§ 18.72

The city of Whittier recognizes and strongly supports the needs of merchants and property owners to identify their businesses through signage and other means of advertisement.

The city further recognizes that size, placement, number, and design of signs significantly influences the general perception of both the community's visual environment and its economic health.

The purpose of Chapters 18.73 through 18.78 and this chapter is to balance the advertising needs of merchants with the city's twin goals of improvement of the aesthetic environment within its commercial corridors and of protecting the city's positive image by providing for the following:

A.

Enhancement of the aesthetic perception of the community and enhancement of the community's property values;

B.

Preservation and advancement of the quality of life for city residents;

C.

Promotion of the use of signs that create a high quality visual environment;

D.

Regulation of signs to ensure designs that are proportionate in scale to surrounding structures and commercial districts;

E.

Elimination of visual clutter while providing reasonable opportunities for adequate identification of businesses and the goods and services they offer; and

F.

Regulation to direct the proper design and location of signs to reduce or eliminate potential hazards and promote the safe movement of vehicles and pedestrians throughout the city.

(Ord. 2900 § 3 (part), 2007)

In addition to the definitions contained in Chapters 18.06 and 18.76, the following words and phrases have the meanings set out in this section, unless it is apparent from the context that another meaning is intended:

"Abandoned sign" means a sign remaining in place or not maintained for a period of not less than ninety days, whose use has ceased, or which no longer advertises or identifies an ongoing business, product, or service available on the business premises where the sign is located.

2.

"A-frame sign" means a sign typically hinged at the top, or attached in a similar manner, and widened at the bottom to form a shape similar to the letter "A."

3.

Reserved.

4.

Alteration. See "Modification."

5.

Amortization Period. See definition in Section 18.78.010(B).

6.

"Animated sign" means a sign, or a portion of a sign, an integral part of which is in action or motion, or which flashes or changes color electronically. "Animated sign" does not include revolving signs or readerboard signs.

7.

"Awning" means an appendage extending from the exterior wall of a building, typically used for shading, and composed of nonrigid materials (except for the structural framework).

8.

"Awning sign" means a sign painted on, or attached to, the surface of an awning.

9.

"Background sign area" means the area included within the outer dimensions of the sign face containing lettering, writing, representation, or logo, together with any frame, structural, or decorative trim forming an integral part of the display and measured in square feet. Support structures for freestanding signs are not included in the sign area except when designed in a manner to further display logos, text, or lettering pertaining to the subject business. For wall or projecting signs that do not contain a clear and/or rectangular border, the background sign area is calculated by enclosing the entire sign within two sets of parallel lines.

"Balloon string" means an arrangement of one or more balloons, with or without any text, which are inflated with air or helium and tethered to a fixed location intended to draw attention to a specific location.

11.

"Banner" means a sign fabricated of plastic, cloth, or similar material attached to a building.

12.

"Can sign" means a sign constructed of a solid cabinet that is not sculpted to the shape of its contents.

13.

"Canopy" means a structural or ornamental roof-like appendage attached to a building, including roof overhangs, marquees, and awnings.

14.

"Canopy sign" means a sign attached beneath or placed upon the structural projection or canopy of a building.

"Changeable-copy sign" means a sign which is characterized by changeable copy.

"Channel letter" means an individual sign can for each letter of sign copy.

"Copy" means any written words, letters, symbols, emblems, designs, figures, and logos used to attract attention to, or identify, a land use.

"Design review board" means the design review board of the city of Whittier, as provided for in Chapter 2.12 of the Whittier Municipal Code.

19.

"Directional sign" means on-premises, freestanding, ground, wall, projecting, or awning signs designed and used to guide or direct pedestrian or vehicular traffic to a particular location or business.

20.

"Director" means the director of community development for the city of Whittier. "Director" shall also include his/her designee.

Facade, Primary. "Primary facade" means a building facade that faces a public street.

22.

Facade, Secondary. "Secondary facade" means a building facade that contains a public entrance, but which does not face a public street.

23.

Fair and Just Compensation—Commercial Signs. See definition in Section 18.78.010(G).

24.

"Festoon" means decorative material or bunting typically attached to a freestanding light standard, used as a means to draw attention to a business.

25.

"Flag (commercial)" means any fabric, banner, or bunting used as a means of advertising, which is attached to a building or pole.

26.

"Freestanding sign" means a sign installed on the ground and detached from any building or wall. Freestanding signs include, but are not limited to, monument, pylon, and pole signs.

27.

"Height" means the greatest vertical distance measured from the finished grade of the sidewalk or top of a curb, whichever is less, to the top of a sign, a sign structure, or advertising display.

28.

"Human advertisement" means any person who is located anywhere within the city, and whose intent is to advertise a business or service, by way of his/her actions, including but not limited to, by holding a temporary sign, wearing a costume, or wearing body paint.

29.

Illegal Sign. See definition in Section 18.78.010(H).

30.

"Illuminated sign" means a sign which uses an internal or external source of light in order to make readable its copy.

31.

"Inflatable character" means an inflatable, balloon-like character, character representation, logo, or other design, generally tethered to the ground or to the roof of a structure.

32.

"Institutional use" means a facility supporting a public service such as a church or other place of worship; an educational institution (public or private); a hospital; and/or a center for public gathering, including any facility used for sporting events.

33.

"Logo" means a visual symbol, representation, or character identifying the business or service provided, which may be all or a portion of the sign.

34.

Reserved.

35.

"Maintenance" means replacement of copy, change of color, maintenance, or repair made to a sign. Any change in location or structure is beyond the scope of maintenance for the purpose of these provisions (see Modification).

36.

"Master sign program" means a comprehensive signage plan specifying the overall sign design, location, placement, and sizes of all signs proposed for a commercial center, as specified under Section 18.75.020 of the Whittier Municipal Code.

37.

"Modification" means any change in location or structure of a sign.

38.

"Monument sign" means a freestanding sign designed with its horizontal dimension greater than its vertical dimension and supported by a pedestal base.

39.

"Mural (commercial)" means a commercial mural is defined as artwork applied to and made an integral part of an exterior wall of a building, public or private, and which directs attention to a business, commodity, industry, or other commercial activity sold, offered, or conducted on the premises upon which such sign is located.

40.

"Neon lighting and sign" means any electric gas tube lighting and any sign containing argon, neon, krypton, helium, or xenon.

41.

Nonconforming Signs. See definition in Section 18.78.010(I).

"On-premises signs" means signs that direct attention to a business, commodity, industry, or other commercial activity sold, offered, or conducted on the premises upon which such sign is located.

For

the purposes of Chapters 18.73 through 18.78 and this chapter, all signs on private property that display noncommercial messages or designs are considered on-premises signs, irrespective of where they are placed.

43.

"Off-premises signs" means signs that direct attention to a business, commodity, industry, or other commercial activity sold, offered, or conducted elsewhere than on the premises upon which such sign is located.

44.

"Pennant" means a flag, string of flags, or similar objects used as a means to draw attention to a business, commodity, industry, or other commercial activity.

45.

"Permanent sign" means and includes all signs referred to in Chapters 18.73 through 18.78 and this chapter, except temporary signs.

46.

"Pole sign" means a freestanding sign supported by one or more structural columns devoid of architectural detail and lacking integration into the sign background and face.

47.

"Planning division" means the planning division of the city of Whittier's community development department.

48.

"Portable sign" means any sign not permanently attached to the ground or to a building. Such signs shall include, but not be limited to, A-frame or sandwich signs, a sign on wheels, a sign that leans against a structure or vehicle, and any other sign that can be moved readily.

49.

"Projecting sign" means a sign affixed to a building facade, placed at an angle perpendicular to the building's exterior wall, or bisecting the corner of a building.

50.

"Promotional sign" means a sign, in addition to a permanent sign, installed on a temporary basis and used to promote a special event or product available at the site on which the sign is located.

51.

"Pylon sign" means a freestanding sign designed with its vertical dimension greater than its horizontal dimension and supported by a single pedestal base or architecturally integrated support posts.

52.

"Readerboard" means a sign containing, in whole or in part, electrical devices allowing for changing copy, text, or content. Electric time and temperature signs are not considered a readerboard.

53.

"Roof sign" means any sign that is placed upon or above a roof of a building, and which is attached to the same, not to include signs mounted on the face of a parapet.

54.

"Sculpted cabinet sign" means a single channel sign cabinet that follows the contours of the sign copy.

55.

"Sign/sign structure/display" means any writing (including letter, word, or numeral), pictorial presentation (including illustration or decoration), emblem (including device, symbol or trademark), flag (including banner or pennant) or any other device, figure, or similar character which:

A.

Is a structure or any part thereof, or is attached to, painted on, or in any other manner represented on a building, other structure or device; and

B.

Is used to announce, direct attention to, or advertise; and

C.

Is visible from the outside of a building.

56.

"Sign placement area" means the largest flat and uninterrupted wall plane of either a primary or secondary facade, not including windows.

57.

"Sign plan" means a completed application for sign development review containing those items listed under Section 18.75.010 of the Whittier Municipal Code.

58.

Street Frontage, Primary. "Primary street frontage" means the linear dimension of the property line or lot line adjacent to a public street. For lots with more than one street frontage, the primary street frontage is the property line adjacent to the widest public street.

59.

Street Frontage, Secondary. "Secondary street frontage" means the linear dimension of a street frontage other than the primary street frontage.

60.

"Temporary sign" means any sign subject to a time limitation or used for a limited time period or purpose; provided, that temporary signs need not be attached to, painted on, or in any other manner represented on a building, other structure or device. "Temporary signs" include promotional signs.

61.

"Time and temperature sign" means a sign which presents time and temperature information.

62.

"Vehicle-mounted sign" means a sign attached to, placed within, or placed atop a stationary vehicle for the purpose of providing signage for a fixed use.

For the purposes of these provisions, a vehicle-mounted sign does not include a sign painted, affixed, etched, or magnetically attached to the door or side of the vehicle, and the vehicle is used in conjunction with the business to which the advertising, e.g., regular use for delivery of business products or obtaining supplies; provided, such a sign must not be attached in a manner that renders the vehicle, or a door, window, hood, trunk, or tailgate of the vehicle unmovable or unusable, or so as to violate any provision of the California Vehicle Code; and provided, the sign is not attached in a manner that renders it unsafe or in danger of detaching.

63.

"Wall sign" means a sign affixed to or painted on the facade of a building with the sign face parallel to the facade, and which does not project more than twelve inches from the building wall.

64.

"Window" means a singular or combined glassed area enclosed within a wooden or metal frame set or affixed in the wall or door of a building.

65.

"Window sign" means any sign placed upon window glazing or within three feet inside a window, which is visible from the building's exterior.

(Ord. 2900 § 3 (part), 2007)

(Ord. No. 2932, § 13, 8-11-09; Ord. No. 3054, § 12, 8-9-16; Ord. No. 3159, § 3(Exh. A), 11-12-24)

A.

The provisions of Chapters 18.73 through 18.78 and this chapter apply to any on-premises sign, sign structure, or display erected, constructed, attached, affixed, or altered on any private property after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter, except within the Uptown Whittier Specific Plan (UWSP). Only the signs permitted in the Uptown Whittier Specific Plan (UWSP) adopted by Resolution No. 5910, as amended from time to time, are allowed on lots within the boundaries of the Uptown Whittier Specific Plan (UWSP) unless provisions of the Uptown Whittier Specific Plan (UWSP) require compliance with provisions of the WMC.

B.

The provisions of Chapters 18.73 through 18.78 and this chapter do not apply to outdoor advertising structures (billboards), as defined and regulated by Chapter 18.68 of the Whittier Municipal Code.

(Ord. 2900 § 3 (part), 2007)

(Ord. No. 3159, § 3(Exh. A), 11-12-24)

Any sign located entirely within a building and not within three feet of a window, and which is not readily visible from the exterior of the building, is exempt from the requirements of Chapters 18.73 through 18.78 and this chapter.

(Ord. 2900 § 3 (part), 2007)

(Ord. No. 3159, § 3(Exh. A), 11-12-24)

Any sign authorized under Chapters 18.73 through 18.78 and this chapter can contain noncommercial copy in lieu of any other copy. Signs containing noncommercial speech are subject to the same time, place, and manner regulations as commercial signs, as regulated by Chapters 18.73 through 18.78 and this chapter.

(Ord. 2900 § 3 (part), 2007)

Construction, installation, or placement of the following types of signs is prohibited:

A.

Pole signs;

B.

Balloon strings;

C.

Roof signs;

D.

Vehicle-mounted signs;

E.

Animated signs;

F.

Signs that produce smoke, sound, or other emissions;

G.

Any sign containing fluorescent colors;

H.

Can signs.

(Ord. 2900 § 3 (part), 2007)

(Ord. No. 3159, § 3(Exh. A), 11-12-24)

18.72.070 - State and federal requirements.

The provisions in Chapters 18.73 through 18.78 and this chapter do not excuse, prevent, materially alter, or restrict any signage requirements under any California or federal statutes. Any provisions in Chapters 18.73 through 18.78 and this chapter that are inconsistent or in conflict with state or federal law, are preempted.

(Ord. 2900 § 3 (part), 2007)

Chapter 18.73 - OFF-PREMISES SIGNS—SIGNS IN THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY—HUMAN ADVERTISEMENTS

18.73.010 - Off-premises signs prohibited.

A.

All permanent off-premises signs are prohibited in the city of Whittier.

B.

All temporary off-premises signs are prohibited in the city of Whittier, except as provided in Section 18.73.030.

(Ord. 2900 § 4 (part), 2007)