Chapter 17.152 — SIGNS

The purpose of this chapter is to regulate signage related to commercial activities in all of the Town's zoning districts, encourage design excellence that will provide signage compatible with the character of the Town, reduce visual clutter, and keep the Town's sidewalks and rights-ofway clear of obstructions.

The Town of Yountville recognizes that signs have an impact on the Town's character, and when regulated and controlled can enhance commerce and tax revenues, as well as facilitate clarity and aesthetic appeal.

(Ord. 21-501 § 9)

The following general conditions shall apply:

• A. Signs for which no sign permit is required are allowed and are subject to the number and size limitations contained in Sections 17.152.030(A) and (B) of this chapter.

• B. The total permitted sign area for any building shall not exceed one-half square foot of signage per one foot of lineal building frontage, or 30 square feet, whichever is less. No individual sign shall exceed 25 square feet in area, except Highway 29 signs as provided in Section 17.152.030(C)(1) of this chapter. All businesses visible from a public street are required to display permanent identification signage.

• C. For a building with more than one building frontage, the total permitted sign area established in subsection B may be increased by 50%. Permitted sign area may be distributed among individual signs at the option of the sign owner, except that no individual sign shall exceed the size limitations established in subsection B of this section.

• D. In addition to the authorizations and limitations contained elsewhere in this title, a business may install and maintain temporary signs on a window of a premises during a special sale or promotion held at the business subject to the following conditions:

  1. A business may install and maintain temporary signs for no more than 30 days during any 90-day period;

  2. Up to two square feet is permissible for temporary signs for any business, the maximum area is 25% of a window; and

  3. A new business may install an identification sign for up to 90 days, subject to the rules specified in subsection B of this section.

• E. No wall sign shall project beyond the ends or top of the surface to which it is attached, nor shall it extend more than eight inches from the surface to which it is attached.

• F. The Zoning and Design Review Board shall review applications to erect freestanding signs and may approve the application and authorize the Planning Officer to issue a sign permit only when the Zoning and Design Review Board makes all of the following findings:

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Town of Yountville, CA § 17.152.020

YOUNTVILLE CODE

§ 17.152.020

1. The sign is consistent with the intent and provisions of this title;

2. The sign, together with all other signs on the premises, does not exceed the allowable square footage as established in this title; and

3. The sign will not impair visibility around street corners or reduce traffic safety.

• G. The Zoning and Design Review Board shall review applications to erect internally illuminated signs, and may approve the application and authorize the Planning Officer to issue a sign permit only upon making all of the following findings:

  1. The sign complies with the design criteria established in Section 17.152.100 of this chapter; and

  2. The sign is consistent with the provisions of this title.

• H. For a projecting sign, all of the following additional findings must be made:

  1. The sign may not be attached to a structure other than a building;

  2. The sign may not be internally illuminated;

3. The sign may only be as high as the eave line of the building surface to which it is attached or 11 feet above grade, whichever is lower;

   4. The sign may not be lower than seven feet if over a walkway, in order to provide safe access to pedestrians;

   5. The outside edge of the sign may not project more than four feet from the surface of the building to which it is attached;

   6. The sign may not contain more than six square feet of display area on each side;

   7. The sign may not be more than three inches or less than one-half inch thick; and

   8. The sign may not project into or over a public right-of-way.

• I. Substitution of Message. Non-commercial copy may replace any commercial copy on an approved sign so long as the physical dimensions of the sign are unchanged and remain consistent with this chapter.

• J. Master Sign Plan.

  1. Each building containing two or more businesses, or any multiple-occupancy commercial site shall be required to have an approved Master Sign Plan, except that a Master Sign Plan shall not be required for such buildings or commercial sites which have lawfully existing signs on the effective date of the ordinance codified in this title;

  2. The owner or other person in control of a building or site which is required to have a Master Sign Plan shall apply for a sign permit and shall include the required information for each sign for each business in the building or on the site. Each business should be allocated a portion of the total sign area;

  3. The total sign area for a site requiring a Master Sign Plan shall be calculated by

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Town of Yountville, CA

ZONING

§ 17.152.020

§ 17.152.030

combining the lineal building footage of structures facing a public street. The formula in subsection B of this section shall be used except that the 30 square feet maximum is eliminated;

4. In no case shall more than one freestanding sign per frontage be allowed for a building or site requiring a Master Sign Plan. A freestanding sign shall only be approved if said sign complies with the requirements of subsection F of this section; and

5. In addition to a freestanding sign allowed for the parcel, each business in a building or on a site requiring a Master Sign Plan shall be allowed one wall or suspended sign, provided that the total allowable area of said signs is reduced by the square footage of the freestanding sign.

• K. During construction on a commercial property, if the construction activities obscure signs otherwise permitted under this code, the sign owner may place additional temporary signs onto the building or construction barriers facing the public right-of-way. Such temporary signs shall be no larger or more numerous than those obscured by the construction activity.

• L. Courtyard signs not visible from a public street are exempt from this chapter. (Ord. 21-501 § 9)

• A. The following land uses shall be authorized additional signs, with the written approval of the Planning Officer and subject to the conditions specified:

  1. Automotive Service Station. An additional freestanding sign, subject to minimum standards as required by the California Department of Weights and Measures and subject to those standards;

  2. Barber Shop. An additional sign with a cylindrical shape not exceeding three feet in height and four inches in diameter;

  3. For a commercial use on the property which includes on-site parking, up to two additional double-sided signs not exceeding four square feet in total, and located onsite;

  4. Special events, see Section 17.152.090(A) of this chapter; and

  5. Restaurants and Tasting Rooms. An additional freestanding sign, subject to a maximum overall size of 40 inches in height and 30 inches in width. The sign may be installed on an exterior wall or on an interior window of the business. A portable freestanding sign may be permitted upon approval by the Planning Officer as to the specific location of placement. Portable freestanding menu signs must be pedestal or single pole mounted, placed within five feet of the business entry, may not block or impede the right-of-way, and must be removed at the close of business each day. No A-frame or sandwich board signs shall be allowed. Any violation in placement of the sign in the approved location may subject the business to revocation of the sign approval. No more than one such sign is allowed for any one restaurant. Illumination of the sign shall be allowed only by an indirect light source.

• B. The following signs shall be permitted subject to the conditions specified and shall not require written approval:

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Town of Yountville, CA

YOUNTVILLE CODE

§ 17.152.030

§ 17.152.030

1. Bulletin boards shall be limited to theaters and public, charitable, or religious institutions. Size shall not exceed 20 square feet and shall not be used for commercial advertising.

2. One non-illuminated temporary sign per site of construction for the primary construction contractor on the site. The sign shall not exceed 24 square feet and shall be removed prior to building occupancy.

3. Flags Containing Noncommercial Speech. Flagpoles for such flags shall not exceed the height limitations of the land use designation in which the flagpole is located and shall be limited to two flagpoles per lot. Flagpoles in commercial districts shall be located along the primary access street of the property.

4. Permanent signs affixed to the front of a residence or building, or located at the entrance of a driveway, and visible from the public right-of-way. Such signs shall not exceed one square foot.

5. Newspaper vending machine signs limited to one sign per vending machine or rack. They shall not exceed two square feet.

6. Temporary signs not exceeding eight square feet shall be allowed on private property three months prior to an election and for seven days following the election.

7. On a property for sale, one temporary non-illuminated sign per structure or lot. The sign shall not exceed six square feet and shall be removed within 15 days after sale, rental or lease. For commercial developments, or residential subdivisions of five lots or more, exceptions may be granted per Section 17.152.090 of this chapter.

8. During an open house for a parcel of real property, up to three temporary signs offsite are allowed up to 12 hours in one day and three days consecutively without securing a permit from the Town provided they comply with the following requirements:

   • a. The display of temporary off-site signs is restricted in the following areas as follows:

     • i. Gateway locations are entry points into Town at California Drive from Solano to Washington Street, Madison Street from Highway 29 to Washington Street, and the intersection of Yountville Cross Road and Yount Street. All off-site signs shall be prohibited at Gateway locations inclusive of all visible points at the intersections described;

     • ii. Washington Street and Yount Street including the "Point" are main streets leading to commercial areas and residential neighborhoods. All streets intersecting with Washington Street and Yount Street outside of Gateway areas are limited to one generic open house sign per intersection. All such temporary signs are prohibited from being displayed at the "Point" of Washington and Yount Streets; and

     • iii. Neighborhoods are locations within residential areas outside of gateways and intersections along Washington Street and Yount Street. Within neighborhoods, real estate agents may place temporary signs (limited to one sign per real estate company, per intersection) on the most direct route

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Town of Yountville, CA

ZONING

§ 17.152.030

§ 17.152.040

to the property for sale beginning with the first intersecting street within the residential neighborhood off of Washington Street or Yount Street.

  - b. Sign placement shall be restricted to planting strips within the public right-ofway. Signs of any type shall not be placed in a position that blocks, encroaches into, or obstructs any street, sidewalk, crosswalk, stair, or handicap ramp and shall not block or impede sight distance and visibility for motorists, especially at intersections. Signs located on private property shall be with the express permission of the property owner. Signs may not be taped, wired, glued, tied or in any way attached or affixed to any public property including light poles, street signs, benches, trash receptacles, and fences. 

  - c. Design of signs shall comply with the following: 

     - i. Sign is limited to an A-frame type non-illuminated sign that is four square feet in size for each side with each side containing copy (two total sides). Sign shall not exceed three feet in height; 

     - ii. Attachments such as flags, balloons, lights, pamphlets, flyers, announcements, or additional advertisements to any part of the sign in any form are prohibited on all signs; and

• iii. No sign related to the sale or showing of real estate shall be attached or applied to vehicles or displayed within or on vehicles or towed trailers.

  9. Temporary signs, see Section 17.152.020(D) of this chapter.

  10. Commercial holiday associated displays are permitted for a maximum period of 60 days per calendar year and must be removed no later than two weeks following the occurrence of the holiday.

• C. The following signs require Zoning and Design Review Board approval:

  1. Highway 29 signs shall be limited to one per commercial parcel on parcels abutting Highway 29. Signs may be up to 30 square feet in size and be on a building, not freestanding. This sign may be in addition to all other allowable signs;

  2. Murals;

  3. Freestanding signs, see Section 17.152.020(F) of this chapter; and

4. Internally illuminated signs, see Section 17.152.020(G) of this chapter.

(Ord. 21-501 § 9)

• A. Pennants, bunting, and flags, except as permitted in Section 17.152.030(B) of this chapter;

• B. Flashing and animated signs, inflatable signs, and neon signs;

• C. Billboards;

• D. Portable freestanding signs unless allowed by Section 17.152.030 of this chapter;

• E. Vehicle display signs;

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Town of Yountville, CA

YOUNTVILLE CODE

§ 17.152.040

§ 17.152.070

• F. Roof signs;

• G. Signs affixed to a utility pole or structure, tree, shrub, rock or other natural object;

• H. Signs which have a design or lighting such that they might be mistaken for a traffic light or signal or are located so as to obscure free and clear vision of a motorist or obscure any authorized traffic sign, signal or device; or which because of their location would prevent free ingress or egress to any door, window or fire escape;

• I. Signs which are dilapidated, abandoned, in disrepair or dangerous condition; and

• J. Any sign not expressly permitted in Section 17.152.030 of this chapter. (Ord. 21-501 § 9)

• A. No sign that requires a sign permit as indicated in Section 17.152.030 of this chapter shall be erected, relocated, constructed, or altered within the Town until a sign permit has been issued by the Planning Officer.

• B. An application for a sign permit shall be filed for approval with the Planning Officer. The application shall be on a form provided by the Town and shall require the applicant to submit a plan showing the location, size, shape, color, materials, generic copy to demonstrate font size and color, and type of illumination for each proposed sign.

• C. A sign permit shall not be issued by the Planning Officer unless the proposed sign complies with the provisions of this chapter and, where required, authorization for such issuance has been granted by the Zoning and Design Review Board or Town Council.

• D. Applications which are denied or conditioned may be appealed as established in Chapter 17.224 of this title.

• E. Signs which would otherwise require a sign permit under the provisions of this title, but which are lawfully in existence on the effective date of the ordinance codified in this title, may be maintained without the issuance of a sign permit, except that such signs shall not be redimensioned, redesigned, relocated or altered without a duly authorized sign permit as provided in this chapter.

• (Ord. 21-501 § 9)

Any sign lawfully existing at the effective date or amendments of the ordinance codified in this chapter, or of amendments, that does not conform to the standards of this chapter shall be deemed to be a legal nonconforming sign and may be continued until such time as it is redesigned, dimensioned, relocated, or otherwise significantly altered. (Ord. 21-501 § 9)

• A. Whenever a sign is found to have been abandoned or to be in violation of any provision of this chapter or of any other ordinance or law, the Planning Officer shall order that the sign be altered, repaired, reconstructed, demolished, or removed as may be appropriate to abate such condition. Any work to be done shall be completed within 10 days of the order, unless

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Town of Yountville, CA

ZONING

§ 17.152.070

§ 17.152.100

otherwise specified.

• B. In the event a sign is not altered, repaired, reconstructed, demolished, or removed as ordered by the Planning Officer within the specified time frame, the owner of the premises, or the person other than the owner who is in possession or control of the premises, shall be subject to a penalty or penalties as established in Chapter 17.228 of this title.

• C. The placement of portable freestanding signs is subject to the Town's Administrative Fines and Penalties Schedule and shall be subject to immediate confiscation by the Planning Officer. After providing notice to the business owner of confiscation of the sign, any sign that has not been reclaimed after removal of such sign, or where any penalty imposed has not been paid within 30 days of becoming due, may be destroyed, or disposed of by the Town. Repeated violations in the placement of a portable freestanding sign will be reported to the Town Council at a publicly noticed hearing.

• (Ord. 21-501 § 9)

Appeals of decisions of the Planning Officer or Zoning and Design Review Board may be filed under the procedures established in Chapter 17.224 of this title. (Ord. 21-501 § 9)

• A. The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to signs used in conjunction with a bona fide special event, provided a sign permit is obtained as established in Section 17.152.030(A) of this chapter, and the location, number and size of these signs are approved by the Planning Officer in accordance with this chapter. An exception to the prohibition on portable freestanding signs may be granted to a nonprofit organization for limited use during a special event, subject to specific rules on placement location and duration of use.

• B. Up to five portable freestanding signs may be permitted at the Town of Yountville Community Center and/or Community Hall during meetings or special events by the organization or host of the event. These signs shall not be located on or block the Town's sidewalks or right-of-way and must be removed at the end of the meeting or special event.

• C. Signs approved under Chapters 17.188 and 17.192 of this title shall continue to conform to the standards, limitations, and conditions of such approval. These signs shall not be redimensioned, redesigned, relocated or altered without approval as required by Chapter 17.188 or 17.192, whichever is applicable. Where discrepancies exist between the standards and limitations of this chapter and the standards and limitations for signs approved under Chapters 17.188 and 17.192, the latter shall apply.

• D. The Zoning and Design Review Board, after a public hearing thereon, may grant an exception to the strict application of the provisions of this chapter only after the Board makes all of the exception findings in Section 17.208.060 of this title.

• (Ord. 21-501 § 9)

The following criteria shall apply during the evaluation of the signs design:

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Town of Yountville, CA

YOUNTVILLE CODE

§ 17.152.100

§ 17.152.110

• A. Colors for sign backgrounds shall be selected from either an approved Town color palette, if adopted by the Zoning and Design Review Board, or from the palette used on other buildings on the same parcel.

• B. Sign illumination shall not cause glare and light intrusion onto other signs, other premises, sidewalks, streets, or parking lots.

• C. Internally illuminated signs should have dark backgrounds with the letters lighter. The typical plastic faced sign with a light-colored, internally illuminated background may only be permitted upon approval of an exception established in Section 17.152.090 of this chapter.

• (Ord. 21-501 § 9)

• A. Purpose. The wayfinding sign program is intended to assist visitors in locating individual businesses, increase visitors' awareness of businesses located within the central and north commercial districts, and to provide directions to other points of interest.

• B. Program Eligibility Criteria. The following criteria shall be used to determine which businesses may participate in the wayfinding sign program:

  1. The business provides goods or services to visitors and residents who may require assistance in determining its location.

  2. The priority for allocation of available sign space will be assigned by the type of use. First tier priority includes the following commercial use types: retail; eating, drinking and entertainment; lodging; and personal service businesses. Second tier priority includes professional office uses and noncommercial points of interest or public facilities.

  3. The business must be located within the boundaries of a commercial zoning district or be a destination of general interest outside the commercial districts (e.g., historic points of interest, veterans home, public facilities).

  4. The business must be open on Saturday or Sunday.

  5. Exceptions to the above eligibility criteria may be considered where such exceptions will serve the purpose of avoiding blank spaces on underutilized sign faces while being otherwise consistent with purposes of the wayfinding sign program.

• C.

• Content, Number, Assignment, and Location of Sign Plaques.

1. Each sign plaque shall prominently display the business name on a single top line with an optional subordinate second line below that identifies the type of business or service. Specific products and other information such as phone numbers, address, and website address may not be included on sign plaques and redundant descriptions should be avoided.

2. Each business identification sign plaque shall be accompanied by a separate directional arrow plaque mounted to the right of the business's identification plaque. The directional arrow plaque shall be made of the same material and colors as the business identification plaque and the arrows shall be consistent in size.

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Town of Yountville, CA

ZONING

§ 17.152.110

§ 17.152.110

3. A maximum of two identification sign plaques per business may be approved per double-sided sign post, with a maximum of four total sign plaques per business on all posts; however, additional signs may be permitted on a space available basis.

4. Sign space for each post is allocated on a "first come, first served" basis.

5. Applications that are unable to be accommodated will be placed on a waiting list if there is not space available at the requested location at the time of application. First priority assignment of sign space that is subsequently vacated and becomes available will be from applicants on the waiting list.

6. Generally, the business identification plaques will be placed on post locations that approach a business that is street fronting or located on post in adjacent proximity to a business having restricted visibility from the street. Businesses with existing sign visibility to the street shall not select post locations directly adjacent to the business.

• D. Sign Design Criteria.

  1. The material for all identification signs and directional arrow plaques shall be porcelain enamel on an enameling steel tile.

  2. Plaque colors shall be white text on a black background with no border.

  3. Text shall be all capitals in Helvetica Condensed Bold font style and center justified. Generally, text height size shall be one inch for the first line and three-fourths inch for the second line; adjustments in text size are permitted for sizing extra-long names to the plaque width.

  4. Plaques shall be fastened to the substrate with flat black torx or other tamper resistant heads, four per plaque.

  5. Substrate and sign plaque dimensions and materials shall be uniform and consistent with standards determined by the Planning Officer.

  6. Sign substrates will be utilized from the top down and unutilized substrates will be removed from the bottom. Temporarily blank spaces will be left to display the black substrate background or be used to display a Town sponsored sign plaque.

• E. Program Authority.

  1. The program is administered by the Town of Yountville Planning Officer. Responsibilities shall include reviewing and approving sign applications; ensuring enforcement of program standards; procuring the signs from the sign producer; installing the business identification signs; maintaining the waiting list; and ensuring signs and posts are maintained in good condition.

  2. The wayfinding sign program is structured as a voluntary subscription program open to eligible participants as outlined in subsection B of this section.

  3. The wayfinding sign program supersedes all existing entitlements and allowances previously approved for business identification and directional signs located within the public right-of-way. Such existing signs shall be removed following establishment of the wayfinding sign program.

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Town of Yountville, CA

YOUNTVILLE CODE

§ 17.152.110

§ 17.152.110

4. Subscribers assume all risks for damage to their individual signs and are responsible for replacement costs of damaged signs.

• F.

  • Subscription Program and Costs.

  1. Subscription costs, including the initial application fee and the annual subscription renewal fee, shall be paid to the Town of Yountville in the amount approved by the Town Council in the Master Fee Schedule.

  2. The actual cost for the production of each individual business identification sign, directional arrow sign, and substrate, including taxes and shipping costs, shall be paid for by the subscriber directly to the sign producer through the Planning and Building Department following approval.

3. Subscribers shall pay an annual renewal fee to defray Town funded capital costs and ongoing administrative and maintenance costs including capital outlay for posts, post replacement and repair, sign cleaning, and reconditioning and/or replacement of substrates.

• G. Application Process.

  1. Application for approval of a sign plaque may be made to the Planning & Building Department on a form prescribed by the Department and accompanied by a processing fee as required.

  2. The Planning Officer shall review the application for consistency with the approved wayfinding sign program standards and consult with the subscription applicant if revisions are necessary.

  3. Approved applications will be forwarded to the sign supplier who will produce a layout proof for review and final approval by the applicant and Planning Officer prior to sign production.

  4. Payment for the signs and substrate shall be made to the sign producer at time of application approval and placement of the sign production order.

  5. Applications will be placed on a waiting list if no spaces are available at the requested location at the time of application.

• H. Sign Installation and Removal.

  1. Sign plaques shall be installed by Town staff in the requested location upon their receipt.

  2. Sign plaques associated with a defunct business shall be removed promptly following the close of the business by Town staff. Damaged or defaced plaques are subject to removal by Town staff; replacement signs shall be ordered within 14 days, or the sign space shall be deemed available.

• (Ord. 21-501 § 9)

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Town of Yountville, CA