§ 9-408

The purpose of this Chapter is to regulate signs as an information system for residents, visitors, and businesses, while also protecting and enhancing the aesthetic character and values of the County and in particular the County's highway corridors, residential neighborhoods, urban and rural communities, commercial/industrial areas, and agricultural areas. This Chapter sets forth regulations that recognize and balance the importance of business activity to the economic vitality of the County; the protection of the public health, safety, and welfare; the value of the visual environment; and recognition of the constitutional right to free speech. The specific objectives of these regulations are to:

(a)

Implement the General Plan and adopted Specific Plans;

(b)

Reflect and support a desirable visual quality of future development throughout the County;

(c)

Attract and direct people to various activities and places in the County;

(d)

Allow for the exercise of free speech by residents and businesses;

(e)

Promote public safety by ensuring that signs are not constructed, located, erected, or maintained in a hazardous manner and do not distract motorists and other users of streets and highways;

(f)

Restrict signs that may create visual clutter or be a nuisance; and

(g)

Provide clear, objective standards for signs that will maintain the aesthetic integrity of the County's urban and rural communities, shopping and employment districts, and agricultural areas.

(Ord. No. 4663, § 1, 12-10-2024)

This Chapter regulates all signs that are located outside of buildings on private property and non-exempt signs in the public right-of-way. This Chapter applies in all zones within unincorporated areas of the County and in all areas subject to Specific Plans or Special Purpose Plans, except as specifically superseded by regulations adopted for individual Specific Plans and Special Purpose Plans.

(a)

Signs Must Comply with this Chapter. In all zones, only such signs that are specifically permitted by this Chapter may be placed, erected, displayed, or used, subject to review and approval.

(b)

Discretionary Review Required. The placement of any permanent sign exceeding the requirements of this Chapter is subject to discretionary review pursuant to Section 9-408.170, Modification of Requirements.

(Ord. No. 4663, § 1, 12-10-2024)

(a)

Measuring Sign Height. The height of a sign is the vertical distance measured from the finished grade directly beneath the sign to the highest point at the top of the sign and including any structural or architectural components.

(b)

Measuring Sign Clearance. Sign clearance is the open area underneath a sign, measured as the vertical distance between the finished grade directly beneath the sign and the lowest point of the sign and including any framework or other embellishments.

(c)

Measuring Sign Area. The area of a sign is measured by calculating the area of a continuous rectilinear perimeter enclosing the entire sign face, including channel letters, multiple components, and irregular shapes. The sign area does not include any supporting framework or bracing that is incidental to the display unless they contain lettering or graphics. Measurement samples are shown below:

(d)

Calculation of Frontages. For corner and through lots, allowable freestanding sign area may be calculated separately for each lot frontage. Allowable attached sign area may be calculated separately for each building frontage.

(e)

Regulations for Certain Sign Types. The surface area of certain sign types set forth below shall be computed using the following standards. Measurement samples are included.

(1)

Awning Signs: Only the sign face portion of the awning shall be counted.

(2)

Multi-Section Signs: Only the sign area of each section or module shall be counted.

(3)

Double-Faced Signs: Only the larger side shall be counted as long as the distance between the backs of the sign does not exceed two feet. Where two faces of a sign are located more than two feet apart, or at an angle exceeding 45 degrees from one another, both sign faces will be counted toward the sign area.

(4)

Multi-Faced Sign: On a three-faced sign, where at least one interior angle is 45 degrees or less, the sum of the area of the largest and smallest face shall be counted. In all other situations, the sum of the area of all sign faces that can be seen at one time shall be counted.

(5)

Three-Dimensional Signs: For signs that include one or more three-dimensional object (i.e., balls, cubes, clusters of objects, sculptures, or statues), the sign area counted shall include the sum of two adjacent sides of the smallest cube that will encompass the sign.

(Ord. No. 4663, § 1, 12-10-2024)

(a)

Search Lights and Klieg Lights. Search lights and Klieg lights when used as attention attracting devices for commercial uses.

(b)

Signs in the Public Right-of-Way. Any sign placed the public right-of-way or sign projecting into the public right-of-way must be reviewed and permitted, if applicable, by the Department of Public Works. Otherwise, signs in the public right-of-way are prohibited.

(c)

Signs on Door, Windows, or Fire Escapes. Signs located on any building door or window that may prevent free ingress or egress. No sign shall be attached to any standpipe or fire escape except those required by County regulations.

(d)

Signs that Create a Traffic Hazard or Affect Pedestrian Safety. Signs located in a manner that may create a safety hazard or impede the public use of any public right-of-way. These signs include, but are not limited to:

(1)

Signs that obstruct the view of traffic or any authorized traffic sign or signal device;

(2)

Signs that may create confusion with any authorized traffic sign or signal device because of their color, design, illumination, location, or wording; or use of any phrase, symbol, or character that interferes with, misleads, or confuses vehicular drivers in the use of roads; and

(3)

Signs within five feet of a fire hydrant, authorized traffic sign, or signal device.

(e)

Signs that Produce Noise or Emissions. Signs that produce visible smoke, vapor, particles, odor, noise, or sounds that can be heard at the property line, excluding voice units for services customers from the vehicles, provided these units comply with the standards for noise established in this Title.

(Ord. No. 4663, § 1, 12-10-2024)

The following non-temporary signs are exempt from the requirements of this Chapter. These signs are not to be included in the determination of the number, type, or area of signs as specified in this Chapter.

(a)

Agricultural Sign subject to the following standards:

(1)

Maximum Height. Signs may not exceed six feet in height.

(2)

Maximum Sign Area.

(A)

Sixteen square feet on parcels under five acres in size; and

(B)

Twenty-four square feet on parcels five acres or greater in size.

(b)

Barber Poles not exceeding 18 inches in height.

(c)

Change of Business Signs.

(d)

Commemorative Signs.

(e)

Commercial Displays on Vehicles.

(f)

Construction/Development Signs subject to the following standards:

(1)

Maximum Sign Area. Signs shall be no more than:

(A)

Four square feet in Agricultural and Residential zones; and

(B)

32 square feet in all other zones.

(2)

Duration. Signs may be installed for up to 60 days before commending construction and landscape work and must be removed at the time that construction and landscape work is completed.

(g)

Decorations for holidays, religious and cultural observances, or similar celebrations on private property, including decorative lights.

(h)

Flags. See Section 9-400.030, Exceptions to Height Limits for flagpole regulations.

(i)

Fueling Sales Signs.

(j)

Garage/Yard Sale Signs.

(k)

Government Signs.

(l)

Indoor signs and other signs not visible from a street or adjacent property.

(m)

Information Signs.

(n)

Manufacturer's Marks.

(o)

Warning or No Trespassing Signs.

(p)

Window Signs not preventing free ingress/egress.

(Ord. No. 4663, § 1, 12-10-2024)

The following sign design principles shall be used as criteria for review and approval of signs and Master Sign Programs pursuant to Section 9-408.160:

(a)

Legibility. Signs shall be designed to be legible and readable for passersby as to not create hazards.

(1)

Colors chosen for sign text and graphics should have sufficient contrast with the sign background in order to be read easily; and

(2)

Symbols and logos can be used in place of words.

(b)

Visibility. A sign should be conspicuous and readily distinguishable from its surroundings, so a viewer can easily see the information it communicates.

(Ord. No. 4663, § 1, 12-10-2024)

Unless otherwise specified in this Chapter, the following standards apply to all signs. Dimensional standards and restrictions are set forth in Section 9-408.080.

(a)

Changes to Sign Copy. Unless otherwise specified by this Chapter, all permitted signs may use manual or automatic changeable copy. No discretionary review is required for a change in sign copy.

(b)

Electrical Systems to be Concealed. External conduits, boxes, and other connections related to the function of a sign and associated lighting shall not be exposed. A switch disconnecting each circuit shall be placed in plain sight and near the inspection opening.

(c)

Illumination. Signs may be illuminated, subject to the standards of Chapter 9-403, Lighting and Illumination, and the following requirements:

(1)

Shielding Required. External light sources must be directed, shielded, and filtered to limit direct illumination of any object other than a sign.

(2)

Light Sources Adjacent to Residential Zones. Illuminated signs located adjacent to any residential zone shall be controlled by a rheostat or other acceptable method to reduce glare that will create a nuisance for residential mixed-use buildings in a direct line of sight to the sign.

(d)

Maintenance. All signs, including exempt signs, shall be properly maintained.

(1)

Signs shall be kept free of rust, corrosion, peeling paint, cracks, fading, and other surface deterioration;

(2)

Illuminated signs shall function as designed and permitted;

(3)

Exposed surfaces shall be clean and painted, when required; and

(4)

All defective parts shall be replaced.

(e)

Materials. Signs shall be made of sturdy, durable materials.

(1)

Paper, cardboard, or other materials subject to rapid deterioration may only be used for temporary signs.

(2)

Fabric signs are restricted to awnings, canopies, flags, and temporary signs.

(f)

Message Neutrality. This Chapter regulates signs in a manner that is content neutral as to noncommercial messages that are protected by the first amendment of the U.S. Constitution and the corollary provisions of

the California Constitution.

(g)

Message Replacement. A noncommercial message of any type may be replaced in whole or in part, for any duly permitted commercial message, and any noncommercial message not previously approved as a commercial message may be replaced in whole or in part, for any other noncommercial message.

(1)

No Additional Approval. Such substitution of message may be made without any additional approvals.

(2)

Limitations. This message substitution provision does not:

(A)

Create a right to increase the total amount of signage on a parcel, lot, or land use;

(B)

Affect the requirement that a sign structure or mounting device be properly permitted;

(C)

Allow for a change in the physical structure of a sign or its mounting device; or

(D)

Authorize the substitution of an off-site commercial message or in place of a noncommercial message.

(h)

Minimum Clearance from Utilities. Signs and supporting structures shall maintain clearance from and not interfere with electrical conductors, communication equipment, or lines, underground facilities, and conduits.

(i)

Nonconforming Signs. Signs that do not conform to this Chapter upon its adoption or amendment may continue to be used and maintained, and need not be modified to conform to the standards of this Chapter, except as required for safety, maintenance, and repair.

(1)

If any such sign is relocated, or requires a repair that changes the size or construction of such a sign, the sign shall be brought into conformance with the standards of this Chapter; and

(2)

If any such sign is removed by any means, including circumstances beyond one's control, any replacement sign shall conform with the standards of this Chapter.

(j)

Permitted Sign Locations.

(1)

Attached Signs. Signs may be located on a building wall, canopy fascia, under canopy, mansard roof, or roof, and may face a parking lot, mall, street, driveway, walkway, alley, or freeway.

(2)

Freestanding Signs. All freestanding signs shall be located on the lot or parcel on which the use identified is located, except in a commercial, office, or industrial complex where such a sign may be located on any lot or parcel in the complex where the use identified is located.

(3)

Required Setbacks. All portions of a sign must be setback a minimum of five feet from all property lines.

(4)

Sign Projection from a Building Face. Building signs shall not project more than 12 inches from the building façade on which they are placed with the following exceptions.

(A)

Mansard and Roof Signs may project such a distance from the face of the roof necessary for the sign face to be perpendicular to the floor of the building.

(B)

Blade, Marquee, and Three-dimensional Signs may be oriented perpendicular to the adjacent wall of the business being identified.

(Ord. No. 4663, § 1, 12-10-2024)

(a)

Sign Classifications. Sign regulations are separated by zone and intensity of use as follows:

Group A: Residential uses in all zones

Group B: Development Projects in all residential zones

Group C: High intensity commercial uses, includes development projects in the C-G, C-C, C-FS, C-RS, and P-F zones

Group D: Low intensity commercial uses, includes development projects in the C-N, C-O, C-L, C-X, and M- X zones

Group E: High intensity industrial uses, includes development projects in the I-G zone

Group F: Low intensity industrial uses, includes development projects in the I-L, I-W, I-P, and A-PX zones

Group G: Agricultural uses in the AG, AL, and AU zones

Group H: Development projects in the AG, AL, and AU zones

Group I: Rural development, includes development projects in the I-T, C-R, and AI zones

(b)

Permitted Signs by Classification. All non-temporary signs shall be consistent with the sign types permitted by classification set forth in Table 9-408.070.

(c)

Maximum Permitted Sign Area and Number by Classification. The maximum allowable sign area may apply to individual signs or combined signs as contained in the table below. For design criteria for individual signs see Section 9-408.090 Dimensional Standards by Sign Type.

TABLE 9-408.070(c): MAXIMUM PERMITTED SIGN AREA AND NUMBER BY CLASSIFICATION

(1)

For Developments with Multiple Tenants additional sign area may be permitted as follows:

(A)

Group C: An additional 20 square feet may be added to the maximum size of both attached and freestanding signs for each tenant above one. The combined total for all freestanding signs shall not exceed 140 square feet.

(B)

Group D: An additional 15 square feet may be added to the maximum size of both attached and freestanding signs for each tenant above one. The combined total for all freestanding signs shall not exceed 120 square feet.

(C)

Group E: An additional 20 square feet may be added to the maximum size of freestanding signs for each tenant above one, not to exceed a combined total of 140 square feet.

(D)

Group F: An additional 20 square feet may be added to the maximum size of freestanding signs for each tenant above one, not to exceed a combined total of 140 square feet.

(E)

Group I: An additional 15 square feet may be added to the maximum size of both attached and freestanding signs for each tenant above one. The combined total for all freestanding signs shall not exceed 120 square feet.

(d)

Special Sign Regulations for Residential Zones.

(1)

Signs Allowed by Right.

(A)

Permanent attached signs on single-unit and two-unit residential buildings provided that:

(i)

The total area of all will signs shall not exceed three square feet per building.

(ii)

No attached sign shall project more than six inches from the building wall.

(B)

Permanent, non-illuminated freestanding signs on any developed residential lot, provided that:

(i)

The total area of all such signs shall not exceed one and one-half square feet per lot or per unit, whichever is greater.

(ii)

No sign shall exceed four feet in height.

(C)

One permanent, non-illuminated attached sign at the entrance of any multi-tenant building, not exceeding 20 square feet and not projecting more than 6 inches.

(2)

Signs Allowed with a Building Permit.

(A)

Housing Development Signs not to exceed 50 square feet for each entrance of a subdivision or multi-family housing development.

(B)

Multi-unit Building Signs not to exceed 20 square feet for each building containing 10 or more units.

(C)

Home Occupation Signs not to exceed four square feet for approved home occupation businesses located in a single-family or two-family dwelling.

(e)

Special Sign Regulations for Freeway Services Commercial Zone. On parcels located in the Freeway Services Commercial Zone, one pole sign may be oriented towards the freeway and one monument sign may be oriented towards the local access street.

(f)

Special Sign Regulations for Agricultural Zones.

(1)

Signs for Produce Stands.

(A)

Maximum Number of Signs Permitted: 6 combined freestanding and attached signs.

(B)

Maximum Size: 24 square feet per sign face.

(C)

Maximum Height for Freestanding Signs: 15 feet.

(D)

Location: Within 1,000 feet of the produce stand. Four of the allowable signs may be located off-site if located within the 1,000-foot radius.

(E)

Illumination: Signs shall not be illuminated.

(2)

Development Project Signs may not be placed within 75 feet of any existing freestanding sign.

(Ord. No. 4663, § 1, 12-10-2024; Ord. No. 4683, § 16, 12-9-2025)

Dimensional standards listed by sign type are contained in Table 9-408.090 on the following pages. A combination of signs designed to these standards may be permitted (see Section 9-408.080(b) Permitted Signs by Classification), and must not exceed the maximum permitted sign area contained in Section 9- 408.080(c).

==> picture [519 x 320] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
TABLE 9-408.000: DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS
AWNING & PROJECTING SIGNS
fof fIS ff US
Dimension Location and other requirements
Maximum Area 50% coverage ① Minimum 8 ft. ④
(sloping plane) Clearance
a Maximum Area 50% coverage ee ② ee
(valence)
a ee
Maximum Area 1 sq. ft. per linear ft. of building frontage ③
(projecting)
pT
BLADE SIGNS
----- End of picture text -----

Dimension Location and other requirements Maximum Area 12 sq. ft. ① Minimum 8 ft. ③ Clearance a eeee Maximum 5 ft. ② Projection Pf MARQUEE SIGNS eS i Dimension Location and other requirements Maximum Area 6 sq. ft. ① Minimum 8 ft. ④ Clearance a ee ee ee Maximum Width 2 ft. ② Maximum 2 ft. ⑤ Projection Maximum Height 4 ft. A marquee sign may not extend ③ above the parapet or eave of the building —| ——_ WALL SIGN

==> picture [528 x 472] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Dimension Location and other requirements
Maximum Area 2 sq. ft. per linear ft. of building frontage ① Minimum 8 ft. ③
Clearance
a
Maximum Height Maximum 8 ft. ② Maximum 1 ft. ④
Projection
a
ROOF & MANSARD SIGN
=
Dimension Location and other requirements
Maximum Area 0.5 sq. ft. per linear ft. of building ① Maximum Length 80% of building frontage ③
frontage up to 40 sq. ft.
a
Maximum Height Maximum 4 ft. ② Relation to Roof A roof sign may not extend above roof ④
of Sign Face Height ridgeline
SO
FREESTANDING SIGNS
Dimension
Maximum Area 140 sq. ft. ① Maximum Height See Table 9-408.070(c) ②
Ss
----- End of picture text -----

(Ord. No. 4663, § 1, 12-10-2024)

(a)

Readerboard Signs. Readerboard signs with manually or electronically changeable copy may be displayed in lieu or building-mounted or freestanding signs, subject to the following requirements.

(1)

Residential Zones. Readerboard signs located in a residential zone shall not be changed more than twice during any 24-hour period.

(2)

School Sites.

(A)

Schools may be permitted one readerboard sign per lot frontage. Additional readerboard signs may be allowed for internal notifications, not facing a public street.

(B)

Each readerboard sign shall not exceed 80 square feet in area and eight feet in height.

(3)

Religious and Public Assemblies Not for Commercial Entertainment. Public and religious assemblies that are not engaged in entertainment may be permitted one readerboard sign as follows.

(A)

Sites One Acre in Size or Less. One readerboard monument sign up to 16 square feet and six feet in height or one building mounted readerboard sign up to 24 square feet may be permitted.

(B)

Sites Greater than One Acre in Size. One readerboard monument sign up to 24 square feet and six feet in height or one building mounted readerboard sign up to 24 square feet my be permitted.

(C)

Time Limits. The copy shall not be changed more than once per any 20-hour period.

(D)

Public and religious assembly uses located within an office, commercial, or industrial complex may be allowed one readerboard sign serving the assembly use in lieu of the permitted monument sign for the development.

(4)

Public Entertainment Venues. Public entertainment venues may be permitted one freestanding readerboard sign or one building mounted readerboard sign per use, as follows:

(A)

Sites Under 15 Acres. One readerboard monument sign up to 40 square feet and six feet in height or one building mounted readerboard sign may be permitted. A building mounted readerboard sign shall not exceed one and one-half square feet per linear foot of building frontage up to 100 square feet.

(B)

Sites 15 Acres or Greater. One readerboard monument sign up to 65 square feet and 15 feet in height or one building mounted readerboard sign may be permitted. A building mounted readerboard sign shall not exceed one and one-half square feet per linear foot of building frontage up to 100 square feet.

(b)

Electronic Message Center Sign.

(1)

Electronic Message Center (EMC) signs are permitted in non-residential developments ten acres or greater, subject to the following requirements:

(A)

EMC are only permitted on sites adjacent to a highway or freeway.

(B)

EMC are not permitted within or adjacent to any residential zone.

(C)

EMC must not exceed 720 square feet.

(D)

EMC must not exceed 50 feet in height.

(E)

No EMC must be located within 2,500 feet of another EMC 200 square feet in size or greater.

(F)

Displays may contain only static messages and shall not include movement of any portion of the sign including sign structure, design elements, or pictorial segments of the sign. Movement includes the appearance of movement created by illumination, flashing, scintillating, or varying of light intensity.

(G)

All EMC displays shall be equipped with a sensor or other device that automatically determines ambient illumination and is programmed to dim automatically according to ambient light conditions or can be adjusted to comply with the illumination requirements in subsection 6 [F] of this Section.

(H)

The County shall be provided access to a portion of the digital display time to allow for messages of community interest, including public safety messages, such as Amber alerts and other emergency management information.

(2)

Electronic Message Center Signs placed on publicly owned land solely for County messages for community interest are exempt Government Signs subject to the following requirements:

(A)

No content promoting private or non-County services is allowed on exempt EMCs. These EMCs can be used to display a variety of messaging campaigns, including, but not limited to:

(i)

Public service advisories;

(ii)

Campaigns to raise awareness and provide information about issues important to the community;

(iii)

Promotion of County services available to the public; or

(iv)

Local and regional emergency advisories and alerts, such as public health messaging campaigns and other important safety advisories.

(B)

County EMCs are subject only to subsections (C), (D), (G), and (H) of Section 9-408.090(1).

(Ord. No. 4663, § 1, 12-10-2024)

9-408.110 - TEMPORARY SIGNS

(a)

General Requirements.

(1)

General.

(A)

Residential Zones. Up to 2 temporary signs may be displayed on a property. Each temporary sign may not exceed 12 square feet.

(B)

Non-Residential Zones. Each property or establishment in non-residential zones may display temporary signs in addition to the permitted permanent signage as specified in this Section.

(C)

Required Setbacks. All portions of a sign must be setback a minimum of five feet from driveways and street intersection, and 20 feet from other portable signs.

(D)

Locational Criteria. Except portable signs, no temporary signs may be placed in any public right-of-way.

(E)

Illumination. Temporary signs cannot be illuminated.

(F)

Prohibited Materials. Temporary signs, not including window signs, shall not be made of standard paper or other materials subject to rapid deterioration.

(G)

Multiple Temporary Signs. To place 250 or more temporary signs, the signs must include the name and contact information of the party responsible for the signs.

(b)

Permitted Temporary Signs by Temporary Sign Type. All temporary signs shall be consistent with the requirements set forth in Table 9-408.110 and this section. For specific criteria for temporary sign types, see Section 9-408.110(b)(1) Standards by Temporary Sign Type.

(1)

Standards by Temporary Sign Type.

(A)

Banners and Pennants. Banner signs and pennants, including similar such as strings or ornamental fringes or streamers, are allowed for establishments in non-residential zones.

(B)

Portable Signs. Portable signs are allowed for establishments in non-residential zones, subject to the following standards:

(i)

The combined total of all portable signs shall not exceed 18 square feet.

(ii)

Prohibited Locations. Portable signs shall not be placed in any roadway; in any parking lot driving lane, aisle, or stall; or at any location where the sign will block pedestrian access or create a safety hazard.

(C)

Real Estate Signs. On-premises signs conveying information about the sale, rental, or lease of the lot, dwelling, or premises, not including residential subdivision signs, are allowed subject to the following standards:

(i)

General Standards. Any property owner or their agent may display a sign that advertises the property for sale, rent, or lease.

(ii)

Identification Required. Real estate signs must include the name and contact information for the real estate representative or company.

(D)

Residential Subdivision Signs. On-site informational signs for the sale of lots within a residential subdivision of five or more parcels are allowed. Off-site directional signs for residential subdivisions of five or more parcels are allowed subject to the following standards:

(i)

Additional Dimensional Standards. Signs may be single sided, double-faced, or V-shaped. Each panel on a double-faced or V-shaped sign counts as one sign. Double-faced sign panels must be no greater than 24 inches apart. V-shaped sign panels must be angled not to exceed 45 degrees.

(ii)

Additional Locational Criteria. Signs may be placed on non-residentially zoned parcels or on residentially zoned parcels located within the residential subdivision being advertised that are unoccupied, vacant, and free from any structures. Portable signs must not be placed in prohibited locations as defined in Section 9- 408.110(a)(1)(B)(ii).

(iii)

Combination Signs for Multiple Subdivisions. Signs advertising up to four nearby residential subdivisions may be utilized. Information for each residential subdivision may not exceed the standards set forth in Table 9-480.110.

(Ord. No. 4663, § 1, 12-10-2024)

9-408.120 - HISTORIC SIGNS

(a)

Designation; Findings Required. The Director may designate a historic sign following notice to the sign owner upon finding that the sign is 50 or more years old and has significance to the County because it is associated with a significant historical event or historic business.

(b)

Allowances for Historic Signs.

(1)

Structural Improvements. Historic signs may have structural improvements completed in order to extend the life of the sign provided these improvements do not increase the original sign area or height.

(2)

Damage Repairs. If the sign is damaged, it may be repaired or replaced with a sign consistent with the original sign area and height, even if the sign does not conform to the standards of this Chapter.

(Ord. No. 4663, § 1, 12-10-2024)

9-408.130 - CLOSED BUSINESS SIGNS

(a)

Applicability. For the purposes of this section, a closed business sign is any sign located outside of a building that advertises or identifies a use, activity, business, service, or product no longer offered or conducted in a building that continues to be displayed 30 days after the use, activity, business, or service has vacated the building.

(b)

Removal or Covering Required. All closed business signs must be removed or completely obscured from public view within 90 of a business closure. To be obscured from public view, a sign must be completely covered with a solid material, such as plywood, that is securely fastened to the sign or its supporting structure. The cover must be painted to match the color of the building or sign.

(Ord. No. 4663, § 1, 12-10-2024)

Except as otherwise specified in this Section, all new or replacement off-premises outdoor advertising signs, including billboards, shall comply with the following regulations:

(a)

General Requirements. The following standards apply to all off-premises signs unless more restrictive standards are set for specific types of off-premises signs:

(1)

Dimensional Standards. An off-premises sign shall not exceed 672 square feet in area, including all boarders and trim, per sign face. The sign may not exceed 48 feet in length.

(i)

Height. Off-premises signs shall not exceed 45 feet in height unless located in an industrial zone where the sign shall not exceed 75 feet in height.

(2)

Location. All off-premises signs must be located a minimum of 1,000 feet from all other off-premises signs along either side the same street. All billboard signs must be located within 660 feet of an Interstate freeway or State highway.

(b)

Off-Premises Directional Signs for Wineries and Wine Cellars. Off-premises directional signs for wineries and wine cellars are permitted subject to the following standards:

(1)

Maximum Number. One off-premises directional sign is allowed per parcel.

(2)

Dimensional Standards. Off-premises directional signs may not exceed 15 feet in height.

(3)

Location. Off-premises directional signs may be permitted in all agricultural and industrial zones, and in the C-C, C-G, C-FS, C-RS commercial zones.

(c)

Digital Billboards. Digital billboards are subject to the following standards:

(1)

Location. Digital billboards are only permitted on parcels with highway or freeway frontage. The signs must be located a minimum of 2,500 feet from any other digital billboard, and 500 feet from any agricultural or residentially zoned parcels.

(2)

The County must be provided access to a portion of the total available display time to allow for messages of community interest or for displaying public safety information, such as Amber alerts or emergency management information.

(3)

All electronic message displays shall be equipped with a sensor or other device that automatically determines ambient illumination and is programmed to automatically dim according to ambient light conditions or that can be adjusted to comply with the illumination requirements included in Section 9- 408.060, General Standards.

(d)

Gateway Signs. A gateway sign advertising businesses or services available within an urban or rural community may be allowed, subject to the following standards:

(1)

Sign type. Gateway signs must be freestanding signs.

(2)

Dimensional Standards. Gateway signs may not exceed 400 square feet in size and 30 feet in height.

(3)

Location. Gateway signs may be located along any arterial road, highway, or freeway at a key entrance to an urban or rural community.

(4)

Community Identification. The identity of the community for which the sign is intended must be depicted on the sign, and may include a logo, architecture, or iconic signage, as appropriate.

(e)

Relocation and Removal of Existing Billboard Signs.

(1)

Relocation of Existing Billboard Signs. Existing billboard signs may be relocated with concurrent approval of a billboard relocation agreement by the Board of Supervisors consistent with the California Business and Professions Code Section 5412 and other applicable State laws.

(Ord. No. 4663, § 1, 12-10-2024)

(a)

General Requirements.

(1)

A building permit is required to erect, construct, install, structurally alter, or relocate any non-exempt sign unless the sign is explicitly allowed without a building permit.

(b)

Review Required for Certain Temporary Signs. No temporary sign shall be posted in a County right-of-way, landscaped area, or park before the Director of Public Works has confirmed in writing that the proposed posting will not interfere with the ordinary use and enjoyment of the area, underground irrigation or utilities, or line of sight for motor vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrian traffic.

(Ord. No. 4663, § 1, 12-10-2024)

(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 development project with the overall design of the development to achieve a more unified appearance. A Master Sign Program may allow for minor variations in dimensional standards and other limitations of this Section, provided the Master Sign Program achieves a result that is superior to what would otherwise be allowed.

(b)

Applicability and Approval Required. Master Sign Programs may be approved with an Administrative Use Permit with the modifications as provided in this Chapter.

(1)

Required Master Sign Programs. A Master Sign Program is required for:

(A)

New or remodeled commercial and industrial project on sites two acres or greater in size;

(B)

Shopping center developments; and

(C)

Any development within a Planned Development Zone.

(2)

Optional Master Sign Programs. A Master Sign Program may be substituted for specific sign designs and sign programs for individual buildings if requested by an applicant.

(c)

Requirements for Submittal. Applications for a Master Sign Program must include the following:

(1)

A site plan depicting the proposed location of each sign and existing signs that are to remain;

(2)

Sign dimensions including computation of the number of signs, the maximum total sign area, the maximum area allowed for individual signs, the height of signs;

(3)

A written program of standards for all sign types to be distributed to future tenants including colors, size, illumination, construction details, and sign placement; and

(4)

A list of any exceptions to the sign standards included in this Chapter that would otherwise apply.

(d)

Required Findings. Prior to approving an application for a Master Sign Program, the Zoning Administrator shall find that all of the following are true:

(1)

The proposed signs are consistent with and visually related to:

(A)

Other signs in the project by incorporating common design elements including materials, style, colors, illuminations, sign type, or sign shape.

(B)

The buildings the signs identify by utilizing materials, colors, or design motifs included in the building being identified.

(C)

The surrounding development by not adversely affecting any surrounding land uses and adjacent businesses or obscuring existing conforming signs.

(2)

The proposed signs are appropriate for the size and character of the development and existing signs in the vicinity.

(3)

The proposed signs will comply with all provisions of this Chapter except with regards to the specific exceptions requested and approved, which may include the number, height, size, and location of signs.

(e)

Post-Approval Procedures. After approval of a Master Sign Program, no signs shall be erected, placed, painted, or maintained, except in conformance with the Program. The Program may be enforced in the same way as any provision of this Title.

(1)

Lease Agreements. The Master Sign Program and all Conditions of Approval shall be attached to the lease agreements for all leasable spaced with a project.

(2)

Individual Signs. Any sign that conforms to an approved Master Sign Program may be approved by the Director, however, approval of a Master Sign Program does not waive the permit requirements for individual signs.

(3)

Amendments. The Director may approve amendments to a Master Sign Program that are in substantial conformance with the original approval and do not change dimensional requirements for allowable signs by more than 25 percent. All other amendments, including amendments to Conditions of Approval, shall be processed as a new application.

(Ord. No. 4663, § 1, 12-10-2024)

The requirements of this Chapter may be modified through the Administrative Use Permit process in Chapter 9-802 Common Procedures in cases in which, due to the unusual nature of the proposed use(s) or the site plan submitted, the requirements set forth in this Chapter are judged insufficient or excessive pertaining to height, square footage, and number of signs. In considering modifications, the Review Authority shall find that:

(a)

The proposed signs are consistent with the size of the facility and related structures, the location of the public access to the development, and other signage of in the vicinity, and

(b)

The height, size, and number of proposed signs are the minimum required to identify and direct the public to the activities, services, and products available on-site.

(Ord. No. 4663, § 1, 12-10-2024)

Chapter 9-409 - Standards for Specific Uses and Activities