Morro Bay Municipal Code § 17.29.080 North Main district

The purpose of this chapter is to regulate signs so that they express and enhance the character and environment of the city of Morro Bay and its community. These regulations recognize the importance of business activity to the economic vitality of the city. Specifically, these regulations are intended to:

A. Encourage communications which aid in the identification of businesses and activities;

B. Preserve and enhance the aesthetic character of the city;

C. Restrict signs that, individually or cumulatively, create a confusing environment that impedes the public's ability to receive information;

D. Prohibit signs which endanger public safety by distracting motorists, cyclists, or pedestrians, thereby increasing the probability of accidents; and

E. Provide clear and distinct regulations for different districts and lodging establishments.

(Ord. No. 662, § 2, 12-13-23)

A. Sign Classifications. For purposes of this chapter, signs are classified based on their location:

1. On-Premise Sign. A sign that directs attention to a business, commodity, industry, or other commercial activity sold, offered, or conducted on the premises upon which such sign is located. For the purpose of this chapter, all signs on private property that display noncommercial messages or designs are considered on-premise signs.

2. Off-Premise Sign. A sign that directs attention to a business, commodity, industry, or other commercial activity sold, offered, or conducted elsewhere than on the premises upon which such sign is located. For the purpose of this chapter, temporary signs are not considered off-premise signs.

B. Sign Types. For purposes of this chapter, signs are categorized into the following types based upon their design, construction, materials, and the manner in which they are mounted:

1. Permanent Free-Standing Signs.

a. Architectural Sign. A freestanding sign mounted on two or more poles or other supporting structures.

b. Monument Sign. A sign, usually rather low in height, erected on the ground or on a solid base designed as a free-standing architectural unit not attached to a building.

c. Pole Sign. A sign supported by a single pole.

2. Permanent Building-Mounted Signs.

a. Awning (Canopy) Sign. A sign painted on or attached to an awning, canopy, arcade, umbrella or similar feature.

b. Entrance Sign. A secondary and size-limited wall sign (see below) mounted directly above a public entrance to a business or other use.

c. Exterior Display Case. An openable weather-proof compartment with a transparent front panel. Exterior display cases are typically wall mounted or recessed into the wall of a structure, but could be designed to be free-standing. Typical uses for such cases include the display of restaurant menus or featured merchandise for sale.

d. Marquee Sign. A sign which projects from a building and forms a canopy over the building entrance and/or a portion of the adjacent sidewalk. Marquee signs are traditionally associated with theaters and typically feature changeable copy or graphics which inform the public of the movie or other entertainment currently available at the venue. Marquee signs often also feature a decorative vertical element that may extend above the cornice line of the building. Marquee signs represent one of the more common instances in which filament lamp lighting is employed.

e. Projecting Sign (Pub Sign, Flange Sign). A sign which is oriented perpendicular to the primary or secondary façade of an adjacent building and hangs from the canopy or cover over a walkway or driveway or which is mounted on and projects from the building wall.

f. Roof Sign. A sign erected upon, over or above the roof or false (mansard) roof of a building or structure, or any sign affixed to the wall of a building so that it projects above the eave line of a roof.

g. Suspended (Hanging) Sign. A sign which is oriented parallel to the primary or secondary façade of an adjacent building and hangs from the canopy or cover over a walkway, driveway or entrance, but which is not mounted on the building wall.

h. Theater Display Case (Theater Case). An openable, wall-mounted, weather-proof compartment with a transparent front panel. Theater display cases are, by definition, larger exterior display cases and are typically used to display posters that advertise upcoming movies or entertainment events. The use of theater display cases, however, is not so restricted by this definition.

i. Wall Sign. Any sign which is attached to, erected against or painted upon the wall or mansard of a building or structure, the face of which is in a single plane which is either vertical or parallel to the plane of the wall or mansard. A wall-mounted blackboard or whiteboard is considered a wall sign and is counted toward total allowable sign area.

j. Window Sign. Any sign placed inside or upon a window facing the outside or affixed to a window in such manner as to be visible from the exterior.

3. Other Permanent Signs.

a. Equipment Sign. A sign incorporated into displays, machinery, or equipment by a manufacturer, distributor, or vendor, such as signs customarily fixed to automated teller machines (ATMs), vending machines, gasoline pumps, menu boards, and umbrellas.

b. Residential Subdivision. A sign, typically a monument or wall type, which identifies the name of a subdivision.

c. Directory sign. A single sign located in a multi-tenant complex which lists non-residential tenants within the building, complex, or development and the address of the site.

4. Temporary and Portable Signs.

a. Sidewalk Sign. A sign not permanently attached to the ground, a building, or other permanent supporting structure. A-frame signs represent one common example of a sidewalk sign. Where permitted, sidewalk signs are subject to special regulations and permits. A freestanding blackboard or whiteboard is considered a sidewalk sign and is regulated as such. A sidewalk-type sign placed on a pier or dock is referred to as a dock sign.

b. Temporary Sign. A temporary sign is defined as any sign which:

i. Is constructed of paper, cardboard, flexible plastic, or other non-durable material; or

ii. Is mounted to a surface or object by means of tape, tacks, push pins, elastic cords, or other easily-removable means or is supported by leaning against a wall or other object or is anchored to the ground by means of wires or other easily-removable means or merely rests on the ground or other surface.

c. Construction Sign. A sign displayed by a contractor, subcontractor, or architect on a project site whenever a building permit has been issued for construction, alteration, or repair of a structure and when work is in progress on site pursuant to such permit.

[Figure: FIGURE 17.29.020(B): TYPES OF GENERAL BUSINESS SIGNS]

FIGURE 17.29.020(B): TYPES OF GENERAL BUSINESS SIGNS

C. Exempt Signs. The types of signs listed below are not required to obtain a sign permit, but the owner or acting agent of the property shall give notice, in writing, to the community development department no fewer than thirty days prior to the placement of such sign. An exempt sign is fully subject to the standards established by Section 17.29.120, Performance Standards for Signs, through Section 17.29.140, Nonconforming, Unpermitted, and Illegal Signs. All exempt signs, except temporary signs, are not regulated by district and are exempt from the provisions in Section 17.29.050, Embarcadero District, through Section 17.29.110, Signs Outside of Designated Business Districts. Temporary signs, however, are regulated by the district provisions in Section 17.29.050, Embarcadero District, through Section 17.29.110, Signs Outside of Designated Business Districts.

1. Legal Notice. An official notice issued by a court, public body or office and posted in the performance of a public duty or a notice posted by a utility or other quasi-public agent in the performance of a public duty.

2. Government Sign. A sign erected by the city of Morro Bay or other government body.

3. Historical Marker. A sign, monument, or marker erected by or with the permission of a governmental body or agency for the purpose of informing the public of the history of a building, site, or other feature.

4. Educational Sign. A sign erected by or with the permission of a governmental body or agency for the purpose of public education or information.

5. Government-Required Sign. A sign which is required by law or by the conditions of a government issued permit, including, but not limited to a conditional use permit or coastal development permit, or by the terms of any lease or land use agreement to which a governmental agency is a party, and which is installed in accordance with the specifications of the controlling law, permit, lease, or land use agreement. The maximum sign allowance will not be affected by signage required.

D. Legacy Signs. The city recognizes that some existing signs may not be fully compliant with the requirements of this chapter, but which, by virtue of their long-standing history and iconic design, contribute significantly and positively to the character of the community. Such signs, therefore, may be designated as legacy signs by resolution of the planning commission.

1. A request that planning commission consideration be given to the designation of any specific sign as a legacy sign may be initiated by the owner of the sign, the owner of the property on which the sign is located, the Morro Bay Planning Commission, or by any member of the city council.

2. A designated legacy sign shall be exempt from the requirements of Section 17.29.040, Standards for All Districts and Zones, through Section 17.29.110, Signs Outside of Designated Business Districts. Such legacy signs, however, are fully subject to the standards established by Section 17.29.120, Performance Standards, through Section 17.29.140, Nonconforming, Unpermitted, and Illegal Signs. Additionally, a sign permit is required for a legacy sign.

E. Sign Illumination Types. The sign illumination type is determined by the type of lighting that is employed to increase the sign's visibility. If a particular sign utilizes more than one form of illumination, the regulations of this chapter which relate to each of the sign illumination types shall apply.

1. Non-Illuminated. A sign that incorporates no external or internal light source.

2. Externally Illuminated. A sign that is illuminated by reflected light from an external light source placed or mounted near the sign. In this type of illumination, the light source itself is shielded and is not visible to the viewer.

[Figure: FIGURE 17.29.020(E)(2): EXTERNALLY-ILLUMINATED]

FIGURE 17.29.020(E)(2): EXTERNALLY-ILLUMINATED

3. Internally Illuminated. A sign that is illuminated by light that radiates from an internal light source and passes through a translucent or transparent sign material. This sign illumination type includes individual channel letters with internal light sources.

[Figure: FIGURE 17.29.020(E)(3): INTERNALLY-ILLUMINATED]

FIGURE 17.29.020(E)(3): INTERNALLY-ILLUMINATED

4. Back Lit. A sign that consists of individual opaque letters and/or logos which are mounted in such manner that they are offset from a solid wall or other object and are illuminated only by the backwash of light upon the solid wall. The actual sources of light for a back lit sign are generally not directly visible.

[Figure: FIGURE 17.29.020(E)(4): BACK LIT]

FIGURE 17.29.020(E)(4): BACK LIT

5. Filament Lamp. A sign that incorporates incandescent light bulbs which are visible to the viewer as a design element. In modern times, LED, compact fluorescent, or other bulbs designed to emulate the appearance of an incandescent bulb might be substituted.

[Figure: FIGURE 17.29.020(E)(5): FILAMENT LAMP]

FIGURE 17.29.020(E)(5): FILAMENT LAMP

6. Neon. A sign that incorporates neon tubes which are visible to the viewer. (Note that an externally illuminated, internally illuminated, or back-lit sign which utilizes a neon tube as a light source would not be considered a "neon sign," as the tubes would not be visible to the viewer.)

[Figure: FIGURE 17.29.020(E)(6): NEON]

FIGURE 17.29.020(E)(6): NEON

7. LED. A sign that incorporates light emitting diodes which are visible to the viewer. (Note that an externally illuminated, internally illuminated, or back-lit sign which utilizes LEDs as a light source would not be considered an "LED sign," as the LEDs would not be visible to the viewer.)

[Figure: FIGURE 17.29.020(E)(6): NEON]

FIGURE 17.29.020(E)(6): NEON

F. Displays Not Considered Signs. The following types of displays are not considered to be signs and are not subject to the provisions of this chapter.

1. Murals and Other Art. Artwork painted on, affixed to, or erected near buildings shall not be considered a sign unless such artwork includes logos, text, or graphics that advertise, represent, depict, or promote services, products, or activities offered by a commercial enterprise, as determined by the community development director. In the event that a relatively small area of commercial advertising exists on a display that is predominately artistic in nature, the community development director may elect to consider only the area actually covered by the advertising as a sign, counting against total allowable sign area.

2. Festive Decorations. Displays and decorations erected in conjunction with a holiday, festival, or other celebratory event shall not be considered as signs unless:

a. Such displays or decorations include logos, text, or graphics that advertise a business, service, product or other commercial enterprise, as determined by the community development director;

b. Such displays or decorations are constructed earlier than six weeks before the date of the event being observed; or

c. Such displays or decorations are permitted to remain in place for longer than two weeks after the date of the event being observed.

(Ord. No. 662, § 2, 12-13-23)

A. Single-Faced Signs. A sign is considered to be single-faced if it lies within a single plane and is viewable from only one side of the plane. The area of a single-faced sign shall be defined as the area (height × width) of a quadrangle (square or rectangle) that encloses the extreme limits of all sign elements including decorative frames or borders, written copy, logos, symbols, illustrations, and color, but excluding mounting brackets and supporting posts or poles.

B. Double-Faced Signs. A double-faced sign consists of two faces that are, at no point, three feet or farther apart and that are either parallel (back-to-back), or meet at an interior angle of forty-five degrees or less, or if extended would meet at an angle of forty-five degrees or less. The area of such a sign shall be counted as the area of a quadrangle that encloses the extreme limits of all sign elements of one of the sign faces. Where the faces are not equal in size, the larger sign face shall be used as the basis for calculating sign area.

C. Multi-Faced Signs. A multi-faced sign is composed of three or more planar sign faces, or of two sign faces which are, at any point, a distance greater than three feet apart or which meet (or would meet if extended) at interior angle greater than forty-five degrees. The area of a multi-faced sign shall be calculated as the sum of the area of quadrangles that encloses the extreme limits of all sign elements of each one of the sign faces.

D. Three-Dimensional Signs. Three dimensional signs consist of, incorporate, or have attached to them, one or more three-dimensional objects (i.e., balls, cubes, clusters of objects, sculpture, or statue-like trademarks). The area of such signs shall be defined as one and one-half times the surface area of two adjacent vertical walls of an imaginary box that encloses the extreme limits of all sign elements including, but not limited to, sign structures or borders, written copy, logos, symbols, illustrations, and color, but excluding mounting brackets and supporting posts or poles.

E. Special Considerations for Ground-Mounted Signs. In the case of architectural or pole-mounted signs, the entire sign structure, with the exception of supporting posts or poles shall be considered a sign face, and the sign area will be calculated as shown in the "framed sign" example in Figure 17.29.030. For monument signs, however, only that portion of the structure that is actually utilized for the display of written copy, logos, symbols, illustrations, or other information will be considered in computation of sign area.

[Figure]

[Figure: FIGURE 17.29.030: COMPUTATION OF SIGN AREA]

FIGURE 17.29.030: COMPUTATION OF SIGN AREA

F. Computation of Façades.

Façade area is measured as the product of the façade length times the façade height. For the purposes of this chapter, façade height shall not include roof gables.

[Figure: FIGURE 17.29.030(F): FAÇADE CALCULATION]

FIGURE 17.29.030(F): FAÇADE CALCULATION

(Ord. No. 662, § 2, 12-13-23)

The principles and regulations of Section 17.29.120, Performance Standards, through Section 17.29.140, Nonconforming, Unpermitted, and Illegal Signs, apply to all signs, whether temporary or permanent, in any area within the city. Likewise the provisions listed in this section apply regardless of whether a sign is permitted or exempt. See other applicable sign standards by following these steps:

• Review Table 17.29.040, Standards Applicable in All Districts, to determine what additional provisions might apply to the type of sign that is planned

• Refer to Figure 17.29.040, Sign District Map, to determine the sign district in which the planned sign will be located.

• Consult the section and table that applies to the anticipated sign district (Section 17.29.050, Embarcadero District, through Section 17.29.110, Signs Outside of Designated Business Districts) to determine what district-specific regulations and design standards may apply.

− For lodging establishments, regardless of sign district, see Section 17.29.090, Lodging Establishments.

− For properties in industrial zones, regardless of sign district, see Section 17.29.100, Industrial Zones.

A. Location of Signs.

1. No sign may be placed on public property, unless by the city of Morro Bay or other authorized governmental agency.

2. No sign may be placed on private property without the expressed consent of the property owner or other agent legally empowered to provide such consent.

3. Off-premise signs, including but not limited to billboards, are prohibited citywide.

4. No commercial sign advertising, related to, or sponsored by a business or business activity may be placed in any zoning district in which such business or business activity is prohibited by applicable provisions of the Morro Bay Zoning Ordinance, unless the related business entity has been established as a legal non-conforming, conditional, or interim use.

5. No commercial sign advertising, promoting, or offering products, services, or accommodations for sale, rent, lease, barter, or exchange may be placed in any zoning district in which such sale, rent, lease, barter, or exchange is prohibited by applicable provisions of the Morro Bay Zoning Ordinance.

6. At sites, buildings, or groups of buildings which have more than one non-residential occupant, on-premise signs may be placed upon or attached to only that portion of the property, building, or group of buildings that is physically occupied by the occupant providing the goods or services advertised, unless a master sign program has been approved for the premises.

B. Sign Standards.

1. The sign standards listed in Table 17.29.040, Standards Applicable in All Districts, are applicable citywide.

2. Unlike the citywide sign standards, allowable sign area and sign types are typically designated by district. See Figure 17.29.040, Sign District Map to determine what district your business is located in, then consult Section 17.29.050, Embarcadero District, through Section 17.29.110, Signs Outside of Designated Business Districts to determine allowable sign types and area.

3. For lodging establishments see Section 17.29.090, Lodging Establishments.

4. For signs located in industrial zones see Section 17.29.100, Industrial Zones.

5. For signs that are not located in any of the designated commercial districts, including those in residential areas, see Section 17.29.110, Signs Outside of Designated Business Districts, or consult with the Morro Bay Planning Department.

TABLE 17.29.040: STANDARDS APPLICABLE IN ALL DISTRICTS E: Embarcadero District; D: Downtown District; Q: Quintana Road District; M: North Main Street District; L: Allowed for Lodging Establishments in All Districts; I: Allowed Within Industrial Zoning in All Districts

[Figure: FIGURE 17.29.040: SIGN DISTRICT MAP]

FIGURE 17.29.040: SIGN DISTRICT MAP

(Ord. No. 662, § 2, 12-13-23)

A. Characterization of the District. The Embarcadero district is home to many of the tourist-serving businesses in Morro Bay. The Embarcadero district contains a dense collection of restaurants, hotels, bars, museums, gift shops, and recreation-based businesses.

B. Purpose. The sign regulations for this district are intended to maintain the unique, beach town character of Morro Bay's waterfront. The Embarcadero district is dominated by pedestrians; the code promotes small scale signs and projecting type signs that are oriented towards pedestrians and bicyclists. With the prohibition of pole signs, the code also aims to maximize access to and views of the bay from the street and walkways.

C. Design Standards for Signs in the Embarcadero District. The following design guidelines are not intended to stifle innovative and creative signage in this district. To the contrary, they are intended to promote a thoughtful approach to the design and appearance of signs that will enhance the overall ambiance and distinctive architectural style of the Embarcadero. The sign design guidelines establish a broad framework within which creativity and individuality are welcome. Signs which appear "generic," mass-produced, or excessively commercial are, in fact, strongly discouraged.

Signage in the Embarcadero district should respect and be consistent with the architectural design guidelines established by the waterfront master plan and the downtown waterfront strategic plan. In order to conform to the concepts articulated by the waterfront master plan, signs in this district shall conform to the following guidelines:

1. Utilize natural or "industrial" materials that are typically associated with the commercial fishing industry. Such materials might include, among others, wood, stone, art glass, ceramics, concrete, canvas, raw steel, brass, and copper. The use of rigid or flexible plastics, fiberglass, or enameled light gauge sheet metal is not permitted.

2. Be consistent with the architectural style and color of the building with which they are associated and with other signs related to the site. All of the signs associated with a particular lease site or structure must share a common, identifiable font and design theme and a common color palette that is compatible with and complementary to the building to which they relate.

3. Utilize muted colors and weathered or distressed finishes consistent with an appearance that has "evolved over time." Excessively bright, fluorescent, or primary colors are not acceptable.

4. Be placed in locations which are logical and compatible with the style and symmetry of the façade on which they are located.

5. Be designed and sited to minimize interference with public views to and along the bay from any lateral or vertical accessway or required view corridor.

6. Not be so large or numerous as to obscure or detract from the architecture of the building with which they are associated. See Table 17.29.050, Allowable Sign Types and Sign Area, Embarcadero District.

7. Be non-illuminated or illuminated only externally. Signs that are internally illuminated, filament lamp signs, or neon signs are not permitted in the Embarcadero district. See Table 17.29.050 regarding limited acceptability of neon or LED illumination.

8. Only non-illuminated signs are allowed on the rear, western, bay-facing sides of buildings on the waterfront to prevent glare and light pollution into the bay.

Signs indicating or directing the public to lateral or vertical coastal access should conform to any applicable standards or design guidelines established by the California Coastal Commission. Table 17.29.050, Allowable Sign Types and Sign Area, Embarcadero District, identifies all allowable sign types and specifications for businesses located in the Embarcadero district. If a sign type does not appear in Table 17.29.050, it is prohibited in this district.

D. Additional Applicable Regulations.

1. See Table 17.29.040, Standards Applicable in All Districts, for additional regulations that apply citywide to each sign type.

2. See Section 17.29.120, Performance Standards, for performance standards that apply to all signs citywide.

3. If property has three or more tenants, see also Section 17.29.150, Signage at Multi-Business Sites: Master Sign Program.

4. If property has two tenants, façade calculations are determined by business façade, not overall building façade.

5. If illumination or lighting of any kind is proposed on or around signs, see Section 17.29.020 E, Sign Illumination Types, and 17.29.120 D, Illumination.

6. If a business is near the edge of a district, please consult with planning staff to confirm appropriate district designation.

[Figure: FIGURE 17.29.050: EXAMPLES OF EMBARCADERO DISTRICT SIGNS]

FIGURE 17.29.050: EXAMPLES OF EMBARCADERO DISTRICT SIGNS

TABLE 17.29.050: ALLOWABLE SIGN TYPES AND SIGN AREA, EMBARCADERO DISTRICT

(Ord. No. 662, § 2, 12-13-23)

A. Characterization of the District. The downtown district houses a combination of resident-serving and tourist-serving businesses. While there are many restaurants, gift shops and galleries, the district also contains banks, shopping markets, offices, and service-based businesses such as automobile repair shops. The downtown is accessed by pedestrians, cyclists, and persons traveling by automobile. Vehicular traffic, however, tends to be low-speed and traffic lanes are relatively close to store fronts, so that large signs or those mounted high above ground level have limited utility.

B. Purpose. The sign regulations for this district are intended to preserve the small-town character that residents, tourists, and business owners enjoy. The code is designed to eliminate excessive signage while promoting pedestrian-oriented signs.

C. Design Standards for Signs in the Downtown District. Until the adoption of the downtown waterfront strategic plan in 2018, the downtown district has not been covered by any adopted document that defines the character of or sets out visual guidelines for the area. Signage in the downtown has been developed over the years in a spontaneous and organic manner. This evolutionary process has been driven forward by the energies and imaginations of individual business owners and has produced signage which is distinctive, individualized, and highly creative. Fanciful images and whimsy are often featured. In many instances, signs in the downtown are, in fact, true pieces of folk art. Signs which appear "generic," mass-produced, or excessively commercial are strongly discouraged.

A few remaining historic signs in the downtown blend seamlessly with new signage and add visual character to the streetscape.

In order to preserve the eclectic and interesting character of signage in the downtown district, new signs shall conform to the following guidelines, in addition to the design guidelines established by the downtown waterfront strategic plan:

1. Utilize natural or "industrial" materials that are typically associated with the commercial fishing industry. Such materials might include, among others, wood, stone, art glass, ceramics, concrete, canvas, raw steel, brass, and copper. The use of rigid or flexible plastics, fiberglass, or enameled light gauge sheet metal is not permitted.

2. Be individualized and creative in appearance, incorporating images, fonts, and materials that are visually interesting and contribute positively to the eclectic character of the district.

3. Incorporation or display of logos of national or regional retail organizations shall match the pallet and style of the surrounding area.

4. Signs must be non-illuminated, externally illuminated, back-lit, or lighted by means of filament or neon lamps. Signs that are internally illuminated are not permitted in the downtown district.

5. Mechanical changeable copy signs of the marque type are allowed in the downtown sign district. Other mechanical changeable copy signs are prohibited.

D. Additional Applicable Regulations.

1. See Table 17.29.040, Standards Applicable to All Districts, for additional regulations that apply citywide to each sign type.

2. See Section 17.29.120, Performance Standards, for performance standards that apply to all signs citywide.

3. If property has three or more tenants, see also Section 17.29.150, Signage at Multi-Business Sites: Master Sign Program.

4. If property has two tenants, façade calculations are determined by business façade, not overall building façade.

5. If illumination or lighting of any kind is proposed on or around signs, see Sections 17.29.020 E, Sign Illumination Types, and Section 17.29.120 D, Illumination.

6. If a business is near the edge of a district, please consult with planning staff to confirm appropriate district designation.

[Figure: FIGURE 17.29.060: EXAMPLES OF DOWNTOWN DISTRICT SIGNS]

FIGURE 17.29.060: EXAMPLES OF DOWNTOWN DISTRICT SIGNS

TABLE 17.29.060: ALLOWABLE SIGN TYPES AND SIGN AREAS, DOWNTOWN DISTRICT

(Ord. No. 662, § 2, 12-13-23)

A. Characterization of the District. The Quintana Road district contains many of the city's larger commercial buildings, shopping malls, and gas stations. Due to the presence of large parking lots and a lack of proximity to residential neighborhoods or visitor-serving accommodations, businesses in this district are most often accessed by persons traveling in automobiles. Local topography, however, severely limits the visibility of the Quintana district and any associated signage from State Highway 1. The relatively high posted speed limit (sixty-five mph) and limited egress opportunities from Highway 1 also suggest that motorists traveling on this route are not a likely target audience for signs erected in the Quintana district.

• The Quintana Road district comprises a mix of local businesses, regional chain stores, and national retail chains and gasoline outlets. Many of the customers for these establishments are locals who have a particular destination in mind. Existing signage is largely utilitarian and recognizable brand names and logos are not uncommon.

• The primary vehicular access to this district is provided by Quintana Road. Due to topography and the existing pattern of development, however, many businesses in this district are not actually visible from this thoroughfare. This presents a special challenge with regard to signage.

B. Purpose. The sign regulations for this zone focus on allowing large-scale commercial and industrial businesses adequate signs that are proportionate to the associated structures and on promoting motorist and cyclist safety by requiring that signs are clear and legible from the road.

C. Design Standards for Signs in the Quintana District. Signage in the Quintana Road district tends to be more informational than promotional. It more often serves to provide potential customers with the location of a business they are seeking, rather than entice them to visit a previously unknown site. Readability to drivers and occupants of vehicles traveling at approximately twenty-five to thirty-five mph is of primary importance. To these ends signs in the Quintana sign district shall conform to the following guidelines:

1. Signs for businesses that front directly on Quintana Road should, when feasible, be mounted perpendicular to the direction of travel at that point.

2. Signs should exhibit high contrast between background and lettering.

3. Lettering should be a minimum of six inches in height and should utilize a mix of upper- and lower-case characters.

4. Use of simple typeface is preferred over heavily flourished or ornamented fonts.

5. For businesses that are affiliated with national companies or chains, the inclusion of readily recognizable trademarks or logos may be useful to improve readability.

6. At multi-business sites, a master sign program is required and can allow additional freestanding signs near Quintana Road, serving to direct motorists to the correct entrance driveway. See 17.29.150, Signage at Multi-Business Sites: Master Sign Program.

7. Sign heights should be low enough to allow motorists to read the message as they approach the entrances to businesses. Ground-mounted signs should be of the monument or architectural type, and pole signs are not permitted. Surface-mounted signs of the wall or projecting type are recommended over roof or window signs.

8. Mechanical changeable copy signs are allowed in the Quintana Road sign district.

Table 17.29.070, Allowable Sign Types and Sign Area, Quintana District, identifies all allowable sign types and specifications for businesses located in the Quintana district. If a sign type does not appear in Table 17.29.070, it is prohibited in this district.

D. Additional Applicable Regulations.

1. See Table 17.29.040, Standards Applicable to All Districts, for additional regulations that apply citywide to each sign type.

2. See Section 17.29.120, Performance Standards, for performance standards that apply to all signs citywide.

3. If property has three or more tenants, see also Section 17.29.150, Signage at Multi-Business Sites: Master Sign Program.

4. If property has two tenants, façade calculations are determined by business façade, not overall building façade.

5. If illumination or lighting of any kind is proposed on or around signs, see Sections 17.29.020 E, Sign Illumination Types, and Section 17.29.120 D, Illumination.

6. If a business is near the edge of a district, please consult with planning staff to confirm appropriate district designation.

[Figure: FIGURE 17.29.070: EXAMPLES OF QUINTANA DISTRICT SIGNS]

FIGURE 17.29.070: EXAMPLES OF QUINTANA DISTRICT SIGNS

TABLE 17.29.070: ALLOWABLE SIGN TYPES AND SIGN AREAS, QUINTANA DISTRICT

(Ord. No. 662, § 2, 12-13-23)

A. Characterization of the District. The North Main district is a highly heterogeneous area that includes residential, light industrial, neighborhood commercial, and visitor-serving commercial land uses. From the geographic configuration of land uses established by city planning documents, it appears that the historical intent for this area was that it would serve the needs of motorists traveling on State Highway 1. Over the years, however, Highway 1 has been widened to four lanes, the speed limit on this route has been increased to fifty-five—sixty-five mph, and opportunities for egress have been greatly restricted. Consequently, the potential customer base for businesses in the North Main Street district has shifted from itinerant travelers to local residents.

1. The intersection of North Main Street and Highway 41 represents, to a degree, an exception to this general rule. This intersection is controlled by a four-way stop sign, so that travelers arriving westbound on Highway 41 are required to slow significantly and could represent an additional "target audience" for signage in the immediate vicinity of this intersection. The Highway 41/North Main Street intersection presents several challenges with respect to signage:

a. Intensifying commercial development at this site presents a risk that signage will become less effective due to a large number of individual signs that are presented against a relatively cluttered background.

b. Some businesses to the south of Highway 41 are relatively distant from the roadway and are substantially lower than traffic, factors which tend to impair their visibility.

c. The proximity of this intersection to Morro Bay High School results in the intermittent presence of large number of pedestrian and bicycling students.

d. Traffic leaving the intersection on Highway 41 eastbound often accelerates quickly to speeds that are greater than seen in other parts of the North Main district.

e. Anticipated improvements to the intersection may displace some existing signs and must be taken into account when planning the locations for new signage.

2. The North Main district contains a mixture of neighborhood commercial (e.g., grocery stores, hardware store), visitor-serving uses (e.g., motels, hotels), and businesses that are of interest to both tourists and locals (restaurants, antique shops). Although the majority of businesses are independent enterprises, some of the more recently-established ones are affiliated with national chains and may benefit from signage that includes readily recognized logos.

B. Purpose. The regulations for this district should promote signs that are legible and appealing to pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists traveling along North Main Street and on State Highway 41. Regulations are also intended to minimize any negative aesthetic impacts of signs erected on North Main Street with regard to motorists traveling on Highway 1.

C. Design Standards for Signs in the North Main Street District. Signage in the North Morro Bay district should be targeted toward motorists traveling at relatively low speed (thirty—forty mph) along North Main Street and at somewhat higher speeds (forty—fifty mph) on Highway 41. As both the Quintana Road and North Main districts require signage that is effective and readable to persons traveling in motor vehicles, the design guidelines for these two districts are similar. Signs in the North Main district shall conform to the following guidelines:

1. Signs for businesses that front directly on North Main Street or on Highway 41 should, when feasible, be mounted perpendicular to the direction of travel at that point.

2. Signs should exhibit high contrast between background and lettering.

3. Lettering should be a minimum of six inches in height along North Main Street and a minimum of eight inches in height along Highway 41, and should utilize a mix of upper- and lower-case characters.

4. The use of simple typeface is preferred over heavily flourished or ornamented fonts.

5. For businesses, especially visitor-serving businesses, that are affiliated with national companies or chains, the inclusion of readily recognizable trademarks or logos is encouraged.

6. At multi-business sites, a master sign program is required and can allow additional freestanding signs on North Main Street or on Highway 41. See Section 17.29.150, Signage at Multi-Business Sites: Master Sign Program.

7. Sign heights should be low enough to allow a motorist to read the message without diverting his/her gaze upward from nearby traffic and pedestrians. Ground-mounted signs should be of the monument or architectural type, and pole signs are not permitted.

8. The location of new signs should be planned so as to avoid the area that would be required for construction of a traffic circle at the Highway 41/North Main Street intersection.

9. Mechanical changeable copy signs are allowed in the North Main sign district.

10. Signage that would draw motorist's attention and concentration away from the road is highly undesirable.

Table 17.29.080, Allowable Sign Types and Sign Area, North Main District, identifies all allowable sign types and specifications for businesses located in the North Main Street district. If a sign type does not appear in Table 17.29.080, it is prohibited in this district.

D. Additional Applicable Regulations.

1. See Table 17.29.040, Standards Applicable to All Districts, for additional regulations that apply citywide to each sign type.

2. See Section 17.29.120, Performance Standards, for performance standards that apply to all signs citywide.

3. If property has three or more tenants, see also Section 17.29.150, Signage at Multi-Business Sites: Master Sign Program.

4. If property has two tenants, façade calculations are determined by business façade, not overall building façade.

5. If illumination or lighting of any kind is proposed on or around signs, see Sections 17.29.020 E, Sign Illumination Types, and Section 17.29.120 D, Illumination.

6. If a business is near the edge of a district, please consult with planning staff to confirm appropriate district designation.

[Figure: FIGURE 17.29.080: EXAMPLES OF NORTH MAIN DISTRICT SIGNS]

FIGURE 17.29.080: EXAMPLES OF NORTH MAIN DISTRICT SIGNS

TABLE 17.29.080: ALLOWABLE SIGN TYPES AND SIGN AREA, NORTH MAIN DISTRICT

(Ord. No. 662, § 2, 12-13-23)

A. Purpose. The following regulations apply to lodging establishments in ALL districts. Lodging establishments in the city are located in both residential and commercial zones, and have unique requirements that do not coincide with the signage needs of other types of businesses. The regulations in this section are intended to promote signs that attract potential customers and that are also appealing to both residents and tourists.

B. Design Standards for Signs Associated with Lodging Establishments. Signs associated with lodging establishments should be consistent with the design standards for the business district in which the establishment is located.

C. Additional Applicable Regulations.

1. See Table 17.29.040, Standards Applicable to All Districts, for additional regulations that apply citywide to each sign type.

2. See Section 17.29.120, Performance Standards, for performance standards that apply to all signs citywide.

3. If property has three or more tenants, see also Section 17.29.150, Signage at Multi-Business Sites: Master Sign Program.

4. If property has two tenants, façade calculations are determined by business façade, not overall building façade.

5. If illumination or lighting of any kind is proposed on or around signs, see Sections 17.29.020 E, Sign Illumination Types, and Section 17.29.120 D, Illumination.

6. If a business is near the edge of a district, please consult with planning staff to confirm appropriate district designation.

TABLE 17.29.090: ALLOWABLE SIGN TYPES AND SIGN AREA, LODGING ESTABLISHMENTS

(Ord. No. 662, § 2, 12-13-23)

A. Purpose. The following regulations apply to businesses located in industrial zones in ALL districts. Industrial businesses have unique requirements that do not coincide with the signage needs of other types of businesses.

B. Design Standards for Signs in Industrial Zones. Signs associated with businesses in industrial zones should be consistent with the design standards for the business district in which the industrial zone is located.

C. Additional Applicable Regulations.

1. See Table 17.29.040, Standards Applicable to All Districts, for additional regulations that apply citywide to each sign type.

2. See Section 17.29.120, Performance Standards, for performance standards that apply to all signs citywide.

3. If property has three or more tenants, see also Section 17.29.150, Signage at Multi-Business Sites: Master Sign Program.

4. If property has two tenants, façade calculations are determined by business façade, not overall building façade.

5. If illumination or lighting of any kind is proposed on or around signs, see Sections 17.29.020 E, Sign Illumination Types, and Section 17.29.120 D, Illumination.

6. If a business is near the edge of a district, please consult with planning staff to confirm appropriate district designation.

TABLE 17.29.100: ALLOWABLE SIGN TYPES AND SIGN AREA, INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS

(Ord. No. 662, § 2, 12-13-23)

A. Lodging Establishments (regardless of Sign District). See Section 17.29.090, Lodging Establishments.

B. Industrial General (IG) District. See Section 17.29.100, Industrial Districts.

C. Other Nonresidential Districts. Consult with the community development director to determine which district standards are most appropriate to the nature of the site.

D. Residential Districts. See Table 17.29.110, Sign Standards for Residential Districts.

E. Additional Applicable Regulations.

1. See Table 17.29.040, Standards Applicable to All Districts, for additional regulations that apply citywide to each sign type.

2. See Section 17.29.120, Performance Standards, for performance standards that apply to all signs citywide.

3. If property has three or more tenants, see also Section 17.29.150, Signage at Multi-Business Sites: Master Sign Program.

4. If illumination or lighting of any kind is proposed on or around signs, see Sections 17.29.020 E, Sign Illumination Types, and Section 17.29.120 D, Illumination.

5. If a business is near the edge of a district, please consult with planning staff to confirm appropriate district designation.

TABLE 17.29.110: SIGN STANDARDS FOR RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS

(Ord. No. 662, § 2, 12-13-23)

A. Public Nuisance Prohibited. Regardless of whether or not a permit is required, no sign may be constructed or placed in such manner as to create a public hazard or nuisance.

B. Code Compliance. Permanent signs and supporting structures thereof shall be installed in accordance with the building code.

C. Emissions and Noise. No sign may emit visible smoke, vapor, bubbles, confetti, particles, or detectable odor, or be made with mechanical equipment that creates noise.

D. Illumination. Signs with any type of illumination are subject to all of the following standards:

1. All lighting is subject to necessary electrical permits.

2. All newly fabricated illuminated signs shall incorporate light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or an equally energy efficient light source.

3. Illuminated signs that are larger than ten square feet in area shall not be switched on during daylight hours. All newly fabricated signs larger than ten square feet in area shall incorporate an automatic, light-activated on/off switch.

4. All illuminated signs shall be turned off by ten p.m. or at the time the business closes, whichever is later. Excluding lodging establishments, except when adjacent or within residential districts.

5. External lighting shall be properly shielded to prevent glare upon an adjacent public right-of-way or adjacent property.

6. Illumination shall be constant in intensity and color and shall not consist of flashing, animated or changing lights as to not be distracting to pedestrians, motorists, or neighboring property.

7. No sign shall emit or reflect light exceeding ten foot-candle power at ten feet from the face of the sign.

8. Waterfront properties shall not have any illuminated signs on the western, bay-facing façades to prevent glare into the bay

E. Animation or Movement. No sign may incorporate, in any manner, any moving part or parts or any flashing, moving, rotating, pulsating or intermittent lighting, with the exception of approved time and temperature displays and barber poles.

F. Attention-Getting Devices. No sign or any other advertising display may incorporate flags, banners, or streamers constructed of cloth, canvas, light fabric, paper, cardboard, wallboard or other light materials which are suspended, mounted, or attached in a manner which allows movements of the sign by atmospheric conditions; nor may any sign incorporate searchlights, string lights, rope lights, festoon lights, flashing lights, balloons, bubbles, fans, or similar devices for attracting attention. This definition, however, shall exclude fabric signs which are securely and permanently attached to a rigid framework (e.g. awning signs as defined in this chapter) or building in a manner which inhibits movement, and fabric projecting signs which are securely and permanently anchored on at least two opposite sides.

G. Changeable Copy Signs. For the purpose of this ordinance, blackboards and whiteboards are not considered changeable copy signs.

1. Electronic Changeable Copy Signs. No sign shall be designed so that characters, letters, or illustrations can be changed or rearranged electronically without altering the face or surface of the sign, except electronic message boards displaying time, temperature, or required prices of gasoline or similar fuels.

2. Mechanical Changeable Copy Signs. Signs that are designed so that characters, letters, or illustrations can be changed or rearranged mechanically shall not be allowed unless specified in the sign district design guidelines.

H. Electronic Images. No sign may display still or moving images which have been electronically recorded or stored or which have been received from an off-site source or service.

I. Inflatable Sign Elements. No sign shall incorporate any element or elements that are made of flexible material designed to be filled with gas or air.

J. Tire Stacks. No sign shall be placed on, attached to, or supported by stacked tires.

K. Vehicle Display. No sign shall be mounted, placed or displayed on a vehicle, trailer, or boat, with the exception of:

1. Signs advertising such vehicle, trailer, or boat for sale in locations where sale of vehicles is permitted.

2. Those signs and displays described in Section 21100(p)(2) of the California Vehicle Code.

L. Obscenities. No sign shall include matter that is offensive or disgusting by accepted standards of morality and decency.

M. Egress. No sign may obstruct any fire escape, required exit, window or door opening intended as a means of egress.

N. Ventilation. No sign may interfere with any opening required for ventilation.

O. Persons or Animals. No human or animal shall be used as advertising such that the advertising is intended to, or does in fact, attract the attention of passing motorists to a business or service; and where such advertisement constitutes an off-premise sign.

P. Traffic Hazard. No sign may be located in such a manner as to constitute a traffic hazard or obstruct the view of any authorized traffic sign or signal device, nor may any sign be constructed in a manner that can be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal, or device.

Q. Interference with Pedestrians. No sign shall be placed or constructed on a sidewalk, dock, pier, boardwalk, or designated coastal accessway if such sign, in any way, impedes the right-of-way for pedestrians or with egress of occupants from legally parked vehicles or vessels.

R. Interference with Harbor-Related Activity. No sign shall be placed or constructed on a sidewalk, dock, pier, boardwalk, or designated coastal accessway if such sign, in any way, impedes the free movement, loading, or unloading of watercraft or interferes with commercial harbor-related industry. A dock sign may only be placed on docks or gangways owned, leased, rented, or otherwise legally controlled by the sign's owner.

S. Obstruction of Protected View Corridors. Within the area of the city encompassed by the waterfront master plan, no sign or other display greater than thirty inches in height shall be placed or constructed in any view corridor established by a coastal development permit. An exception to this provision may be made by the community development director for signs required to ensure public safety or signs indicating coastal access if the director determines that a height greater than thirty inches is necessary to accomplish the sign's intended purpose.

T. Interference with Utilities. No sign may be placed or constructed that fails to maintain clearance from or interferes with electrical conductors, communications equipment or lines, surface and underground facilities and conduits for water, sewage, gas, electricity and communications equipment or lines. Signs shall not be placed in public utility easements unless express written permission from the affected public utility is obtained.

U. Materials. No permanent sign may be constructed of insubstantial materials that will be subject to rapid deterioration, as determined by the community development director. This provision, however, shall not apply to temporary signs or to signs mounted on the interior surface of a window.

V. Orientation. With the exception of projecting (pub) signs, no sign may be placed or constructed which is so oriented as to be viewed primarily across an adjacent private property line. All signs must be visible directly from a public right-of-way, other public open space or from a parking lot, walkway, or courtyard on the same site as the sign, without view lines extending over private property different from that on which the sign is located.

(Ord. No. 662, § 2, 12-13-23; Ord. No. 677, § 2(Exh. A), 2-24-26)

A. Maintenance.

1. All signs, together with all supporting structures, shall be maintained as follows:

a. Signs shall be kept free of rust, dirt, and of chipped, cracked, or peeling paint unless they are included in the original sign design.

b. All hanging, dangling, torn, or frayed parts of signs shall be promptly repaired and graffiti and unauthorized attachments shall be removed.

c. Burned-out illumination shall be replaced immediately.

d. Sign areas shall be kept free and clear of noxious substances, rubbish, and weeds.

2. If a sign is removed from its supporting structure for longer than sixty days, the supporting structure shall be removed.

3. Any sign deemed unsafe by a building official shall be removed or fixed within three days of written notice.

4. Every sign, including those signs for which no permit is required, together with all supports braces, guys, and anchors shall be maintained in a safe, presentable, and good structural condition at all times. The display surfaces of all signs shall be kept neatly painted, posted, or otherwise maintained at all times. The owner of property on which the sign is located shall be responsible for the condition of the area in the vicinity of the sign, and shall be required to keep this area clear, sanitary, and free from noxious or offensive substances, rubbish, and flammable waste materials.

5. Any temporary sign which is no longer safe, presentable, and structurally sound shall be immediately removed by the owner.

B. Abandonment. The following signs shall be presumed to be abandoned.

1. Located on Property. Any sign which is located on property that becomes vacant and is unoccupied for a period of sixty days or longer.

2. Unrelated to Property. Any sign which describes, references, or pertains to an occupant or business other than the present occupant or business.

3. Time, Event, or Purpose Sign. Any sign which pertains to a time, event, or purpose which no longer exists.

C. Removal. Abandoned signs are deemed a public nuisance due to their misleading and distracting nature and due to their contributing to visual blight, and are deemed detrimental to surrounding areas and the community generally. An abandoned sign is prohibited and shall be removed by the property owner.

D. Substitution of Sign Message. The owner of a legal, permitted sign may substitute a non-commercial message for a commercial message.

(Ord. No. 662, § 2, 12-13-23)

A. Purpose. The following regulations apply to signs throughout the city that do not comply with the regulations in this chapter. Section 17.29.170, Sign Permits, also has provisions the city shall utilize to bring nonconforming signs into compliance.

B. Legal Nonconforming Signs. Signs existing prior to January 1, 2017, that do not comply with the provisions of this chapter but that were legally erected pursuant to applicable state and city ordinances in effect at the time of construction and after issuance of any permit required at the time of their construction shall be regarded as nonconforming signs, and shall be subject to the following:

1. Limited Expansion. Changes may be made to the sign face, copy, graphic design, or color of a nonconforming sign provided that such changes can be made without removal of the sign. A nonconforming sign, however, may not be expanded, extended, reconstructed, or altered in location or orientation so as to enable it to be read or viewed from a different direction than its original positions.

2. Abatement of Legal, Nonconforming Signs. A nonconforming sign shall be removed or otherwise made to conform to the provisions of this chapter under the following circumstances:

a. Deterioration. When a nonconforming sign becomes deteriorated or dilapidated to the extent of over fifty percent of the physical value it would have if it had been maintained in good repair, it must be removed within sixty days after receiving notice from the community development department. If an ill-maintained sign cannot be adequately valued and assessed, the community development director may require that such sign be removed or repaired.

b. Site Reconstruction or Repair. Whenever the physical structures on a commercial property are replaced or renovated, all nonconforming signs at the site shall be removed or made to conform to the provision of this chapter. This requirement, however, may be waived by the community development director if the property owner provides credible documentation that the cost of abating nonconforming signage would exceed ten percent of the cost of the proposed reconstruction or repairs.

c. Tidelands Lease Agreements. Whenever the city of Morro Bay enters into a Tidelands lease agreement with any individual or business entity, whether as a new agreement or a lease renewal, a requirement that all nonconforming signs at the site be removed or made to conform to the provision of this chapter shall be incorporated into such lease agreement.

3. Other Requirements. Nonconforming signs are also subject to the provisions of Chapter 17.27, Nonconforming Uses, Structures, and Lots.

C. Unpermitted Signs. Any sign that was placed, erected, or constructed or which is maintained without the owner having obtained such sign permit as may have been required at the time of its placement, erection, or construction, but which is otherwise in conformance with all of the applicable provisions and standards of this chapter shall be termed an unpermitted sign.

1. An unpermitted sign may become legalized if the owner submits a sign permit application on his/her own initiative or within ten days of receiving notice from the city. Such application, if received by the planning department within six months after the date of adoption of this ordinance, must be accompanied by payment of the fee established by the city for the processing of a sign permit application. If such application is received at a time greater than six months after the adoption of this ordinance, it must be accompanied by a fee equal to double the fee established for the processing of a timely sign permit application. If a sign permit is approved the sign shall be deemed to be legal and may remain in its current state.

2. Failure to either remove an unpermitted sign or to submit a sign permit application within five days after receiving notice from the city shall be considered a violation of this title and subject to provisions in the MBMC, specifically regulations in public nuisances Chapter 8.14 and Title 1.

D. Illegal Signs. Any sign which was placed, erected or constructed or which is maintained without the owner having obtained such sign permit or sidewalk sign permit as may have been required at the time of its placement, erection, or construction, and which is in violation of any applicable provision of Sections 17.29.040, Standards for All Districts and Zones, through 17.29.130, Maintenance, Abandonment, and Removal of Signs, Substitution of Message, or any other chapter of this title, or of any other federal, state, or local law is an illegal sign. Additionally, any sign which would otherwise be an exempt sign, but which was placed or erected without the thirty-day notice required by Section 17.29.020 B, Sign Types, shall be considered an illegal sign. The community development director shall order that such sign be brought into compliance with the provisions of the chapter or be abated as a public nuisance under public nuisances chapter of the municipal code (8.14).

1. If the illegal sign is not a primary business sign (see definition in Section 17.29.200, Definitions), any work required to be done shall be completed or the sign shall be removed within ten days of the order, unless otherwise specified in writing.

2. If the illegal sign is a primary business sign which was erected or placed prior to the date of enactment of this ordinance, the maximum allowable time for completion of any work required shall be specified by the community development department, as follows in the table below. Specification of a maximum allowable completion time greater than ninety days shall be contingent on the applicant providing a credible estimate of the cost of repair or replacement to the planning department within thirty days of illegal sign notification.

TABLE 17.29.140: ALLOWABLE TIME FOR ILLEGAL SIGNS

3. If the illegal sign is a primary business sign which was erected or placed after the date of enactment of this ordinance, any work required to bring the sign into compliance with the provisions of this chapter or the sign shall be removed within ten days of the date of such order, unless otherwise specified in writing.

4. Failure to remove an illegal sign within the time limits specified above shall be considered a violation of this title (see Section 17.29.180, Exceptions and Appeals).

(Ord. No. 662, § 2, 12-13-23)

A. Additional Sign Provisions for Signs at Multiple-Business Sites (3+ Business Tenants)

1. Shopping Center.

a. A shopping center is defined as an establishment consisting of three or more businesses that:

i. Are located in buildings on a single parcel, either detached or attached,

ii. Are designed to be accessible to persons traveling by automobile and provide all required parking spaces on site, and

iii. Exhibit a unified or common architecture.

b. In addition to the signage allowable to individual businesses within a shopping center by Section 17.29.050, Embarcadero District, through Section 17.29.100, Industrial Zones, the shopping center as an entity shall be allowed one additional sign on each major street frontage or pedestrian entrance, subject to the following conditions:

i. Signs allowable under this provision shall be of the architectural or monument type.

ii. Minimum sign height shall be six feet and maximum height shall be eight feet.

iii. Maximum sign area shall be eighty square feet per sign and maximum total sign area shall be one hundred sixty square feet.

iv. The design of the signs shall be consistent with the architecture of the buildings comprising the shopping center.

c. Construction of any sign in accordance with this section shall require approval of a master sign program, as described in Section 17.29.150 B, Master Sign Program.

d. No business located within a shopping center will be permitted an individual pole, architectural, or monument type sign.

2. Retail Cluster.

a. A retail cluster is defined as an establishment consisting of three or more business that:

i. Are located in buildings on a single parcel, either detached or attached;

ii. Are designed to be primarily accessible to persons parking in public facilities or on public streets and traveling on foot;

iii. Exhibit a unified or common architecture; and

iv. Include at least one business that offers merchandise for sale.

b. In addition to the signage allowable to individual businesses within a retail center by Section 17.29.050, Embarcadero District, through Section 17.29.100, Industrial Zones, the retail cluster as an entity shall be allowed one additional sign on each major street frontage or pedestrian entrance, subject to the following conditions:

i. The sign allowable under this provision shall be of the architectural or monument type.

ii. Minimum sign height shall be four feet and maximum height shall be six feet.

iii. Maximum sign area shall be forty square feet.

iv. The design of the sign shall be consistent with the architecture of the buildings comprising the retail cluster.

c. Construction of any sign in accordance with this section shall require approval of a master sign program, as described in Section 17.29.150 B, Master Sign Program.

d. No business located within a retail cluster will be permitted an individual pole, architectural, or monument type sign.

3. Professional Building.

a. A professional building is defined as an establishment consisting of three or more businesses that:

i. Are located in buildings on a single parcel, either detached or attached;

ii. Are designed to be accessible both to persons parking in public facilities or on public streets and to those parking on site;

iii. Exhibit a unified or common architecture;

iv. Include at least one business that offers medical, dental, optometric, psychological or psychiatric, legal, financial, secretarial, engineering, technological, architectural, design, or other similar services to the general public; and

v. Offer only such retail sales as are clearly subsidiary to and supportive of the professional services available at the site (e.g., pharmacy, supplier of durable medical equipment).

b. In addition to the signage allowable to individual businesses within a professional building by Section 17.29.050, Embarcadero District, through 17.29.100, Industrial Zones, the professional building as an entity shall be allowed one additional sign, subject to the following conditions:

i. The sign allowable under this provision shall be of the architectural or monument type.

ii. Minimum sign height shall be four feet and maximum height shall be six feet.

iii. Maximum sign area shall be forty square feet.

iv. The design of the sign shall be consistent with the architecture of the buildings comprising the professional building.

c. Construction of any sign in accordance with this section shall require approval of a master sign program, as described in Section 17.29.150 B, Master Sign Program.

d. No business located within a professional building will be permitted an individual sign of the pole, architectural, or monument type.

B. Master Sign Program.

1. Purpose. Master sign programs establish criteria for multi-tenant properties that ensure signage is uncluttered, consistent, and fairly distributed between tenants.

2. Approval Body. Master sign programs shall be an administrative level permit unless the proposed signage is greater than permitted, in which case the planning commission or, on appeal, the city council will be the decision making authority.

3. Applicability.

a. Any site having three or more non-residential occupants shall submit a master sign program (MSP) for review and approval.

b. Any site having three or fewer non-residential occupants may submit an MSP for review and approval.

c. Projects involving construction or renovation of more than twenty-five thousand square feet of space in the commercial and mixed use zoning districts shall submit an MSP which must be approved prior to issuance of any occupancy permit.

d. Properties subject to a MSP that do not have one shall establish an MSP when a current tenant proposes the installation of a new sign.

e. All new signs shall conform to the approved master sign program.

4. Application Requirements. Applications for approval of a master sign program shall be submitted to the community development director and shall include the following:

a. Site plan. A plan, drawn to scale, delineating the site proposed to be included within the signing program and the location of all proposed signs.

b. Drawings and Sketches. Drawings, sketches, or photo-simulations depicting the exterior surface details of all buildings and ground locations on the site on which signs are proposed and indicating the location of each proposed sign. Illuminated sign locations and illumination methods shall also be specified.

c. Photographs of all existing signage and the building faces or sites where signage is proposed.

d. Sign Standards. A written program specifying sign standards, including color, size, construction details, placement, and necessity for city review for distribution to future tenants.

e. Public Access Sign. If a property includes a public access way, this access shall be indicated with a sign (minimum three square feet) on the primary building façade.

5. Allowable Modifications. A master sign program may provide for additional signage, as detailed in Section 17.29.150 A, Additional Sign Provisions for Signs at Multiple-Business Sites. No deviations, however, may be granted to the provisions of Section 17.29.040, 17.29.120, 17.29.130, 17.29.140, or 17.29.160.

6. Conditions of Approval. The decision-making authority may attach any reasonable conditions necessary to carry out the intent of the Master Sign Program requirement, while still permitting each sign user opportunities for effective identification and communication.

7. Administrative Approval of Signs Consistent with Master Sign Program. Following approval of a master sign program, the community development director is authorized to issue building permits or other permits, as deemed necessary, to install signs that conform to an approved MSP. Minor modifications of individual sign area may be approved, provided the maximum allowed by an approved MSP and by the provisions of Section 17.29.040, Standards for All Districts and Zones, through Section 17.29.110, Signs Outside of Designated Business Districts, of this chapter are not exceeded.

(Ord. No. 662, § 2, 12-13-23)

The director may grant, for new or existing signs, minor adjustments to sign colors, landscaping requirements, advertising copy or message or height, or authorize deviations from sign area not to exceed twenty percent. In granting adjustments, the director may apply reasonable conditions to ensure that provisions of this chapter are met.

(Ord. No. 662, § 2, 12-13-23)

A. Authority. No sign, other than an exempt sign, shall be erected or altered, without first obtaining a zoning clearance or sign permit from the community development director. The director may attach reasonable conditions on the approval of the sign permit to help ensure compliance with this chapter. These conditions may require the removal, modification or relocation of existing signs where the proposed sign(s) would be located on sites where existing signs are nonconforming.

B. Requirement for Sign Permit. No business license will be issued or renewed by the city of Morro Bay unless the applicant for such license:

1. Does not have a sign or is the holder of a valid sign permit issued by the city, and

2. Submits credible documentation that the signage present at the business location is consistent with the issued sign permit. Such documentation may consist of a photographic record, a report of inspection by a city code enforcement officer, or such other method as may be deemed credible and acceptable by the community development director.

C. Waiver of Requirement for Sign Permit. The requirements of Section 17.29.170, Sign Permits, may, however, be waived by the community development director if the applicant for issuance or renewal of a city business license provides an affidavit indicating that:

1. There are no existing signs associated with the business; and

2. No signs associated with the business will be erected or established during the time period for which the requested business license shall be in force.

Prior to issuing such a waiver, the community development director may, at his/her sole discretion, require the applicant to provide documentation that no signage is associated with the business under consideration. Such documentation may consist of a photographic record, a report of inspection by a city code enforcement officer, or such other method as may be deemed credible and acceptable by the community development director.

D. Application Procedure. Applications for a sign permit shall be made in writing upon forms furnished by the community development director, accompanied by the required fee and plans drawn to scale and with all of the following information. The community development director has no more than thirty calendar days to determine application completeness. Where the scale and scope of the sign proposal so warrants, the director may waive some of the informational requirements listed below provided all information necessary for adequate review of the proposal is submitted.

1. The proposed design, dimensions, copy, color, lighting methods and location of the sign on the site, including the dimensions of the sign's supporting members, and details of all connections, guy lines, supports and footings, and materials to be used.

2. The maximum and minimum height of the sign.

3. The location of off-street parking facilities, including entries and exits where directional signs are proposed.

4. The size and dimension of all signs existing on the site.

5. The location and horizontal frontage of any building(s) on the property, both existing and proposed.

6. Photographs of all existing signage and the building faces or sites where signage is proposed.

7. Any other information deemed necessary by the community development director.

E. Required Findings. In approving a sign permit, the director must find that:

1. Signs on all proposed buildings or new additions to existing buildings are designed as an integral part of the total building design.

2. The location of the proposed sign and the design of its visual elements (lettering, words, figures, colors, decorative motifs, spacing and proportions) are legible under normal viewing conditions that prevail where the sign is to be installed.

3. Review of signs at city entryways shall also be subject to the following provisions:

a. Sign area, height and location of signs shall be designed so as not to interfere with view corridors as defined and specified in the general plan/LCP land use plan.

b. Freestanding signs shall not exceed eight feet in height except within one hundred feet of Highway 1 or Highway 41. Where feasible, all freestanding signs within or along city entryways shall be placed within a landscaped planter.

(Ord. No. 662, § 2, 12-13-23)

A. Exceptions. The planning commission or, on appeal, the city council may grant exceptions to the design guidelines established by this chapter.

1. Findings. No exceptions to the provisions of this chapter shall be granted unless the following findings are made:

a. The exception(s) granted will not constitute a grant of special privilege inconsistent with limitations placed on signage of other properties in the vicinity;

b. The exception(s) granted will not adversely affect the health safety or general welfare of persons working or residing in the vicinity and will not create a visual obstruction or distraction to motorists, cyclists, or pedestrians;

c. The sign for which an exception or exceptions is requested will not adversely affect the attractiveness or ambiance of the area in which it is proposed; and

d. Either of the following:

i. The exception(s) granted are necessary in order for the proposed sign to fulfill its intended purpose, and such purpose cannot be accomplished by any alternative that is consistent with the requirements of this chapter; or

ii. The proposed sign offers creative and aesthetic qualities which will enhance the area in which the sign is to be constructed and which cannot be accomplished within the applicable design guidelines.

2. Conditions of Grant of Exception. The planning commission may attach to any exemption granted, such conditions as may be deemed reasonable and necessary to carry out the purposes and intent of this chapter

3. Limitation on Exceptions. No exceptions may be granted to the provisions of Sections 17.29.040, 17.29.110, 17.29.120 through 17.29.140, or 17.29.150 B of this chapter.

B. Appeals.

1. Persons Who May Appeal. Except as provided for elsewhere in this chapter, appeals to the planning commission or city council may be filed by the applicant, by the owner of property, or by any other person aggrieved by a decision that is subject to appeal under the provisions of this chapter.

2. Final Decision Required. Unless otherwise specified by federal or state law, an appeal must be brought and a final decision rendered by the hearing body before the matter may be appealed to a court of law.

3. Time Limits. Unless otherwise specified in state or federal law, all appeals shall be filed within ten days of the date of permit issuance.

4. Proceedings Stayed By Appeal. The timely filing of an appeal shall stay all proceedings in the matter appealed, including, but not limited to, the issuance of city building permits and business licenses.

5. Appeals of Director Decisions. A decision of the community development director on any application may be appealed to the planning commission by filing a written appeal with the planning department within ten days of such decision. The application shall identify the decision being appealed and shall clearly and concisely state the reasons for the appeal.

6. Appeals of Planning Commission Decisions. Decisions of the planning commission may be appealed to the city council by filing a written appeal with the city clerk within ten days of such decision. The appeal shall identify the decision being appealed and shall clearly and concisely state the reasons for the appeal.

7. Transmission of Record. The director, or in the case of appeals to the city council, the city clerk, shall schedule the appeal for consideration by the authorized appellate body within forty-five days of the date the appeal was filed. The community development director shall forward the administrative record, the appeal, and all other documents that constitute the record to the appellate body. The director also shall prepare a staff report that responds to the issues raised by the appeal and may include a recommendation for action.

8. Appellate Body Action. The appellate body shall review the administrative record, the appeal, and any written correspondence submitted after the appeal has been filed, and conduct a public hearing and decide on the action and may take one of the following actions:

a. Remand the matter to a decision-making body; or

b. Cure a deficiency in the record or the proceedings.

9. Standards of Review. When reviewing any decision on appeal, the appellate body shall use the same standards for decision-making required for the original decision. The appellate body may adopt the same decision and findings as were originally approved.

(Ord. No. 662, § 2, 12-13-23)

If any section, definition, clause, phrase, word, or portion of this chapter is held invalid, unconstitutional, or unenforceable by any court of related jurisdiction, such a ruling shall not affect, impair, or invalidate any other sections, definition, clause, phrase, word, or portion of this chapter. In adopting this chapter, the city council affirmatively declares that it would have approved and adopted the title even without any portion which may be held invalid or unenforceable.

(Ord. No. 662, § 2, 12-13-23)

A. Abandoned Sign. A sign that no longer applies to a business space, building, or site, due to lack of a valid business license, change of business name, or for any other reason that renders the sign not applicable to the premises involved.

B. Billboard (Outdoor-Off-Site Freestanding Sign). A sign placed for the purpose of advertising products or services that are not produced, stored, or sold on the property or any other subject no related to the property or use of the property, upon which the sign is located.

C. Building Mounted Sign. Any sign mounted or erected on or against any building or façade and includes all walls signs, awning and canopy signs and projecting signs.

D. Business Sign. Any interior or exterior sign which is intended to identify the name or portions of the business name and which is viewable from any exterior area open to the public.

E. Changeable Copy Sign. A sign designed so its characters, letters, or illustrations can be changed or rearranged mechanically or electronically without substantially altering the face or the surface of the sign.

F. Commercial Sign. Any display which provides information as to the name, location, or activities of any business entity or which provides information concerning goods, services, or accommodations available for sale, rent, lease, or barter, regardless of whether such sign includes additional non-business related information.

G. Canopy Sign. An ornamental roof-like structure upon which a sign may be attached or otherwise affixed which is usually located over gasoline pumps.

H. Construction Sign. A sign displayed by a contractor, subcontractor, or architect on a project site whenever a building permit has been issued for construction, alteration, or repair of a structure and when work is in progress on site pursuant to such permit.

I. Height of A Sign. Height of a sign means the greatest vertical distance measured from the ground level directly beneath the sign to the top of the sign or from the nearest property line fronting on a public street, whichever is lower.

J. Human or Animal Advertisement. Any person or animal who is located anywhere within the city, and whose intent is to advertise a business or service, by the way of their actions, including but not limited to, holding a temporary sign or wearing a costume.

K. Illegal Sign. An unpermitted sign that is found to be erected or maintained in violation of any provision of this chapter, this title, or any other federal, state, or local law.

L. Façade Length. The length of the building face or tenant lease site (see [Figure 17.29.030(F)] of this chapter for a graphical representation).

M. Façade Height. The height of the building face or tenant lease site which does not include the roof gable (see [Figure 17.29.030(F)] of this chapter for a graphical representation).

N. Frontage. The linear measurement in feet of the property line directly fronting on a public street, or other public right-of-way to which such sign is oriented, excluding California State Highway One.

O. Master Sign Plan. A coordinated program of all signs, including exempt and temporary signs for a business, or businesses if applicable, located on a development site. The sign program shall include, but not be limited to, indications of the locations, dimensions, colors, letter styles and sign types of all signs to be installed on a site.

P. Mansard. A roof-like façade comparable to an exterior building wall.

[Figure: FIGURE 17.29.200: MANSARD ROOF (SIDE ELEVATION)]

FIGURE 17.29.200: MANSARD ROOF (SIDE ELEVATION)

Q. Non-Commercial Sign. A sign which provides only information unrelated to any for-profit business entity or to goods, services, or accommodations available for sale, rent, lease, or barter.

R. Nonconforming Sign. Any previously approved and permitted sign that existed prior to a change in the municipal code that prohibits such sign. A nonconforming sign is different than an illegal sign (see definition above for "illegal sign").

S. Open House Sign. An open house sign advertises that a house is open for view as part of the sale or exchange of the property.

T. Primary Business Sign. The largest sign on the primary façade of a business or lease site.

U. Primary Façade. The face of a building or tenant lease site that incorporates the main entrance to the business and that faces a primary street, as determined by the business owner.

V. Professional Building. An establishment consisting of three or more businesses which:

1. Are located in buildings on a single parcel, either detached or attached,

2. Exhibit a unified or common architecture, and

3. Includes only businesses whose primary activity is the provision of professional services, as opposed to the sale of merchandise.

W. Real Estate Sign. A sign identifying that a property is for sale, lease, exchange, or rent. The purpose of this sign is to help owners in the sale of their property by providing information on the location of the property to potential buyers without impairing the appearance of the community.

X. Retail Cluster. An establishment consisting of three or more businesses which:

1. Are located in buildings on a single parcel, either detached or attached;

2. Are designed to be primarily accessible to persons parking in public facilities or on public streets and traveling on foot;

3. Exhibit a unified or common architecture; and

4. Includes at least one business that offers merchandise for sale.

Y. Shopping Center. An establishment consisting of three or more businesses which:

1. Are located in buildings on a single parcel, either detached or attached;

2. Are designed to be accessible to persons traveling by automobile and provide all required parking spaces on site; and

3. Exhibit a unified or common architecture.

Z. Secondary Façade. The face of a building or tenant lease site that serves as a secondary entrance and/or advertising space to the primary façade, as determined by the business owner.

AA. Sign. Any man-made or natural object, structure, vehicle, trailer, boat, or watercraft or part thereof, upon which is attached, painted, or otherwise displayed any symbol, emblem, logo, trademark, model, banner, flag, pennant, insignia, decoration, device, representation which is intended to or does identify, attract attention to, advertise, or communicate information of any kind to the public.

BB. Sign Area. The entire area of a sign calculated for maximum sign area purposes, pursuant to Chapter 17.29, Signs.

CC. Sign Face. The surface or surfaces used for the display of a sign message as seen from any one direction.

(Ord. No. 662, § 2, 12-13-23)