Mountain View Municipal Code Div. 4 General Sign Regulations

The following general regulations apply to all signs unless specifically modified by sign standards for individual zone districts:

a. Measurement of sign area. Sign area for all signs permitted by this article shall be measured by means of a single rectangular or circular shape that encloses all sign elements except the support structure. For signs consisting of individual letters and/or graphics mounted on a building wall or window, the sign area shall be measured by means of a single rectangular or circular shape that encloses all of the letters and graphics that constitute the sign. For signs with more than one (1) side that is visible to the public, the sign area shall be the total of the calculated area of all sides. Aggregate sign area is the area of all signs on the property or occupancy, except for exempt signs and real estate signs.

b. Aggregate sign area based on lot frontage. For properties with multiple street frontages in zoning districts with an aggregate sign area based on lot frontage, the aggregate area shall be based on the lot frontage of the longest side, not including the corner circumference.

c. Relationship to structures. Each sign shall complement the architectural style and setting of the structure or use represented. Building wall and fascia signs shall be compatible with the predominant visual elements of the structure(s), including but not limited to construction materials, color, or other design feature consistent with Section 36.36.30 (Findings). Each freestanding/monument sign shall be designed to complement the architectural character of the adjacent structure(s). Commercial centers, offices, industrial complexes and other similar facilities with multiple signs may be required to incorporate a sign program in compliance with the provisions of this article which shall have a compatible visual design common in theme to all applicable structures and uses.

d. Relationship to other signs. Multiple tenant developments on single properties are encouraged and may be required as a condition of project approval to establish a program for overall coordination of signing for the development. Where there is more than one (1) sign, all signs should be complementary to each other in the following ways:

1. Letter size and style of copy;

2. Shape of total sign and related components;

3. Type of construction materials (sign or letter frame, sign copy, supports, etc.); and

4. Method used for supporting sign (wall or ground base).

e. Landscaping. Each freestanding/monument sign shall be located within a planted landscaped area. The size, shape and design of the landscaped area shall relate to the size, shape and design of the sign and provide a base on the ground appropriate to the sign structure as determined through the design review process.

f. Signs in street right-of-way or interfering with sight distance.

1. No sign shall be located in or project into the present or future right-of-way (ROW) of any public street unless such location or projection is specifically authorized by other provisions of this code and has secured all necessary permits, including an encroachment permit.

2. No sign shall be designed, located or constructed so as to interfere with the sight distance of motorists/cyclists proceeding on or approaching adjacent streets, alleys, driveways or parking areas, or of pedestrians proceeding on or approaching adjacent sidewalks or pedestrian ways.

g. Signs over driveways. All parts of signs, except for height limitation warning signs, suspended over or projecting into the area above a driveway located on private property shall be located at least fifteen (15) feet above the surface of the driveway.

h. Signs over public sidewalks and pedestrian ways. All parts of signs suspended over or projecting into the area above a public sidewalk or pedestrian way shall be situated at least eight (8) feet above the surface of the sidewalk or pedestrian way unless a lower height is specifically permitted within a zone district or precise plan.

i. Construction standards. All permanent signs shall be professionally constructed of high quality, durable materials that complement the adjacent building and surrounding community and shall be designed to be vandal- and weather-resistant.

j. Maintenance. To avoid visual blight and public safety hazards, all signs shall be properly maintained, with all parts in proper working order, finishes maintained in weather-resistant condition, and all parts of the sign firmly affixed to the building or other support structure.

k. Sign removal and repair. If a sign is removed or replaced with a different size sign, the remaining sign structure of a freestanding sign or the wall of the building to which the sign was attached shall be repaired, patched, painted and otherwise restored to match the rest of the structure or building wall. If no sign is placed on a freestanding sign pole or monument, the entire pole or monument shall be removed.

(Ord. No. 18.13, § 1, 12/10/13.)

The zoning administrator may approve and/or conditionally approve a sign or sign program application in whole or in part, with or without conditions, only if the following findings are made:

a. The proposed sign is permitted within the zoning district and complies with all of the applicable provisions of this chapter;

b. The sign primarily identifies the business name and does not list multiple products or services;

c. The sign is in proper proportion to the structure or site on which it is located and as an identification device, does not excessively compete for the public's attention;

d. The sign materials, color, texture, size, shape, height, and placement are harmonious with the design of the structure, property and neighborhood of which it is a part;

e. The sign's illumination is at the lowest possible level, which ensures adequate identification and readability and is directed solely at the sign or is internal to it;

f. The sign is not detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, or welfare; and

g. The sign is in compliance with the sign regulations in Section 36.36.25.

(Ord. No. 18.13, § 1, 12/10/13.)

a. Any additional development of a site, or change of use, occupancy, tenant or sign copy (with the exception of window signs) shall require that legally established, nonconforming signs be brought into conformance with this chapter. Such nonconforming signs are also subject to the time limits established by Section 36.06.95, which states that any nonconforming sign must be made to conform to these regulations or be removed within five (5) years of the date the sign became nonconforming.

b. Within the downtown precise plan area, freestanding mural/icon signs which were approved by the zoning administrator prior to the effective date of this ordinance shall be permitted to remain indefinitely provided that said sign does not interfere with public access and the sign is maintained in structurally sound condition and paint or other surface treatment remains weather-resistant and free of discoloration or other significant deterioration.

(Ord. No. 18.13, § 1, 12/10/13.)

a. Permanent/fixed signs. The zoning administrator shall remove or cause the removal of any fixed, permanent sign constructed, placed or maintained in violation of this chapter, after fifteen (15) days following the date of mailing of registered or certified written notice to the owner of the property as shown on the latest assessment roll. The notice shall describe the sign and specify the violation, and indicate that the sign will be removed if the violation is not corrected within ten (10) days. If the owner disagrees with the determination of the zoning administrator, the owner may, within the ten (10) day period, request a hearing before the zoning administrator to determine the existence of a violation.

b. Temporary signs. The zoning administrator shall have the authority to order the removal of illegal temporary signs without any notice requirements.

c. Storage of removed signs. Signs removed by the zoning administrator in compliance with this section shall be stored for a period of ten (10) days, during which time they may be recovered by the owner upon payment to the city for costs of removal and storage. If not recovered prior to the expiration of the ten (10) day period, the sign and supporting structures shall be declared abandoned and title thereto shall vest to the city, and the cost of removal shall be billed to the owner.

(Ord. No. 18.13, § 1, 12/10/13.)

In adopting this article, it was the intent of the city council that these regulations comply with and be interpreted consistent with the state and federal law. If any division, section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, clause, phrase or portion of this article is for any reason held to be invalid, unconstitutional or unenforceable, these decisions shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this article. The city council hereby declares that it would have adopted this article and each division, section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, clause, phrase and portion thereof irrespective of the fact that one or more portions of this article be declared invalid, unconstitutional or unenforceable.

(Ord. No. 18.13, § 1, 12/10/13.)