305.07: GENERAL STANDARDS: — Porterville Zoning Code

This section establishes general standards and requirements for signage. More detailed standards for specific sign types, such as wall signs or awning signs, are provided in Section 305.10, Standards for Specific Sign Types. In addition to these general standards, all signs must comply with the specifications set forth in Municipal Code Chapter 3, Advertising and Signs.

A. Abandoned Signs. Any sign, including its supporting structure, that no longer identifies the current occupant after ninety (90) days shall be deemed abandoned and must be removed by the property owner. When a wall sign is removed, the wall surface behind it shall be repaired and painted to match the surrounding facade. Any abandoned signs not removed or made blank within this period shall be removed in accordance with the procedures established in this Chapter.

B. Building Frontage. Building frontage refers to the wall of a building that faces and runs roughly parallel to a public street, excluding alleys.

C. Changeable Copy. Changeable copy may cover up to one hundred (100) percent of a manually changeable sign and an electronic message center sign with copy that can be changed or altered by electric, electro-mechanical, electronic, or any other artificial energy means.

D. Clearance from Utilities. Signs and their supporting structures shall maintain clearance from and not interfere with electrical conductors, communications equipment or lines, surface and underground facilities and conduits for water, sewage, gas, electricity, and communications equipment or lines. Signs shall not be placed in public utility easements unless express written permission from the affected public utility is obtained.

E. Construction and Maintenance.

Unless exempt, signs and supporting structures shall be installed in accordance with the current adopted Building Code.
All signs, together with all supporting structures, shall be maintained in the following manner:

a. Signs shall be kept free of rust, dirt, and chipped, cracked or peeling paint.
b. All hanging, dangling, torn or frayed parts of signs shall be promptly repaired, and graffiti and unauthorized attachments shall be removed.
c. Failed, damaged, or blinking illumination shall be promptly replaced.
d. Sign areas shall be kept free and clear of all noxious substances, rubbish, and weeds.
e. Discolored or faded panels on plastic faces shall be restored to their original condition and color.
F. Encroachment into Public Street or Sidewalk. Any sign projecting into a public right of way requires an encroachment agreement approved by the City Engineer. Temporary signs such as A-frame/sandwich board signs as regulated under 305.10(f)(2) below are exempt from this requirement.

G. Illumination. Channel letters, internally illuminated signs and neon signs are permitted. Due to glare and non-directional illumination, bare bulbs visible from the public right-of-way are prohibited. For signs with external illumination, lights shall be provided with proper reflectors to concentrate the illumination on the area of the sign to prevent glare on the street or adjacent properties. All sign illumination shall adhere to the performance standards for lighting and glare in Chapter 306, Performance Standards.

H. Materials. Paper, cardboard, untreated plywood, and other materials subject to rapid deterioration shall be limited to signs displayed for no more than (30) days. (Ord. 1918, 10-7-2025)