Chapter 7.20 — Downtown Signs

Sections:

• 7.20.010 Purpose and Applicability

• 7.20.020 Permanent Building-Mounted Sign Standards 7.20.030 Permanent Freestanding Sign Standards 7.20.040 Temporary Sign Standards

Tehachapi Zoning Code | September 2021 Adopted | 7-15

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7-16 | Adopted September 2021 | Tehachapi Zoning Code

Chapter 7.20 Downtown Signs

A. The purpose of this Section is to promote the orderly and attractive construction, placement, and display of signs in the downtown area consistent and in conformance with development for downtown described in the Downtown Master Plan.

B. This Section establishes the standards for permanent and temporary signs within the downtown area. As used

in this Chapter, the term "downtown area" shall mean the area bounded on the west by Mill Street, on the east by Snyder Avenue, on the north by H Street, and on the south by C Street.

C. A sign type not specifically included in this Section may be allowed by the Director provided the sign meets the intent of the zone in which it is proposed.

A. Maximum Signage.

The total sign area on any building which has one or more of the signs described in Sections 7.20.020.C (Awning or Canopy Signs), 7.20.020.D (Hanging Signs), 7.20.020.E (Projecting Signs), 7.20. 020.F (Roof-Mounted Signs), and 7.20.020.G (Wall Mounted Signs) shall not exceed two square feet of total sign area for each lineal foot of the building face.

B. General Design Standards.

Signs within the downtown area shall comply with the following general design standards. The Director may approve any permanent sign in the downtown area based on the application of these standards or may defer making a decision and instead refer the application to the Planning Commission for review and final decision.

1. Signs on Historical Buildings: Historically significant buildings shall use signs that are typical to the era of the buildings.

2. Font Style and Readability: Simple, easy-to-read fonts must be utilized in signs to enhance their readability. Signs that include very intricate font styles are generally difficult to read and reduce a sign's ability to communicate effectively. Signs with peculiar fonts may look good today, but soon go out of style, and the image conveyed may quickly become that of a dated and unfashionable business.

3. Sign Colors and Materials: Sign colors and materials must contribute to sign legibility and design integrity. Signs with poor color selection are generally unattractive and unsuccessful at communicating the message. Too many different colors compete with the sign’s content for a viewer’s attention and makes the sign less effective. Sign materials must be durable and weather-resistant.

4. Provide Contrast Between Background and

Letters/Symbols: Signs must be designed with high contrast between the sign's letter/symbol color and its background color to be most effective. Signs with little contrast in the hue (shade or tint) and/or intensity (brightness) between the background and letter/symbol colors are difficult to read.

5. Sign Scale: Signs must be designed and placed relative to who the intended viewer will be. Signs intended to be read by pedestrians (i.e. usually read from a distance of 15 to 20 feet) must be smaller in scale than a vehicle-oriented sign which is designed to be viewed from a much greater distance. In general, the closer the sign's viewing distance, the smaller the sign needs to be.

6. Proportion, Scale and Rhythm of Sign

Placement: Signs must be placed consistent with the proportions and scale of building elements within a building's façade:

• a. A large sign may fit well on a large, plain wall area, but could overpower the finer scale and proportion of if placed above a small storefront.

• b. Signs must establish rhythm, scale, and proportion on a façade where these elements are weak in the building design. On buildings with plain façade, signs must establish or continue appropriate design rhythm, proportion, and scale.

• c. The proportion of letter area to sign background area must be carefully considered. Signs where the letters take up too much of the background area are harder to read. Generally, large letters are not necessarily more legible than smaller ones.

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Chapter 7.20 Downtown Signs

C. Awning or Canopy Signs.

1. Signs on entry awnings or canopies above business entries are allowed.

2. Signs on awnings or canopies shall be a maximum of 60 percent of the width of the awning.

D. Hanging Signs.

Hanging signs shall comply with the following standards:

1. Hanging signs are generally hung off the roof overhang, arcade, trellis or porch. The signs are usually parallel or perpendicular with the building.

2. Hanging signs shall not exceed twelve inches below the beam it is connected to and shall maintain a minimum seven feet of vertical clearance to the ground along pedestrian or vehicular corridors.

3. A hanging sign shall not exceed nine square feet in size, subject to the limitations described in Section 7.20.020.A.

4. The method of attachment for hanging signs shall be an integrated and appealing system and be well designed and detailed.

5. Hanging signs shall respect the historical character of Tehachapi and shall be or have the appearance of being multi-dimensional and constructed from carved or sandblasted wood, or a similar product.

E. Projecting Signs.

Projecting signs shall comply with the following standards:

1. Projecting signs shall be hung from brackets attached to a building and are placed perpendicular to the building.

2. Projecting signs shall not exceed nine square feet in size, subject to the limitations described in Section 7.20.020.A, or project more than three feet from the face of the building.

3. Projecting signs shall respect the historical character of Tehachapi and shall be, or have the appearance of being, multi-dimensional and constructed from carved or sandblasted wood, or a similar product.

4. Projecting signs shall be installed according to the uniform building code.

5. Projecting signs shall only be attached to a building and shall not be placed on poles or other signs.

6. The method of attachment for projecting signs shall be an integrated and appealing system and be well designed and detailed.

7. No internal illumination shall be allowed on projecting signs.

F. Roof Mounted Signs.

Roof mounted signs are permitted where it is demonstrated that a wall mounted sign is not feasible. Roof mounted signs shall comply with the following standards:

1. The sign area of roof mounted signs shall not exceed two square feet for each lineal foot of the building face toward which the sign is oriented, except as otherwise described in Section 7.20.020.A.

2. Roof mounted signs shall be structurally integrated into the building as opposed to being supported by kickers.

3. Additional signs extending above a roof mounted sign are prohibited.

G. Wall Mounted Signs.

Signs attached to a wall shall comply with the following standards:

1. No building shall have more than one wall sign per fascia. The size of the wall sign shall not exceed two square feet of sign area for each lineal foot of a building face, provided however that a wall sign may be at least twenty square feet in size notwithstanding the foregoing size restriction. The size limitations described herein shall be subject to the limitations described in Section 7.20.020.A

2. Wall mounted signs shall consist of letters or panels attached onto the structure.

3. Wall mounted signs shall be attached flush against the wall and shall not extend more than twelve inches off the wall surface.

4. Wall mounted signs shall not exceed four feet in height.

7-18 | Adopted September 2021 | Tehachapi Zoning Code

Chapter 7.20 Downtown Signs

5. Wall mounted signs shall respect the historical character of Tehachapi and shall be, or have the appearance of being, multi-dimensional and constructed from carved or sandblasted wood, or a similar product.

6. Lighting may be provided for wall mounted signs in compliance with Section 7.10.050.C.

signs must not exceed 50 percent of the area for all building mounted signs. Window signs shall comply with the following standards:

• a. Signs shall be applied to storefront windows and they shall not cover more than twenty percent of the overall combined window and door areas or obscure views into the building interior.

7. Window Signs: Permanent window signs shall be limited to 30 percent of the ground floor window area occupied by a business and are included in the total allowed sign area for all building mounted signs. The combined area of temporary and permanent window

• b. Self-contained illuminated neon signs and single- and two-color LED signs may be placed in ground floor storefront windows only and shall be included in the maximum allowed area for window signs (See Section 7.10.050.C.5).

A. A permanent freestanding sign is only allowed on a parcel on which a primary use or building has been established.

B. Monument Signs.

one square foot of sign area defined by a vertical curb to protect the sign.

5. Monument signs may be illuminated in compliance with Section 7.10.050.C.

Monument signs shall comply with the following standards:

6. Monument signs shall not be internally illuminated or include an electronic message.

7. Monument signs shall be located outside the right-ofway and be at least ten feet away from any common property line.

8. Monument signs shall not exceed thirty square feet in size or a maximum height of five feet including the monument base.

9. Monument signs shall respect the historical character of Tehachapi and shall be, or have the appearance of being, multi-dimensional and constructed from carved or sandblasted wood, or a similar product.

10. Monument signs shall be placed no closer than twenty feet from another monument sign and shall be located in a landscaping area of no less than two square feet for

C. Freestanding Signs other than Monument Signs.

The support framework for a freestanding sign shall be a four inch by four inch post along with a four inch by four inch mast arm extension or two four foot by four foot posts on both sides of the sign. Free standing signs shall not exceed sixteen square feet in size or five feet in height.

D. Directional Signs.

Directional signs located at an exit, entrance, or to direct on-site traffic are permitted provided that the signs do not exceed six feet in height.

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Chapter 7.20 Downtown Signs

A. Purpose.

The Council finds that the proliferation of temporary signs is a distraction to the traveling public and creates aesthetic blight and litter that threatens the public’s health, safety, and welfare. In addition to the purpose provisions of Section 7.10.010 (Purpose and Intent), these regulations ensure that temporary signs do not create a distraction to the traveling public by eliminating the aesthetic blight and litter caused by temporary signs.

B. General to All.

Temporary signs are allowed only in compliance with the provisions of this Section.

1. Permits: No temporary banner sign may be displayed without first obtaining a temporary use permit in compliance with Chapter 9.70 (Temporary Use Permits) and as described in Section 7.10.040 (Permit Requirements – Temporary Banner Signs).

signs as established in Section 7.20.020.A (Maximum Signage) and Section 7.20.030 (Permanent Freestanding Sign Standards).

3. General Time, Place, and Manner Restrictions:

• a. Time Restrictions. There is no limitation on the length of time that a temporary sign may be displayed; however the maximum display time for a banner is thirty days per twelve month period.

• b. Location Restrictions. No signs shall be placed on property owned by the City or on which the City has an easement or a right-of-way. No signs shall be placed on vacant or unimproved property that is not being used for any purpose. Temporary signs must be placed in compliance with Subsection 7.10.050.A (Location Restrictions).

• c. Prohibited Elements. Temporary signs must comply with the provisions of Section 7.10.050.B (Display Restrictions).

2. Not Included in Permanent Sign Allowances: The area of temporary signs, except for the area of temporary window signs (see Section 7.20.040.C) is not counted toward the maximum total sign area for permanent building mounted or freestanding

• d. Design and Construction. Temporary signs must be of sufficient weight and durability to withstand wind gusts, storms, etc. and must be professionally crafted.

7-20 | Adopted September 2021 | Tehachapi Zoning Code

Chapter 7.20 Downtown Signs

C. Standards for Temporary Signs.

1. Temporary signs are allowed in compliance with the provisions in Table 7.20.040.A (Standards for Temporary Signs – Downtown Area).

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TABLE 7.20.040.A: STANDARDS FOR TEMPORARY SIGNS – DOWNTOWN AREA
Sign Type Standard Requirements
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7-22 | Adopted September 2021 | Tehachapi Zoning Code

Chapter 7.30 Signs Outside of Downtown