Division 8.01 — Sign Regulations

Sections:

8.01.000: Purpose 8.01.005: Applicability 8.01.010: Exempt Signs 8.01.015: Prohibited Signs 8.01.020: Sign Standards 8.01.025: Design Guidelines

A. The regulations set forth by this Division contain the primary tools for implementing the sign policies, standards, and regulations of the City pursuant to the provisions of the State Outdoor Advertising Act (BPC Section 5200 et seq.), and other applicable state and local requirements, and prescribe standards for the type, placement, size, number, height, and illumination of signs in order to achieve the following purposes:

1. Maintain the attractiveness and orderliness of the City's appearance by avoiding sign clutter;

2. Protect agricultural, residential, commercial, industrial, civic, open space and utilities, from the loss of visual prominence resulting from excessive signing on nearby sites;

3. Protect public and private investment in buildings and open spaces;

4. Protect residentially zoned areas lying adjacent to commercial and industrial areas from the negative effects of excessive signs;

5. Enable users of goods and services to identify establishments offering services to meet their needs;

6. Encourage sound signing practices as an aid to business and inform the public, but to prevent excessive and confusing sign displays;

7. Regulate the number, size, height, and location of signs according to standards consistent with the types of establishments in each zoning district;

8. Promote traffic safety through appropriate and reasonable controls on signs;

9. Promote the public health, safety, and welfare by regulating and controlling all matters relating to signs; and

10. Protect the health, safety, and welfare of City residents from hazards resulting from improper, excessive, distracting and otherwise unsafe signage.

B. It is the determination of the City Council that a sign is intended to serve primarily to identify the general nature of an establishment, or to direct attention to a product, activity, place, person, organization or enterprise. The City Council further determines that as identification devices, signs should not subject the citizenry to excessive competition for their visual attention, and as

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appropriate identification devices, signs should harmonize with the building or activity they serve, the neighborhood in which they are located, and other signs within the surrounding area and in the same zoning district.

C. The installation of signs that improve the appearance of a building and neighborhood is encouraged. As such, The City Council hereby promotes the use of artistry and innovation in the design of signs is decidedly encouraged.

A. No sign, including copy change or a temporary sign, shall be approved and a permit therefore issued, except in conformance with the requirements of Table 2.02-1 (Review Matrix) and Section 4.03.020 (Sign Plans) of this Development Code, and the requirements of this Division.

B. No sign shall be erected, constructed, attached, affixed, or maintained on any property, except in conformity with the provisions of this Division, and expressly exempted by the provisions of Section 8.01.010 (Exempt Signs) of this Division.

C. It shall be illegal to use, occupy, or maintain property in violation of this Division. Any violation or failure to comply with the provisions of this Division shall render a person guilty of such violation, punishable in accordance with OMC Title 1, Chapter 2 (Penalty Provisions).

No sign, including copy change or a temporary sign, shall be placed, installed, constructed, displayed, or altered without a Sign Plan approved by the City pursuant to Section 4.03.020 (Sign Plans) of this Development Code, excepting the following:

A. Official Notices. Any sign, posting, notice or other indication used exclusively to display official notices, notices of any court or public office, or posted by a public officer in the performance of a public duty, or required by a public entity in carrying out its responsibility to protect the public health, safety or welfare, or otherwise required by law.

B. Street and Traffic Control Signs. Street name and traffic control signs, directional signs, informational signs of a public or semi-public nature, historical markers placed by a governmental or non-profit organization, and railroad crossing, danger, or other emergency warning signs, provided that no individual sign exceeds 4 SF in area.

C. Directional Signs. Signs guiding and directing traffic in parking lots and facilities, provided that no individual signs exceed 4 SF in area and 4 FT in height.

D. Public Convenience Signs. Signs showing the location of public restrooms, telephones, other public conveniences, and underground utilities, provided no individual sign exceeds 2 SF in area.

E. Business Hours, Emergency Phone Numbers, Honoring Credit Cards, and Association Membership Signs. Signs indicating business hours, emergency phone numbers, honoring credit cards, association memberships and similar types of sign, provided no individual sign exceeds one SF in area and the total area of all such signs does not exceed 4 SF.

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F. Interior Signs. Signs located entirely within a building, structure or complex of buildings, which are not visible from a public street or from other adjacent properties.

G. Menu Boards for Drive-In, Drive-Through, and Walk-Up Restaurants. Menu boards not exceeding 36 SF in area and 6 FT in height for drive-in, drive-through, and walk-up restaurants, not to exceed 2 menu boards per restaurant.

H. Building Plaques. The names of buildings and dates of erection and dedicatory, memorial or historical plaques not exceeding 4 SF in area, which are constructed of bronze or other nonflammable material.

I. Political Signs. Political campaign signs installed pursuant to Subsection 8.01.025.J (Political Signs) of this Division.

J. Posters and Bulletin Boards. Temporary posters on private property, not exceeding 4 SF in area, which are located in windows or on bulletin boards, advertising benefit activities and events sponsored by local nonprofit organizations.

K. Holiday Lights and Displays. Holiday lights and displays that do not advertise any business establishment, product, or other commercial activity, limited to 30 days within any 60-day period.

L. Real Estate and Construction Signs. Temporary real estate and construction signs allowed pursuant to Table 8.01-1 (Sign Regulation Matrix) of this Division.

M. Home Occupation Signs. Signs attached to the exterior wall of a dwelling, at or near the building entrance, which identify a legally established home occupation conducted therein, not to exceed one sign per dwelling, maximum 18 inches square in size, and mounted at eye level, no higher than 6 FT above finished floor of the dwelling, measured at the top edge of the sign.

The following signs and circumstances are expressly prohibited within the City, except as otherwise provided by this Division:

A. Any sign not specifically allowed by this Division; however, nothing in this Division shall be construed to prohibit any sign, notice, or advertisement required by Federal, State, or local laws.

B. Billboards, including vehicle-mounted billboards (roving or stationary), excepting [i] billboards established pursuant to a Billboard Relocation Agreement, implemented pursuant to Section 4.02.010 (Billboard Relocation Agreements); and [ii] billboards located within the ONT zoning district, established pursuant to the requirements of Table 8.01-1 (Sign Regulations Matrix) of this Development Code.

C. Rotating, revolving, or otherwise moving signs designed to attract attention by visual means through the movement or semblance of movement of the whole or any part of the sign, including rotation, special lighting or wind actuated devices, and signs that flash, blink or reflect light by means of a glossy, polished, or mirrored surface, excepting barber poles, time and temperature signs, and electronic message displays allowed pursuant to Paragraph C.3 (Electronic Message Displays) of this Section.

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D. Searchlights, open flames, or loudspeakers used to call attention to a product, service or property.

E. Signs that float in the air, such as signs affixed to, or printed on, hot air balloons, helium balloons, or kites, inflated signs, and any other type of aerial sign, except as temporary signs or displays allowed pursuant to Table 8.01-1 (Sign Regulation Matrix) of this Division.

F. Banner signs, except as temporary promotional or special event signs allowed pursuant to Table 8.01-1 (Sign Regulation Matrix) of this Division.

G. Signs that emit or amplify any sounds or noise.

H. Signs illuminated by lighting that changes in color or intensity of color, excepting electronic message displays allowed pursuant to Paragraph C.3 (Electronic Message Displays) of this Section.

I. Signs that generate particulate matter, including but not limited to, bubbles, smoke, fog, confetti or ashes.

J. Swooper signs, except as temporary promotional or special event signs allowed pursuant to Table 8.01-1 (Sign Regulation Matrix) of this Division.

K. Signs placed on, affixed to, or erected on or over public rights-of-way, excepting street banners allowed pursuant to Subsection 8.01.025.G (Street Banner Program and Street Banners) of this Division.

L. Signs that identify or advertise a product or service not available on the premises, excepting offsite real estate signs allowed pursuant to Table 8.01-1 (Sign Regulation Matrix) of this Division.

M. Signs erected on roofs, or that project above the eave, parapet line or roofline, or above a canopy of a building.

N. Internally illuminated signs with a directly exposed source of light.

O. Lit borders consisting of neon or LED fixtures, which are affixed around the interior or exterior perimeter of windows, excepting holiday and/or seasonal lights and displays allowed pursuant to Subsection 8.01.010.K of this Division.

P. Externally illuminated signs where the source of light is directly visible to pedestrians or vehicular traffic.

Q. Signs that emit or reflect light by means of direct fluorescence, phosphorescence, or "dayglow" colors.

R. Signs that obstruct the visual lines of sight at corners or intersections for drivers of motor vehicles.

S. Signs that may obstruct the free use of any exit, entrance, window, vent, emergency access, fire lane, fire hydrant, or standpipe.

T. Signs that may interfere with, obstruct, confuse, or mislead pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

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• U. Any sign illumination that, in the opinion of the Zoning Administrator, exhibits undue glare.

V. Signs affixed to trucks, automobiles, trailers or any other vehicle that advertise, identify, or provide direction to a use or activity not related to its lawful making of deliveries or sales of merchandise, or rendering of services from such vehicles.

W. Parking of legitimate delivery, sales, or service vehicles in an off-site location, or on-site, within a parking lot adjacent to a public street for the purpose of advertising.

X. Any sandwich board, "A" frame sign, or other portable sign, except as temporary signs or displays allowed pursuant to Table 8.01-1 (Sign Regulation Matrix) of this Division.

• Y. Signs affixed to, or painted on, a rock, tree, or any other natural feature.

Z. Changeable copy signs, excepting electronic message displays allowed pursuant to Paragraph 8.01.020.C.3 (Electronic Message Displays) of this Division, and those changeable copy signs specifically allowed pursuant to Table 8.01-1 (Sign Regulation Matrix) of this Division.

AA. Any sign having a dimension in excess of 1.5 FT in height and 1.5 FT in width, which identifies a home occupation.

BB. Any sign consisting of several sheets of paper connected together by perforations, tape, staples or any other means.

• CC. Signage painted on the exterior walls or fascia of a building or structure.

• DD. Supergraphics.

EE. Human signs, including human billboards, human directionals, and sign walkers, wavers and twirlers (holding or wearing a sign, or the act of spinning or dancing while holding or wearing a sign, or wearing a costume, in order to attract attention).

A. General Regulations.

1. No sign shall be placed on private property, including vacant property, without written authorization from the owner or the occupant, and approval of plans by the City, pursuant to the provisions of Section 4.03.020 (Sign Plans) of this Development Code.

2. No sign shall be placed on public property or within the public right-of-way without written City approval. Signs placed on public property or in the public right-of-way without specific approval, shall be deemed illegal and shall be abated pursuant to the provisions of Section 3.02.015 (Illegal Signs) of this Development Code.

3. Creative and imaginative signage is strongly encouraged and is the standard by which Sign Plan applications will be judged, together with the specific architectural style of adjacent buildings.

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4. There are many acceptable sign treatments that may be used; however, a mixed media, three-dimensional approach, which incorporates a combination of fabrication and lighting techniques, is preferred.

5. Consider [i] the overall concept of the project a proposed sign will serve, [ii] the scale of the proposed sign, and [iii] the critical viewing angles and sight lines when designing appropriate graphics and signs for site and storefront installations. 6. A sign shall be located on the same site as the use, activity, or structure it identifies, except as otherwise expressly permitted by this Division.

7. No sign shall resemble a traffic safety or control device or, by intensity of illumination, location or design, impair the vision of, or create a hazard for, motorists on a public street or highway. 8. Lateral and columnar sign supports are to be designed to be architecturally integrated with the building to which it is attached, or so that required bracing, including but not limited to, angle irons, guy wires, cables or other appurtenances, shall not be exposed to public view.

9. All signs shall be constructed to conceal conduits and raceways, exposed wiring, and electrical appurtenances.

B. Sign Regulations.

1. Sign Regulation Matrix. Table 8.01-1 (Sign Regulation Matrix) of this Division, identifies the sign classification, type, number, location, area, height, length, allowed within each zoning district of the City, along with any applicable special regulations. The standards contained in the Sign Regulation Matrix are maximums, unless otherwise stated. The maximum standard established by Table 8.01-1 (Sign Regulation Matrix) may be reduced by the Approving Authority in cases when the Approving Authority can clearly establish by written decision that that implementation of the maximum standard would:

a. Adversely affect the public health, safety or welfare; or

b. Result in a sign design and/or placement inconsistent with the requirements of this Section; or

c. Be contrary to the aesthetic sensibilities of the neighborhood in which the sign is proposed.

2. Downtown Ontario Design Guidelines. The Downtown Ontario Design Guidelines, included as Reference "C" of this Development Code, establishes a set of architectural, graphic, and lighting design principles for the rehabilitation of properties within the City's historic original downtown area (project area). Signs proposed within the project area shall be subject to the sign requirements contained within the Downtown Ontario Design Guidelines. The affected area is bordered by I Street on the north, Vine Street on the west, Sultana Avenue on the east, and railroad tracks on the south, and is defined in Figure 1.4 (Land Use Districts) of the Downtown Ontario Design Guidelines. The design guidelines also apply to those properties located across the street from, and directly abut, the project area.

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C. Freestanding Signs. The following requirements apply generally to the design and placement of freestanding signs, including monument signs and freeway signs, and the use of electronic message or text display:

1. Monument Signs. Any freestanding sign that identifies: [i] a residential subdivision; [ii] a multiple-family or mixed-use development project; [iii] an individual building on an individual lot containing one or more nonresidential uses; or [iv] a center or complex consisting of 2 or more buildings containing one or more nonresidential uses per building, shall be designed as a monument sign, which complies with the following:

a. Table 8.01-1 (Sign Regulation Matrix) of this Division establishes the number, location, area, height, and additional regulations applicable to monument signs.

b. The minimum letter height shall be 8 inches.

c. Monument signs for centers/complexes shall be limited to the display of the name of the center/complex and the identification of a maximum of 7 tenants within the center/complex.

d. Monument signs shall have a maximum of 2 sign faces.

e. Monument signs may be oriented toward arterial, collector and/or local streets, or private drives, and shall not be oriented toward freeways.

f. No monument sign shall be located within a public right-of-way and must be wholly located behind the right-of-way line (street property line) for its full height. Furthermore, such signs shall be located a minimum of 10 FT behind the adjacent curb face (public and private streets).

g. A monument sign shall be located a minimum of 30 FT from a monument sign on an adjacent lot, and a minimum of 5 FT from an interior property line or driveway that intersects a public street.

h. Monument signs shall contain an address (or range of addresses) identifying the property on which the sign is located. Address numbers shall be a minimum of 6 inches in height and shall be clearly visible from the adjacent public street. The area of the address numerals shall not be calculated against the allowed sign area.

i. Unless otherwise specifically prohibited by Table 8.01-1 (Sign Regulation Matrix) of this Division, a monument sign may be internally or externally illuminated, provided that the illumination is not harsh or overly bright. Signs shall consist of individual letters/characters affixed to an opaque, matte finished background. The sign background shall not be internally illuminated; only letters/characters shall be internally illuminated.

2. Freeway Signs. Freeway signs may be allowed on lots with property lines that are common with the right-of-way of Interstate 10, Interstate 15, or State Route 60 freeways, which have at least 600 linear FT of freeway frontage, and are subject to the following: a. Table 8.01-1 (Sign Regulation Matrix), above, establishes the number, location, area, height, and additional regulations applicable to freeway signs.

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b. The maximum vertical or horizontal dimension of any freeway sign display surface is 25 FT.

c. A freeway sign shall be placed a minimum of 600 FT from any other freeway sign on the same property or on an adjacent property and shall be placed no further than 40 FT from the freeway right-of-way.

d. Freeway signs shall consist of no more than 2 faces unless alternative configurations are approved by the Planning Commission.

e. No tentative tract or parcel map, or lot merger shall be granted, which would result in the consolidation of multiple lots into a single lot with freeway signs in excess of the maximum number, location, area, and/or spacing of signs prescribed by this Section.

f. A freeway sign shall be placed no closer than 10 FT to an interior property line, drive aisle, or private drive.

g. A digital freeway sign with electronic display shall be permitted on public and/or private property subject to City Manager review and approval of the following:

(1) Approval of the digital freeway sign shall be subject to the approval of a Digital Sign and Billboard Removal Agreement between the City and the property owner;

(2) A minimum of 2 existing, legal nonconforming billboards shall be removed, both of which must be currently located within the City;

(3) The area is developed with a legally established permitted land use;

(4) The proposed sign would not create a traffic or safety problem with

regard to on-site access, circulation, or visibility;

(5) The proposed sign would not interfere with on-site parking or

landscaping required by City ordinance or permit;

(6) The property has at least 600 linear FT of freeway frontage;

(7) The proposed sign will display both public and private information;

(8) The overall design of the sign, including massing, proportion, and

scale shall be subject to review and approval of a Sign Permit, and

(9) For projects of regional significance as determined by the City Manager, the relocation of billboards may be waived and recommended for review by the City Manager to the City Council.

3. Electronic Message Center. An Electronic Message Center may be incorporated into a freeway sign for a public or private school; public facility or service; convention centers, arenas and other similar places of assembly; and auto malls and shall be subject to review and approval by the Planning Commission. An Electronic Message Center shall comply with the following requirements:

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a. The Electronic Message Center display shall not include any message or pictorial that is in motion or appears to be in motion;

b. The Electronic Message Center display shall not change the intensity of

illumination;

c. The Electronic Message Center display shall not change the message or pictorial more than once every 4 seconds;

d. No Electronic Message Center shall be placed within 1,000 FT of another Electronic Message Display located on the same side of the freeway; and

e. An Electronic Message Center shall only advertise the business conducted, services rendered, or goods produced or sold upon the property on which the display is placed.

4. Electronic Text Display. An Electronic Text Display may be incorporated into a monument sign to facilitate a fuel pricing sign required pursuant to BPC Sections 13530 through 13540, or for the purpose of providing messages and information related to public or private schools, government facilities, facilities for religious assembly, theaters, convention centers, arenas, and other similar places of assembly. An Electronic Text Display shall comply with the following requirements:

a. An Electronic Text Display shall not include any pictorial display;

b. An Electronic Text Display shall not change the intensity of illumination;

c. An Electronic Text Display shall not change the message more than once

every 4 seconds;

d. No Electronic Text Display shall be placed within 600 feet of another Electronic Text Display located on the same side of the street, excepting fuel pricing signs provided pursuant to BPC Sections 13530 through 13540; and

e. An Electronic Text Display shall only advertise the business name, and events and services conducted on the property upon which the Electronic Text Display is installed.

D. Building Wall and Fascia Signs.

1. Wall and/or fascia signs shall consist of individual channel letters placed flat against the exterior wall or parapet of a building, or suspended from the building eaves or overhang, or from the ceiling of a covered walkway, and having an overall depth of no more than 12 inches. A suspended sign shall have a clear space of at least 8 FT between the bottom of the sign and the surface of any walkway that may pass under the sign.

2. Acceptable wall and/or fascia sign designs include one or more of the following elements:

a. Halo lit channel letters;

b. Standard channel letters;

• c. Front and halo lit channel letters;

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d. Pin mounted sandblasted, textured, and/or burnished metal-leaf faced letters;

e. Signs mounted to hard canopies, eyebrows, or other projecting architectural elements, such as screens, grids or mesh, or etched, polished, patina or abraded materials; and/or

f. Mixed media signs (utilizing the designs described in Subparagraphs D.1.2.a through e, above), incorporating imagery and icons/logos. Although simple rectangular cabinet signs are generally not allowed, mixed media signs may be composed of several elements, one of which may be a sculptured cabinet; however, the cabinet sign shall not exceed 25 percent of the total sign area of each sign.

3. Wall and/or fascia signs may be located on an exterior building elevation that: [i] fronts/faces a public street, or [ii] faces an interior side or rear of a site, and contains a public entrance, pursuant to the standards prescribed by Table 8.01-1 (Sign Regulation Matrix), of this Section. 4. The characters that comprise a sign shall not occupy more than 75 percent of the length of the building wall or fascia upon which it is placed.

5. Electrical raceways and conduits shall be placed so that they are not within public view. Where this is physically impractical or doing so would damage significant architectural features or materials, the Zoning Administrator may grant a waiver from this requirement, provided all conduits, raceways, and similar devices are kept as small as possible and are painted the same colors as adjacent wall surfaces.

6. Electrical 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.

7. 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 12 inches. The Zoning Administrator may modify this requirement in special circumstances where a projection greater than 12 inches may be desirable to allow the creation of an especially creative and unique sign design.

8. Signs shall not be placed to obstruct any portion of a window or cover architectural elements, such as cornices, transom windows, vertical piers and columns, and similar elements.

E. Address Signs Required. The City finds that it is in the interest of public safety that all street addresses be clearly visible. Unless otherwise authorized in writing by the Police and Fire Departments, all permanent structures within the City shall display street address numerals of a size, color, and location, which are clearly visible from a public right-of-way. Address signs shall not count toward the maximum sign area allowed by this Division.

F. Sign Programs.

1. A Sign Program may be allowed pursuant to Section 4.02.075 (Sign Programs) of this Development Code, for the purpose of:

a. Providing coordinated signing within a development project;

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b. Utilizing common design elements; and

c. Integrating the design of signs with the context of the building and landscape design, to form a unified architectural statement.

2. A Sign Program may allow certain deviations from the standards prescribed by Table 8.01-1 (Sign Regulation Matrix) of this Division, limited to: [i] a 30 percent increase in maximum sign area, [ii] an increase in the maximum number of signs allowed, [iii] the use of decorative exposed neon, and [vi] any other modifications deemed appropriate for the building(s) and site context, as determined by the Planning Director. In approving such deviation(s), the following findings must be clearly established:

a. The Sign Program’s contribution to the overall design quality of the site and the surrounding area will be superior to the quality that would otherwise result under regulations normally applicable to the site;

b. The proposed signs are compatible with the style or character of existing improvements on the site and are well-related to each other;

c. Approval of the Sign Program will not be detrimental to the public health, safety or welfare, or be materially injurious to properties or improvements in the vicinity; and

d. Any deviations from the standards prescribed by Table 8.01-1 (Sign Regulation Matrix) of this Development Code are fully consistent with the purposes of this Development Code and any applicable specific plan or planned unit development.

3. A Sign Program may allow the use of complex-shaped (i.e., Polyhedron) sculptured cabinets if dimensional elements are also incorporated, such as burnished metal-leaf faced letters that are pin mounted from the cabinet face, or decorative exposed neon.

G. Street Banners and Street Banner Programs.

1. Street Banners.

a. No street banner, flag, pennant, or street decoration shall be placed or installed over and/or above any street or other public thoroughfare, without first obtaining City Manager approval, and the issuance of an encroachment permit by the City Engineer. b. No person, either as principal, agent, or otherwise, shall hang or suspend any street banner above any street or other public thoroughfare, or cause the same be done, unless a Street Banner Program has approved pursuant to the requirements of Paragraph G.2 (Street Banner Programs) of this Section.

c. A street banner, flag, pennant, or street decoration shall be safely suspended not less than 17 FT above a public street, upon approval of the City Engineer and Building Official.

d. A street banner, flag, pennant, or street decoration shall not contain the name or designation of any individual, firm, or corporation as an advertisement for private gain.

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e. A street banner, flag, pennant, or street decoration shall not remain in place longer than 30 days from the date permission is granted by the City Manager pursuant to Subparagraph G.1.a of this Section.

f. The Building Official shall, upon receipt of the required application, issue a permit for the erection and maintenance of a street banner, flag, pennant, or street decoration, according to [i] the terms of the City Manager's approval, [ii] the encroachment permit issued by the City Engineer, and [iii] the Street Banner Program described in Paragraph G.2 (Street Banner Programs), below (if required).

2. Street Banner Programs. A Street Banner Program shall be subject to review and approval by the Zoning Administrator, and must adhere to the following guidelines:

a. Application. The street banner program application shall contain the following minimum information:

(1) Street Banner Design —A fully dimensioned plan that clearly depicts

the street banner design, materials, colors, and letter style;

(2) Street Banner Elevations —A fully dimensioned elevation drawing(s) depicting streetlight poles with each proposed banner type attached;

(3) Street Banner Location —A site plan drawn to scale, which depicts the specific location of each proposed street banner and the affected streetlight poles; and (4) Equipment —All hardware and bracketry necessary for mounting the proposed street banner(s) to the affected streetlight poles, which shall meet or exceed City specifications.

b. Private Business Recognition. Private sponsorship of street banners shall only be permitted in association with an approved street banner program, with identification of the sponsor regulated as follows: (1) Placement —The street banner sponsor may be identified on each street banner by lettering no greater than 6 inches in height, which runs the width of the banner, and covering no more than 10 percent of the banner area; (2) Font —A uniform font type, style, size, and color shall be used for banner sponsor names within a given banner program; and

ion of the sponsor regulated as follows: (1) Placement —The street banner sponsor may be identified on each street banner by lettering no greater than 6 inches in height, which runs the width of the banner, and covering no more than 10 percent of the banner area; (2) Font —A uniform font type, style, size, and color shall be used for banner sponsor names within a given banner program; and

(3) Graphics —There shall be no private logos or trademark graphics

allowed.

c. Maintenance. At a minimum, street banners shall be removed for cleaning annually, and shall be removed for repair or replacement when worn, torn, or faded. The City may require that street banners be alternated seasonally (3 to 4 times per year). Furthermore, Street banners shall be removed for repair or replacement when worn, torn, or faded.

H. Awnings and Canopies, and Outside Umbrellas.

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1. As a design feature of any building, structure, or business establishment, all awnings and canopies, and outside umbrellas, shall be reviewed in the same manner as a sign, ensuring enhancement of the building or structure in which it is placed, erected, or installed.

2. Awnings and canopies that contain advertising shall be counted toward the total allowable signing for the business that it serves.

3. Umbrellas shall not contain advertising.

4. The use of backlit awnings and/or canopies shall be prohibited.

I. Accent Lighting.

1. As a design feature of any building, structure, or business establishment, all accent lighting shall be reviewed in the same manner as a sign, ensuring enhancement of the building or structure in which it is placed or installed. Accent lighting should be limited to confined areas, such as building entries, architectural features, or used to reinforce specific architectural elements, such as tower and cornice elements.

2. Accent lighting elements and luminaires placed directly on a building façade shall be shielded. Lighting elements and luminaires placed directly on a building façade so as to be directly exposed to public view, is prohibited.

J. Construction, Installation and Maintenance.

1. Construction. The construction and installation of signs shall be enforced and administered by the Building Official. All signs and advertising structures shall be designed and constructed to withstand wind loads, dead loads, and lateral forces as required by the City's Building Code and the provisions of this Division.

2. Identification. Every sign or other advertising structure hereafter erected in the City shall have an identifying number, name of erector, installation year and, if illuminated, the voltage plainly placed on the exterior surface of the sign body, in a location where the information is readily visible after erection and installation.

3. Illumination.

a. General Requirements .

(1) Signs with electrical components shall be constructed, inspected, and approved by the Underwriters Laboratory (UL), or equal, and a label of approval from the laboratory shall be affixed to the sign in plain view.

(2) Awnings with back-lighting are prohibited.

(3) Light sources (luminaires) used for externally illuminated signs shall not be visible within 100 FT of any residential zoning district. Internally illuminated signs visible from any residential zoning district shall not be illuminated between the hours of 11:00PM and 6:00AM, unless they identify an establishment open for business during those hours.

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(4) Signs shall not have exposed fluorescent tubes or incandescent bulbs exceeding 15 watts, and the brightness of luminous or backlit signs shall not exceed 250 footlamberts (fl).

b. Internally Illuminated Signs. The illumination level of a sign shall be reduced if it is determined to be excessive as a result of City evaluation. Illumination shall be considered excessive if the illumination level:

(1) Is substantially greater than the illumination level of other nearby

signs;

(2) Interferes with the visibility of other signs, or with the perception of

objects or buildings in the vicinity of the sign;

(3) Directs glare toward streets or motorists;

and/or

(4) Adversely impacts nearby residents or residential neighborhoods; (5) Reduces the nighttime readability of the sign.

c. Externally Illuminated Signs. The light source for externally illuminated signs shall be arranged and shielded to substantially confine all direct light rays to the sign face, and away from streets and adjacent properties.

4. Maintenance. All signs, together with their supports and appurtenances, shall be kept neatly painted and posted. The Zoning Administrator, Building Official, or Code Enforcement Director may order the removal of any sign that is not maintained in accordance with the provisions of this Division.

K. Political Signs.

1. Purpose.

a. The purpose of these political sign regulations is to identify the compatibility between the utilization of political signs, the protection of the right to privacy of individuals, and the quiet and undisturbed enjoyment of property.

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

ing caused by dislodged political signs; [v] sight distance hazards to traffic due to sign size and location; [vi] distracting appearance; [vii] aesthetically displeasing impact; [viii] unnecessary proliferation; and [ix] other reasons, all of which are determined to be contrary to the best interests of the community, and in opposition to the public health, safety and welfare.

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

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

e. It is believed that responsibility for the placement of political signs should lie with the candidate for public office, the proponents and opponents of ballot measures, and the various political committees connected therewith. It is recognized that political signs are printed by, or at the direction of, those listed herein, and that the ultimate responsibility for the distribution of such signs and their placement lies with them.

2. Definition. The term "political sign," as used herein, means any election or nonelection sign, advertising structure, or display, which communicate any message or idea identifying, supporting, opposing, promoting, or conveying a position upon, or relating to, any political cause or issue, or candidate for public office, or proposition or issue connected with any local, special, state, or national election.

3. Political Sign Registration. Pursuant to BPC Section 5405.3, any candidate (or their designee) or the proponents of a ballot measure who seek to utilize political signs, shall first file a Statement of Responsibility with the Code Enforcement Department, on a City registration form. The registrant shall be responsible for removing the temporary political sign and may be required to reimburse the City for any cost incurred for temporary political sign removal.

4. Permitted Signs. Political signs, as herein defined, shall be permitted within any zoning district subject to compliance with all of the rules and regulations set forth in Paragraph K.5 (Regulations) herein.

5. Regulations.

a. No provision in this Development Code shall be so construed as to prohibit

the placing of temporary political signs.

b. No political sign shall be installed or displayed sooner than 45 days preceding the election for which the sign is intended.

c. No political sign shall exceed 16 SF in total area, except that a doublefaced sign, not exceeding 16 SF on each side, shall be permitted.

d. No political sign shall exceed an overall height of 8 FT, except if such sign shall be within an enclosed building or structure.

e. No candidate for public office, proponent or opponent of ballot measures, and/or any political committees connected therewith, shall post more than one political sign per lot or parcel. f. No political sign shall be lighted either directly or indirectly.

g. No political sign shall be placed on private property, vacant or otherwise, without the permission of the owner of the property.

h. No political sign shall be placed or affixed to a tree, fence, post, utility pole, or any structure, by glue, nails, or screws.

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• i. No political sign shall be posted on any public property or in the public right-

of-way.

j. No political sign shall be placed within the right-of-way of any highway, or with 660 FT of the edge of, and visible from, the right-of-way of a landscaped freeway.

k. No political signs shall be posted in violation of any other provisions of this Development Code.

l. All political signs shall be removed within 10 days following the date of the election for which the sign was intended.

6. Removal of Illegally Placed Political Signs. The Building Official or Community Improvement Manager may cause the removal of any sign placed contrary to any provision of the Political Sign provisions contained herein (commencing with Subsection K (Political Signs) of this Section).

A. Introduction.

1. The following design guidelines are intended as a reference to assist the designer in understanding the city's goals and objectives for high quality sign design, construction, and placement throughout the city. These guidelines are intended to complement the mandatory standards contained in Section 8.01.020 (Sign Standards) of this Division, by providing good examples of potential design solutions and by providing design interpretations of the various mandatory requirements.

2. The design guidelines are general and may be interpreted with some flexibility in their application to specific projects. The guidelines will be utilized during the city's review of a sign program or sign plan to encourage the highest level of design quality, while at the same time providing the flexibility necessary to encourage creativity on the part of the designer. Nonetheless, unless there is a compelling reason, these design guidelines shall be observed.

B. General Guidelines.

1. Use a Brief Message. The fewer words used, the more effective the sign. A sign with a brief message is quicker and easier to read, looks cleaner and is more attractive. A sign should only include the name and/or nature of the business, and in addition to the name, may contain a maximum of three words describing the business or service provided.

2. Avoid Overly Intricate Fonts. Signs utilizing very intricate font styles are generally difficult to read and reduce a sign's ability to communicate effectively.

3. Avoid Faddish and Peculiar Fonts. Signs utilizing faddish or peculiar fonts may look good today, but soon go out of style. The image conveyed may quickly become that of a dated and unfashionable business.

4. Sign Colors and Materials. The colors and materials of a sign should be selected so that they contribute to sign legibility and design integrity. Even the most carefully thought out sign

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may be unattractive and a poor communicator because of poor color selection. Dayglow, fluorescent, and overly bright or loud colors should not be used.

5. Provide Contrast Between Background and Letters/Symbols. Use significant contrast between the sign's letter/symbol color and its background color. If there is little contrast in the hue (shade or tint) and intensity (brightness) between the background and letter/symbol colors, it will be difficult to read.

6. Avoid Too Many Different Colors. The use of too many different colors will overwhelm the basic function of communication. The colors compete with sign content for the viewer's attention. The limited use of accent colors can increase legibility, while large areas of competing colors tend to confuse and annoy.

7. Sign Placement. Generally, building wall and fascia signs should be located within the middle 75 percent of the building frontage, measured from tenant line to tenant line for multiple tenant buildings, and measured across the full width of the building elevation for single tenant buildings. The Zoning Administrator shall have the authority to modify this requirement where it can be shown that:

a. The directed placement would severely limit proper sign placement; or

b. The directed placement would be contrary to the sign placement approved by a Development Plan.

8. Proportion, Scale and Rhythm of Sign Placement. Signs should be placed consistent with the proportions and scale of building elements within a building's facade: a. A particular sign may fit well on a large, plain wall area, but would overpower the finer scale and proportion of the lower storefront.

b. Signs can be used to establish facade rhythm, scale, and proportion where such elements are weak in the building design. On buildings having a monolithic or plain facade, signs can be used to establish or continue appropriate design rhythm, proportion, and scale.

c. The proportion of letter area to sign background area should be carefully considered. If the letters take up too much of the background area, they may be harder to read — large letters are not necessarily more legible than smaller ones. d. Generally, the characters that comprise a sign should not occupy more than 70 percent of the area of a sign's background.

9. Pedestrian Signs. Signs oriented to pedestrians should be smaller in scale. The pedestrian -oriented sign is usually read from a distance of 15 to 20 feet, whereas the vehicleoriented sign is designed to be viewed from a much greater distance. The closer the sign's viewing distance, the smaller the sign needs to be.

10. Freestanding Signs. Freestanding signs should incorporate the materials and architectural features used in the building(s) they serve.

C. Building Wall and Fascia Signs.

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1. Building wall and fascia signs should be compatible with the predominant visual elements of the building. Commercial centers and offices, industrial parks, business parks, and other similar facilities, are required to be part of a sign program in accordance with the provisions of Section 4.02.080 (Sign Programs) of this Development Code.

2. Where there is more than one sign for a business (e.g., single tenant buildings) or group of businesses (e.g., multiple tenant buildings, commercial centers, or business or industrial parks), all signs should be complementary to one another in the following ways:

• a. Type of construction materials (sign copy, supports, etc.);

• b. Letter size and style of copy;

• c. Method and design of sign support (wall mounting or monument base);

• d. Configuration of sign area; and

• e. Proportion of sign copy area to background.

3. Lighted signs, whether internally or externally illuminated, are permitted; provided, they are not harsh or overly bright. Can-type box signs with translucent backlit panels should not be used.

4. Signs with backlit or internally illuminated individual channel letters are strongly encouraged.

D. Freestanding Signs.

1. Freestanding signs are intended to provide identification for single-tenant buildings, multiple-tenant buildings, commercial offices and centers, and business and industrial parks. Signs for single-tenant buildings should include the street address of the business. 2. Signs for multiple-tenant buildings, commercial offices and centers, and business and industrial parks should display the range of business addresses for that development. The business address shall not be included in the sign area calculation. 3. Lighted signs, whether internally or externally illuminated, are permitted, provided they are not harsh or overly bright. Signs should consist of individual affixed to an opaque, matte finished background. The use of backlit (halo lighting) letters is strongly encouraged.

4. Freestanding signs should be placed perpendicular to approaching vehicular traffic.

5. Freestanding signs should be placed in landscaped planters of sufficient area, shape and design that will provide a compatible setting and ground definition to the signs.

6. Monument signs should be provided with a base, which measures from 12 to 18 inches in height, to accommodate the growth of landscaping around the sign base, without interrupting view of the sign face.

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