged political signs; sight distance hazards to traffic because of size and location; distracting appearance; aesthetically displeasing impact; unnecessary proliferation; and other reasons, all of which are determined to be contrary to the best interests of the community and in opposition to the public health, safety and welfare.

The reasonable regulation of political signs will obviate many of the objections that have been raised to the unregulated placement of such signs.

It is recognized that, to the extent that placement of political signs is not contrary to the intent and purpose stated in this subsection, it is in the best interests of the City and its inhabitants to allow political expression, and for that reason, it is best to avoid the total prohibition of such signs.

The responsibility for the placement of political signs should lie with the candidate for public office, the proponents and opponents of ballot issues, and the various committees connected therewith. It is recognized that political signs are printed by or at the direction of such persons and committees, and the ultimate responsibility for the distribution of such signs and where they are placed lies with them.

B. Placement and Installation. The placement of political signs in the City shall, in all respects, comply with the following:

1. Prior to the placement of any political sign within the City, the candidate for public office, the proponents or opponents of ballot issues, or the various committees connected therewith shall file with the Community Development Department an application for the posting of such signs and shall agree, in writing, to the voluntary removal of all such signs within 10 calendar days from the conclusion of the election and shall reimburse the City for all costs associated with the removal, storage and/or destruction of such signs.

2. No political sign shall be installed or displayed sooner than 60 days preceding the election for which the permit has been issued.

3. No political sign shall exceed 8 square feet in total area, except that a double-faced sign, not exceeding 8 square feet on each side, shall be permitted.

4. No political sign shall exceed an overall height of 4 feet, except if such sign shall be within an enclosed building or structure.

5. No candidate for public office, proponent, opponent of ballot issues, and/or the various committees connected therewith shall have more than one political sign per parcel.

6. No political sign shall be lighted, either directly or indirectly.

7. No political sign shall be placed without the permission of the property owner. In the case of vacant property, permission shall be obtained from the property owner, and the candidate for public office, proponent or opponent of ballot issues, and/or the various committees connected therewith shall affix to the rear of such political sign a copy of a declaration of having the property owner's permission, including the name and address of the property owner. Such declaration shall be provided on forms supplied by the City and shall be signed by the candidate for public office, proponent or opponent of ballot issues, or the designated representatives of same.

8. No political sign shall be placed or affixed to a tree, fence, post, utility pole, equipment, nor any structure by any means.

9. No political sign shall be posted on any public property or in the public right-of-way.

10. All political signs shall be properly maintained and kept in good repair at all times.

11. All political signs shall be removed within 10 days after the date of the election.

12. No political sign shall be posted in violation of any other provision of this Code.

C. The City Manager shall have the right to remove all signs placed contrary to the provisions of this section.

(Ord. 99-791 Exh. A (part); prior code § 9-7.713)

A. Minimum Standards. Billboards as defined within this title are subject to a CUP and shall comply with the provisions for off-site signs as follows:

1. The sign shall not exceed 120 square feet in area in any case, and such area may be reduced to any amount by the Planning Commission when it is evident a sign lesser in area would be more compatible to a given locality;

2. Visual clearance of 6 feet shall be provided under such sign, and the total height of such sign shall not exceed 16 feet above the ground level;

3. All signs shall be set back so as to comply with the setback regulations for the zone in which the signs are located;

4. All lighted signs shall be so controlled as not to permit the light used therein to be directed on the public right-of-way or adjacent property;

5. No such sign shall be so placed as to be viewed primarily from any freeway within the City;

6. Minimum distance between any proposed and existing billboard shall be 1000 feet;

7. Reconstruction or alteration of any billboard which does not conform to the provisions of this chapter shall be prohibited;

8. Permitted zones for billboard erection include: M-1 (Limited Manufacturing) and M-2 (General Manufacturing); and

9. There shall be a maximum of one freestanding sign, including billboard, per legal parcel.

B. Any billboard which is lawfully existing and maintained on August 1, 1985, within an area shown as agricultural or residential within the adopted general plan and/or general zoning map shall be allowed to remain in existence for the period of time set below, following the enactment of this section on August 1, 1985:

C. Any billboard located in any territory annexed to the City shall comply with the provisions of this section. The period within which such billboard shall be removed shall commence upon the effective date of annexation.

(Ord. 99-791 Exh. A (part); prior code § 9-7.714)

A. Every person, firm, co-partnership, association or corporation offering for sale or selling any gasoline or other motor vehicle fuel to the public from any place of business in the City shall post or display a sign which is clearly visible from any street or highway adjacent to such place of business and which indicates the actual price per gallon, including all taxes, at which the grades of gasoline or other motor vehicle fuel are currently being offered for sale or sold.

B. No person, firm, co-partnership, association or corporation shall advertise, either in connection with the sign required by the provisions of subsection A of this section or otherwise, any grade of gasoline or other motor vehicle fuel which is not immediately available for sale to the public on the business premises.

C. Any sign posted or displayed pursuant to the provisions of this section shall not be inconsistent with the provisions of Article 8 of Chapter 7 of Division 8 (Sections 20880, et seq.) of the Business and Professions Code of the State and shall be in compliance with the provisions of this Code regulating the size and construction of signs.

D. All signs placed on property designed for service stations shall be in accordance with all the provisions set forth in Section 11.70.140 of this title.

(Ord. 99-791 Exh. A (part); prior code § 9-7.715)

In addition to all the provisions of this chapter, sign regulations for drive-in business shall conform to the provisions of Section 11.50.070 of this title.

(Ord. 99-791 Exh. A (part); prior code § 9-7.716)

A. Single-Family and Duplex Residential Districts. Permitted signs in single-family and duplex residential districts include:

1. One nameplate not exceeding 1 square foot indicating the name and/or address of the occupant;

2. One real estate sign for the selling, renting or leasing of property, such sign not to exceed 4 square feet in area, or 5 feet in height, provided that it is unlit and is removed within 10 days after the close of escrow or the rental or lease has been accomplished;

3. For planned residential developments where 10 or more lots or homes are involved, the Planning Commission has the option of approving one neighborhood identification sign per major street frontage or project entry of no more than 20 square feet and no more than 5 feet in height;

4. One temporary yard or garage sale sign per street frontage, not exceeding 4 square feet in area and 5 feet in height, may be allowed on the same property for which a permit has been issued to conduct such event, advertising the sale of noncommercial, generally used household items or crops which are grown on the same premises. The display of such sign shall run currently with the effective date of the permit. Such sign shall not be placed on nor attached to any public property, within a public right-of-way, or in any way attached to any utility poles, structures, or street trees; and

5. All signs not expressly permitted shall be prohibited, including but not limited to those listed under Section 11.72.120 of this chapter.

B. Multiple-Family Residential (R-3) Districts.

1. Permitted signs:

a. One lighted or unlighted wall sign for the purpose of identification which contains the name and/or address of the apartment or planned residential development only;

b. One lighted or unlighted monument sign for the purpose of identification which contains the name and/or address of the development only. All monument signs shall be located within a landscaped area having dimensions at least the same area of the sign. Freestanding signs shall be located at least 15 feet from the curb face;

c. One lighted or unlighted sign for each street frontage not exceeding 6 square feet to advertise the lease, rental or sale of the property;

d. One nameplate not exceeding 1 square foot for each dwelling unit, indicating the name and/or address of the occupant;

e. Developments with frontage on more than one street may be permitted one additional wall sign and/or one additional monument sign within the allowable sign area based on the applicable lot frontage;

f. One tenant/unit directory sign, not to exceed 20 square feet, may be permitted for each street frontage; and

g. Temporary yard or garage sale signs in accordance with subsection (A)(4) of this section.

2. Aggregate Area of Signs Permitted. The maximum combined area of the signs defined in subsection (B)(1)(a) and (b) of this section shall not exceed the following:

a. Less than 100 feet of frontage, 20 square feet;

b. 100 to 150 feet of frontage, 30 square feet; and

c. Over 150 feet of frontage, 40 square feet.

3. Permitted Height. Monument signs shall have a maximum height of 5 feet inclusive of supporting structures.

4. Prohibited Signs. All signs not expressly permitted shall be prohibited, including but not limited to those listed in Section 11.72.120 of this chapter.

(Ord. 99-791 Exh. A (part); prior code § 9-7.717)

A. Permitted signs:

1. One wall sign per primary street frontage, up to 60 percent of the length of the building fascia, consisting of individual channel letters and/or corporate logos of proportional scale and size to the building mass indicating the address and/or name of the building, occupant, or principal uses to which the building is being put;

2. One monument sign per street frontage, located within a landscaped planter, subject to the following limitations (maximum signs area and height):

a. Frontage of 199 feet or less, 24 square feet/5 feet high,

b. Frontage of 200 to 399 feet, 36 square feet/7 feet high,

c. Frontage of 400 feet or more, 48 square feet/8 feet high;

One unlit sign not exceeding 24 square feet to advertise the lease, rent or sale of the premises;

4. One nameplate not exceeding 1 square foot indicating the name, address and/or business of each occupant, located at or near the main building entrance;

5. A master sign program shall be provided for multiple-use complexes which specifies the letter styles and sizes, colors, illumination, materials, construction method, logos or corporate symbols and location of each tenant's sign;

6. Window signs which conform to the provisions of Section 11.72.340 of this chapter.

B. Aggregate Area of Signs Permitted. The maximum total area of the signs defined in subsection (A)(1) of this section shall not exceed 1 square foot for each 2 linear feet of primary lot frontage, up to a maximum of 150 square feet.

C. Prohibited Signs. All signs not expressly permitted shall be prohibited, including but not limited to those listed in Section 11.72.120 of this chapter.

D. Freeway-Oriented Signs. For development with freeway frontage, provisions for freeway-oriented signage under Section 11.72.290 of this chapter shall apply.

E. Limitations to Signs. In reviewing any sign proposal through the PPD process, the Planning Commission shall have the discretion of limiting the number of monument or freestanding signs on any parcel or development to no more than one. In the case of a reduced setback to a freestanding building, the Planning Commission shall have the discretion of not granting any monument or freestanding sign to any such parcel or development. In making such determination, the Planning Commission shall find that such limitation would serve the architectural integrity of the development and that other signing on the same development or the building or site design itself adequately provides the necessary public identification.

F. Administrative Review. For a monument or wall sign not exceeding 50 square feet in sign area, the plan shall be reviewed by the Director of Community Development in accordance with provisions under Section 11.72.060(B) of this chapter.

(Ord. 99-791 Exh. A (part); prior code § 9-7.718)

A. For businesses not within a shopping center:

1. One wall sign on each building elevation fronting on a main street or main public entry, up to 60 percent of the length of the building fascia. Up to a maximum of 150 square feet in sign area may be permitted. Individual channel letters shall be required. The height of letters shall be in proportion and scale to the building mass in accordance with the design standards specified in Article III of this chapter;

2. One monument sign per street frontage, located within a landscaped planter, subject to the following limitations:

a. Monument signs up to 24 square feet in sign area and 6 feet in height may be allowed if the property has a frontage of 75 feet or less along the main street,

b. Monument signs up to 48 square feet in sign area and 8 feet in height may be allowed if the property has a frontage of more than 75 feet and up to 200 feet along the main street,

c. Monument signs up to 60 square feet in sign area and 10 feet in height may be allowed if the property has a frontage of more than 200 feet along the main street;

3. The maximum aggregate sign area permitted under subsections (A)(1) and (2) of this section shall not exceed 1 square foot per linear foot of primary street frontage;

4. In reviewing any sign proposal through the Precise Plan of Design process, the Planning Commission shall have the discretion of limiting the number of monument or freestanding signs on any parcel or development to no more than one. In the case of a reduced setback to a freestanding building, the Planning Commission shall have the discretion of not granting any monument or freestanding sign to such parcel or development. In making such determination, the Planning Commission shall find that such limitation would serve the architectural integrity of the development and that other signing on the same development or the building or site design itself adequately provides the necessary public identification;

5. For monument or wall signs not exceeding 50 square feet in sign area, the plan shall be reviewed by the Director of Community Development in accordance with the provisions in Section 11.72.060(B) of this chapter.

B. For a multitenant shopping center:

1. Master sign program shall be provided to include:

a. Specifications for location and allowable area for individual tenant signs or exhibits on the building,

b. Specifications for letter styles, dimensions, colors, materials, construction method, logo or corporate symbol provisions,

c. Design, size and location of the multiuse center or complex identification sign. If a multiuse identification sign is to include tenant identification, then criteria as to the method of tenant qualification, colors, design standards, etc., shall be provided,

d. Method of tenant sign approval which shall include provisions for landlord approval prior to City approval of such sign;

2. One building sign for each elevation fronting on a major street or main entry, up to 60 percent of the length of the building fascia or leasehold, whichever is less;

3. Individual illuminated channel letters are encouraged for all wall signs. The height of the letters shall be in proportion and scale to the building fascia and size subject to Planning Commission review and approval;

4. One monument sign per street frontage, not to exceed two per development, provided that they are located at least 200 feet apart and are located on different frontages. The Planning Commission shall have the discretion, however, of consolidating the two monument signs entitled to by corner parcel onto one street frontage, upon making the finding that such action would not adversely impair visibility or create a hazardous condition to pedestrians or motorists. The maximum allowable sign dimension for each sign is as follows:

a. For a center with a major street frontage of 75 feet or less, 24 square feet in area and 6 feet in height,

b. For a center with a major street frontage of 76 feet to 200 feet, 48 square feet in area and 8 feet in height,

c. For a center with a major street frontage of 201 feet or more, 60 square feet in area and 10 feet in height;

5. The maximum aggregate sign area permitted under subsections (B)(2) and (4) of this section shall not exceed 1.5 square feet per linear foot of primary street frontage;

6. The sign area of the monument sign shall be limited to the identification of the center, the street address and/or major tenants only;

7. The sign program shall be designed in accordance with the design standards as specified under Article III of this chapter;

8. In reviewing any sign proposal through the PPD process, the Planning Commission shall have the discretion of limiting the number of monument or freestanding signs on any parcel or development to no more than one. In the case of a reduced setback to a freestanding building, the Planning Commission shall have the discretion of not granting any monument or freestanding sign to such parcel or development. In making such determination, the Planning Commission shall find that such limitation would serve the architectural integrity of the development and that other signing on the same development or the building or site design itself adequately provides the necessary public identification;

C. One unlighted sign per business not to exceed 2 square feet shall be placed on the rear of the building for service and delivery identification;

D. One on-site directional sign per drive approach not to exceed 6 square feet in area and 4 feet in height;

E. Window signs which conform to the provisions of Section 11.72.340 of this chapter;

F. All other signs that are not exempt from sign permit review but are not prohibited by this chapter shall be reviewed by the Planning Commission for conformance with the provisions of this chapter;

G. For commercial development with freeway frontage, the provisions for freeway-oriented signage under Section 11.72.290 of this chapter shall apply.

(Ord. 06-871 § 9 (part); Ord. 99-791 Exh. A (part); prior code § 9-7.719)

A. For single-tenant occupancy:

1. One wall sign on each building elevation fronting on a main street up to 40 percent of the length of the building fascia. A maximum of 50 square feet per sign may be permitted;

2. One monument sign per street frontage, located within a landscaped planter, subject to the following limitations:

a. Monument signs up to 24 square feet in sign area and 6 feet in height may be allowed if the property has a frontage along the main street of 150 feet or less,

b. Monument signs up to 48 square feet in sign area and 8 feet in height may be allowed if the property has a frontage along the main street of 151 feet or more;

3. The maximum aggregate sign area under subsections (A)(1) and (2) of this section shall not exceed 1 square foot per each 2 linear feet of primary street frontage;

4. In reviewing any sign proposal through the PPD process, the Planning Commission shall have the discretion of limiting the number of monument or freestanding signs on any parcel or development to no more than one. In the case of a reduced setback to a freestanding building, the Planning Commission shall have the discretion of not granting any monument or freestanding sign to such parcel or development. In making such determination, the Commission shall find that such limitation would serve the architectural integrity of the development and that other signing on the same development or the building or site design itself adequately provides the necessary public identification.

B. For a multitenant complex:

1. A master sign program shall be provided to include:

a. Specifications for location and allowable area for individual tenant signs or exhibits on the buildings,

b. Specifications for letter styles, dimensions, colors, materials, construction method, logo or corporate symbol provisions,

c. Design size, and location of the multiuse center or complex identification sign. If a multiuse identification sign is to include tenant identification, the criteria as to the method of tenant qualifications, colors, design standards, etc., shall be provided, and

d. Method of tenant sign approval which shall include provisions for landlord approval prior to City approval of such sign;

2. One building sign for each elevation fronting on a major street, up to 40 percent of the length of the building fascia or leasehold, whichever is lesser. Maximum height of the wall sign shall be 24 inches;

3. One building sign for each building which does not front on a major street, up to 40 percent of the length of the building fascia or leasehold, whichever is lesser. Maximum height of the sign shall be 18 inches;

4. One monument sign per street frontage, not to exceed two per development, provided they are located at least 300 feet apart and are located different frontages. The Planning Commission shall have the discretion, however, of permitting the two monument signs that are allowed on a corner parcel to be located on one street frontage upon making the finding that such action would not adversely impair visibility or create a hazardous condition to pedestrians or motorists. The maximum allowable sign area and height for each sign is as follows:

a. For complexes with a street frontage of 150 feet or less, 24 square feet in area and 6 feet in height,

b. For complexes with a street frontage of 151 to 450 feet, 48 square feet in area and 8 feet in height,

c. For complexes with a street frontage of 451 feet or more, 60 square feet in area and 10 feet in height;

5. The monument sign area shall be limited to the identification of the business park complex, the street address and no more than two tenants;

6. In reviewing any sign proposal through the PPD process, the Planning Commission shall have the discretion of limiting the number of monument or freestanding signs on any parcel or development to no more than one. In the case of a reduced setback to a freestanding building, the Planning Commission shall have the discretion of not granting any monument or freestanding sign to such parcel or development. In making such determination, the Commission shall find that such limitation would serve the architectural integrity of the development and that other signing on the same development or the building or site design itself adequately provides the necessary public identification;

7. The sign program shall be designed in accordance with the design standards as specified under Article III of this chapter;

C. One unlighted sign per business not to exceed 2 square feet shall be placed on the rear of the building for service and delivery identification;

D. One on-site directional sign per drive approach not to exceed 6 square feet in area and 4 feet in height;

E. Window signs which conform to the provisions of Section 11.72.340 of this chapter;

F. All other signs that are not exempt from sign permit review but are not prohibited by this chapter shall be reviewed by the Planning Commission for conformance with the provisions of this chapter.

(Ord. 99-791 Exh. A (part); prior code § 9-7.720)