Chapter 24.420 — SIGN REGULATIONS

Sections:

The San Buenaventura Coastal Zoning Code is current through Ordinance 2024-005, passed June 4, 2024.

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• 24.420.170 Automotive and Accessories: Gasoline Sales.

• 24.420.180 Shopping Centers. 24.420.190 Freeway Service Facilities. 24.420.200 Institutional Uses.

• 24.420.210 Dining Establishments: Fast Service, Drive-Up.

• 24.420.220 Product and Service Advertising.

• 24.420.230 Automotive and Accessories: Automotive Sales.

• 24.420.240 Timeshare Facilities.

• 24.420.250 Offsite Directional Signs for Residential Subdivisions.

• 24.420.260 Offsite Directional Signs for Community Events.

• 24.420.270 Prohibited Signs.

• 24.420.280 Nonconforming Signs.

• 24.420.290 Obsolete and Unsafe Signs.

• 24.420.300 Sign Variances.

Chapter 24.420 regulates the use of all signs within the city in order to:

1. Recognize the functions and importance of signs for the business sector of the community and the city as a whole;

2. Preserve and enhance the unique character and the visual appearance of the city;

3. Recognize the integral part played by signs in the overall appearance of the city;

4. Provide a reasonable set of controls that will permit and encourage creative and effective signs that adequately identify a business;

5. Provide guidance and direction for sign users and sign designers as to what constitutes appropriate signage in the city;

6. Set standards that will encourage signs to be used primarily for business identification rather than product or service advertising; and

7. To promote the safe circulation of traffic and otherwise further the purposes of this zoning ordinance. (Code 1971, § 15.620.010)

The San Buenaventura Coastal Zoning Code is current through Ordinance 2024-005, passed June 4, 2024.

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The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all signs within the city. No sign may be located, maintained, or otherwise used unless it complies with the provisions of this chapter. Any noncommercial message may be substituted for the copy on any commercial sign permitted by this chapter. This chapter may be referenced and cited as the city’s “sign ordinance.” (Code 1971, § 15.620.020)

Sign location criteria shall be as follows:

1. On the Site. All signs shall be located on the site occupied by the use to which they pertain unless otherwise provided in this chapter.

2. Visibility Obstructions. No sign may be located in a manner which may constitute a traffic hazard or create a hazardous condition for persons using a public right-of-way. (Code 1971, § 15.620.030)

The following signs may not be located in a manner that may constitute a traffic hazard or create a hazardous condition for persons using a public right-of-way but shall be otherwise exempt from the provisions of this chapter to the extent allowed by this section:

1. Signs of a duly constituted governmental entity which are located in the public right-of-way, such as traffic or similar regulatory devices, legal devices, or warnings at railroad crossings.

2. Signs placed by a public utility showing the location of underground facilities.

3. Memorial signs installed by a governmental agency including, but not limited to, historic landmarks, or districts, or markers, or points of interest.

4. Signs required to be maintained by governmental law, order, rule, regulation, or other mandate up to a total area not to exceed five square feet on any lot or parcel, unless such governmental mandate specifically requires a larger sign area.

5. Signs within a public recreational use (such as a public park) which cannot be seen from a public street.

6. Signs installed by civic, philanthropic, educational or religious organizations, temporary in nature and displayed for a maximum of 30 days per calendar year.

7. Signs displayed for the convenience of the public, located upon the property to which they pertain such as signs identifying restrooms, public telephones, entrances, or parking restrictions. The area of any such sign shall not exceed three square feet.

The San Buenaventura Coastal Zoning Code is current through Ordinance 2024-005, passed June 4, 2024.

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8. Signs identifying acceptable credit cards, hours of operation or like information, provided that, the total area of all such signs shall not exceed two square feet.

9. Addresses and nameplates in residential zones, provided that, the area of such signs shall not exceed two square feet.

10. Street address number for all zones except residential zones. The area of such signs shall not exceed four square feet.

11. Signs located inside a building and not visible from the outside of such building.

12. Flags of duly constituted governmental entities and official flags of philanthropic or religious organizations.

13. Signs, other than temporary political signs or signs prohibited by section 24.420.270, that display noncommercial messages erected or displayed on private property pursuant to the exercise of the constitutionally protected rights of free speech and free expression.

14. Signs installed on either public or private property to identify public transportation systems. (Code 1971, § 15.620.040)

The following types of signs shall be permitted without further design review approval but shall comply with all applicable provisions of this section and all other provisions of this chapter as follows:

1. Availability Sign. One availability sign shall be permitted per project or per lot, whichever is fewer in number, with a maximum area of 32 square feet and a maximum height of ten feet above grade. All such signs, and all structural supports for such signs, shall be located a minimum of ten feet from the face of any curb line and three feet from any property line. No part of such sign or its structural supports shall extend over a public right-of-way.

2. Construction Identification Sign. One construction identification sign shall be permitted per project or per lot, whichever is fewer in number, with a maximum area of 32 square feet and a maximum height of six feet above grade. All such signs and all structural supports for such signs, shall be located a minimum of ten feet from the face of any curb line and three feet from any property line. No part of such sign or its structural supports shall extend over a public right-of-way. No such sign may be installed until a building permit has been issued for the construction identified. All such signs shall be removed within 30 days of the issuance of the first certificate of occupancy.

3. Corporate Flag. Corporate flags are allowed only if displayed in conjunction with non-residential uses and only if flown on the same flagpole or other similar structure with a flag of a governmental entity. No more than one corporate flag may be flown on a single flagpole or similar structure. A corporate flag may not be larger than the other flag in conjunction with which it is flown.

The San Buenaventura Coastal Zoning Code is current through Ordinance 2024-005, passed June 4, 2024.

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4. Decorative Device. Decorative devices may be permitted for a maximum of 45 days per calendar year, provided that a director’s permit is approved prior to the display of such decorative device.

5. Feature Sign. One sign per model shall be permitted, with a maximum area of three square feet and a maximum height of four feet per sign.

6. Open House Sign. One open house sign may be located on the site of the unit for sale and a maximum of six open house signs may be located off the site to indicate directions to the unit for sale. An open house sign may have a maximum area of three square feet and a maximum height of four feet. Open house signs may be permitted only for the duration of the open house and may only be for property located within the Ventura city limits. Offsite open house signs may be located in a public right-of-way, such as within treewells, sidewalks, or parkways, but not within medians or roadways. No open house sign on private property or in a public right-of-way may be located in a manner that may constitute a traffic hazard or create a hazardous condition for persons using a public right-of-way.

rty located within the Ventura city limits. Offsite open house signs may be located in a public right-of-way, such as within treewells, sidewalks, or parkways, but not within medians or roadways. No open house sign on private property or in a public right-of-way may be located in a manner that may constitute a traffic hazard or create a hazardous condition for persons using a public right-of-way.

7. Real Estate Sign. One real estate sign per dwelling unit shall be permitted with a maximum area of three square feet and a maximum height of four feet per sign. All real estate signs shall be located on the property which is advertised by such sign and shall be removed within three days of the close of escrow or within three days of the signing of the lease or rental agreement for that property.

8. Subdivision Sign. One subdivision sign per subdivision shall be permitted, with a maximum area of 32 square feet and a maximum height of ten feet above grade. Any such subdivision sign shall be located within the boundaries of the subdivision which it identifies and shall not be installed until a final subdivision map has been recorded. All subdivision signs shall be removed when all units of the subdivision are sold.

9. Temporary Business Sign. Temporary signs may be displayed, pursuant to issuance of a director’s permit, for a period of a maximum of 90 days per calendar year, not to exceed 30 consecutive days.

10. Temporary Political Sign. Temporary political signs shall not be installed more than six months prior to any national election or more than three months prior to any other election, and shall be removed within ten days of the completion of the subject election. Temporary political signs identifying campaign headquarters shall not be subject to sections 24.420.100 through 24.420.250. Temporary political signs located on private property shall have the permission of the property owner. Temporary political signs may be located in a public right-of-way, such as within treewells, sidewalks, or parkways but not within medians or roadways. No temporary political sign on private property or in a public right-of-way shall be located in a manner that may constitute a traffic hazard or create a hazardous condition for persons using the public right-of-way.

11. Temporary Window Sign. A temporary window sign shall not exceed 40 percent of the area of any window upon which it is placed, singly, or in combination with any other temporary or permanent window signs. Temporary window signs shall be allowed on the first floor only. Temporary window signs require approval of a director’s permit and may only be used for a maximum of 90 days per calendar year. Permanent window signs are subject to design review. (Code 1971, § 15.620.050)

The San Buenaventura Coastal Zoning Code is current through Ordinance 2024-005, passed June 4, 2024.

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The following types of signs shall be permitted provided that such signs comply with this section and all other provisions of this chapter, and, further provided that design review approval is obtained from the decision-making authority for such signs pursuant to chapter 24.545:

1. Architectural Projection Sign. Architectural projection signs may be permitted, provided that:

   • a. Such signs are not attached to the top of any architectural projection;

   • b. Such signs on the face of an architectural projection do not extend above or below the face of the projection; and

c. Any such signs attached to the underside of the architectural projection are at right angles to the main building wall, do not extend beyond the edges of the architectural projection, and have a minimum of eight feet of vertical clearance from any public or private walkway.

2. Directional Sign. Directional signs may be permitted in addition to the maximum sign allowance permitted for a particular use by this chapter. The number of directional signs allowed for a particular site shall be determined on a case-by-case basis by the decision-making authority through the design review process. Directional signs may have a maximum area of four square feet each and maximum height, if a ground-mounted sign, of four feet.

3. Directory Sign. Directory signs shall be permitted to the extent allowed by section 24.420.130.

4. Monument Sign. A monument sign may have a maximum area of 40 square feet and a maximum height of six feet as measured in accordance with chapter 24.405. Any such monument sign and all its structural supports shall be located a minimum of three feet from all property lines and a minimum of ten feet from the face of any curb line. No part of a monument sign or its structural supports shall extend over any public right-of-way. Monument signs may be located in a landscape area only to the extent approved by the decision-making authority through the design review process pursuant to chapter 24.545.

5. Mural. All murals shall be exempt from the size restrictions of this chapter. All murals shall be subject to design review, except when proposed in conjunction with the following use types. Cultural and Library Services; Government Services; Recreation Services: Public Parks and Playgrounds; Educational Services: General.

6. Pole Sign. Pole signs, and all related structural supports, shall be located a minimum of three feet from any property line and a minimum of ten feet from the face of any curb line. No part of a pole sign or its structural supports shall extend over a public right-of-way. Pole signs shall be located in a landscape planter. Pole signs may be permitted for Freeway Service Facilities to the extent allowed by section 24.420.190 and may be maintained in conjunction with Automotive and Accessories: Automotive Sales, Retail use types to the extent allowed by section 24.420.230.

7. Projecting Sign. Projecting signs shall be permitted to the extent allowed by this chapter.

8. Tenant Directory Maps. Tenant directory maps shall be permitted to the extent allowed by section 24.420.120

The San Buenaventura Coastal Zoning Code is current through Ordinance 2024-005, passed June 4, 2024.

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9. Wall Sign. Wall signs shall be permitted to the extent allowed by this chapter.

10. Window Sign, Permanent. A permanent window sign may be permitted in conjunction with uses for which other building-related signs are permitted, provided that, the area of a permanent window sign shall be calculated as part of the maximum permanent sign area allowed per principal use based on the requirements of this chapter. (Code 1971, § 15.620.060)

The design review process required by this chapter shall be carried out in accordance with chapter 24.545 and shall include submission of an application form, a proposed sign program, and other related materials. Review and consideration of that application and sign program by the decision-making authority shall, in addition, be carried out in accordance with this section as follows:

1. Design Review Required. No new sign that requires design review pursuant to section 24.420.060 shall be installed, nor shall any existing sign subject to section 24.420.060 be altered, without the prior review and approval of the decision-making authority in accordance with chapter 24.545. Repair of all or part of an existing sign in a manner that duplicates the appearance and location of the original sign shall not require such prior review and approval. However, no change to the color, size, illumination, graphic content, location, or any other features of an existing sign shall be made without such prior review and approval.

2. Sign Design Standards. The city council may adopt by resolution and may incorporate into such design standards, the recommendations of the design review committee regarding those standards. The sign design standards resolution may be amended by action of the city council from time to time.

3. The maximum sign allowances specified in this chapter shall not be reduced as a part of the required design review process.

4. Although pole signs are subject to design review pursuant to section 24.420.060, the review and consideration of use permits for pole signs for Freeway Service Facilities pursuant to section 24.420.190 are not part of the design review process. Conditions may be imposed regarding the location, dimensions, and other characteristics of pole signs by the decision-making authority pursuant to the use permit procedures set forth in chapter 24.520. (Code 1971, § 15.620.070)

The sign program required by section 24.420.070 shall be submitted and shall describe and pictorially represent the location, dimensions, color, letter style, letter height, and sign type of all signs to be installed in conjunction with any and all uses for an entire establishment or site. All new, altered, or changed signs shall conform to an approved sign program unless an amendment to that approved sign program is approved by the decision-making authority in accordance with chapter 24.545 and chapter 24.570. (Code 1971, § 15.620.080)

The San Buenaventura Coastal Zoning Code is current through Ordinance 2024-005, passed June 4, 2024.

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Sign area shall be determined as follows:

1. Distinct Border. For signs with a distinct border, the sign area shall be calculated as the area of the sign within the exterior limits of that border.

2. Distinct Boundary. For signs with a distinct boundary, the sign area shall be calculated as the area of the entire surface within the physical boundaries of the sign.

3. No distinct border or boundary. For signs that are painted on a wall or otherwise have no distinct border or boundary, the sign area shall be determined by the area of a simple rectilinear figure superimposed over all of the lettering and illustration comprising such sign.

4. Double Sided Signs. For signs which have only two identical faces, arranged back to back in parallel planes not more than two feet apart, the sign area shall be calculated by measuring the area of one side only.

5. Multiple Sided Sign. For signs which have more than one side and are not double sided signs, the sign area shall be calculated by measuring the area of each side and totaling the sum of the areas of each side.

6. Including sign structure or support: Where a sign structure or support is designed, as determined by the decision-making authority, in such a manner as to make a sign more noticeable or appear larger, the area of the structure or support shall be included in the sign area. (Code 1971, § 15.620.090)

Signs located inside a building, but primarily visible from outside the building, shall be limited to 30 percent of the window area. In no event shall a combination of signs visible in a window area or other window signs exceed 40 percent of the window area. (Code 1971, § 15.620.100)

All uses permitted in the Agricultural (A) Zone shall be allowed monument signs or building-related signs to the extent consistent with this section and further subject to all applicable provisions of this chapter:

1. Identification. One sign for identification purposes not to exceed 20 square feet to identify a ranch, farm, or other permitted use.

2. Produce Sales. Forty square feet of sign area in conjunction with Produce Sales use types. (Code 1971, § 15.620.110)

The San Buenaventura Coastal Zoning Code is current through Ordinance 2024-005, passed June 4, 2024.

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All residential uses in all zones shall be allowed the following signs, subject to all applicable provisions of this chapter:

1. Community Identification Sign. A maximum of two community identification signs may be permitted with a maximum area of 32 square feet allowed for each sign. Such signs shall not be internally illuminated. Such signs shall be located adjacent to a major vehicular entrance to the project. The project applicant shall make provisions for continuing sign maintenance subject to the approval of the decision-making authority, or shall be responsible for the removal of such sign.

2. Tenant Directory Map. A tenant directory map displaying the residential project, with a maximum area of six square feet and maximum height of five feet. Such signs shall not be located so as to cause traffic conflicts or hazards. (Code 1971, § 15.620.120)

All principal uses permitted in the P-O Zone shall be allowed the following signs, subject to all provisions of this chapter:

1. One monument sign, not to exceed 40 square feet, or one building-related sign, not to exceed 40 square feet, for each lot or establishment, whichever is fewer in number.

2. One directory sign, not to exceed 12 square feet in area, for each building. (Code 1971, § 15.620.130)

The provisions of this section shall apply to all permitted non-residential uses in all commercial zones, in addition to all other applicable provisions of this chapter:

1. Building-Related Signs. Building-related signs shall be permitted as follows:

   • a. Signs on Front Building Elevation. One square foot of sign area per one foot of building frontage shall be permitted up to 32 feet of frontage, plus one-half square foot of sign area per each foot of building frontage in excess of 32 feet; and

b. Signs on Side or Rear Building Elevation. One-half square foot of sign area per one foot of side or rear building elevation shall be permitted, but shall not exceed the sign size permitted on the front building elevation. A sign on the side or rear building elevation which is intended solely for freeway visibility shall not be permitted.

The San Buenaventura Coastal Zoning Code is current through Ordinance 2024-005, passed June 4, 2024.

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2. Monument Sign. One monument sign shall be permitted per each lot or principal use, whichever is fewer in number. One square foot of monument sign area shall be permitted per every three linear feet of front lot line, with a maximum area of 40 square feet. For the purpose of determining monument sign areas for corner lots and through lots, the front lot line is that frontage with the primary street visibility, as determined by the decisionmaking authority.

3. Maximum Sign Area. Notwithstanding subsections 1. and 2. of this section, no more than 100 square feet of total sign area for all permitted permanent signs shall be permitted per principal use. (Code 1971, § 15.620.140)

All uses permitted in the M-1 and M-2 zones shall be allowed the following signs, subject to all applicable provisions of this chapter:

1. A lot, building or complex occupied by one industrial establishment. A lot, building or complex occupied by one industrial establishment shall be allowed one monument sign not to exceed 20 square feet and one wall sign not to exceed 20 square feet.

2. A lot, building or complex occupied by two or more industrial establishments. A lot, building or complex occupied by two or more industrial establishments shall be allowed one building related sign per establishment not to exceed 20 square feet and attached to that portion of the structure occupied by the establishment identified; and one monument sign to identify the lot, building, or complex not to exceed 40 square feet.

3. Commercial Uses. Commercial uses permitted in the M-1 and M-2 zones shall each be permitted buildingrelated signs up to a maximum of 50 percent of the sign area allowance based on the provisions of subsection 24.420.140(1), or a maximum of 40 square feet of sign area, whichever is less, for occupant identification purposes subject to approval of a sign program by the decision-making authority as specified in chapter 24.545. (Code 1971, § 15.620.150)

All uses in the M-P-D zone shall be allowed the following signs subject to all applicable provisions of this chapter.

1. A lot, building or complex occupied by one industrial establishment. A lot, building or complex occupied by one industrial establishment shall be allowed one monument sign not to exceed 40 square feet or one wall sign not to exceed 40 square feet.

2. A lot building or complex occupied by two or more industrial establishments. A lot, building or complex occupied by two or more industrial establishments shall be allowed one building related sign for identification purposes per establishment not to exceed eight square feet, located adjacent to the establishment entrance; and one monument sign not to exceed 40 square feet to identify the lot, building or complex.

The San Buenaventura Coastal Zoning Code is current through Ordinance 2024-005, passed June 4, 2024.

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3. Retail Uses. Retail sales use types and other retail uses permitted in the M-P-D zone by chapter 24.264 shall be permitted a sign area allowance of 50 percent of the sign allowance provided by subsection 24.420.140(1), or 20 square feet, whichever is less, for occupant identification purposes subject to approval of a sign program by the decision-making authority as specified in chapter 24.545. (Code 1971, § 15.620.160)

Uses within the “Automotive and Accessories: Gasoline Sales” use type shall be allowed the following signs in addition to the maximum sign allowances prescribed for the zone in which said use is located, subject to all applicable provisions of this chapter:

1. Information Board. One sign listing the services available not to exceed ten square feet. Such sign may be selfsupporting, with a maximum height of four feet, shall not be considered a portable sign for the purposes of section 24.420.270 and shall not be subject to design review.

2. Price Sign. One sign listing prices and/or hours of operation not to exceed ten square feet. Such sign may be attached to a building or be self-supporting. Such sign shall not be subject to design review and shall not be considered a portable sign for the purposes of this chapter. Price signs shall comply with all applicable city, county, state, and federal regulations. Price displays which are part of or are attached to another sign shall be deemed part of that sign area and shall not be considered price signs. (Code 1971, § 15.620.170)

Shopping Centers shall be allowed the following signs subject to all applicable provisions of this chapter:

1. Building-Related Sign for Establishment Identification. Building-related signs up to a maximum of 100 square feet of sign area per establishment shall be permitted for identification purposes. Maximum sign size shall be further subject to subsection 24.420.140(1). In addition, one four-square-foot under-canopy sign shall be permitted subject to the restrictions on signs on architectural projections set forth in section 24.420.060.

2. Center Identification. Shopping centers less than five acres in size shall be permitted one monument sign for center identification purposes; shopping centers five acres or larger shall be permitted one monument sign for center identification purposes on each street frontage. Monument signs used for center identification shall have a maximum area of 40 square feet and maximum height of six feet, identify the center only, and not include a listing of tenants. The name of the primary tenant may serve as identification for the center. (Code 1971, § 15.620.180)

The San Buenaventura Coastal Zoning Code is current through Ordinance 2024-005, passed June 4, 2024.

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A Freeway Service Facility may be permitted a pole sign, but only if a use permit is first approved therefor pursuant to chapter 24.520. Pole signs permitted in conjunction with Freeway Service Facilities must also comply with all of the following:

1. Area and Height. The area and height of a pole sign shall be determined as a part of the use permit process, but shall not exceed a maximum area of 85 square feet and a maximum height of 25 feet. The maximum pole sign area and height set forth in this subsection 1 may be in addition to the maximum sign allowance established for the zone in which the Freeway Service Facility is located.

2. Number and Location. No more than one pole sign per lot or Freeway Service Facility, whichever is fewer in number, shall be permitted. Pole signs must be located on the site identified unless the decision-making authority determines in the course of its consideration and review of the required use permit that a grouping of sign faces on one pole would serve to identify offsite uses that would otherwise be permitted to have a pole sign and would be consistent with the purposes of the zoning ordinance.

3. Required Findings. Before the decision-making authority may approve a use permit for a pole sign for a Freeway Service Facility, the following findings must be made in addition to those required for the applicable use permit pursuant to chapter 24.520:

   • a. The granting of a use permit for the proposed pole sign is consistent with the purpose and intent of this chapter;

   • b. The proposed pole sign is exclusively oriented to and primarily visible from the freeway rather than surface streets;

   • c. The proposed pole sign will not be visually obtrusive or detract from the visual quality of the city;

   • d. The proposed pole sign will not block or detract from the view of the city, hills, or coastline from the freeway; and

e. The proposed pole sign is in scale or in harmony with the surrounding physical environment and existing and/or proposed development. (Code 1971, § 15.620.190)

Institutional uses shall be permitted monument signs or building-related signs, or both, up to a maximum of 40 square feet of sign area per site. All or part of such signs may be used for the display of public service information. For the purposes of this section, “institutional uses” are uses classified within the following use types:

1. Community Meeting;

2. Cultural and Library Services;

The San Buenaventura Coastal Zoning Code is current through Ordinance 2024-005, passed June 4, 2024.

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3. Education Services: General;

4. Government Services;

5. Medical Services: Medical Care;

6. Transportation Services (if publicly owned);

7. Utility Services; or

8. the Recreation Services use type category (if publicly owned). (Code 1971, § 15.620.200)

The maximum sign allowance for Dining Establishments: Fast Service, Drive-Up uses shall comply with the regulations for the zone in which the Fast Service, Drive-Up restaurant is located. In addition, one menu board sign not to exceed 20 square feet shall be permitted subject to design review approval by the decision-making authority as specified in chapter 24.545 in conjunction with such use. (Code 1971, § 15.620.210)

No more than 20 percent of the sign area of any permanent sign may be devoted to product or service advertising. (Code 1971, § 15.620.220)

A. Specific Plan No. 1 Area. Signs used in conjunction with Automotive and Accessories: Automotive Sales, Retail use types located within the boundaries of Specific Plan No. 1 are subject to the provisions of Specific Plan No. 1 as adopted by the city council.

B. Not in Specific Plan No. 1 Area. Signs used in conjunction with Automotive and Accessories: Automotive Sales, Retail use types which include sales of new vehicles and which are not located within the geographical area covered by Specific Plan No. 1 must comply with the following:

1. Changes of copy to legal, nonconforming pole signs may be permitted subject to design review by the decision-making authority as specified in chapter 24.545, provided that no increase in size or height shall be permitted;

2. Dealerships with more than one franchise, shall be allowed an additional monument sign for each franchise, provided that, any such additional monument sign shall not exceed 40 square feet and six feet in

The San Buenaventura Coastal Zoning Code is current through Ordinance 2024-005, passed June 4, 2024.

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height and shall display only the additional franchise name. Any further franchise identification shall be permitted only on building-related signs permitted pursuant to the provisions of this chapter; and

3. Wall or ground mounted directional signs may exceed four square feet in area; provided that any directional sign area over four square feet shall be deducted from the maximum wall sign area allowed by the maximum sign allowance. (Code 1971, § 15.620.230)

Sign regulations for timeshare facilities shall be those established in this chapter for commercial uses. Because timeshare facilities are considered to be a Lodging Services: Hotels and Motels use, they may be defined as Freeway Service Facilities, but only those timeshare facilities which have a substantial percentage of their units providing conventional overnight rental lodging will be considered for approval of a pole sign for a Freeway Service Facility pursuant to section 24.420.190. (Code 1971, § 15.620.240)

Offsite signs providing information on the location of residential subdivisions whose lots, parcels, or units are being offered for sale shall be permitted only as follows:

1. Residential subdivisions containing 50 or more lots, or units shall be permitted to have offsite directional signs in the public right-of-way subject to an approved sign program by the director;

2. The director may appoint a program manager to administer the sign program for offsite directional signs for residential subdivisions. Such sign program may contain criteria regarding size, height, location, amount, and design of offsite directional signs for residential subdivisions. (Code 1971, § 15.620.250)

Offsite signs providing information on the location of community events sponsored or sanctioned by the city or sponsored by nonprofit corporations or organizations shall be permitted. The director may appoint a program manager to administer the sign program for offsite directional signs for community events. Such sign program may contain criteria regarding size, height, location, amount and design of offsite directional signs. (Code 1971, § 15.620.260)

The following types of signs shall be prohibited:

The San Buenaventura Coastal Zoning Code is current through Ordinance 2024-005, passed June 4, 2024.

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1. Changeable copy sign.

2. Combination sign.

3. Flashing or blinking sign.

4. Mobile sign.

5. Moving sign.

6. Pole sign. (except pole signs permitted by this chapter)

7. Portable sign.

8. Roof sign.

9. Sign on Public Right-of-Way. A sign placed on or in any portion of a public right of way except as permitted for residential open house signs subsection 24.420.050.6., temporary political signs subsection 24.420.050(7), offsite directional signs for residential subdivisions section 24.420.250, and offsite directional signs for community events section 24.420.260.

10. Signs Not Permitted. Any other sign not specifically exempted or permitted by this chapter is prohibited. (Code 1971, § 15.620.270)

All signs lawfully existing on April 16, 1981, may continue in use, subject to the provisions of this section, even when later amendments to this zoning ordinance, or prior amendments to any provision of preceding sign ordinances recodified in this zoning ordinance, have caused such lawfully existing signs to become nonconforming under the terms of this chapter. Signs not lawfully existing on April 16, 1981 must be brought into conformance or removed.

1. Alterations Removal. At such time as a nonconforming sign is altered in any way or moved, it must be brought into conformance with the provisions of this zoning ordinance except as otherwise permitted for automobile dealerships per section 24.420.230. The term “altered” as used herein shall include, but not be limited to, any change in the structure or sign face, including changing names or colors, deleting or adding words or symbols, or changing the appearance in any way, but shall not include normal maintenance or upkeep. If a nonconforming sign is removed for any length of time for any reason other than maintenance, it shall not be reinstalled at the subject site unless it is in full compliance with the provisions of this chapter.

2. Sign With Modifications. Signs which received sign modifications prior to April 16, 1981, but which are nonconforming as to the provisions of this chapter, may continue in use under the provisions of that sign modification until any changes, expansions, or alterations other than normal maintenance and upkeep are proposed for the sign, or until such time as the sign modification expires. At the time of such expiration or change,

The San Buenaventura Coastal Zoning Code is current through Ordinance 2024-005, passed June 4, 2024.

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the modification shall become null and void and such sign shall be brought into conformance with the provisions of this chapter or removed.

3. Use Permit or Planned Development Permit. Nonconforming signs that were permitted and installed pursuant to a conditional use permit or planned development permit, prior to April 16, 1981, may continue in use until changes, expansions, or alterations other than normal maintenance and upkeep are proposed for or made to such sign. At the time of such change, any such sign must be brought into conformance with the provisions of this chapter.

onconforming signs that were permitted and installed pursuant to a conditional use permit or planned development permit, prior to April 16, 1981, may continue in use until changes, expansions, or alterations other than normal maintenance and upkeep are proposed for or made to such sign. At the time of such change, any such sign must be brought into conformance with the provisions of this chapter.

4. Alterations to Existing Development. When structural alterations, additions or remodeling with a value, as determined by the building official, of 25 percent or more of the full value of the improvements as shown on the last equalized assessment roll, or $15,000.00 whichever is greater, are made to the exterior of a building or to a site containing a nonconforming sign, any and all such nonconforming signs must be brought into conformance with the provisions of this chapter whether or not changes or alterations are proposed for or made to the sign, or such signs must be removed. Any owner or user of such nonconforming signs wishing to maintain such a sign in its existing condition may apply to the director for a director’s permit to allow continued maintenance and use of the sign. Application shall be made within 30 days of the sign owner or user being notified of the need to bring such sign into conformance. Such director’s permit, if granted, shall establish a specific period of time for

continued use and maintenance, based upon an individual assessment of the facts and circumstances relating to the particular sign. Factors to be considered in approving or denying such a director’s permit shall be the initial sign cost, the sign age, the value of the structural alterations to the existing development, and similar facts and circumstances. Failure to apply for a director’s permit within the 30 days specified herein shall constitute a waiver of the right to request any longer period for maintenance or use of an existing nonconforming sign.

5. Annexation Change of Zone. Any sign that becomes nonconforming after April 16, 1981, because of annexation, zone change, or other city action shall be subject to the provisions of this section. (Code 1971, § 15.620.280)

A. Occupancy Change. Any sign which does not identify the current establishment occupying the premises must be removed within 30 days of the date the current establishment begins using the premises. However, any sign structure or supports which are in conformance with the provisions of this chapter that apply to the current establishment may remain in place.

B. Unoccupied Premises. If a sign is located on a site and that sign was used by an establishment that has not occupied that site for a period of 90 days or more, that sign shall be removed. However, any sign structure or supports which are in conformance with the provisions of this chapter may remain in place, provided that the sign face is removed.

C. Unsafe Signs. Unsafe signs are prohibited and shall be subject to the enforcement provisions of chapter 24.580 and any other penalties and remedies provided by law. (Code 1971, § 15.620.290)

The San Buenaventura Coastal Zoning Code is current through Ordinance 2024-005, passed June 4, 2024.

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No sign or sign program may exceed the specifications of this chapter unless a sign variance is approved therefor by the design review committee pursuant to chapter 24.535. (Code 1971, § 15.620.300)