305.06: PROHIBITED SIGNS:

The following types of signs and devices are prohibited due to safety concerns, regulatory conflicts, or negative community impacts:

A. Billboards. Any sign that advertises a business, service, or product not offered on the same property is prohibited, unless specifically allowed by the California Outdoor Advertising Act (Business and Professions Code Sections 5200-5486). A sign that promotes a brand name not considered a principal item for sale on the premises is also considered a prohibited billboard. B. Noise, Odor, and Emissions. Signs that produce noise in violation of the City’s Noise Ordinance contained in Article IX of this code, and signs that emit odor, visible smoke, vapor, or particles.

C. Obscenities. Signs that depict, describe or relate to “specified sexual activities” or “specified anatomical areas” as defined in Porterville Municipal Code Chapter 15, Article V, Section 15-43, Definitions.

D. Obstructions to Exits. Signs erected, constructed, or maintained in a way that obstruct firefighting equipment, fire escapes, required exits, or door openings intended for emergency ingress and/or egress.

E. Obstructions to Driver Visibility. Signs that interfere with visibility at driveways, intersections, or within corner cut-off areas, as defined in Section 300.16.

F. Obstructions to Ventilation. Signs that block or interfere with any opening required for natural or mechanical ventilation. G. Posters. Posters of a temporary nature that are tacked, painted, pasted, or otherwise affixed and made visible from a public way on walls of buildings, barns, sheds, trees, fences, utility poles, or other structures, sidewalks, or patios are prohibited, except as otherwise provided in this Chapter. This section excludes signs placed in windows per Section 305.10 (e).

H. Signs Creating Traffic Hazards. Signs that simulate the color, size, or design of any traffic control sign, signal, or device, or use words, symbols or characters in a way that could mislead or confuses drivers or pedestrians, are prohibited. No sign, light, or advertising structure shall be placed in a location that creates a hazard to vehicular or pedestrian traffic, or that obstructs clear vision where its position, shape, color, or movement could interfere with, block the view of, or be mistaken for an authorized traffic control device.

I. Private signs on public property. Unless otherwise permitted by this code, private signs located on public lands, including public rights-of-way, parks, public buildings, storm drainage basins, and similar facilities, are prohibited. However, signs may be placed during an event that has an approved rental or reservation for the site. All such signs must be removed at the end of the reservation period. (Ord. 1918, 10-7-2025)