Chapter 17.37 — SIGN REGULATIONS

Footnotes: --- (5) ---

Prior ordinance history: Ords. 214 and 264.

Sign regulations are included in this title for the following purposes:

A.

To preserve and enhance the natural and man-made aesthetic qualities of the town; and to minimize visual clutter;

B.

To ensure reasonable opportunity for identification and advertising for commercial and industrial activities, consistent with community goals;

C.

To minimize conflict between advertising signs and traffic safety devices or signs.

(Ord. 313 § 6 (part), 1998)

The following signs are exempt from the provisions of this chapter, within the limits specified:

A.

Signs erected or required by law or by contract with a governmental agency, including traffic signs and devices, legal notices, and temporary, emergency or nonadvertising signs authorized by the town;

B.

Signs erected by public utility companies relating to danger or public safety, or indicating the location of public utility lines and facilities, or public telephones;

C.

House numbers, and privacy or warning signs such as "no trespassing," or "no parking" signs located on the appurtenant site, and when not exceeding four (4) square feet per sign face;

D.

Decorations to celebrate recognized holidays and civic events;

E.

National and state flags, and other flags or insignia displayed in conjunction with official flags;

F.

Unlighted window signs and decals not exceeding six (6) square feet per sign face or thirty-five (35) percent of the area of the affected window, whichever is the greater. All lighted window signs, and unlighted window signs exceeding the above limits are regulated as flush signs;

G.

Marquee signs;

H.

Plaque signs;

I.

Signs within a building or use which are not visible from beyond the boundary of the site;

J.

Business signs which are used traditionally to indicate a temporary condition related to the business (e.g., "open/closed" signs, automobile fuel price signs, "no-vacancy" signs);

K.

"Neighborhood Watch" signs which are approved by the police and community development department.

(Ord. No. 497, § 2, 4-13-2010; Ord. No. 433, § 1, 2-22-2005; Ord. No. 420, § 5, 6-8-2004; Ord. 313 § 6 (part), 1998)

The following signs are prohibited in all zones, except as specifically allowed or limited herein:

A.

Animated signs, excepting the following specifically permitted types of animation:

Barber poles not exceeding three (3) feet in height nor projecting more than one foot from a building;

Electronic changeable message signs as permitted in Section 17.37.670.

Electronic changeable message signs for public, quasi-public and community service land uses located upon property situated within the C-S or C-F zones.

B.

Signs constituting a safety hazard to vehicular or pedestrian traffic, or impeding ingress and egress from any door, window or emergency exit;

C.

Signs which imitate, duplicate or portray a commonly recognized traffic control or public safety sign or device, or which make use of words, symbols or characters in such a manner to interfere with, mislead or confuse vehicular or pedestrian traffic;

D.

Signs containing statements, words or characters of an obscene, indecent or immoral character such as will offend public morals or decency;

E.

Signs emitting sound, smoke or odor;

F.

Abandoned signs and/or abandoned sign structure(s) unless officially designated as historic by the Town of Paradise and/or the State of California.

(Ord. No. 638, § 2, 11-12-2024, eff. 12-12-2024; Ord. No. 607, § 1, 5-11-2021, eff. 6-10-2021; Ord. No. 497, § 3, 4-13-2010; Ord. No. 460, § 7, 4-10-2007; Ord. No. 457, §§ 1, 2, 1-9-2007; Ord. 436, § 6, 6-14- 2005; Ord. No. 433, § 2, 2-22-2005; Ord. No. 420, §§ 6, 7, 6-8-2004; Ord. 362, § 12, 2001; Ord. 313, § 6 (part), 1998)

Except as otherwise provided within Section 17.37.300.F., the use of signs legally established prior to the adoption of the ordinance regulations codified within Chapter 17.37 may be continued, although the signs do not conform to the specific regulations contained within the chapter. Any alteration of a lawful, nonconforming sign that reduces its nonconformity with the regulations of this chapter shall be permitted. A lawful, nonconforming sign may be repaired and maintained as necessary.

(Ord. No. 497, § 4, 4-13-2010)

The following signs are permitted, subject to the limitations prescribed in this section:

A.

Political Signs. Political signs are allowed in any zoning district subject to the following limitations:

Signs shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet per sign face.

Signs shall be unlighted.

Political signs not prohibited by this section shall be removed within fourteen (14) calendar days after the event (election) to which they relate occurs.

Political signs located in windows are not subject to regulation.

Political signs shall not be placed in any town right-of-way in a manner that shall create potential risk to the public health, safety, general welfare, nor that would injure town property.

Political signs higher than four (4) feet above grade must be placed beyond all required setbacks.

Any person, party or group posting political signs shall be liable to the town, private property owners and the general public for any injury to persons or property resulting from the placement and maintenance of such signs.

B.

Directional Signs. Directional signs are allowed in any zoning district subject to the following limitations:

Signs shall be limited to those essential to give direction and instruction.

Signs shall not contain advertising matter, but may include a symbol, insignia or trademark when such element is a minor element of the sign or may be similar to advertising signs used on the premises.

Directional signs shall not exceed six (6) square feet per sign face.

C.

Real Estate Signs. Real estate "for sale" signs are allowed in any zoning district subject to the following limitations.

Signs shall be limited to one sign per street frontage for property smaller than one acre.

Signs shall be unlighted.

Signs shall not exceed six (6) square feet per sign face for residential signs. Commercial and subdivision signs shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet of sign face area.

A sign to advertise real estate for sale may not legally be placed off-site upon public property.

Real estate signs higher than four (4) feet above grade must be placed beyond all required yard setbacks.

D.

Nameplates. Nameplates are permitted in the N-C, C-S, C-F, C-B, C-C or I-S zoning districts subject to the regulations pertaining to business signs, and shall not exceed three (3) square feet of sign face area, nor exceed four (4) feet in height above grade if placed in the front yard setback area. (See Section 17.37.500 of this chapter.) Nameplates shall be permitted in conjunction with an established principal land use within all other zoning districts.

E.

Community Service Signs. Community service signs are allowed in any zoning district and possibly within a town right-of-way, subject to the following limitations:

The sign shall be erected and maintained by the town, or a community service organization with authorization procured from either the planning director, the planning commission, or, if the sign is to be located within a town right-of-way, from the town council.

The sign shall not exceed ten (10) feet above finished grade nor exceed a sign area of one hundred (100) square feet.

The sign shall serve a general public and/or community purpose.

[Reserved.]

F.

Home Occupation Signs. Home occupation signs are allowed on the site of a home occupation subject to the following limitations:

No off-site sign shall be allowed.

The sign shall not exceed six (6) square feet.

The sign shall be unlighted.

G.

Identification Signs. Identification signs for land uses other than commercial or industrial uses are allowed in any zoning district, subject to the following limitations:

For any land use subject to an administrative permit, site plan review permit or use permit, regulations for an identification sign may be established as a condition of approval, consistent with the development on surrounding properties.

For any land use not subject to an administrative permit, site plan review permit or use permit, identification signs are allowed subject to the following limitations:

Regulation R-C, AG-10, AG-20, AR-1, AR-3, Other Zoning Districts RR-1, RR-2/3, RR-1/2, TR-1, TR- 1/2, TR-1/3 Zones

Lighting Indirect All but flashing

Maximum sign area 16 square feet 36 square feet

Maximum height 6 feet 10 feet

Maximum number 1 per site 1 per street frontage

H.

Construction Signs. Construction signs are allowed in any zoning district, subject to the following limitations:

Construction signs may be established upon the site of an active construction project for which town- issued construction permits are in effect and shall be removed upon completion of construction and/or expiration of all town issued ministerial construction permits, whichever occurs first.

The sign shall be unlighted.

The sign shall indicate only the nature of the construction, the proposed use, the name of the sponsor, architect, engineer, contractor or other entity associated with the construction, the projected completion date and similar information associated with the construction project.

The signs shall not exceed six (6) square feet in area per sign face for single-family residential projects. Signs for commercial, quasi-public, multiple-family residential and subdivision projects shall not exceed twenty-four (24) square feet of area per sign face.

The sign shall not be located within any abutting road easement or right-of-way for either a public street or private road.

(Ord. No. 497, §§ 5—9, 4-13-2010; Ord. No. 476, § 1, 1-22-2008; Ord. No. 411, § 5, 2-10-2004; Ord. 347, § 2, 2000; Ord. 313, § 6(part), 1998)

A.

All new or redesigned and affixed business, professional, public, quasi-public, multiple-family residential, or industrial land use identification sign structures (excluding sign faces) shall be required to comply with all applicable requirements of the Town of Paradise adopted design standards.

B.

It shall be unlawful to use, occupy or maintain a building or structure that does not comply with all applicable design standards. Any violation or failure to comply with the architectural and design criteria shall be an infraction punishable by a fine in accordance with Government Code section 36900.

(Ord. No. 497, § 10, 4-13-2010)

A.

Business signs are permitted in selected zoning districts subject to limitations and conditions set forth in Table 17.37.700 of this chapter. The following provisions apply to that table:

The cumulative length of all flush wall business signs along an affected building wall (or wall series as determined by the planning director) shall not exceed the percentage limitations specified within Section

Each overall side of the building shall be considered separately. In a unified

development such as a shopping center or strip mall, the measurement used to determine the maximum permitted length of flush wall signs for individual businesses shall be determined on an individual basis for each shop using the separation of side walls to determine frontage length.

To determine the maximum sign area allowed on a site, the total square footage of all business signs shall be included. Where two (2) or more lots or parcels are used together as a single site, and commonly identified as a single site with a development name, common management, common parking facilities or similar sign indication of a unified development, the maximum sign area shall apply to the whole of the lots or parcels comprising the single site.

Business signs for commercial and/or professional services uses and to be located upon real property located within a Paradise General Plan designated "scenic highway corridor" land area shall be limited to a maximum sign area of one hundred (100) square feet; and subject signs shall not extend above the roof line of any onsite building nor be placed on the roof of any building.

[Reserved.]

New business signs defined as "roof signs" shall be prohibited except if the planning director determines, based upon substantial evidence, that the design of the building upon which the roof sign is proposed to be established has no other surface visible from a public street or private roadway to accommodate the placement of a business sign.

(Ord. No. 497, §§ 11—13, 4-13-2010; Ord. No. 476, § 2, 1-22-2008; Ord. No. 433, § 3, 2-22-2005; Ord. 313, § 6(part), 1998; Ord. 347, § 3, 2000)

A.

Billboards may be permitted in the C-C, C-F, C-S and I-S zoning districts subject to town approval and issuance of an administrative permit in addition to the following limitations:

The sign face (poster panel) shall be limited to a display surface not to exceed one hundred (100) square feet.

Not more than one single-sided or double-sided billboard panel shall be located at any site.

Billboards shall not exceed sixteen (16) feet in height.

Billboards shall not be closer than fifty (50) feet from the centerline of a street unless the administrative permit provides for installation closer than fifty (50) feet.

Billboard sites shall be located at least five hundred (500) radial feet distance from any existing billboard of a size greater than one hundred (100) square feet; three hundred (300) radial feet from any other billboard. Separation distance requirements for benches displaying advertising other than those benches determined to be exempt from the provisions of this chapter shall be determined as a condition of an administrative permit approval, if required.

Billboards shall not be permitted to be established upon properties located within the town adopted "Downtown Revitalization Master Plan Area.

Billboards shall not be electronic changeable message signs.

B.

Nonconformance and Removal. Any billboard that does not conform to these regulations shall be removed pursuant to the schedule in this subsection, upon written notification to the owner of the property upon which the billboard is located that such nonconforming sign shall be removed.

In all zoning districts a nonconforming billboard shall be removed within three (3) years of notification by the town of such removal.

C.

Noncompliance. Any billboard located in an I-S zoning district which does not comply with the requirements of subsection A. of this section may remain as a nonconforming use; provided, that the

billboard shall be removed if active use for outdoor advertising purposes ceases for a continuous period of twelve (12) months or more.

D.

Removal by the Town. If any billboard remains in place thirty (30) days beyond the time limits specified in subsections B. and C. of this section, the town may remove the sign at the discretion of the planning director, and shall require repayment of the costs of removal from the property owner. The planning director shall give written notice to the property owner as shown on the latest equalized assessment roll thirty (30) days prior to the removal of the sign.

E.

All owners of billboards required to remove a billboard as required by this section and all affected property owners shall be compensated for such removal as set forth in Section 5412 et seq. of the California Business and Professions Code.

(Ord. No. 638, § 4, 11-12-2024, eff. 12-12-2024; Ord. No. 497, § 14, 4-13-2010; Ord. No. 433, §§ 4, 5, 2- 22-2005; Ord. 313, § 6(part), 1998; Ord. 362, § 13, 2001)

A.

Banner signs may be permitted upon properties within the N-C, C-B, C-C, I-S, C-S and/or C-F zoning districts subject to the following regulations:

Banner signs shall not be placed or affixed atop roof features of an affected building or linear structure.

Banner signs shall not be placed in any manner that obstructs pedestrian and/or ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility.

Excepting temporary civic or special community event banner signs displayed to promote a civic/special community event, banner signs shall not be placed within the public streets right-of-way or within forty (40) feet linear distance measured from the centerline of a public street or private road.

Banner signs shall not be placed over any utility box, within three (3) feet of a fire hydrant or in any manner which creates a vehicular and/or bicyclists traffic hazard.

A maximum of two (2) banner signs per business or business street frontage shall be permitted; the size of any banner signs placed as flush wall-mounted upon a building shall not exceed forty (40) percent of the length and height of the affected building wall. Banner signs not completely supported by a building or a portion thereof shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in size.

Banner signs shall not be established to serve as business identification signs during a period exceeding sixty (60) days for a single business occupancy unless a longer period is approved by the planning director in order to accommodate extenuating circumstances (e.g., town processing for design review for a new structure, building facade, etc.).

(Ord. No. 497, § 15, 4-13-2010; Ord. No. 473, § 4, 12-11-2007; Ord. No. 457, § 3, 1-9-2007)

A.

The maximum height of a portable sign shall be four (4) feet above grade; and the total area of the sign face shall not exceed ten (10) square feet.

B.

Portable signs shall be placed in a manner which provides a minimum of four (4) feet of unobstructed pedestrian clearance and shall otherwise be placed in compliance with handicapped accessibility requirements.

C.

Portable signs shall not be placed in streets or driveway surfaces, attached or secured to public property, place over any utility box, within three (3) feet of a fire hydrant or in a manner which creates a traffic or pedestrian hazard.

D.

Portable signs shall be constructed of wood (or other sturdy material) and metal hardware, all surfaces shall be painted and the signs shall be weighted to prevent movement during windy periods. Portable signs shall have no electric or mechanical features or attached objects that move in the wind other than small balloon(s).

E.

Other than within unified shopping center(s) and/or common owned parking facilities, portable signs used for business signage purposes shall not be placed upon property located offsite from the business being advertised/identified.

F.

A maximum of one portable sign per business or business street frontage shall be permitted.

G.

The town manager or his/her designee may authorize town removal of portable signs from public property when the signs are not placed or designed in conformance with the standards set forth within this section.

H.

[Reserved.]

(Ord. No. 497, § 16, 4-13-2010; Ord. 313, § 6 (part), 1998; Ord. 349, §§ 15, 16, 2000; Ord. No. 433, § 6, 2- 22-2005; Ord. 436, § 7, 6-14-2005; Ord. No. 457, § 4, 1-9-2007)

A.

Only permitted for public, quasi-public and community service land uses located upon property situated within the C-S or C-F zones and for non-residential land uses within the C-C and I-S zones.

B.

A maximum of one electronic changeable message sign is permitted per site with a maximum electronic area of forty (40) square feet. New freestanding electronic changeable message signs shall have a maximum height of six (6) feet.

C.

Messages shall be static and unanimated for a minimum of eight (8) seconds.

D.

Transition during messages shall be two (2) seconds or less and shall either be instantaneous or fade in/out. Flashing is prohibited.

E.

For signs in the C-C or I-S zones, adjacent to a residential zoning district or where an existing sign cabinet is proposed to be retrofitted and the existing sign exceeds the size and/or height limits for an electronic changeable message sign, a CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT will be required.

F.

Electronic changeable message sign faces permitted after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter shall be equipped with a photocell, timer, or other similar device which automatically dims the display during nighttime hours to prevent glare impacts.

G.

Electronic changeable message signs permitted after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter shall not be brighter than the illumination limit recommended by the International Sign Association

(ISA) for Electronic Message Center signs, or 0.3 footcandles above ambient light when measured at the recommended distance as set forth by the ISA.

H.

Electronic changeable message signs are not permitted to be installed as ROOF SIGNS or operate as BILLBOARDS.

(Ord. No. 638, § 3, 11-12-2024, eff. 12-12-2024)

Business sign regulations applicable in all zoning districts are designated as set forth in Table 17.37.700 as follows:

Table 17.37.700

Regulations for Business Signs in All Districts (The maximum allowable sizes and numbers are shown)

Roof signs R-C, AG-10, AG-20, AR-1, AR-3, AR-5, Not permitted RR-1, RR-2/3, RR-1/2, TR-1, TR-1/2, TR- 1/3, M-F, N-C, C-S, C-F

            C-B, C-C                                  1.0 square foot of sign area per linear foot
                                                             of roof length; not above highest point of
                                                             roof or parapet; electronic changeable
                                             message signs not permitted

                I-S                                        1.0 square foot of sign area per linear foot
                                                             of roof length; not above highest point of
                                                             roof or parapet; electronic changeable
                                             message signs not permitted

Projecting R-C, AG-10, AG-20, AR-1, AR-3, AR-5, Not permitted signs RR-1, RR-2/3, RR-1/2, TR-1, TR-1/2, TR- 1/3, M-F

             C-S, C-F                             16 square feet maximum; 5 feet from wall

            N-C, C-B                            16 square feet maximum; 5 feet from wall

            C-C, I-S                             32 square feet maximum; 5 feet from wall

Flush (wall- R-C, AG-10, AG-20, AR-1, AR-3, AR-5, 10% of the area of the building wall on mounted) signs RR-1, RR-2/3, RR-1/2, TR-1, TR-1/2, TR- which the sign is established; 25 percent 1/3 of wall length

             C-S, N-C, C-B, C-F                        1.0 square foot of sign area per linear foot
                                                             of wall length; 50 percent of wall length

C-C, I-S 1.5 square feet of sign area per linear foot of wall length; 50 percent of wall length

Freestanding R-C, AG-10, AG-20, AR-1, AR-3, AR-5, Refer to identification signs section signs RR-1, RR-2/3, RR-1/2, TR-1, TR-1/2, TR- 17.37.400.G 1/3

            N-C, C-B, C-S, C-F, M-F                40 square feet; maximum 6 feet height; 1
                                                      per site

            C-C, I-S (excepting scenic highway       Monument, post or pole, 100 square feet,
                corridors)                         maximum height 10 feet (monument), and
                                               16 feet (post, pole or pylon); 2 per site

Scenic highway corridors Monument or post, 100 square feet, maximum height 8 feet; 1 per site

(Ord. No. 638, § 5, 11-12-2024, eff. 12-12-2024; Ord. No. 607, § 2, 5-11-2021, eff. 6-10-2021; Ord. No. 497, § 17, 4-13-2010; Ord. No. 433, § 7, 2-22-2005; Ord. No. 414, § 4, 3-9-2004; Ord. 313, § 6 (part), 1998)

The maximum sign area of all business signs on a site shall not exceed the following:

Zone Maximum Sign Area per Site Area

C-B, N-C, C-F 200 square feet. 400 square feet in a unified development on a site exceeding one acre.

C-C, I-S, C-S 300 square feet. 600 square feet in a unified development on a site exceeding 2 acres. 1,500 square feet in a unified development on a site exceeding 4 acres.

All other zones 120 square feet.

(Ord. No. 497, § 18, 4-13-2010; Ord. No. 414, § 5, 3-9-2004; Ord. 313, § 6 (part), 1998)

Except as permitted by this code, no sign shall be placed, erected or installed within any recorded or established access easement or right-of-way, whether privately or publicly owned.

(Ord. No. 414, § 6, 3-9-2004; Ord. 313, § 6 (part), 1998)