Paso Robles Municipal Code Ch. 19.01 Purpose and Applicability

These regulations and standards for billboard signs are established to provide a comprehensive system of reasonable, effective, consistent, content-neutral, and nondiscriminatory billboard sign standards and requirements to:

A. Preserve the natural beauty of areas adjacent to highways;

B. Make a positive visual impression at the gateways to the city;

C. Protect the general public health, safety, welfare, and aesthetics of the city;

D. Ensure the proper maintenance of signs;

E. Ensure freedom of expression for sign uses, including noncommercial speech, by maintaining a content-neutral approach and appropriately regulating the time, place, and manner under which signs may be displayed;

F. Preserve and improve the appearance of the city, protect the city from visual clutter and blight, and promote attractive and harmonious structures and environments by regulating the design, character, location, type, quality of materials, scale, illumination, and maintenance of signs; and

G. Balance the rights of individuals to convey their messages and the right of the public to be protected against the unrestricted proliferation of signs and to provide for fair and equal treatment of sign users.

(Ord. No. 1149 N.S., § 3(Exh. A, § 1), 10-1-2024)

The regulations of this title apply to all billboards. Other signs are addressed in Chapter 21.52 (Signs) and Chapter 11.30 (Street Furniture).

(Ord. No. 1149 N.S., § 3(Exh. A, § 1), 10-1-2024)

If any part, section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, phrase, clause, term, or word in this title is held to be invalid, unconstitutional, or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining portions of this title.

(Ord. No. 1149 N.S., § 3(Exh. A, § 1), 10-1-2024)

The following definitions shall apply to terms used within this title:

A. Billboard. An off-premises sign designed for the periodic changing of a printed or painted copy and intended for the view of travelers on a state or U.S. highway.

B. Conforming Billboard Sign. A billboard sign that is legally installed in accordance with federal, state, and local permit requirements and laws.

C. Copy. The message or content of a sign, which may include letters, numbers, logos, figures, and/or images.

D. Nonconforming Billboard Sign. A billboard sign that was legally established prior to the effective date of this title and that does not conform to the provisions of this title.

E. Off-Premises Sign. A sign that promotes a business, activity, product, or service available on property other than that on which the sign is located, or which directs the public to a business or activity on another property.

F. Sign Area. The cumulative area of all sign faces on a single side of a billboard.

(Ord. No. 1149 N.S., § 3(Exh. A, § 1), 10-1-2024)