Chapter 20.42 — SIGN STANDARDS

The City of Newport Beach is a unique community located in an extraordinary environmental setting. Because of the need to protect and enhance the City’s unique character and aesthetic standards, to protect public safety and property values, and to promote tourism through enhanced aesthetic appeal, the Council finds that proper sign control is an important governmental interest. Therefore, the intent of the standards in this chapter is as follows:

A. Provide each sign user an opportunity for adequate identification while guarding against
the excessive and confusing proliferation of signs by appropriately regulating the time,
place, and manner under which signs may be displayed.

B. Preserve and enhance the community’s appearance by regulating the type, size, location,
quality, design, character, scale, color, illumination, and maintenance of signs.

C. Encourage signs that are well designed and that attract and invite rather than demand the
public’s attention.

D. Encourage the design of signs that are complementary to the buildings and uses to which
they relate and that are harmonious with their surroundings.

E. Ensure freedom of expression for sign uses, including noncommercial speech, by
maintaining a content-neutral approach to sign regulation.

F. Enhance the safety of motorists and pedestrians by minimizing the distraction of intrusive
signs, as well as to protect the life, health, property, and general welfare of City residents
and visitors.

G. Provide a review and approval process for signs to ensure compliance with the
requirements of this chapter.
(Ord. 2010-21 § 1 (Exh. A)(part), 2010)

A. Regulatory Scope. This chapter regulates signs, as defined in this chapter, that are placed on private property or on property owned by public agencies other than the City of Newport Beach and over which the City has zoning authority. Regulations for signs on public property are codified in Chapter 13.20.

B. Applicability. The regulations in this chapter shall apply to all signs in all zoning districts
that come within the regulatory scope as defined in subsection (A) of this section unless
specifically exempted. In addition, the provisions of Chapter 15.16 relating to building
codes, sign permits, fees, penalties, and a method of enforcement shall also apply.
Applications for sign permits that comply with the requirements of this chapter, and other
applicable laws, shall be approved. Sign permits shall be required in compliance with
Section 20.42.100 (Procedures for Sign Approval, Exemptions, and Revocations). Where
approval of a conditional use permit, variance, modification permit, site plan review, or
design approval has been obtained, any applicable conditions of that approval shall
supersede the requirements of this chapter.

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 20.42.020 PLANNING AND ZONING § 20.42.030

C. Sign Permit Required. A sign permit shall be required for all signs, including change of
copy allowed under the provisions of this chapter. In addition, signs that require a sign
permit shall be subject to approval by the Director, Zoning Administrator, or Commission
in conjunction with their sign approval authority. Only signs that comply with the
provisions of this chapter shall be approved. Additionally, the sign design guidelines that
have been adopted by the Council shall be applied to guide the Director, Zoning
Administrator, and/or Commission in administering this chapter. Content of a
noncommercial message shall not be considered when any required sign permit application
is reviewed. Content of a commercial message shall be considered only to the extent
required to determine whether the sign is an on-site sign. Refer to Section 20.42.100
(Procedures for Sign Approval, Exemptions, and Revocations) for sign permit
requirements.

D. Nonconforming Signs. An existing legally allowed sign that does not conform to the
requirements of this chapter shall be deemed a nonconforming sign and shall be subject to
the requirements of Section 20.42.140 (Nonconforming Signs).

E. Planned Community Districts. In Planned Community (PC) Districts, sign regulations contained in the planned community development plan shall supersede the requirements of this chapter. If the planned community development plan does not provide regulations for a particular sign type or situation, the requirements of this chapter shall prevail. Service station signs in Planned Community Districts shall be subject to the provisions of Section 20.42.080(K)(3) (Service Station Signs) unless more restrictive sign regulations are contained in the planned community development plan.

F. Santa Ana Heights Specific Plan. Signs proposed in the Santa Ana Heights specific plan
area are subject to the provisions set forth in the specific plan document. The regulations
contained in the Santa Ana Heights specific plan shall supersede the requirements of this
chapter.
(Ord. 2010-21 § 1 (Exh. A)(part), 2010)

The policies, rules and regulations stated in this section apply to all signs within the regulatory scope of this chapter, and to all provisions of this chapter, notwithstanding any more specific provisions to the contrary.

A. Message Neutrality. It is the City’s policy to regulate signs in a constitutional manner that
is content neutral as to noncommercial messages and viewpoint neutral as to commercial
messages.

B. Regulatory Interpretations. Interpretations of the requirements of this chapter shall be
exercised in light of the City’s message neutrality policy. Where a particular type of sign is
proposed and the type is neither expressly allowed nor prohibited by this chapter, or
whenever a sign does not qualify as a “structure” as defined in the California Building
Code, then the review authority shall approve, conditionally approve, or disapprove the
application based on the most similar sign type that is expressly regulated by this chapter.
Refer to Chapter 20.12 (Interpretation of Zoning Code Provisions).

C. Substitution of Messages. Signs authorized by this chapter are allowed to carry
noncommercial messages in lieu of any other commercial or noncommercial messages.

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 20.42.030 NEWPORT BEACH CODE § 20.42.030

Substitution of messages may be made without additional approval or permitting process.
This provision prevails over any more specific provision to the contrary within this chapter.
The purpose of this provision is to prevent an inadvertent favoring of commercial speech
over noncommercial speech, or favoring of any particular noncommercial message over
any other noncommercial message. This provision does not create a right to increase the
total amount of signage on a lot, nor does it affect the requirement that a sign structure or
mounting device be properly permitted.

D. Rules for Noncommunicative Aspects of Signs. Rules and regulations concerning the
noncommunicative aspects of signs (e.g., type, location, size, height, illumination, spacing,
orientation, etc.), stand enforceable independently of any permit or approval process.

E. Mixed-Use Zones. In a zone where both residential and nonresidential uses are allowed, the signage rights and responsibilities applicable to a particular use shall be determined as follows: residential uses shall be treated as if they were located in the residential area where that type of use would be allowed as a matter of right, and nonresidential uses shall be treated as if they were located in a zone where that particular use would be allowed, either as a matter of right or subject to a minor use permit, conditional use permit, or similar discretionary process.

F. Billboard Policy. The City completely prohibits the construction, erection or use of
billboards, other than those that legally exist in the City, or for which a valid permit has
been issued and has not expired, as of the date on which this provision was first adopted.
The City adopts this policy in compliance with California Government Code Section 65850
and California Business and Professions Code Sections 5354(a) and 5408.3. Permits shall
not be issued for billboards that violate this policy, and the City will take immediate
abatement action against billboards constructed or maintained in violation of this policy.
The Council affirmatively declares that it would have adopted this billboard policy even if
it were the only provision in this chapter. The Council intends for this billboard policy to
be severable and separately enforceable even if other provisions of this chapter may be
declared, by a court of competent jurisdiction, to be unconstitutional, invalid, or
unenforceable. This provision does not prohibit agreements to relocate existing, legal
billboards, as encouraged by California Business and Professions Code Section 5412.

G. Property Owners’ Consent. Signs shall not be displayed without the consent of the legal
owner of the property on which the sign is mounted or displayed. For purposes of this
policy, “owner” means the holder of the legal title to the property and all parties and
persons holding a present right to possession, control, or use of the property.

H. Legal Nature of Signage Rights and Duties. As to all signs attached to property, real or
personal, the signage rights, duties and obligations arising from this chapter attach to and
travel with the land or other property on which a sign is mounted or displayed. This
provision does not modify or affect the law of fixtures, sign-related provisions in private
leases, mutual covenants or equitable servitudes regarding signs (so long as they are not in
conflict with this chapter), or the ownership of sign structures.

I. Sign Programs. Sign programs (comprehensive, innovative), voluntarily proposed for
specific developments and planned communities, as well as special sign districts or special
sign overlay zones, when approved by the Zoning Administrator and/or Commission may
modify the rules provided in this chapter as to sign size, height, illumination, spacing,
orientation, or other noncommunicative aspects of signs, but may not override or modify

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 20.42.030 PLANNING AND ZONING § 20.42.040

any of the general provisions in this section. All of the provisions of this section shall automatically apply to and be deemed a part of any sign program approved after the date

on which this provision is initially adopted. (Ord. 2010-21 § 1 (Exh. A)(part), 2010; Ord. 2023-22 § 913, 2023)

For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply:

“A-frame sign” means a freestanding portable sign typically constructed of wood, metal, or plastic. These signs are usually small and are removed at the close of business. They are typically hinged at the top, or attached in a similar manner, and widening at the bottom to form a shape similar to the letter “A.”

“Abandoned nonconforming sign” means a nonconforming sign that is advertising a use that has ceased or is located upon a structure that has been abandoned by its owner, for more than ninety (90) days.

“Abandoned sign” means a sign that is advertising a use that has ceased; is located upon a structure that has been abandoned by its owner; does not identify or advertise a current bona fide business, lessor, service, owner or product available upon the site; or that identifies or advertises an event or activity that has occurred.

“Animated sign” means a sign that uses movement, lighting, or special materials to depict action or create a special effect or scene. This classification includes wind-actuated (e.g., balloons, bunting, pennants, streamers, whirligigs) or other similar devices.

“Awning” means a roof-like structure usually covered in fabric (e.g., canvas) that projects from the wall of a building for the purpose of shielding a doorway or window from the elements.

“Awning sign” means a sign painted on, printed on, or attached to the surface of an awning.

“Back-lit awning” means an internally illuminated, fixed, space-frame structure with translucent, flexible, fabric reinforced covering designed in awning form and with graphics or copy applied to the visible surface of the awning.

“Banner sign” means a sign made of fabric or any nonrigid material with no enclosing framework.

“Billboard” means a permanent structure used for the display of off-site commercial messages.

“Building frontage” means the building elevation that fronts on a street, alley, driveway, parking area, pedestrian plaza, walkway, courtyard, arcade, or waterway.

“Building frontage, primary” means the building frontage that is designated by an applicant as the “primary frontage” for the purpose of determining the applicable sign standards and that does not face a residential district.

“Building frontage, secondary” means the building frontage that is designated by an applicant for a sign permit as a “secondary frontage” for the purpose of determining the applicable sign standards, and that does not immediately face a residential zoning district.

“Building marker” means a sign indicating the name of a building and date and incidental information about its construction, which is cut into a masonry surface or made of bronze or other permanent material.

“Building sign” means a sign attached to or painted on a building.

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 20.42.040 NEWPORT BEACH CODE § 20.42.040

“Cabinet sign” means a sign that has one or more plastic, acrylic, or similar material faces (panels) that may or may not be internally illuminated. The sign panels may be either flat or shaped (pan face) and are attached to a metal frame (cabinet).

“Canopy sign” means a sign located on a permanent roof-like structure or canopy of rigid or fabric materials extending from the main entrance of a building.

“Changeable copy sign (electronic)” means a sign with changeable copy that is changed by incorporating video display, flip-disks, incandescent lamps, fluorescent lamps, fiber optics, light- emitting diodes, liquid crystal displays, plasma displays, field emission displays, or any other mechanical or light-emitting matrix to convey changing copy or images. Also considered an animated sign.

“Changeable copy sign (manual)” means a sign with changeable copy that is manually changed, regardless of method of attachment or materials of construction. This classification includes bulletin boards and changeable copy signs on marquees. Does not include electronic message boards with lighted displays.

“Commercial mascot” means humans or animals used as advertising devices for commercial establishments, typically by the holding or wearing of insignia, masks or costumes associated with or advertising the commercial establishment (e.g., sign twirlers, sign clowns).

“Commercial message” means a message displayed on a sign that relates primarily to economic interests (e.g., the exchange of goods or services). This definition shall also include any court rulings defining the term “commercial speech.”

“Construction project sign” means a temporary sign displayed on the site of a construction project during the period of construction that provides information about the project, which may contain the names of architects, landscape architects, engineers, and contractors working on the project, future tenants, finance institutions, real estate representatives, and similar persons/ organizations involved in the project begins with the issuance of a building permit, or its functional equivalent, and ends with the issuance of the earliest of the following: a certificate of completion, a certificate of occupancy, a final inspection sign-off, or the functional equivalent of any of them.

“Copy” means the graphic content of a sign surface in either permanent or removable letter, pictographic, symbolic, or alphabetic form.

“Directional sign” means an on-premises sign giving directions, instructions, or facility information of an establishment but no advertising copy, e.g., parking or exit and entrance signs.

“Directory sign” means a sign listing the tenants or occupants of a building or building complex.

“Display surface” means the area made available by the sign structure for the purpose of displaying the advertising message.

“Double-faced sign” means a sign designed with the intent of providing copy on both sides.

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 20.42.040 PLANNING AND ZONING § 20.42.040

“Electrical raceway” means a utilitarian metal channel used for the electrical components of an illuminated sign; and not designed as an architectural feature.

“Establishment” means a legal, nonresidential use of land to conduct a commercial or noncommercial activity. By way of example and not limitation, “establishment” includes stores, offices, churches, hospitals, manufacturing facilities, etc. Does not include home-based occupations or hobbies.

“Externally illuminated sign” means a sign illuminated from an exterior light source.

“Facade” means the entire building elevation, including the parapet.

“Face of sign” means the area of a sign on which the copy is placed.

“Fascia” means, typically, the smooth wall surface between a window and the parapet.

“Flag” means a rectangular piece of fabric of distinctive design that is used as a symbol, as a signage device, or as a decoration.

“Freestanding sign” means a sign supported permanently upon the ground by a structure and not attached to a building. This includes pylon signs, blade signs, and ground-mounted signs (monument signs).

“Frontage, street” means the length of the property line of a lot along a right-of-way on which it borders.

“Fuel price sign” means a sign containing prices and grades of fuel for sale at a service station.

“Future tenant sign” means a sign identifying a building tenant or occupant that has not yet occupied the building or opened its establishment.

“Illegal sign” means a sign that does not meet the requirements of this chapter and that is not a legal nonconforming sign.

“Illuminated sign” means a sign with an artificial light source for the purpose of decorating, outlining, accentuating, or brightening the sign area.

“Incidental sign” means a small sign, emblem, or decal informing the public of the facilities, trade affiliation, or services available on the premises, e.g., a credit card sign or a sign indicating hours of business or presence of parking.

“Indirectly illuminated sign” means a sign whose illumination is derived entirely from an external artificial source that is arranged to illuminate the sign area only.

“Inflated display sign” means a three-dimensional object filled or activated by moving or nonmoving air or other gas, located, attached, or tethered to the ground, site, merchandise, structure, or roof and used as a sign or to attract attention. This definition does not include inflated gymnasium devices commonly used for children’s parties.

“Innovative sign” means a sign that incorporates design elements, objects, shapes, materials

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 20.42.040 NEWPORT BEACH CODE § 20.42.040

or techniques that may cause the sign to not conform to certain dimensional or placement requirements of this Code, approval of which is subject to meeting the objective criteria described in Section 20.42.130 (Innovative Sign Program).

“Internally illuminated sign” means a sign illuminated from an interior light source contained within the sign cabinet.

“Logo” means a sign consisting of a trademark or symbol used to identify a business.

“Luminous tube signs” means a sign that consists of or is illuminated by exposed electrically charged gas-filled tubing (e.g., neon and argon signs), or by fiber optics.

“Monument sign” means a freestanding sign supported by a solid architectural element at its base.

“Mural” means an artistic image or design painted or affixed to the exterior surface of a structure that does not contain a commercial or noncommercial text or message.

“Nameplate” means a sign indicating the name and/or address of a building or occupant.

“Noncommercial message” means a sign message that is not commercial in nature. This definition shall automatically incorporate court rulings defining the term “noncommercial speech.”

“Nonconforming sign” means a sign, outdoor advertising structure, or display that was originally lawfully erected and maintained, but which does not conform to the current standards of this chapter or is now prohibited. Signs that do not conform with the current standards of this chapter or are now prohibited but were erected in compliance with an approved variance. Modification permit, conditional use permit and/or the comprehensive sign program do not fall within the definition of nonconforming signs.

“Off-site message” means a message on a sign that advertises a business, accommodation, service, or activity not provided on the premises on which the sign is located. This classification includes billboards. The off-site/on-site distinction applies only to commercial messages.

“On-site message” means a message on a sign advertising the business, accommodations, services, or activities provided on the premises on which the sign is located. The off-site/on-site distinction applies only to commercial messages.

“Painted wall sign” means a sign that is applied with paint or similar substance on the surface of a wall, including fences.

“Parapet” means the extension of a false front or wall above a roofline.

“Pedestrian sign” means a sign designed to be viewed at a pedestrian level.

“Permanent sign” means a sign designed with durable materials and intended to be used in excess of sixty (60) days per calendar year.

“Pole sign” means a sign that is supported by a single pole or similar support structure so that the bottom edge of the sign is one foot or more above grade.

“Portable sign” means any sign designed to be moved easily and not permanently affixed to the ground or to a structure or building.

“Projecting sign” means a sign that projects from and is supported by a wall of a building.

“Projection” means the distance by which a sign extends from the building it is supported by.

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 20.42.040 PLANNING AND ZONING § 20.42.040

“Projector sign” means a sign that is projected onto a surface using an intense source of illumination to project the image.

“Promotional temporary banner” means a temporary sign or banner displayed by an establishment to advertise temporary events (e.g., sales, seasonal events, liquidation sales, and going-out-of-business sales).

“Public service sign” means signs of utilities or other publicly regulated service providers indicating danger, and similar aids to service or safety, including official advisory and signal flags.

“Pylon sign” means a sign that is supported by two or more uprights, poles, or braces in or upon the ground that are not a part of a building or enclosed within the exterior walls of a building and are separated from any other structures by a distance of at least six inches. This includes a sign that is supported by two or more poles that are surrounded by a decorative cover to form one solid sign support.

“Real estate sign” means a sign advertising real property for sale, exchange, lease, or rent, but not including signs advertising transient occupancy (e.g., hotel or motel accommodations).

“Residential name or identification sign” means a sign identifying the name or address of a residence and/or its occupants.

“Restaurant menu sign” means menus displayed on the exterior premises of a restaurant, visible from the public right-of-way.

“Rider” means a small sign attached to a larger sign and intended to convey information not conveniently incorporated into the text of the larger sign.

“Roof line” means the top edge of a roof or building parapet, whichever is higher, excluding any mansards, cupolas, pylons, chimneys, or minor projections.

“Roof sign” means a sign erected upon or above a roof of a building.

“Sign” means any device, fixture, placard or structure, including its component parts, that draws attention to an object, product, place, activity, opinion, person, establishment, institution, organization, or place of business, or that identifies or promotes the interests of any person and that is to be viewed from any public street, road, highway, right-of-way or parking area. The following are not within the definition of “sign” for regulatory purposes of this chapter:

1. Interior Signs. Signs or other visual communicative devices that are located entirely within
a building or other enclosed structure and are not visible from the exterior thereof or located
at least five feet from the window, provided the building or enclosed structure is otherwise
legal;

2. Architectural Features. Decorative or architectural features of buildings (not including
lettering, logos, trademarks, or moving parts);

3. Symbols Embedded in Architecture. Symbols of noncommercial organizations or concepts,

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 20.42.040 NEWPORT BEACH CODE § 20.42.040

including religious or political symbols, when these are permanently integrated into the
structure or a permanent building that is otherwise legal; also includes foundation stones,
corner stones and similar devices;

4. Manufacturers’ Marks. Marks on tangible products that identify the maker, seller, provider
or product, and that customarily remain attached to the product even after sale;

5. Fireworks and Other Lights. The legal use of fireworks, candles and artificial lighting not
otherwise regulated by this chapter;

6. Newsracks or newsstands;

7. Legally required information, including public notices, registration, or licensing
information, etc.;

8. Murals.

“Sign structure” means the sign and the supports, uprights, braces, and framework of the sign.

“Super graphic” means images, graphic elements, and logos, including required corporate logos
that are affixed to or painted on a structure that may not be the textual portion of a sign.

“Temporary sign” means a sign, banner, pennant, valance, or advertising display constructed of
cloth, canvas, fabric, cardboard, wall board, or other light nondurable materials, with or without
frames, designed to be displayed for a limited period of time.

“Tenant frontage” means that portion of a multitenant building facade that is devoted to a single
tenant.

“Valance” means the part of an awning that hangs vertically down from the shed (sloped) portion
of an awning.

“Vehicle sign” means a sign painted, affixed, or placed upon a vehicle or trailer that is designed to be towed behind a vehicle. On street legal vehicles, the following insignia are not considered to be vehicle signs, and are not regulated as vehicle signs:

1. License plates;

2. License plate frames;

3. Registration insignia;

4. Noncommercial messages painted on or otherwise attached in a manner so that the vehicle
can be legally operated on public rights-of-way, or any noncommercial message that does
not exceed a total of three square feet in size;

5. Messages on a vehicle the primary purpose of which is to be used in the regular course of
business to transport the personnel or products, or to provide the services (not including
general advertising) that are advertised by the messages on the vehicle; provided, that the
messages are painted or otherwise attached in a manner so that the vehicle can be operated
on public rights-of-way;

6. Commercial messages that do not exceed a total of three square feet in size; and

7. Commercial messages on duly licensed mass transit vehicles that pass through the City.

“Wall sign” means a sign attached to, erected against or painted upon the wall of a building or

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 20.42.040 PLANNING AND ZONING § 20.42.060

structure, the face of which is in a single plane parallel to the plane of the wall.

“Window sign” means a sign that is applied or attached to a window or located within five feet of the inside of a window in a manner so that it can be seen from the exterior of the structure. (Ord. 2010-21 § 1 (Exh. A)(part), 2010)

The following signs and sign types shall be prohibited throughout all zoning districts of the City.

A. Painted Signs. Painted signs on fences or roofs except addresses.

B. Hazardous Location. Signs located in a manner that the sign or a portion of the sign or sign
supports interfere with the free use of a fire escape, exit or standpipe, or obstruct a required
door, stairway, ventilator, window, or public way or are otherwise hazardous.

C. Signs with Off-Site Commercial Messages. Signs shall not advertise a business,
accommodation, service or activity not provided on the premises on which the sign is
located. The off-site/on-site distinction shall only apply to commercial messages.

D. Beams of Light. No person shall erect or maintain any device that directs a beam of light,
including klieg lights and searchlights, in a flashing sequence toward any street or highway,
nor shall any person erect or maintain any illuminated sign or similar device that interferes
with the visibility of any official traffic control device or warning signal.

E. Luminous Tube Lighting (e.g., Neon, Rope Lighting). Luminous tube lighting shall not be
used to outline or frame doors and/or windows.

F. Prohibited sign types:

1. A-frame signs (except as permitted in commercial districts in Corona del Mar);

2. Animated signs;

3. Changeable copy signs, except as a component of another type sign allowed through
the comprehensive sign program;

4. Commercial mascots;

5. Inflated display signs;

6. Pole signs;

7. Roof signs, unless a variance is granted; and

8. Vehicle signs, subject to the definition of vehicle signs in Section 20.42.040
(Definitions).
(Ord. 2010-21 § 1 (Exh. A)(part), 2010; Ord. 2014-17 § 1, 2014)

A. Compliance Required. No person shall erect, re-erect, construct, enlarge, alter, change copy, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, or equip any sign or sign structure, 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 Code.

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 20.42.060 NEWPORT BEACH CODE § 20.42.060

B. Uncertainty of Chapter Provisions. The Commission shall have the authority to interpret
the provisions of this chapter at the request of the Director, or when an appeal for a decision
of the Director is filed with the Commission.

C. Sign Construction. All signs that are not temporary signs shall be constructed of permanent
materials, including but not limited to metal, wood, acrylic, or other comparable durable,
weatherproof materials. No material more combustible than treated wood shall be used in
the construction of any permanent sign.

D. Sign Area Computation.

1. The allowed sign area for a building sign is calculated by first determining if the sign
is to be placed on a “primary” or “secondary” building/ tenant frontage (as defined in
this chapter) and then referring to the tables in Section 20.42.070 (Standards for
Permanent Signs). The allowed sign area for a freestanding sign is determined by the
number of linear feet of the street frontage where the sign is to be placed in
compliance with the tables in Section 20.42.070.

2. The entire area contained within the frame, cabinet, fixture, or design including all
ornamentation, super graphics, or other decoration used to attract attention that can be
enclosed in no more than four lines drawn at right angles shall be included in the
measurement of sign area. In the case of “skeleton” or “cut-out” letters or signs placed
on a wall without any borders, the sign area shall be the sum of the area of all letters,
words, logos, or symbols within a single continuous perimeter with no more than four
lines drawn at right angles (square or rectangle). (See illustration below.)

3. Only one face of a double-faced sign shall be counted in computing the permitted area
of the sign. Double-faced (back-to-back) signs shall be regarded as a single sign when
the sign is mounted on a single structure, and the distance between each sign face
does not exceed two feet at any point. If the sign is multifaced, then each face shall
be counted in computing the permitted area of the sign.

4. Supporting framework or bracing that is clearly incidental to the sign shall not be
computed as sign area.

5. Where a sign consists of one or more three-dimensional objects (i.e., balls, cubes, clusters of objects, sculpture, or statue-like trademarks), the sign area shall be measured as their maximum projection upon a vertical plane. Signs may not contain three-dimensional objects that exceed a projection of six inches from the sign face, unless the signs are allowed as part of an approved innovative sign program.

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 20.42.060 PLANNING AND ZONING § 20.42.070

E. Sign Height Measurement. The height of a sign shall be measured from the highest part of
the sign, including any decorative features, to the grade of the adjacent street or the surface
grade beneath the sign, whichever the Director determines is appropriate given the physical
characteristics of the site.

F. Maximum Letter/Logo Height. The maximum height of any letter, text, logo, or symbol
shall be thirty-six (36) inches.

G. Sign Removal or Replacement. When a sign is removed, all brackets, poles, and other
structural elements that supported the sign shall also be removed. Affected building
surfaces shall be restored to match the adjacent portion of the building.

H. Illuminated Signs and Lights. The following standards shall apply to all illuminated signs:

1. Sign illumination shall not interfere with the use and enjoyment of adjacent
properties, create a public nuisance, or create public safety hazards. Exterior light
sources shall be shielded from view and directed to illuminate only the sign face.

2. Signs may be internally or externally illuminated. Internal illumination is permitted
only if the sign background is opaque and the only portion of the sign that appears as
illuminated is the actual lettering and/or a registered trademark or logo.

3. The light from an illuminated sign shall not be of an intensity or brightness or directed
in a manner that will create a negative impact on residential properties in direct line
of sight to the sign including signs that face Newport Bay.

4. Colored lights shall not be used at a location or in a manner so as to be confused or
construed as traffic control devices.

5. Reflective-type bulbs and incandescent lamps that exceed fifteen (15) watts shall not
be used on the exterior surface of signs so that the face of the bulb or lamp is exposed
to a public right-of-way or adjacent property.

6. Light sources shall utilize energy-efficient fixtures to the greatest extent possible.

7. Each illuminated sign shall be subject to a thirty (30) day review period, during which time the Director may determine that a reduction in illumination is necessary due to negative impacts on surrounding property or the community in general. In addition, and at any time, the Director may order the dimming of any illumination found to be excessively bright. The Director’s determination will be made without regard to the message content of the sign. (Ord. 2010-21 § 1 (Exh. A)(part), 2010)

Tables 3-15, 3-16 and 3-17 provide regulations for permanent signs in residential, nonresidential, institutional, and open space zoning districts. References in the last column provide additional regulations for specific sign types located elsewhere in this chapter. In the case of an inconsistency between regulations provided in the tables and regulations provided for specific sign types, the regulations for specific sign types shall take precedence.

A. Signs Allowed in Residential Zoning Districts.

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 20.42.070 NEWPORT BEACH CODE § 20.42.070

TABLE 3-15
SIGNS ALLOWED IN RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICTS

Location Additional
Allowed Maximum Maximum Maximum Require- Lighting Require-
Sign Class Sign Types Number Sign Area Sign Height ments Allowed ments

Name plate Wall 1 per single- 2 sq. ft. Below eave Near main Internal only Name and
Single-family uses family use of roof or entrance address only
parapet

Identification sign Wall or 1 per 12 sq. ft. Below eave Near main Yes Cabinet signs
Multi-unit uses ground sign multiunit use of roof or entrance not allowed
parapet for
wall sign

Residential Wall or 2 per primary 40 sq. ft. 6 ft. At primary Indirect only Cabinet signs
community ground entrance total entrances to not allowed
identification signs residential
community

Signs for allowed Wall or 1 per use 12 sq. ft. Below eave Near main Yes Cabinet signs
nonresidential uses ground sign of roof or entrance not allowed
parapet for
wall sign

B. Signs Allowed in Commercial, Industrial Zoning Districts.

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 20.42.070 PLANNING AND ZONING § 20.42.070

TABLE 3-16 SIGNS ALLOWED IN COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ZONING DISTRICTS

Location Additional
Allowed Maximum Maximum Maximum Require- Lighting Require-
Sign Class Sign Types Number Sign Area Sign Height ments Allowed ments

1. On-site sign. Freestanding 1 freestanding 1.0 sq. ft. of Not to Located on Yes See
signs. sign allowed sign area per exceed 20 ft. street frontage 20.42.080
Permitted on per site. May be lineal foot of in height for only. At least for sign
sites with used in primary street pylon signs, 15 feet from standards
minimum 50 combination frontage, 75 or 8 ft. any building for
ft. of with other sq. ft. max. per maximum sign and 50 freestanding
frontage. allowed sign height and 6 feet from any signs.
building signs. ft. maximum freestanding
Additional average sign on an
signs for sites height for adjacent site.
with more than monument
300 linear feet signs.
of street
frontage
through the
approval of a
Comprehensive
Sign Program.

2. On-site sign. Building 1 sign per 1.5 sq. ft. of Shall not Yes See
Primary signs. primary sign area per extend above 20.42.080
frontage. Wall, building or lineal foot of adjacent for sign
projecting, tenant frontage. primary parapet or standards
window, and May be wall, building roof or above by sign type
awning signs. projecting, frontage or bottom of
Roof sign window, or tenant frontage lowest
only with awning signs. total for any second-story
variance. (1) Second combination window or
story, window of building third-story
or awning signs signs and window for
only. (2) window signs. projecting
75 sq. ft. signs. (2)
maximum sign
area per sign.
20 sq. ft. max.
for projecting
signs. Window
signs, 20%
max. of each
window area.

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 20.42.070 NEWPORT BEACH CODE § 20.42.070

TABLE 3-16
SIGNS ALLOWED IN COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ZONING DISTRICTS

Location Additional
Allowed Maximum Maximum Maximum Require- Lighting Require-
Sign Class Sign Types Number Sign Area Sign Height ments Allowed ments

3. On-Site Sign. Building 1 sign per 50% of sign Shall not Yes See Secondary signs. secondary area allowed extend above 20.42.080 frontage. Wall, building or for primary adjacent for sign projecting, tenant frontage. building parapet or standards window, and May be wall, frontage total roof or above by sign type awning signs. projecting, for any bottom of window, or combination lowest awning sign. (1) of building second story Second story, signs. 10 sq. window or window or ft. max for third-story awning signs projecting window for only. (2) signs. Window projecting signs, 25% signs. (2) max of each window area. 4. On-Site Sign. Building 1 per 3 sq. ft. of sign 10 ft. Near main No See Pedestrian- signs. Flush- establishment. area. maximum. 8 entrance and 20.42.080 oriented sign. mounted or Allowed in ft. of oriented to for sign projecting. combination clearance pedestrians. standards with other below Not above 10 by sign type building signs. bottom of ft. projecting sign. 5. On-Site Sign. Canopy sign 2 per canopy if Shall be part Not above Signs shall be No Entry canopy both are not of and shall uppermost placed on sign. visible at the not exceed part of outer faces of same time. limitation of canopy. canopy only. entry canopy. 6. Business Wall or 1 per multi- 8 sq. ft. of sign 8 ft. Near main No See Directory. ground sign tenant site. area. maximum. entrance and 20.42.080 Multi-tenant 6 ft. oriented to for sign site. maximum pedestrians. standards average. by sign type Notes: (1) The number of allowed building-mounted signs is one per primary frontage and one per secondary frontage. Building signs include wall, projecting, window, and awning signs. All other signs (i.e., pedestrian-oriented signs, entry canopy signs, multi-tenant directory signs, and temporary signs) are not included in this restriction. (2) Wall signs are allowed for multi-tenant buildings for second story occupancies with exterior entrances.

   C. Signs Allowed in Open Space, PI, and PF Zoning Districts.

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 20.42.070 PLANNING AND ZONING § 20.42.070

TABLE 3-17
SIGNS ALLOWED IN OS, PI, PR, AND PF ZONING DISTRICTS

Location Additional
Allowed Maximum Maximum Maximum Require- Lighting Require-
Sign Class Sign Types Number Sign Area Sign Height ments Allowed ments

1. On-site sign. Freestanding 1 freestanding 1.0 sq. ft. of 8 ft. Located on Yes See signs. monument sign sign area per street frontage 20.42.080 Permitted on allowed per lineal foot of only. At least for sign sites with site. May be primary street 15 feet from standards minimum 50 used in frontage, 75 any building for ft. of combination sq. ft. max. per sign and 50 freestanding frontage. with other sign feet from any monument allowed freestanding signs. building signs. sign on an Additional adjacent site. signs for sites with more than 300 linear feet of street frontage through the approval of a Comprehensive Sign Program. 2. On-site sign. Building 1 sign per 1.0 sq. ft. of Shall not Yes See Primary signs. primary sign area per extend above 20.42.080 frontage. Wall and building lineal foot of adjacent for sign awning signs. frontage. May primary parapet or standards be wall or building roof or above by sign awning signs. frontage or bottom of type. (1) Second tenant frontage lowest story awning total for any second story signs only. (2) combination window. of building signs and window signs. 50 sq. ft. maximum sign area per sign.

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 20.42.070 NEWPORT BEACH CODE § 20.42.080

TABLE 3-17
SIGNS ALLOWED IN OS, PI, PR, AND PF ZONING DISTRICTS

Location Additional
Allowed Maximum Maximum Maximum Require- Lighting Require-
Sign Class Sign Types Number Sign Area Sign Height ments Allowed ments

3. On-site sign. Building 1 sign per 50% of sign Shall not Yes See Secondary signs. secondary area allowed extend above 20.42.080 frontage. Wall and building for primary adjacent for sign awning signs. frontage. May building parapet or standards be wall or frontage total roof or above by sign awning sign. (1) for any bottom of type. Second story combination lowest awning signs of building second story only. (2) signs. window. (2) 4. On-site sign. Building 1 per 3 sq. ft. of sign 10 ft. Near main No See Pedestrian- signs. establishment. area. Maximum. 8 entrance and 20.42.080 oriented sign. Flush- Allowed in ft. of oriented to for sign mounted or combination clearance pedestrians. standards projecting. with other below Not above 10 by sign building signs. bottom of ft. type. projecting sign. 5. On-site sign. Canopy sign. 2 per canopy if Shall be part Not above Signs shall be No Entry canopy both are not of and shall uppermost placed on sign visible at the not exceed part of outer faces of same time. limitation of canopy. canopy only. entry canopy. 6. Directory sign. Wall or 1 per multi- 8 sq. ft. of sign 8 ft. Near main No See ground sign. tenant site. area. maximum. 6 entrance and 20.42.080 ft. maximum oriented to for sign average. pedestrians. standards by sign type. Notes: (1) The number of allowed building-mounted signs is one per primary frontage and one per secondary frontage. Building signs include wall, projecting, window, and awning signs. All other signs (i.e., pedestrian-oriented signs, entry canopy signs, multi-tenant directory signs, and temporary signs) are not included in this restriction. (2) Wall signs are allowed for multi-tenant buildings for second story occupancies with exterior entrances.

   (Ord. 2010-21 § 1 (Exh. A)(part), 2010)

A. Awning Signs.

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 20.42.080 PLANNING AND ZONING § 20.42.080

1. Lettering, logos, symbols, and graphics are allowed on up to fifty (50) percent of the
area of a shed (slope) portion of the awning and valance portion of the awning. Signs
shall be applied flat against the awning surface. In the case of a barrel shaped (curved)
awning, signs shall not occupy more than sixty (60) percent of the bottom twelve (12)
inches of the awning.

2. Only permanent signs that are an integral part of the awning shall be allowed.
Temporary signs shall not be placed on awnings.

3. Awning signs shall be allowed for first and second story commercial occupancies
only.

4. Awnings shall conform to the size and shape of the window or door they are above.
Overly large awnings and awnings with unusual shapes designed for the purpose of
providing additional sign area are not allowed. The uppermost part of an awning shall
not be located more than two feet above a window or door.

5. Awnings shall not be lighted from under the awning (back-lit awning) so that the
awning appears internally illuminated. Lighting directed downwards that does not
illuminate the awning is allowed.

6. A minimum of eight feet of clearance shall be provided between the lowest part of an
awning and the grade below.

B. Changeable Copy Signs. A sign that contains a changeable copy element may be permitted
through the approval of a comprehensive sign program in compliance with Section

component of another sign type permitted under the provisions of this chapter. Approval shall not be based on message content.

C. Freestanding Signs.

1. Freestanding signs include ground-mounted signs (monument) and pylon signs,
which may either have a solid base or a base comprised of two legs. If legs are
provided, the proportional dimensions of the sign shall comply with the requirements
of subsection (C)(3)(c) of this section.

2. Freestanding signs shall be allowed only for lots with at least fifty (50) feet of
frontage adjoining a public street. In addition, pylon signs are only allowed when a
building is set back from the front property line a minimum of forty (40) feet.

3. Freestanding signs shall not exceed the following maximum height dimensions and
shall not exceed the proportional dimensions provided below:

a. Pylon sign: maximum height = twenty (20) feet.

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 20.42.080 NEWPORT BEACH CODE § 20.42.080

b. Monument sign: maximum average height = six feet; maximum overall height
= eight feet, including decorative elements and architectural features.

c. Proportional dimensions shall be as follows:

i. Pylon Sign.

(A) Maximum W = 30% x H.

(B) Maximum LH = 33% x H.

(C) Maximum O = 50% x W.

(D) Minimum LW = 25% x W.

ii. Monument Sign.

(A) H = height inclusive of the base.

(B) W = width exclusive of the base.

(C) Maximum W = 1.5 x average H.

4. Freestanding signs shall be set back a minimum of five feet from a street or interior

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 20.42.080 PLANNING AND ZONING § 20.42.080

property line and a minimum of ten (10) feet from the edge of a driveway.

5. To ensure the readability of freestanding signs, the minimum letter size allowed shall
be six inches. Sign copy shall not be located closer than one-half letter height to the
sign edge or other line of copy.

6. There shall be a minimum of fifty (50) feet between freestanding signs on adjoining
sites to ensure adequate visibility for all signs.

7. Freestanding signs shall be a minimum of fifty (50) feet from a lot line of any
residentially zoned property.

8. Freestanding signs shall not project over any building, or over any on-site driveway or vehicle circulation area. 9. The supporting structure of a pylon sign shall not include exposed metal pole(s), but shall be surrounded by a decorative cover that is architecturally compatible with the sign cabinet and the architectural character of buildings on the site. 10. Landscaping with automatic irrigation shall be provided at the base of the supporting structure equal to twice the area of one face of the sign or seventy-five (75) square feet, whichever is greater. For example, forty (40) sq. ft. of sign area equals eighty (80) sq. ft. of landscaped area. The Director may waive or modify this requirement on a case-by-case basis to take into account existing conditions. 11. Freestanding signs shall contain an address plate identifying the subject property. Numbers shall be a minimum of six inches in height and shall be clearly visible from the public right-of-way. Address plates shall not be calculated against the allowed sign area. (See following illustration.) Ground Sign with Appropriate Address D. Luminous Tube Signs. The use of luminous tubes for signs shall be allowed in commercial zoning districts only subject to the following requirements: 1. Luminous tube signs shall be UL (Underwriters Laboratories) listed with a maximum thirty (30) milliamps per circuit and be designed to accommodate a dimmer in order to reduce the brightness of the sign; 2. The manufacturer shall be registered with Underwriters Laboratories; 3. Tubing shall not exceed one-half inch in diameter; 4. Luminous tube lighting adjacent to residential uses shall not exceed one-half footcandle measured at the property line; 5. Luminous tubes shall not be combined with any reflective materials (e.g., mirrors, polished metal, highly glazed tiles, or other similar materials); and

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 20.42.080 NEWPORT BEACH CODE § 20.42.080

6. Luminous tube lighting that surrounds a window, door, or similar element is not
allowed.

E. Pedestrian-Oriented Signs.

1. Signs may be placed perpendicular to the building facade (projecting) or mounted flat
against the wall near the building entrance.

2. Supporting arms or frames for projecting signs shall be of a decorative design
compatible with the design of the sign.

3. Double-faced projecting signs shall be considered a single-faced sign for the purpose of calculating sign area.

   F. Projecting Signs.

   1. Signs shall not project more than five feet over public property and shall not project
   to within two feet of the curb line. The distance any sign may project over public
   property or beyond a required setback line shall be as follows:

   Distance above sidewalk or grade 8'—10' >10'—12' >12' and up
   immediately below sign.

   Maximum projection over property 3' 4' 5'
   line or building line.

   Maximum Sign Projection

   2. The thickness of any portion of a sign that projects over public property or beyond a
   setback line shall be as follows:

   Projection 5' 4' 3' 2'

   Maximum thickness 2' 2'8" 3'4" 4'

   3. Maximum sign area shall be twenty (20) square feet for a primary frontage and ten
   (10) square feet for a secondary frontage.

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 20.42.080 PLANNING AND ZONING § 20.42.080

4. Projecting signs shall provide a minimum vertical clearance of eight feet above the
surface over which they project.

5. Projecting signs shall not project into an alley or parking area more than thirty-six
(36) inches and shall not be less than fourteen (14) feet above the surface where
vehicles are allowed.

6. Internally illuminated projecting signs shall have opaque face panels so that only the
letters, number, symbols, or logos appear illuminated.

7. Projecting signs shall not be closer than ten (10) feet to another projecting sign or to
a freestanding sign or five feet from an interior property line or line dividing two
separate business frontages.

8. Projecting signs shall not project above an apparent eave or parapet, including the
eave of a mansard or simulated mansard roof or above the bottom of a third-story
window.

G. Projector Signs.

1. A projector sign shall project only upon the property occupied by the associated use
or the public right-of-way within ten (10) feet of the building occupied by the use.

2. The sign area of the projector sign shall be included within the overall allowed sign
area for the use.

3. Illumination from the projector mechanism shall not pose a hazard for pedestrians or motorists and shall be screened from view to the maximum extent feasible. H. Signs on Architectural Projections. The following regulations apply to signs that are located on, attached to, or are an integral part of a projecting architectural feature (e.g., canopy) located not more than fifteen (15) feet above street level: 1. Signs may be erected on top of an architectural projection, provided the sign is comprised of three-dimensional letters only that do not exceed eighteen (18) inches in height. No internal illumination is allowed; 2. Signs may be attached to the face of an architectural projection, provided the sign does not exceed a maximum thickness of ten (10) inches as measured from the face of the sign to the outer face of the architectural projection and that the letters do not exceed a height of eighteen (18) inches. No internal illumination is allowed; 3. The maximum sign area for signs mounted on architectural projections shall be included with other permitted signs identified in Table 1; and 4. Signs may be placed below and may be supported by an architectural projection, provided the sign shall not exceed four feet in length and sixteen (16) inches in height. Internally illuminated signs are not allowed. Signs shall not be less than eight feet above the sidewalk and shall be placed perpendicular to the face of the building. I. Wall Signs. 1. Signs shall be located only on a designated building frontage and shall not extend above an eave or parapet or above or below a fascia on which they are located.

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 20.42.080 NEWPORT BEACH CODE § 20.42.080

Appropriate Wall Sign Location

Not Allowed

2. Signs located on adjacent walls on the same building shall be separated by a minimum
of thirty (30) feet measured along the exterior walls of the building.

Required Separation of Wall Signs

3. Signs may be either internally or externally illuminated. Internally illuminated cabinet
signs shall comply with the provisions of Section 20.42.060(H) (Illuminated Signs
and Lights).

4. Electrical raceways shall be integrated with the overall design of the sign to the
greatest degree. Raceways shall not extend beyond the outside edges of the sign copy
and shall be painted to match the color of the background on which they are placed.

5. Signs shall be placed flat against the wall and shall not project from the wall more than required for normal construction purposes and in no case more than twelve (12) inches. 6. Signs shall be located within the middle fifty (50) percent of the building or tenant frontage measured from lease line to lease line. The Director may waive this requirement where it can be clearly demonstrated that it severely limits proper sign placement.

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 20.42.080 PLANNING AND ZONING § 20.42.080

Appropriate Wall Sign Location

7. Signs attached to the sloping face of hipped/ sloped roofs, mansard overhangs, or
similar architectural features intended to resemble or imitate roof structures shall
require approval of a modification permit.

J. Window Signs, Permanent and Temporary.

1. Window signs, including permanent and temporary signs, shall not occupy more than
twenty (20) percent of the total window area on either a designated primary or
secondary building frontage. For the purpose of this requirement, a “window” is any
glazed area, including glass curtain walls.

2. Signs shall be allowed only on windows located on the ground floor and second story
of either a designated primary or secondary building frontage.

3. Signs shall be permanently painted or mounted on the inside of windows and doors
except for allowed temporary signs.

4. Signs within five feet of a storefront window shall be counted as window signs for the
purpose of calculating total sign area and number of signs.

K. Miscellaneous Signs.

1. Business Directory Signs. Multi-tenant buildings are allowed tenant directory signs
with a maximum area of eight square feet each. No illumination is allowed.

2. Menu Boards. Food service uses with drive-through facilities shall be allowed a
maximum of two menu board signs with a maximum of forty-eight (48) square feet
each.

3. Service Station Signs. The following regulations shall be applicable to service
stations, in addition to all other provisions of this chapter.

a. General.

i. Signs shall be located so as not to impede vehicular sight distance to the
satisfaction of the Traffic Engineer.

ii. Instructional and warning signs and signs required or authorized by State or Federal law shall be exempt from the provisions of this section.

b. Ground Signs.

i. Number. One per site.

ii. Area. Not to exceed twenty (20) square feet; thirty-six (36) square feet
when combined with a fuel price sign.

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 20.42.080 NEWPORT BEACH CODE § 20.42.080

iii. Height. Not to exceed four feet.

iv. Additional Regulations. Ground signs shall be located in a landscaped
planter with a minimum area equal to the area of the sign.

c. Fuel Price Signs.

i. Number. One per street frontage.

ii. Area. Twelve (12) square feet per sign.

iii. Height. Not to exceed four feet.

iv. Additional Regulations.

(A) Separate fuel price signs shall only be permitted in lieu of the thirty-
six (36) square foot combined ground sign/fuel price sign permitted
in this subsection.

(B) Fuel price signs shall advertise the price and grade of fuel only and
no other advertising shall be permitted unless in conjunction with a
monument as provided in this section.

(C) Fuel price signs shall be located in a land-scaped planter with a
minimum area equal to the area of the sign.

d. Wall Signs.

i. Number. One per building frontage.

ii. Area. The area of a wall sign shall not exceed one square foot for each
lineal foot of building frontage.

iii. Length. The length of a wall sign may be up to fifty (50) percent of the
building frontage, not to exceed thirty (30) feet.

e. Canopy Signs.

i. Type. Signs on service station canopies shall be limited to logos only.

ii. Number. One canopy sign per street frontage.

iii. Area. The area of a canopy sign shall not exceed six square feet.

iv. Additional Regulations. Canopy signs shall not extend beyond the gable or
fascia board of the canopy.

f. Service Island Signs. One sign, not exceeding four square feet, shall be permitted on or in front of each end of a service island to identify methods of sale (i.e., self-serve or full-serve).

g. Window Signs.

i. Number. One per window.

ii. Area. No permanent window sign shall cover more than twenty (20)

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 20.42.080 PLANNING AND ZONING § 20.42.090

percent of the visible window area.

iii. Materials. Permanent window signs shall be applied directly to the window
surface.

h. Temporary Signs. Refer to Section 20.42.090 (Standards for Temporary Signs).
(Ord. 2010-21 § 1 (Exh. A)(part), 2010)

A. Number, Size, and Duration. Table 3-18 provides standards under which temporary signs are allowed. Temporary signs are allowed in addition to the number of permanent signs allowed for the property. However, combinations of permanent and temporary window signs shall not cover more than twenty (20) percent of any window. References in the last column provide additional regulations for specific sign types located elsewhere in this chapter. In the case of an inconsistency between regulations provided in the table and regulations provided for general or specific sign types, the general regulations or regulations for specific sign types shall take precedence.

TABLE 3-18
TEMPORARY SIGNS

Maximum Maximum Maximum Additional
Sign Type Number Area Height Duration Requirements

Promotional 1 sign per site, 75 sq. ft. for 10 ft. or bottom Up to 4 times per Subject to all
temporary banners. including banner, 3 sq. ft. of lowest year, not to exceed requirements of
window signs. for rigid sign. second floor 60 days total per this section.
Window signs, window. year.
20% of any
window area.

Establishment 1 sign per Same as for Same as for 60 days per Allowed only
identification. building permanent permanent calendar year. while permanent
frontage. signs. signs. signs are being
obtained.

Construction 1 sign per 32 sq. ft. per 8 ft. in Displayed after Only on the
project signs street frontage, sign in nonresidential. issuance of property where
Nonresidential and 2 signs nonresidential. 4 ft. in building permit or construction is
Residential maximum. 6 sq. ft. in residential. equivalent; shall taking place and
residential. be removed after shall not obstruct
earliest of visibility at
certificate of intersections.
completion,
certificate of
occupancy, or final
building
inspection.

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 20.42.090 NEWPORT BEACH CODE § 20.42.090

TABLE 3-18
TEMPORARY SIGNS

Maximum Maximum Maximum Additional
Sign Type Number Area Height Duration Requirements

Restaurant menu 1 per 4 sq. ft. per 5 ft. During hours Mounted only on
signs restaurant. sign. establishment is portable easel-type
open. structures; only on
property of the
establishment
within 10 ft. of the
primary entrance.

Real estate signs for Allowed in compliance with subsection (F) of this section (Real Estate Signs).
residential and Temporary sign permit not required.
nonresidential
properties

Search lights, Klieg Allowed in conjunction with special event permit.
lights

Personal property 1 sign per 3 sq. ft. 4 ft. 2 times within a Shall be placed
sale sign street frontage. 12-month period. only on the
property where the
sale is being held.
Allowed in
compliance with
Section
20.42.100(B)
(Exemptions to
Sign Permit
Requirement).

A-frame signs 1 per tenant 10 sq. ft. per 48 in. During hours the Only permitted in
space. sign. establishment is commercial
open. districts in Corona
del Mar and
subject to
subsection (G) of
this section.

B. Placement of Temporary Signs.

1. Signs are allowed on private property only and shall not be placed in public rights-of-
way or at off-site locations.

2. Signs may be placed only on building frontages in locations where permanent signs
are allowed.

3. Sign shall not be attached to temporary structures, except restaurant menu signs, which may be attached to easel-like structures, and A-frame signs.

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 20.42.090 PLANNING AND ZONING § 20.42.090

C. Illumination Prohibited. Signs shall not be illuminated.

D. Durable Materials Required. Signs shall be constructed of durable material suitable to their
location and purpose.

E. Removal of Signs. Temporary signs and their components shall be promptly removed at
the expiration of the temporary sign permit.

F. Real Estate Signs.

1. Residential Districts.

a. Real estate signs are permitted, on a temporary basis, in residential zoning
districts, subject to the criteria provided in this subsection.

i. In all residential zoning districts and PC Districts that provide for
residential uses, but do not contain specific provisions relative to
temporary signs, temporary real estate signs are permitted subject to the
following:

(A) One sign per lot except as provided in subsections (F)(1)(a)(i)(E) and
(F) of this section;

(1) The sign shall not exceed two hundred sixteen (216) square
inches (one and one-half (1.5) square feet);

(2) The sign may have one rider not to exceed ninety-four (94)
square inches;

(3) The sign may include one brochure box not to exceed one
hundred fifty-four (154) square inches. For purposes of this
section, a “brochure box” means a plastic or metal container
designed to hold brochures or flyers describing or advertising
the real property for sale, lease, rent, or exchange; and

(4) The overall height of the installed sign, rider, and brochure box
shall not exceed four feet above ground unless the sign is
mounted flush to a wall;

(B) The sign shall be placed on the lot for sale, lease, rent, or exchange
and shall not be installed in a manner that creates a hazard for traffic
or pedestrians;

(C) No flags, pennants, balloons, or other attention attracting devices
shall be displayed;

(D) The sign shall be removed immediately after the sale, lease, or rental of the property has been consummated;

(E) One additional real estate sign may be posted during the time an owner or owner’s agent is on the premises and the premises are open for inspection, subject to the following:

(1) The sign shall not exceed two hundred sixteen (216) square

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 20.42.090 NEWPORT BEACH CODE § 20.42.090

inches (one and one-half (1.5) square feet) and riders are not permitted;

(2) The sign shall not be installed in medians or anywhere within the traveled way of any street or highway, nor installed in a manner that creates a hazard to traffic or pedestrians; provided, however, the sign may be installed on or in a vehicle parked on the street adjacent to the property for sale, lease, rent or exchange if there is no feasible way of installing the sign on private property due to absence of front setback area or other conditions; and

(3) The overall height of the sign shall not exceed four feet above ground unless the sign is installed on a vehicle as provided in subsection (F)(1)(a)(i)(E)(2) of this section; or other conditions exist that require the sign to exceed four feet to be reasonably visible from the street; however, in no event shall the sign be higher than necessary to be reasonably visible from the street;

(F) In addition to the real estate sign permitted in subsection (F)(1)(a)(i)(E) of this section, three off-site signs are permitted when the owner or owner’s agent is on the premises and the premises are open for inspection, subject to the following:

(1) Each off-site real estate sign shall not exceed two hundred sixteen (216) square inches (one and one-half (1.5) square feet) and riders are not permitted;

(2) The overall height shall not exceed four feet above ground;

(3) The sign shall not be installed before 8:00 a.m. and shall be removed no later than sunset; and

(4) The sign shall not be installed in medians or anywhere within the traveled way of any street or highway, nor installed in a manner that creates a hazard to traffic or pedestrians. The sign shall not be attached to any public property.

b. New Properties First Sale. Residential properties shall be permitted one real
estate sign not exceeding twenty (20) square feet in area that advertises the first
sale of structures and/or lots in any district for a period of time not to exceed one
year following the recordation of the final subdivision map.

2. Nonresidential Zoning Districts. Commercial and industrial properties shall be
allowed one temporary real estate sign not exceeding twenty (20) square feet in area
that advertises the sale, rental or lease of the premises upon which the sign is located.
Permanent installations of real estate signs shall be subject to the sign standards for
permanent signs in this chapter for commercial, office, and industrial zones.

G. A-Frame Signs. A-frame signs shall be allowed in commercial zoning districts in Corona
del Mar (see Area Map A-4) only, subject to the following regulations:

1. Number. One A-frame sign per tenant space.

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 20.42.090 PLANNING AND ZONING § 20.42.100

2. Location.

a. All A-frame signs shall be located on the property of the business. A-frame signs
shall be located within ten (10) feet of the primary entrance of the business or of
a pedestrian plaza, courtyard, or arcade, provided they do not interfere with
pedestrian ingress or egress as required by the Building Code or Fire Code.

b. A-frame signs shall not be located within landscaped areas.

3. Separation. A minimum distance of three feet shall be maintained from any other A-
frame sign or portable sign.

4. Area. Not to exceed ten (10) square feet.

5. Height. Not to exceed forty-eight (48) inches.

6. Duration. A-frame signs shall be utilized only during regular business hours and shall
be removed during non-business hours.

7. Additional Regulations.

a. No illumination is allowed.

b. No flags, pennants, balloons, or other attention attracting devices shall be
displayed.

c. No A-frame sign shall have more than two sign faces.

d. A-frame signs may have rewritable surfaces, such as chalkboards or dry-erase boards; the use of paper or cloth is not permitted unless located within a glass or plastic enclosure.

e. A-frame signs shall be designed so as to remain upright in a moderate wind.

f. In compliance with Section 20.30.130 (Traffic Safety Visibility Area), A-frame
signs shall be located so as not to impede vehicular sight distance.

g. A-frame signs shall not obstruct parking spaces or vehicle maneuvering areas.
(Ord. 2010-21 § 1 (Exh. A)(part), 2010; Ord. 2014-17 §§ 2—4, 2014)

A. Sign Permits.

1. Sign Permit Required (Including Temporary Signs).

a. To ensure compliance with the regulations contained in this chapter, a sign
permit shall be required in order to erect, move, alter, change copy on, or
reconstruct any permanent or temporary sign or sign structure except for signs
exempt from permits in compliance with subsection (B) of this section.

b. Sign permits are also required for signs approved through a comprehensive sign
program as provided in Section 20.42.120. An application for a sign permit shall
be made in writing on standard official forms furnished by the Department.

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 20.42.100 NEWPORT BEACH CODE § 20.42.100

2. Review Authority. Sign permits, including those for temporary signs, shall be issued
under the direction of the Director when they comply with the provisions of this
chapter. The Director shall review all sign permit applications for conformance with
the provisions of this chapter.

a. For signs that comply with the provisions of this chapter and do not require
discretionary review:

i. The Director shall issue or deny the permit to the applicant within ninety
(90) days from the receipt of a complete application and the applicable
fees;

ii. If the application is denied, the Director shall notify the applicant with the
reason(s) stated for denial. Notification shall be sent first class United
States mail to the address provided on the license application that shall be
considered the correct address. Each applicant has the burden to furnish
any change of address to the Director, by United States certified mail,
return receipt requested; and

iii. In the event an application is denied, the applicant may appeal the
Director’s decision in compliance with the provisions of Chapter 20.66
(Appeals).

b. Annual Approval of Promotional Temporary Sign Permit. The Director may
approve a temporary sign permit for a temporary promotional banner on an
annual basis that allows the applicant to tailor the duration and the number of
days allowed under the permit to meet the particular needs of the establishment
as long as the total number of days that the sign is allowed does not exceed sixty
(60) days per calendar year.

B. Exemptions to Sign Permit Requirement. Sign permits shall not be required for the signs
exempted in this section. Exempt signs shall not be included in the determination of the
total allowable number of signs or total allowable sign area for a site or project. However,
exempted signs shall be required to adhere to the regulations established for each sign type.
Signs erected without complying with the applicable regulations are considered illegal and
may be removed in compliance with Section 20.42.160 (Illegal Signs).

1. On-Site, Nonilluminated Signs. The following on-site, nonilluminated signs shall not
require issuance of a sign permit:

a. Accessory Signs. Small window signs indicating hours of operation or that an
establishment is “Open” or “Closed” for business, limited to a maximum of two
square feet in area for all accessory signs. No more than three signs per
establishment frontage. Accessory window signs shall not be included in
permanent window sign area calculations, except if illuminated.

b. Building Markers. Commemorative plaques, tables, date of construction, and
similar signs when carved in stone, concrete, or similar materials or made of
bronze, aluminum, or other similar permanent material. Signs shall not exceed
two square feet in area.

c. Bulletin Boards. Bulletin boards for any legal, noncommercial establishment,

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 20.42.100 PLANNING AND ZONING § 20.42.100

when located on the premises of the establishment and not over twelve (12)
square feet in area.

d. Construction Project Signs. Subject to the limits on size and display duration of
Section 20.42.090 (Standards for Temporary Signs), Table 3-18 (Temporary
Signs).

e. Change of Copy. Changing the copy in changeable copy signs in existence as of
the date of adoption of this chapter, or approved through the comprehensive sign
program.

f. Flags. Flags bearing noncommercial messages or graphic symbols, and flags bearing on-site commercial messages or graphic symbols, shall not require the issuance of a sign permit, subject to the following restrictions:

i. Flags bearing commercial messages shall not be displayed in residential
zones;

ii. A maximum of three flags may be displayed on any single lot. However,
only one flag bearing an on-site commercial message may be displayed on
each lot in nonresidential zones; and

iii. No single flag shall exceed forty (40) square feet in area. The aggregate
area of all flags displayed on any single lot shall not exceed seventy-two
(72) square feet. For purposes of determining flag size, only one side of
the flag shall be counted as a display surface.

g. Gasoline Pump Signs. Shall be consistent with Section 20.42.080(K)(3) (Service
Station Signs).

h. Government Signs. A sign erected by a Federal, State, County, agency, or the
City.

i. Holiday Window Painting. Signs and decorations painted on or applied to
windows pertaining to holidays and seasonal events when the signs contain no
reference to the goods or services sold or provided by the establishment. All
signs and/or decorations shall be removed within ten (10) days following the
applicable holiday.

j. Incidental Signs. Signs or notices that are incidental to an establishment (e.g.,
hours of operation, credit card information, emergency contact information,
etc.), provided the signs do not exceed four square feet in area for all of the
signs.

k. Official Signs. Official and legal notices required by a court or governmental
agency.

l. Portable Parking Lot and Valet Parking Signs. One freestanding portable sign at
each parking lot entrance limited to ten (10) square feet (two feet by five feet)
in area. Sign shall not cause hazard to driver visibility or pedestrian movement.
Subject to the approval of a valet parking plan.

m. Public Service Signs. Signs of utilities or other publicly regulated service

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 20.42.100 NEWPORT BEACH CODE § 20.42.110

providers indicating danger, and aids to service or safety, including official advisory and signal flags.

n. Real Estate Window Listing. A real estate office may place its listing(s) in a
front window, provided the gross area occupied by the listing(s) does not cover
more than fifty (50) percent of the window.

o. Residential Signs. Up to three noncommercial signs, with a maximum total sign
area of six square feet and a maximum height of four feet.

p. Restaurant Menu Signs. Restaurant menu signs not exceeding four square feet.

q. Site Address. Limited to one per street frontage subject to the following
standards:

i. The total aggregate sign area shall not exceed seventy-two (72) square
inches. Individual numbers and letters shall not exceed a height of eight
inches.

ii. The sign shall be placed in an area adjacent to or near the primary entrance
of the structure or property frontage and face the street curb in front of the
structure.

r. Temporary Real Estate Signs. Real estate signs in compliance with Section
20.42.090(F) (Real Estate Signs).

s. Vehicle-Oriented Directional Signs. Signs solely for the purpose of guiding
traffic, parking, and loading on private property subject to approval by the
Public Works Department. One safety or directional sign for each vehicle entry
to a site with a maximum area of three square feet per sign. Maximum sign
height shall be four feet. Additional signs may be allowed with approval of a
comprehensive sign program.

t. Personal Property Sale Signs. Subject to the limits on size and display duration
of Section 20.42.090 on Table 3-18 (Standards for Temporary Signs).

u. A-Frame Signs. A-frame signs in compliance with Section 20.42.090(G) (A-
Frame Signs).

2. Routine Maintenance. Painting, repainting, or cleaning of a sign shall not be
considered erecting or altering a sign, and therefore shall not require a sign permit,
unless structural changes are made.

C. Revocation of Sign Permit. The Department may, in writing, suspend or revoke a sign
permit issued under the provisions of this chapter if the permit was issued on the basis of a
material omission or misstatement of fact, or in violation of any ordinance or any of the
provisions of this chapter.
(Ord. 2010-21 § 1 (Exh. A)(part), 2010; Ord. 2014-17 § 5, 2014)

A. Applicability. The Zoning Administrator may grant a modification permit in compliance with the provisions of Section 20.52.050 (Modification Permits) to allow deviations to the

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 20.42.110 PLANNING AND ZONING § 20.42.120

height, location, number, and area of signs.

B. Appeals. Actions of the Zoning Administrator may be appealed to the Commission in
compliance with the provisions of Chapter 20.64 (Appeals).
(Ord. 2010-21 § 1 (Exh. A)(part), 2010)

A. Purpose. The purpose of a comprehensive sign program is to integrate all of a project’s signs, including a project identification sign, with the over-all site design and the structures’ design into a unified architectural statement. A comprehensive sign program provides a means for the flexible application of sign regulations for projects that require multiple signs in order to provide incentive and latitude in the design and display of multiple signs and to achieve, not circumvent, the purpose of this chapter.

B. Applicability. The approval of a comprehensive sign program shall be required whenever
any of the following circumstances exist.

1. Whenever three or more separate tenant spaces are created or proposed on the same
lot;

2. Whenever three or more nonexempt signs are proposed for a single-tenant
development;

3. Whenever signs are proposed to be located on or above the second story on a multi-
story building;

4. Whenever a structure has more than three hundred (300) linear feet of frontage on a
public street;

5. Whenever an existing multi-tenant development of three or more tenants is being
remodeled or rehabilitated to the extent that the value of the work will be greater than
twenty (20) percent of the replacement cost of the building;

6. Whenever a theater or cinema use requests to deviate from the standards of this
chapter. The com-prehensive sign program may allow marquee signs, brighter lights,
and design features not otherwise authorized by this chapter if the sign is generally
consistent with the adopted sign design guidelines and the purposes of this chapter.
Approval shall not be based on message content;

7. Whenever the Director determines that a comprehensive sign program is necessary
because of special project characteristics (e.g., the size of proposed signs, limited site
visibility, a business within a business, the location of the site relative to major
transportation routes, etc.); and

8. A comprehensive sign program shall not be used to override the prohibition on new
billboards set forth in Section 20.42.030(F).

C. Approval Authority and Limitation. The Zoning Administrator is the review authority for a comprehensive sign program. The Zoning Administrator shall not approve an increase in sign height by more than twenty (20) percent above that allowed or an increase in sign area by more than thirty (30) percent above that allowed. Increases above the limits provided above may be allowed with the approval of a modification permit.

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 20.42.120 NEWPORT BEACH CODE § 20.42.130

D. Application Requirements. A sign permit application for a comprehensive sign program
shall include all information and materials required by the Director, and the filing fee set
by the City’s master fee schedule.

E. Standards. A comprehensive sign program shall comply with the following standards:

1. The proposed sign program shall comply with the purpose and intent of this chapter,
any adopted sign design guidelines and the overall purpose and intent of this section;

2. The proposed signs shall enhance the overall development and be in harmony with,
and relate visually to, other signs included in the comprehensive sign program, to the
structures and/or developments they identify, and to surrounding development when
applicable;

3. The sign program shall address all signs, including permanent, temporary, and exempt
signs;

4. The sign program shall accommodate future revisions that may be required because
of changes in use or tenants;

5. The program shall comply with the standards of this chapter, except that deviations
are allowed with regard to sign area, total number, location, and/ or height of signs to
the extent that the comprehensive sign program will enhance the overall development
and will more fully accomplish the purposes and intent of this chapter;

6. Approval of a comprehensive sign program shall not authorize the use of signs
prohibited by this chapter; and

7. Review and approval of a comprehensive sign program shall not consider the signs’
proposed message content.

F. Revisions to Comprehensive Sign Programs. The Director may approve revisions to a
comprehensive sign program if the intent of the original approval is not affected. Revisions
that would substantially deviate from the original approval shall require the approval of a
new/revised comprehensive sign program by the Zoning Administrator.
(Ord. 2010-21 § 1 (Exh. A)(part), 2010)

A. Purpose. The purpose of the innovative sign program is to:

1. Encourage signs that are unique in their design approach and use of materials; and

2. Provide a review process for the application of sign regulations to innovative signs.

B. Applicability. An applicant may request approval of a sign permit under the innovative sign
program to authorize an on-site sign or signs that differ from the provisions of this chapter
but comply with the purpose of this chapter and section.

C. Review Authority. A sign permit application for an innovative sign shall be subject to
approval by the Commission.

D. Application Requirements. A sign permit application for an innovative sign shall include
all information and materials required by the Director, and the filing fee set by the City’s

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 20.42.130 PLANNING AND ZONING § 20.42.140

master fee schedule.

E. Design Criteria. In approving an application for an innovative sign, the Commission shall
ensure that a proposed sign or signs meets the following design criteria:

1. Design Elements. The sign shall contain at least one of the following elements:

a. Classic historic design style (ghost sign, metal, carved wood, etc.);

b. Creative image reflecting current or historic character of the City;

c. Symbols or imagery relating to the beach, ocean recreation, fishing, maritime
industry, and/or the related business; or

d. Inventive representation of the use or name/ logo of the business.

2. Architectural Criteria. The sign shall:

a. Utilize and/or enhance the architectural elements of the building; and

b. Be placed in a logical location in relation to the overall composition of the
building’s facade and not cover any key architectural features/details of the
facade.

3. Contextual Criteria. The sign shall:

a. Be in scale and proportion with the structure where it is placed;

b. Be placed to respect and enhance the key architectural elements of the building;
and

c. Respect the scale and proportion of surrounding commercial structures and
signs.

F. Limitation. Approval of an innovative sign program shall not:

1. Authorize the use of signs prohibited by this chapter;

2. Authorize any sign that is more than twenty (20) percent larger than it could have
been without the owner’s participation in the innovative sign program; or

3. Authorize any sign based on an evaluation of the message displayed.

   G. Revisions to Innovative Sign Programs. The Director may approve revisions to an
   innovative sign program if the intent of the original approval is not affected. Revisions that
   would substantially deviate from the original approval shall require the approval of a new/
   revised innovative sign program by the Commission.
   (Ord. 2010-21 § 1 (Exh. A)(part), 2010)

A. Removal of Nonconforming Signs. Nonconforming signs shall be removed if:

1. The nonconforming sign is more than fifty (50) percent destroyed, and the destruction
is other than facial copy replacement. A nonconforming sign shall be deemed to be

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 20.42.140 NEWPORT BEACH CODE § 20.42.150

more than fifty (50) percent destroyed if the estimated cost of reconstruction exceeds
fifty (50) percent of the replacement cost as determined by the Building Official;

2. The nonconforming sign is remodeled, unless the sign is remodeled to comply with
the provisions of this chapter;

3. The nonconforming sign is located on a building that is enlarged or expanded, if the
nonconforming sign is affected by the construction, enlargement, remodel, or
expansion. An enlargement, remodel, or expansion of the portion of the building upon
which the nonconforming sign is located or that is more than fifty (50) percent of the
building area shall be deemed to affect the nonconforming sign; or

4. The nonconforming sign is temporary.

B. Deactivation of Flashing Features. The owner of a sign that contains flashing features shall
perma-nently deactivate the flashing features.

C. Continuance of Nonconforming Signs. Except as provided in subsection (A) of this section,
a nonconforming sign may be continued and shall be maintained in good condition as
required by these regulations, but it shall not be:

1. Structurally changed to another nonconforming sign, although its copy and pictorial
content may be changed.

2. Structurally altered to prolong the life of the sign, except to meet safety requirements.

3. Expanded or altered in any manner that increases the degree of nonconformity.

D. Repairing and Repainting. Nonconforming signs shall only be painted and repaired in place
and shall not be removed from their existing location, except for building remodeling,
unless removal of the sign for painting or repair is part of the sign’s customary maintenance
and repair.

E. Change of Business Ownership. Upon a change of ownership, the new owner of a
nonconforming sign may change the name or names on the sign so long as there is no
change in the structure or configuration of the sign.
(Ord. 2010-21 § 1 (Exh. A)(part), 2010; Ord. 2021-5 § 1, 2021)

A. Removal of Abandoned Signs.

1. An abandoned sign or an abandoned nonconforming sign shall be immediately
removed by the owner or lessee of the premises upon which the sign is located or by
a person, organization, or other entity that directly or indirectly receives a benefit
from the information contained on the sign.

2. A sign frame or structure that has been abandoned shall be immediately removed by
the owner or lessee of the premises upon which the sign frame or structure is located.

B. Presumption that a Sign Is Abandoned. A sign that identifies or advertises a business that
has ceased; is located upon a structure that has been abandoned by its owner; has not
identified a bona fide business, lessor, service, owner, product, or activity available upon
the site for more than ninety (90) days; or that has not been removed within thirty (30) days

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 20.42.150 PLANNING AND ZONING § 20.42.170

after the occurrence of the event or activity shall be presumed abandoned.

C. Notice that a Sign Is Presumed Abandoned. The Director shall send a person responsible
for a sign presumed to be abandoned an abandoned sign notification. Failure of the person
to respond within thirty (30) days to the abandoned sign notification shall serve as prima
facie evidence of intentional permanent abandonment of the sign.
(Ord. 2010-21 § 1 (Exh. A)(part), 2010)

A. General Prohibition. It is unlawful for any person to erect, place, post, construct, reconstruct, alter, maintain, or move or allow any person to erect, place, construct, reconstruct, alter, maintain, or move any sign that does not comply with the provisions of this chapter.

B. Strict Liability. Violations of this chapter shall be treated as a strict liability offense
regardless of intent.

C. Illegal Signs Identified. The following signs are illegal and declared to be a public
nuisance:

1. A sign erected, placed, posted, constructed, reconstructed, altered, maintained, or
moved after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this title that does not
comply with any provision of this chapter;

2. A sign that was erected, placed, posted, constructed, reconstructed, altered,
maintained, or moved prior to the effective date of the ordinance codified in this title
that failed to comply with all regulations in effect at the time the sign was erected,
placed, posted, constructed, reconstructed, altered, maintained, or moved;

3. A nonconforming sign that is required to be removed or altered and that is not
removed or altered in the time required;

4. Signs with flashing elements that are not deactivated;

5. An abandoned nonconforming sign; and

6. An abandoned sign.
(Ord. 2010-21 § 1 (Exh. A)(part), 2010)

A. Maintenance of Signs Required. All types of signs, together with their supports, braces, guys, and anchors, shall be properly maintained at all times with respect to safety, appearance, and structural and electrical features.

B. Proper Maintenance Identified. Display surfaces shall be kept clean and neatly painted and
repaired at all times, and there shall be no missing or damaged messages, graphics, or
structural elements, or portions thereof. Signs shall be refinished to remove rust or other
corrosion due to the elements as necessary. Faded, cracked, or broken faces or surfaces,
and malfunctioning lamps shall be replaced immediately. Awnings that have signs shall be
cleaned periodically and replaced if they become faded, tattered, or ripped.

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 20.42.170 NEWPORT BEACH CODE § 20.42.180

C. Administrative Procedures Applied to Signs That Are Not Maintained. Signs that are not
properly maintained shall be subject to the provisions of Titles 1, 10, and 20.

D. Hazardous Signs. If a sign is damaged or not properly maintained to a degree that causes it
to pose a physical danger to persons or property, the following provisions shall apply:

1. Hazardous Signs Identified. A hazardous sign is a sign that poses a danger to the
public or that could create a potential hazard. Hazardous signs are declared to be a
public nuisance in compliance with Sections 1.04.020 and 10.50.020(I).

2. Removal of Hazardous Signs. Upon discovering a hazardous condition, the City may
cause the immediate removal of a sign that is a danger to the public due to unsafe
conditions. The determination that a sign has become hazardous or unsafe shall
consider only the physical condition and characteristics of the sign, and shall not
consider the message thereon. No hearing shall be required for the removal of
hazardous signs. The City is not required to give notice of intent to remove the sign
prior to removal, but shall inform the owner of the property from which the hazardous
sign is to be removed that the hazardous sign has been removed within seven days of
removal, by certified United States mail, return receipt requested, and by first class
United States mail.

3. Owner Responsible for Costs of Abatement. Signs removed in compliance with this
section shall be stored for thirty (30) days, during which time they may be recovered
by the owner upon payment to the City for costs of abating the public nuisance,
including removal and storage. If not recovered within the thirty (30) day period, the
sign and supporting structure shall be declared abandoned and title shall vest with the
City.

4. Penalties. Hazardous signs shall also be subject to the administrative remedies of the
Municipal Code, including Section 10.50.020 and Chapters 1.04 and 1.05.

5. Recovery of Costs. All costs of abatement may be assessed to the owner of the
property from which the hazardous sign was removed and recovered as a lien on the
property in compliance with Titles 1 and 10.
(Ord. 2010-21 § 1 (Exh. A)(part), 2010)

A. Designation of Heritage Signs. The designation of a sign as a heritage sign is intended to allow nonconforming signs that otherwise would be required to be removed in compliance with Section (Nonconforming Signs) of this chapter to remain if the sign or the establishment associated with the sign are determined to have historical or local identity significance to the City of Newport Beach in compliance with the standards established in this section.

B. Application and Review Authority. Application for heritage sign status may be submitted
by the business owner, property owner, or City for review by the Commission. The
Commission shall review all applications and approve or disapprove heritage sign status in
compliance with this section.

C. Heritage Sign Criteria. The Commission may designate a sign as a heritage sign if the sign
is the type of sign that would be subject to removal as a nonconforming sign and the sign

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 20.42.180 PLANNING AND ZONING § 20.42.180

meets both the following criteria:

1. Historically Significant. A sign is historically significant if the sign was erected or
created at least thirty-five (35) years ago and is either representative of a significant
sign-making technique or style of a historic era or represents entities or
establishments that are an important part of Newport Beach history.

2. Visually Significant. The sign is visually significant in at least two of the following
regards:

a. The sign possesses a uniqueness and charm because it has aged gracefully;

b. The sign remains a classic example of craftsmanship or style of the period when
it was constructed and uses materials in an exemplary way;

c. The sign complements its architectural surroundings or is particularly well
integrated into the structure; or

d. The sign is an inventive representation of the use, name, or logo of the building
or business.

D. Designation of Heritage Signs.

1. The Director shall review each application for heritage sign status on a case-by-case
basis to assess whether the sign meets the criteria for designation as a heritage sign.
Based on this review, staff shall prepare findings and recommendations to the
Commission regarding their assessment and the application’s merit regarding the
designation. The Commission shall review staff findings and recommendations at a
noticed public hearing.

2. The Commission may direct staff to undertake additional analysis to assess whether a
sign should receive heritage sign status. The Commission may also direct staff to
undertake additional analysis of any sign already designated as a heritage sign. Staff’s
additional analyses and recommendations shall be available for public review and
comment prior to the Commission’s subsequent meeting for review and action on a
heritage sign.

3. Upon due consideration of staff’s findings and recommendations plus all public
testimony and comment, the Commission may approve or deny designation of
heritage sign status.

E. Alteration of Heritage Signs. Designated heritage signs may not be physically altered
except for routine cleaning and general maintenance. Cleaning and maintenance shall be
consistent with the preservation of the character or defining features of the sign in all
respects. A designated heritage sign may be removed if desired. If a designated heritage
sign is removed, its heritage status shall be revoked. If the character or defining features of
a designated heritage sign are altered, its designation as a heritage sign shall be revoked
and the sign shall be removed. Where applicable, the sign may be modified to conform to
the requirements of this chapter.
(Ord. 2010-21 § 1 (Exh. A)(part), 2010)

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 20.44.010 PLANNING AND ZONING § 20.44.040