Chapter 18.66 — SIGN REGULATIONS

For the purpose of this chapter, the words set out in this section shall have the following meanings:

"Animated sign" means a sign with action or motion, flashing color changes activated by electrical energy, electronic or manufactured sources of supply, but not including wind-actuated elements such as flags, banners or pennants.

"Continuous lighting" means illumination of a sign in which the artificial light or lights are maintained in a stationary condition and remaining constant in intensity and color at all times when such sign is illuminated.

"Directional or directing sign" means an on-premises incidental sign designed to guide or direct pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

"Directory sign" means a sign containing no pictorial matter and only the minimum amount of reading matter necessary to identify the names, professions and locations of the occupants of the building to which such sign is appurtenant.

"Double-faced sign" means a sign with two surfaces against, upon or through which the message is displayed. Both surfaces of a double-faced sign must be parallel to each other and must be tied together into one integral unit with no visible air space between the surfaces.

"Freestanding sign" means any sign erected upon or standing on the ground, also referred to as a ground sign. For the purpose of this section, said signs shall be supported from the ground by one or more poles, columns, uprights or braces. This definition is applicable only to on-site signing.

"Freeway sign" means a sign directed towards the State Route One corridor as it passes through Sand City.

"Indirect lighting" means the illumination of a sign by a light source that is not a component part of the sign.

"Internal lighting" means the illumination of a sign by a light source that is a component part of the sign itself.

"Obsolete sign" means a sign which no longer serves its originally intended function or is declared unsafe by the building official.

"Occupancy frontage" means the length of that portion of a building occupied by a single business abutting a street, alley, parking area, or other means of customer access such as an arcade, mall or walkway.

Occupancy frontage computation. For the purpose of establishing the square footage of signing for an occupancy, each occupancy frontage will be the sole measure for the square footage of signing allowable for that same frontage.

"Off-site sign" means a sign whose sponsor does not maintain offices and/or provide services at the site of the sign.

"On-site sign" means any sign used exclusively:

1. To advertise the sale or lease of the property upon which such sign is located;

2. To designate the name of the owner or occupant of the premises or to identify such premises;

3. To advertise the business conducted or services rendered or the goods produced or sold upon the property upon which such sign is located if the sign is on the same side of any public street or highway and within 800 feet of the point on the property or within 800 feet of the entrance to the site at which the business is conducted or services are rendered or goods are produced or sold.

"Political sign" means any temporary sign which encourages a particular vote in a scheduled election.

"Projecting sign" means any sign which is suspended from or is supported by a wall or building and which projects outward therefrom.

"Revolving sign" means a sign which revolves 360 degrees but does not exceed eight rpm.

"Roof sign" means a sign mounted upon and projecting above a roof or other architectural features such as, but not limited to, mansards, parapets and the like.

"Shopping center" means a group of commercial establishments, the perimeter of which is clearly definable, developed on a continuous area of land, planned and developed as a single unit and providing on-site parking appropriate to the number, types and sizes of stores.

"Sign" means any structure, symbol, display, device or painting on or in any other manner making representation on or attached to the land, building(s), structure(s) or part thereof. Such structures, displays, symbols, devices or paintings include but are not limited to letters, numbers, words, illustrations, decorations, emblems, trademarks and lights. Signs used by public utilities for the safety, welfare or convenience of the public shall be exempt from the provisions of this definition: examples of such signs are "Danger—High Voltage," "Public Telephone," or "Underground Cable."

Sign area computation. The area of each sign surface shall be computed by calculating the area within the frame enclosing the letters or material which composes the sign, or, where there is no frame, by calculating the area of the surface upon, against, or through which the message is displayed. Where a sign is composed of separate letters which are placed or painted on a building or other similar surface not designed specifically for sign presentation, the sign area shall be computed on the basis of a shape closest to the extremities encompassing individual letters or words.

"Sign plan" means and includes the location of sign or signs, size, type, method of mounting, colors; the distinction between overall building complex or building identification, individual business signs, and the relation between all signs in size, shape, type, color, etc.

"Street frontage" means the property line of a lot abutting the right-of-way line of public streets, excluding alleys to which such property has the legal right of access.

"Temporary sign" means any sign, banner, pennant or advertising display consisting of any material intended to be displayed for a short period of time only.

"Wall sign" means any sign posted or painted on, suspended from or otherwise affixed to the wall of any building or structure in such a position that is essentially parallel to the wall of the building and not more than one foot from such wall. (Ord. 84-1 §34-1; Ord. 88-4 §1.0)

A. The following signs shall be permitted subject to approval of a Sign Plan:

1. One sign one square foot in area with a maximum height of six feet for the purposes
of identifying the name and address of the occupant of the premises.

2. One sign not to exceed a total of 16 square feet for any permitted institutional or
multifamily use.

3. One temporary sign not more than six square feet in area pertaining to the sale, lease,
or rental of the premises on which it is located.

4. Subdivision Directional Signs. Unlighted, temporary subdivision directional signs not
to exceed 32 square feet in area, for the purposes of providing necessary travel
directions to a subdivision development located in the City, may be permitted as a
conditional use. Said sign may contain, in addition to travel directions, the name of
the land development project to which it pertains, including a characteristic trademark
or other identifying insignia. The City may impose any conditions which it deems
necessary in order to make the sign, to the extent possible, compatible to the
development in the vicinity, including the requirement of a signed statement by the
applicant, owner of the signs and the owner or lessee of the property on which the
signs are to be placed, agreeing that if such signs are not removed within five days
after expiration of permit, they may be removed by the City without further notice.

5. All signs, except subdivision directional signs and construction signs, may be
illuminated if the lighting is continuous or indirect, and shielded from abutting
properties or the street. Said signs shall be stationary and contain no visible moving
parts;

6. All signs shall meet zoning setback requirements.

7. All signs attached to or projecting from a wall, and all freestanding signs, shall require
a building permit.

B. The following signs may be permitted with a conditional use permit subject to City Council approval:

1. Signs larger than those specified above but only if it is demonstrated that a larger sign
is essential to the operation of the building or use, not detrimental to surrounding
properties, or of exceptional design. Such increase shall not exceed 30% of the
permitted dimensions.

C. Signs not permitted in these districts:

1. Off-site signs;

2. Animated signs;

3. Revolving signs;

4. Roof signs;

5. Freeway signs with the exception of wall signs which are located on street frontage.

(Ord. 84-1 §34-2; Ord. 88-4 §1)

A. The following detached signs shall be permitted subject to approval of a sign plan:

1. Two pylon signs displaying the name of the regional commercial center and major
anchor tenants may be permitted if the design is compatible with the architectural
theme of the regional commercial center. The pylon may be a maximum of 250 square
feet in area on each face. Each pylon sign may be visible from Highway 1.

2. One monument sign at each primary entrance to the regional commercial center. Each
monument sign shall include the name of the regional commercial center and may
include the names of major anchor tenants. Each monument sign may not exceed 10
feet in height. Each monument sign may be a maximum of 150 square feet on each
face. Monument signs may be visible from Highway 1.

3. One kiosk not exceeding 10 feet in height and six feet in diameter, containing
community service information only. No tenant advertising or location directory will
be allowed and the kiosk shall be kept clean and orderly.

4. General directory signs no larger than 25 square feet for the total center or two square
feet for each use represented therein, whichever is greater. The sign shall not exceed
10 feet in height inclusive of ornamentation and shall not be a part of any other sign
structure.

B. The following attached signs shall be permitted subject to approval of a sign plan:

1. The size of signs for an approved regional retail use shall not exceed one and one-half
(1-1/2) square feet per linear foot of tenant's building frontage. The location and type
of any attached sign shall be reviewed and approved by the Design Review
Committee. Advertising of a product available on the premises is permitted on any of
the permitted signs provided that such advertising does not occupy more than one-
eighth (1/8) of any individual sign.

2. Individual signs shall be either wall signs (signs attached flat against the wall) or
hanging signs (signs hanging under the building eave).

C. The following signs are permitted subject to approval by the City Council:

1. Signs larger than those permitted in this chapter, if it is demonstrated that a larger sign
is essential to the operation of the use or building, not detrimental to surrounding
properties, or of exceptional design;

2. Sign lighting other than that permitted below may be permitted provided that such
lighting is not detrimental to surrounding properties and provided that it serves a
useful purpose.

D. All signs may be illuminated if the lighting is continuous, indirect or internal, and shielded from surrounding properties. Said signs shall be stationary and contain no visible moving or flashing parts.

E. Design Review Committee review and approval shall be obtained for all signs.

F. Building permit shall be obtained for all signs. (Ord. 88-4 §1; Ord. 89-1 §3.0)

A. The following signs shall be permitted subject to approval of a Sign Plan:

1. One freestanding sign to identify the neighborhood shopping center. Said sign shall
not exceed 25 feet in height or 30 square feet in area on any one face. The total sign
area of signs with more than two faces shall not exceed 60 square feet;

2. One individual sign for any retail use. The size of the sign shall not exceed 1/2 square
foot per foot of occupancy frontage. No matter how small the frontage of an
establishment, at least eight square feet of signing will be allowed. The sign shall be
located under the eave line, unless otherwise specified in the planned unit
development permit approved for the center;

3. For the purpose of establishing the square footage of signing for any occupancy, each
occupancy frontage will be the sole measure for the square footage of signing
allowable for that same frontage;

4. The vertical dimension of individual signs shall not exceed three feet;

5. A general announcement or directory sign for a shopping center no larger than 16
square feet for the total center or two square feet for each use represented therein,
whichever is greater. If detached, the sign shall not exceed six feet in height inclusive
of ornamentation and shall not be part of any other sign structure;

6. All signs may be illuminated if the lighting is continuous, indirect or internal and
shielded from abutting properties. Said signs shall be stationary and contain no visible
moving or flashing parts;

7. Advertising of a product available on the premises is permitted on any of the
permitted signs provided that such advertising does not occupy more than one-eighth
(1/8) of any individual sign;

8. There shall be a common theme to the signing of a shopping center. The theme should
include some identifiable common element or elements such as: dimension,
construction material, color scheme, lighting or lettering style. All signs in the center
shall be integral components of the common theme;

9. All signs attached to or projecting from a wall, and all freestanding signs, shall require
a building permit.

B. The following signs may be permitted with a conditional use permit subject to City Council approval:

1. Signs larger than those specified above but only if it is demonstrated that a larger sign
is essential to the operation of the building or use, not detrimental to surrounding
properties, or of exceptional design. Such increase shall not exceed 30% of the
permitted dimensions.

2. Sign lighting other than that permitted in subsection A of this section may be permitted provided that such lighting is not detrimental to surrounding properties and provided that it serves a useful purpose such as improving the environment or establishing an architectural theme.

C. Signs not permitted in this district:

1. Off-site signs;

2. Temporary signs;

3. Animated signs;

4. Revolving signs;

5. Roof signs;

6. Freeway signs with the exception of wall signs which are located on street frontage.

(Ord. 84-1 §34-3; Ord. 88-4 §1)

A. The following signs shall be permitted subject to approval of a Sign Plan:

1. The total area of signing shall not exceed one square foot for each foot of occupancy
frontage. For multi-faced signs, all surfaces will be included as part of the total area
of signing;

2. For the purpose of establishing the square footage of signing for an occupancy, each
occupancy frontage will be the sole measure for the square footage of signing
allowable for that same frontage;

3. For the purpose of determining square footage of allowable signing for outdoor
salestype uses (i.e., used car lots, service stations and similar uses), street frontage
will be substituted for occupancy frontage. The total signing in such a case in the C-1
zone shall not exceed one square foot of signing for each linear foot of street frontage;
in the C-2 zone, it shall not exceed two square feet of signing for each linear foot of
street frontage;

4. Subdivision Directional Signs. Unlighted, temporary, subdivision directional signs
not to exceed 32 square feet in area, for the purpose of providing necessary travel
directions to a subdivision development located in the City, may be permitted as a
conditional use. Said sign may contain, in addition to travel directions, the name of
the land development project to which it pertains, including a characteristic trademark
or other identifying insignia. The City may impose any conditions which it deems
necessary in order to make the sign, to the extent possible, compatible to the
development in the vicinity, including the requirement of a signed statement by the
applicant, owner of the signs and the owner or lessee of the property on which the
signs are to be placed, agreeing that if such signs are not removed within five days
after expiration of permit, they may be removed by the City without further notice;

5. Window Signs. Signs attached to or painted on window surfaces may not exceed more
than 25% of the window area. The square footage of such signing shall not be
chargeable to the otherwise allowed signing. No temporary signs shall be affixed to
the outside surface of any window;

6. Within the limitations of the above measures, signing may consist of any combination
of freestanding signs, signs attached flat against the wall, projecting signs, and wall

signs;

7. In the case of a shopping center:

a. One additional freestanding center identification sign is permitted. Such a sign shall not exceed 25 feet in height or 32 feet in area on any one face. The total area of a sign with more than two faces shall not exceed 64 square feet. Height of the sign may be increased to a maximum of 25 feet by providing one foot of setback for each additional foot in height;

b. One general announcement or directory sign is permitted. Such a sign shall be
no larger than 16 square feet for the total center or two square feet for each use
represented therein, whichever is greater. If detached, the sign shall not exceed
six feet in height inclusive of ornamentation and shall not be part of any other
sign structure;

c. For each individual occupancy, the total area of signing shall not exceed 1/2
square foot of signing for each foot of occupancy frontage;

d. Signs for each individual occupancy shall be either wall signs, signs attached
flat against the wall, or signs hanging under the eave parallel to the building
frontage.

8. A freestanding sign shall not exceed a height of 15 feet at property line. This height
may be increased to a maximum of 25 feet by providing one foot of setback for each
additional foot in height;

9. All signs, except subdivision directional signs and construction signs, may be
illuminated only with continuous neon lighting or with continuous indirect or internal
lighting;

10. Advertising of a product available on the premises is permitted on any of the
permitted signs provided that such advertising does not occupy more than one eighth
(1/8) of any individual sign;

11. All signs attached to or projecting from a wall, and all freestanding signs, shall require
a building permit.

B. Signs not permitted in this district:

1. Freeway signs with the exception of wall signs which are located on street frontage.

(Ord. 84-1 §34-4; Ord. 88-4 §1; Ord. 04-03 §2)

A. The following signs shall be permitted subject to approval of a Sign Plan:

1. Wall signs to identify the premises not to exceed one square foot for every one linear
foot of building frontage up to a maximum of 100 square feet. In the case of buildings
with frontage on two or more streets, the signing on any one street shall not exceed
the above requirements. Such signs shall be flat against the building and shall not
extend above the top of the wall to which it is attached.

2. Directional signs, provided that they conform to standard traffic directional signs and

symbols;

3. One ground sign not to exceed 32 square feet in area per side. The total of signs with
more than two faces shall not exceed 64 square feet;

4. All signs, except subdivision directional signs and construction signs, may be
illuminated only with indirect neon or internal continuous lighting;

5. All signs painted on, attached to or projecting from a wall, and all freestanding signs,
shall require a building permit.

6. One temporary sign pertaining to the sale, lease, or rental of the premises on which it
is located is permitted. Such a sign shall not exceed 32 square feet in size and shall be
removed after no longer than one year.

B. The following signs may be permitted with a conditional use permit subject to City Council approval:

1. Signs larger than those specified above but only if it is demonstrated that a larger sign
is essential to the operation of the building or use, not detrimental to surrounding
properties, or of exceptional design. Such increase shall not exceed 30% of the
permitted dimensions;

2. Roof signs or revolving signs if located at least 150 feet from any residential or C-3
zone. The subject and structure of such sign must be an integral part of the
architectural design of the building. Said sign shall only identify the premises.

C. Signs not permitted in this district:

1. Animated signs;

2. Off-site signs;

3. Freeway signs with the exception of wall signs which are located on street frontage.

(Ord. 84-1 §34-6; Ord. 88-4 §1)

A. Sign regulations of similar uses outside the coastal zone shall apply to coastal zone uses, consistent with coastal zone regulations.

B. All signs erected within the coastal zone shall be subject to design review according to guidelines established in the local coastal program.

C. Signs not permitted in this district:

1. Freeway signs with the exception of wall signs which are located on the street
frontage.

(Ord. 84-1 §34-7; Ord. 88-4 §1)

Signs which are nonconforming or become nonconforming through zone change or provisions of this article, including approved variances and amendments hereto, shall be removed or made

to conform when the use or structure is changed or altered, or when a discretionary action is necessary. (Ord. 84-1 §34-8; Ord. 88-4 §1)

All signs in the City of Sand City shall be kept in a safe and attractive condition. The City Council, at its discretion, may require that a sign be removed or repaired if it is determined to be a visual nuisance. (Ord. 84-1 §34-9; Ord. 88-4 §1)

All new signs or any signs that are to be changed or altered in the City, pertaining to all permitted and conditional uses, shall be subject to review by the Design Review Committee and the procedures and standards specified in Chapter 18.58. No sign, unless exempted by this chapter, shall be erected, or constructed without first obtaining permission from the Design Review Committee pursuant to this chapter. (Ord. 84-1 §34-10; Ord. 88-4 §1)

A. Temporary political signs shall be permitted:

1. But not be placed sooner than 90 days prior to the scheduled election.

2. Removed within 10 days after election.

3. With a sign area no larger than 32 square feet.

B. Temporary political signs are exempt from the requirements for application and design review committee review. (Ord. 88-4 §1)

Prior to the erection of any sign, the applicant shall apply for the sign on a form provided by the City and pay the appropriate fees. The form shall be signed by the applicant and the landowner. (Ord. 88-4 §1)