Chapter 17.176 — SIGNS

Prior History: Former Ch. 17.180 Standards for Planned Residential Developments, compiled of RCC Ch. 17.180; Ord. 18 § 2, 2008; repealed by Ord. 247, 1/15/2025.

The purpose of this chapter is to promote public health, safety, and welfare through a comprehensive system of reasonable, effective, consistent, content-neutral, and nondiscriminatory sign standards and requirements.

(Ord. 247, 1/15/2025)

Signs shall be consistent with the following standards:

• A. Timing. Businesses must display a permanent sign within 30 days of opening.

• B. General Plan. Signs shall be consistent with the General Plan.

• C. Roof Mounts. No sign shall be affixed on or over the roof of any building and no display shall be affixed to the wall of a building so that it projects above the parapet of the building.

• D. Display Movement. No sign shall move or rotate or display any moving and/or rotating parts. No propellers, flag, or other noise-creating devices, and no architectural embellishments which utilize mechanical or natural forces for motion, shall be permitted. Use of daylight reflective materials or electronic message boards using flashing, intermittent or moving light or lights is prohibited; provided, however, that electronic message boards displaying only time and/or temperature for periods of not less than 30 seconds is permitted.

• E. Mobile Displays. No person shall place, use, maintain or otherwise allow a mobile vehicle, trailer, or sign not permanently affixed to the ground to be used as a sign. Incidental logos and graphics affixed to a vehicle are not considered signs.

• F. Lighting and Illumination of Displays. A sign may be illuminated unless otherwise specified, provided that the displays are so constructed that no light bulb, tube, filament or similar source of illumination is visible beyond the display face. Displays making use of lights to convey the effect of movement or flashing, intermittent or variable intensity shall not be permitted.

• G. Illegal Signs. All illegal signs and all abandoned signs shall be removed or brought into conformance with this Title immediately.

• H. Sign Maintenance and Construction.

  1. All permanent signs shall be constructed of quality, low-maintenance materials such as metal, concrete, natural stone, glass or acrylics. All temporary signs and banners shall be made of a material designed to maintain and attractive appearance for as long as the sign is displayed;

  2. Signs shall be cleaned, updated and/or repaired as necessary to maintain an attractive appearance and to ensure safe operation;

  3. All equipment related to the sign operation such as transformers, programmers and other items shall be concealed within the sign structure when possible or painted to match the building.

  4. Banner shall be attached flat against the wall or fascia of a building and not hung from poles, awnings, eaves or similar structures. Banners shall be hung with permanent attachments, such as bolts or screws, and not be tied to a structure with rope, twine or similar materials. Banners that are faded and/or torn shall be removed or replaced.

• (Ord. 247, 1/15/2025)

No person shall erect an on-site advertising structure or sign in the City in violation of the provisions contained within any specific zoning classification in this Title or in violation of the following provisions:

• A. Freestanding Freeway Signs.

  1. Located within 660 feet of the nearest edge of a freeway right-of-way line.

     • a. The maximum height of a freeway identification sign shall not exceed 60 feet;

     • b. The maximum surface area of a freeway identification sign shall not exceed 150 square feet per sign face.

  2. Shopping Centers. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A above, a shopping center may have a freestanding center identification sign as follows:

     • a. One center identification sign per street frontage is allowed. One additional center identification sign per street frontage may be allowed if approved by the Planning Commission as part of a sign program.

     • b. The maximum surface area of the center identification sign shall not exceed 100 square feet per sign face.

     • c. The maximum height of a center identification sign shall not exceed 20 feet.

     • d. Signs for individual businesses within a shopping center are permitted as provided in this chapter and in accordance with any adopted sign program for the center.

  3. Number of freestanding signs, other locations.

     • a. The maximum height of a sign shall not exceed 20 feet;

     • b. The maximum surface area of a sign shall not exceed 100 square feet per sign face.

     • c. Not more than one freestanding sign shall be permitted on a parcel of land, except that if a business has frontage on two or more streets, the business shall be permitted one freestanding sign per street frontage provided that the signs are not located on the same street and are at least 100 feet apart.

• B. Window Signs.

  1. Dimensions.

     • a. The maximum width shall be 50% of the total width of the window.

     • b. The maximum height shall be 50% of the total height of the window.

     • c. The maximum size shall be 25% of the total area of the window.

  2. Maximum one window sign per window.

  3. Window signs are only permitted on ground floor windows and expressly prohibited on upper story windows.

  4. Permanent window signs shall be individually painted, etched, or otherwise applied graphics surrounded by clear glass, and shall be painted, applied, or adhered to the interior surface of the glass.

  5. Holiday window painting, such as for Christmas and Halloween, shall be permitted and shall be exempt from the window sign limitations. However, such painting shall contain no reference to named goods or services, and shall be removed within 12 days after the applicable holiday.

• C. Signs Affixed to Building, All Areas.

  1. No sign shall be affixed on, above or over the roof of any building, and no on-site advertising sign shall be affixed to the wall of a building so that it projects above the parapet of the building. For the purposes of this section, a mansard-style roof shall be considered a parapet.

2. The maximum surface area of signs affixed to a building shall be as follows:

   • a. Front wall of building: surface area of the sign shall not exceed 10% of the surface area of the front face of the building.

   • b. Side walls of a building: surface area of the sign shall not exceed 10% of the surface area of the side face of the building.

   • c. Rear wall of a building: surface area of the sign shall not exceed five percent of the surface area of the rear face of the building.

• D. Subdivision Signs. Subdivision signs shall be subject to the following minimum standards:

  1. Signs must be within the subdivision boundaries;

  2. No sign shall exceed 100 feet in surface area;

  3. No sign shall be within 100 feet of any existing residence that is outside of the subdivision boundaries;

  4. No more than two such signs shall be permitted for each subdivision;

  5. No sign shall be artificially lighted.

• E. Electronic Message Signs (Board). This sign type is intended to provide for the location of centrally controlled message signs incorporating an illuminated LED panel at public facilities throughout the City for the purpose of providing information to the public. Electronic message board signs shall be subject to the following:

  1. Type. Community electronic message signs must be one of the following types:

     • a. Monument (ground-mounted on a base).

     • b. Pole (elevated above the ground on a central support).

     • c. Building-mounted (affixed to a building).

     • d. Standards for each sign type are provided below.

  2. Brightness. The electronic message portion of the sign shall comply with all applicable lighting provisions of Chapter 8.64 (Light Pollution) of the Wildomar Municipal Code.

  3. Enclosures and Supports. Sign enclosures and supports must be designed to be compatible with the architecture of the school or other buildings on the site.

  4. Number and Spacing of Signs.

     • a. No more than one sign may be placed on a site (school, park, public facility, etc.), except that two signs may be placed at the high school.
  • b. No specific spacing is required between signs, except that the Planning Commission may impose a spacing requirement based on site-specific circumstances as part of the review of the conditional use permit for an individual sign.

5. Height, Size, Hours of Operation and Other Standards. Standards for the various types of community electronic message signs are as follows:

   • a. Monument Signs.

     • i. Maximum height shall not exceed 10 feet.

     • ii. Maximum screen size shall not exceed four feet high by eight feet wide.

     • iii. Sign may be single- or double-sided. Size for a double-sided sign is calculated by measuring one sign face.

   • b. Pole Signs.

     • i. The maximum height shall not exceed 20 feet. The maximum height to the bottom of the LED panel shall not exceed 12 feet.

     • ii. The maximum screen size shall not exceed six feet high by 12 feet wide.

     • iii. The sign support must be at least one-third the width of the sign face.

   • c. Building-Mounted Signs.

• i. The sign must be mounted to a vertical surface, such as a building wall or other architectural feature, provided that the top of the sign may not be more than 45 feet above the ground at the base of the wall.

  - ii. The sign may not project over the top of the wall on which the sign is placed. 
  
  - iii. The LED panel may not exceed eight feet high by 16 feet wide. 
  

  • d. Hours of Operation.

    • i. Signs may be operated between the hours 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.

  • e. Content.

    • i. Community electronic message signs may display advertising messages for uses not located on the site.

  • f. Permitted Locations. Signs may be placed at the following locations:

    • i. Up to nine signs may be placed at public schools.

    • ii. Up to five signs may be placed at public parks.

    • iii. Public facilities.

    • iv. City-owned property.

    • v. Public road right-of-way (except roadway medians).

    • vi. Signs at public facilities, City-owned property, and public road right-of-way may only be installed and operated by the City, or by another entity specifically authorized by the City.

  • g. Prohibited Locations. Community electronic message signs may not be placed in any of the following locations:

    • i. Private property.

ii. Roadway medians.

• F. Electronic Message Signs (Changeable). Electronic changeable copy signs and electronic graphic display signs shall be permitted only within the C-G, C-H and I-M zones as a freestanding business identification sign for individual businesses on a single parcel of land, or as a freestanding center/business identification sign for commercial retail shopping centers adjacent to Interstate 15 freeway subject to the development standards outlined in this section. In addition, these sign types shall be permitted for private schools and non-profit service club organizations located on a single parcel of land in any zone subject to the development standards outlined in this section. A development permit and/or sign program application is required for these electronic message sign types and shall be approved by the Planning Director prior to the issuance of any building/electrical permit by the Building Department.

  1. Prohibited Electronic Sign Types. Signs with mechanical moving parts (e.g., multi-vision signs) and signs with video or other types of moving lights or visual images (e.g., video display signs) are prohibited within all Wildomar zoning districts.

  2. Exempt Electronic Signs. Time and temperature display signs that are smaller than 12 square feet in size are exempt from these requirements.

  3. Development Standards (Individual Businesses on a Single Parcel). The following standards shall apply to all electronic message sign types.

     • a. A maximum of one electronic message sign is allowed per street frontage and can only be included as part of a freestanding business identification sign.

     • b. An electronic message sign is limited to a maximum sign area of 50 square feet per sign face.

• c. No more than 50% of the total business identification sign area can be allocated to the electronic message portion of the sign.

  - d. Business identification sign which include an electronic message sign are limited to a maximum height of 15 feet. 
  
  - e. The sign shall only be located on the site of the use identified/advertised by the sign. 
  
  - f. When proposed, a monument base for the proposed sign type shall be constructed of materials that are consistent with the materials of the building for the business. The monument base shall be included in the total sign height. 
  
  - g. The electronic message sign shall be located no closer than 100 feet from an abutting residential zone district boundary, and shall not produce any glare into an adjacent residence. 
  
  - h. Audio speakers are prohibited in association with any electronic message business identification signs. 
  
  - i. The provisions in Table 17.180.030-1 (Additional Standards for Electronic Message Signs) shall apply as noted. 
  

  4. Development Standards (Commercial Retail Shopping Centers). The following standards shall apply to all electronic message sign types.

     • a. A maximum of one electronic message sign is allowed for a commercial retail shopping center with a minimum site size of four gross acres.

     • b. An electronic message sign shall be limited to a maximum sign area of 200 square feet per sign face and shall not exceed 45 feet in height.

  • c. The electronic message sign shall be located on the site adjacent to and oriented toward Interstate 15 freeway as determined by the Planning Director.

  • d. The electronic message portion of the sign may only display on-site commercial messages and noncommercial messages.

  • e. The monument base for the proposed sign type shall be constructed of materials that are consistent with the materials approved with the commercial center. The monument base shall be included in the total sign height outlined above.

  • f. Audio speakers are prohibited in association with any electronic message business identification signs.

  • g. The electronic message sign shall maintain a minimum setback of five feet from the freeway right-of-way and/or street property line.

  • h. The electronic message portion of the sign shall comply with all applicable lighting provisions of Chapter 8.64 (Light Pollution) of the Wildomar Municipal Code.

  • i. The provisions in Table 17.180.030-1 (Additional Standards for Electronic Message Signs) shall apply as noted.

5. Freeway Oriented Electronic Graphic Display Sign Regulations for Medical Centers.

   • a. Intent. It is the intent of this subsection to establish sign regulations for electronic graphic display freeway signs proposed as a freestanding business identification sign for medical centers to provide business identification and visibility for the Interstate 15 freeway.

   • b. Applicability. An electronic graphic display freeway sign for medical centers shall be permitted only within the C-G and C-H zones on property adjacent to the Interstate 15 freeway subject to the development standards outlined in this section.

• c. Medical Centers Defined. Medical centers as defined in this subsection includes hospitals and/or medical office buildings providing health care services in the City of Wildomar.

  • d. Permit Required. Prior to any permit being issued, a sign package that includes a development permit, architectural elevations, all electrical, lighting and structural design specifications (accompanied by the appropriate processing fee) shall be submitted to the Chief Building Official and Planning Director for review and approval.

  • e. Development Standards. The following standards shall apply to electronic graphic display freeway sign types permitted in this section.

    • i. A maximum of one electronic graphic display sign is allowed for an individual medical center provided the site is five gross acres or larger, and it is located directly adjacent to the Interstate 15 freeway.

    • ii. The electronic graphic display portion of the freeway sign shall be limited to a maximum sign area of 360 square feet per sign face. An additional sign identifying the name of the medical center shall be allowed provided it does not exceed 35 square feet per sign face and designed separately from graphic display portion. The maximum total height of the sign structure shall not exceed 50 feet.

    • iii. The electronic graphic display sign shall maintain a minimum setback of 15 feet from the site property line/I-15 freeway right-of-way line.

    • iv. The monument base and vertical sign elements for the proposed sign shall be constructed of materials that are consistent with the building materials of the

medical center. The monument base shall be included in the total sign height outlined above.

• v. The electronic message portion of the sign shall only display on-site commercial messages and noncommercial messages. No off-site business messaging shall be permitted.

• vi. Audio speakers are prohibited in association with any electronic graphic display sign business identification signs.

• vii. The electronic graphic display freeway sign shall comply with all applicable lighting standards and requirements of Chapter 8.64 (Light Pollution) of the Wildomar Municipal Code.

• viii. The provisions in Table 17.180.030-1 (Additional Standards for Electronic Message Signs) shall apply as noted.

• G. Temporary Signs. Temporary signs are permitted in all zoning classifications subject to the limitations imposed by this chapter. No person shall erect, use or maintain a temporary sign in the City, except in accordance with the following provisions.

  1. Standards for all Temporary Signs.

     • a. No temporary sign shall be artificially lighted.

     • b. No temporary sign shall be erected, placed, used or maintained within the public road right-of-way, or on a fence/wall (except as allowed in subsection D of this section

during an election period, and subsection E of this section).

• c. No temporary sign shall be erected, placed, used or maintained upon property without the consent of the owner, lessee, person or entity in lawful possession of the property.

• d. No temporary sign shall be erected, placed, used or maintained so that it does any of the following:

  • i. Mars, defaces, disfigures or damages any public building, structure or other property;

  • ii. Endangers the safety of persons or property;

  • iii. Obscures the view of any fire hydrant, traffic sign, traffic signal, street sign, or public informational sign;

  • iv. Blocks motorists' line of vision to areas of vehicular or pedestrian traffic.

• e. Any temporary sign posted or otherwise affixed to property in violation of this section shall be considered an illegal temporary sign. City employees, representatives or agents shall be authorized to remove and dispose of any illegal temporary sign as follows:

• i. Temporary Signs on City Property. Any illegal temporary sign on any public street, right of way, or any City-owned property may be immediately removed by the City. The City employee or agent removing the sign will immediately attempt to notify the owner of the sign, if such owner can be ascertained.

  - ii. Temporary Signs on Other Property. Any illegal temporary sign on any other property may be removed by the City if the authorized City employee has the permission of the person in lawful possession of the property to do so or is authorized to do so by any court of competent jurisdiction.
  

2. Retrieval of Removed Signs. Any person desiring to retrieve a sign removed by the City may do so upon the payment of an administrative fine as required in Chapter 1.16 (Code Enforcement). A person desiring to retrieve a sign may appeal this fine by submitting a written appeal to the Building Official within 15 days after the date of removal. The appeal shall be conducted by review of the written appeal by an administrative hearing officer selected by the City Manager or designee. The submission of a written appeal to the Building Official within the 15-day time period shall stay the disposal of the sign upon a decision of the hearing officer granting the appeal or until 10 days after mailing of a decision of the hearing officer denying the appeal. The determination by the administrative hearing officer shall be final.

3. Disposal of Temporary Signs. Any temporary sign removed by the City may be considered abandoned if it is not retrieved within 15 days after the date of such removal and may be disposed of by the City without liability therefor to any person.

4. The procedures, remedies and penalties for violation of this chapter and for recovery of costs related to enforcement are provided for in Chapter 1.16 (Code Violations) of the Wildomar Municipal Code.

5. Every temporary sign which was lawfully in existence prior to the enactment of the ordinance codified in this chapter, and does not conform to this chapter, shall be deemed a nonconforming temporary sign and shall be removed or altered in accordance with this chapter as follows:

   • a. All temporary signs with a nominal value of $100.00 or less shall be abated or brought into conformance immediately after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter.

     • b. All temporary signs with a value of more than $100.00 shall be abated or brought into conformance within six months of the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter.

   6. All temporary signs not in lawful existence prior to the date of enactment of the ordinance codified in this chapter shall be abated or brought into conformance immediately.

   7. The following temporary signs are prohibited to be located in the City:

      • a. Commercial inflatable devices (i.e., balloons, animals, and the like) and feather signs. Noncommercial temporary inflatable devices are permitted (i.e., holiday inflatable decorations).

      • b. An off-site temporary sign of any kind.

      • c. A temporary sign affixed to fences/walls.

• d. Any temporary commercial sign located on the roof of a building or dwelling unit residence.

  - e. Obscene signs, as defined by Miller v. California (1973) 413 U.S. 15 or subsequent case law. 
  

• H. Standards for Real Estate Signs.

  1. For lots zoned single-family residential, one sign not exceeding six square feet in surface area (per sign face) and not more than six feet in height.

  2. For lots zoned multifamily residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural, one sign on each separate frontage of the lot on the street, each sign not to exceed 32 square feet in surface area (per sign face) and not more than six feet in height. No more than four signs are allowed per development.

  3. Riders, not to exceed two square feet in aggregate surface area (per sign face) may be added to the real estate sign to identify the specific agent offering the property for sale, to show that the property is "in escrow" or for an "open house."

  4. The sign(s) shall be removed within 10 days of the close of escrow on the property or structure, or portion thereof, being sold, leased or rented.

  5. A real estate sign (of any size) located in City limits which is advertising a residential subdivision project outside of the City limits is prohibited. The sign shall be removed within 14 days of notification by the City.

• I. Standards for Yard or Garage Sale Signs and Event Signs. Temporary signs that advertise items for sale or events located on the property on which the sale or event will be conducted are permitted in every zoning classification, subject to the following standards:

  1. The yard or garage sale or event is in conformance with City ordinances.

  2. No sign shall exceed four square feet in surface area.

  3. No sign shall exceed four square feet in height.

  4. No sign shall be posted more than 15 days before the event or sale, and shall be removed within five days after the event or sale.

  5. Only one sign per lot may be displayed at any time and no more than three such signs may be posted on any lot per calendar year.

• J. Standards for Temporary Commercial Banners. Temporary banners for individual businesses located in commercial, office and industrial zone districts shall be allowed with approval of the

Planning Director and subject to the following standards:

1. A banner may be made of paper, canvas, plastic, cloth or similar material, and must be attached to the building or lease space where the business is located.

2. One banner per business shall be allowed at a time. If a business is located with frontage on two or more streets, one additional banner per street frontage shall be allowed.

3. The maximum sign area for a banner shall not exceed 36 square feet with a maximum vertical height dimension of three feet and shall not extend above the eave line or parapet wall of the building.

4. A banner is allowed to be displayed for a maximum duration of 30 consecutive days on a quarterly basis (beginning on January 1st of each year) provided there is a 60-day down period between display times. In no case shall a banner be displayed more than four times per year for the same business.

   5. The banner shall be removed within 24 hours after the end of the 30-day display period.

   6. If a commercial center, office or industrial complex has its own approved sign program (as previously approved by the City of Wildomar), the standards outlined in this section shall not apply.

   7. Inflatable devices (i.e., balloons, animals, and the like) and feather signs used as a temporary business identification banner are prohibited.

• K. Banners and other signage displays are permitted for a period not to exceed the time limits established in Table 17.180.030-2, allowed temporary on-site sign standards by type. Inflatable signs are prohibited. See specific requirements in the following Table 17.180.030-2, allowed temporary on-site sign standards for standards and additional limitations:

Notes:

• 1 Must be located outside of the clear vision triangle.

• 2 Only allowed Friday to Monday.

• 3 Signs shall be removed within 30 days of close of escrow or lease of final unit.

• 4 Banner shall be attached flat against the wall or fascia of a building and not hung from poles, awnings, eaves or similar structures. Banners shall be hung with permanent attachments, such as bolts or screws, and not be tied to a structure with rope, twine or similar materials. Banners that are faded and/or torn shall be removed or replaced.

• L. Temporary Signs in the Public Right-of-Way.

  1. Temporary signs may be placed in the public right-of-way during the period beginning 4:00 p.m. Friday and ending 7:00 p.m. Sunday. Signs in place outside this period will be subject to removal.

  2. Temporary Sign Size, Materials, and Maintenance Criteria. All temporary signs placed in the right-of-way must:

     • a. Be free-standing and securely mounted on a wooden or metal stakes;

     • b. Be no higher than four feet above grade;

     • c. Be no larger than six square feet and no more than three feet in either height or width;

     • d. Be constructed of substantial sturdy, durable and weather-proof material;

     • e. Be kept in good repair;

     • f. Not be illuminated;

     • g. Include the contact name and phone number of the person responsible for the sign in a clearly legible manner, either on the front or back of the sign; and

     • h. Be located in a permitted location as defined in subsection (H)(3).

  3. Sign Location. Temporary signs in the public right-of-way must be located at least 20 feet from the curved portion of the corner in order to maintain visibility for motorists, as shown in the illustration. In addition, the following apply:

• a. Signs must be located at least two feet from the edge of a curb or sidewalk, or from the edge of the pavement if there is no curb or sidewalk.

• b. Signs shall be installed so as not to damage plant materials, irrigation equipment or other public property.

• c. Signs may not be placed on a sidewalk.

• d. Signs may not be placed in a roadway median.

• e. Signs may not be attached to utility poles, sign posts, fences, walls, or any other structure.

Figure 17.180.030-1 Permitted Locations for Temporary Signs in the Public Right of Way

==> picture [379 x 449] intentionally omitted <==

• M. Political Signs. Temporary noncommercial signs associated with any local, state, regional or national official election shall be permitted in any zoning district subject to the following provisions:

  1. No political sign shall be placed earlier than 90 calendar days prior to the election or primary which it addresses, and such signage shall be removed no later than 10 calendar

days following the date of the election or primary.

2. Political signs shall not be erected on a permanent foundation, or be attached to a sign structure having a permanent foundation. Structures with permanent foundations include buildings, fencing, utility poles, utility boxes, traffic signs and directional signs.

3. Political signs shall not be displayed on City-owned property; however, such signs may be permitted in the right-of-way provided no sign is erected, placed, used or maintained on any publicly owned tree or shrub, or upon the improved portion of any street or highway right-ofway used for traffic or parking, or upon any street divider or median. Political signs shall not be suspended over the right-of-way.

   4. No sign shall be placed in a manner that would obstruct visibility of traffic, or which constitutes an immediate peril to persons or property.

   5. A political sign shall not exceed 32 square feet in total area for one side.

   6. Contact information shall appear on the face of the sign. At minimum, contact information shall consist of the name of a responsible individual, committee, or the campaign identification number, and a valid telephone number. The font used for contact information shall be not less than one-half inch in height.

   7. No political sign shall exceed an overall height of six feet. Signs used for identification of political headquarters shall comply with other provisions of this section.

   8. No lot shall contain political signage with a combined aggregate surface area in excess of 80 square feet.

   9. Political signs may not be erected, placed, used or maintained upon property without the consent of the owner, lessee, person or entity in lawful possession of the property.

   10. Political signs shall not be artificially illuminated.

   11. Any political sign that remains posted for more than 10 calendar days after the political or primary to which it pertains shall be deemed abandoned. If the development services director or designee finds that any political sign has been posted or is being maintained in violation of the provisions of this section, the owner of the sign shall be given written notice to remove said sign. Said notice shall include a brief statement of the reasons for requiring removal. If the person so notified fails to correct the violation or remove the sign within five days after such notice, the development services director or designee may cause such sign to be removed. If the owner of the sign cannot in good faith be located within a reasonable time, the sign shall be deemed abandoned. The development services director or designee may cause such abandoned signs to be removed summarily and without prior notice. The City may recoup reasonable costs associated with the removal of violating or abandoned political signs.

• N. Nonconforming and Abandoned Signs.

  1. Except as otherwise provided in this section, any sign lawfully in use on the effective date of this Title or any amendment thereto, shall be considered a legal use and as such may continue to operate and exist, provided:

     • a. Nonconforming signs shall be kept in good repair and visual appearance. Structural alterations or modifications of any nonconforming sign are prohibited. Structural repair resulting in the same size and shape is permitted subject to the provisions of Title 17. Change of copy on a nonconforming sign shall be allowed, provided the change does not increase the area of the sign;

• b. Whenever any modifications, alterations, or changes occur or are proposed, the sign shall be brought into conformance with the provisions, standards and regulations of

this section, requiring issuance of zoning clearance.

2. The City Council, Planning Commission or other designated approving authority, may, as a condition of rezoning, development review or conditional use permit, or other development entitlement, require any nonconforming sign on the applicable property to be removed or altered so as to comply with the provisions of this section.

3. Sign structures which have no message attached to them for more than 90 days shall be considered abandoned signs and as such may be abated by the City. Adequate notice shall be provided to the property owner prior to any removal. For regulatory purposes, any factors indicating abandonment shall not begin occurring until 90 days after the effective date of the ordinance from which this section is derived.

• (Ord. 247, 1/15/2025)