Chapter 17.34

SIGNS

Sections: 17.34.010 Findings. 17.34.020 Purpose and intent. 17.34.030 Applicability and general provisions. 17.34.040 Height and area. 17.34.050 Appearance and maintenance. 17.34.060 Encroachment restrictions. 17.34.070 Permitted signs. 17.34.080 Signs permitted by use permit. 17.34.090 Signs creating traffic hazards prohibited. 17.34.100 Nonconforming signs. 17.34.110 Removal of signs.

17.34.010 Findings. The Board of Supervisors of the County of Tuolumne finds and declares as follows:

• A. Reasonable regulation of signs protects and enhances the character of the community and its various neighborhoods and districts against visual blight. Furthermore, a proliferation of signs can detract from the pleasure of observing the visual attractiveness and appeal of Tuolumne County and the built environment;

• B. Regulating the size, quantity, type, and location of signs to encourages the effective use of signs as a means of communication and provides equity and fairness among sign owners and those who wish to use signs;

• C. Ensuring official traffic regulation devices are easily visible and free from nearby visual obstructions and distractions, such as attention-getting signs, an excessive number of signs, or signs in any way resembling official signs furthers public safety;

• A. The purpose of this Chapter is to regulate the construction, location, and maintenance of all signs within the unincorporated areas of the County.

• B. The regulations in this Chapter are intended to encourage the effective use

  • of signs as a means of communication; to maintain and enhance the aesthetic environment and the county’s ability to attract sources of economic development and growth; to improve pedestrian and traffic safety; to minimize the possible adverse effect of signs on nearby public and private property; and to enable the fair and consistent enforcement of these sign restrictions.

• C. It is the county’s policy and intent to regulate signs in a manner which is consistent with the speech freedoms of both the United States and California Constitutions. This Chapter shall be administered and enforced in a manner which is consistent with Reed v. Town of Gilbert, 573 U.S. 957 (2014).

• D. The intent of this Chapter is to regulate signs in a way that does not favor commercial speech over noncommercial speech and does not regulate noncommercial speech based on message content.

• A. Any outdoor sign, signs within windows

• intended to be viewed from outside, or signs visible from public spaces within any zoning district established pursuant to this Title shall be subject to the provisions of this Chapter.

B. Official traffic signs or other governmental signs, legal notices, advertisements and notices prescribed by law

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and placed by governmental entities, and signs indicating the location of buried utility lines or any notice posted by a governmental officer in the scope of his or her duties shall be exempt from the provisions of this Chapter.

C. Direction, warning, or information signs or structures required or authorized by law, or by federal, state, or county authority, including, but not limited to, traffic control signs, highway route number signs, and construction zone or site signs shall be exempt from the provisions of this Chapter.

E. Both sides of a freestanding sign may be used for copy (words, letters, numbers, figures, designs, or other symbolic representations) although only one side shall be considered when computing sign area;

F. Area for signs consisting of individual letters or symbols attached to any object shall be measured by drawing an invisible line around the boundaries of all parts of the letters or symbols (as illustrated in the Diagrams for Section 17.62.020).

D. All commercial signs shall advertise or relate to a business, product or activity being conducted or produced on the parcel on which such signs are placed, except those permitted by Sections 17.62.050(B)(9) and 17.62.060(D).

E. Noncommercial signs shall be permitted wherever commercial signs are allowed and shall be restricted to the same number, size and location as the commercial signs. The size and number of the noncommercial signs shall be included with the commercial signs in the total number and area of signage allowed pursuant to this Chapter.

F. There may be additional requirements listed in Community Plans or Design Review districts for projects that require a discretionary entitlement.

G. Although examples of content may be provided in these regulations, content will not be used as a basis for determining whether or not a proposed sign may be permitted. (Ord. 3471 § 10, 2024).

17.34.040 Height and area. Except as otherwise provided in this Chapter, the height and area of any sign shall be as follows:

A. The maximum height of any sign shall be thirty-six (36) feet;

B. Height shall be measured from the average ground level immediately beneath the sign (as shown in the Diagrams for Section 17.62.020);

C. A projecting sign shall have a minimum clearance of eight feet when over a pedestrian way and a minimum clearance of sixteen feet when over a vehicular way;

D. The maximum area shall be thirty-six (36) square feet;

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DIAGRAM FOR SECTION 17.32.020

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----- Start of picture text -----
Dimension A
A X B = 36 Square
Feet Maximum Area
Dimension B
SIGN
Measurement
(36 Foot
Maximum Height)
Average
Ground
Level
Ground
Measurement Around
Individual Letters or
Symbols Attached to
SIGN
Any Object
36 Square Foot
Maximum Area
Measurement Around Individual Letters
or Symbols
Attached to Any Object
----- End of picture text -----

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Appearance and materials shall conform to the historic and scenic character of the County. A sign shall be conservative rather than obtrusive in design and appearance, and shall receive regular maintenance so as to minimize tendencies to decay, fade, warp, chip or otherwise deteriorate in appearance. The use of wooden signs is encouraged, but other materials are not prohibited. Except as otherwise provided in this Chapter, no sign shall have or consist of any moving, rotating, or animated components, or any flashing, blinking, fluctuating or otherwise animated light. In addition, no sign shall approximate or resemble in any way an emergency light or sign. All signs shall be glareproof. Spotlighting, when utilized, shall be hidden from the line of vision of motorists and shall be directed only on the copy face of the sign. Signs mounted on structures and/or equipment associated with Tuolumne County’s history, such as ore carts and stone walls, are encouraged. Sign design regulation may vary in specific communities that have adopted design review guidelines or historic zoning classifications or when a site development permit or other discretionary entitlement is required or has been approved.

17.34.060 Encroachment restrictions. No sign shall encroach on any required yard or building setback or county road right-of-way, except as otherwise provided in this Code. Temporary signs may be located in a required yard or building setback provided the signs are removed as provided in this Chapter.

17.34.070 Permitted signs. The following signs shall be permitted in the zoning districts specified below:

• A. In all zoning districts:

1. The display of not more than two flags is permitted.

2. Banners, bunting, feather flags, and similar advertising devices are prohibited, except as provided in Section 17.62.050(B)(3) or 17.62.060.

3. One sign, two square feet or less in area, is permitted on a residential parcel in conjunction with either a residence or home

occupation. The display of numbers in accordance with Section 12.12.080 of this Code and the area of such numbers is in addition to the signage permitted by this subsection.

4. One temporary sign, not over six square feet in area, may be erected when a parcel is for sale, lease or rent. In the case of parcels ten acres or more in size, or a single parcel with ten or more dwellings, or a property zoned commercial or industrial, such sign may be increased to thirty-six (36) square feet. Such sign may be attached to a tree by a rope or similar means but shall not be permanently affixed to the tree. Such sign shall be removed upon expiration of an agent's listing or upon sale or lease or rent of the premises, whichever is first.

5. Two temporary signs, each not over thirty-six (36) square feet in area, when placed within a subdivision for which a tentative subdivision map has been approved. Such signs shall be removed after a two-year period. Up to three one-year extensions may be approved by the Director upon the submittal of a written request for an extension prior to the removal date.

6. One community sign not over thirty-six (36) square feet in area is permitted when placed at each entrance to a particular community, area, or district.

7. Each entity connected with the construction, financing, installation or repair of a project, including, but not limited to, contractors, painters, and financial institution may erect one temporary sign on the project site provided such a sign does not exceed twelve square feet and further provided each such sign on a site is removed thirty days after construction, installation, or repair has been completed or the expiration of any required permits. Such sign shall not be erected until any necessary grading or building permits have been secured for the project.

8. One temporary sign not exceeding thirty-six (36) square feet for each business or building is permitted upon issuance of a site development, site review or conditional use permit, grading permit or building permit. Such sign shall be removed after a one-year period or within thirty (30) days after issuance of an

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occupancy permit, whichever occurs last. Such sign shall not be erected until a site development, site review or conditional use permit, grading permit or building permit has been secured for the project.

9. Temporary signs shall be permitted ninety (90) days prior to a special, general, or primary election within the County and shall be removed within ten (10) days after the election. Such signs shall be non-illuminated.

10. Memorial signs or plaques recognized by the Board of Supervisors, Planning Commission or Historic Preservation Review Commission shall be permitted in addition to the signage permitted in Section 17.62.050.

B. In C, M, BP, MU or K districts:

1. a. Each business may have signs painted on or attached to any portion, except the roof, of the principal building used for the business. Signage for a business shall not exceed one square foot of surface area for each linear foot of frontage of the principal building (as shown in the Diagram for Section 17.62.050). In the case of buildings with more than one frontage, only the longest frontage shall be used for computation of sign area. For businesses in which the principal building is less than thirtysix (36) linear feet, a maximum of thirty-six (36) square feet of attached signage is permitted. Signs advertising a product, credit cards, AAA, open signs, hour signs and other similar signs shall count toward the total signage allowed for a business. In addition to the signs painted on or attached to the principal building, each business may have one (1) detached sign not to exceed thirty-six (36) square feet.

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DIAGRAM FOR SECTION 17.34.050

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----- Start of picture text -----
SIGNAGE
50 Linear Feet of
Frontage Allows
50 Square feet of
Signs Attached to
the Building
50 Linear Feet
Detached Sign One 36 Square
9’ X 4’ = 36 Square Feet Foot Detached
Sign is Also
Permitted
----- End of picture text -----

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b. A "sandwich board" sign (or similar devices) shall constitute a detached sign subject to the above restrictions.

c. Except as provided below in subsections (d) and (e), a sign attached to, in, or on a vehicle shall constitute a detached sign subject to the above size restriction.

d. Signs on a vehicle for sale at automobile lots shall be permitted but shall be limited to the following:

i. Two square feet of signage attached to the automobile window; and ii. Two square feet of signage attached to the windshield of the automobile; and

e. A sign on a vehicle regularly used for commercial deliveries shall not constitute a detached sign for purposes of this Code.

f.

2. Each business shall be entitled to signs painted on, attached to, or in, the windows not to exceed an additional one-half square foot of surface area for each linear foot of frontage of the principal building. For principal buildings with a frontage of less than thirty-six (36) linear feet, the signs painted on, attached to, or in, the windows may not exceed 18 square feet.

3. Each business shall be entitled to one or more temporary banners attached to the building not to exceed an additional one-half square foot of surface area for each linear foot of frontage of the principal building. For principal buildings with a frontage of less than thirty-six (36) linear feet, the total area for temporary banners may not exceed 18 square feet. Any such temporary banner shall not be displayed for more than thirty (30) days in a 12month period.

4. One flag shall be permitted for each business, provided that the flag pole shall not exceed a height of thirty-six (36) feet or a height of four feet above the highest roof line, whichever is lower. The size of the flag shall not exceed one square foot per one foot height of the flag pole. One-half of the square footage of the flag shall count towards the allowable detached and total signage.

5. Gasoline price signs, required under California Business and Professions Code Chapter 14, Article 12, Division 5, (commencing with Section 13530), shall not count as signs in

the computation of allowable signs pursuant to this Chapter. Only one detached price sign shall be allowed. This sign shall not exceed twentyfour square (24) feet and shall be limited to thirty-six (36) feet in height. All portions of signs not required by state law shall count toward the total signage allowed for the business.

6. Signs attached to gas station pump dispensers or canopies that are not required under California Business and Professions Code Chapter 14, Article 12, Division 5, (commencing with Section 13530). The maximum area of such signs shall not exceed two square feet per gas pump dispenser. Signs attached to the canopy shall be limited to twenty-four square feet;

7. Parcels containing drive-through service shall be allowed two signs in conjunction with drive through service, not to exceed twenty-four square feet for each, subject to the approval of the Director based upon site layout, design, access, landscaping, traffic circulation, parking and visual quality. Such signage shall not count as a detached sign in the computation of allowable signs pursuant to this Chapter.

8. Onsite directional signs related to the use or structure located on a parcel, shall not count as detached signs in the computation of allowable signs. Such signs shall be allowed subject to the approval of the Director and each such sign shall not exceed two square feet.

9. One detached, freestanding sign for commercial centers, industrial complexes or recreational facilities having two or more businesses is permitted in lieu of the detached sign for the respective businesses referenced in subsection (B)(1) of this section. This sign shall not exceed one hundred square feet in size. A second such sign shall be permitted when the center or complex has frontage on more than one street or when more than one access from a single street exists and the entrances are a minimum of three hundred feet apart. If a center sign is used, no other detached signs are allowed. An individual business within a center is permitted attached signs equal to the amount of linear frontage of the business as referenced in subsection (B)(1) of this section.

10. All advertising signs displayed by authorized Lottery Game retailers shall be subject to the provisions and regulations of the California Lottery Act and the California State

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Lottery Commission. Such signs shall count in the computation of allowable signage pursuant to this Chapter.

C. In A districts:

One sign not over thirty-six (36) square

feet.

D. In R-2, R-3, or MU districts:

One sign not over two square feet in area per dwelling unit to a maximum of thirty-six (36) square feet per parcel.

listed in this section may be permitted subject to first securing a use permit pursuant to Chapter 17.68. The Director may require elevations and architectural plans to accompany an application for such use permit:

A. Signs located on the roof of a building in accordance with size specifications of Section 17.62.050(B)(1), but in no case shall the sign extend higher than the roof;

B. A sign program that specifies the signage regulations for an integrated development such as a multiple-use complex, commercial center, industrial complex or recreational facility in lieu of all signs otherwise permitted in this Chapter at the development. The restrictions on these signs may be more or less than those specified elsewhere in this Chapter relative to area, height, location and quantity as modified by the terms and conditions of the use permit;

C. Community information boards. Community information boards are signs listing such things as, but not limited to, organizations, clubs, meeting times and locations, and civic events within a given community;

D. Off-premises signs. A sign not advertising or related to a business, product or activity being conducted or produced on a parcel on which the sign is placed in a C, BP or M district, subject to the following restrictions:

1. A sign may exceed thirty-six (36) square feet but may not exceed one hundred square feet,

2. No sign shall exceed thirty-six (36) square feet for one business, product or activity being conducted,

E. Signs for conditional uses in residential districts, shall be allowed on the parcel or adjacent to the parcel where the use is occurring. The maximum area of such signs shall not exceed twenty-four (24) square feet;

F. Business information boards in a C, BP, or M district and placed at the entrance of a community. The business information board shall not exceed thirty-six (36) square feet in area for one business or 100 square feet in area for two or more businesses;

G. Animated signs for up to ninety (90) days in a calendar year;

H. Banners, bunting, flags and other similar advertising media for up to ninety (90) days in a calendar year;

I. Any sign in a C, BP or, M district in lieu of all signs otherwise permitted in this Chapter. The restrictions on these signs may be more or less than those specified elsewhere in this Chapter relative to area, height, location and quantity as modified by the terms and conditions of the use permit.

A. No sign shall be located at or near any road intersection, or any road and driveway intersection, so as to create a traffic hazard by obstructing vision.

B. No sign shall be located, constructed, or illuminated so as to interfere with, obstruct the view of, simulate, or be confused with any traffic control device.

C. No lighted sign shall exceed the illumination standard specified in Section 21466.5 of the California Vehicle Code.

legally placed or erected prior to the effective date of the ordinance codified in this Chapter, but not in conformance with the provisions of this Chapter shall be termed legal

nonconforming signs and may continue indefinitely but may not be:

A. Changed to another type of nonconforming sign;

• B. Structurally altered;

3. No such sign shall be placed closer than three hundred feet to any other such sign;

• C. Enlarged;

• D. Reestablished after a business is

discontinued for a period of eighteen months;

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E. Reestablished after damage or destruction exceeding seventy-five percent of the current replacement cost of the sign.

A. Any sign which is not maintained as provided in Chapter 17.62.050 and/or no longer identifies an ongoing business, product, or service available on the premises where the sign is located or where the structure or establishment to which the sign is related has ceased operation, or which has not been updated upon occupancy of a new establishment, shall be removed by the owner of the property within ninety (90) days.

B. When a sign is removed or replaced, all brackets, poles, and other structural elements that support the sign shall also be removed. Affected surfaces shall be restored to match the adjacent portion of the structure.

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