§ 23.04.306. Sign Permit Requirements.

No sign shall be constructed, displayed or altered without first obtaining a sign permit as required by this section, except where a sign is exempted from permit requirements by subsection b of this section.

a.

Permit procedures:

(1)

The application, processing, review and approval of a land use permit for a sign is to be as set forth in Section 23.02.030 (Plot Plan), except where otherwise provided by Section 23.04.310 (Sign Area Standards), for signs of specific size or height or where signs are approved as part of an overall development project land use permit.

(2)

Where signs are proposed for a project subject to land use permit approval, a separate sign permit is not required. The land use permit application shall include complete information about the type, area, location and number of signs proposed, or such information is provided for Planning Department review for conformity with the regulations of this Title before installation.

(3)

If required by the Uniform Sign Code, a construction permit shall also be obtained pursuant to Title 19 of this code before the installation of any sign.

b.

Exempt signs: The following signs are allowed without a land use permit, and are not to be included in determinations on the allowable number, type or area of signs pursuant to Section 23.04.310 (Sign Area Standards). Nothing in this subsection shall exempt a sign from the necessity of construction permit approval if an electrical or building permit is required by the Building and Construction Ordinance or Uniform Sign Code. This subsection supersedes Section 303 of the Uniform Sign Code.

(1)

Agricultural signs: Two signs with a total aggregate area not exceeding 32 square feet and a height not to exceed 10 feet for each lot or parcel, identifying and advertising agricultural products produced on the premises.

(2)

Construction signs: Two signs up to a combined total of 32 square feet not exceeding a height of eight feet, identifying parties involved in construction on the premises and future activity for which the construction is intended. Such signing is not to include the advertisement of any products. Removal is required within 14 days following completion of the construction.

(3)

Directory signs: Wall-mounted building directory signs for pedestrian use, listing the tenants or occupants of a building, provided that such directories do not exceed 20 square feet on any single building wall, nor a height of eight feet.

(4)

Hazard signs: Signs warning of construction, excavation, or similar hazards so long as the hazard exists.

(5)

Historical markers: Signs not exceeding four square feet in area, identifying historical sites, buildings or areas, placed by a historical society, chamber of commerce or public agency, and approved by the Planning Director.

(6)

Holiday decorations: Temporary holiday decorations, provided that decorations for a single holiday or season are not in place for a period exceeding 90 days.

(7)

Information kiosks: Free-standing structures providing information for pedestrians, including permanent copy and temporary information such as handbills, posters and flyers affixed to a bulletin-board type surface. The total area of kiosk display surfaces shall not exceed 40 square feet or a height of eight feet. Kiosks are to be separated from adjacent structures by a minimum of six feet.

(8)

Internal signs: Signs not intended to be viewed from public streets and are located to be not visible from public streets or adjacent properties, such as signs in interior areas of shopping centers, commercial buildings and structures, ball parks, stadiums and similar uses of a recreational or entertainment nature.

(9)

Miscellaneous information signs: Miscellaneous permanent information signs in nonresidential categories, with an aggregate area not to exceed four square feet at each public entrance nor 12 square feet total, indicating address, hours and days of operation, whether a business is open or closed, credit card information and emergency address and telephone numbers.

(10)

Official flags: Official federal, state or local government flags, emblems and historical markers.

(11)

Official signs: Official federal, state or local government traffic, directional guide and other informational signs and notices issued by any court, person or officer in performance of a public duty.

(12)

Political signs: Temporary political signs are allowed as follows:

(i)

Residential land use categories within urban or village areas: Political signs are not to exceed four square feet total for each site.

(ii)

Other land use categories within urban or village areas. Political signs are not to exceed 16 square feet total for each site.

(iii)

Rural areas. Political signs are not to exceed 32 square feet total for each site.

(iv)

Measurement of sign area. For the purposes of this subsection, each side of a sign may equal the maximum square foot total as defined in subsections (i), (ii), and (iii) above.

(v)

Timing of posting. Political signs shall not be posted more than 60 days preceding the election and shall be removed within 14 days following the election. The primary and general elections are considered separate elections for the purposes of this ordinance.

(vi)

Location of posting. Political signs attached or placed adjacent to any utility pole, parking meter, traffic sign post, traffic signal, official traffic control device or within the right-of-way are prohibited. Signs placed in these locations will be removed immediately by county employees.

(vii)

Enforcement. If a sign which does not meet the provisions of this section is not removed within 48 hours of receipt of written notice to the property owner, then the owner of the property may be subject to citation or fine or both.

(13)

Prohibition signs: "No Trespassing", "No Parking", and similar warning signs.

(14)

Reader board: Reader boards for community, charitable or religious organizations, provided such signs do not exceed an area of 20 square feet per face and are not illuminated.

(15)

Real estate signs:

(i)

For sale signs: Temporary signs indicating the property on which the sign is located is for sale, rent or lease. Only one sign is permitted to face each street adjacent to the property. Such signs may be a maximum of four square feet or lesson property in residential categories and 32 square feet or less in nonresidential categories.

(ii)

Model homes: Temporary signs, banners and decorations attracting attention to a model home and sales office within a new subdivision, provided that the aggregate area of each signing is not to exceed 32 square feet.

(iii)

Open house: Temporary signs or banners attracting attention to an open house, with signing having a maximum aggregate area of 32 square feet, to be in place a maximum of seven days.

(16)

Residential identification signs: The following residential identification signs are allowed without permit approval:

(i)

Individual residence identification signs, including but not limited to names of occupants and home occupations, limited to a total aggregate area of two square feet.

(ii)

One permanent identification signs with a maximum area of 20 square feet for each lot or parcel, identifying apartment projects, subdivision names, etc., provided such signing is approved as part of a subdivision map or land use permit for the project.

(17)

Safety and directional signing: Parking lot and other private traffic directional signs, including handicapped access and parking signs, each not exceeding five square feet in area.

Such signs are to be limited to guidance of pedestrian or vehicular traffic within the premises on which they are located, and are not to display any logo or name of a product, establishment, service, or any other advertising.

(18)

Sign copy: Changing the sign copy of an approved sign, provided that where the signing is not in conformity with the provisions of this title, any change is to be in accordance with Section 23.09.032c (Nonconforming Signs - Sign Copy).

(19)

Sign maintenance: Any maintenance which does not involve structural changes (See also Section 23.04.314).

(20)

Temporary sales and events: Banners, signs or decorative materials in conjunction with an event conducted pursuant to Sections 23.08.142 (Outdoor Retail Sales), 23.08.246 (Temporary Events), or grand openings. Such banners, signs and decorative materials are not to be posed more than 30 days preceding the event, are to be removed within seven days following the event, and are limited to a maximum aggregate area of 100 square feet per site.

(21)

Vehicle signs: Signs on public transportation vehicles regulated by a political subdivision, including but not limited to buses and taxicabs, and signs on licensed commercial vehicles, provided such vehicles are not used or intended for use as portable signs.

(22)

Window signs: Temporary window signs constructed of paper, cloth or similar expendable material, provided the total area of such signs is not to exceed 25% of the window area.

(23)

Exterior Wall Murals: Wall murals are allowed on exterior walls and building faces that do not contain any commercial signage. A wall mural includes images or pictorial elements and does not include trademarks, logos, or text; has no commercial context; does not represent any product for sale and is consistent with community character. The applicant shall provide an illustration of the proposed mural to the community advisory group and mural society where such group(s) exist for review and comment, and to the Director of the Planning and Building Department, prior to a determination that the mural is exempt. If the mural is deemed to not be exempt by the Planning Director, the applicant shall meet all standards and obtain a sign permit as required by Section 23.04.300 et seq.

c.

Prohibited signs and sign materials: In addition to any sign or sign materials not specifically in accordance with the provisions of this Title, the following are prohibited:

(1)

Any sign which simulates or imitates in size, color, lettering or design any traffic sign or signal, or makes use of words, symbols or characters so as to interfere with, mislead or confuse pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

(2)

Signs attached or placed adjacent to any utility pole, parking meter, traffic sign post, traffic signal or any other official traffic control device, as prohibited by Section 21464 of the California Vehicle Code.

(3)

Except as provided by Section 23.04.310, any off-premise sign that directs attention to a business, service, product, or entertainment not sold or offered on the premises on which the sign is located, including but not limited to billboards and other off-premise outdoor advertising signs.

(4)

Signs consisting of any moving, rotating, flashing, or otherwise animated light or component, except for time and temperature displays and barber poles.

(5)

Any sign or sign structure identifying a use or activity that has not occupied the site for a period greater than six months.

(6)

Freestanding signs other than monument signs.

[Amended 1995, Ord. 2715; 1995, Ord. 2740]