Ventura Municipal Code Ch. 18.120 Projecting Signs and Awnings

Signs or awnings that are affixed to a commercial building adjoining a public right-of-way may project over the right-of-way, if the sign or awning: conforms to the development standards in any applicable specific plan; conforms to and/or has been approved in the manner required by the sign regulations adopted in Title 24; and is constructed and erected in a manner authorized by a permit issued pursuant to the building and construction regulations adopted in Title 12. However, a sign projecting over a public right-of-way may remain over the right-of-way only as long as it does not interfere with city’s use of the right-of-way. In the event the director of public works determines, in the exercise of the director’s sole discretion, that the sign is interfering with the city’s use of the public right-of-way, the director may require the removal or modification of the sign in the manner provided by this chapter. (Ord. No. 2002-07, § 2, 5-20-02)

If the director of public works determines that a sign or awning projecting over a public right-of-way interferes with the city’s existing or anticipated use of the public right-of-way, the director may order the sign to be removed or to be modified in a manner that does not interfere with the city’s use of the right-of-way. When the director determines to order the removal or modification of a projecting sign or awning, the director shall cause notice of the determination to be served by first class mail on the owner of the building to which the sign or awning is affixed, as well as the occupant of the building or portion of the building to which the sign or awning is affixed if other than the owner of the building. Such notice shall identify the sign or awning that is the subject of the determination, direct the sign or awning to be removed or modified by a date that is not less than 30 days from the date of the notice, and briefly describe the reasons why the sign or awning must be removed or modified. (Ord. No. 2002-07, § 2, 5-20-02)

It shall be unlawful for the owner or occupant of a building to maintain a sign or awning projecting over a public right-of-way in violation of the provisions of this chapter, including any notice ordering the removal or modification of the sign or awning issued by the director of public works in the manner provided by this chapter. (Ord. No. 2002-07, § 2, 5-20-02)