Redlands Municipal Code Art. IV Sign Standards for Commercial Zoning Districts

A. Except as provided elsewhere in this chapter, each business is permitted to install one main identification sign; all other signs shall be considered secondary signs and shall conform to the size criteria established in the following table.

B. Permitted sign areas for commercial zoning districts are shown below:

Notes:

1. For exception see subsection 15.36.210C of this article.

2. For maximum sizes in industrial zoning districts, see specific zoning district standards.

3. Signs in industrial zoning districts which face a residential zoning district may not exceed 75 square feet in size.

(Ord. 2552 § 1, 2004)

The following standards apply within the C-1 and C-2 zoning districts:

A. Sign Approval Required: The location, size and architectural design of all freestanding signs and roof signs shall be approved by the planning commission. Replacement of a sign without any structural change, such as replacement of sign elements including, but limited to, individual channel letters or increase in sign area, on existing freestanding sign structures shall be approved by the director.

The location, size, and architectural design of all building mounted signs shall be approved by the director. Replacement of a sign without any structural change, such as replacement of sign elements including, but limited to, individual channel letters or increase in sign area, on existing building mounted signs shall be approved by the director.

B. Size: The permitted size of signs in the C-1 and C-2 zoning districts is as shown in section 15.36.190 of this article. Major tenant signs may be increased in area up to a maximum of seventy five (75) square feet in area if approved as part of a complete sign program approved for the shopping center upon the determination that the increased area is appropriate to improve the aesthetics of the project.

C. Location: The following regulations apply to the location of permanent and temporary signs in the C-1 and C-2 zoning districts:

1. Signs may only be erected on the side of a building where a street right of way or public entryway to the store is located. One unlighted sign not to exceed two (2) square feet in area may be placed on the rear of the building for service and delivery identification.

2. All signs shall be placed parallel to the vertical surface of the structure occupied by the use to which a sign pertains, and may not extend out from such surface more than twelve inches (12").

3. No sign shall be placed within any required yard or setback area.

D. Special Signs:

1. One overall identification sign for a unified shopping center may be approved for each street frontage, subject to the following regulations:

a. This sign shall be placed parallel to the vertical surface and below the top of the required three foot (3') high wall adjacent to the required front yard area.

b. The dimensions of each letter shall not exceed ten inches (10"), and the maximum area of each sign shall not exceed twenty (20) square feet.

c. If more than one identification sign is provided for a center, each identification sign shall be identical in size and color.

d. Center identification signs shall not be included in the sign area for any individual use.

2. Directional signs of two (2) square feet or less are exempt from this chapter.

E. Specific Limitations:

1. All illuminated signs shall be of such an intensity or arranged in such a manner so as not to create glare for abutting properties or vehicular traffic. Signs shall not be lighted between the hours of ten o'clock (10:00) P.M. and six o'clock (6:00) A.M.

2. No freestanding signs are permitted in the C-1 and C-2 zoning districts, except center identification signs as described in subsection D of this section.

F. Portable A-Frame Signs: Portable A-frame signs are permitted within a unified center if included within an approved sign program. (Ord. 2552 § 1, 2004)

The sign provisions of the C-4 zone apply to all signs located in the C-3 zoning district. In addition, the following requirements shall apply:

A. Second Floor Windows: Signs permanently painted on second floor windows facing the street are permitted by the director.

B. Individual Businesses: Individual businesses having public access on more than one side of a building are permitted to have a second main identification sign.

C. Multiple-Tenant Buildings: Multiple-tenant buildings containing storefronts having no direct access or street frontage are permitted to install a directory type sign. This directory sign shall conform to the following standards:

1. The directory sign shall be a "secondary sign", as defined in this chapter.

2. The size of the sign shall be limited to two (2) square feet for each tenant in the building.

D. Portable A-Frame Signs: Portable A-frame signs are permitted within a unified center if included within an approved sign program. (Ord. 2552 § 1, 2004)

The following regulations apply to signs in the C-4 zoning district:

A. Architectural Compatibility: All signs shall be harmonious with the character and architectural style of the structure upon which they are placed.

B. Sign Approval Required:

1. The location, size and architectural design of all freestanding signs and support structures shall be approved by the planning commission. Replacement of a sign without any structural change, such as replacement of sign elements including, but limited to, individual channel letters or increase in sign area, on existing freestanding sign structures shall be approved by the director.

2. The location, size, and architectural design of all building mounted signs shall be approved by the director. Replacement of a sign without any structural change, such as replacement of sign elements including, but limited to, individual channel letters or increase in sign area, on existing building mounted signs shall be approved by the director.

C. Size: The maximum size of signs is shown in section 15.36.190 of this article (unless further restricted by an approved sign program).

D. Location: All signs shall be placed parallel to the vertical surface of the building, and shall not protrude from the farthest surface of the building, marquee or canopy more than twelve inches (12"), except that one under canopy area sign containing less than three (3) square feet in area is permitted for each street that the building faces.

E. Freestanding Signs: The following regulations apply to freestanding signs:

1. Types Of Freestanding Signs: The following freestanding signs are permitted:

a. Monument signs with a height not exceeding four feet (4').

b. Pedestal signs with a height not exceeding twelve feet (12').

2. Exceptions To Allotment: One freestanding sign per street frontage per parcel or unified center is permitted, except as follows:

a. Each freestanding sign for an individual tenant shall count toward the allowable signage for that tenant. Shopping center signage shall not count towards maximum signage and shall not exceed the requirements of subsection E7 of this section.

b. For commercial centers in excess of thirty five (35) acres, two (2) freestanding signs identifying the center are permitted. One of the signs may be oriented to the freeway if located on land designated as freeway oriented property (see figure 16 in section 15.36.420 of this chapter) and shall meet the design criteria for freeway oriented signs. If not considered a sign oriented to the freeway, the maximum height of the sign shall be twenty feet (20').

3. Obstruction Of Other Signs Prohibited: No freestanding sign shall be placed in such a manner that it obstructs signs on adjacent properties from public view.

4. Main Identification Sign: A freestanding sign in excess of twenty four (24) square feet shall be considered a main identification sign.

5. Proximity To Other Freestanding Signs: No freestanding sign may be placed closer than forty feet (40') to another freestanding sign.

6. Extension Of Public Right Of Way: No portion of a freestanding sign shall extend over existing or future public right of way.

7. Size Criteria: The following size criteria apply to freestanding signs:

The area of a sign identifying a unified center shall not be counted toward the maximum sign area for any tenant.

F. Miscellaneous Provisions:

1. One sign is permitted for each forty feet (40') of frontage of the structure or building.

2. Directional signs of two (2) square feet or less are exempt from this chapter.

3. Sign standards for specific types of businesses are contained in article VII of this chapter.

4. Standards and regulations for multi-tenant freestanding signs are contained in article VII of this chapter.

5. Portable A-frame signs are permitted within a unified center if included within an approved sign program.

6. The planning commission, as a part of its review of a sign program, may exempt certain signs or areas from the requirements of this section if the following criteria are met:

a. The signs cannot be seen from the public rights of way, parking areas or other public areas.

b. The signs are oriented to the interior of a pedestrian retail or recreation area.

7. Monument signs in historic districts or for designated structures may have a base which is not solid in order to be consistent with the historic integrity of the property. The sign shall be approved by the planning commission and the historic and scenic preservation commission. (Ord. 2552 § 1, 2004)

The sign provisions of the C-4 zoning district shall apply to all properties in the C-M zoning district. (Ord. 2552 § 1, 2004)

The downtown business district is a unique commercial area within the city. Due to the pedestrian orientation and historic nature of the district, signage which is unique and separate from other uses within the city is warranted. The following sign regulations shall apply only to businesses within the boundaries of the downtown business district:

A. Downtown Business District: The boundaries of the downtown business district are described and illustrated in figure 14 in this section.

[Figure]

B. General Limitations:

1. A maximum of one portable or projecting sign shall be permitted per business. The sign shall be directly related to the business frontage and shall be located at the main entrance to the business. Businesses with a main entrance facing an alley shall place the sign at the alley entrance.

2. Multiple-tenancy buildings shall be allowed one portable or projecting sign.

3. Buildings/businesses with freestanding signs shall not be permitted to have portable or projecting signs.

4. No objects shall be attached to portable or projecting signs. This includes balloons, banners, merchandise and electrical devices.

5. Portable signs shall be removed at the daily close of business.

6. Portable signs shall comply with all maintenance criteria for temporary signs contained in this chapter.

C. Design: To ensure uniformity of design, portable and projecting signs shall be designed so as to be aesthetically pleasing and consistent with the "theme" of the business (where such a "theme" exists).

1. All portable and projecting signs visible from both sides shall be double sided.

2. Projecting signs should function as visual enhancements and should be graphically oriented.

D. Size: It is intended that the area of all signs shall be maintained at the minimum determined adequate to advertise a particular business.

1. The maximum allowable sign area for portable and projecting signs shall not exceed six (6) square feet.

2. The sign shall not exceed three feet (3') in height and two feet (2') in width, including all structural elements.

E. Location: The figure below shows permitted sign locations:

[Figure]

1. All portable signs located in the public right of way shall conform with chapter 12.55 of this code.

2. Projecting signs shall be secured to the building and cannot extend into the public right of way more than two feet (2'). The lowest portion of the projecting sign shall not be less than eight feet (8') from the ground.

3. Portable signs may be placed on private property as long as they are oriented to the main entrance.

4. No sign shall be placed in such a manner that it obstructs pedestrian or vehicular traffic or visibility. Signs shall not be placed in crosswalks and all corner cutoffs shall be maintained.

5. Portable signs shall not be located within eight feet (8') of permanent pedestrian seating areas.

6. Portable signs shall not be placed in parkways.

7. Portable signs shall be self-standing and shall not lean against or be attached to any public tree, pole or other fixture. Signs shall not be placed over grates, planters, etc.

F. Sign Approval Required: The type, size, location and design of signs and support structures allowed under this section shall be approved by the director.

1. Decisions made by the director may be appealed to the planning commission.

2. If approved by the director, a permit shall be issued. (Ord. 2552 § 1, 2004)

All commercial signs located in the C-D civic design district shall be approved as provided in this code. (Ord. 2552 § 1, 2004)

The following regulations shall apply in the A-P, A-P-C, and MF zoning districts:

A. Residential Uses: When signs are used for residential purposes, the regulations of the residential districts shall apply.

B. Nonresidential Uses:

1. Signs Permitted: Only one main identification sign per street frontage will be permitted for each property. No other signs will be permitted with buildings having one main entrance. On buildings with more than one public entrance, a supplementary directional sign indicating the names of the occupants and suite numbers may be located as near as practical to the public entrance.

2. Area Of Sign:

a. Any size sign may be used, to a maximum of twenty (20) square feet or total sign area per building or site. The maximum area shall include any directory type listings incorporated in the sign. If a directory type listing is used to designate individual businesses, the maximum area provided for each business shall be one square foot, which shall be counted toward the total sign area.

b. For the supplementary directional signs for buildings having more than one public entrance, the maximum area of the sign shall be three (3) square feet or one-half foot (1/2') per business, whichever provides the lesser area. If this sign is less than two (2) square feet or less, it shall not count toward total sign area.

3. Wall Signs: If the sign is to be attached to the building, it shall be placed parallel to the surface of the building, and may not extend out from the building more than twelve inches (12").

4. Freestanding Signs: Freestanding signs shall be constructed as monument signs, and shall be parallel with the street and located not closer than ten feet (10') from the street property line or future right of way line.

5. Freestanding Signs On Corner Lots: A monument sign may be placed on a corner lot with a setback of ten feet (10') from each of the streets. The sign may have two (2) faces, each parallel with a street and a maximum area of ten (10) square feet for each face.

6. Illumination Of Sign: The sign illumination shall be of such intensity or arranged in such a manner so as not to create glare for abutting properties or vehicular travelers. (Ord. 2552 § 1, 2004)

The purpose of the regulations in this section is to acknowledge the larger scale administrative-professional development occurring in the east valley corridor specific plan area and to provide adequate signage that is architecturally compatible with the development.

A. Sign Approval Required: The location, size and architectural design of all signs and support structures shall be reviewed and approved by the planning commission. Replacement of a sign that entails structural change, such as replacement of sign elements including, but limited to, individual channel letters or increase in sign area, on existing sign structures shall be reviewed and approved by the director.

B. Area Of Signage: Total allowable signage is calculated at a ratio of one-half (1/2) square foot in area for each foot of the structure or portion thereof wherein the pertaining use is conducted. Buildings on corner lots or lots fronting on two (2) or more streets may be credited with only one frontage. No office shall be credited with more than one frontage. One main identification sign will be permitted for each property. The main identification sign shall not exceed fifty (50) square feet. Auxiliary signs shall not exceed twenty four (24) square feet.

C. Signs Permitted: The following sign types are permitted in the EV/AP land use district:

1. Monument Signs: One freestanding monument sign per parcel or unified complex, having a maximum of four feet (4') in height, shall be permitted; except that a parcel abutting two (2) street frontages, but not located on the corner of an intersection, is permitted such a monument sign on each street frontage. Only the letters of the sign may be illuminated, and translucent backgrounds are prohibited.

2. Wall Signs: If the sign is to be attached to the building, it shall be placed parallel to the surface of the building, and may not extend out from the building more than twelve inches (12"). No sign shall be permitted on the roof or project above the roofline.

3. Directional Signs: Directional signs containing a maximum area of two (2) square feet each may be permitted, to facilitate on site vehicular circulation. An "emergency" directional sign may be permitted, having a maximum of eight (8) square feet.

4. Supplementary Directory Signs: One directory sign may be placed near the pedestrian entrance to the building. The maximum area of the sign shall be three (3) square feet or one-half foot (1/2') per business, whichever provides the lesser area.

D. Location: Signage may only be erected on the side of a building where a street right of way or public entryway to the business is located. One unlighted sign not to exceed two (2) square feet in area may be placed on the rear of the building for service and delivery identification.

E. General Limitations:

1. All illuminated signs shall be of such an intensity or arranged in such a manner so as not to create glare for abutting properties or vehicular traffic.

2. Developments designed for occupancy by more than one tenant shall comply with section 15.36.160 of this chapter. (Ord. 2735 § 1, 2010: Ord. 2552 § 1, 2004)