Chapter 17.36

Sign Regulations

and that positively impacts the design image of Windsor; [Source: 17.32.010.A modified]

• A. Purpose. Signs obstruct views, distract motorists, displace alternative uses for land, and pose other problems that legitimately call for regulation. This chapter establishes sign regulations to: [Source: 17.32.010 modified]

  2. Create a convenient, attractive, and harmonious community; [NEW]

  3. Protect and enhance the character of residential neighborhoods and property values by preventing visual clutter caused by excessive and obtrusive signage; [NEW]

1. Encourage signage in the commercial, office, and industrial districts that makes these attractive places to work and shop,

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4. Preserve and enhance the aesthetic, traffic safety, and environmental values of the community, and commercial, office, and

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industrial districts, while at the same time providing channels of communication to the public; [Source: 17.32.010.D]

5. Ensure the public's ability to easily identify uses and premises and regulate signage on the basis of the characteristics, location, and proportion of signage; [Source: 17.32.010.E]

6. Limit commercial signage to on-site locations to keep the proliferation of this signage to a more aesthetic proportion, and protect existing businesses from visual encroachment from new signage on neighboring properties; [Source: 17.32.010.F]

7. Enhance the aesthetics and traffic safety of the community by ensuring that signage does not create visual clutter, distract motorists, obstruct, or otherwise impede traffic circulation; [Source: 17.32.010.G modified]

8. Safeguard and protect the public health, safety, property, and general welfare through appropriate prohibitions, regulations, and controls on the design, location, and maintenance of signs; and [Source: 17.32.010.H]

9. Provide sign criteria that are objective, do not vest Town officials with unfettered discretion, and are aimed at regulating the time, place and manner of signs rather than the content of the signs. Where content is regulated, the Town intends its regulations to be narrowly tailored to serve the Town's compelling interest in preserving and enhancing its appearance, protecting motorists and pedestrians from traffic safety hazards and promoting economic development. If any provision of this chapter is found by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such finding must

not affect the validity of other provisions of this chapter which can be given effect without the invalid provision. [NEW]

• B. Applicability. The standards of this chapter apply to signs in all zoning districts. Only the signs authorized by this chapter shall be allowed. [Source: 17.32.020]

• A. No sign shall be erected, constructed, installed, used, altered, relocated, replaced or reconstructed until a sign permit is first obtained in compliance with this chapter unless the sign is exempt from the sign permit requirements pursuant to Section 17.36.060 (Exempt Signs). [Source: 17.32.050.A]

• B. No Sign Permit shall be approved for a proposed sign unless the sign is in compliance with all applicable provisions of this chapter, including, but not limited to, Section 17.32.050.B.

• C. Signs may be approved by the Director through the Building Permit process provided that the proposed sign is consistent with the purpose and provisions of this chapter. [Source: 17.32.050.C]

The judicial review of any permit issued or denied in compliance with this chapter shall be subject to expedited judicial review in accordance with the time limits set forth in Code of Civil Procedure Sections 1094.8 et seq. [Source: 17.32.120]

• A. Maintenance of Signs. Signs and supporting hardware, including temporary signs, shall be maintained in good repair and function properly at all times. Repairs to signs shall be of equal or better quality with regard to materials and design as the original sign. Signs which

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are not properly maintained and are dilapidated shall be deemed to be a public nuisance.

When existing signs are removed or replaced, all brackets, poles, and other supports that are no longer required shall be removed. Unpainted areas shall be painted to match the adjacent portion of the building or sign support structure. [Source: 17.32.030.A]

• B. Measurement of Sign Height. Sign height shall be measured from the upper most part of the sign used in determining the area of the sign to the lowest elevation at the base of the sign. [Source: 17.32.030.B]

• C. Measurement of Sign Area. Signs shall be measured as follows:

  1. The surface area of a sign shall be calculated by enclosing the extreme limits of all writing, logo, representation, emblem, or other display within a single continuous

perimeter composed of squares or rectangles with no more than eight (8) lines. [Source: 17.32.030.C.1]

2. Supporting framework or bracing that is clearly incidental to the display itself shall not be computed as sign area. [Source: 17.32.030.C.2]

3. Signs composed of more than one (1) sign face shall be computed as including only the maximum single display surface that is visible from any ground position at one (1) time. [Source: 17.32.030.C.3]

4. Where a sign consists of one (1) or more three-dimensional objects (i.e., balls, cubes, clusters of objects, sculpture, or statuelike trademarks), the sign area shall be measured as their maximum projection upon a vertical plane. [Source: 17.32.030.C.4]

5. For signs that incorporate time and temperature devices, the area of these devices shall not be included in the total area of the sign. [Source: 17.32.030.C.5]

Figure 17.36-01 Sign Area Measurement

==> picture [487 x 157] intentionally omitted <==

• D. Illumination of Signs. The artificial illumination of signs, either from an internal or external source, shall be designed to eliminate neg-

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ative impacts on surrounding rights-of-way and properties, and the public in general. [Source: 17.32.030.D]

1. External light sources shall be directed and shielded to limit direct illumination of any object other than the sign. [Source: 17.32.030.D.1]

2. The light from an illuminated sign shall not be of an intensity or brightness that will interfere with the reasonable enjoyment of properties in direct visual proximity to the sign. [Source: 17.32.030.D.2]

3. Signs shall not have blinking, flashing, or fluttering lights or other illuminating devices that have a changing light intensity, brightness, or color. [Source: 17.32.030.D.3]

4. Colored lights shall not be used at a location or in a manner to be confused or construed as traffic control devices. [Source: 17.32.030.D.4]

5. Reflective-type bulbs and incandescent lamps that exceed fifteen (15) watts shall not be used on the exterior surface of signs to expose the face of the bulb or lamp to a public right-of-way or adjacent property. [Source: 17.32.030.D.5]

• E. Signs on Public Property. Signs on public property shall comply with the following standards:

  1. No person, except a duly authorized public officer or employee, shall erect, construct or maintain, paste, paint, print, nail, tack or otherwise fasten or affix any sign, or cause or suffer the same to be done, on any curbstone, lamppost, pole, bench, hydrant, bridge, wall, tree, sidewalk or structure in or upon any public street, alley, public right-of-way, or upon any other public property, except as may be required or permitted by ordinance or law. [Source: 17.32.030.E.1]

2. The Town Manager, or his or her authorized representative, may cause the removal of any sign prohibited by Subsection E.1, above. Removal and abatement shall not be subject to any notice or hearing requirements. The Town Manager, as appropriate, may make a report of the cost of removal, and the origin of the sign, and forward a copy of that report to the Town Attorney to initiate recovery of costs. [Source: 17.32.030.E.2]

• A. Basis for Prohibition. The signs prohibited by this section are not allowed because, depending on the specific type of sign, they are: [Source: 17.32.040.A]

  1. Inconsistent with the purposes and standards of this chapter; or [Source: 17.32.040.A.1]

  2. Inconsistent with the Town's aesthetic objectives for overall community appearance; or [Source: 17.32.040.A.2]

  3. Potentially distracting, and thereby hazardous to motorists or pedestrians. [Source: 17.32.040.A.3]

• B. Prohibited Signs. The following signs are prohibited in all zones:

  1. Abandoned and/or dilapidated signs and sign structures. [Source: 17.32.040.B.1]

  2. Commercial mascots. [Source: 17.32.040.B.2]

  3. Animated, moving, flashing, blinking (intermittent light), fluctuating, reflecting, revolving, or other similar signs. [Source: 17.32.040.B.3]

  4. Bench signs, except at approved bus passenger loading areas. [Source: 17.32.040.B.4]

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5. Inflatable signs. [Source: 17.32.040.B.5]

6. Neon signs, except as part of a comprehensive sign program in compliance with Section 17.36.070 (Comprehensive Sign Program). [Source: 17.32.040.B.6]

7. Pole and pylon signs. [Source: 17.32.040.B.8]

8. Roof signs. [Source: 17.32.040.B.9]

9. Signs erected in a manner that any portion of its surface or supports interferes with the free use of a fire escape, exit, or standpipe or obstruct a required ventilator, door, stairway, or window. [Source: 17.32.040.B.10]

10. Signs not in compliance with the provisions of this chapter. [Source: 17.32.040.B.11]

11. Signs emitting audible sounds, odors, or visible matter. [Source: 17.32.040.B.12]

12. Because of the Town's compelling interest in ensuring traffic safety, signs that may confuse or create hazards for motorists or pedestrians by conflicting with or imitating the color, wording, design, location or illumination of traffic control signs or devices, or that obstruct clear vision or the safe and efficient flow of vehicular or pedestrian traffic. [Source: 17.32.040.B.13]

13. Signs on public property or projecting within the public right-of-way, except as permitted by this chapter and approved by the Town Manager. [Source: 17.32.040.B.14]

14. Mobile billboards and vehicle signs. [Source: 17.32.040.B.16 Modified]

15. Signs attached to or painted on trees, rocks, or other natural features; utility poles; governmental signs; or traffic control devices,

including, but not limited to, stop signs, and street signs. [Source: 17.32.040.B.16 Modified]

16. Strings of lights or signs outlined with individual light bulbs except when the bulbs are five (5) watts or less. [Source: 17.32.040.B.17]

17. Temporary signs, either on- or off-site, including, but not limited to, banners, streamers, promotional flags, and pennants, except as specifically allowed by Section 17.36.060 (Exempt Signs). [Source: 17.32.040.B.18]

18. Portable signs, except as specifically allowed by Section 17.36.060 (Exempt Signs). [Source: 17.32.040.B.19]

19. Billboards, except as specifically allowed by Section 17.36.080 (Billboard Signs). [Source: 17.32.040.B.20]

20. Feather and sail signs. [Source: 17.32.040.B.21 NEW]

21. Electronic reader board signs. [Source: 17.32.040.B.22 Modified]

22. Raceway channel lettering, except as specifically allowed by the Director. [Source: NEW]

Sign Permits shall not be required for the signs listed in this section; however, all other applicable regulations of this chapter shall apply to such signs unless otherwise stated. Exempt signs shall not be included in the determination of the total allowable number of signs or total allowable sign area for a site or use. [Source: 17.32.060]

• A. Basis for Exemption. The signs listed in this section do not require a sign permit because these signs, subject to the limita-

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tions of this section, have been determined by the Council to be: [Source: 17.32.060.A]

1. Minor in nature, and consistent with the Town's aesthetic objectives for signs and overall community appearance; or [Source: 17.32.060.A.1]

2. Essential for the protection of public health or safety; or [Source: 17.32.060.A.2]

3. Of significant value in terms of providing for public convenience. [Source: 17.32.060.A.3]

• B. Exempt Signs. The following signs are exempt from Sign Permit requirements. [Source: 17.32.060.B]

  1. Signs within buildings that are not visible from any point on the boundary of the premises. [Source: 17.32.060.B.1]

  2. Signs erected and maintained by any Federal, State, or local governmental agency or that are required to be erected and maintained by any Federal, State, or local governmental agency or court or by any Federal, State, or local law, ordinance, or other governmental regulation, including, but not limited to, signs erected by a public utility. [Source: 17.32.060.B.2]

  3. Signs painted directly upon or affixed to licensed commercial vehicles, including trailers, used in the normal day-today operations of the business; provided, that such vehicles/trailers are not used as vehicle signs. [Source: 17.32.060.B.3]

  4. Flags. Official flags of a nation, the State of California, other states of the Nation and municipalities provided that the pole height shall not exceed twenty-five (25) feet in residential zon-

ing districts and thirty-five (35) feet in nonresidential zoning districts. The length of the flag shall not be more than one-fourth (¼) of the height of the pole. Larger flags may be approved by the Director. [Source: 17.32.060.B.4]

5. Gas Station Signs. Signs required to be posted at gas stations pursuant to California Business and Professions Code Sections 13530 et seq. See Section 17.70.070 (Nonconforming Gas Stations). [Source: 17.32.060.C.5]

6. Name Plates. The following signs are intended to assist emergency response personnel in locating a site. [Source: 17.32.060.C.4]

   • a. Residential. Occupant name, street number, and street name signs not exceeding two (2) square feet in area per single-unit or multi-unit unit. Street addresses shall be Arabic numbers a minimum of three (3) inches in height. [Source: 17.32.060.C.4.1]

   • b. Nonresidential. Signs for nonresidential uses not exceeding two (2) square feet, with copy limited to business identification, hours of operation, address, and emergency information. [Source: 17.32.060.C.4.2]

7. On-Site Directional Signs. The Town has a compelling interest in ensuring traffic safety, and to directly advance that interest, the Town will allow onsite directional signage in accordance with the standards set forth in this paragraph to assist and direct traffic, parking and loading on private property. Copy shall be limited to the facility name and address, instructions, and directional arrows. The total sign area

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on a parcel shall not exceed four (4) square feet in residential zoning districts and six (6) square feet in nonresidential districts, unless otherwise approved by the Director. The maximum height for freestanding signs shall be six (6) feet unless additional height is approved by the Director after determining that the visibility of a lower sign will be impaired. [Source: 17.32.060.C.7]

8. Construction Site Signs. Signs located on a construction site while actual physical construction is ongoing subject to compliance with the following limitations. [Source: 17.32.060.B.8]

   • a. One (1) sign per street frontage not to exceed twenty (20) square feet with a maximum height of six (6) feet. [Source: 17.32.060.B.8.a]

   • b. Signs shall be removed upon first occupancy of the parcel. [Source: 17.32.060.B.8.b]

9. Banners. Nonresidential uses shall be allowed one (1) banner sign subject to the following: [Source: 17.32.060.B.9]

   • a. Banners shall be affixed to one (1) exterior wall of the structure within which the business is located, and shall not hang between posts, or from trees, be within the public right-of-way, or be placed on a rooftop. [Source: 17.32.060.B.9.a]

   • b. Banners shall not exceed a maximum area of twenty-four (24) square feet. [Source: 17.32.060.B.9.b]

   • c. Banners shall maintain a minimum of eighty-inch clearance above an accessible path of travel or pedestrian walkway. [Source: 17.32.060.B.9.c]

   • d. Banners shall be maintained in a clean and presentable manner. [Source: 17.32.060.B.9.d]

10. Portable Signs. Nonresidential uses shall be allowed one (1) portable sign subject to the following: [Source: 17.32.060.B.10]

• a. Portable signs shall be located only in front of the use they are intended to serve. [Source: 17.32.060.B.10.a]

• b. Portable signs shall have a maximum sign area of six (6) square feet. [Source: 17.32.060.B.10.b]

• c. Portable signs shall not exceed four (4) feet in height, including the supporting structure. [Source: 17.32.060.B.10.c]

• d. Portable signs shall be setback so as not to obstruct an accessible path of travel, public right-of-way, or pedestrian walkway. [Source: 17.32.060.B.10.d]

• e. No portable sign shall be placed within ten (10) feet of another portable sign. [Source: 17.32.060.B.10.e]

• f. Sign copy shall be applied on the sign face against a contrastingcolored background that is compatible with the surroundings. [Source: 17.32.060.B.10.f]

• g. Portable signs shall only be displayed during business hours. [Source: 17.32.060.B.10.g]

• h. Portable signs shall be supported by a base of sufficient weight and durability to withstand wind gusts. [Source: 17.32.060.B.10.h]

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• i. Portable signs shall be maintained in a professional manner free from fading, tearing, and tattering. [Source: 17.32.060.B.10.i]

11. Temporary Signs on Property Offered for Sale, Rental or Lease. Temporary signs are allowed on private property in any zoning district being offered for sale, rental, or lease subject to the following limitations: [Source: 17.32.060.B.11]

• a. The signs shall be located entirely within the subject property and shall not be illuminated. [Source: 17.32.060.B.11.a]

• b. The signs shall be removed within fifteen (15) days after the close of escrow, or after rental, or lease of the property has been accomplished. Signs located in new subdivisions shall be removed when all units or lots are sold. [Source: 17.32.060.B.11.b]

• c. For single parcels, the maximum sign area shall be three (3) square feet for parcels of less than ten thousand (10,000) square feet; six (6) square feet for parcels of less than twenty thousand (20,000) square feet; twelve (12) square feet for parcels of less than one (1) acre; eighteen (18) square feet for parcels of less than five (5) acres; twenty-four (24) square feet for parcels of less than ten (10) acres; and thirty-two (32) square feet for parcels of twenty (20) acres or more. [Source: 17.32.060.B.11.c]

• d. When private property being offered for sale is open for public viewing, off-site signs may be placed on private property with

the permission of the property owner. Signs shall not be larger than six (6) square feet in area and four (4) feet in height. No more than two (2) off-site signs may be placed for each property open for public viewing. Such signs may be erected only during the time the property is available for public viewing and an agent is present on the site. [Source: 17.32.060.B.11.d]

• e. A recorded subdivision shall be allowed sixty-four (64) square feet of sign area for temporary use, with additional sign area allowed with the approval of a Minor Use Permit in compliance with Chapter 17.58 (Conditional Use Permit and Minor Use Permit). [Source: 17.32.060.B.11.e]

12. Temporary Signs Displaying NonCommercial Messages. Temporary signs displaying noncommercial messages are permitted on private property in any zoning district subject to the following limitations: [Source: 17.32.060.B.12]

• a. In residential districts, no more than thirty-two (32) square feet of total signage area is permitted, counting only a single-side of any two-sided sign toward the signage area. Sign height shall not exceed four (4) feet measured from the existing grade to the top of the sign. [Source: 17.32.060.B.12.a]

• b. In all other zoning districts, no more than sixty-four (64) square feet of total signage area is permitted, counting only a single-side of any two-sided sign toward the signage area. No sign shall exceed

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six (6) feet in height measured from the existing grade to the top of the sign. [Source: 17.32.060.B.12.b]

• c. Temporary signs may be erected for a maximum period of fortyfive (45) days, twice per year, and no more than ten (10) calendar days after local, State, or Federal election. In no case, shall the total number of days the sign is erected exceed ninety (90) days in a calendar year. [Source: NEW]

• d. No sign shall be displayed without the consent of the legal owner of the property and/or person holding present right to possess and control property. [Source: 17.32.060.B.12.d]

• e. Temporary signs shall be located on private property only. No portion of a sign shall be located within five (5) feet of a road, street, or common driveway and no sign may obstruct vision on a public rightof-way. [Source: 17.32.060.B.12.e]

13. Temporary Signs During Community Events. When a community event is held in accordance with all applicable provisions of the Town Code, the event organizer may post temporary signs on public and/or private property with the consent of the Town Manager and property owner. The signs may be posted up to two (2) weeks prior to the event and shall be removed within two (2) days after the conclusion of the event. [Source: 17.32.060.B.13, modified]

• A. Purpose. The purpose of a Comprehensive Sign Program is to integrate a project's signs

with the design of the structures to achieve a unified architectural statement. A Comprehensive Sign Program provides a means for the flexible application of sign regulations for multi-tenant projects and other users of multiple signs to encourage creativity and provide incentive and latitude in the provision of multiple signs and to achieve, not circumvent, the intent of this chapter. [Source: 17.32.070.A]

• B. Comprehensive Sign Program Required. A Comprehensive Sign Program shall be required whenever any of the following circumstances exist: [Source: 17.32.070.B]

  1. New multi-tenant developments of three (3) or more separate tenants that share either the same parcel or structure and use common access and parking facilities. [Source: 17.32.070.B.1]

  2. Whenever five (5) or more signs are proposed for a new or existing development. [Source: 17.32.070.B.2]

  3. Whenever three (3) or more signs are requested by a single tenant in an existing multi-tenant project that currently is not covered by a Comprehensive Sign Program. [Source: 17.32.070.B.3]

  4. Whenever signs are proposed on parcels adjoining U.S. Highway 101 and the signs will be located on elevations of structures facing the Highway so that the signs will be visible from the Highway. Signs shall comply with the standards for highwayoriented signs located in Subsection 17.36.090.D (Highway Oriented Signs) unless modifications to the standards are approved by the Commission through a Comprehensive Sign Program. [Source: 17.32.070.B.4, modified]

  5. Whenever the Director determines that a Comprehensive Sign Program should be developed for a project due to special circumstances (i.e., the number or size of

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signs proposed, constrained visibility of the site, location of site relative to major transportation routes). [Source: 17.32.070.B.5, modified]

• C. Contents of Comprehensive Sign Program Request. A request for approval of a Comprehensive Sign Program shall clearly detail the type, number, size, and location of each proposed sign. Elevations of each sign shall be provided indicating the proposed letter size, colors, materials, use of logos, method of illumination, and method of attachment to the structure. [Source: 17.32.070.C]

• D. Approval of a Comprehensive Sign Program. To approve a Comprehensive Sign Program, the review authority shall make the following findings: [Source: NEW]

  1. The proposed Comprehensive Sign Program is consistent with the purpose and applicability established by this chapter. [Source: NEW]

  2. The proposed Comprehensive Sign Program is consistent with the objectives of the General Plan; [Source: NEW]

  3. The proposed Comprehensive Sign Program is consistent with all adopted specific plans, master plans, and design guidelines applicable to the project; and

  4. The proposed Comprehensive Sign Program establishes a unified design theme for all permanent signs within the project.

• E. Lessees to be Informed of Comprehensive Sign Program. Lessees within developments subject to the requirements of an approved Comprehensive Sign Program shall be made aware of the program in their lease and their responsibility to follow the approved Comprehensive Sign Program. [Source: 17.32.070.D]

• F. Revisions to Comprehensive Sign Programs. Revisions to a Comprehensive Sign Program may be approved by the Director if the Direc-

tor determines that the revision is minor, and that the intent of the original approval and any conditions are not affected. Revisions that would substantially deviate from the original approval shall require Commission approval. [Source: 17.32.070.E]

Billboard signs are prohibited within the Town, except that existing billboard signs may be maintained in compliance with State law. [Source: 17.32.090]

• A. Canopy Signs. Canopy signs shall:

  1. Be mounted only on the front or sides of a canopy or suspended below a canopy; [Source: 17.32.100.A.1]

  2. Not project more than six (6) inches from the face of a canopy; [Source: 17.32.100.A.2]

  3. Not extend above the top of a canopy; and [Source: 17.32.100.A.3]

  4. Shall be installed so that a clear distance of eight (8) feet is maintained from the lowest part of a suspended or cantilevered sign to the ground below. [Source: 17.32.100.A.4]

• B. Awning Signs. Awning signs shall:

  1. Awning signs shall only be located on structure frontages, including those fronting a parking lot or pedestrian way. [Source: 17.32.100.B.1, modified]

  2. Awning signs are limited to ground level occupancies only. [Source: 17.32.100.B.2]

  3. Awning signs shall not be internally illuminated. Lighting directed downwards that does not illuminate the awning is allowed. [Source: 17.32.100.B.3]

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• C. Monument Signs. Monument signs shall:

  1. Monument signs are allowed only for frontages adjoining a public street. [Source: 17.32.100.C.1]

  2. Monument signs shall not be located closer than five (5) feet from any property line unless otherwise provided in Section 17.36.100 (Permanent Sign Standards by Zone). Monument signs shall not obstruct traffic safety sight areas. [Source: 17.32.100.C.2]

  3. There shall be a minimum of seventy-five (75) feet between two (2) monument signs on adjoining sites to ensure adequate visibility for all signs. The Director may waive this requirement in situations where its application would be impractical due to the locations of existing signs on adjacent properties. [Source: 17.32.100.C.3]

  4. Landscaping shall be provided at the base of the supporting structure of a monument sign equal to twice the area of one (1) face of the sign. For example, thirty (30) square feet of sign area equals sixty (60) square feet of landscaped area. [Source: 17.32.100.C.4]

  5. Monument signs shall contain a number address plate identifying the project or use by specific street address to assist emergency response personnel in locating the site. The address plate shall not exceed four (4) square feet of sign face area. Numbers shall be a minimum of three (3) inches in height and shall be clearly visible from the adjacent street. Address plates shall not be included in calculating the permitted sign face area. [Source: 17.32.100.D.5]

  6. The maximum height of a monument shall be as provided in Section 17.36.100 (Permanent Sign Standards by Zone). The highest part of a monument sign shall not exceed six (6) feet above grade.

• D. Highway-Oriented Signs. Highway-oriented signs shall comply with the following standards and shall require the approval of a Comprehensive Sign Program: [Source: 17.32.100.D, modified]

  1. Highway-Oriented Wall Signs. Highwayoriented wall signs shall comply with the following requirements: [Source: 17.32.100.D.1]

• a. Maximum sign area shall not exceed one (1) square foot for each linear foot of the structure elevation on which the sign is placed. No sign shall exceed one hundred (100) square feet in area, and the length of the sign shall not exceed fifty (50) percent of the length of the structure elevation on which it is placed. [Source: 17.32.100.D.1.a, modified]

  - b. More than one (1) sign per elevation for a single-tenant structure, or more than one (1) sign per portion of a structure elevation occupied by an individual tenant in a multiple-tenant structure may be allowed if all signs do not exceed the maximum sign area allowed for the use. [Source: 17.32.100.D.1.b, modified] 
  
  - c. Individual letter height shall not exceed eighteen (18) inches. Logos shall not exceed a height of twenty-four (24) inches. [Source: 17.32.100.D.1.c] 
  
  - d. The signs shall be an integral part of the structure design. [Source: 17.32.100.D.1.d, modified] 
  
  - e. Internal illumination shall be allowed; however, exterior neon signs are not allowed. [Source: 17.32.100.D.1.e] 
  

  2. Highway-Oriented Monument Signs. Highway-oriented monument signs shall comply with the following requirements:

     • a. Maximum sign area shall not exceed fifty (50) square feet. [Source: 17.32.100.D.2.a]

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• b. One (1) sign per parcel or per center, including centers with multiple parcels, shall be allowed. [Source: 17.32.100.D.2.b]

• c. Maximum sign height shall be twenty (20) feet or the height of the primary structure on the parcel, whichever is less. The Commission may approve greater sign heights due to special site conditions (i.e., lower site elevation than the highway/freeway). However, the Town encourages signs that are kept as low as possible while still maintaining reasonable visibility from the highway. [Source: 17.32.100.D.2.c]

• d. A minimum separation of one hundred (100) feet shall be required between all highway-oriented monument signs. [Source: 17.32.100.D.2.d]

• e. Signs may be internally illuminated. [Source: 17.32.100.D.2.e]

• f. Joint use of signs is encouraged for businesses located on adjacent parcels. To accommodate shared use of signs and reduce the overall number of monument signs along the highway, the Commission may approve signs up to a maximum of sixty (60) square feet in area for two (2) businesses sharing the sign, and up to seventy-five (75) square feet in area for three (3) or more businesses sharing the sign. [Source: 17.32.100.D.2.f]

E. Wall Sign. Wall signs shall:

1. Be located only on building frontages unless specifically approved through a Comprehensive Sign Program in compliance with Section 17.36.070 (Comprehensive Sign program); [Source: 17.32.100.E.1, modified]

2. Not project from the surface upon which they are attached more than required for

construction purposes and in no case more than twelve (12) inches; [Source: 17.32.100.E.2]

3. Not project above the edge of the roof of a structure; and [Source: 17.32.100.E.3]

4. Not be placed to obstruct any portion of a window. [Source: 17.32.100.E.4]

• F. Window Signs. Window signs shall:

  1. Window signs shall be permanently painted or mounted on the inside of windows and doors; and [Source: 17.32.100.F.1]

  2. The total area of all window signs on any one (1) window, including temporary and permanent signs, shall not occupy more than twenty-five (25) percent of the window's area. [Source: 17.32.100.F.2]

• G. Vending Machines. Vending machines located outdoors and visible from a public street shall have the area of all visible sides containing advertising copy or product names counted as part of the maximum sign area allowed on the site Section 17.36.100 (Permanent Sign Standards by Zone) of this chapter. [Source: 17.32.100.H]

• A. Sign Standards. The sign standards provided in this section are intended to apply to permanent signs in all zones. Only permanent signs authorized by this section shall be allowed unless otherwise expressly provided in this chapter. Standards for permanent signs that are exempt from Sign Permits are provided in Section 17.36.060 (Exempt Signs). [Source: 17.32.110.A, modified]

  • B. Modifications to Sign Standards. Adjustments to sign standards established in this section may be allowed through a Conditional Use Permit in compliance with Chapter 17.58 (Conditional Use Permit and Minor Use Permit). [Source: 17.32.110.B, modified]

• (Supp. No. 53)

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17.36.100

• C. Permanent Signs Allowed by Zone. Table 17.36-01 (Residential Zones Permanent Sign Standards) and Table 17.36-02 (Nonresidential Zones Permanent Sign Standards) establishes the permanent sign types and associated sign design standards that apply to the zone in which the use/sign is located. [Source: NEW]

17-119

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17.36.100

TOWN OF WINDSOR CODE

17-120

(Supp. No. 53)

ZONING CODE

17.36.100

17-121 (Supp. No. 53)

17.36.100

TOWN OF WINDSOR CODE

(Supp. No. 53)

17-122

ZONING CODE

17.40.010

• A. The Town Manager may order the removal of any sign in violation of this chapter, or any sign abandoned for six (6) consecutive months or more, by written notice to the permit holder; or if there is no permit holder, then to the owner of the sign; or if the sign owner cannot be found or cannot be determined, then to the sign erector and any party that procured the erection of the sign. If a permit was issued, such notice shall operate to revoke the permit. The removal order shall be issued only after the appropriate party fails to comply within seven (7) days after the Town gives written notice of noncompliance. [Source: 17.32.130.A]

• B. Appeal. An aggrieved party may appeal the removal order within ten (10) days from the date that the notice was mailed. Such appeal shall be made to the Council. If the sign is not removed within thirty (30) days after the order of removal (or thirty (30) days after the date any appeal becomes final), the Town Manager is authorized to remove or cause to be removed the sign and to collect the costs thereof as provided below. [Source: 17.32.130.B]

• C. Removal Without Notice. Signs may be removed without notice in the following situations:

  1. The Town Manager or any other agent of the Town having jurisdiction under the circumstances may remove or direct the removal of any sign in violation of this article, without giving notice to any party, if: [Source: 17.32.130.C.1]

  2. Following such removal, the Town may collect the costs as provided in Subsection 17.36.110.D (Costs of Removal). [Source: 17.32.130.C.2, modified]

• D. Costs of Removal. The cost of removal of a sign shall comply with the following:

  1. Removal of any sign found in violation of this chapter shall be without liability to the Town, its officers, agents, and employees. The permit holder shall be primarily responsible for the costs of removal. If there is no permit holder, then the sign owner shall be responsible. If the sign owner cannot be determined, then the costs of removal shall be the responsibility of any party that procured the erection of the sign. [Source: 17.32.130.D.1]

  2. If payment or arrangement to make payment is not made within sixty (60) days after the receipt of a statement of removal costs, the Town Manager shall certify the amount thereof for collection to the Town Attorney. [Source: 17.32.130.D.2]

  3. Costs of removal shall be charged in accordance with a fee schedule adopted by the Council from time to time, or at the actual cost to the Town, whichever is more appropriate to the action taken. [Source: 17.32.130.D.3]

ARTICLE 4.

STANDARDS FOR SPECIFIC LAND USES