Vista Municipal Code § 18.52 Signs on Private Property (CA)

18.52.010 Title, Scope, Purpose, Obligation, Prior Study¶

18.52.030 Interests Served¶

18.52.040 Neutral Administration¶

18.52.050 General Regulations¶

18.52.060 Regulations by Sign Type¶

18.52.070 Temporary Signs¶

18.52.090 Mobile Billboards – Prohibited¶

18.52.100 Non-Permitted Excess Signage - Prohibited¶

18.52.110 Permit Procedures¶

18.52.130 Enforcement¶

18.52.140 Discontinued and Illegal Signs - Nuisance¶

18.52.150 Legal Nonconforming Signs and Abatement Process¶

18.52.160 Severability¶

Section 18.52.010 Title, Scope, Purpose, Obligation, Prior Study

A. Title. This chapter shall be known as the “Signs on Private Property Ordinance.”
B. Scope. This chapter regulates signs, as defined herein, which are within the legal

corporate limits of the city, but not on City property. Signs on City property and the public right- of-way are controlled by Chapter 12.20. This chapter does not regulate signs used in conjunction with parades, demonstrations and public assemblies; which, instead, are governed by Chapter 12.12 (Permits for Block Parties and Street Events) and Chapter 12.13 (Permits for Park Events.) C. Obligation to Satisfy Other Legal Requirements. This chapter does not modify state or federal laws pertaining to the regulation or display of signs. In addition to satisfying the minimum standards set forth in this chapter, the erection, display, and maintenance of any sign must also satisfy all applicable requirements imposed by other statutes, laws, ordinances and regulations, and codes, including without limitation, the building code, plumbing code, grading code, the electrical code, and storm water regulations. D. Easements and Covenants. This chapter does not abrogate, override, limit, modify, or nullify any easements, covenants, leases or other existing private agreements that are more restrictive than this chapter. E. Special Events. This chapter does not regulate signs that are displayed as part of a special event operating under a permit issued pursuant to Chapters 12.12 (Permits for Block Parties and Street Events) or 12.13 of the Vista Municipal Code ( Permits for Park Events). F. Prior Study. Prior to the adoption of this ordinance amending Chapter 18.52, the City of Vista conducted an inventory of all sign displays within the city that were legal, illegal, or non-conforming, under the then-existing law, in accordance with Section 5491.1 of the California Business and Professions Code. Having considered that study at the public hearing during which this ordinance was adopted, the City Council has determined that there is a need for the ordinance to take effect in a manner to apply to all existing signs within the city. Prior Code Appendix A1800; Ord. No. 92-25, Amended, 11/17/92; Ord. No. 2000-5, Amended, 06/27/00; Ord. No. 2010- 16, Amended & Renumbered, 9/28/10; Ord. No. 2011- 3, Amended 5/24/11)

18.52(1)( Vista 05/23/2025)

Section 18.52.020 Definitions

Advertising message” means any visual image displayed for the purpose of attracting attention of the public or potential customers, or communicating a commercial or noncommercial message or depiction. Animated sign ( blinking, flashing)” means a sign which includes a component presenting action or motion, including, without limitation, blinking, flashing, color changes, or wind- actuated motions. Excluded from the definition, are signs where the copy changes not more than once every 24 hours. Animated window sign” means an electronic, animated sign placed in on the interior- side of a window within a building. Awning” means a temporary shelter supported from the exterior wall of a building over a door or window opening. Awning sign” means any sign painted on, attached to, or constructed on an awning or the valance thereof.

Balloon” or “ inflatable sign” means a bag or other container of any shape or size,

made of thin rubber or other light material, inflated with air or gas. The term balloon does not include: ( 1) inflatable objects displayed on residential properties for purposes of temporary celebration, but the term does include inflatable objects displayed on non-residential properties; or (2) handheld inflatable objects of not more than two cubic feet. Banner” means any plastic, vinyl, fabric, paper, or similar material, other than a flag or pennant, used to advertise goods, services, or events, garner attention or communicate, which is temporarily affixed to real property in a location where it is visible to the public from outside the building or structure. Billboard” or “off-site sign” or “off-premises sign” means a permanent structure sign in a fixed location which meets any one or more of the following criteria: ( 1) it is intended to be used for, or is actually used for the display of general advertising or general advertising for hire; 2) it is used for the display of commercial advertising messages which pertain to products and/or services which are offered at a different location, also known as “off-site commercial” messages; 3) it constitutes a separate principal use of the property, in contrast to an auxiliary, accessory or appurtenant use of the principal use of the property; ( 4) it functions as a profit center separate from another use on the same or an adjacent parcel. Bus benches with advertising are not included within this definition. Blade sign” or “ projecting sign” means a sign which projects more than 12 inches from the face of an exterior building wall or facade and which uses the building wall as its primary source of support.

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Building complex” means a building or group of buildings on one or more lots or building sites containing two to four commercial or industrial tenant spaces which share a common parking area. ( See “ Center” for five or more tenants.) Building face and/or frontage” means the area of the front building elevation in which the establishment is located and which faces a publicly dedicated street, private street, or parking lot excluding driveways and aisles. If more than one establishment is located in a single building, then such area shall be limited to that portion which is occupied by each individual establishment.

Canopy” means a permanent roofed structure that provides shelter, and that projects

from a building wall or is supported by columns, such as false mansards, projecting building facade facings, service station pump island shelters, and other architectural features which project from a building wall above a height of eight feet. Canopy sign” means a sign painted on, attached to, or constructed on a canopy.

Center” means a development which includes five or more tenant spaces in which

businesses and structures are designed as an architecturally integrated and interrelated development. Such design is independent of the number of structures, lots, or parcels making up the center. ( See “ Building Complex” for two to four tenants.) City property” means land or other property in which the City or a city-related entity holds a present right of possession and control including, without limitation, by lease, city road easements, and all public rights of way, regardless of ownership. City-related entity” means any governmental entity with a legislative body comprised of the membership of the Vista City Council, including, without limitation, the Community Development Commission of the City of Vista and the Buena Sanitation District. Commercial copy” means words or symbols which propose, solicit, advertise, or promote a business or economic transaction or which concern primarily the economic interests of the sign sponsor and/or intended audience. Comprehensive sign program” means a form of approval required for certain developments described in Section 18.52.050 which must be obtained prior to erecting certain signs and which is intended to integrate signs with building and landscaping design in order to achieve visually thematic and architectural unity for commercial, industrial, and multi-family residential projects. Construction project sign” means a temporary sign on real property on which construction of new improvements is occurring.

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Copy” means any words, letters, numbers, figures, logos, designs or other symbolic representations incorporated into a sign. Designated BID Areas” means those portions of the Central Vista Downtown Business Improvement District designed in Exhibit A where portable signs may be placed in accordance with this Chapter. Directional sign” means on-site signs or signs within an area subject to a comprehensive sign program designed to guide or direct pedestrian or vehicular traffic and which contain no matter specifying product or services. Discontinued sign” means any sign which for a period of six continuous months: ( 1) has not been put to an active use; or ( 2) has not advertised an ongoing establishment; or ( 3) advertises a use or service which has been discontinued; or ( 4) was used to advertise an establishment or use at premises which are vacant; or ( 5) which otherwise constitutes an abandoned sign under the Outdoor Advertising Act ( California Business and Professions Code Sections 5200 et seq); or ( 6) which otherwise constitutes an abandoned sign under the On- Premises Sign Act (California Business and Professions Code Sections 5490 et seq). Display face” means that portion of a sign upon which is mounted, attached or presented the visually communicative image. Drive-thru services menu board” means a permanent sign that is exclusively oriented to those using the drive-thru lane for a restaurant or other establishment which advertises only food items or services directly sold or provided at the premises. Election period” means a period commencing 35 days prior to, and ending five days following, an election open to registered voters within the City of Vista. Electronic message board” or “digital display” means a permanent sign that can be programmed to display different electronic messages or images. The term includes a sign which, for all or part of its display area, uses digital technology, such as LED (light emitting diodes), LCD liquid crystal display), plasma display, or projected images, often by automatic or remote control. The term also includes functionally equivalent technologies. Establishment” means a use of land, other than long term residential, which involves structures subject to a building permit and the customary presence of human beings at least ten hours per week. Residential uses, automated uses are not within this definition. By way of example and not limitation, the term includes stores, factories, warehouses, schools, libraries, churches, workshops, hospitals, offices, theaters, hotels and motels and " bed and breakfast" establishments offering transient occupancy, but does not include power transformers, broadcasting towers, unattended automated teller machines, vending machines, agricultural or long term residential uses. Flag” means a cloth or sheet of material, other than a pennant, often rectangular, carrying a distinctive design and used as an emblem, attached at one end to a pole or staff in a manner which allows it to flow freely in the wind. General advertising” means the business or enterprise of making a sign display face available to a variety of advertisers, whether they be businesses or other establishments. This definition applies even when the display face is donated or made available at a reduced rate or for “in kind” consideration. Also known as “general advertising for hire.” General advertising is in contrast to self-promotion advertising. Halo-lit sign” means a sign where light is emitted from the back of letters and/or logos onto a surface thereby creating a halo effect around the sign. Hand held commercial” or “ personally- attended commercial” means a sign which conveys a commercial message and is held by, physically controlled by, attached to, or mounted on a person or an animal. Visible images which are displayed as part of personal apparel, and other aspects of personal appearance, shall not be considered signage for purposes of this Chapter. Hand held commercial sign display standards” is defined in Section 18.52.080.

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Hand held noncommercial” or “ personally- attended noncommercial” means a sign which conveys a noncommercial message and is held by, physically controlled by, attached to, or mounted on a person or an animal.” Visible images which are displayed as part of personal apparel and other aspects of personal appearance shall not be considered as signage for purposes of this Chapter. Historic Marquee Sign” means a marquee sign located at either 420 Vista Village Drive or 2011 W. Vista Way which has been maintained as an on-premises sign, from a date prior to the adoption of Ordinance No. 92-25 (November 17, 1992), without physical change, except for minor maintenance required to preserve the sign in its original state. Any sign qualifying as a historic marquee sign shall immediately and permanently lose its status as a historic marquee sign if the sign is expanded, modified, or temporarily, intermittently or otherwise operated, for any time, as a billboard, an off-premises sign, or an off-site sign. Housing complex sign” means a sign, other than a residential sign or a real estate sign, at an apartment building, mobile home park, condominium subdivision, or planned unit development. Illegal sign” means a sign which: ( 1) was erected without first complying with all ordinances, statutes and regulations in effect at the time of its construction and execution or use, or (2) became nonconforming after an enactment or amendment of an ordinance or statute which has an expired amortization period; or (3) is a danger to the public or is otherwise unsafe; or (4) is a traffic hazard; or ( 5) is an illegal sign under either the Outdoor Advertising Act ( California Business and Professions Code Sections 5200 et seq); or the On-Premises Sign Act (California Business and Professions Code Sections 5490 et seq). Illuminated sign” means a sign in which a source of light is used in order to make the message understandable during all hours or certain hours of the day, including internally and externally lighted signs and glowing or radiating signs. Marquee sign” means a sign which accommodates interchangeable copy and: ( 1) is mounted on an outside permanent roofed structure projecting over public or private sidewalks or rights- of-way which is attached to and supported by a building; or (2) is a monument sign or a pole sign-generally that does not exceed a height of six feet. Mobile billboard” means any wheeled vehicle used primarily for the display of general advertising or general advertising for hire, by means of traversing upon any public street or parking on any public street in a manner that the advertising image( s) on the vehicle are visible from any portion of the public right-of-way. Also known as “sign truck” or “billboard truck.” This definition does not apply to vehicles displaying images related to the same business or establishment of which the vehicle is an operating instrument, such as, by way of example and not limitation, an advertisement for a grocery store on a truck delivering merchandise to that store. Also, it does not apply to vehicles which are on the public road for the primary purpose of transportation, such as taxis and buses, even if such vehicles display general advertising. Monument sign” means a sign which is placed directly upon the ground and does not exceed a height of six feet.

Neon Sign” means a sign which incorporates lighted neon tubes or other fluorescing

gas as all or a portion of the advertising message.

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Noncommercial message” means a message displayed on a sign which expresses an idea or point of view on a topic of public debate and concern, including politics, religion, education, art, science, history, and social issues. Noncommercial sign” means a sign displaying a noncommercial message. Non-communicative aspects” means those characteristics of a sign which do not present a communicative visual image to the public, such as size, height, setback, structural strength or weight, illumination method, density, orientation, etc. Nonconforming sign” means a sign, other than an illegal sign, which was lawfully erected with permits and in conformity with all then-applicable laws, ordinances, and regulations, but which no longer conforms to one or more applicable law, ordinance, or regulation. On-site sign” or “ on-premises sign” means a sign displaying a commercial message which directs attention to a commercial or industrial occupancy, establishment, commodity, good, product, service or other commercial or industrial activity conducted, sold or offered or expected to be offered in the near future upon the site where the sign is maintained. The on-site/off-site distinction applies only to commercial message signs. For purposes of this chapter, all signs with noncommercial speech messages shall be deemed to be “on-site,” regardless of location. On- site signs do not include signs erected by the outdoor advertising industry in the conduct of outdoor advertising business, or used as general advertising for hire. Construction signs are considered on-site when the displayed message pertains to the construction project and/or the anticipated future use. Pennant” means a tapering, usually triangular or “swallow- tail” device made of flexible material mounted on a lead or cable. Personally attended” means that a person is physically present within five feet of the sign at all times. Pole sign” means a sign which is wholly supported by one or more columns or poles set into the ground.

Portable sign” means any sign, not personally held or attended, which can be easily

moved from place to place which is not permanently affixed to the ground or to a building. Hand held signs are not within this definition.

Project noticing – project on-site sign” means public notice signs that are required to

be placed on a project site due to submittal of a discretionary permit application to the City. These types of signs do not require a sign permit.

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Real estate sign - commercial” means a temporary sign located on a property for sale or lease: ( 1) which provides information regarding the sale, lease, or other proposed economic transaction of such property; and (2) is zoned for commercial use, industrial use, or which is zoned for or developed with a multiple dwelling. Real estate sign - general” means a temporary sign providing information about the sale, lease or other proposed economic transaction of the property upon which it is located; by way of example, but not limitation, all signs described in Civil Code Section 713, are within this definition. It does not include signs displaying information about short-term occupancy, such as hotel motel “ bed and breakfast” occupancy or prices. Regular canopy sign” means a canopy sign other than an under canopy sign. Residential sign” means a sign, other than a real estate sign, located on property used for residential purposes ( other than transient occupancy) and located within an area controlled by an individual residential unit. Roof sign” means a sign mounted upon or above a roof or parapet of a building or structure and which is wholly or partially supported by said building or structure. A sign which does not project above the roof line or roof edge may be considered a wall sign if it meets the criteria specified in the definition of a wall sign. Rotating sign” means a sign which turns any amount in any direction. Sign” means any visually communicative image on display, visible from an area open to the public which is outside of a structure. Such images may consist of lettering, text, graphics, and humans and animals in distinctive garb or decoration; however, notwithstanding the generality of the foregoing, the following are not within the definition of sign: 1. Official notices issued by any court or public body or officer. 2. Notices posted by any public officer in performance of a public duty or by any person in giving legal notice (except for project noticing/ project on-site signs – see Sign Table 18.52.060A, which must comply with this chapter). 3. Directional warning or information structures required by or authorized by law or by federal, state, or local authority. 4. A structure erected near a city, county, or neighborhood boundary which contains information regarding the name of said jurisdiction or area, or civic, fraternal, or religious organizations located therein. 5. Interior signs. Signs or other visual communicative devices that are located entirely within a lawful building or structure and do not otherwise qualify as a window sign. 6. Architectural features. Decorative or architectural features of buildings ( not including lettering, trademarks or moving parts). 7. Symbols in architecture. Symbols of noncommercial organizations or concepts including, but not limited to, religious or political symbols, when such are permanently integrated into the structure of a permanent building which is otherwise legal. 8. Personal appearance. Items or devices of personal apparel, decoration or appearance, including tattoos, makeup, costumes. 9. Manufacturers' marks. Marks on tangible products, which identify the maker, seller, provider or product, and which customarily remain attached to the product even after sale. 10. Fireworks, etc. the legal use of fireworks, candles and artificial lighting not otherwise regulated by this chapter. 11. Mass transit signage. Advertisements or banners mounted on trains or duly licensed mass transit vehicles that legally pass through the city. 12. Grave stones or grave markers. 13. Memorial tablets, plaques and directional signs for community historical resources. 14. Newsracks and newsstands.

18.52(7)( Vista 05/23/2025)

Seasonal and holiday decorations in season (but not including balloons or

inflatable objects on non-residential properties). 16. Any artwork, including murals, placed on a wall, structure, or fence owned by the City or in which the City has obtained a property or contractual interest for purposes of displaying art as part of a public art program. Site” means one or more parcels of land identified by the assessor' s records and for which a building or building complex or center exists or has been proposed. Street frontage” means, as applicable, the length of the horizontal distance of a property parallel to and adjacent to: ( 1) a dedicated and improved public street; or (2) a right-of-way for ingress and egress dedicated to public use, excluding alleys. Temporary on-site sign” means a sign displayed on the site of activity for limited period of time only. Temporary signs during election periods” means a sign which conveys any lawful noncommercial message, which satisfies the requirements particular to those signs as set forth in Section 18.52.060, and which are on display during an election period. Ultimate street line” means the future boundary line between a street and the property abutting such street as established by Specific Plan or General Plan adopted pursuant to the State Conservation and Planning Act. Uniform Building code” means the current edition of the Uniform Building Code as adopted by the City. Uniform Sign code” means the current edition of the Uniform Sign Code as adopted by the City. Wall sign” means a sign which is painted upon, attached to or erected against the exterior wall of a building or structure with the exposed face of the sign in a plane parallel to the plane of said wall. A parapet or canopy wall sign shall be considered a wall sign, provided they are architecturally integrated with the building and do not project above the roof-line or roof edge. The exposed face of such signs shall also be in a plane parallel to the plane of the exterior walls.

Window sign” means any sign painted or affixed to the inside or outside of a window

surface, or otherwise so located within a building so that its primary function is to be viewed from the exterior of the building. Window signs do not include window displays of merchandise offered for routine sale by a business or establishment or which are used in its routine operations. Prior Code Appendix A 1801; Ord. No. 92-25, Amended, 11/17/92; Ord. No. 2000-5, Amended, 06/27/00; Ord. No. 2002-17, Amended, 08/27/02; Ord. No. 2007-25, Amended, 11/27/07; Ord. No. 2010-16, Amended Renumbered, 9/28/10; Ord. No. 2011-3, Amended 5/24/11)

Section 18.52.030 Interests Served

This chapter seeks to balance the constitutional right to free speech, by means of sign

display, against the community impacts of excessive or inappropriate signage. The interests to

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be served by this chapter include, but are not necessarily limited to, community aesthetics, traffic and pedestrian safety, the promotion of tourism and commerce, and the overall quality of life as affected by signs. Specifically, this chapter seeks to advance the following goals without permitting a violation of any other lawful ordinance: A. Protect the general public health, safety, and welfare. B. Advance the goals, policies and strategies of the General Plan, Zoning Code, and Design Guidelines. C. Reduce traffic and safety hazards. D. Provide directional and destination information to various activities and land uses, in order to serve the public convenience. E. Establish content-neutral regulations for the design, quality of materials, number, size, construction, location, illumination, maintenance and other related aspects of signs and sign structures. F. Provide uniform standards which promote fair competition and unique identification within the business community. G. Provide clear regulations which provide fair notice, and provide review procedures for any individual action or program undertaken to enforce the requirements of this chapter. H. Comply with state and federal laws requiring the display of signs and notices. I. Provide a reasonable system of sign regulations, to ensure the development of a high quality visual environment. J. Ensure that signs are appropriately maintained, and professional in appearance. K. Encourage a desirable community character which has a minimum of visual clutter. L. Enhance the economic value of the community and each area, business and use thereof through the regulation of the non-communicative aspects of signs. M. Encourage signs which are architecturally compatible with their location and adjacent land uses. N. Promote signs which present a cohesive stylistic pattern. Prior Code Appendix A 1802; Ord. No. 92-25, Amended, 11/17/92; Ord. No. 2000-5, Amended, 06/27/00; Ord. No. 2010- 16, Amended & Renumbered, 9/28/10)

Section 18.52.040 Neutral Administration

The provisions and policies stated in this section apply to all signs within the regulatory scope of this chapter, and override any more specific provisions to the contrary contained anywhere within this chapter. A. Message neutrality. It is the City’s policy to regulate signs in a constitutional manner, which is content neutral as to noncommercial signs and at least viewpoint neutral as to commercial signs. B. Regulatory interpretations. All regulatory interpretations of this chapter are to be exercised in light of the City’s message neutrality and substitution of messages policies. Whenever any sign permit or other authorization is subject to a discretionary review, such review shall not consider the message content of the sign, other than whether any proposed commercial messages thereon are off-site or on-site. Where a particular type of sign is proposed in a permit application, and the type is neither expressly allowed nor prohibited by this chapter, or whenever a sign does not qualify as a “ structure” as defined in the building code, then the Community Development Director or his/her designee shall approve, conditionally approve or disapprove the application based on the most similar sign type that is expressly regulated by this chapter. C. Substitution of messages. Subject to the land owner’ s consent, a noncommercial message of any type may be substituted for any duly permitted or allowed commercial message or any duly permitted or allowed noncommercial message, provided that the sign structure or mounting device is legal without consideration of message content. Such substitution of message

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may be made without any additional approval or permitting, however, it must comply with existing sign regulations or applicable code sections. This provision prevails over any more specific provision to the contrary within this chapter. The purpose of this provision is to prevent any inadvertent favoring of commercial speech over noncommercial speech, or favoring of any particular noncommercial message over any other noncommercial message. This provision does not create a right to increase the total amount of signage on a parcel or land use, nor does it affect the requirement that a sign structure or mounting device be properly permitted. This provision does not allow for the substitution of an off-site commercial message in place of an on-site commercial message. D. Rules for non-communicative aspects of signs. All rules and regulations concerning the non-communicative aspects of signs, such as location, size, height, illumination, spacing, orientation, etc., stand enforceable independently of any permit or approval process. E. Billboard policy ( off-site, off-premises sign). The City completely prohibits the construction, erection, use, or conversion to digital or electronic display of any billboards, as defined in this chapter, other than the maintenance of billboards which were lawfully in existence in the city, on the date on which the city first adopted an ordinance prohibiting billboards or for which a valid permit has been issued and has not expired, as of the date on which this provision is first adopted. The City adopts this policy pursuant to California Government Code section 65850, California Business and Professions Code sections 5354( a) and 5408.3 (both effective January 1, 2003). No permit shall be issued for any billboard which violates this policy, and the City will take immediate abatement action against any billboard constructed or maintained in violation of this policy. The City Council affirmatively declares that it would have adopted this billboard policy even if it were the only provision in this chapter. The City Council intends for this billboard policy to be severable and separately enforceable even if other provision( s) of this chapter may be declared, by a court of competent jurisdiction, to be unconstitutional, invalid or unenforceable. This provision does not prohibit agreements to relocate presently existing, legal billboards, as encouraged by California Business and Professions Code Section 5412. Prior Code Appendix A 1803; Ord. No. 92-25, Renumbered, 11/17/92; Ord. No. 2000-5, Amended, 06/27/00; Ord. No. 2010- 16, Amended & Renumbered, 9/28/10)

Section 18.52.050 General Regulations

A. Purpose and Intent. The general regulations set forth in this section are intended to provide direction and parameters for the design, size, height and location of signs. The requirements are minimum standards which, by themselves, may not achieve compatibility with building architecture, the neighborhood and the community appearance to the degree required by this chapter or other applicable requirements. In the course of reviewing sign permits, proper consideration shall be given to the sign’s relationship to the overall appearance of the subject property and surrounding area to achieve the goals and purposes of this chapter. B. Sign Area 1. Definitions. a. Sign area means the entire background area of a sign upon which copy may be placed. b. Copy area means the actual area of the visually communicative imagery and sign copy applied to any background. In computing copy area, straight lines are drawn closest to the copy extremities encompassing individual words, symbols or logos to produce the smallest parallelogram which encloses the entire image. The area within the parallelogram shall be the copy area. 2. Computation of Sign Area a. Single- faced Signs. The area of a sign shall be computed based on the entire area within a single continuous perimeter enclosing the extreme limits of the sign

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background area, including all words, symbols, emblems, representations or other display, together with any material or color forming an integral part of the sign or display. The area of a sign shall exclude the structures or uprights on which the sign is supported, unless such supports or uprights are designed in a manner so as to form an integral background of the sign. b. Multiple-faced Signs. In the case of a sign which has two or more faces, the area of all faces shall be included in computing the area of the sign, except that if two such faces are placed back to back and are no more than 24 inches apart at any point, the area of the sign shall be the area of one face, or the area of the larger face, if the two faces are unequal in area. In the case of a sign of spherical, cylindrical, semi-cylindrical, or other irregular shapes, the area of the sign shall be one-half of the surface area thereof. C. Computation of Sign Height. The height of a sign shall be computed as the distance from the base of the sign at finished grade to the top of the highest attached component of the sign. D. Construction of Signs 1. All permanent sign faces shall be constructed of permanent materials including, but not limited to, painted and/or sandblasted wood, ceramic tile, applied letters, carved wood, metal, plastic or other compatible, durable and waterproof material. No material more combustible than treated wood shall be used in the construction of any permanent sign. 2. Structural design. Structural design of all signs shall conform to the requirements of the Uniform Building Code, and all the applicable codes currently in effect. 3. All signs shall be constructed in accordance with all applicable Uniform Building Code and National Electrical Code provisions. Exposed- tube neon signs shall be constructed and installed in compliance with the National Electrical Code. 4. No sign or sign structure shall be placed or constructed so that it impairs the sight distance requirements indicated in Figure 1 or Figure 2 at any public or private street intersection, or driveway. Signs shall be constructed or installed so as to not obstruct line of sight for pedestrians, bicyclists or vehicular drivers.

5. Exposed sign support hardware shall be of a compatible material and

design with the sign it supports and shall compliment the architecture and design of building to

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which it is affixed. Sign supports of a permanent sign shall be reviewed as part of the sign permit application. 6. Sign design, scale, color and materials shall be selected that are compatible in style with the building it serves. Brand logos shall be allowed as part of the sign as long as it is proportionate and compatible with the building in terms of size and scale. 7. Fluorescent colors and reflective surfaces are prohibited. E. Lighting of Signs 1. Exposed neon lighting is prohibited, except when used for accent as part of a sign. Halolighting or internal reverse illumination is also permitted for blade/projecting and wall signs only. 2. Illuminated signs shall comply with the following provisions in addition to any others established in this chapter for the appropriate sign classification: a. Electrical lines from buildings to signs shall be concealed from public view. b. Exposed raceways are prohibited. c. Light fixtures in planted areas shall be screened. d. All external lighting shall be directed away from any adjacent residential uses and public rights- of-way. e. Signs shall be designed and oriented to minimize light or glare upon adjacent residential uses and public rights- of-way. f. No sign shall be illuminated by bulbs, tubes, fire, flame, or sparks visible from any public street. g. No sign shall employ strobe lights, or any other light source that pulsates, blinks or flashes excluding small twinkle lights similar to those commonly used for seasonal holiday lighting. h. No sign shall employ the use of mirrors or any other highly reflective surface so as to direct or reflect any natural or artificial light onto any public right-of-way or adjoining property. i. No illuminated sign in an O-P, C-1, C-2, C-3, M-1 or mixed- use zone shall be placed within 75 feet of any property line which adjoins residentially zoned property. j. No illumination source shall be directed so that direct glare from the source is visible from any point beyond the lot or building site upon which the light source is located. F. Landscaping 1. Landscaped planter areas shall be required to be installed at the base of all permanent freestanding, freeway- oriented pole, monument, and housing complex signs. 2. The area of the landscaped planter shall be at least equal in size to the area of two sign faces for freestanding and freeway- oriented signs and one ( 1) sign face for monument and housing complex signs. 3. All landscaped planters shall be irrigated and landscaped with drought tolerant, low maintenance plant materials in accordance with Chapter 18.56. The type of irrigation required will be dependent on the type of landscaping proposed. 4. All landscaped planter areas and plant materials shall be maintained in a neat and healthy manner and shall be kept free of all debris and trash. G. Relationship to Buildings and Other Signs 1. Signs located upon a lot with only one main building, shall be designed to incorporate at least one of the predominantly visual elements of such building, such as type of construction materials, color, or other design detail. Each sign located upon a lot with more than one main building, such as a shopping center or other commercial or industrial complex, shall be designed to incorporate at least one of such predominantly visual design elements common to all such buildings or the buildings occupied by the “main tenants” or principal enterprises.

18.52(12)( Vista 05/23/2025)

All such signs shall have designs which are well related to each other by

the similar treatment or incorporation of similar design elements, such as type of construction materials, letter style of the sign copy, shape of the entire sign. H. Maintenance 1. All signs shall comply with the following maintenance regulations. a. All signs and sign supports shall be maintained in a clean and safe condition. b. Signs shall be maintained in a graffiti-free condition. c. The owner shall keep the display area of all signs neatly printed or posted at all times and shall correct any painting, fading, chipping, peeling, or flaking paint or plastic and mechanical or structural defect. I. Specific Sign Prohibitions. 1. Signs in Public Right- of-Way. No signs shall be permitted to encroach on any public right-of-way except as otherwise authorized by this chapter. Signs shall not be nailed or attached to trees, traffic control devices or public utility poles. Any sign in violation of this provision may be removed. 2. Unsafe Signs. Any sign which constitutes an immediate hazard to the safety of any persons or property may be removed by the City upon ascertainment of such facts by the City Planner or designee. 3. Signs not Specifically Permitted. Signs not specifically permitted by this chapter, are hereby specifically prohibited. 4. New billboards are prohibited. J. Mixed Use Zones. In any zone where both residential and non-residential uses are allowed, the signage rights and responsibilities applicable to any particular use shall be determined as follows: residential uses shall be treated as if they were located in a residential zone, and nonresidential uses shall be treated as if they were located in a zone where that particular use would be allowed, either as a matter of right or subject to a Special Use Permit or similar discretionary process. K. Signs in Overlay Zones and Specific Plan Areas. All sign requirements of this chapter are associated with the underlying zone in which the sign is proposed; however, overlay zones and Specific Plan Areas adopted by the City may alter these requirements based upon the specific conditions and circumstances. L. Comprehensive Sign Program ( CSP) 1. A CSP shall be required for all new or rehabilitated commercial and industrial centers consisting of two or more tenant spaces and multi-family residential projects of more than two units. A CSP shall also be required for all projects requiring a Site Development Plan, Special Use Permit, or for any signage proposal which deviates from the regulations presented in this chapter. 2. When a Site Development Plan or Special Use Permit is required, the CSP shall be concurrently submitted and evaluated. If a Site Development Plan or Special Use Permit is not required, the CSP shall be reviewed independently by the City Planner. The purpose of the program shall be to integrate signs with the building architectural design and landscaping design into a unified theme. In order to achieve this purpose, all signs must comply with the design standards stated herein: a. Using the same background color on all signs or by using various shades determined compatible by the City Planner. Use of compatible colors for the sign copy shall be limited to three colors per sign. b. Using visually consistent lettering, fonts, supports, and mounting methods for signs. c. Using the same form of illumination for all signs.

18.52(13)( Vista 05/23/2025)

Deviations from the requirements of this chapter for individual signs may

be allowed through an approved CSP if the applicant establishes that the deviation is aesthetically justified and will, through a unifying theme, integrate the sign with the building architectural design and landscaping design. Content of the sign shall not be considered in the review. Prior Code Appendix A 1804; Ord. No. 92-25, Amended, 11/17/92; Ord. No. 2000-5, Amended, 06/27/00; Ord. No. 2010-16, Amended, & Renumbered, 9/28/10)

Section 18.52.060 Regulations by Sign Type

All signs subject to this chapter shall be classified under one of the classifications in the

following table. In the event there is no classification applicable to a particular sign, it shall be placed in that classification which it most closely resembles as determined by the City Planner.

18.52(14)( Vista 05/23/2025)

Table 18.52.060A Sign Types Matrix

Sign Type Permitted Maximum Number Maximum Size Maximum Height Sign Permits Other Special Zones of Signs Permitted per Sign (based per Sign Required ( separate Consideration ( for the on Sign Area building permits may specific type of sign unless otherwise be required, to be being proposed) specified) determined at submittal) Address All zones Two (2) per unit. 4 sq. ft. 8 in. (Residential) None n/a Numbers 12 in. (Non- residential) Animated Prohibited, except as allowed under Animated Window Electronic Sign Animated O-P, C-1, C-2, One (1) per window 6 sq. ft. Sign shall not Sign Permit – Animated signs are Window C-3, M-1, and area or one (1) per extend beyond the Administrative allowed as part of the Electronic Business establishment, height or width of a animated window Improvement whichever is less. window on which it electronic sign. Flat District ( BID) is placed. screen TVs and/or areas of computer monitors may Downtown be used under this sign Vista category. Signs must be placed on the inside of the window. Awning O-P, C-1, C-2, One (1) per main 12 sq. ft. Sign shall not Sign Permit – Provide a minimum of 8 C-3 and M-1 entrance to a project above the Administrative ft. clearance between building. awning. bottom of sign and sidewalk.

An Encroachment Permit shall be required for awning that projects into the public right-of- way area.

Balloon Prohibited, except as allowed under Section 18.52.070.B.2. Banner See Section 18.52.070.B.1.

18.52(15)( Vista 05/23/2025)

Sign shall not project
outward from the face of
the building wall or
façade and over the
public right-of-way more
than the distance
specified below:

8 ft. vertical clearance =
1 ft. maximum
projection.

8 ft. to 16 ft vertical
clearance = maximum
projection of 1 plus 0.5
ft. for each foot of
clearance in excess of 8
ft.

18.52(16)( Vista 05/23/2025)

An Encroachment Permit shall be required for a sign that projects into the public right-of- way area.

Blinking or Prohibited Flashing Canopy O-P, C-1, C-2, Two (2) for each Under canopy Minimum of 8 ft. Sign Permit – A canopy sign shall not C-3, and M-1 building entrance, sign must be a vertical clearance Administrative exceed two feet from its but not more than maximum of 4 sq. from finished grade base to the top of the two (2) per building ft. to bottom of sign copy. frontage on any one sign(s). If vehicular street. Canopy sign must traffic is permitted An Encroachment be a maximum of below the canopy, Permit shall be required One (1) of the two one (1) sq. ft. of the minimum for a canopy that 2) signs must be sign area for each vertical clearance projects into the public an under canopy lineal foot of between road right-of-way area. sign and the other canopy front side surface to bottom must be attached to width. Such sign of sign(s) shall be the front of the shall not exceed 14 ft. canopy or parallel 50 sq. ft. in area. to the building façade. Directional All zones Eight ( 8) per 4 sq. ft. 3.5 ft. (ground Sign Permit – n/a building site. mounted); Wall Administrative mounted signs shall

18.52(17)( Vista 05/23/2025)

Suspended signs shall have a minimum clearance of 8 ft. for pedestrian traffic and 14 ft. for vehicular traffic.

Drive-thru C-1, C-2, C-3, Two (2) per site 30 sq. ft. 6 ft. Sign Permit – Menu board and Services and M-1 Administrative ( if speakers shall be Menu Board replacing existing oriented away from menu board only); residential uses and from the public right-of- OR way. Instead, these menu boards and Comprehensive Sign speakers shall be Program to be oriented for use by those submitted with the in the drive-thru lane Special Use Permit ( if only. submittal of a new drive-thru project). Electronic C-3 One (1) per lot or For a single 20 ft. above ground Sign Permit – No animation, blinking or Message building complex. building with at level Administrative flashing is allowed. Board or least 80,000 sq. Copy, images and/or Digital Display ft. of gross floor color changes only once

18.52(18)( Vista 05/23/2025)

The style and proportions of the electronic message board sign must be compatible with the scale of the building and the character of the area.

Flags All zones Two (2) per lot or Length of the Flag must be Sign Permit – n/a building complex. horizontal axis of attached to a pole Administrative the flag shall be no higher than 35 no greater than feet or the highest two times the legally permitted length of the structure existing vertical axis. on the premises, whichever is less. Freeway- May only be One (1) pole sign in 150 sq. ft. of sign 30 ft. above ground Sign Permit – oriented Pole located on a required area level or 15 ft. above Administrative

18.52(19)( Vista 05/23/2025)

Sign Type Permitted Maximum Number Maximum Size Maximum Height Sign Permits Other Special Zones of Signs Permitted per Sign (based per Sign Required ( separate Consideration ( for the on Sign Area building permits may specific type of sign unless otherwise be required, to be being proposed) specified) determined at submittal) sites of new landscaped area, freeway grade motor vehicles outside of the public level, whichever is sales or hotels right-of-way. The greater (not to within proposed pole sign exceed 45 feet Freeway- is not within 150 feet above ground level) Oriented of a neighboring Districts ( See sign on either side Maps 1 so as to not obstruct through 5). neighboring signs. Halo-lit Signs Halo lighting permitted for blade/projecting and wall signs. Hand Held All commercial 6 sq. ft. measured None The sign(s) must be Commercial zones one side only. personally worn or held or Personally- The maximum by a person, or Attended cumulative size of personally attended by Commercial a sign which is one or more persons. physically The sign(s) must be controlled by two displayed in conformity or more persons with the hand held acting in concert commercial sign display is twelve (12) standards set forth in square feet, section 18.52.080. measured one side only. Hand Held Allowed if the 6 sq. ft. measured None The sign(s) must be Non- sign complies one side only. personally worn or held commercial or with the by a person, or Personally- provisions of The maximum personally attended by Attended this chapter cumulative size of one or more persons Non- and other a sign which is commercial laws, including physically

18.52(20)( Vista 05/23/2025)

Sign Type Permitted Maximum Number Maximum Size Maximum Height Sign Permits Other Special Zones of Signs Permitted per Sign (based per Sign Required ( separate Consideration ( for the on Sign Area building permits may specific type of sign unless otherwise be required, to be being proposed) specified) determined at submittal) without controlled by two limitation, laws or more persons designed to acting in concert promote public is twelve ( 12) safety and square feet, access. measured one side only. Housing A-1, E-1, R-1, One (1) per public 32 sq. ft. of sign 6 ft. Sign Permit – Sign shall be placed in a Complex R-1-B, and R-M street frontage of a area Administrative landscaping area where lot or building site, one (1) sq. ft. of with no more than landscaped area is two (2) per lot or required for every one building site. 1) sq. ft. of sign area. Marquee See notes One (1) per lot with 32 sq. ft. of sign 6 ft. if monument Sign Permit – Marquee signs shall be under Other a public street area. sign or pole sign- Administrative allowed only for uses Special frontage. general; such as theaters, Considerations churches, temples or OR other similar uses that require interchangeable If attached to a copy as part of their building, sign shall normal/ daily operations. not project above the roof edge, parapet wall, or façade of the building. Monument O-P, C-1, C-2, One (1) per public 60 sq. ft. of sign 6 ft. Sign Permit – Sign shall be placed in a C-3, and M-1 street frontage of a area. Administrative landscaping area where lot or building site, one (1) sq. ft. of with no more than landscaped area is

18.52(21)( Vista 05/23/2025)

Sign Type Permitted Maximum Number Maximum Size Maximum Height Sign Permits Other Special Zones of Signs Permitted per Sign (based per Sign Required ( separate Consideration ( for the on Sign Area building permits may specific type of sign unless otherwise be required, to be being proposed) specified) determined at submittal) two (2) per lot or required for every one building site. 1) sq. ft. of sign area. Project identification signs may accommodate up to four 4) tenant panels per face. Neon ( for C-1, C-2 One (1) per 2 sq. ft. The sign shall not Sign Permit – Exposed neon lighting accent use building. project above the Administrative used for accent as part only) building’s roof of a sign is permitted edge, parapet or and not considered a façade. neon sign. Neon All zones Two (2) per 2 sq. ft. n/a None Permitted only within interior) establishment. building interior to communicate static message. Noise Making Prohibited or Audible Signs, Except for Drive-thru Menu Boards Non-permitted Prohibited, see Section 18.52.100. Excess Signage Pennants Prohibited, except as allowed under Section 18.52.070.B.2. Pole Prohibited, except for Freeway- Oriented Pole as identified in this table. Pole Sign See Maps 1 One (1) per building 150 sq. ft. of sign 30 ft. above ground Sign Permit – Project identification Freeway- through 5 – complex; or one (1) area level or 15 ft. above Administrative pole signs may Oriented Freeway- per lot for lots that freeway grade accommodate up to four oriented level, whichever is

18.52(22)( Vista 05/23/2025)

Sign must be placed in a required landscaped area, outside of the public right-of-way. The

proposed pole sign may not be within 150 feet of

a neighboring sign on either side so as to not obstruct neighboring signs.

Pole Sign – O-P, C-1, C-2, One (1) per building 64 sq. ft. 6 ft. Sign Permit – Project identification General C-3, M-1, A-1, complex; or one (1) supported by two Administrative signs for a building E-1, R-1, R-1- per lot for lots that or more poles or complex or commercial B and R-M. are not part of a columns in the center may building complex. ground ( O-P, C-1, accommodate up to four C-2, C-3, and M- 4) tenant panels per 1) face.

32 sq. ft. Sign must be supported
supported by two by two or more poles or
or more columns columns in the ground.
or poles in the
ground (A-1, E-1,

18.52(23)( Vista 05/23/2025)

Sign Type Permitted Maximum Number Maximum Size Maximum Height Sign Permits Other Special Zones of Signs Permitted per Sign (based per Sign Required ( separate Consideration ( for the on Sign Area building permits may specific type of sign unless otherwise be required, to be being proposed) specified) determined at submittal) R-1, R-1-B and R-M). Portable Allowed within An establishment in 6 sq. ft. per side 3 ft. Sign Permit – Removable lettering the the Designated BID maximum 2 ft. in Administrative shall be prohibited. Use Designated Areas, can display width). of chalk or dry erase BID Areas only one portable board as sign area may see Exhibit A) sign pursuant to the be allowed. Illuminated immediately in combined operation or animated signs are front of the of this Section and prohibited. advertised Section 12.20.060, establishment. Signs on City To be displayed only The intent is to Property) provided during regular business help create a that no more than hours. pedestrian- two portable signs oriented can be displayed for Portable signs permitted environment any one building. within the Vista and enhance Business Park Specific the overall In the Vista Plan, and within Specific downtown Business Park Plan No. 14, shall be on character. Specific Plan and in private property outside Specific Plan No. the public right-of-way, Allowed within 14, an and immediately in front the Vista establishment can of the advertised Business Park display a maximum establishment. Specific Plan of two portable See Exhibit signs, and a multi- B). tenant property shall obtain a Allowed within comprehensive sign Specific Plan program to allow for

18.52(24)( Vista 05/23/2025)

Sign(s) on produce

stand shall be displayed only during the time period the produce is available on the property

on which the sign is located. Such sign(s) shall be removed when such produce is no longer available.

Sign(s) shall only advertise produce available on the property.

Project All zones One (1) on-site 6 sq. ft. 6 ft. ground- Approval by project Sign area background Noticing – maximum 2 ft. mounted pole planner. color: yellow. Letters: Project On- high by 3 ft. height. capitalized black letters. Site Signs wide). Applicant or developer

18.52(25)( Vista 05/23/2025)

Sign may not be placed in the public right-of-way or on any publicly owned property.

Signs must be removed not later than fifteen

days after the close of escrow or the rental or lease of the property.

Flags, banners and

pennants may not be placed on the sign or be attached to it.

Real Estate All zones One (1) per lot 24 sq. ft. for 6 ft. (freestanding Sign Permit – Parcels lawfully Sign - zoned for commercial and sign). Administrative displaying a real estate Commercial commercial use, industrial zones; sign - commercial, may industrial use, or otherwise, 12 sq. If located on a also display a real estate zoned for or ft. building, the sign sign - general.

18.52(26)( Vista 05/23/2025)

All sale, lease, and

rental signs shall be

removed within 15 days from the date of sale, lease or rental.

Residential A-1, E-1, R-1, Unlimited, so long 16 sq. ft. of total 5 ft. (freestanding None Illumination is not R-1-B, RM, as aggregate total sign area. sign) or 8 ft. if allowed; it must be and mixed-use of all signs does not mounted on a located on-site (not zones. exceed 80 sq. ft. building wall. allowed in the public right-of-way area).

Signage allowance is for each individual residential unit.

Roof Prohibited Rotating Prohibited Service C-1, C-2, C-3, Two (2) monument signs (maximum of n/a Sign Permit – n/a Stations and M-1 60 sq. ft. total sign area) OR one (1) Administrative monument sign (30 sq. ft.) IF a pole sign

18.52(27)( Vista 05/23/2025)

Two (2) canopy signs ( maximum size of 35 sq. ft. each). Sign(s) shall not extend beyond or above the canopy and shall be designed as an integral part of the canopy structure.

One (1) pole sign in a required landscaped area, outside of the public right-of-way. The proposed pole sign is not within 150 feet of a neighboring sign on either side so as to not obstruct neighboring signs (See Freeway- oriented Pole Signs in this table).

Two (2) wall-mounted signs or logos maximum of 15 sq. ft. per sign and not projecting above the roof edge). Motor fuel price indicators as authorized or required by law.

Temporary All zones Unlimited within the 6 sq. ft. within the n/a None Signs not allowed in Signs During public right-of-way public right-of- roadway medians. Election area. way area. Signs may be placed on Periods property only if the Unlimited in area 16 sq.ft. in areas owner, lessee, or other other than public other than public person exercising right-of-way area, right-of-way area. control of such property so long as has given prior consent.

18.52(28)( Vista 05/23/2025)

threat to public safety as determined by the City Engineer.

A sign shall not be erected, installed, placed, or maintained by any person prior to 35 days preceding any federal, state, or local election, and shall be removed, or caused to be removed, by the person responsible for placing or installing such sign, within 5 days following such election.

Window O-P, C-1, C-2, Sign area (s) shall Sign area shall Sign copy shall not Sign Permit – n/a C-3, and M-1. not exceed 25% of not exceed 25% extend beyond the Administrative

18.52(29)( Vista 05/23/2025)

Sign Type Permitted Maximum Number Maximum Size Maximum Height Sign Permits Other Special Zones of Signs Permitted per Sign (based per Sign Required ( separate Consideration ( for the on Sign Area building permits may specific type of sign unless otherwise be required, to be being proposed) specified) determined at submittal) any single window of any single height or width of a area. window area. window on which it However, when is placed. multiple windows are located next to each other and with no wall separation in between them, then 25% can be based on the total area of all windows combined together as one. Wall O-P, C-1, C-2, One (1) per building One (1) sq. ft. of Sign shall not Sign Permit – Sign shall not project C-3, and M-1. frontage on a public sign area or copy project above the Administrative outward from the face of or private street or area, whichever roof edge, parapet the building wall or parking lot. applies, for each wall, or façade of façade and over the lineal foot of the building to public right-of-way more building frontage which it is attached. than 6 inches. A vertical on a public or clearance of 8 ft. shall private street or be present to parking lot. Such accommodate this sign shall not projection. exceed 100 sq. ft. in area. Cabinet signs shall not be allowed as part of new or entirely

18.52(30)( Vista 05/23/2025)

When two (2) or more
establishments occupy
one building space with
one common entrance,
they shall be considered
one establishment for
sign computation
purposes.

Prior Code Appendix A 1804; Ord. No. 1992-25, Amended, 11/17/92; Ord. No. 2000- 5, Repealed & Replaced, 06/27/00; Ord. No. 2007- 25, Amended,
11/27/07; Ord. No. 2010- 16, Amended & Renumbered, 9/28/10; Ord. No. 2011- 3, Amended, 5/24/11; Ord. No. 2016-5, Amended, 4/8/16; Ord. No.
2016- 5, Amended, 8/23/16; Ord. No. 2017- 17, Amended, 10/24/17; Ord. No. 2019- 5, Amended, 2/12/19; Ord. No. 2022- 1, Amended, 02/08/22; Ord.
No. 2025- 1, Amended, 04/22/25)

18.52(31)( Vista 05/23/2025)

Exhibit A – BID Areas

18.52(32)( Vista 05/23/2025)

18.52(33)( Vista 05/23/2025)

18.52(34)( Vista 05/23/2025)

18.52(35)( Vista 05/23/2025)

18.52(36)( Vista 05/23/2025)

18.52(37)( Vista 05/23/2025)

Exhibit B – Vista Business Park Specific Plan Area

18.52(38)( Vista 05/23/2025)

Exhibit C – Specific Plan No. 14 Area

18.52(39)( Vista 05/23/2025)

Section 18.52.070 Temporary Signs

A. Temporary On-Site Signs for Projects that are Under Construction ( New Construction Only) One temporary on-site sign satisfying the requirements of this section is allowed during new construction of a residential project with more than ten units, a commercial project, or an industrial project. The sign shall be consisted of one single or double-faced freestanding sign to be placed on the construction site. The sign shall have a maximum area of 96 square feet (per face) and maximum height of 15 feet above ground. For all other projects during new construction, one on-site single- faced freestanding sign will be allowed on the construction site and it shall not exceed eight feet in width and eight feet in height. All such signs shall be removed upon granting of final occupancy by the City. B. Temporary On-Site Signs Permitted zones: All non-residential zones and residential zones with legally established commercial, institutional, or industrial type uses. 1. Banners. Banners may be displayed on-site for a limited period of time in accordance with the following: a. Approval of a Temporary On-site Banner Sign Permit by the City Planner or designee. b. Banner sign area shall not exceed 1.5 square feet for each lineal foot of building or tenant frontage on a public street. A banner shall not exceed 100 square feet and need not be less than 25 square feet in area. The banner shall only be attached to a permanent and legally permitted building on the site. c. Only one banner per building or tenant space is permitted to be displayed at any one time. Banners shall be non-illuminated and shall not be used to advertise goods and services which are not available on-site. d. An applicant may obtain approval of no more than four temporary on- site banner sign applications in a calendar year. No permit for a temporary on-site banner sign shall exceed 16 consecutive days, except that a new establishment may display a temporary on-site banner sign for up to 30 consecutive days if the display commences within 60 days of the opening of the establishment. A period of at least 90 days must separate each such permit, measured from the first date the sign may be displayed under the permit. For purposes of this section, an establishment is deemed to have opened on the date it obtained or was required by law to obtain a business license from the City of Vista. Message content of the sign shall not be a factor in consideration of the application. e. An applicant may request an additional application approval and extended display time for banners intended to communicate that establishments are open during construction or remodeling. Display of this type of banner may commence upon issuance of a building or grading permit and may continue until such time as all final inspections of the site have been completed. f. Approval procedure. The party deemed responsible for the sign shall submit written application for the display of the sign to the City Planner and obtain a Temporary On- site Banner Sign Permit. The written application shall include the following information and any other information deemed necessary to issue the permit: i. Name, address and telephone number of the responsible party. ii. Address of the property at which the sign will be displayed. iii. Location of the sign on the building. ( For example, centered on north wall, approximately one foot below top of parapet) iv. Landlord or Property Manager approval for the sign, if applicable.

18.52(40)( Vista 05/23/2025)

v. Inclusive dates of the display. vi. Description of the sign, including size, materials and content/ copy. g. Fee. A permit fee, in an amount set by resolution or ordinance of the City Council, shall be submitted and included as part of the application for the Temporary On-site Banner Sign Permit. 2. Special signage provisions for lots where an automobile sales dealership is the primary use. Temporary on-site signage is permitted on lots on which the primary use is an automobile sales dealership in accordance with the following: a. An application for a Comprehensive Sign Program ( CSP) shall be submitted on a yearly basis; it may be submitted in combination with other application( s), or as a stand- alone application. b. The application shall be in a form consistent with Section 18.52.060, with such modification as may be approved by the City Planner. The application shall describe the proposed temporary signage program, including the following information: i. Proposed locations, sizes, materials of all proposed signage, which may include any signs permitted by the Vista Development Code as well as balloons, pennants and banners. ii. Proposed dates of display and the duration of each display period with a maximum of four display periods during a calendar year and a maximum of 15 consecutive days within each display period. c. The CSP shall be processed in the same manner as a CSP pursuant to Section 18.52.050.L. Content of the signage shall not be a factor in consideration of the application. Prior Code Appendix A 1804; Ord. No. 92-25, Amended, 11/17/92; Ord. No. 2000-5, Repealed & Replaced, 06/27/00; Ord. No. 2010-16, Amended & Renumbered, 9/28/10)

Section 18.52.080 Hand Held Commercial Sign Display Standards

All hand held commercial signs or personally attended commercial signs shall comply with the following standards which shall be known as the hand held commercial sign display standards: A. The signs must be displayed only during the time period of sunrise to sunset; and B. Signs may have no more than two display faces, may not be inflated, air-activated, illuminated, project any sharp edges or points, emit smoke or fumes or sounds, pose a fire hazard or other threat to public health safety and welfare, and may not be used to obstruct or impede pedestrian or vehicular traffic; and C. A person may not have an object for purpose of sitting down while holding or personally attending the sign. Prior Code Appendix A 1804; Ord. No. 92-25, Amended, 11/17/92; Ord. No. 2000-5, Repealed & Replaced, 06/27/00; Ord. No. 2010- 16, Amended & Renumbered, 9/28/10; Ord. 2011- 3, Deleted & Replaced, 5/24/11)

Section 18.52.090 Mobile Billboards - Prohibited

A. The purpose of this section is to eliminate mobile billboard advertising within the city

in order to promote the safe movement of vehicular traffic, to reduce traffic congestion on public roads, to reduce air pollution, and to improve the aesthetic appearance of the city. B. It is unlawful to place a mobile billboard on any private property for the primary purpose of causing the mobile billboard to be visible to persons using any freeway, street or other public place within the City.”

18.52(41)( Vista 05/23/2025)

C. This section shall not apply to any vehicle which displays an advertisement or business identification of its owner, so long as such vehicle is engaged in the usual business or regular work of the owner, and not used merely, mainly or primarily to display advertisements. Prior Code Appendix 1804; Ord. No. 92-25, Amended, 11/17/92; Ord. No. 2000-5, Repealed & Replaced, 06/27/00; Ord. No. 2010- 16, Amended & Renumbered, 9/28/10; Ord. 2011- 3, Amended 5/24/11)

Section 18.52.100 Non-Permitted Excess Signage - Prohibited

A. Signs located on a parked or stationary vehicle, as defined in the Vehicle Code, are prohibited when: (1) the vehicle is located on property, other than City property, constituting a street or parking lot that is available for public use; and ( 2) operation of the vehicle cannot occur lawfully on public streets with the sign or display in place. B. This section seeks to assure that businesses, establishments, and uses do not circumvent the purposes of this code by installing, locating or utilizing signage and displays which exceed the quantities, types and allowed locations for such signage. Additionally, this section is intended to avoid visual clutter, distractions for motorists, and degradation to the aesthetics of the community and its efforts to promote high quality and well-planned commercial, industrial and residential districts. C. This section does not apply to non-permitted excess signage placed on vehicles located on City property, which instead, is subject to and prohibited by Vista Municipal Code Section 123.20.120. Prior Code Appendix A 1804; Ord. No. 92-25, Amended 11/17/92; Ord. No. 2000-5, Amended, 06/27/00; Ord. No. 2010- 16, Amended & Renumbered, 9/28/10; Ord. No. 2011- 3, Amended, 5/24/11)

Section 18.52.110 Permit Procedures

A. Permits required. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, limited liability company, corporation or entity to authorize, erect, re-erect, display, use, construct, maintain, move, alter, change, place, suspend or attach any sign within the city without first obtaining a written sign permit to do so and paying the fees prescribed therefore, unless the particular sign is expressly exempted from permit requirements by a provision of this chapter. A separate sign permit shall be required for a sign or signs for each business entity or establishment. An issued permit shall be valid only for the particular sign covered by the permit and only for locating the sign in the specific place allowed by such permit. Issuance of a sign permit does not excuse or relieve the recipient from the obligation to secure building or similar permits for the sign prior to commencing construction or installation. A sign permit shall not be required solely for the purpose of changing copy, repainting or cleaning an existing sign, unless a structural change is made or the copy change would conflict with an approved CSP. The rights and duties in a permit for a permanent sign attach to and travel with the land, not the sign owner, sponsor, or permittee. B. Application for permit. Application for a sign permit shall be made in writing upon forms provided by the City Planner and shall include the following information: 1. Name, address and telephone number of the business owner or establishment, building owner, and sign contractor. 2. Location by street number and legal description ( tract, block, lot) of the building, structure, or lot to which or upon which the sign is to be installed or affixed. 3. Evidence of ownership or landowner’ s consent, such as a letter of authorization or signature on sign plans. 4. Site Plan (drawn to scale) of property showing use, location of proposed signs and buildings, length of building frontage where sign is to be located, parking areas, landscaping, walls or fences, property lines, right-of-way, streets and sidewalks. A drawing to scale showing the design of the sign, including dimensions, sign size, method of attachment, source of illumination,

18.52(42)( Vista 05/23/2025)

and showing the relationship to any building or structure to which it is, or is proposed to be, installed or affixed, or to which it relates. 5. Colored pictures showing final sign product layout. 6. The maximum and minimum heights of the sign(s). 7. Number, size and location of all existing signs on the same building, lot or premises. No permit shall be issued for any sign or sign structure unless it complies with all applicable provisions of this chapter. Where there is a conflict between the provisions of this chapter and other applicable regulations, the more restrictive shall apply. C. Findings required for approval. No sign application shall be approved unless and until the following findings are made by the City Planner: 1. The proposed sign(s) is ( are) consistent with the design criteria of Section 18.52.050. 2. The proposed sign(s) conform(s) to all requirements of Section 18.52.050, Table 18.52.060A, applicable design standards, any applicable Comprehensive Sign Program, any requirements of the General Plan, and otherwise complies will all applicable laws and regulations, including those set forth in this chapter. D. Fees. All signs require a sign permit fee and plan-checking/ inspection fee that shall be paid in accordance with the schedule established by resolution of the City Council. E. Time for Decision. Unless the applicant waives time, the City will render a written decision on all sign permit applications within 30 calendar days of when the application is complete. If such decision is not timely rendered, then the application is deemed denied. However, when signage is part of an application for development approval ( or other zoning processes), then this provision does not apply. F. Status quo. During the time a sign permit application is under review, the status quo shall be maintained at the sign location. G. Appeals. The decision on any sign permit application may be appealed in accordance with Vista Development Code Section 18.04.150. At each stage of internal appeal and review, the status quo shall be maintained pending the decision. Prior Code Appendix A 1804; Ord. No. 92-25, Amended, 11/17/92; Ord. No. 2000-5, Amended, 06/25/00; Ord. No. 2010- 16, Amended & Renumbered, 9/28/10)

Section 18.52.120 Signs Not Requiring a Sign Permit

A. The following signs shall not require a sign permit. 1. Signs required by law. Signs that are required to be erected or posted by federal or state government or by the City of Vista. 2. Temporary signs. Temporary signs that conform to the standards set forth in this chapter, except temporary on-site signs regulated by Section 18.52.070. 3. Project noticing on-site signs. Public notice signs required by the City as part of processing discretionary permits. 4. Signs, not exceeding two square feet which are posted to warn, such as danger high voltage,” or “beware of dog.” B. Owner’ s consent required for display. No sign may be displayed on real or tangible personal property without the consent of the legal owner of the property on which the sign is mounted or displayed. For purposes of this policy, “ owner” means the holder of the legal title to the property and all parties and persons holding a present right to possession, control or use of the property C. Obligation to comply with other laws. Although an owner may be authorized to erect a sign without first securing a permit under this chapter, the owner remains obligated to erect and maintain the sign in accordance with all requirements of this chapter and all other applicable laws. Ord. No. 92-25, Enacted, 11/17/92; Ord. No. 2000-5, Amended, 06/27/00; Ord. No. 2007-25, Amended,

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11/27/07; Ord. No. 2010-16, Amended & Renumbered, 9/28/10; Ord. No. 2011-3, Amended & Renumbered, 5/24/11)

Section 18.52.130 Enforcement

A. Authority. The City Manager or designee ( hereinafter referred to as "Officer") is hereby authorized to enforce all provisions of this chapter. B. Right of entry. When necessary to make an inspection to enforce any of the provisions of this chapter, or when the Officer has reasonable cause to believe that there exists any sign or any condition which makes such sign unsafe, the Officer may enter the premises or building upon which such sign is located at all reasonable times to inspect the sign or to perform any duty imposed upon the Officer by this chapter; provided that he/she shall first present proper credentials and demand entry; and if such building premises is unoccupied, he/she shall first make a reasonable effort to locate the owner or other persons having charge or control of the building or premises and demand entry. If entry is refused, or the Officer is unable to otherwise obtain the consent of the owner or occupant, the Officer shall immediately proceed to obtain an inspection warrant or other remedy as provided by law. In the absence of an emergency, the Officer shall not remove an illegal, abandoned or nonconforming sign unless directed to do so by resolution of the City Council to abate such illegal, abandoned or nonconforming sign, or as provided in this chapter. C. Violations. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, limited liability company or corporation to erect, display, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, convert or demolish, equip, use or maintain any sign or sign structure in this jurisdiction, or cause or permit the same to be done, contrary to or in violation of any of the provisions of this chapter. Except that previously existing non- conforming signs shall be permitted to be maintained pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. The City shall proceed in its discretion against any person, firm, limited liability company or corporation violating any of the provisions of this chapter in accordance with the provisions of any applicable law or ordinance, including without limitation, Sections 1.12.030, 1.3.130, 1.16.010, and 1.16.020 of the Vista Municipal Code. Each such person, firm, limited liability company or corporation is guilty of a separate offense for each and every day or portion thereof during which any violations of any of the provisions of this chapter is committed, continued or permitted. D. Public nuisance. Any sign maintained, used or permitted contrary to the provisions of this chapter, including the maintenance of an illegal or discontinued sign, shall constitute a public nuisance which may be abated by the City by any means allowable under the law. E. Responsibility. As used in this chapter, " person( s) deemed responsible" shall mean any or all of the following: 1. The person or entity who owns the real property upon which the sign exists. 2. The occupant of any premises upon which the sign exists. 3. The owner or user of the sign. 4. The person or entity who erects, places, or alters the sign. Prior Code Appendix A 1803; Ord. No. 92-25, Renumbered, 11/17/92; Ord. No. 2000-5, Amended, 06/27/00; Ord. No. 2010- 16, Amended & Renumbered, 9/28/10)

Section 18.52.140 Discontinued and Illegal Signs - Nuisance

A. Intent of provisions. This section is intended to encourage the display of signs within

the City that satisfy the requirements of this chapter by eliminating discontinued and illegal signs in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. Assuring that existing signs, over time, comply with the provisions of this chapter is as important as prohibiting new signs that violate this chapter. B. Illegal and discontinued signs. 1. Any illegal or discontinued sign located within the city is declared to be a public nuisance. 2. Partial exception for historical signs. Historical signs which were constructed

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lawfully will not be classified as an illegal sign due to a nonconformity with the requirements of this chapter if the City Council determines that the sign is historically significant and makes the following findings: a. The historical significance of the sign for the community outweighs the non-conformity status of such sign. b. The sign neither creates nor causes a traffic hazard. c. The sign does not degrade the aesthetic quality of the community. d. The sign is properly maintained and structurally sound. e. The sign does not adversely affect adjacent properties. For purposes of this section, the City Council makes the above findings with respect to the two existing historical marquee signs located in the City. Prior Code Appendix A 1804; Ord. No. 92-25, Amended, 11/17/92; Ord. No. 2000-5, Repealed & Replaced, 06/27/00; Ord. No. 2010-16, Amended and Renumbered, 9/28/10; Ord. No. 2011-3, Amended, 5/24/11) Section 18.52.150 Legal Nonconforming Signs and Abatement Process

In addition to and without limiting the remedies allowed by Section 18.52.120 and 18.52.130,

illegal and discontinued signs may be abated and removed by the City using any one or more of the following:

A. Signs subject to Chapter 2, Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code ( also known as the Outdoor Advertising Act) may be removed pursuant to the provisions thereof. Nonconforming off-premises signs located within residential areas or agricultural areas within the incorporated boundaries of the city are now illegal, having been fully amortized as of 11/17/99 pursuant to Ordinance Number 92-25 and Business and Professions Code Sections 5412.1 and 5412.2, respectively. B. Signs subject to Chapter 2.5 and Chapter 2.6, Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code (" on-premises advertising displays") may be removed pursuant to the provisions thereof. All nonconforming on-premises advertising displays are deemed to have a useful life of 15 years from the effective date of the ordinance creating the nonconformity. C. All other legal nonconforming signs are deemed to have a useful life of 15 years from the effective date of the ordinance creating the nonconformity and may be abated thereafter using the procedure described in Chapter 2.6, Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code or any other procedure allowed by law. D. In addition to and as an alternative to the abatement methods set forth in this section, any sign qualifying as a nuisance, including any illegal sign or any discontinued sign as defined in this chapter, may be removed, without payment to the owner, pursuant to the nuisance abatement procedures set forth in Chapter 8.36 of this Code or pursuant to any nuisance abatement procedures that may be available under the California Government Code or other California statues. Ord. No. 92-25, Enacted, 11/17/92; Ord. No. 2000-5, Repealed & Replaced, 06/27/00; Ord. No. 2010-16, Amended & Renumbered, 9/28/10)

Section 18.52.160 Severability

If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this chapter is for any reason held to

be invalid or unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this chapter. The Council hereby declares that it would have passed this chapter, and each section, subsection, sentence, clause and phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses or phrases had been declared invalid or unconstitutional, and if for any reason this chapter should be declared invalid or unconstitutional, then the original ordinance or ordinances shall be in full force and effect. Ord. No. 2000-5, Added, 06/27/00; Ord. No. 2010-16, Amended & Renumbered, 9/28/10)

18.52(45)( Vista 05/23/2025)

Vista Municipal Code

Chapter 18.54

Off-Street Parking and Loading Requirements

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