Santa Ana Municipal Code Div. 2 Administration and Permit Procedures

Table 41-1110 below identifies the primary types of development applications, approval process and approval authority for the applications required to permit digital billboards. Applications may be subject to one (1) or more development application processing procedures contained in this chapter. The exact processing and timing of applications shall be determined by the Planning Division based on the applicable project characteristics.

Table 41-1110 Permit Type and Review Authority

Appeals from decisions of the Director of the Planning and Building Agency and/or Planning Commission, extensions, time limits, and modifications to such digital billboard approval must be conducted in a manner in accordance with Article V, Division 1 of this Chapter.

(Ord. No. NS-3023, § 4, 7-19-22)

Every application for the construction a new digital billboard, conversion/reconstruction of an existing freeway-oriented static billboard, or conversion/reconstruction of an existing freeway oriented on-premise advertising sign to a digital billboard shall be filed by, or with the written consent of, the property owner on forms required by the Planning Division and shall be at a minimum accompanied by the following information:

(a) A pictorial representation of, and other information about, the proposed digital billboard, disclosing overall dimensions, dimensions of letters and figures, colors, materials, copy, and illumination characteristics.

(b) A plan of the site on which the proposed digital billboard is to be located, indicating the precise location of the billboard, existing and proposed landscaping, other site improvements, and proximity to the edge of pavement of an adjacent freeway.

(c) A vicinity map depicting the location of all existing and proposed billboards, any landmarks as designated on the General Plan that are within one thousand (1,000) feet of the proposed digital billboard, and the zoning designation of all sites within five hundred (500) feet of the boundaries of the subject property.

(d) Photo simulations of all proposed digital billboards showing daytime and nighttime conditions.

(e) A three-dimensional (3D) massing study depicting the proposed digital billboard. The 3D study should include massing of proposed development, if any, on applicant's parcel as well as existing buildings and advertising signs within one thousand (1,000) feet of the proposed digital billboard.

(f) If the application involves the exchange of existing billboards, a map depicting the location(s) of billboards to be removed; at least two (2) photos of each billboard to be removed; and a summary of the size of each billboard face to be removed.

(g) Such other information as the Executive Director of the Planning and Building Agency deems appropriate to determine compliance with the provisions of this Article.

(Ord. No. NS-3023, § 4, 7-19-22)

For approval of a Conditional Use Permit for a Digital Billboard, the Planning Commission shall make the following findings of fact set forth in this section and not upon the standards set forth in section 41-638 of this chapter, and may impose conditions, restrictions or limitations as the commission deems necessary to meet the general purpose and intent of this article and to ensure that the public health, safety and welfare are being maintained. Findings of Approval shall be made, and conditions may be imposed to confirm that:

(a) The proposed digital billboard shall not constitute a hazard to the safe and efficient operation of vehicles upon a freeway.

(b) Adequate space exists between the proposed digital billboard and any existing billboards in the vicinity, thus avoiding or minimizing any negative aesthetic impacts to surrounding land uses.

(c) The size and design of the digital billboard will not be out of context with its visual environment.

(d) The digital billboard will not cause light and glare to intrude upon residential uses, including those in mixed-use districts or developments.

(e) The digital billboard will not significantly block or impair views of landmarks identified in the City's General Plan.

(f) The installation of the new digital billboard will result in significant economic and community benefits.

(Ord. No. NS-3023, § 4, 7-19-22)

Prior to issuance of any building permits to reconstruct an existing static billboard, or prior to the public hearing notice to consider construction of a new digital billboard or conversion/reconstruction of an existing freeway oriented on-premise sign to a digital billboard, the applicant shall submit to the City Manager an executed Billboard Operating Agreement that has been reviewed and approved by the City Attorney and the Executive Director of the Planning and Building Agency. The applicant shall be responsible for paying any fees that have been established by the City Council to process and execute the Billboard Operating Agreement. In approving such agreement, the City Manager must find that the agreement will confer a substantial public benefit to the City and to the general public. Such public benefits may include, without limitation: the removal of legal nonconforming billboards; minimum display percentages or times for the advertising of City events and public service announcements; public art programming; physical site improvements; automatic brightness reductions or automatic display shutoffs due to proximity to sensitive land uses; minimum advertising of goods, products, or services provided onsite; monetary contribution intended for streetscape amenities or publicly accessible open space that enhances the quality and comfort of the pedestrian experience; minimum twenty (20) percent local hiring from Santa Ana residents to be considered for billboard removal alternatives through the Economic and Community Benefits Plan; and/or financial contributions to the City with the intent to achieve the same results.

(Ord. No. NS-3023, § 4, 7-19-22)