§ 36.320

The regulations established by this Division are intended to regulate the placement, type, size, and number of signs allowed within the City, and to require the proper maintenance of signs. The purposes of these limitations and requirements are to:

A. Promote the aesthetic quality of the community by providing for signs that enhance the attractiveness of the City as a place to live, work, and shop;

B. Avoid traffic safety hazards to motorists and pedestrians caused by visual distractions and obstructions;

C. Safeguard and protect the public health, safety, and general welfare.

(Ord. No. 2108 § 1.)

A. Signs regulated. The requirements and development standards in this Division shall apply to all signs in all zoning districts.

B. Applicability to sign content. The provisions of this Division do not regulate the message content of signs (sign copy), regardless of whether the message content is commercial or noncommercial.

C. Definitions. Definitions of the specialized terms and phrases used in this Division are in Section 36.320.110.

(Ord. No. 2108 § 1.)

No sign shall be installed, constructed, or altered unless it is first approved in compliance with this Section.

A. Fees and plans required. An application for a Sign Permit shall be filed and processed in compliance with Division 36.400 (Application Filing and Processing). The application shall also include architectural elevations showing proposed signs in place, and a plan of each proposed sign drawn to a scale sufficient for adequate City review, with all dimensions noted. The application shall also include illustrations of copy, colors, and materials, and samples of the proposed colors and materials.

B. Sign Permit approval. Except as otherwise provided for herein, the Director shall review Sign Permit applications and approve only those found to be in substantial conformance with all applicable requirements of this Division. Notwithstanding, signs on properties listed on the Historic Resources Inventory shall require approval by the Chair of the Cultural Heritage Commission. CHC Chair decisions may be appealed to the Cultural Heritage Commission, except the CHC Chair shall not participate in that appeal.

C. Master Sign Plan.

1. When required. A Master Sign Plan shall be approved by the same body approving any associated application, and by the Director if there are no associated applications, prior to the issuance of any Sign Permit for:

a. A new nonresidential use with three or more tenants; and

b. Major rehabilitation work on an existing nonresidential use with three or more tenants that involves exterior remodeling. For the purposes of this Division, “major rehabilitation” means adding more than 50 percent to the gross floor area of the building/buildings, or exterior redesign of more than 50 percent of the length of any facade within the project.

All signs installed or replaced within the nonresidential project shall comply with the approved Master Sign Plan.

2. Content of plan. A Master Sign Plan shall provide standards for the uniform style, size, and placement of signs within the proposed nonresidential project. 
   

3. Revisions. A new Master Sign Plan approval shall be required for substantial revisions to the original approval, as determined by the Director. If proposed changes are determined by the Director to be minor, the revisions may be reviewed and approved by the Director.

D. Time limit for action. A Sign Permit or a Master Sign Plan shall be approved or disapproved by the review authority within 30 days of the application being accepted as complete in compliance with Section 36.400.040 (Application Preparation and Filing); except that where the application is filed concurrently with another request for City approval for the project (e.g., a Conditional Use Permit), the Sign Permit or Master Sign Plan application shall be acted upon concurrently with the overall project application.

(Ord. No. 2108, § 1; Ord. No. 2394 § 4 (Exh. A), 2025.)

The following types of signs and devices shall be specifically prohibited:

• A. Abandoned signs;

• B. Blinking or flashing signs;

• C. Balloons and other inflatable devices;

D. Internally illuminated “can” signs (a rectangular box with a translucent face, containing light fixtures that direct light through letters and/or background placed on the translucent face);

• E. Illegal signs;

F. Moving signs (except for clocks, time and temperature signs or other public service signs);

G. Obscene signs (see California Penal Code Section 311 et seq.);

• H. Off-site signs;

• I. Pennants;

• J. Pole signs and other freestanding signs over six feet in height;

• K. Roof signs;

L. Signs that simulate in color, size, or design, any traffic control sign or signal, or that make use of words, symbols, or characters in a manner that interferes with, misleads or confuses pedestrian or vehicular traffic; and

M. Statuary or representative figures used for advertising purposes.

• (Ord. No. 2108, § 1; Ord. No. 2275, § 1, 2014.)

No person shall construct, erect, attach, place, paint or otherwise maintain any sign, notice, placard, poster, sticker, banner, advertising, or other device calculated to attract the attention of the public, on any public property, utility pole, utility box, tree, sign post, traffic signal or other official traffic control device, or within the public right-of-way, except for a City-owned sign or as otherwise provided in this Division. If so placed in violation of this Section, the Director of Public Works or any authorized representative thereof, may cause its removal.

(Ord. No. 2389, § 3, 2024.)

The following signs may be permitted in compliance with the zoning district requirements, sign standards, sign permit procedures and the City’s Design Guidelines for signs:

• A. Awning and suspended signs (SPMC 36.320.080(A));

• B. Banners (SPMC 36.320.080(B));

C. Freestanding/monument signs (SPMC 36.320.080(C));

• D. Menu boards (SPMC 36.320.080(D));

E. Off-site directional signs (SPMC 36.320.080(E));

F. Portable sidewalk signs (SPMC 36.320.080(F));

G. Projecting signs (SPMC 36.320.080(G));

• H. Suspended signs (SPMC 36.320.080(H));

• I. Temporary signs (SPMC 36.320.080(I));

• J. Wall signs (SPMC 36.320.080(J)); and

• K. Window signs (SPMC 36.320.080(K)).

==> picture [350 x 403] intentionally omitted <==

Figure 3-19. Examples of Sign Types

• (Ord. No. 2108 § 1; Ord. No. 2394 § 4 (Exh. A), 2025.)

A. Sign area measurement. The measurement of sign area for the purpose of determining compliance with Sections 36.320.070 and 36.320.080 be measured as follows.

1. The surface area of a sign shall be calculated by enclosing the extreme limits of all framing, writing, logo, representation, emblem, or other display within a single continuous perimeter, composed of squares or rectangles with no more than eight lines. See Figure 3- 20.

==> picture [165 x 110] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Sign Area
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Figure 3-20. Sign Area

2. Supporting framework or bracing that is clearly incidental to the display itself shall not be computed as sign area.

3. The area of a double-faced (back-to-back) freestanding or projecting signs shall be calculated as a single sign face if the distance between each sign face does not exceed one foot at any point.

4. Where a sign consists of one or more three-dimensional objects (i.e., balls, cubes, clusters of objects, sculpture or statue-like trademarks), the sign area shall be measured as their maximum projection upon a vertical plane. See Figure 3-21.

==> picture [156 x 121] intentionally omitted <==

Figure 3-21. Sign Area. 3-D Sign

5. For signs that incorporate time and temperature devices, the area of these devices shall not be included in the total area of the sign.

B. Sign height measurement. Sign height shall be measured as the vertical distance from the lowest point of the base of the sign structure to the highest point of the sign. The lowest point of the sign structure shall not include fill, planters, or other material artificially placed to allow increased sign height. See Figure 3-22.

==> picture [133 x 79] intentionally omitted <==

Figure 3-22. Sign Height

• C. Sign location requirements.

1. All signs identifying an occupant, business, or use shall be located on the same site as the occupant, business, or use.

2. A sign may project over an adjacent public right-of-way only when authorized by an Encroachment Permit as well as a Sign Permit. No sign shall be located within a public right-of-way, except as otherwise allowed by this Division.

3. The location of the sign or signs shall meet the following standards:

a. A freestanding or projecting sign is set back from property lines a distance that is appropriate for its height and area;

b. Wall or projecting signs relate to the architectural design of the building, and no signs cover windows, or spill over natural boundaries in the facade design and architectural features;

c. The sign does not unreasonably block the sight lines of existing signs on adjacent properties; and

d. The sign does not adversely affect pedestrian or vehicular safety.

D. Sign illumination. The artificial illumination of signs from an external source, shall be designed to minimize light and glare on surrounding rights-of-way and properties.

1. External light sources shall be directed and shielded to limit direct illumination of any object other than the sign.

2. The light from an illuminated sign shall not be of an intensity or brightness that will interfere with the reasonable enjoyment of residential properties. In areas with low ambient nighttime illumination levels (e.g., residential neighborhoods or business districts with little or no illuminated signing) applicants shall be encouraged to use light, illuminated copy against dark or opaque backgrounds.

3. Signs shall not have blinking, flashing, or fluttering lights or other illuminating devices that have a changing light intensity, brightness or color.

4. Colored lights shall not be used at a location or in a manner so as to be confused or construed as traffic control devices.

5. Neither the direct nor reflected light from primary light sources shall create a hazard to operators of motor vehicles.

6. Reflective-type bulbs and incandescent lamps that exceed 15 watts shall not be used on the exterior surface of signs so as to expose the face of the bulb or lamp to a public right-of-way or adjacent property.

7. Light sources should utilize energy efficient fixtures to the greatest extent possible.

E. Maintenance of signs. Signs and supporting hardware, including temporary signs, shall be maintained in good repair and functioning properly at all times, in compliance with the approved plans and Sign Permit. Repairs to signs shall be of equal or better in quality of materials and design as the original sign. Signs which are not properly maintained and are dilapidated shall be deemed to be a public nuisance, and may be abated in compliance with Municipal Code Chapter 24.

When existing signs are removed or replaced, all brackets, poles, and other supports that are no longer required shall be removed. Unpainted areas shall be painted to match the adjacent portion of the building or sign support structure.

(Ord. No. 2108 § 1; Ord. No. 2394 § 4 (Exh. A), 2025.)

Only the signs and sign area authorized by this Section shall be allowed unless otherwise expressly provided in SPMC 36.320.080 (Standards for Specific Types of Signs).

A. Residential uses.

1. Number, type, and area of signs allowed. A parcel in a residential zoning district may be permitted one unlighted, wallmounted/flush sign, not to exceed two square feet in area. In addition, multifamily developments in any district may be permitted one monument sign not to exceed an area of 12 square feet, or 24 square feet with Planning Commission Chair approval. Wall signs shall be located below the roof edge or eave. Monument signs shall not exceed three feet in height, or up to six feet in height with Planning Commission Chair approval.

B. Commercial and industrial zoning district sign standards. Signs in the commercial and industrial zoning districts established by SPMC 36.200.020 (Zoning Map and Zoning Districts) shall comply with the requirements in Table 3-9. Notwithstanding, signs within the Downtown Specific Plan area shall comply with the sign requirements of the Downtown Specific Plan.

TABLE 3-9. SIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL ZONES

TABLE 3-9. SIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL ZONES

• C. Review criteria. When approving a Sign Permit or Master Sign Plan, the review authority shall ensure that:

1. The sign does not exceed the standards of this Division; and

2. The size, location, and design of the sign is visually complementary and compatible with the size and architectural style of the primary structures on the site, any prominent natural features of the site, and structures and prominent natural features on adjacent properties on the same street.

• (Ord. No. 2108 § 1; Ord. No. 2394 § 4 (Exh. A), 2025.)

Proposed signs shall comply with the following standards where applicable, in addition to the sign area and height limitations, and other requirements of SPMC 36.320.070 (Zoning District Sign Standards), and all other applicable provisions of this Division:

A. Awning signs. The following standards apply to awning signs in all zoning districts where allowed by Section 36.320.070 (Zoning District Sign Standards).

1. Signs on awnings are limited to ground level and second story occupancies only.

2. Awnings shall not be internally illuminated, except that lettering on the awning valence may be backlit. Indirect lighting may be allowed elsewhere. Translucent awning materials are prohibited.

3. Awning lettering shall be limited to eight inches in height.

4. The lowest edge of the awning shall be at least 8 feet above any sidewalk below.

• B. Banners. Banners, including commercial real estate banners, may be displayed subject to the following standards.

1. Required City approvals. A banner permit shall be obtained from the Department prior to the display of any banner, provided that a banner permit shall not be issued sooner than 14 days after the end of a previous permit.

2. Time limits.

a. Commercial real estate banners. A commercial real estate banner permit may be issued only for a six-month period, provided that the permit may be renewed at the discretion of the Director.

b. All other banners. Banners may be displayed on a temporary basis only, for a maximum of 30 consecutive days, and for no more than 90 cumulative days per calendar year.

3. Limitation on number. No more than one banner per business, and no more than one commercial real estate banner per building shall be permitted or displayed at any time.

4. Banner size. The total surface area of any banner shall not exceed 32 square feet.

5. Materials. Banners must be made of pliable, weather-resistant, durable materials, including canvas, vinyl, or similar materials.

C. Freestanding/monument signs. The following standards apply to freestanding and monument signs in all zoning districts where allowed by SPMC 36.320.070 (Zoning District Sign Standards):

1. Sign height is limited to three feet, except that the Planning Commission Chair may approve a sign with a maximum height of six feet where the Planning Commission Chair determines that site or business visibility would be inadequate with a lower height.

2. Sign width is limited to eight feet.

3. A sign may be placed only on a site frontage adjoining a public street.

4. Multiple signs shall be separated by a minimum of 75 feet to ensure adequate visibility for all signs. The Director may waive this requirement where the locations of existing signs on adjacent properties would make the 75-foot separation impractical.

5. The signs shall not project over public property, vehicular easements, or rights-of-way. Signs shall not obstruct traffic safety sight areas.

6. To assist emergency response personnel in locating the site, freestanding signs should contain an illuminated street address plate. Numbers should be a minimum of six inches in height. Address plates shall not be calculated as part of the allowed sign area.

D. Menu boards. Eating and drinking establishments may display one wall-mounted menu board sign per street frontage of the business with a maximum sign size of two square feet, either illuminated or nonilluminated. Such signs shall not require a Sign Permit.

E. Off-site directional signs. Because of the City’s compelling interest in ensuring traffic safety, and the City’s interest in improving public convenience, off-site directional signs may be allowed in compliance with the requirements of this subsection, and subject to the approval of a Sign Permit.

1. Where allowed. Directional signs may be approved within the commercial zoning districts, only on sites where:

a. The review authority determines that a property owner has taken advantage of all permanent signs allowed by this Division, and site visibility remains seriously impaired; and

b. The structure to which directions are being provided is on a lot that is located more than 150 feet from a predominant public street frontage, the site is developed with all other signs allowed by this Division, and the business entry and the other exterior signs allowed for the site by this Division are not visible from the predominant public street. The “predominant public street” shall mean the major vehicular route that provides access to the site and surrounding area.

2. Sign standards. An approved directional sign shall comply with all the following requirements:

a. Number, size, and height limitations. Only one off-site directional sign shall be allowed. The sign shall not exceed an area of four square feet, or a total height of six feet.

b. Design and construction standards. The appearance of the sign, including any graphics and/or text, will reflect attractive, professional design, and the sign will be durable and stable when in place.

c. Placement requirements. The sign shall be placed only on private property, at the location specified by the Sign Permit.

F. Portable sidewalk signs. Each business may display one portable sidewalk sign in compliance with the following standards and without a Sign Permit:

1. Encroachment Permit. An Encroachment Permit shall be obtained from the Public Works Department before any sign is placed in the public right-of-way. A public liability insurance policy, approved by the City Attorney and naming the City of South Pasadena and its officers and employees as insured, shall be provided the City prior to issuance of an Encroachment Permit.

2. Sign size. Each sign shall not exceed a width of two feet, six inches. Sign height shall be limited to four feet, except that signs for businesses fronting on Fair Oaks Avenue and Huntington Drive may have a height of five feet. Sign height shall be measured perpendicular from the sidewalk surface to the highest point of the sign.

3. Sign placement. A portable sidewalk sign shall be placed only within the boundaries of the applicable business’s street frontage, and shall be positioned so that it will not:

• a. Obstruct the sidewalk clearance required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

• b. Impede any line of sight for motorists at vehicular public right-of-way intersections, as recommended by the City Engineer.

• c. Interfere with people exiting and entering parked cars.

4. Stabilization. The sign shall be stabilized to withstand wind gusts or must be removed during windy conditions.

5. Daily removal. The sign shall be removed from the sidewalk at the close of business.

G. Projecting signs. The following standards apply to projecting signs in all zoning districts where allowed by SPMC 36.320.070 (Zoning District Sign Standards):

1. The maximum projection of a sign from a building wall over a public right-of-way shall not exceed 36 inches over a sidewalk, and 24 inches over a traffic way (e.g., an alley).

2. The maximum height of a projecting sign shall not exceed 14 feet, eave height, parapet height, or sill height of a second floor window, whichever is less. No portion of the sign shall project above the eave line of a sloped roof or the top of the parapet on a flat roof.

3. A projecting sign shall be installed to maintain a minimum clearance of eight feet from the bottom of the sign to the finished grade below.

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Figure 3-23. Use of Icons/Symbols

4. Icon signs using shapes or symbols uniquely suited to the business, creative shapes and three-dimensional signs are encouraged. See Figure 3-23.

5. The sign shall be graphically designed for pedestrians, with a maximum area of nine square feet on each sign face, regardless of the length of the building frontage.

6. Sign supports shall be compatible with the design of the sign.

7. Interior illuminated boxed display signs (“can” signs) are prohibited.

H. Suspended signs. The following standards apply to suspended signs in all zoning districts where allowed by SPMC 36.320.070 (Zoning District Sign Standards):

1. The bottom edge of a suspended sign shall not be closer than eight feet to a walking surface below.

2. Suspended signs shall not be internally illuminated. Indirect lighting may be allowed.

3. Lettering shall be limited to eight inches in height.

I. Temporary signs. Temporary signs are allowed in all zoning districts without a Sign Permit if the sign complies with the following requirements:

1. Maximum area and height. Sign area shall not exceed six square feet and sign height shall not exceed 48 inches.

2. Number. No more than one temporary on-site sign shall be placed on any parcel. Temporary window signs shall be limited to 20 percent of the window area.

3. Duration. No temporary sign shall be in place for more than 30 days, and after removal, the site shall be free from temporary signs for a minimum of 30 days.

J. Wall signs. The following standards apply to wall signs in all zoning districts where allowed by SPMC 36.320.070 (Zoning District Sign Standards):

1. Wall signs may be located on the building frontage facade, and on any other building face where approved by the review authority.

2. The area of the largest wall sign shall not exceed seven percent of the area of the building facade on which the sign is mounted or painted, including the area of windows, doors, recesses, and the flat plane projection of sloping roofs.

3. The signs shall not project from the surface upon which they are attached more than required for construction purposes and in no case more than 12 inches.

4. The signs shall not project above the eave line or the edge of the roof of a building.

5. The signs shall not be placed so as to interfere with the operation of a door or window.

K. Window signs. The following standards apply to window signs in all zoning districts where allowed by SPMC 36.320.070 (Zoning District Sign Standards):

1. Permanent window signs.

a. Signs shall be allowed only on windows located on the ground level and second story of a building frontage.

b. Permanent window signs shall not occupy more than 20 percent of the total window area.

c. Signage shall consist of individual letters, logos, or symbols applied to the glass surface; however, neon signs with transparent backgrounds may be hung inside the window glass line.

2. Temporary window signs. Temporary window signs are allowed without a sign permit if the sign complies with the following requirements:

a. The signs may be displayed inside a window for a maximum of 30 days.

b. The area of the signs shall not exceed 20 percent of the total window area, including permanent signs.

c. Signs shall only be located within the ground-floor windows of the structure.

(Ord. No. 2108 § 1; Ord. No. 2394 § 4 (Exh. A), 2025.)

A. Nonconforming sign. A nonconforming sign is any permanent or temporary sign that was legally established and maintained in compliance with the provisions of all applicable laws in effect at the time of original installation but that does not now comply with the provisions of this Zoning Code. A nonconforming sign shall be removed in compliance with Business and Professions Code Section 5497.

B. Abandoned sign. An abandoned sign is any permanent or temporary on-site or off-site sign that relates to business goods that are no longer sold or produced, and/or where services are no longer provided. Where business goods are no longer sold or produced or where services are no longer provided, any on- or off-premise signs shall be removed in a workmanlike manner within 180 days of the termination of the business or service.

(Ord. No. 2108 § 1.)

A sign is in violation of this Zoning Code if the size, materials, or any other regulated aspect of the sign does not comply with the requirements of this Division, and/or if the sign is installed without having first received all City approvals required by this Division.

A. Public Nuisance. Any sign erected or maintained contrary to the provisions of this Division may be declared a public nuisance following proceedings in compliance with California Business and Professions Code Section 5499.1, et seq. Pursuant to Business and Professions Code Section 5499.16, these proceedings are an alternative to any other procedures set forth in the South Pasadena Municipal Code.

B. Misdemeanor. Violation of any of the provisions of this Division is a misdemeanor pursuant to the provisions of Section 1.7 of the Municipal Code.

(Ord. No. 2108 § 1.)

As used in this Division, the following terms and phrases shall have the meaning ascribed to them in this Section, unless the context in which they are used clearly requires otherwise.

” A-Frame Sign. See “Portable Sidewalk Sign.

Abandoned Sign. A sign that no longer advertises a business, lessor, owner, product, service or activity on the premises where the sign is displayed.

Awning Sign. A sign copy or logo attached to or painted on the valence of an awning.

Banner, Flag, or Pennant. Cloth, bunting, plastic, paper, or similar nonrigid material used for advertising purposes attached to a structure, staff, pole, line, framing, or vehicle, not including official flags of the United States, the State of California, and other states of the nation, counties, municipalities, official flags of foreign nations and nationally or internationally recognized organizations.

Bench Sign. Copy painted on a portion of a bench.

Blinking or Flashing Sign. A sign that contains an intermittent or sequential flashing light source.

Can Sign (Cabinet Sign). A sign that contains all the text and/or logo symbols within a single enclosed cabinet and may or may not be internally illuminated.

Changeable Copy Sign. A sign designed to allow the changing of copy through manual, mechanical, or electrical means, including time and temperature.

Directional Sign. An on-site sign which is designed and erected solely for the purposes of directing vehicular and/or pedestrian traffic within a project.

Double-Faced Sign. A sign constructed to display its message on the outer surfaces of two identical and/or opposite parallel planes.

Electronic Reader Board Sign. A sign with a fixed or changing display composed of a series of lights, but not including time and temperature displays.

Freestanding/Monument Sign. An independent, freestanding structure supported on the ground, having a solid base as opposed to being supported by poles or open braces.

Ground Mounted Sign. A sign fixed in an upright position on the ground not attached to a structure other than a framework, pole or device, erected primarily to support the sign. Includes monument signs and pole signs.

Illegal Sign. An illegal sign is any sign:

1. Erected without first complying with all regulations in effect at the time of its construction or use;

2. That was legally erected, but whose use has ceased, the structure upon which the display is placed has been abandoned by its owner, or the sign is not being used to identify or advertise an ongoing business for a period of not less than 90 days;

3. That was legally erected which later became nonconforming as a result of the adoption of an ordinance, the amortization period for the display provided by the ordinance rending the display conforming has expired, and conformance has not been accomplished;

4. That was legally erected which later became nonconforming and then was damaged to the extent of 50 percent or more of its current replacement value;

5. That is a danger to the public or is unsafe;

6. Which is a traffic hazard not created by relocation of streets or highways or by acts of the City; or

7. That pertains to a specific event, and five days have elapsed since the occurrence of the event.

Indirectly Illuminated Sign. A sign whose light source is external to the sign and which casts its light onto the sign from some distance.

Internally Illuminated Sign. A sign whose light source is located in the interior of the sign so that the rays go through the face of the sign, or light source which is attached to the face of the sign and is perceived as a design element of the sign.

Marquee (Canopy) Sign. A sign which is attached to or otherwise made a part of a permanent roof-like structure which projects beyond the building wall in the form of a large canopy to provide protection from the weather.

Menu Board. An incidental sign which is attached to the structure of an eating or drinking establishment (restaurant, pub, cafe, microbrewery, diner, dessert shop, bar, etc.) that typically displays available menu items and other incidental information for the establishment.

Moving Sign. A sign which uses movement, lighting, or special materials to depict action or create a special effect to imitate movement.

Nonconforming Sign. An advertising structure or sign that was lawfully erected and maintained prior to the adoption of this Zoning Code, but does not now completely comply with current regulations.

Obscene Sign. Signage when taken as a whole, which to the average person applying contemporary statewide standards, appeals to prurient interest and as a whole depicts or describes in a patently offensive way sexual conduct which lacks serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value.

Off-Site Directional Sign. A sign identifying a publicly owned facility, emergency facility, or a temporary subdivision sign, but excluding real estate signs.

Off-Site Sign. A sign identifying a use, facility, service, or product which is not located, sold, or manufactured on the same premises as the sign or which identifies a use, service, or product by a brand name which, although sold or manufactured on the premises, does not constitute the principal item for sale or manufactured on the premises.

Permanent Sign. A sign constructed of durable materials and intended to exist for the duration of time that the use or occupant is located on the premises.

Pole/Pylon Sign. An elevated freestanding sign, typically supported by one or two poles or columns.

Portable Sidewalk Sign. A temporary “a-frame” or “sandwich board” sign that is placed on a public sidewalk to advertise a nearby business.

Portable Sign. A sign that is not permanently affixed to a structure or the ground.

Projecting Sign. A sign other than a wall sign suspending from, or supported by, a structure and projecting outward. Includes blade signs.

Roof Sign. A sign constructed upon or over a roof, or placed so as to extend above the edge of the roof.

Sign. A structure, device, figure, display, message placard, or other contrivance, or any part thereof, situated outdoors or indoors, which is designed, constructed, intended, or used to advertise, or to provide information in the nature of advertising, to direct or attract attention to an object, person, institution, business, product, service, event, or location by any means, including words, letters, figures, designs, symbols, fixtures, colors, illumination, or projected images. Does not include murals, paintings and other works of art that are not intended to advertise or identify any business or product.

Sign Area. The entire area within a perimeter defined by a continuous line composed of right angles using no more than four lines which enclose the extreme limits of lettering, logo, trademark, or other graphic representation.

Suspended Sign. A pedestrian-oriented sign that is suspended from the underside of a canopy, arcade structure, or similar structure. Temporary Sign. A sign intended to be displayed for a limited period of time and capable of being viewed from a public right-of-way, parking area or neighboring property.

Vehicle Sign. A sign which is attached to or painted on a vehicle which is parked on or adjacent to any property, the principal purpose of which is to attract attention to a product sold or business located on the property.

Wall Sign. A sign which is attached to or painted on the exterior wall of a structure with the display surface of the sign approximately parallel to the building wall.

Window Sign. A sign posted, painted, placed, or affixed in or on a window exposed to public view. An interior sign which faces a window exposed to public view and is located within three feet of the window.

(Ord. No. 2108 § 1; Ord. No. 2394 § 4 (Exh. A), 2025.)

Division 36.330. Landscaping Standards

Sections:

36.330.010 Purpose of Division.

36.330.020 Applicability.

36.330.030 Landscape Plan Approval Required.

36.330.040 Landscape Location Requirements.

36.330.050 Maintenance for Landscape Areas.

36.330.060 Landscaping Education.

36.330.010 Purpose of Division.

This Division provides landscape standards for proposed development to improve the livability and attractiveness of South Pasadena, and to protect public health, safety, and welfare by:

A. Preserving and enhancing the visual character of the community, and providing cooling shade;

B. Enhancing and increasing compatibility between abutting land uses and public rights-of-way by providing landscape screening and buffers;

C. Provide for the conservation and safeguard of water resources through the efficient use of water, appropriate use of plant materials, and regular maintenance of landscaped areas; and

D. Ensure that landscape installations do not create hazards for motorists or pedestrians.

(Ord. No. 2108 § 1; Ord. No. 2247 § 3, 2013.)