Williams Municipal Code Ch. 17.11 Signs

A. The purpose of this chapter is to provide minimum standards to safeguard life, health, property, aesthetics and public welfare and safety by regulating and controlling the type, size, number, design, quality of materials, construction, illumination, location and maintenance of all signs in the City of Williams.

B. By adopting this chapter, the city intends to balance several competing interests, including:

1. To regulate signs in a constitutional manner, with rules that do not regulate protected noncommercial speech by content or favor commercial speech over noncommercial speech;

2. To provide adequate opportunity for persons to express themselves by displaying an image or message on a sign;

3. To preserve and enhance the aesthetic, traffic safety and environmental values of our community;

4. To minimize distraction, obstruction or other impediments to traffic circulation which would be caused by excessive or inappropriately placed signage;

5. To safeguard and preserve the health, property, and public welfare of Williams's residents by regulating the physical design, location, and maintenance of signs.

6. To provide a method for abatement of illegal and abandoned signs; and

7. To implement the General Plan.

(Ord. No. 244-21, § 1, 7-21-2021)

A. Regulatory scope. This chapter, except for Section 17.11.130 which regulates signs on city property, regulates signs, as defined herein, which are located on or displayed from, private property located within the city as well as signs located on public property owned by public agencies other than the city, over which the city has land use regulatory authority.

B. Owner's consent. No sign may be displayed on private property without the consent of the property owner or person holding the present right of possession and control of the property, except that a landlord's consent is not required for a tenant to display signs as specified in Civil Code Section 1940.4.

C. Noncommercial messages. There is no location criterion for noncommercial messages that are protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and/or the corollary provisions of the California Constitution.

D. Message substitution. Any constitutionally protected noncommercial message 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 may be made without any additional approval or permitting.

E. Permit generally required. Unless exempted from the sign permit requirement, all signs shall be installed or displayed only pursuant to a sign permit issued by the city. It is unlawful for any person, association, corporation or other entity to erect in any manner within the city a sign, except in conformance with the provisions of this chapter and all other applicable laws, rules and regulations and policies.

F. Discretionary approvals. Whenever a sign or a proposed sign is subject to any discretionary review, permit, or approval, such discretion may be exercised only as to the compatibility of the sign within its location, and other structural, architectural and locational factors and consistency with the city's design manual in accordance with Subsection 17.05.270.2.C. of the Zoning Ordinance.

G. Administrator interpretations. All interpretations of this chapter shall be exercised in light of message neutrality and message substitution policies. Where a particular type of sign is proposed, 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, as adopted by the city, then the planning commission or planning director or his/her designee, as applicable, shall approve, conditionally approve or disapprove the application based on the most similar sign type, using physical and structural similarity, that is expressly regulated by this chapter.

H. Compatibility factors. In determining compatibility of a sign with its surrounding environment, the following criteria may be considered: (1) style or character of existing improvements upon the site and properties adjacent to the site; (2) visual elements such as construction materials, physical design details, and the number and spacing of signs in the area; (3) the sign's height, size and location, in relation to its proposed location and use; (5) potential effect of the proposed sign on driver and pedestrian safety; (6) potential blocking of view (whole or partial) of a structure or façade or public view of natural, historical or architectural significance; (7) potential obstruction of views of users of adjacent buildings to side yards, front yards, open space or parks; (8) potential negative impact on visual quality of public spaces, including but not limited to recreation facilities, public squares, plazas, courtyards and the like; (9) whether the sign structure will impose an aesthetically foreign or inharmonious element into the existing skyline or local viewscape. In addition, in accordance with Subsection 17.06.270.2.C. of the Zoning Ordinance, sign review must include evaluation for consistency with certain standards and guidelines contained in the city's design review manual.

I. Federally registered marks. The provisions of this chapter shall not require alteration of the display of any registered mark, or any trademark, service mark, trade name, or corporate name that may be associated with or incorporated into a registered mark, where such alteration would require the registered mark to be displayed in a manner differing from the mark as exhibited in the certificate of registration issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. However, the city does have discretion to regulate the size of the display in relation to compatibility factors. It is the responsibility of the applicant to establish that a proposed sign includes a registered mark.

(Ord. No. 244-21, § 1, 7-21-2021)

For purposes of this chapter, refer to Section 17.06.320 regarding zoning definitions.

(Ord. No. 244-21, § 1, 7-21-2021)

A. All sign permit applications shall be consistent with the provisions of this chapter. All signs that are not expressly exempted from the sign permit requirements may be installed, erected or displayed only pursuant to a sign permit. There are three types of sign processes that require city review, including: 1) review of some exempt signs that don't require permits; 2) sign installation permits; and 3) comprehensive sign package permit. Subsection 17.11.050.B. of this chapter provides more details of those signs identified as being exempt from a permit. The following addresses sign installation and comprehensive sign package permits:

1. Sign installation permit and fee. Application for a sign installation permit may be filed with the city planning department upon forms furnished by the city. The application shall include working drawings and details as described in the city's sign application checklist as provided and maintained by the planning director. The city council may establish by resolution a fee commensurate with the costs of processing and reviewing applications and administering this chapter. If a fee is established by the city council, the fee shall accompany each application for a sign installation permit.

2. Comprehensive sign package and fees. Buildings or building complexes containing three or more uses or separately leasable spaces, shall be required to submit a comprehensive sign package to the city planning department on forms furnished by the city prior to the issuance of the first sign permit for the building complex. Such sign package shall include a sign program and other information as described in the city's comprehensive sign package application checklist as provided and maintained by the planning director. The city council may establish by resolution a fee commensurate with the costs of processing and reviewing applications and administering this chapter. If a fee is established by the city council, the fee shall accompany the submission of a comprehensive sign package.

B. Approving authority. The following persons, departments, advisory or legislative bodies are entitled to approve or deny sign requests as follows:

1. Sign installation permit. The planning director or his/her designee, is authorized to issue a sign installation permit if said application complies with the provisions of this chapter and all other applicable laws, rules, regulations, procedures, design guidelines and standards and policies, including all applicable health and safety codes. In accordance with the city's design review procedures, the sign installation permit may also be subject to review by the design review committee and/or the planning commission. The planning director or his/her designee may also refer a sign installation permit application to the planning commission if he/she finds that the proposal may conflict with the purposes and criteria set forth in this chapter. The design review committee, planning commission or planning director or designee, as the case may be, may approve a sign installation permit if on the basis of the application, plans, materials, and testimony submitted, finds:

a. The proposed sign(s) conform to the criteria set forth in this chapter;

b. The proposed sign(s) is/are compatible with other signs on the site and in the vicinity;

c. The proposed sign(s) will not adversely impact traffic circulation in adjacent right-of-way or create a hazard to vehicular or pedestrian traffic;

d. The proposed sign(s) will not have an adverse visual impact on adjoining land uses; and

e. The proposed sign(s) is consistent with the design review manual in accordance with Subsection 17.05.270.2.C. of this Code.

The planning director or designee may approve a sign installation permit application subject to such conditions, modifications or limitations as the committee and/or commission deems appropriate to carry out the purposes and goals of this chapter.

2. Comprehensive sign package. The planning director or designee shall consider and either approve or deny comprehensive sign packages according to the provisions of this chapter, and all other applicable laws, rules, regulations and policies, including all applicable health and safety codes. The planning director or designee may approve a comprehensive sign package application subject to such conditions, modifications or limitations as the planning director or designee deems appropriate to carry out the purposes and goals of this chapter. In accordance with the city's design review procedures, the comprehensive sign package may be subject to review by the design review committee and/or the planning commission. The planning director or designee may also refer comprehensive sign packages to the design review committee and/or planning commission if he/she finds that the proposal may conflict with the purposes and criteria set forth in this chapter. The design review committee, planning commission or planning director or designee as the case may be, may approve a comprehensive sign package if on the basis of the application, plans, materials, and testimony submitted, finds:

a. The proposed sign(s) conform with the criteria set forth in this chapter;

b. The proposed sign(s) is/are compatible with other signs on the site and in the vicinity;

c. The proposed sign(s) will not adversely impact traffic circulation in adjacent right-of-way or create a hazard to vehicular or pedestrian traffic;

d. The proposed sign(s) will not have an adverse visual impact on adjoining land uses; and

e. The proposed is consistent with the design review manual in accordance with Subsection 17.05.270.2.C. of this Code.

C. Time required between substantially similar applications. In accordance with Section 17.05.280.11 of this Code, the city shall not accept any application that is substantially similar to an application that was denied within the six months from the date the application is denied.

D. Public hearing process. Any application for a sign installation permit or comprehensive sign package which was denied is appealable to the planning commission in accordance with the provisions in Section 17.05.260.4 of this Code. A decision by the planning commission is appealable to the city council in accordance with the provisions in Section 17.05.280.7 of this Code.

E. Installation. Signs shall be installed substantially consistent with the plans approved by the approval authority within twelve months of the approval or the sign approval will be deemed to have expired and become null and void. Prior to sign installation, a sign building permit shall be obtained as required by the Uniform Sign Code and/or related city regulations.

(Ord. No. 244-21, § 1, 7-21-2021)

A. The erection of signs and their supports shall be in accordance with applicable provisions of the California Building Code, as adopted and applied by the city pursuant to Chapter 15.04 of this Code, and the California Electrical Code, as adopted and applied by the city pursuant to Chapter 15.12 of this Code, in compliance with the sign design standards and consistent with the sign design guidelines referenced in the city's design review manual, and other applicable codes, statutes, ordinances and regulations. The owner of any parcel on which a sign is located shall properly maintain, or cause to be maintained, in good condition and repair every sign, and its parts, structure, supports and surrounding landscape areas, if any.

B. Exempt signs. An exemption from a sign installation permit or comprehensive sign package shall not be deemed to grant authorization for the installation of any sign not in compliance with all requirements of this chapter or consistent with the design review manual, nor any provisions of the codes of the city. All signs that have an electrical system shall require an electrical permit issued by the building official. Some signs that may qualify to be exempt from permit requirements may be subject to approval by the planning director. However, if after initial review of a sign that may be listed as exempt is found not to be in compliance with this chapter and/or not consistent with the design review manual, the planning director may qualify the sign as subject to a sign installation permit. Signs that have been deemed subject to a sign installation permit are then subject to all provisions of Section 17.11.040 of this chapter. Sign types are generally exempt from the sign permit requirement, but are still subject to all other applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies and approvals as shown below in Table 17.11.050.10.

Table 17.11.050.10 Exempt Signs Level of Review

C. Prohibited signs.

1. Types of prohibited signs. All signs not expressly allowed by this chapter shall be prohibited.

2. Examples of prohibited signs. Examples of prohibited signs include the following:

a. Flashing, rotating, moving, blinking, reflecting and/or florescent painted signs, or signs which emit smoke, fumes, flashes, sparks, or sound.

b. Signs on trees, shrubs, stones, fences or utility poles.

c

Any sign erected in such a manner that it will, or reasonably may be expected to, obstruct the view of or conflict with any traffic sign, signal or device, obstruct the view of pedestrian or vehicular traffic, or otherwise be detrimental to public safety.

d. Animated signs, including electronic message display signs, and variable intensity, blinking, or flashing signs, balloons, inflatable signs or other similar attention getting devices, or signs that emit a varying intensity of light or color (except for commercial mascot signs).

e. Roof signs.

f. Abandoned signs.

g. Illegal signs.

h. Signs displayed without permission of owner or lessee.

i. Signs that are hazardous or unsafe by virtue of their physical condition.

j. Search lights used for advertising or attention-getting.

k. Signs that are activated by air, forced air, forced gas or wind.

l. Signs that interrupt or encroach into the corner clear zone.

m. Private party signs placed on city property without consent.

n. Digital display/electronic message signs, excepting therefrom signs permitted explicitly in this chapter.

o. Freeway oriented and off-site signs, unless they meet the criteria listed in Section 17.11.080.

p. Flags, except as specifically allowed in Section 17.11.030 of this chapter.

q. Inflatable or tethered signs or devices.

r. Obscene signs, such as graphic images of human anatomical areas or specified sexual activities as more completely described in city Ordinance 134-04.

D. Sign maintenance.

1. Each sign and supporting hardware, including temporary signs, shall be maintained in good repair and functioning properly at all times.

2. A repair to a sign shall be of equal or better quality of materials and design as the original sign.

3. A sign that is not properly maintained and is dilapidated and has been deemed a public nuisance may be abated in compliance with this Code.

4. When an existing sign is removed or replaced, all brackets, poles, and other supports that are no longer required shall be removed.

5. Unpainted areas of a sign and supporting structure and hardware shall be painted to match the adjacent portion of the structure or the sign support structure.

E. Relocation. A permanent sign may be relocated only pursuant to a new permit. Relocated signs must comply with all rules that apply to the new location.

F. Flags. Flags are considered signage if not meeting the definition of "flag" in Section 17.06.320 of this chapter.

(Ord. No. 244-21, § 1, 7-21-2021)

A. Signage for residential uses is allowed, unless specifically prohibited by this Ordinance, if complying with the following standards:

1. Signs on single- and multifamily residences (individual dwelling units). Single-family residential units may display signs as stated in this subsection, subject to the rules stated in this subsection.

a. Sign area. At all times, the total display area of all signs shall not exceed five square feet; in the case of freestanding signs, area shall be measured on all sides and shall count separately.

b. Height. Signs in the corner clear zone shall not exceed thirty inches in height and shall not create a traffic sight obstruction or other traffic or pedestrian hazard.

c. Number of signs. Not limited.

d. Location. Not on public property or public right-of-way, or mounted on utility structures or poles, or trees or vegetation.

e. Prohibited signs. A-frame signs, digital displays, interior illuminated signs, feather banners, and roof signs are prohibited in residential zones.

2. Project entrance signs. New housing developments may display signs as authorized by this subsection, subject to the rules stated in this subsection. The signs authorized by this subsection are in addition to those authorized for individual dwelling units.

a. Number of signs. One sign per each main vehicular traffic entrance. The signs must be placed within a maintained landscaped area within an acceptable easement or open space lot authorized for signage.

b. Size and height. Maximum twenty-four square feet (per side); maximum four feet high.

3. Tourist oriented directional signs in compliance with Subsection 17.11.080.C. of this chapter.

B. Agricultural or open space signs. The following signs are allowed in agricultural or open space zones or easements:

1. Wall signs. Wall sign area shall not exceed forty square feet.

2. Monument signs. Monument signs shall not exceed twenty square feet, or five feet in height. Monument signs shall be placed within a landscaped area.

3. Tourist-oriented directional signs. Tourist-oriented directional signs in compliance with Section 17.11.080.C. of this chapter.

(Ord. No. 244-21, § 1, 7-21-2021)

A. Permanent signs. The following types of signs may be mounted, erected, installed and displayed on commercial, institutional and industrial uses, subject to the rules stated in this section. All commercial messages shall be on-site only, except in the C-S, C, C-D, BP, or IN zones.

1. Freestanding signs. Freestanding sign types include pole signs, ground signs or monument signs.

a. Pole or ground signs. A pole or a ground sign may be permitted if all of the following design standards are met:

i. Frontage requirement. The site shall have a street frontage of at least two hundred feet.

ii. Number of signs. The identification of a single use not located within a building complex will be limited to one freestanding pole or ground sign. The identification of uses located within a building complex will be limited to one freestanding pole or ground sign per each one thousand feet of street frontage, provided that complexes with multiple street frontages may be allowed one secondary ground sign with a maximum height of fifteen feet, provided the total allowable sign area is not exceeded. No individual use located within a building complex will be permitted to have its own freestanding pole or ground sign.

iii. Sign area. The total sign area of all freestanding pole or ground signs for a single building or a building complex shall not exceed the following:

iv. Sign height. The height of a freestanding pole or ground sign shall not exceed the following standards:

b. Monument signs. Freestanding monument signs may be permitted subject to following design standards:

i. Building complexes. Limited to one monument sign per each one hundred fifty feet of street frontage.

ii. Frontage requirement. No more than one monument sign shall be allowed per street frontage.

iii. Sign area. The sign area of a monument sign shall not exceed the following standards:

iv. Sign height. No monument sign including a frame, border or base shall exceed six feet in height as measured from existing grade.

2. Wall signs. The maximum size of a wall sign, including a logo, shall be two square feet of sign area for each lineal foot of primary tenant frontage and 0.5 additional square foot for each linear foot of secondary tenant frontage or ten percent of the area of the building façade on which the sign is mounted or painted, including the area of windows, doors and recesses, whichever is less. The total area of all signs on a primary frontage shall not exceed one hundred square feet and total area of all signs on a secondary frontage shall not exceed fifty square feet. Wall signs for second story tenants shall not exceed twelve square feet. Frontage is computed on an individual basis in multi-tenant buildings. Building frontage shall be measured along that side of the building for which the sign is proposed.

3. Projecting, canopy or suspended signs. The following specific design standards shall apply to projecting, overhead and suspended signs:

a. Sign area. A projecting sign shall not exceed thirty square feet. Signs that are suspended from a canopy or other roof structure over the sidewalk or building entrance shall not exceed twelve square feet. Projecting, canopy, and/or suspended signs shall count towards the maximum allowable sign area.

b. Number of signs. Only one sign per use is allowed and shall only be allowed if the wall it is projecting from does not have any wall signs. (Exception: If a canopy is over the entrance to a use, a projecting sign may be allowed under the canopy at each entrance provided such sign does not exceed eight square feet and the total projecting signage for the use does not exceed thirty square feet.)

4. Window signs. The following specific design standards shall apply to window signs:

a. Sign area. Permanent window signs shall not occupy more than twenty-five percent of the total window area. Window sign area shall count towards the maximum allowable sign area.

b. Sign location. Signs shall be allowed only on windows located on the ground level and second story of a structure frontage.

5. Directional signs. Directional signs shall be no more than three feet high and three square feet. They are not limited by number or location.

6. Awning signs. The following specific design standards apply to awning signs:

a. Limited to one awning sign per building entrance with an awning, not to exceed three awning signs per business.

b. Signs on awnings are limited to ground level or second story occupancies only.

c. Awnings or awning signs shall not be internally illuminated. Direct exterior lighting may be allowed.

7. A-frame signs. The following specific standards apply to A-frame and other portable signs:

a. Sign area. An A-frame sign must not exceed six square feet in area on each side.

b. Timing. A-frame signs must be removed at the end of each business day.

c. Location. A-frame signs must be located at ground level on-site of the business, not in the city right-of-way, they cannot block the sidewalk or interfere with traffic, either pedestrian or vehicular, and they must be anchored or weighted.

d. Number of signs. One per business.

8. Feather banners. Feather banners authorized by this section are in addition to the maximum allowable signage which is otherwise permitted. Feather banners shall be maintained in good condition at all times, without faded, frayed or torn fabric. The following specific standards apply to feather banners:

a. Location. Feather banners may only be installed on private property and shall not extend over the public right-of-way. Minimum spacing between feather banners shall be eight feet. Signs shall not create a traffic sight obstruction or other pedestrian or traffic hazard and shall comply with applicable engineering design standards.

b. Height. Maximum height for feather banners shall be the lesser of fifteen feet or the height of the building.

c. Number of signs. Two per business.

d. Illumination. Feather banners may not be illuminated.

9. Commercial mascots. Commercial mascots authorized by this section are in addition to the maximum allowable signage which is otherwise permitted. The following specific standards apply to commercial mascots:

a. Private property. No more than one commercial mascot may be allowed on private property per business location only within commercial zones.

b. Public property. On public sidewalk areas during the daytime hours between sunrise and sunset, as specified by the United States Naval Observatory (USNO) data. Commercial mascots may not interfere with public ingress or egress or free use of sidewalks or public right-of-way. In order to serve the city's interests in traffic flow and safety, persons displaying signs on public sidewalks must give at least three feet width clearance for pedestrians to pass by. Persons holding signs may not block the view within the clear corner area. No more than one commercial mascot shall be allowed to occupy a street intersection corner area. No more than one commercial mascot shall be allowed for each business and the business must be within three hundred feet from the location where the commercial mascot is performing. A ten-foot minimum separation shall be maintained between commercial mascots. The total sign area displayed shall not exceed twenty square feet. Sign display exhibits involving airborne signage shall not be permitted.

c. Illumination. Commercial mascots shall not utilize any form of illumination or lighting.

10. Tourist-oriented directional signs. Tourist-oriented directional signs are allowed in all zones subject to design standards in Subsection 17.11.080.C. of this chapter.

11. Subdivision signs. Subdivision signs are allowed in all zones and shall not exceed thirty-two square feet in size.

12. Murals. Murals shall be reviewed by the planning commission for consideration and approval at a noticed public hearing. The application shall include a detailed drawing or sketch of the mural plus other details as prescribed on the application form.

a. In addition to the information requested on the form, the application shall include:

i. A list of the persons and addresses who own property within a three hundred-foot radius of the proposed mural, and accompanying radius map.

ii. Written notice shall be mailed or delivered at least ten days prior to the hearing to the applicant, if any, and to all persons, including, corporations, or other public or private entities, shown on the last equalized assessment roll as owning real property within three hundred feet of the proposed mural.

iii. Notice shall be deemed given when deposited in the United States Mail, postage prepaid and addressed to the intended recipient at the address shown on the latest equalized assessment roll.

b. In granting or denying approval, the planning commission shall consider extent to which the proposal fulfills the following standards:

i. The mural shall demonstrate superior artistic quality or theme as opposed to direct or indirect illustrative advertising;

ii. The mural or graphic shall be designed to enhance or distinguish the architectural features of the structure on which it is placed;

iii

The design and colors used shall be harmonious with the surrounding environment and shall not be used for the exclusive purpose of calling attention to the mural or graphic;

iv. The mural shall not have an adverse impact on the safe and efficient movement of vehicular or pedestrian traffic;

v. The proposed mural, by its design, construction and location, will not have a substantial adverse effect on abutting property or the permitted use thereof, and will contribute to the city's unique character and quality of life;

vi. The paint to be used and applied shall be appropriate for use in an outdoor locale, for an artistic rendition and shall be of a permanent, long-lasting variety;

vii. Possible historic value.

(Ord. No. 244-21, § 1, 7-21-2021)

A. Freeway-oriented off-site signs may only be allowed in the highway overlay zone with a sign installation permit subject to approval by the planning commission. If the freeway-oriented and/or off-site sign is subject to the provisions of the Outdoor Advertising Act (Business and Professions Code Sections 5200 through 5486), the sign permit shall be contingent upon subsequent issuance of the permit that is issued by the Director of Transportation of the State of California, or his authorized agent. For freeway-oriented and off-site signs located within highway overlay zone, no sign shall be erected within five hundred feet of any other sign located on the same side of the highway. Freeway-oriented and off-site signs may not exceed sixty feet in height and six hundred square feet total area (excluding exempt signs) and no more than two hundred square feet per business.

B. Digital display/electronic message signs. Digital display/electronic message signs may be allowed pursuant to a sign installation permit subject to approval by the planning commission.

C. Tourist-oriented directional signs shall be permitted in all zones subject to the following requirements:

1. The signs shall be smaller in size, each not exceeding eight square feet in area or eight feet in height.

2. The signs shall be non-illuminated in order to be compatible with their generally rural surroundings.

3. The signs shall be subject to the issuance of an encroachment permit.

(Ord. No. 244-21, § 1, 7-21-2021)

A. The signs authorized by this section are in addition to the maximum allowable signage which is otherwise allowed for signage on a site.

1. Height: Maximum height for freestanding temporary signs is five feet.

2. Number of signs: Unless otherwise stated, the maximum number of separate temporary signs is four for commercial, institutional or industrial zones, and two for residential, neighborhood conservation, agricultural or open space zones.

3. Location: Signs shall not be located on public property. Signs in the corner clear zone shall not exceed thirty inches in height and shall not create a traffic sight obstruction hazard. Temporary signs shall not be posted on any tree, bush or other vegetation.

4. Time period:

a. Nonresidential zones. Temporary commercial message signs may be displayed for up to three separate periods per calendar year from one to fifteen days each period, per use.

b. Residential, agricultural, open space zones. Temporary commercial message signs may be displayed for up to three separate periods per calendar year from one to fifteen days each period, per each lot.

c. Temporary signs displaying protected noncommercial speech. Temporary signage used to display protected noncommercial speech is allowed at all times, however the sum of commercial and noncommercial speech temporary sign display area(s) at any given point shall not exceed the maximum area permitted. Sign area is limited to fifty square feet per sign in commercial and industrial zones, and thirty square feet per sign in residential, institutional, agricultural or open space zones.

d. Exceeding time allowance. If the duration of temporary sign display of commercial messages exceeds the applicable maximum time period for temporary signs, then the sign shall be deemed permanent and the area thereof shall be counted against the allowable area for permanent signage for the site or lot. A sign permit must be obtained or the sign must be removed.

5. Sign area:

a. Commercial, institutional or industrial zones. The maximum allowable temporary sign area for a site, per time period, is the same as the allowable wall sign area. For the purposes of temporary sign area computation, the area of pennants, flags, streamers, whirligigs, and similar attention-getting devices not displaying written messages shall not be included.

b. Residential, agricultural, open space zones. The maximum allowable temporary sign area is six square feet.

(Ord. No. 244-21, § 1, 7-21-2021)

A. Any sign erected contrary to the provisions of this chapter shall be unlawful and a public nuisance, which nuisance may be abated by the city, and the cost of abatement shall be made a lien or special assessment against the property upon which the sign is located. The city may order a sign removed from the public right-of-way at any time at no cost to the city for purposes of utilizing the right-of-way for any public purpose. In the event of emergencies or urgent circumstances, the enforcement officer may summarily remove a sign located in the public right-of-way without notice.

B. With the consent of the owner or occupier of any building, structure or premises, or under an inspection warrant, and upon prior notice to the owner of the subject property, the enforcement officer may enter at all reasonable times any building, structure or premises in the city to investigate all purported violations of this chapter and to otherwise take such measures as are necessary and expedient to enforce and secure compliance with the provisions of this chapter, and to perform any duty imposed by this chapter.

C. Any person, firm or corporation violating any provision of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be subject to the penalties provided in Chapter 1.12. Such person, firm or corporation shall be deemed guilty of a separate offense for each and every day during any portion of which any violation of this chapter is committed, continued or permitted by such person, firm or corporation, and shall be punishable as provided in this section.

D. Violations of this chapter may be remedied by civil and/or administrative procedures, as authorized by city or state law.

E. The remedies provided for in this chapter shall be cumulative and not exclusive.

(Ord. No. 244-21, § 1, 7-21-2021)

A. General requirements:

1. A nonconforming sign shall not be:

a. Changed to another nonconforming sign.

b. Structurally altered to extend its useful life.

c. Enlarged.

d. Re-established after a business is discontinued for ninety days or after damage or destruction exceeding fifty percent of the replacement cost of the sign immediately before the damage or destruction, or its components, as determined by the building official.

e. Re-installed after façade improvements that require the removal of the sign during construction.

2. An interruption in the use of a nonconforming sign that continues for ninety days or more shall be deemed an abandonment of the sign. Subsequent use shall comply with this chapter. Non-occupation or non-operation of the building or business advertised on the sign shall be deemed an interruption of the use of the sign.

B. Exemptions. Any sign covered by a comprehensive sign package previously approved by the city is not subject to the requirements and limitations of this section.

C. Removal of nonconforming signs. A nonconforming sign shall be removed if the sign is:

1. More than fifty percent destroyed, and the destruction is other than facial copy replacement. A nonconforming sign shall be deemed to be more than fifty percent destroyed if the estimated cost of reconstruction or repair exceeds fifty percent of the replacement cost as determined by the building official.

2. Remodeled, unless the sign is remodeled to comply with this chapter.

3. Located on a structure that is enlarged or expanded, if the nonconforming sign is affected by the construction, enlargement, expansion or remodel. An enlargement, expansion or remodel of the portion of the structure upon which the nonconforming sign is located or that is more than fifty percent of the building area shall be deemed to affect the nonconforming sign.

4. The nonconforming sign is temporary.

D. Continuance of nonconforming signs. Except as provided in Subsection C. (Removal of nonconforming signs) above, a nonconforming sign may be continued and shall be maintained in good condition as required by this chapter, but it shall not be:

1. Structurally changed to another nonconforming sign, although its copy and pictorial content may be changed. "Customary maintenance" as defined in the Outdoor Advertising Act shall be allowed.

2. Structurally altered to prolong the life of the sign, except to meet safety requirements.

3. Altered or expanded in any manner that increases the degree of nonconformity.

E. Repairing and repainting. Nonconforming signs shall only be painted and repaired in place and shall not be removed from their existing location, except for building remodeling, unless removal of the sign for painting or repair is part of the sign's customary maintenance and repair.

F. Change of business ownership. Upon a change of ownership, the new owner of a nonconforming sign may change the sign copy so long as there is no change in the structure or configuration of the sign.

(Ord. No. 244-21, § 1, 7-21-2021)

A. In adopting this section the city council acts in its proprietary capacity as to city property. This section states city policies and rules for the display of signs on city property.

B. Intent as to public forum. The city declares its intent that all public property shall not function as a designated public forum for sign display, unless some specific portion of public property is designated herein as a public forum of one particular type; in such case the declaration as to public forum type shall apply strictly and only to the specified area and the specified time period. Such specific areas shall be defined by resolution.

C. General prohibition. Unless a specified sign type is exempt from the permit requirement, private persons may display signs on public property only after obtaining a sign permit. Any permit application which is denied is appealable to the planning commission in accordance with the provisions in Section 17.05.260.4 of this Code. A decision by the planning commission is appealable to the city council in accordance with the provisions in Section 17.05.280.7 of this Code.

D. Temporary inanimate signs in the public right-of-way. Temporary signs displaying any type of variety of constitutionally protected noncommercial speech may be displayed by private persons up to sixty days prior and five days after the referenced event. Such sign display by private persons is subject to a sign permit and the following rules:

1. Sign area. The maximum allowable sign area is six square feet per sign (measured on both sides).

2. Height. Maximum height of freestanding signs is five feet.

3. Posting on structures. All signage within the public right-of-way shall be self-supporting and freestanding. No temporary sign shall be posted on any streetlight, utility pole, post, pole or structure supporting a traffic control sign or signal, fire hydrant, or similar structures in the public right-of-way.

4. Safety of placement. Temporary signs posted in the public right-of-way shall meet the following criteria:

a. When located in the corner clear zone, the sign shall not exceed thirty inches in height.

b. Signs shall not obstruct a motorist's view of pedestrian or vehicular traffic, traffic-control signs, or signals, or otherwise represent a hazard to vehicular or pedestrian traffic.

c. Signs shall not impede a pedestrian's free use of the sidewalk.

d. Signs shall be securely affixed to the property on which they are placed.

e. Signs shall not be placed in the center of public roadway medians.

5. Sign removal. Temporary signs shall be removed from the public right-of-way not later than the removal date indicated in the sign permit application."

(Ord. No. 244-21, § 1, 7-21-2021)

Beginning with Supplement No. 12, this table will be replaced with the "Code Comparative Table and Disposition List".

Beginning with Supplement No. 12, this table will be replaced with the "Code Comparative Table and Disposition List".

This is a chronological listing of the Ordinances of Williams, California, beginning with Supplement No. 12, included in this Code.

FOR

CALIFORNIA CITIES

The statutory references listed below refer the code user to state statutes relevant to California cities. They are up to date with all 2016 Regular Session laws, and Ch. 8 of 2015-2016 2nd Ex. Sess. Laws, and all propositions on 2016 ballot.

General Provisions

Code adoption Government Code § 50022.1 et seq.

Ordinances Government Code § 36900 et seq.

Penalties for ordinance violations Government Code §§ 36900 and 36901

Imprisonment Government Code §§ 36903 and 36904

Citations for misdemeanors Penal Code § 853.5 et seq.

Administrative fines and penalties Government Code § 53069.4

Judicial review of city decisions Code of Civil Procedure § 1094.6

Expedited judicial review of First Amendment cases Code of Civil Procedure § 1094.8

Elections Government Code §§ 34050 and 36503 and Elections Code §§ 1301, 9200 et seq. and 10100 et seq.

Classification of cities Government Code § 34100 et seq.

General powers Government Code § 37100 et seq. and Cal. Const. art. XI §§ 7, 9

Conflict of interest code Government Code § 87100 et seq.

Eminent Domain Law Code of Civil Procedure § 1230.010 et seq.

Administration and Personnel

City officers generally Government Code § 36501 et seq.

Legislative body Government Code § 36801 et seq.

Meetings Government Code § 54950 et seq.

Mayor Government Code § 40601 et seq.

City clerk Government Code § 40801 et seq.

City treasurer Government Code § 41001 et seq.

City assessor Government Code § 41201 et seq.

Chief of police Government Code § 41601 et seq.

City attorney Government Code § 41801 et seq.

Alternative forms of government—City manager form of government Government Code § 34851 et seq.

Alternative forms of government—Election of legislative body by or from districts Government Code § 34870 et seq.

Alternative forms of government—Elective mayor Government Code §§ 34900 et seq.

City records Government Code § 34090 et seq.

Removal from office Government Code § 3000 et seq.

Political activities of public employees Government Code § 3201 et seq.

Local planning agencies Government Code § 65100 et seq.

California Emergency Services Act Government Code § 8550 et seq.

Fire department Government Code § 38611

Peace officer standards and training Penal Code § 13500 et seq.

Personnel system, merit system or civil service system Government Code § 45000 et seq.

Retirement systems Government Code § 45300 et seq.

Revenue and Finance

Financial powers Government Code § 37200 et seq.

Transfer of tax function to county Government Code § 51500 et seq.

Property tax assessment, levy and collection Government Code § 43000 et seq.

Bradley-Burns Uniform Local Sales and Use Tax Law Revenue and Taxation Code § 7200 et seq.

Transient occupancy tax Revenue and Taxation Code § 7280 et seq.

Documentary Transfer Tax Act Revenue and Taxation Code § 11901 et seq.

Unclaimed property Civil Code § 2080 et seq.

Unclaimed money Government Code § 50050 et seq.

Planning and zoning fees for specific purposes Government Code § 66012 et seq.

Public works and public purchases Government Code § 4000 et seq.

Local Agency Public Construction Act Public Contract Code § 20100 et seq.

Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Act Public Contract Code § 22000 et seq.

Claims against public entities Government Code § 900 et seq.

Development project fees Government Code § 66000 et seq.

Business Licenses, Taxes and Regulations

Authority to license businesses Government Code § 37101, Business and Professions Code § 16000 et seq.

Automatic checkout systems Civil Code § 7100 et seq.

Bingo Penal Code § 326.4 et seq.

Charitable solicitations Business and Professions Code § 17510 et seq.

Commercial filming Government Code § 65850.1

Community antenna TV systems Government Code § 53066 et seq.

Gambling Control Act Business and Professions Code § 19800 et seq.

Massage parlors Government Code § 51030 et seq.

Private investigators Business and Professions Code § 7512 et seq.

Taxicabs Vehicle Code §§ 16500 et seq., 21100, 21112 and Government Code § 53075.5 et seq.

Telecommunications facilities Government Code § 50030

Animals

Animals generally Food and Agriculture Code § 16301 et seq.

Dogs Government Code § 38792 and Food and Agriculture Code § 30501 et seq.

Potentially dangerous and vicious dogs Food and Agriculture Code § 31601 et seq.

Rabies control Health and Safety Code § 121575 et seq.

Cruelty to animals and related offenses Penal Code §§ 596 et seq. through 600.5

Health and Safety

Garbage and refuse collection and disposal Public Resources Code § 49300 et seq.

Nuisances and nuisance abatement Government Code § 38771 et seq. and Penal Code § 370 et seq.

Weed and rubbish abatement Government Code § 39501 et seq.

Littering Penal Code §§ 374 through 374.8

Smoking—Places of employment Labor Code § 6404.5

California Indoor Clean Air Act of 1976 Health and Safety Code § 118875 et seq.

Graffiti abatement Government Code § 38772 and Penal Code § 594.5

Fire prevention Health and Safety Code § 13000 et seq.

Fireworks Health and Safety Code § 12500 et seq.

Noise control Health and Safety Code § 46000 et seq. and Government Code § 65302(f)

Hospitals Government Code § 37600 et seq.

Public Peace, Morals and Welfare

Crimes against religion and conscience, and other offenses against good morals Penal Code § 302 et seq.

Obscenity Penal Code § 311 et seq.

Material harmful to minors Penal Code § 313 et seq.

Indecent exposure, obscene exhibitions, and bawdy and other disorderly houses Penal Code § 314 et seq.

Crimes against the public peace Penal Code § 403 et seq.

Vehicles and Traffic

Rules of the road Vehicle Code § 21000 et seq.

Local traffic rules and regulations Vehicle Code § 21100 et seq.

Traffic signs, signals and markings Vehicle Code § 21350 et seq.

Driving on right side of road, overtaking and passing Vehicle Code § 21650 et seq.

Right-of-way Vehicle Code § 21800 et seq.

Pedestrians' rights and duties Vehicle Code § 21949 et seq.

Turning, stopping and turning signals Vehicle Code § 22100 et seq.

Vehicle speed Vehicle Code § 22348 et seq.

Special stops required Vehicle Code § 22450 et seq.

Stopping, standing and parking Vehicle Code § 22500 et seq.

Bicycles Vehicle Code §§ 21200 et seq. and 39000 et seq.

Vehicle size, weight and load Vehicle Code § 35000 et seq.

Penalties Vehicle Code § 42000 et seq.

Streets, Sidewalks and Public Places

Improvement Act of 1911 Streets and Highways Code § 5000 et seq.

Construction of sidewalks and curbs Streets and Highways Code § 5870 et seq.

Underground utility districts Streets and Highways Code § 5896.1 et seq.

Obstructions and encroachments on public ways Government Code § 38775

Municipal parks Public Resources Code § 5181 et seq.

Tree Planting Act of 1931 Streets and Highways Code § 22000 et seq.

Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972 Streets and Highways Code § 22500 et seq.

Charitable solicitations Business and Professions Code § 17510 et seq.

Advertising displays Business and Professions Code § 5229 et seq.

Public Services

Municipal water systems Government Code § 38730 et seq.

Municipal sewers Government Code § 38900 et seq. and Health and Safety Code § 5470 et seq.

Water wells Water Code § 13700 et seq.

Buildings and Construction

Authority to regulate buildings and construction Government Code §§ 38601 and 38660

State Housing Law Health and Safety Code § 17910 et seq.

Adoption of construction codes Health and Safety Code §§ 17922 and 17958

California Building Standards Law Health and Safety Code § 18901 et seq.

Mobilehome Parks Act Health and Safety Code § 18200 et seq.

Signs Government Code §§ 38774 and 65850; Business and Professions Code § 5200 et seq.

Inspection warrants Code of Civil Procedure § 1822.50 et seq.

Development fees Government Code § 66000 et seq.

Subdivisions

Subdivision Map Act Government Code § 66410 et seq.

Zoning

Planning and Zoning Law Government Code § 65000 et seq.

Local authority to regulate land use Government Code § 65850

Local zoning administration Government Code § 65900 et seq.

Open-space zoning Government Code § 65910 et seq.

Family day care homes Health and Safety Code § 1597.30 et seq.

Environmental Protection

California Environmental Quality Act Public Resources Code § 21000 et seq.

California Noise Control Act of 1973 Health and Safety Code § 46000 et seq.