Part 12 — Sign Permit

Part 12, consisting of Sections 14-12.1200 through 14-12.1204, added by Ordinance No. 1156-03 C-M, effective May 22, 2003, as amended by Section 1, Ordinance No. 1449-22 (CM), effective January 12, 2023.

The establishment of regulations and minimum standards for the erection and maintenance of outdoor signs and billboards within the City is necessary for the purpose of promoting the public health, safety, and general welfare, and the establishment of such regulations and minimum standards is in accordance with the provisions of and purposes of this Code.

The City Council further finds that the sign provisions provide minimum standards to safeguard life, health, property and public welfare in keeping with the unique character of the City by regulating and controlling the size, height, design, quality of materials, construction, location, electrification, and maintenance of all signs and signs structures not located within a building, and including temporary signs attached to or affixed upon windows, and to accomplish the following results:

(a) To protect and enhance the character of residential neighborhoods, open views and vistas, and property values by prohibiting obtrusive and incompatible signs;

(b) To promote and maintain healthy commercial centers and property values for effective communication of the nature of goods and services and avoidance of wasteful, ugly and unsightly competition in signs;

(c) To provide a reasonable and comprehensive system of control of signs, integrated within a part of the general planning program and Zoning Code, and not as a distinct police power that is exercised separate and apart from the zoning power;

(d) To encourage signs which are well-designed and pleasing in appearance and to provide incentive and latitude for variety, good design relationship and spacing and location;

(e) To encourage a desirable area character with a minimum of overhead clutter;

(f) To attract and direct persons to various activities and enterprises in order to provide for the maximum public convenience; and

(g) To enhance the economic value of the community and each area in it through the regulation of size, location, design and illumination of signs. (§ 1, Ord. 1449-22 (CM), eff. January 12, 2023)

It is unlawful for any person to erect, enlarge, alter, or relocate, within the City of Watsonville, any sign or other advertising structure as defined in the sign code in Chapter 14-21 without first obtaining a sign permit and where applicable a building permit. Sign permits are valid for one hundred eighty (180) days after issuance.

(§ 1, Ord. 1449-22 (CM), eff. January 12, 2023)

The zoning code establishes two (2) types of sign permits: sign permits reviewed and approved by the Planning Commission and administrative sign permits reviewed and approved by the Zoning Administrator.

(§ 1, Ord. 1449-22 (CM), eff. January 12, 2023)

768

(Watsonville Supp. No. 41, 2-23)

14-12.1203

(a) The Zoning Administrator shall take action on all administrative sign permit applications.

(b) The Planning Commission shall take action on all sign permit applications that are not administrative sign permit applications. (§ 1, Ord. 1449-22 (CM), eff. January 12, 2023)

An application must be submitted by the property owner or by a designated agent on the owner’s behalf on the form provided by the Community Development Department in accordance with Part 4 of Chapter 14-10, with the applicable fee established by resolution. The application shall include the information and materials required by the Community Development Department together with all required application fees. It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide evidence in support of the findings required by Section 14-12.1206 (Findings for approval).

(§ 1, Ord. 1449-22 (CM), eff. January 12, 2023)

(a) The Planning Commission shall review and act on all nonadministrative sign permits at a noticed public hearing in compliance with Part 6 of Chapter 14-10 (Review and Decision by the Planning Commission).

(b) Administrative sign permits shall be reviewed by the Zoning Administrator in compliance with Part 5 of Chapter 14-10 (Review and Decision by the Zoning Administrator).

(§ 1, Ord. 1449-22 (CM), eff. January 12, 2023)

All Level 2 and Level 3 sign permit applications shall be subject to the following findings:

(a) The proposed signs are consistent with the General Plan, zoning code, and any applicable specific plan or area plan adopted by the City Council.

(b) The proposed signs comply with all applicable standards in Chapter 14-21 (Signs).

(c) The proposed signs will not adversely impact the public health, safety, or general welfare.

(d) The number, size, placement, design, and material of the proposed signs are compatible with the architectural design of buildings on the site.

(e) The proposed signs are restrained in character and no larger than necessary for adequate identification.

(§ 1, Ord. 1449-22 (CM), eff. January 12, 2023)

The reviewing authority may attach conditions of approval to a sign permit to achieve consistency with the General Plan, zoning code, and any applicable specific plan or area plan adopted by the City Council.

(§ 1, Ord. 1449-22 (CM), eff. January 12, 2023)

Every sign erected in the City shall be subject to inspection by the Community Development Department to ensure compliance with all provisions of this section and title as amended.

(§ 1, Ord. 1449-22 (CM), eff. January 12, 2023)