Chapter 15.16 — SIGN CODE3

For the purpose of this chapter, the following abbreviations, terms, phrases, words and their derivatives shall have the meanings herein assigned to them unless it is apparent from the context that a different meaning is intended:

Approved Plastic Material. The term “approved plastic material” shall mean plastic material which the Building Official has found to be suitable functionally for the purpose for which it is offered, which burns no faster than 21/2 inches per minute in sheets 0.060 of an inch in thickness when tested in accordance with U.B.C. Standard 52-2, or which is not consumed in less than two minutes when tested in accordance with U.B.C. Standard 52-3, the thickness of the plastic material to be determined by U.B.C. Standard 52-4.

Building Line. The term “building line” shall mean the setback line established by ordinance beyond which no building may extend. A building line may be a property line.

Building Official. The term “building official” shall mean the Director of Building and Safety or other officer or person charged with the administration and enforcement of City regulations pertaining to buildings and structures, or his duly authorized deputy.

Combination Sign. The term “combination sign” shall mean any sign incorporating any combination of the features of ground, projecting and roof signs.

Each portion of a sign which is subject to more than one classification shall meet the requirements for the classification to which such portion is subject.

Combustible Material. The term “combustible material” shall mean wood or materials not less combustible than wood.

Designated High-Density Area. The term “designated high-density area” shall mean any shaded area on the map designating high-density areas, previously adopted by the City Council and which is on file with the City Clerk’s Office (High Density Map4). The geographical boundaries of a homeowners’ association, as defined in Section 10.28.040(E), shall be excluded from the definition of a “designated high-density area” if the City Council adopts a resolution pursuant to Section 10.28.040(E).

Display Surface. The term “display surface” shall mean the area made available by the sign structure for the purpose of displaying the advertising message.

Electrical Sign. The term “electrical sign” shall mean any sign illuminated by electric lighting devices which are fastened to the surface or mounted on the interior of the sign.

Ground Sign, Pole Sign. The term “ground sign” or “pole sign” shall mean any sign which is supported by one or more uprights, poles or braces in or upon the ground which are not a part of any building or enclosed within the exterior walls of any building and are separated therefrom by a distance of at least six inches.

Incombustible Material. The term “incombustible material” shall mean any material which will not ignite at, or below, a temperature of one thousand two hundred degrees (1,200) Fahrenheit

3. For regulations pertaining to zoning—See Title 20.Warning signs on for-fire water craft—See Chapter 5.04. 4. Editor's Note: HighDensityAreas is included as an attachment to this title.

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 15.16.010 BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION § 15.16.010

during an exposure of five minutes, and which will not continue to burn or glow at that temperature. Tests shall be made as specified in U.B.C. Standard 4-1.

Marquee. The term “marquee” shall mean a permanent roofed structure attached to and supported by a building and projecting over public property.

Moving Sign. The term “moving sign” shall mean any advertising structure which has any visibly moving or revolving parts which are more than 2 inches in any diameter, except clocks.

Nonstructural Trim. The term “nonstructural trim” shall mean the molding, battens, caps, nailing strips, latticing, cutouts or letters and walkways which are attached to the sign structure.

Plastic Material. The term “plastic material” shall mean material made wholly or principally

from standardized plastics listed and described in U.B.C. Standard 52-1. See Approved Plastic Material.

Projecting Sign. The term “projecting sign” shall mean a sign, other than a wall sign, which projects from and is supported by a wall of a building or structure.

Projection. The term “projection” shall mean the distance by which a sign extends over public property or beyond the building line.

Roof Sign. The term “roof sign” shall mean a sign erected upon or above a roof of a building or structure.

Sign. The term “sign” shall mean any media, including their structure and component parts which are used or intended to be used out-of-doors to attract attention to the subject matter for advertising, directional or informational purposes. The area of a sign shall mean the space enclosed by the outer dimensions of the sign, or, if there is no border, the area shall be the space enclosed by sets of parallel lines containing the wording or images composing the sign.

Sign Structure. The term “sign structure” shall mean the sign, and the supports, uprights, braces and framework of the sign.

Structure. The term “structure” shall mean that which is built or constructed, an edifice or

building of any kind, or any piece of work artificially built up or composed of parts joined together in some definite manner.

Temporary Project Information Sign. The term “temporary project information sign” shall mean any sign constructed of cloth, canvas, light fabric, wallboard, or other light materials, with or without frames, intended to be displayed on construction site fencing required under Chapter 15.60, or any successor chapter, for the duration of the construction of a new structure or addition and reconstruction, rehabilitation or renovation of an existing structure in accordance with the requirements of Section 15.60.030, or any successor statute.

Temporary Sign. The term “temporary sign” shall mean any sign, banner, pennant, valance, or advertising display constructed of cloth, canvas, light fabric, cardboard, wallboard, or other light materials, with or without frames, intended to be displayed for a limited period of time only.

Uniform Building Code. The term “Uniform Building Code” shall mean the latest publication of the Uniform Building Code, Volume 1, published by the International Conference of Building Officials, adopted by the City of Newport Beach.

U.B.C. Standards. The phrase “U.B.C. Standards” shall mean the latest publication of the Uniform Building Code Standards, known as Volume III, Uniform Building Code, published by the International Conference of Building Officials, adopted by the City of Newport Beach.

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 15.16.010 NEWPORT BEACH CODE § 15.16.060

Wall Sign. The term “wall sign” shall mean any sign attached to, erected against or painted upon the wall of a building or structure, the face of which is in a single plane parallel to the plane of the wall.

Wind Sign. The term “wind sign” shall mean a series of similar banners or objects of plastic or other light material more than 2 inches in any diameter which are fastened together at intervals by wire, rope, cord, string or by any other means, designed to move and attract attention upon being subjected to pressure by wind or breeze. (1949 Code §§ 8503—8510, 8512—8525, 8527, and 8529; Ord. 873 (part), 1959; Ord. 1019, 1963; Ord. 1093, 1964; Ord. 2019-9 §§ 3, 4, 2019; Ord. 2019-11 § 3, 2019; Ord. 2023-22 § 719, 2023)

The purpose of this chapter is to provide minimum standards to safeguard life, health, property and public welfare by regulating and controlling the design, quality of materials, construction, location, electrification, and maintenance of all signs and sign structures in the City.

The provisions of this chapter are not intended to modify any of the provisions of the Charter, other provisions of this Code, ordinance or special codes. (1949 Code § 8500; Ord. 873 (part), 1959)

A. Authority. The Building Official is hereby authorized and directed to enforce all the provisions of this chapter.

B. Right of Entry. No person shall refuse the Building Official or his duly authorized
representatives permission to enter any building, structure or premises in the City at any
reasonable time to perform any duty imposed upon him by this chapter.
(1949 Code § 8501; Ord. 960 (part), 1961)

The Planning Commission shall have the authority and duty to perform the following functions:

A. To interpret the provisions of this chapter at the request of the Building Official or when a
written appeal from a decision of the Building Official is filed with the Commission.

B. To issue exception permits, under the procedure hereinafter provided, allowing deviations
from any of the provisions of this chapter except:

1. The limitations on the distance a sign may project over public property as set out in

2. The prohibitions against a sign, signal or device which imitates or resembles an official traffic sign or signal or attempts to direct the movement of traffic or hides from view any official traffic sign or signal. 3. The prohibition against any device which directs a beam of light in a flashing sequence toward a street or highway or any electrical sign or device that interferes with the visibility of any official traffic control device or warning signal. (1949 Code § 8505.1 (part); Ord. 960 (part), 1961; Ord. 1204 § 2, 1967)

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 15.16.060 BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION § 15.16.100

A. Application. Application for an exception permit shall be made by the property owner, or by the lessee if approved by the property owner, in writing on a form prescribed by the Planning Commission, and shall be accompanied by a fee as established by resolution of the City Council.

B. Public Hearing. No public hearing need be held on any application; provided, that the
Planning Commission may establish rules to determine when a hearing shall be held or may
hold a public hearing on any application.

When a public hearing is deemed necessary, notice of such hearing shall be given by
publication in the official newspaper of the City and by posting the notice in not less than
two conspicuous places on or close to the property at least ten days prior to the hearing or
by mailing the notice, postage prepaid, at least five days prior to the hearing to all property
owners whose names and addresses appear on the latest adopted tax roll as owning property
within a distance of three hundred (300) feet from the exterior boundaries of applicant’s
property.

C. Conditions for Issuance. In order to grant an exception permit the Commission must find
that granting such permit is necessary to protect a substantial property right, will not be
contrary to the purpose of this chapter as herein set forth, and will not be materially
detrimental to the health, safety, comfort or general welfare of persons residing in the
neighborhood, or detrimental or injurious to property or improvements in the
neighborhood, or to the general welfare of the City.

D. Appeal or Call for Review. In case the applicant or any other person is not satisfied with
the action of the Planning Commission, he may within fifteen (15) days appeal in writing
to the City Council and shall be accompanied by a fee as established by resolution of the
City Council. A member of the City Council, in their official capacity, may call for review
any action of the Planning Commission within fifteen (15) days from the Planning
Commission’s action by filing a written notice with the City Clerk. The call for review shall
be for the purpose of bringing the matter in front of the entire body for review and shall be
exempt from the payment of a fee.

The City Council shall set a date for public hearing and give notice as required in
subsection (B) of this section. Notice shall be given to the Planning Commission of such
appeal or call for review and the Commission shall submit a report to the City Council
setting forth the reasons for the action taken by it, or shall be represented at the hearing.

The City Council shall render its decision within sixty (60) days after the filing of such
appeal or call for review.
(1949 Code § 8501.2; Ord. 960 (part), 1961; Ord. 1204 § 3, 1967; Ord. 1274, 1968; Ord. 1736
§ 1, 1977; Ord. 97-7 § 18, 1997; Ord. 2015-9 § 25, 2015)

No person shall erect, re-erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, or equip any sign or sign structures, or paint a new wall sign, in the City, or cause or permit the same to be done, contrary to or in violation of any of the provisions of this chapter. (1949 Code § 8502(a); Ord. 1019 (part), 1963)

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 15.16.100 NEWPORT BEACH CODE § 15.16.130

The provisions of Section 15.16.070 do not prohibit normal maintenance and repair of lawful signs. (1949 Code § 8502(e); Ord. 1019 (part), 1963)

A. Required. Except as provided in Section 15.16.130, no person shall erect, re-erect, construct or perform structural alterations on any sign, or paint a new wall sign, or cause the same to be done, without first obtaining a permit to do so from the Building Official. Electrical permits must be obtained for all work on electric signs except normal maintenance.

B. Issuance. In accordance with the provisions of and subject to the exceptions in California
Labor Code Section 3800, each applicant must show that he possesses the contractor’s
license required by the State.

C. Expiration. Every permit issued shall expire by limitation and become null and void if the
work authorized by such permit is not commenced within sixty (60) days from the date of
issuance, or if the work authorized by such permit is suspended or abandoned at any time
after work is started for a period of sixty (60) days, or if the work authorized by such permit
is not completed within one hundred eighty (180) days from date of issuance of such
permit. Before such work may be started or recommenced, a new permit shall be first
obtained.

D. Suspension or Revocation. The Building Official may suspend or revoke a permit issued
under provisions of this chapter whenever the permit is issued in error or on the basis of
incorrect information supplied, or in violation of any ordinance or regulation of any of the
provisions of this chapter. If revocation is due to City error, the permit fee shall be
refunded.

E. Maintenance and Repair. The provisions of this section do not require a permit for normal
maintenance and repair of lawful signs, including replacing of tubing and lamps.
(1949 Code § 8530; Ord. 1019 (part), 1963; Ord. 97-7 § 19, 1997; Ord. 2023-22 § 720, 2023)

Application for a sign permit shall be made in writing upon forms furnished by the Building Official. Such application shall contain the location by street and number of the proposed sign structure, as well as the name and address of the owner and the sign contractor or erector. The Building Official may require the filing of plans or other pertinent information where in his opinion such information is necessary to ensure compliance with this chapter.

No permit shall be issued for any sign and no person shall cause or permit a sign to be constructed, installed or erected which does not comply with all the provisions of this chapter or which has less horizontal or vertical clearance from energized electric power lines than prescribed by the California Penal Code Section 385, the regulations of the California Public Utilities Commission, and the orders of the State Division of Industrial Safety. (1949 Code § 8531; Ord. 873 (part), 1959; Ord. 2023-22 § 721, 2023)

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 15.16.130 BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION § 15.16.140

The following signs shall not require a sign permit:

A. Real estate signs not exceeding twelve (12) square feet in area which advertise the sale,
rental or lease of the premises upon which the signs are located.

B. Professional name plates not exceeding two square feet in area.

C. Bulletin boards not over twelve (12) square feet in area for public, charitable or religious
institutions when the same are located on the premises of the institutions.

D. Signs denoting the architect, engineer or contractor when placed upon work under
construction and not exceeding twelve (12) square feet in area.

E. Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings and date of erection when cut into any
masonry surface, or when constructed of bronze or other incombustible materials.

F. Signs of public service companies indicating danger, and aids to service or safety.

G. Replacing copy in theater marquees and similar signs specifically designed for the use of
replaceable copy.

H. Painted window signs.

These exemptions shall not apply to electrical signs.
These exemptions shall not relieve the owner of the sign from responsibility for its
erection and maintenance and compliance with the provisions of this chapter or any other
law or ordinance regulating the same.
Painting, repainting or cleaning of an advertising structure shall not be considered an
erection or alteration which requires a sign permit unless a structural change is made.

(1949 Code § 8532; Ord. 873 (part), 1959)

A. Traffic Signal Limitations. No person shall place, maintain or display upon or in view of any highway or street any unofficial sign, signal or device or any sign, signal or device which purports to be or is an imitation of, or resembles, an official traffic sign or signal or which attempts to direct the movement of traffic or which hides from view any official traffic sign or signal.

B. Beams of Light. No person not authorized shall erect or maintain any device which directs
a beam of light in a flashing sequence toward any street or highway, nor shall any person
erect or maintain any electrical advertising sign or similar device that interferes with the
visibility of any official traffic control device or warning signal.

C. Types. The following types of signs are prohibited:

1. Flashing or animated electrical signs.

2. Wind signs.

3. Moving signs.

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 15.16.140 NEWPORT BEACH CODE § 15.16.170

4. Any other outdoor sign not expressly permitted in this chapter.

D. Exceptions. Provided, however, such signs may be permitted if an exception permit is
obtained in each case in accordance with the procedure provided in this chapter.
(1949 Code § 8533; Ord. 873 (part), 1959; Ord. 1204 § 4, 1967)

The permit fee for a sign shall be established by resolution of the City Council. The determination of sign construction valuation shall be made by the Building Official.

An inspection fee established by resolution of the City Council shall be charged for each additional inspection necessary as a result of faulty workmanship or material, or the work not being ready for inspection. Notice of correction of faults or completion of work shall be given by the Community Development Department and reinspection requested.

Where work for which a permit is required by this chapter is started prior to applying for and obtaining a permit, the fees above specified shall be doubled, but the payment of such double fee shall not relieve any persons from fully complying with the requirements of this chapter in the execution of the work nor from any other penalties prescribed. (1949 Code § 8534; Ord. 1019, 1963; Ord. 1736 § 2, 1977; Ord. 97-7 § 20, 1997; Ord. 2013-11 § 98, 2013)

All signs, together with all of their supports, braces, guys and anchors, shall be kept in repair and in proper state of preservation. The display surfaces of all signs shall be kept neatly painted or posted at all times. (1949 Code § 8535 as amended by Ord. 873; May 11, 1959)

No person shall erect or install any sign for which a permit is required without first having such sign inspected by the Building Official. All such signs shall be brought to the Community Development Department prior to installation or erection for general inspection and attachment of identity number; or, if a request is made twenty-four (24) hours in advance, such inspection may be done at the job address prior to installation or erection of the sign. Also, the following inspections shall be called for by the builder: (1) Attachment inspections shall be required for roof and projecting signs and the manner of securing a sign to the building shall not be covered until such inspection has been made; and (2) final inspection within twenty-four (24) hours after completion of the job.

Footing inspections shall be required for ground signs.

No person shall erect or install an electrical sign which does not bear the label of an approved testing laboratory without first having the same inspected and approved by the Building Official.

The Building Official may order the alteration or removal of any sign that is not maintained in accordance with the provisions of Section 15.16.160.

All signs may be reinspected at the discretion of the Building Official.

No person shall fail, refuse or neglect to report promptly the completion of the work described

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 15.16.170 BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION § 15.16.190

in the permit to allow inspection by the Building Official. (1949 Code § 8536 as amended by Ord. 1019; July 8, 1963; Ord. 2013-11 § 99, 2013)

A. General. Signs and sign structures shall be designed and constructed to resist wind and seismic forces as specified in this section. All bracing systems shall be designed and constructed to transfer lateral forces to the foundations. For signs on buildings, the dead and lateral loads shall be transmitted through the structural frame of the building to the ground in such manner as not to overstress any of the elements thereof.

The overturning moment produced from lateral forces shall in no case exceed two-thirds
of the dead-load resisting movement. Uplift due to overturning shall be adequately resisted
by proper anchorage to the ground or to the structural frame of the building. The weight
of earth superimposed over footings may be used in determining the dead-load resisting
moment. Such earth shall be carefully placed and thoroughly compacted.

B. Wind Loads. For the purpose of design, and except for roof signs and combination signs,
wind pressure shall be taken upon the gross area of the vertical projection of all signs and
sign structures at not less than twenty (20) pounds per square foot for those portions less
than sixty (60) feet above the ground, and at not less than thirty (30) pounds per square foot
for those portions more than sixty (60) feet above the ground.

Wind pressure upon roof signs and combination signs and their supports shall be taken
at not less than thirty (30) pounds per square foot of the gross area of the plane surface,
acting in any direction. In calculating wind pressure on cylindrical or spherical signs or sign
structures, this pressure shall be assumed to act on six-tenths of the projected area. In all
open frame signs or sign structures, the area used in computing wind pressure shall be one
and one-half times the net area of the framing members in the side exposed to the wind.

C. Seismic Loads. Signs and sign structures shall be designed and constructed to resist seismic
forces as provided in Section 2312, Appendix, of the Uniform Building Code.

D. Combined Loads. Wind and seismic loads need not be combined in the design of signs or
sign structures; only that loading producing the larger stresses need be used.

Vertical design loads, except roof live loads, shall be assumed to be acting simultaneously
with the wind or seismic loads.

E. Allowable Stresses. The design of wood, concrete or steel members shall conform to the
requirements of Chapters 25, 26 and 27 of the Uniform Building Code. Loads, both vertical
and horizontal, exerted on the soil shall not produce stresses exceeding those permitted by
Chapter 28 of the Uniform Building Code.

The working stresses of wire rope and its fastenings shall not exceed twenty-five (25) percent of the ultimate strength of the rope or fasteners.

Working stresses for wind or seismic loads combined with dead loads may be increased as specified in Section 2303 of the Uniform Building Code. (1949 Code § 8537 as amended by Ord. 873; May 11, 1959)

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 15.16.190 NEWPORT BEACH CODE § 15.16.200

The supports for all signs or sign structures shall be placed in or upon private property and shall be securely built, constructed and erected in conformance with the requirements of this chapter. (1949 Code § 8538(a) as amended by Ord. 873; May 11, 1959)

Materials for construction of signs and sign structures shall be of the quality and grade as specified for buildings in the Uniform Building Code.

In all signs and sign structures, the materials and details of construction shall, in the absence of
specified requirements, conform with the following:

A. Structural steel shall be of such quality as to conform with the U.B.C. Standard 27-1.
Secondary members in contact with or directly supporting the display surface may be
formed of light gauge steel; provided, that such members are designed in accordance with
the specifications for the design of light gauge steel as provided in U.B.C. Standards 27-2
and 27-3 and are galvanized to comply with American Society for Testing Materials
“Standard Specifications for Zinc-coated Iron and Steel,” A93-46. No minimum thickness
is specified. Secondary members, when formed integrally with the display surface, shall be
not less than No. 24 gauge in thickness. When not formed integrally with the display
surface, the minimum thickness of the secondary members shall be No. 12 gauge. The
minimum thickness of hot-rolled steel members furnishing structural support for signs shall
be one-fourth inch ungalvanized and three-sixteenths inch if galvanized. Steel pipe shall be
of such quality as to conform with U.B.C. Standard 27-4. Steel members may be connected
with one galvanized bolt provided the connection is adequate to transfer the stresses in the
members.

B. Anchors and supports for signs when of wood which are imbedded in the soil, or are
indirectly in contact therewith, shall be pressure-treated with an approved preservative
before erection. Such members shall be marked or branded by an approved agency.

C. No material, part, portion, or equipment shall be used in any sign which might become
dangerous because of vibration, corrosion, disintegration, or any other reason.

D. Restrictions on Combustible Materials: All signs and sign structures erected in Fire Zone
One shall have structural members of incombustible materials.

E. Ground signs and pole signs may be constructed of any material meeting the requirements
of this chapter, except as provided above.

F. Combination signs, pole signs, roof signs, wall signs, projecting signs, and signs on
marquees shall be constructed of materials as specified in the Uniform Building Code and
as provided in subsection (G). No combustible materials other than approved plastics shall
be used in the construction of electrical signs.

For requirements on temporary signs see Sections 15.16.340 and 15.16.350.

G. Nonstructural trim may be of wood, metal, approved plastics, or any combination thereof.

H. Display surfaces in all types of signs may be made of metal, glass or approved plastics, in
accordance with the area limitations set forth in Table 8-5A.

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 15.16.200 BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION § 15.16.240

(1949 Code § 8538 (part) as amended by Ord. 873; May 11, 1959)

Members supporting unbraced signs shall be so proportioned that the bearing loads imposed on the soil in either direction, horizontal or vertical, shall not exceed the safe values. Braced ground signs shall be anchored to resist the specified wind or seismic load acting in any direction. Anchors and supports shall be designed for safe bearing loads on the soil and for an effective resistance to pull-out amounting to a force twenty-five (25) percent greater than the required resistance to overturning.

Portable ground signs supported by frames or posts rigidly attached to the base shall be so

proportioned that the weight and size of the base will be adequate to resist the wind pressure specified in Section 15.16.180(B).

Signs attached to masonry, concrete, or steel shall be safely and securely fastened thereto by means of metal anchors, bolts, or approved expansion screws of sufficient size and anchorage to support safety the loads applied.

No wooden blocks or plugs or anchors with wood used in connection with screws or nails shall be considered proper anchorage, except in the case of signs attached to wood framing.

No anchor or support of any sign shall be connected to or supported by an unbraced parapet wall, unless such wall is designed in accordance with the provisions of Section 2312, Appendix, of the Uniform Building Code. (1949 Code § 8538(e) as amended by Ord. 873; May 11, 1959)

Area of Facing or Display Surface (each Area Occupied or Covered by Plastics face) (each face) 100 square feet or less 100 percent of display surface area Over 100 square feet 100 square feet plus 25 percent of the difference between 100 square feet and the area of the display surface

(1949 Code § 8358 (part) as amended by Ord. 873; May 11, 1959)

Maximum Size of Exposed Glass Panel Any Dimension in Area in Square Minimum Thickness Inches Inches of Glass in Inches Type of Glass 30 500 1/8 Plain, Plate or Wired 45 700 3/16 Plain, Plate or Wired 144 3,600 1/4 Plain, Plate or Wired over 144 over 3,600 1/4 Wired

(1949 Code § 8538 (part) as amended by Ord. 873; May 11, 1959)

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 15.16.240 NEWPORT BEACH CODE § 15.16.260

A. Design. Ground signs and pole signs shall be designed in accordance with a all requirements specified in this chapter.

B. Clearance and Height. No person shall erect any ground sign or pole sign with a height
greater than twenty-five (25) feet above the level of the street upon which the sign faces
without first having obtained an exception permit as provided in this chapter, which
extends beyond the front property line except as permitted in Section 15.16.290, or which
exceeds two hundred (200) square feet in area per face.
(1949 Code § 8539 as amended by Ord. 873; May 11, 1959 and § 8540 as amended by Ord.
1019; July 8, 1963)

A. Materials. Combination signs shall be constructed of incombustible materials except as provided in Section 15.16.200.

B. Supports. All supports of combination signs shall be placed in or upon private property and
shall be securely built, constructed and erected to conform with all requirements specified
in this chapter.

C. General Requirements. The individual requirements of roof, projecting and ground signs
shall apply to combination signs incorporating any of the features of roof, projecting or
ground signs.
(1949 Code §§ 8541, 8542 and 8543 as amended by Ord. 873; May 11, 1959)

The display surface area and height of any roof sign, projecting sign or combination roof and projecting sign shall be governed by Table 8-5C; provided, however, that any such sign must conform to all other provisions of this chapter for the type of sign that such sign incorporates.

Table No. 8-5C

Height of
Building,
(ft). Spires, 35 65
Cupolas, etc., 0 to 20 to 25 to 30 to to 40 to 45 to 50 to 55 to 60 to to 70 &
excepted 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 up

1. Roof Signs Height to 10 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30
Top of Sign
from Roof
Below Sign
(in ft.)

2. Projecting Height to 10 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30
Signs Top of Sign
Above Top
of Building
Face (in ft.)

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 15.16.260 BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION § 15.16.280

Table No. 8-5C

Height of
Building,
(ft). Spires, 35 65
Cupolas, etc., 0 to 20 to 25 to 30 to to 40 to 45 to 50 to 55 to 60 to to 70 &
excepted 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 up

3. Combination Height to 10 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30
Roof and Top of Sign
Projecting Signs Above Top
of Building
Face (in ft.)

4. Roof, Maximum 64 100 144 160 180 200 200 200 200 200 200 200
Projecting and Area in
Combination Square Feet
Signs per Face

(1949 Code § 8544 as amended by Ord. 1019; July 8, 1963)

A. Materials. Roof signs shall be constructed of incombustible materials except as provided in

B. Design. Roof signs shall be thoroughly secured and anchored to the frame of the building over which they are constructed or erected, and shall be designed in accordance with all requirements specified in this chapter.

C. Clearance. Passage clear of all obstructions shall be left under or around, and immediately
adjacent to, all signs exceeding a height of four feet above the roof thereunder. Such
passages shall be not less than three feet wide and four feet high and shall be at parapet or
roof level.

There shall be at least one such passage or access opening as follows:

1. For each roof sign upon a building.

2. Within twenty (20) feet of walls and parapets when roof signs are at right angles to a
face of the building.
(1949 Code §§ 8545 and 8546 as amended by Ord. 873; May 11, 1959; § 8547 as amended by
Ord. 911; January 25, 1960)

A. Materials. Wall signs shall be constructed of incombustible material, except as provided in

B. Design. Wall signs shall be designed in accordance with all requirements specified in this chapter.

C. Projection. No wall sign shall have a projection over public property greater than twenty-
four (24) inches, nor extend above any adjacent parapet or roof of the supporting building.

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 15.16.280 NEWPORT BEACH CODE § 15.16.300

D. Area. The area of a wall sign or wall signs on any wall shall not exceed two hundred (200)
square feet nor forty (40) percent of the exposed finished wall surface area, including
openings.
(1949 Code §§ 8549, 8550 and 8551 as amended by Ord. 873; May 11, 1959; § 8552 as
amended by Ord. 1019; July 8, 1963)

A. Materials. Projecting signs shall be constructed of incombustible materials, except as provided in Section 15.16.200.

B. Design. Projecting signs shall be designed in accordance with all requirements specified in
this chapter.

C. Projection. No sign shall project more than five feet over public property and may not
project to within two feet of the curb line. Subject to all limitations in this chapter, the
distance any sign may project over public property or beyond the building line is governed
by Table 8-5D.

Table No. 8-5D
Distance Above Sidewalk or 8' to 10' 10' to 12' 12' to 14' 14' to 16' 16' & Up
Grade Immediately Below
Sign
Maximum Projection Over 1' 2' 3' 4' 5'
Property Line or Building
Line

D. Thickness of Projection. The thickness of any portion of a sign which projects over public
property or beyond a building line is governed by Table 8-5E.

Table No. 8-5E
Projection 5' 4' 3' 2'
Maximum Thickness 2' 2'8" 3'4 "4'

E. Other Signs. No projecting sign may be erected or attached closer than ten feet to any other
projecting sign.

F. Alleys. No sign or sign structure shall project into any public alley whatsoever below a
height of fourteen (14) feet above grade, nor more than eighteen (18) inches when over
fourteen (14) feet.

G. Clearance. No sign or sign structure shall be erected in such a manner that any portion of
its surface or supports will interfere in any way with the free use of any fire escape, exit or
standpipe. No sign shall obstruct any window to such an extent that any light or ventilation
is reduced to a point below that required by any law or ordinance.
(1949 Code §§ 8553 and 8554 as amended by Ord. 873; May 11, 1959; § 8555 as amended by
Ord. 1019; July 8, 1963)

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 15.16.300 BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION § 15.16.340

No projecting signs may be attached to a marquee. Signs hung from the underside of a marquee shall be clear of the sidewalk by not less than eight feet.

Signs may be placed on the outer faces of a marquee if they are made a part thereof and do not exceed the limitations of marquees. Cut-out letters may be installed on top of marquees. (1949 Code § 8556 as amended by Ord. 873; May 11, 1959)

Electrical signs shall be constructed of incombustible materials, except as provided in Section

The enclosed shell of electrical signs shall be watertight, except that service holes

fitted with covers shall be provided in each compartment of such signs. (1949 Code § 8557 as amended by Ord. 873; May 11, 1959)

Illuminated signs shall be provided with illumination as provided in this section:

A. Illumination shall be furnished by means of incandescent lamps or luminous tubes either
affixed to the surface of the sign or suitably mounted in the interior of the sign itself.

B. When such lamps are placed in the interior of the sign, approved translucent material shall
be provided in the faces.

C. The maximum rating of individual incandescent lamps exposed on the surface of any sign
shall be forty (40) watts.

D. The maximum nighttime brightness of any sign shall not exceed that allowed in Title 20 of
this Code.

E. The required illumination shall be uniformly distributed over the faces of the sign. The use
of luminous tubes as borders and trim only shall not be construed to provide sufficient
illumination.
(1949 Code § 8558 as amended by Ord. 873; May 11, 1959; Ord. 96-21 § 1, 1996; Ord.
2013-11 § 100, 2013)

A. Requirements. Electrical equipment used in connection with display signs shall be installed in accordance with all provisions regulating electrical installations.

B. Erector’s Name. Every electrical sign projecting over any street or alley or public place
shall have painted on the surface of the sign the name of the sign erector and date of
erection. Such name and date shall be of sufficient size and contrast to be readable from
ground level. Failure to provide such name and date shall be grounds for rejection of the
sign by the Building Official.
(1949 Code § 8559 as amended by Ord. 873; May 11, 1959)

A. Size. No temporary sign shall exceed one hundred (100) square feet in area. Temporary

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 15.16.340 NEWPORT BEACH CODE § 15.16.360

signs of rigid material shall not exceed twenty-four (24) square feet in area, or six feet in
height.

B. Duration. Temporary signs may remain in place for a period not exceeding sixty (60) days.

C. Exception. Restrictions of time, size and height provided by this section shall not apply to
signs for which a use permit has been obtained under the provisions of Title 20 or a sign
considered a temporary project information sign subject to Section 15.60.030, or any
successor statute.

D. Projection. Temporary signs, when eight feet or more above the ground, may project not
more than six inches over public property or beyond the building line.
(1949 Code §§ 8560 and 8562 as amended by Ord. 873; May 11, 1959; Ord. 2019-9 § 5, 2019)

A. Support. Every temporary cloth sign suspended over any public street or way shall be supported and attached with wire rope of three-eighths inch minimum diameter. No strings or wood slats shall be permitted for support or anchorage purposes. Cloth signs and panels hung in a manner so they are subject to wind pressure shall be perforated over at least ten percent of their area to reduce wind resistance.

B. Projection and Clearance. Cloth signs may extend over public property. Such signs, when
extended over a public street, shall maintain a minimum vertical clearance of twenty (20)
feet.

C. Council Permission. Cloth signs may extend across a public street only by permission of
the City Council and shall be subject to all applicable laws and ordinances.
(1949 Code § 8561 as amended by Ord. 1019; July 8, 1963)

A. Defined. Signs existing at time of adoption of this chapter (July 8, 1963) which do not comply with the provisions hereof shall be regarded as legal nonconforming signs.

B. Repairing and Painting. Such signs may be removed for the purpose of repairing and
repainting them, and may be replaced upon obtaining a permit and having the same
inspected. Such sign may be removed and replaced under a single permit if the same is
replaced within sixty (60) days of its removal.

C. Change of Ownership. Upon change of ownership of the business advertised by any such
sign, the new owner may change any name or names on such sign so long as the sign
advertises the same type of business and there is no change in the configuration of such
sign.

D. Remodeling. Any such sign may be removed for the purpose of remodeling a building and
replaced within thirty (30) days after the remodeling is completed. Such sign may be
removed and replaced under a single permit.

E. Alterations. Alterations to such signs may be made only upon obtaining an exception
permit according to the provisions of this chapter.
(1949 Code § 8563 as amended by Ord. 1019; July 8, 1963)

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City of Newport Beach, CA