Division 14 — NONCONFORMING SIGNS
Santa Paula Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · ingested 2026-07-07 · Santa Paula
§ 16.48.680 ABATEMENT REQUIREMENTS. ¶
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, all signs legally and lawfully existing before the effective date of this chapter that do not comply with its provisions are nonconforming. All nonconforming signs must be removed or modified to comply with the provisions of this chapter in accordance with the procedures established herein. (Ord. 1122, passed 10-18-04)
§ 16.48.690 CONTINUATION AND MAINTENANCE. ¶
(A) A nonconforming sign may only be displayed and maintained as set forth in this chapter.
(B) Nonconforming signs must be maintained and repaired as set forth in this chapter.
(Ord. 1122, passed 10-18-04)
§ 16.48.700 RESTRICTIONS ON EXISTING SIGNS. ¶
Any nonconforming sign may be continued in operation and maintained after the effective date of this chapter. However, nonconforming signs must not be:
(A) Replaced with another nonconforming sign;
(B) Moved to another location on the property or to another property;
(C) Structurally altered as to extend the useful life of the sign;
(D) Expanded or enlarged; or
(E) Re-established after damage or destruction of more than 50% of the sign value, as determined by the Director at the time of such damage or destruction, unless required by law or unless such move, alteration, enlargement, or reestablishment will result in the elimination of the nonconformity.
- (Ord. 1122, passed 10-18-04)
§ 16.48.710 ABATEMENT SCHEDULE. ¶
All nonconforming signs must be discontinued, removed from their sites, or altered to conform to the requirements of this chapter within the time schedules specified in Table 48-7.
TABLE 48-7
| Nonconforming Sign Abatement Schedule | Nonconforming Sign Abatement Schedule |
|---|---|
| Type of Nonconforming Sign | Abatement Schedule |
| 1. Animated, illuminated, or moving signs | Within 1 year of the date that the sign becomes nonconforming |
| 2. Wall signs | Within 2 years of the date that the sign becomes nonconforming |
| 3. All other nonconforming signs | Within 5 years of the date that the sign becomes nonconforming |
(Ord. 1122, passed 10-18-04)
§ 16.48.720 NONCOMPLIANCE UNLAWFUL. ¶
If at the expiration of the time specified for removal or modification, such removal or modification has not been completed, such sign is declared to be a public nuisance. Abatement, or other enforcement action, may proceed using the procedures set forth in this chapter.
(Ord. 1122, passed 10-18-04)
§ 16.48.730 COMPLIANCE REQUIRED FOR BUILDING PERMIT ISSUANCE. ¶
No building permit may be issued with respect to any property for a use conforming to the provisions of this code until any nonconforming sign or any sign illegally maintained on the property is removed or modified to comply with the provisions of this chapter.
(Ord. 1122, passed 10-18-04)
§ 16.48.740 INVENTORY. ¶
All existing illegal on-premises signs and abandoned signs must be inventoried and identified as required by Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 5491.1. The inventory and identification must commence within six months from the date this chapter becomes effective. Within 60 days after the six-month period, the city may commence abatement of the identified preexisting illegal and abandoned on-premises advertising displays. (Ord. 1122, passed 10-18-04)