Porterville Municipal Code § 305.05 Exempt Signs

The purpose of this chapter is to establish clear and reasonable regulations to ensure the orderly display of signs as a city-wide information system, consistent with State and federal law. These regulations recognize the desire and right of each individual, business, firm or corporation to identify its residence, business, or service. At the same time, they acknowledge that the indiscriminate erection, placement, illumination, color, size, and lack of proper maintenance of signs and advertising structures may create conditions affect public safety or property values. Specifically, these regulations are intended to:

A Ensure signs and advertising structures are designed, erected, and maintained in a manner that supports effective communication and avoids obstructing the visibility of nearby or adjacent signs;

B. Prohibit the installation and maintenance of signs or advertising structures that create unsafe distractions for motorists or interfere with visibility of traffic signs, signals, safe vehicle movement;

C. Prevent the installation and maintenance of signs or advertising structures, that individually or collectively, negatively impact the city’s economic health;

D. Ensure that the size and location of signs and advertising structures do not interfere with fire protection or emergency response efforts, and do not create safety hazards for vehicle or pedestrian traffic, particularly in cases of structural failure during severe weather or earthquakes, or due to impaired visibility; and

E. Protect public health and safety and promote general welfare. (Ord. 1918, 10-7-2025)

The policies and principles stated in this Section apply to all signs regulated under this Chapter and to all related procedures. These policies take precedence over any conflicting provisions, even if those provisions appear more specific.

A. Permit Requirement. Unless expressly exempted by this Chapter or by other applicable law a Building Permit is required only for Signs that are subject to review by the Building Department. All other signs regulated by this Chapter may be displayed without a permit unless otherwise specified. If the sign requires such permit, it may be displayed only with a valid permit issued by the City.

B. Message Neutrality. It is the City’s policy to regulate signs in a constitutional, manner that is content neutral for noncommercial messages and viewpoint neutral for commercial messages.

C. Regulatory Interpretations. All regulatory interpretations of this Chapter shall be made in accordance with the City’s message neutrality policy. If a proposed sign type is not expressly allowed or prohibited by this Chapter, or if a sign does not meet the definition of a “structure” under the Building Code, the Zoning Administrator shall review the application based on the most comparable regulated sign type and determine whether to approve, conditionally approve, or deny the request using reasonable and consistent judgement.

D. Substitution of Messages. Subject to the property owner’s consent, any noncommercial message may be substituted for another noncommercial message on a legally permitted or allowed sign, without requiring additional permits or approvals, provided that the sign structure or mounting device itself is lawful without regard to message content. This provision is intended to ensure treatment of noncommercial speech and to avoid any unintentional preference for commercial messages. This section does not permit an increase in the total number or area of signs on a parcel, authorize changes to the physical structure or location of a sign, or allow substitution of an off-site commercial message for an on-site commercial message. Changing one on-site commercial message to another may still require a permit if otherwise required by this Chapter.

E. Rules for Non-communicative Aspects of Signs. All regulations related to the physical characteristics of signs, including location, size, height, illumination, spacing, and orientation, remain fully enforceable regardless of message content and apply independently of the permitting or approval process.

F. Situs of Non-commercial Message Signs. The distinction between onsite and offsite signs applies only to commercial messages. Non-commercial messages are not subject to location-based restrictions under this Chapter.

G. Property Owner’s Consent. No sign may be displayed without the consent of the legal owner(s) of the property on which the sign is mounted or displayed. For purposes of this policy, “owner” means the person or entity holding legal title to the property, as well as anyone with a current right to possess, control, or use the property.

H. Legal Nature of Signage Rights and Duties. For all signs attached to property, whether real or personal, the rights, responsibilities, and obligations under this Chapter apply to and remain with the land or property where the sign is mounted or displayed. This provision does not change or affect laws related to fixtures, private lease terms about signage (so long as they do not conflict with this Chapter), or ownership of sign structures.

I. Sign Programs. Sign programs for specific developments, including special sign districts or overlay zones, may allow modifications to the rules in this Chapter related to size, height, number, illumination, spacing, orientation or other noncommunication aspects of signs, subject to agreement between the private parties to comply with said program and if approved by the Approving Authority. However, no sign program may override or change the basic policies outlined in this Section. All provisions in this Section automatically apply to any sign program approved after the effective date of this article.

J. Severability. If any section, sentence, clause, phrase, word, or provision of this Chapter is found to be invalid, unconstitutional, or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining portions shall remain in full force and effect. The City Council affirms that it would have adopted this Chapter even without any part that may later be found invalid or unenforceable. (Ord. 1918, 10-7-2025)

The requirements and development standards in this chapter apply to signs in every zoning district, unless a specific exception is stated. (Ord. 1918, 10-7-2025)

The City Council may choose to adopt design principles via resolution or via amendment of this article. Criteria may include but are not limited to architectural compatibility, consistency with area character, legibility, finish, and visibility. Any such criteria may be applied throughout the city or to specific, delineated areas. (Ord. 1918, 10-7-2025)

The following signs are exempt from the permit requirements of this Chapter provided they meet the applicable standards and obtain a building permit if required by law.

A. Government-Recognized Historical or Memorial Markers. Signs installed by a civic organization recognized by the City Council, constructed of bronze, stone, or other durable, non-combustible materials, or permanently cut into a masonry surface, and used to identify historical or memorial buildings or sites.

B. Temporary Business Transition Signs. A temporary attachment or covering made of wood, plastic, canvas, or similar material may be placed over an existing permanent sign during a business transition, such as a change in ownership or remodeling. The temporary sign must not exceed the size of the previous sign and may be displayed for up to one (1) year after a change in ownership. For maintenance, see Section 306.08, Maintenance.

C. Construction or Development Signs. One (1) sign per street frontage is allowed on a property where construction, structural alteration, or repair is planned or underway. Each sign may not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area. Construction signs must be removed after final building inspection.

D. Incorporated Product or Equipment Signs. Signs not exceeding four (4) square feet in area that are built into equipment or displays by a manufacturer, distributor, or vendor are allowed. This includes signs on ATMs, gasoline pumps, vending machines, menu boards, and branded umbrellas, as illustrated in Figure 305.05(D).

FIGURE 305.05(D): EQUIPMENT SIGNS

[Figure]

E. Flags. Noncommercial flags (e.g., national, State, civic, or organizational).

F. Handbills. Handbills, advertising circulars, etc., must comply with the standards and licensing contained in Chapter 3, Article II, of the Porterville Municipal Code

G. Real Estate Sign. One (1) on-site real estate sign per street frontage is allowed when a property is for sale, rent, or lease. Signs. Signs must be removed within five (5) days of the property being no longer listed or advertised for sale, lease, or rent.

H. Window and Entry Signs. Signs may be placed within six (6) feet of the building entrances for commercial, industrial, and office uses. In addition, government buildings may display shadowboxes.

I. On-Site Directional or Informational Signs. On-site signs are allowed for public or private developments provided they are not be otherwise prohibited or further regulated by this Chapter or any other provision of the Porterville Municipal Code. Uses with a drive-through service window may install one (1) additional sign under this exemption.

J. Reader Panels. Permanent reader panels are allowed for public, charitable, or religious institutions, provided they are located on the same property to which they pertain. These panels must be positioned so they do not create a hazard to vehicular or pedestrian traffic. Electronic reader boards are also allowed under this exemption if they comply with applicable zone requirements, do not include animation, flashing, or rapid movements, and display messages that change no more than once every three (3) seconds.

K. Civic Event Sponsorship. One sign per business that sponsors and contributes to sports activities held on public property may be placed at said property. The sign may be displayed for up to ninety (90) days before the event or season and must be removed within fifteen (15) days after the event or season concludes.

L. Transit Advertising. Bus stop shelter and bench advertisements authorized under the City’s Transit Advertising Policy are exempt.

M. City Welcome Signs. Signs placed, owned, or funded by the City of Porterville may be installed around the periphery of the city limits at major transportation routes, either within public rights-of-way or on private property with the property owner’s consent. (Ord. 1918, 10-7-2025)

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)

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.

1. Unless exempt, signs and supporting structures shall be installed in accordance with the current adopted Building Code.

2. 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)

A. Residential subdivisions are allowed one (1) monument sign or wall sign per street frontage for entry into the subdivision.

B. Religious facilities, multi-family residential projects, schools, civic uses and other nonresidential uses in R districts are allowed one (1) building-mounted sign and one (1) monument sign or freestanding sign. (Ord. 1918, 10-7-2025)

Signage in non-residential districts may include one or more of the following types of signs: awning and canopy signs, marquee signs, projecting signs, wall signs, window signs, monument signs, freestanding signs, commercial center identification signs, and temporary, portable A-frame, or sandwich board signs. Signs shall comply with the standards of Section 305.10. (Ord. 1918, 10-7-2025)

A. Awning and Canopy Signs. Marquee Signs, Projecting Signs. These signs are subject to the following standards:

1. Sign Clearance. Minimum of eight (8) feet.

2. Projection.

a. An under-canopy sign, attached to and hanging from an awning or canopy shall be located completely under the canopy or awning and shall not project beyond its edge.

b. A projecting sign cannot extend more than three (3) feet from the building to which it is attached.

3. Visibility. A projecting sign shall be erected in such a manner as not to create a traffic hazard to vehicles or pedestrians.

B. Wall Signs. Wall signs include any sign attached to, erected against, or painted upon the wall of a building or structure, the face of which is in a single plane parallel to the plane of the wall. Wall signs also include signs on a parapet or mansard roof. No wall sign may cover wholly or partially any required wall opening. Wall signs are also subject to the following standards:

1. Projection. Wall signs cannot extend more than twelve (12) inches beyond the face of the wall to which they are attached.

C. Window Signs. Window signs painted or otherwise adhered directly onto a window are exempt from the permit requirements of this chapter but are subject to the following standards:

1. Coverage. Window signs may up to one-hundred (100) percent of the total glass window area along each building facade, subject to other applicable laws triggered by type and use of business.

2. Height. Window signs shall not be mounted or placed on windows higher than the second story.

D. Monument Signs. Freestanding signs erected on the ground or on a monument base designed as an architectural unit are allowed subject to the following standards:

1. Visibility. A monument sign shall be erected in such a manner as not to create a traffic hazard to vehicles or pedestrians.

E. Freestanding Signs. Freestanding signs are allowed subject to the following standards:

1. Visibility. A freestanding sign shall be erected in such a manner as not to create a traffic hazard to vehicles or pedestrians.

2. Projection. Freestanding signs shall not project beyond the property line.

F. Other Sign Types.

1. Commercial Center Identification Signs. Commercial center identification signs may be erected in the Commercial and Employment districts, subject to the following limitations:

a. Visibility. A commercial center identification sign shall be erected in such a manner as not to create a traffic hazard to vehicles or pedestrians.

2. A-Frame/Sandwich Board Signs. Temporary portable A-frame or sandwich board signs may be erected in all nonresidential zone districts, subject to the following limitations:

a. Maximum Number of Signs. Two (2) A-frame/sandwich board signs per tenant space.

b. Location. One (1) A-frame sign may be placed within the building frontage. A second sign may encroach into the right-of-way up to two (2) feet from the property line provided there remains a contiguous five (5)-foot-wide walkable area when the sign is in place.

c. Removal. Such sign is to be removed during non-business hours.

3. Mobile Signs. Signs pulled on a trailer or otherwise mounted to a vehicle may be allowed subject applicable laws such as the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, in the Federal Size Regulations for Commercial Motor Vehicles. (Ord. 1918, 10-7-2025)

A. Authority. Unless otherwise stated, the building official shall review and approve all signs as specified in this chapter.

B. Applicability. Except for certain signs exempted in compliance with Section 305.05, Exempt Signs, no regulated sign shall be erected, re-erected, constructed or altered (excluding change of copy on a can or cabinet sign) without building official approval and a building permit issued by the Building Division.

C. Applications for Filing, Processing and Review.

1. Applicant. Sign owners or their designees shall apply for Building Permits for signs that require them.

2. Filing and Filing Fee. Application for such permits shall be made upon forms furnished by the building official and accompanied by the required fee and working drawings adequate to show the location, construction and design, including colors, materials, lighting, electrical elements, and advertising copy, of the sign in accordance with applicable sign design guidelines and the linear footage of building frontage owned or leased by the business.

3. Compliance with Standards.

a. Upon acceptance of a sign application, the building official shall review the request for compliance with the locational and operational standards identified in this chapter, and with any standards established in a Master Sign Program pursuant to Section 305.13, Master Sign Program.

b. The building official’s decision shall clearly state any conditions of approval or reasons for disapproval and applicable appeal provisions.

D. Appeals. Decisions by the building official may be appealed subject to the provisions of Chapter 612, Appeals. (Ord. 1918, 10-7-2025)

A. Purpose. The purpose of a Master Sign Program is to provide a method for an applicant to integrate the design and placement of signs within a project with the overall development design to achieve a more unified appearance. It is not the intent of this section to be used solely to request relief from the sign regulations in order to circumvent any requirements or purpose of this chapter.

B. Applicability. A Master Sign Program may be processed for any development. However, shown below are examples of when a Master Sign Program may be most appropriate:

1. Nonresidential developments of three (3) or more separate tenants that share either the same parcel or structure and use common access and parking facilities (e.g., shopping centers, malls, office complexes and industrial parks); or

• 2. Developments with multiple structures with limited frontage or no frontage on a public street; or
• 3. Businesses conducted primarily outside of a building; or
• 4. New multi-family residential developments of one hundred (100) or more units, or

5. Other developments where the strict application of the sign code unduly restricts the allowable signage that can be located on the parcel.

C. Application. Master Sign Program applications shall contain all written and graphic information needed to fully describe the proposed sign program, including the proposed location and dimension of each sign, as well as proposed color schemes, font types, materials, methods of attachment or support, and methods of illumination. A Master Sign Program application shall also include calculation of total allowed sign area, and total proposed sign area, for the site.

D. Allowable Modifications. A Master Sign Program may provide for additional sign area and other deviations from the standards of this chapter, provided that the Master Sign Program is consistent with the sections on design principles and general standards.

E. Review Authority. All Master Sign Programs are subject to review and approval of the Zoning Administrator, unless the signs are associated with a project that requires City Council review and approval; then the City Council shall review and approve it as part of the overall project approval.

F. Required Findings. In order to approve a Master Sign Program, the decision-making body shall find that all of the following are met, in addition to other applicable regulations in this section:

1. The proposed signs are compatible in style and character with any building to which the signs are to be attached, any surrounding structures and any adjoining signage on the site;

2. Future tenants will be provided with adequate opportunities to construct, erect or maintain a sign for identification;

3. Directional signage and building addressing is adequate for pedestrian and vehicular circulation and emergency vehicle access; and

4. Use of the Master Sign Program provides a more desirable functional and aesthetic appearance than would otherwise be provided by standard code requirements.

G. Lessees to Be Informed of Master Sign Program. Lessees within developments subject to the requirements of an approved Master Sign Program shall be made aware of the Master Sign Program in their lease.

H. Revisions to Master Sign Programs. Revisions to an approved Master Sign Program shall be approved by the Zoning Administrator. (Ord. 1918, 10-7-2025)

A. All legal nonconforming signs are permitted to remain unless they are subject to a permit condition or development agreement providing for their removal after a fixed period of time.

B. Any changes to legal nonconforming signs or their structures in terms of location, orientation, size, or height other than routine maintenance and repair or change of sign copy shall require the signs to be brought into conformance with this chapter.

C. A legal nonconforming sign loses its legal nonconforming status when the activity, product, business, service, or other use which was being advertised has ceased or vacated the premises for one hundred eighty (180) days, at which time it shall be considered an abandoned sign, subject to the requirements of Section 305.07(c), Abandoned Signs. (Ord. 1918, 10-7-2025)

A. Authority to Abate. The City has the authority to abate illegal, abandoned signs and signs that pose a threat to health and life safety.

B. Illegal Signs in the Public Right-of-Way. Illegal signs posted in the public right-of-way or upon public property may be removed by Code Enforcement officer without notice or hearing. Signs shall be retained by the City for a period of not less than thirty (30) days if identifiable. Thereafter, any unclaimed signs may be discarded.

C. Recovery of Costs. When the City is required to remove illegal or abandoned signs in compliance with this chapter, the reasonable cost of the removal may be assessed against the owner of the sign(s).

D. Sign Removal.

1. Any sign, including its supporting structure, which no longer identifies the current occupant or products currently sold, or which otherwise fails to serve its original purpose, or is not maintained in a safe, presentable, and good condition, including the replacement of defective parts, painting, repainting, and cleaning, shall be removed by the owner of the property within 30 calendar days after written notice to do so from the Building Division.

2. Any sign which the Building Division establishes as unsafe or unsecure shall be corrected or removed, together with all supporting structures, by the owner of the property upon which the sign is located within thirty (30) days after written notice by the Building Division.

3. Such notice shall state the location of the sign, the nature of the violation, and/or the manner in which the sign constitutes a public nuisance. The notice also shall require the removal or other abatement of the sign before the date specified in the notice. Further, the notice shall state that failure to comply may result in the removal of the sign by the City and that the cost of such removal may be imposed on the owner of the property. The notice shall also include instructions for the filing of an appeal of the determination of the Building Official that the sign is in violation of this chapter or constitutes a public nuisance. Such notice shall be served by posting on the property on which the sign is located and by registered or certified mail delivery, postage prepaid to the owner of the property, and, if known, the owner of the sign.

4. After the periods specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) above, the Building Division may cause such sign to be removed, and the cost of such removal shall become a lien against the property.

5. If a hazardous condition exists, the condition shall be corrected forthwith upon notice by the Building Division.

If an appeal is received prior to the date specified in the notice, abatement proceedings shall be suspended, and any deadlines shall be suspended, pending the outcome of such appeal. (Ord. 1918, 10-7-2025)