Part 6 — SIGN PERMIT

Regulations in this ordinance governing signs (not in public right-of-way) are established in order to:

1. Accommodate the community’s need to communicate political, civic, public service, religious and other noncommercial messages with a minimum of restraint;

2. Protect the aesthetic amenities on which the city’s economy and quality of life depend; 3. Promote traffic safety and minimize structural hazards posed by unsafe signs;

3. Achieve consistency between General Plan goals, and regulations dealing with the size, location and content of exterior signs. (Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A building permit shall be obtained for any structure designed or intended to support a sign and governed by the Uniform Building Code. (Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

24-48.1

(Supp. No. xx – 10/8/2025)

24.08.520

A sign permit shall be obtained for any sign except the following:

1. One- or two-sided freestanding signs five feet in height or lower as measured from grade or any sign on a parcel having signs the aggregate area of which is thirty square feet or less;

2. One- or two-sided real estate signs of six square feet or less in area, placed on a property and advertising that property for sale, lease or rent;

3. Window signs/graphics placed within windows. When located within the CBD zone district, window signs shall meet the criteria provided under Section 24.12.352(6)(c);

24-48.2

(Supp. No. xx – 10/8/2025)

24.08.570

4. Any sign required by law or placed to protect health and safety;

5. Public art;

6. One- or two-sided construction project signs conforming to other requirements of this part;

7. One- or two-sided projecting and hanging signs within the CBD zone district that meet the criteria provided under Section 24.12.352.

(Ord. 2016-11 § 8, 2016: Ord. 2016-04 § 4, 2016: Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

In reviewing applications for sign permits, the issuing person or body may not consider the sign’s message content. The following findings shall be made:

1. The sign plan shall be consistent with physical development policies of the General Plan, any required or optional element of the General Plan, any area plan or specific plan or other city policy for physical development. If located in the Coastal Zone, the sign plan shall also be consistent with policies of the Local Coastal Program.

2. Design of signs shall respect design principles in terms of maintaining a balance of scale, form and proportion. Location of signs shall take into account maintenance of public views.

3. The size and location of signs shall not obstruct visibility or the safe movement of pedestrians or vehicles and shall not encroach on paths of travel or other site features that were/are established for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

4. Signs shall avoid dominating the site and/or existing buildings on the site or overwhelming the buildings or structures to which they are attached. Multiple signs on a given site should be of a consistent theme. (Ord. 2016-04 § 5, 2016: Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

The zoning administrator, building official or an authorized representative may at any time make such inspections as may be necessary or appropriate to ascertain whether any sign will comply or is complying with this part and city sign regulations (Part 4, Chapter 24.12) and other applicable laws. If required by the building official, an inspection shall be called for by the permittee upon completion of the structural portion of every sign, and before the structural connections to the building or structure are concealed or covered.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Any sign on any building, parcel or portion of a parcel which has become vacant for six consecutive months and any sign unrelated to the present occupant or business, and any sign advertising a past event is presumed to have been abandoned. Abandoned signs must be promptly removed by the owner or occupant of the premises on which the sign is placed. Failure to remove an abandoned sign is an infraction.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

1. Any sign erected or maintained in violation of any provision of this part or any sign regulation (Part 4, Chapter 24.12) or of any other ordinance or law is a public nuisance. Upon receiving notice of noncompliance from the zoning administrator or building official, the sign shall be removed or brought into lawful compliance. Signs found by the building official to present a threat to public safety must be removed or made safe immediately. Other noncomplying signs must be brought into conformity within thirty days.

2. Any permit issued pursuant to this chapter may be revoked for failure to comply with any provision herein. (Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

24-49

(Supp. No. 37 – 10/24/2017)

24.08.580

Where practical difficulties, unnecessary hardships, and results inconsistent with the general purpose of these provisions and regulations set forth herein and in Part 4, Chapter 24.12, may result, from the strict application of same, an exception may be granted pursuant to the following procedure.

1. Written application for such exception shall be filed with the planning department.

2. Such application shall include all information relevant to the circumstances existing which require such exception.

3. Such application shall be considered in light of the purposes to be attained by this part and shall be approved, conditionally approved, or denied by the zoning administrator. (Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).