Chapter 18.54 - Signs
Sections:
18.54.010 - Purpose of Chapter
18.54.020 - Applicability
18.54.030 - Sign Plan Review Requirements
18.54.040 - Comprehensive Sign Program
18.54.050 - Prohibited Signs
18.54.060 - General Requirements for All Signs
18.54.070 - Standards for Specific Types of Signs
18.54.080 - Sign Standards by Zoning District
18.54.090 - Nonconforming or Abandoned Signs
18.54.010 - Purpose of Chapter
This Chapter provides minimum standards to safeguard life, health, property and public welfare, and to preserve the character of the Town by regulating the size, height, design, quality of materials, construction, location, lighting and maintenance of signs and sign structures not enclosed within a building. These standards are intended to:
A. Provide a reasonable and comprehensive system of sign controls;
B. Encourage signs that are well designed and pleasing in appearance by providing incentive and latitude for variety, good design relationship, spacing and location;
C. Encourage a desirable Town character with a minimum of clutter, while recognizing the need for signs as a major form of communication;
D. Provide for fair and equal treatment of sign users;
E. Provide for maximum public convenience by properly directing people to various activities; and
F. Promote public safety by providing that official traffic regulation devices be easily visible and free from nearby visual obstructions, including blinking signs, excessive number of signs, or signs that in any way resemble official signs.
18.54.020 - Applicability
A. The standards of this Chapter shall apply to signs in each zoning district in the Town. Only signs authorized by this Chapter shall be allowed in the applicable zoning district unless otherwise expressly provided in this Chapter.
B. If a new zoning district is created after the enactment of this Chapter, the Director shall have the authority to determine the applicability of appropriate sign regulations in compliance with Chapter 18.03 (Interpretation of Code Provisions) until this Chapter is amended to govern the new zoning district.
C. The Sign Design Guidelines (Chapter 18.56) shall be used during review of the project land use permit application to ensure that signs are well designed, compatible with the existing and future land uses and signs in the vicinity, and do not detract from the overall visual quality of the Town.
D. Definitions and graphics for sign types and other terms used in this Chapter are found in Chapter 18.220 (Definitions, Glossary).
18.54.030 - Sign Plan Review Requirements
A. Sign Plan review required. To ensure compliance with the requirements of this Chapter, Sign Plan review and approval by the Director shall be required before any permanent or temporary sign is erected, moved, altered or reconstructed. Sign Plan review shall be initiated when a completed application is submitted to the Department. For projects that include signs and that require an administrative land use permit, a separate Sign Plan application is not required. Sign plan review for temporary signs may be approved on an annual basis provided the applicant submits a plan for the display of all temporary signs for a period of 12 consecutive months.
B. Approval of Sign Plan. The Director shall approve a Sign Plan application, with or without conditions, only if all of the following findings can be made:
1. The proposed sign is allowed by Article II (Zoning Districts and Allowable Land Uses) within the applicable zoning district, and complies with all applicable provisions of this Chapter, the Development Code, the Municipal Code, and the Public Improvements and Engineering Standards; and
2. The proposed sign is consistent with the design guidelines and historic design guidelines (for signs in the -HP district), achieves the overall design objectives of the guidelines, and would not impair the design and architectural integrity and character of the surrounding neighborhood.
C. Exemptions from Sign Plan
review. Sign Plan review shall not be required for the following signs. Exempt signs shall not be included in the determination of the total allowable number of signs or total allowable sign area for a site.
1. Permanent signs.
a. Official and legal notices required by a court or governmental agency;
b. A sign required by a law, ordinance or governmental regulation, including signs erected by a public utility;
c. Signs on licensed commercial vehicles, including trailers; provided, however, that vehicles/trailers shall not be used as parked/stationary outdoor display signs;
d. Bench and other signs located at Town public transit locations and approved by the Public Works Director; and
2. Permanent signs limited
by maximum areas. The following signs are exempt from Sign Plan review subject to the following limitations:
a. Occupant name, street number, and street name signs not exceeding two square feet in area per single-family or multi-family unit;
b. A Sign for commercial, office and industrial uses located near the building or business entrance not exceeding two square feet and limited to business name, hours of operation, address and emergency information;
c. Vehicle oriented safety and directional signs solely for the purpose of guiding traffic, parking, and loading on private property, and not bearing advertising materials. Maximum sign area shall be four square feet. Maximum height for freestanding signs shall be four feet. Taller signs may be approved by the Director, if visibility will not be impaired;
d. Affiliation signs that show notices of services provided or required by law, trade affiliations, credit cards accepted, and the like provided the signs are located at the building entrance or the business entrance into the building. Signs or notices shall not exceed one-half square foot in area per sign, and no more than six signs are allowed per business;
e. Gasoline pump signs identifying the brand, types, and octane rating provided the signs do not exceed two square feet per pump face with a maximum of 16 square feet provided the sign location is approved by the Director;
f. Names of structures, commemorative plaques, tables, dates of construction, and the like when carved in stone, concrete, or similar materials or made of bronze, aluminum, or other similar permanent material and mounted permanently on a structure. These signs shall not exceed four square feet and six feet in height; and
g. Official flags of a nation, the State of California and other states of the Nation, municipalities, and fraternal or religious organizations, and the nationally recognized POW/MIA flag, provided that the pole height shall not exceed 25 feet and the length of the flag shall be not more than 1/4 of the height of the pole. Larger flags may be approved subject to approval by the Director.
h. Open/closed signs not exceeding two square feet in area and located in close proximity to the business entrance.
3. Temporary signs limited by size and period of display.
a. Community event
signs. Community event signs shall be allowed, as approved by the Director, in compliance with the following:
(1) Signs may be posted only after review and approval by the Director;
(2) Signs shall be located in designated locations;
(3) Signs may be posted three weeks prior to and during the event and shall be removed within two days following the event; and
(4) Maximum sign area shall not exceed 50 square feet.
(5) Two A-frame or sandwich board signs not to exceed 16 square feet per sign may be displayed on the site during the days of the event.
b. Construction signs. Construction signs providing the names of the architects, engineers, and contractors working on the site subject to compliance with the following limitations:
(1) Signs not to exceed a cumulative size of 20 square feet with a maximum height of 10 feet for any sign. Maximum cumulative size of 50 square feet if combined with a future tenant sign; and
(2) Signs shall be removed upon occupancy of the site.
c. Future tenant signs. Future tenant identification signs which advertise the future use of a property subject to compliance with the following limitations:
(1) One sign per street frontage except where a project has in excess of 500 linear feet of street frontage, one additional sign may be allowed;
(2) Signs shall be limited to a maximum of 32 square feet and 10 feet in height. Maximum 50 square feet if combined with a construction sign;
(3) Signs shall be removed upon occupancy of the site; and
(4) The use of the property shall have a land use permit approved in accordance with the requirements of this Development Code.
d. Temporary business
identification signs. A maximum of one temporary sign per street frontage, not exceeding two temporary signs, for the identification of a new business until permanent signs can be erected are allowed for a period not to exceed 90 days. One time extension up to a maximum of 90 days may be granted by the Director. Maximum sign area is limited to 50 square feet.
e. Real estate signs. Real estate signs are allowed in any zoning district on properties that are for sale, lease, or rent subject to the following limitations:
(1) For single-family dwellings, one sign per street frontage not to exceed four square feet in area and ten feet in height. In addition, "open house" signs are allowed when a sales agent or owner is present at the site or the house is opened for viewing. A-frame signs with a maximum size of 16 square feet are allowed as "open house" signs;
(2) For multi-family dwellings, one sign per street frontage not to exceed 32 square feet and 10 feet in height;
(3) Individual commercial, office and industrial properties not located in a commercial center or industrial/business park, one sign per street frontage not to exceed 32 square feet and 10 feet in height; and
(4) Individual tenant spaces within multi-tenant commercial centers, office structures and industrial subdivisions offered for sale, rent, or lease, one sign per street frontage not to exceed 16 square feet and ten feet in height. In addition, one sign for each tenant space available not to exceed six square feet to be located at the individual tenant space for rent or lease. Signs shall be allowed for existing commercial centers, office structures, and industrial subdivisions and for proposed commercial centers, office structures, and industrial subdivisions that have received approval of a land use permit for the use.
(5) Signs shall not be located within any public right-of-way.
f. Political signs. Temporary political signs not exceeding 16 square feet for each property in residential zones and 32 square feet for each property in non-residential zones, provided that campaign signs are not posted more than 60 days preceding the election and are removed within 14 days following the election.
18.54.040 - Comprehensive Sign Program
A. Purpose. The purpose of a Comprehensive Sign Program is to integrate a project’s signs with the structure’s design into a unified architectural statement. A Comprehensive Sign Program provides a means for the flexible application of sign regulations for multi-tenant projects in order to encourage maximum incentive and latitude in the design and display of multiple signs and to achieve, not circumvent, the intent of this Chapter.
B. Applicability.
1. New development. Approval of a Comprehensive Sign Program shall be required for all new multi-tenant projects.
2. Existing development. Existing multi-tenant developments may request approval of a Comprehensive Sign Program.
3. Modification of
standards. In approving a Comprehensive Sign Program, the review authority may allow modifications to the standards of this Chapter for the purpose of achieving the highest quality signs that are compatible with the character of the project's design theme and that are well integrated with the overall scale of the proposed development. The standards for signs provided in this Chapter along with the Sign Design Guidelines (Chapter 18.56) shall serve as a reference for the review and approval of a Comprehensive Sign Program.
4. Future sign approval
requests. Once a Comprehensive Sign Program is approved for a particular development, all future requests for approval of Sign Plans shall comply with the standards established by the approved Sign Program.
C. Application requirements. The following information is required for submittal of a Comprehensive Sign Program.
1. Plans, to scale, to include the following:
a. Sign details indicating sign area, dimensions, colors, materials, letter style, proposed copy, letter height and method of illumination for all signs;
b. Site plan indicating the location of all existing and proposed signs with sign area dimensions;
c. Building elevation(s) with sign location depicted with dimensions; and
d. A summary table showing the complete sign program and total square foot area of all signs.
2. A statement explaining how revisions/modifications/replacement of tenant signs will be carried out to limit the possibility of holes being left in the structure's exterior by mounting brackets, electrical connections, or similar items; and
3. Supplemental information required by the Director.
D. Lessees to be informed of
comprehensive sign program. Lessees within developments governed by 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.
E. Findings. In approving an application for a Comprehensive Sign Program, the review authority shall make the following findings in addition to those required for the land use permit:
1. The Comprehensive Sign Program satisfies the purpose of this Chapter and the intent of this Section;
2. The signs enhance the overall development, are in harmony with, and are visually related to other signs included in the Comprehensive Sign Program and to the structure and/or developments they identify, and to surrounding development;
3. The Comprehensive Sign Program accommodates future revisions which may be required due to changes in use or tenants; and
4. The Comprehensive Sign Program complies with the standards of this Chapter, except that flexibility is allowed with regard to sign area, number, location, and/or height to the extent that the Comprehensive Sign Program will enhance the overall development and will more fully accomplish the purposes of this Chapter.
F. Revisions to Comprehensive
Sign Programs. Revisions to a Comprehensive Sign Program may be approved by the Director if it is determined that the revision is minor and that the intent of the original approval, and any conditions attached thereto, are not affected. For revisions that would substantially deviate from the original approval, the Director may require that a modification to the land use permit application be filed.
18.54.050 - Prohibited Signs
The following signs are inconsistent with the purposes and standards of this Chapter and are, therefore, prohibited in all zoning districts:
A. A sign not in compliance with the provisions of this Chapter;
B. Abandoned signs and sign structures (see also Section 18.54.090 (Nonconforming or Abandoned Signs)), and signs that are determined by the Director to be deteriorating from inadequate maintenance, evidenced by faded or otherwise unreadable copy, peeling paint, missing parts, or other similar conditions;
C. Animated, moving, flashing, blinking, reflecting, revolving, or other similar signs, except barber poles;
D. Banners, streamers, and pennants, except as specifically allowed by the provisions of Section 18.54.030.C (Exemptions from Sign Plan Review);
E. Bench signs, except at approved bus passenger loading areas;
F. Changeable copy signs, except as approved for a community information, religious facility, movie theater, or gasoline pricing sign;
G. Electronic reader board signs;
H. Flags that advertise a business, product, or service;
I. Inflated signs, balloons, and figures except as provided in Section 18.54.030.C (Exemptions from Sign Plan Review);
J. Obscene or offensive signs containing statements, words, or pictures of an obscene, indecent or immoral character which appeal to the prurient interest in sex, or which are patently offensive and do not have serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value;
K. Off-site signs not specifically allowed by the provisions of this Chapter, including billboards and outdoor advertising;
L. Portable freestanding signs not specifically allowed by the provisions of this Chapter, including sandwich board signs and A-frame signs;
M. Roof signs extending above the edge of the roof of a structure;
N. Signs erected in a manner that a portion of its surface or supports will interfere in any way with the free use of a fire escape, exit, or standpipe or obstruct a required ventilator, door, stairway, or window above the first story;
O. Signs emitting audible sounds, odors, or visible matter; and
P. Signs attached to, suspended from, or supported by any vehicle, the purpose of which is to attract attention to a product of business located on the site. Signs painted directly on, or permanently affixed to a vehicle that is regularly used in the business to which the signs pertain shall be allowed when the signs are displayed for purposes other than as an advertising device. Signs on vehicles shall conform to the requirements of the California Vehicle Code, excluding signs on public buses and trains.
18.54.060 - General Requirements for All Signs
A. Sign maintenance. Signs and supporting hardware, including temporary signs, shall be maintained in good repair and functioning properly at all times. Repairs to signs shall be of equal or better in quality of materials and design as the original sign. Signs which 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.
B. Measurement of sign area.
1. The surface area of a sign shall be either the area of the entire sign face, or where individual sign letters and/or other components are mounted individually on a building wall, the area calculated by enclosing the extreme limits of all writing, logo, representation, emblem, or other display within a single square or rectangle with no more than four lines.
2. Supporting framework or bracing that is clearly incidental to the display itself shall not be computed as sign area.
3. Double-faced (back-to-back) freestanding signs shall be considered as a single sign face for purposes of calculating allowable sign area only if the distance between each sign face does not exceed two feet and the copy is identical on both faces.
4. Where a sign consists of one or more three-dimensional objects (i.e., balls, cubes, clusters of objects, sculpture or statue-like trademarks), the sign area shall be measured as their maximum projection upon a vertical plane.
(See Figure 3-28, Measurement of Sign Area)
(See Figure 3-29, Measurement of Sign Height)
C. Illumination of signs. The artificial illumination of signs, either from an internal or external source, shall be designed to eliminate negative impacts on surrounding rights-of-way and properties. The following standards apply to all illuminated signs:
1. External light sources shall be directed and shielded to limit direct illumination of any object other than the sign;
2. The light from an illuminated sign shall not be of an intensity or brightness which will interfere with the reasonable enjoyment of residential properties in direct visual proximity to the sign;
3. Sign shall not have blinking, flashing, or fluttering lights or other illuminating devices that have a changing light intensity, brightness or color;
4. Colored lights shall not be used at a location or in a manner so as to be confused or construed as traffic control devices;
5. Neither the direct nor reflected light from primary light sources shall create a hazard to operators of motor vehicles;
6. Reflective-type bulbs and incandescent lamps that exceed 15 watts shall not be used on the exterior surface of signs so as to expose the face of the bulb or lamp to a public right-of-way or adjacent property;
7. Light sources shall utilize energy efficient fixtures to the greatest extent possible; and
8. Cabinet (can or box) signs that are internally illuminated shall have opaque backgrounds so that when the sign is illuminated, only the words or logos on the sign are lighted.
D. Sign copy. The sign copy (text) of permanent signs shall include only the name, address, and/or the type of products or services offered by the business. Permanent "come-on" signs that advertise continuous sales, special prices, etc. shall not be allowed. Sign copy for the type of products or services offered by the business shall be secondary to the name of the business.
18.54.070 - Standards for Specific Types of Signs
A. Awning signs.
1. Signs on awnings shall only be located on building frontages, including those fronting a parking lot or pedestrian way.
2. Signs on awnings are limited to ground level and second story occupancies only.
B. Directory signs. Off-premises community directory, information, or welcome signs sponsored by the Town or a non-profit, community organization are intended to be a convenience for the traveling public by providing a directory of available services. The size, location, design and maintenance provisions for the sign(s) shall be determined through the Use Permit process. These types of signs may include kiosks.
C. Ground-mounted signs.
1. Signs are allowed only for frontages adjoining a public street.
2. There shall be a minimum of 75 feet between two ground-mounted signs on adjoining sites to ensure adequate visibility for all signs. The Director may waive this requirement in situations where its enactment would be impractical due to the locations of existing signs on adjacent properties.
3. Signs shall not project over public property, vehicular easements, or rights-of-way. Signs shall not obstruct traffic safety sight areas.
4. Landscaping shall be provided at the base of the supporting structure equal to twice the area of one face of the sign. For example, 30 square feet of sign area shall require 60 square feet of landscaped area.
D. Off-site directional signs. Off-site freestanding signs that are intended to provide identification or directions to businesses located 300 feet or more from the main traveled way may be allowed in circumstances where on-site signs are not visible from the main road. Off-site directional signs require the approval of a Minor Use Permit (Chapter 18.76) and shall be developed in compliance with the following standards.
1. The height of a directional sign shall not exceed 10 feet measured to the highest part of the sign from the highest ground elevation immediately adjacent to the sign.
2. The maximum sign face area for an individual business shall not exceed 15 feet. A sign for a multiple tenant commercial/industrial center may have up to 15 square feet of sign area for each tenant, but in no case shall the sign be larger than 60 square feet.
3. When an identification sign is provided for a multiple tenant site, individual businesses listed on the sign shall be subordinate to the name of the center.
E. Product brand advertising
signs. Signs that advertise specific products or brands (e.g., beer, cigarettes, etc.) are allowed in compliance with the following standards. Refer also to Section 18.54.070.I. (Temporary signs) for standards related to brand advertising and promotion signs that are not intended to be permanent.
1. Product brand advertising signs are permitted within the total allowed sign area for the business. They are not permitted in "addition to" other permanent signs. Temporary product brand advertising signs are regulated under Section 18.54.070.I. (Temporary signs).
2. Up to four product brand advertising signs shall be allowed for each business.
3. The maximum size of a product brand advertising sign shall be 6 square feet. Signs placed in windows shall also be regulated as window signs under Subsection 18.54.070.L (Window signs) and may not necessarily be allowed the maximum sign area.
F. Projecting and under-marquee
signs. Projecting and under-marquee signs which extend or are placed over areas used by pedestrians shall be located so that the lowest edge of any part of the sign or any related element is at least eight feet above the ground or walkway surface used by pedestrians. Projecting signs shall not project from the building face more than one-half of the width of an underlying sidewalk, and in no case more than 36 inches.
G. Residential community signs. A residential subdivision may provide entry identification signs subject to the following standards.
1. The sign shall contain the name of the subdivision only.
2. A minimum 20-foot radius corner cutoff visibility area shall be provided for landscape and sign installation. Larger areas may be required by the review authority for larger projects as determined on a case by case basis.
3. Landscaping shall incorporate trees, shrubs, and groundcover.
4. The use of annual or perennial flower beds is encouraged.
5. Lighting shall be indirect. The light shall wash onto the sign and not spill beyond. Internal illumination is not allowed.
6. The sign and any supporting or associated structures should portray a rural character. The use of wood and native rock is encouraged.
H. Temporary subdivision and
apartment complex signs. The placement of temporary on-site subdivision and apartment complex identification/directional signs shall comply with the following standards:
1. Signs may contain only the name of the subdivision, name of the developer and/or agent, an identification emblem, sales price, and directional message;
2. A maximum of two on-site signs may be located within the project;
3. The total area of each sign shall not exceed 32 square feet;
4. The height of each sign shall not exceed 10 feet;
5. Signs shall not be illuminated;
6. Signs may be displayed during the two years following date of recordation of the final map, or until 100 percent of the units have been sold, whichever occurs first. Small apartment complexes (29 units or less) may display sales signs during construction and for a period of one year following the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy; and
7. Apartment and group housing complexes of 30 units or more shall be considered within the definition of a subdivision for the purpose of this Subsection.
I. Temporary signs.
1. Temporary advertising
and promotional signs. Temporary advertising/promotional signs are used to provide information about short-term retail sales programs and similar activities, including discounted prices, and the availability of special products. These signs are painted on a window or constructed of paper, cloth, or similar disposable materials and affixed to a window or wall. These signs are subject to the following limitations:
a. Temporary signs shall be approved through the Sign Plan Review process (Section 18.54.030).
b. Temporary signs may be displayed for a maximum of 90 days per calendar year and a maximum of 21 days per calendar year to promote an individual sale or similar activity;
c. The total area of all temporary signs and banners shall not exceed 25 square feet per business;
d. The area of temporary signs attached to, or painted on windows shall not exceed 25 percent of the window area; and
e. Temporary signs shall not be attached to the exterior of windows or doors except painted-on signs.
2. Temporary portable
(A-frame) signs. A portable sign is any sign or advertising device that rests on the ground and is not designed to be permanently attached to a building or permanently anchored to the ground. This includes A-frame or sandwich board signs, but does not include temporary banners, posters, and similar signs made of nonpermanent materials. The use of small, pedestrian-oriented portable A-frame or sandwich board signs is allowed subject to the following requirements:
a. Portable signs shall be approved through the Sign Plan Review process (Section 18.54.030).
b. One portable sign may be allowed in addition to other permanent signs allowed for the business.
c. Portable signs shall be counted towards the maximum cumulative time periods allowed for temporary advertising and promotional signs as established by Section 18.54.070.I.1.b.
d. Portable signs shall have a maximum sign area of eight square feet.
e. Portable signs may be located on private property or within the street right-of-way subject to approval by the Town Engineer, provided they do not interfere with pedestrian movement or wheelchair access to, through, and around the site. A minimum access width of four feet shall be maintained along all sidewalks and building entrances accessible to the public.
f. Portable signs shall not encroach into required off-street parking areas, and may not be arranged so as to create site distance conflicts or other traffic hazards.
g. Portable signs shall be utilized only during the regular hours of operation of the business and shall be removed during nonbusiness hours.
h. No lighting is allowed for portable signs.
i. Portable signs shall be maintained in a neat, orderly fashion so as not to constitute an unsightly appearance or a public nuisance. Signs should be constructed of durable, weather-resistant materials and be professional in appearance.
3. Temporary special event
signs. A special event sign or banner is intended to inform the public of a unique happening, action, purpose, or occasion, for example a grand opening or going out-of-business event, and shall comply with the following standards:
a. Signs shall be approved through the Sign Plan Review process (Section 18.54.030).
b. Temporary special event signs shall be counted towards the maximum cumulative time periods allowed for temporary advertising and promotional signs as established by Section 18.54.070.I.1.b. Temporary special event signs may be displayed for a period of 21 days per calendar year to promote a particular event. Signs used to announce a grand opening (based on a change of ownership, change of location, new business, etc.) may be displayed for a period of 30 consecutive days in addition to the 21 days for special event signs and the maximum cumulative 90 days per calendar for temporary advertising and promotional signs.
c. Maximum sign area shall not exceed 50 square feet. Inflatable devices shall not exceed 27 cubic feet.
d. Signs may be placed in a street right-of-way subject to approval of the Town Engineer; and
e. Signs shall not include promotional advertising.
J. Theater signs.
1. Theater identification
signs. Theaters may be provided with identification signs of the same type, design, height and size as the identification signs authorized by this Chapter for the particular zoning district in which the theater is located except that:
a. The total surface area of theater identification signs shall not exceed two square feet for each linear foot of building frontage or a total of 200 square feet, whichever is less;
b. Theater identification signs shall not be used as reader boards; and
c. Where a theater identification sign is located on an architectural structure which is incorporated into a theater building and which extends more than three feet above the building’s roof line or parapet wall, the sign and the structure on which it is located shall comply with the following additional criteria:
(1) The sign and the architectural structure on which it is located shall be integral parts of the architectural style or design of the theater building; and
(2) Not more than 25 percent of the architectural structure shall be devoted to the sign.
2. Theater marquee signs. Theaters may be provided with marquee signs used for the purpose of displaying the titles of current or forthcoming movies or performances. The area of theater marquee signs shall not exceed 40 square feet for each movie screen and shall be in addition to other signs allowed by this Chapter.
3. Theater poster cases. Theaters may be provided with glass-enclosed cases used for the purpose of displaying posters that advertise current or forthcoming movies. One poster case, not exceeding 20 square feet in size, may be provided for each movie screen. Additional poster cases, each not exceeding 20 square feet in size, shall also be allowed provided that the area of additional poster cases and the area of all identification signs does not exceed a total of two square feet for each linear foot of building frontage or total of 200 square feet, whichever is less.
K. Wall signs.
1. Signs shall be located only on building frontages unless specifically approved by the Director.
2. Signs shall not project from the surface upon which they are attached more than required for construction purposes and in no case more than 12 inches.
3. Signs shall not project above the edge of the roof of a structure.
4. Signs shall not be placed to obstruct any portion of a window.
L. Window signs.
1. Signs shall be allowed only on windows located on the ground level. For businesses with no part of the business located on the ground level, signs shall be allowed on the second story of a building frontage.
2. Signs may be permanently painted or mounted on the interior or exterior of windows and doors.
3. Signs shall not occupy more than 50 percent of the window area of any one window including permanent and temporary signs.
M. Internally Illuminated Signs
1. The background for internally lit signs shall be opaque. Lighting shall radiate only from the lettering and logo areas of the sign.
2. Metal framing for the sign shall not be visible from the public view.
18.54.080 - Sign Standards by Zoning District
A. General sign requirements. All signs shall comply with the limitations on the type, number, area, location, and lighting of signs, and other requirements of this Section, and all applicable provisions of this Chapter. Only signs authorized by this Section shall be allowed in each zoning district, unless otherwise expressly provided in this Chapter.
B. Reduction of allowable sign
area. The maximum area allowed for each class and type of sign by this Section shall be for externally illuminated signs constructed primarily of natural materials. If a business, multi-tenant building, or multi-tenant site contains any plastic, can/box, or similar signs made of non-natural materials or any signs that are internally illuminated, the total allowable sign area shall be restricted to 50 percent of the total area otherwise allowed by this Section. A plastic, can/box, or internally lit sign shall be restricted to 50 percent of the total area allowed for the sign type (i.e. ground mounted, monument, wall) otherwise allowed by this Section. Also, the maximum area allowed for each class and type of sign may be reduced to comply with the Sign Design Guidelines (Chapter 18.56) and the Historic Preservation Design Guidelines (Chapter 18.26).
C. Sign height limitations. All signs shall comply with the height limitations of this Section, except that greater sign height may be authorized through Minor Use Permit approval.
D. Signs Permitted in the Residential Zoning Districts.
E. Signs Permitted in the DMU, DC, and CN Zoning Districts.
F. Signs Permitted in the Commercial/Manufacturing Zoning Districts.
18.54.090 - Nonconforming or Abandoned Signs
A. Purpose and intent. The requirements of this Section are intended to recognize that the eventual elimination of signs which do not comply with the provisions of this Chapter is as important as the prohibition of new signs that would violate these standards.
B. Applicability. The provisions of this Section apply to any permanent or temporary sign which was legally established and maintained in compliance with the provisions of all applicable laws in effect at the time of original installation but which does not now comply with the provisions of this Development Code.
C. Amortization and abatement. Any permanent sign which became nonconforming because of the provisions of this Chapter shall be discontinued and brought into conformity within an amortization period of 15 years from the effective date of the requirement which made the sign nonconforming.
D. Annexed areas. Except as otherwise provided in this Section, signs in areas annexed to the Town after the effective date of this Chapter, which do not conform to the provisions of this Chapter, shall be regarded as nonconforming signs which may remain for the remaining amortization period as listed above, or for a period of five years from the date of annexation, whichever is longer.
E. Exception. If a nonconforming sign has historical significance apart from its main purpose of advertising, the sign may be granted a Use Permit for continued use in compliance with Chapter 18.76 (Use Permits and Minor Use Permits).
F. Maintenance and repair. Nonconforming signs and sign structures may be maintained and repaired in compliance with Section 18.130.030 (Restrictions on Nonconforming Uses and Structures).
G. Abandoned signs. A sign or sign structure shall be removed by the owner or lessee of the premises upon which the sign or structure is located when for a period not less than 90 days the business or product identified in the sign is no longer conducted on the premises, the structure upon which the sign is displayed is abandoned, or the advertising is no longer displayed on the sign structure. If the owner or lessee fails to remove the sign, the Director shall give the owner 30 days written notice to remove it. Upon failure to comply with the notice, the Director may have the sign removed at the owner’s expense.
H. Public danger. A sign or sign structure shall be removed by the owner or lessee of the premises upon which the sign or structure is located if the Director determines that:
1. The sign or structure is or may become a danger to public;
2. The sign or structure is unsafe; or
3. The sign or structure constitutes a traffic hazard not created by relocation of streets or highways or by acts of the Town or Nevada County.
