Shafter Zoning Code § 14.10 Intent (CA)

Signs are an essential element of any community. They contribute significantly to its visual quality, thus influencing perceptions of that community. In communities where there has been an uncontrolled proliferation of signs, the result has often been clutter, confusion and visual blight to the detriment of that community’s image, and to its economic development. However, under proper regulation, signs may be designed and displayed to effectively convey their intended message and to help create a community which is well-organized and visually appealing.
It is the intent of this Chapter to control proposed and existing signs in the City in order to protect its physical and economic environment, to implement the policies of the General Plan, and to promote public health, safety and general welfare.
- a. General Objectives

The provisions of this Chapter are intended to:

(1) Ensure that signs serve primarily to identify an establishment on a site and to direct persons to various activities and enterprises in order to provide for maximum public convenience;
(2) Ensure that signs are compatible and harmonious with their surroundings and adjacent land uses;
(3) Ensure that signs are expressive of the identity of the individual properties and of the community as a whole;
(4) Avoid traffic hazards by minimizing visual competition among signs and by providing clear identification of businesses;
(5) Encourage signs which are well designed and attractive in appearance and provide incentives and latitude for variety, innovation, pleasing design relationships, and spacing; and
(6) Provide criteria for signs to insure the development of a high quality visual environment.