HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 4.A 5/19/2014(i)
Agenda - #4.A
DATE: May 19, 2014
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council through City Manager
FROM: Heather Hines, Planning Manager
SUBJECT: Introduction (First Reading) of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 20 of the
Implementing Zoning Ordinance (Sections 20.040, 20.050, 20.140, and 20.150) to
Allow Freeway Oriented Wall Signs as Part of a Master Sign Program for Retail
Shopping Centers with Highway 101 Frontage. (Hines)
RECOMMENDATION
It is reconmiended that the City Council introduce an Ordinance amending the text of Chapter
20, Sections 20.020, 20.050, 20.140 and 20.150, of the City of Petaluma Implementing Zoning
Ordinance regulating freeway oriented signage (Attachment 1).
On May 7, 2012 as part of the City Council's consideration of Regency's appeal of the sign
program for East Washington Place, the Council directed staff to prepare modifications to
Implementing Zoning Ordinance Chapter 20 (Sign and Sign Structures) to allow for freeway
oriented signs for retail shopping centers with freeway frontage as part of a master sign program.
The City Council further directed that the revised ordinance include the authority to require
architectural upgrades to the freeway facing facades in existing retail shopping centers as part of
any approvals for freeway oriented signage and specified that freestanding freeway oriented
signs were to remain prohibited.
Text amendments were presented to the Planning Commission on June 12, 2012 as directed by
the City Council. After deliberation, the Planning Commission unanimously adopted a
resolution recommending the City Council not amend the sign code sections pertaining to
freeway oriented signage. The consensus of the Planning Commission was that the sign
ordinance should be reviewed comprehensively to ensure continuity and cohesion for the City's
sign standards and that freeway oriented signs should not be amended separate from a
comprehensive sign code overhaul. The Planning Commission's recommendation was brought
before the City Council for consideration on July 2, 2012, where a motion to approve the
proposed amendments failed by a 3-3 vote by the City Council.
On April 15, 2013 Merlon Geier submitted a written request to the City Council to reconsider
text amendments to allow freeway oriented signs and at the June 17, 2013, Council directed staff
Agenda Review:
City Attorney Finance Director City Manage'v�
to return to the Planning Commission with the proposed amendments to Chapter 20, including
appropriate modifications to address comments previously expressed by the Planning
Commission.
At their meeting on September 24, 2013, the Planning Commission considered a modified
amendment package and continued the item with direction to Staff to research how regional
jurisdictions regulate freeway oriented signs. Staff returned to the Planning Commission on
February 11, 2014, and in the staff report (Attachment 2), presented examples of other freeway
sign codes and images of sign types, lighting and placement (Attachment 3), including
examples from Corte Madera, Santa Rosa, and San Rafael. The Commission continued the item
and directed staff to return with refined amendments that included defined standards for freeway
oriented signs which would leave less for room for subjective evaluation in the Site Plan and
Architectural Review (SPAR) process.
The April 8, 2014, the staff report (Attachment 4) contained a redlined text amendment
reflecting comments from previous meetings (Attachment 5) for Plamung Commission
consideration. In a 5-2 vote, the Planning Commission adopted a resolution (Attachment 6)
recommending the City Council approve the text amendments to allow freeway oriented signs
for retail shopping centers.
DISCUSSION
The proposed text amendments to IZO Chapter 20 respond to City Council's direction and
Planning Commission's feedback to allow freeway oriented signage as part of the master sign
program for retail shopping centers with Highway 101 frontage. The proposed amendments
balance minimum standards to ensure uniformity while allowing flexibility to accommodate
design details such as architecture, color, lighting, font, and placement as part of a Master Sign
Program. Additionally, the proposed amendments clearly define Master Sign Program and their
review by the Planning Commission for consistency with Site Plan and Architectural Review
requirements as outlined in Section 24.01 O.G. The master sign program for multi -tenant
development such as retail shopping centers would be a requirement placing importance on
creating a harmonious, coordinated sign approach consistent with the character of the
architecture and site design. This approach provides oversight but assures that the character of
the development is considered in the development of the sign concept and allows for more
independent design.
The draft text language includes the following:
• A definition of master sign program.
Modification and additions to existing definitions, including:
o Cabinet sign
o Individual letters
o Individually illuminated letters
o Raceway
o Reverse Channel Lit/ Halo Letters
® An exception to the existing prohibition of freeway oriented signs for retail shopping
centers with freeway frontage as part of a master sign program at the discretion of the
Planning Commission.
Creation of minimum standards for freeway facing signs, including:
o Required findings for approval of master sign program
o Illumination type
o Must be wall -mounted
o Maximum sign area
o Maximum height of fonts, logos, etc.
o Maximum length
o Font style
o Cohesiveness
o Caltrans compliance
® Addition of appropriate cross references such as Section 20.050 A.5 to the new freeway
oriented sign section.
• Addition of design suggestions for incorporation into master sign programs.
Planning Commission authority to require existing shopping centers with relatively blank
building walls facing the freeway to provide visual improvements to the building
architecture in connection with proposed freeway oriented wall signs and master sign
program approval.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Public notice of the City Council hearing was posted in an eighth page ad in the Argus Courier
and mailed to all property owners and residents within 1000 feet of the four existing retail
shopping centers with frontage along I3ighway 101 (Plaza North, Plaza South, East Washington
Place and Deer Creels Village).
FINANCIAL IMPACTS
The reconsideration of these text amendments is a cost recovery project with all costs of
processing the application paid by the two of the four existing shopping centers (East
Washington Place and Deer Creek Village). The cost recovery account has a deficit of $7,298.86.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Draft Ordinance
2. Planning Conunission Staff Report, February 11, 2014
3. Retail Shopping Center Sign Graphics
4. Planning Commission Staff Report, April 8, 2014
5. IZO Section 20 redline
6. Planning Commission Resolution No. 14-06
ATTACHMENT 1
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PETALUMA CITY COUNCIL AMENDING THE TEXT
OF CHAPTER 20, SECTIONS 20.020, 20.050, 20.140 AND 20.150 OF THE CITY OF
PETALUMA IMPLEMENTING ZONING ORDINANCE
REGULATING FREEWAY ORIENTED SIGNS
WHEREAS, on May 7, 2012 the Petaluma City Council directed staff to bring
forward amendments to the text of Chapter 20 (Sign and Sign Structures), Sections 20.140
and 20.150, of the Implementing Zoning Ordinance to allow for freeway oriented signs
for shopping centers with freeway frontage as part of a master sign program; and
WHEREAS, a public notice of the June 12, 2012 public hearing before the Planning
Commission to consider the amendments was mailed to all property owners and residents within 500
feet of Plaza North, Plaza South, East Washington Place, and Deer Creek Village, and published in an
one-eighth page notice in the Argus -Courier on May 31, 2012; and
WHEREAS, on June 12, 2012, the Planning Commission held a duly -noticed public hearing in
accordance with the City of Petaluma Implementing Zoning Ordinance, Section 24.010, and
unanimously recommended that the City Council not adopt said text amendments; and
WHEREAS, a public notice of the July 2, 2012 public hearing before the City Council was mailed
to all property owners and residents within 500 feet of Plaza North, Plaza South, East Washington Place,
and Deer Creek Village, and published in an one-eighth page notice in the Argus- Courier on June 21,
2012; and,
WHEREAS, the City Council considered the recommendation of denial from the Planning
Commission and pursuant to Section 25.080 of the City of Petaluma Implementing Zoning Ordinance
(IZO) the City Council found the text amendments to be in conformity with the General Plan and moved
to approve the proposed text amendments; and
WHEREAS, the motion failed by a 3-3 vote of the City Council; and
WHEREAS, on April 15, 2013 Merlone Geier, developer of the Deer Creek Village Center,
submitted a written request for reconsideration by the City Council of the freeway oriented sign text
amendments; and
WHEREAS, on June 17, 2013, the City Council directed staff to bring the freeway oriented sign
text amendments back to the Planning Commission for reconsideration with appropriate modifications to
address comments previously expressed by the Planning Commission-, and
WHEREAS, at a duly noticed public hearing on September 24, 2013, the Planning Commission
considered draft revisions to the previously considered text amendments and the item was continued with
direction to look at how other jurisdictions regulate freeway oriented signs and to consider additional
standards for less subjective evaluation of master sign programs in the SPAR process; and
WHEREAS, at a duly noticed public hearing on February 11, 2014, the Planning Commission
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considered research for other jurisdiction's sign codes, including sketches and photographic simulations
of sign design components and continued the item with direction to prepare text amendments that
outlined specific minimum standards, including but not limited to, sign height, length, and area for
freeway oriented signs; and
WHEREAS, on April 8, 2014, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing to
consider modified text amendments and adopted a resolution recommending the City Council adopt text
amendments to Chapter 20 (sections 20.020, 20.050, 20.140, and 20.150) to allow freeway oriented
signs for retail shopping centers with Highway 101 frontage as part of a master sign program; and
WHEREAS, a public notice of the May 19, 2014 public hearing before the City Council was
mailed to all property owners and residents within 1000 feet of Plaza North, Plaza South, East
Washington Place, and Deer Creek Village, and published in an one-eighth page notice in the Argus -
Courier on May 8, 2014; and,
WHEREAS, on May 19, 2014, the City Council considered the resolution of the Planning
Commission recommending the City Council adopt amendments to the text of the City of Petaluma
Implementing Zoning Ordinance (IZO) Chapter 20 regarding freeway oriented wall signs for retail
shopping centers with Highway 101 frontage; and
WHEREAS, this project has been reviewed in compliance with CEQA guidelines and has been
determined to be categorically exempt pursuant to Section 15305 (Minor Alterations in Land Use
Limitations) in that the project involves minor modifications to the IZO that do not result in
significant changes in allowable land use or density, and/or Section 15311 (Accessory Structures) in
that the project involves modifications to the IZO allowing certain types of on -premises signs for
existing commercial structures;
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PETALUMA HEREBY FINDS:
1. The provisions amending the IZO, Chapter 20, Sections 20.020, 20.050, 20.140 and 20.150,
adding definitions for master sign program and additional sign types and lighting methods, and for
regulating freeway oriented signs are in general conformity with the Petaluma General Plan 2025
because the amendments will contribute to the City of Petaluma's economic base, yielding net fiscal
benefits and strengthening the vitality and diversity of the community and would allow retail shopping
centers to capitalize on attracting vehicles from Highway 101 and contribute to the success of businesses
and City economic goals.
2. The amendments to the text and additional review required as part of a master sign program, are
consistent with the purpose of Chapter 20 -- to protect public health, safety, and general welfare of the
City-- by ensuring that the number, type, size, and design of all signs in Petaluma will not detract from
the attractiveness and orderliness of the City's appearance and to protect the general welfare of the
merchants and property owners in Petaluma by avoiding wasteful and costly competition among sign
users which can result from the uncontrolled use of signs.
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3. The amendments will allow approval of freeway oriented signs as part of a master sign program
for retail shopping center tenants that abut the freeway and that exceed 20,000 square feet in area. These
minimum standards will provide consistency of application, and when coupled with a required Master
Sign Program, also provides flexibility in order to achieve a cohesive and unique design for the project
site and in keeping with the intent of the Sign Ordinance and the Site Plan and Architectural Review
standards.
4. The text amendments may require building elevations for freeway oriented signs for retail
shopping centers with direct freeway frontage to be consistent with Site Plan and Architectural Review
(SPAR) standards as outlined in IZO Section 24.010.G.1 (a) -(e).
5. The public necessity, convenience, and welfare clearly permit the amendments.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
PETALUMA AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The provisions of Chapter 20, Signs and Sign Structures, specified below of the Petaluma
Implementing Zoning Ordinance are hereby amended in accordance with the following:
Section 20.020 — Definitions, is amended to add and modify the following definitions:
C. Cabinet Sign. Internally Illuminated. A box sign regular in shape with a single transparent or
translucent material such as a Plexiglas / lexan face mounted on the facade of a building or
freestanding, and that provides for internal illumination within the box.
J. Freeway -oriented sign. Any sign mounted to the primary wall(s) or facade of a building facing the
freeway with no other building located in the visibility window between the subject building and the
freeway. This excludes building facades on frontage roads adjacent to the freeway.
N. Individual letters. A type of sign construction where individual letters or images are cut out into
separate shapes.
O. Individually illuminated letters. Individual letters either internally illuminated or backlighted solid
letters (reverse channel).
Q. Master Sign Program. A master sign program is a comprehensive sign program for approval of all
signs in a multi -tenant shopping center, retail center, commercial or industrial complex or other use
stipulating size, design, criteria, and location. A Master Sign Program is processed as a Site Plan and
Architectural Review application at the discretion of the Planning Commission and when found
consistent with requirements in Section 24.010.G. When a mnique, cohesive approach to project
signage is warranted, some flexibility in design requirements may be approved by the Planning
Commission if it is found that the master sign program is in conformance with the purposes stated in
Section 20.010.
W. Raceway. An aluminum junction box containing wiring and conduit that is mounted in one piece to
the wall or building.
1-3
X. Reverse Channel Lit / Halo letters. Individually illuminated (LED) letters installed directly on a
wall emitting light from the channel in back of the letter onto the wall giving it a "Halo' effect.
Z. Shopping center. Any combination of five (5) or more separately owned and operated retail
businesses on a single or commonly owned or leased parcel of land, or a commercial use of
commercial complex occupying and operated as a single site of at least two (2) acres. An existing
building situated on a single parcel of land which is converted into separate retail businesses is not
for the purpose of this section defined as a shopping center.
EE.Wall sign. Any sign posted or painted on, suspended from or otherwise affixed to the wall of any
building or structure in an essentially flat position, or with the exposed face of the sign in a place
approximately parallel to the plane of such wall. Any sign suspended from and placed
approximately parallel to the front of a canopy, porch, or similar covering structure shall be deemed
to be a wall sign. Excludes banners and pennants.
Section 20.050 - Signs in Commercial, Mixed Use, Business Park and Industrial Districts
subsections A.5 and B.1, are amended to read as follows:
A.5.Wall signs. No more than two (2) wall signs for each primary building face (no building shall be
deemed to have more than four [4] primary building faces), not exceeding a thickness of ten (10)
inches, including any light box or other structural part, in all C. W. BP or I Districts. Refer to
section 20.140 for Freeway Oriented Sign standards.
B.I.One (1) square foot of sign area for every ground level linear foot of building frontage; or in the case
of buildings with multiple building frontages, one (1) square foot of sign area for every ground level
linear foot of the longest building frontage plus one-half (1/2) square foot of signing for every linear
foot of additional frontage, where no building exists the maximum allowable sign area shall be
derived from the allowable building envelope (area exclusive of setback), not to exceed the
maximum stated in Subsection 3 below.
Section 20.140 — Freeway Oriented Signs, is amended to read as follows:
A. Procedure for Permit to Erect Freeway Oriented Signs. A permit shall not be issued to
erect, construct or relocate any sign, billboard or other advertising structure, regardless of
location, unless the Zoning Administrator shall have first determined that such sign, billboard
or other advertising structure is designed to have the advertising thereon maintained
primarily to be viewed from the main traveled roadway of a freeway or the ingress or egress
ramps of the freeway except in the case of freeway oriented wall signs approved as part of a
master sign program for a retail shopping center with Highway 101 building frontage. For
purposes of this section, building frontage includes the primary wall(s) or facade of a
building facing the freeway with no other building in the visibility window between the
subject building and the highway. This provision excludes building facades on frontage roads
adjacent to the freeway.
B. Master Sign Program. Freeway oriented wall signs may be considered by the Planning
Commission as part of a master sign program for a retail shopping center, as defined in Section
20.020.Q, with direct freeway frontage, in accordance with subsections 20.140.0 and 20.140.D. The
master sign program shall address material, size, color, lighting, attachment, and placement. The
Planning Commission shall consider if the master sign program meets the Site Plan and Architectural
Review (SPAR) standards contained in Subsection 24.010.G, and make the additional findings
contained in subsection 20.140.1) below.
C. Determination and Appeal. Except as part of a master sign program for a retail shopping center
with freeway frontage pursuant to this Section, every application for a permit to erect, construct, or
relocate a sign, billboard or other advertising structure within five hundred feet of a main traveled
roadway of a freeway, shall be considered by the Zoning Administrator, and the Administrator shall
determine whether the proposed sign, billboard or other advertising structure is designed to be
viewed from a main traveled roadway of a freeway or the ingress or egress ramps thereto. If the
Zoning Administrator determines that the proposed sign, billboard or other advertising structure is
designed to have the advertising thereon so maintained, the application for a permit shall be denied.
If the Zoning Administrator determines that the sign, billboard or other advertising structure is not
designed to have the advertising thereon so maintained and that the same does not violate any other
provision of this title, the permit shall be granted. Procedures for the notice, hearing and appeal of
the decision of the Zoning Administrator hereunder shall be the same as are set out in Section
24.070.
D. Freeway Oriented Sign Standards. In addition to finding that the master sign program meets the
Site Plan and Architectural Review standards in subsection 24.010.G. I. the Planning Commission
shall make the following findings as part of Site Plan and Architectural Review prior to approval of
any freeway oriented wall signs for retail shopping centers with freeway frontage.
1. Freeway oriented signs shall be limited to permanent wall -mounted sign as defined in subsection
20.020.EE.
2. Freestanding freeway oriented signs shall be prohibited.
Building elevations on which freeway oriented signs are proposed shall be consistent with Site
Plan and Architectural Review standards contained in subsection 24.010.G.1. Building and/or
site improvements may be required by the Planning Commission to ensure conformance with the
Site Plan and Architectural Review standards and required findings. For purposes of this section,
building frontage includes the primary wall(s) of a building facing Highway 101.
4. The wall -mounted font shall not exceed two feet (2'-0") in height. Logos, flourishes and other
symbols also shall not exceed 2'-0" in height.
5. Freeway oriented signs shall be permitted only for each retail shopping center tenants of 20,000
square feet or greater with a fagade that abuts the freeway. Only one freeway oriented sign shall
be allowed per tenant meeting the above criteria.
6. Sign area shall be calculated based on 1 square foot of sign area per linear foot of building fagade
with direct freeway frontage up to 60 square feet.
7. Maximum sign length shall not exceed 30 feet.
S. The sign area of freeway oriented signs shall be included in the total maximum sign area for the
retail shopping center as prescribed in subsection 20.050.B.5. The addition of freeway oriented
signs shall not increase the allowable sign area or number of signs for a specific tenant or overall
shopping center beyond that permitted in the Master Sign Program. Size of freeway facing signs
shall be consistent with the maximum sign area per tenant per existing criteria for shopping
centers.
9. Freeway oriented wall signs shall consist of individual letters. Individual letters may be mounted
directly on the building wall or on a narrow raceway mounted to the wall and painted the same
color as the wall.
10. Cabinet signs are prohibited.
11. Lighting for freeway oriented signs shall minimize glare and distractions to motorists on the
rights-of-way and adjacent properties, especially residential areas. Freeway oriented signs shall
not blink, flash, flutter, or change light intensity or color.
12. Signs may have individually illuminated letters, either internally illuminated or backlighted solid
letters (reverse channel/halo) or use external, direct illumination. The light shall be LED
technology or other sustainable technology providing white light.
13. Temporary signage as described in Section 20.050.A.7 and 20.110.13.14 shall not be permitted as
freeway oriented signs.
14. The sante detail and design criteria should be applied to all signs proposed on freeway oriented
building frontages of the subject retail shopping center.
E. Caltrans Compliance. All freeway oriented signs shall comply with the California Outdoor
Advertising Act, Business and Professions Code Section 5200 or as subsequently revised and shall
be referred to Caltrans as appropriate for comment prior to Planning Commission review of the
master sign program.
Design Considerations. The following items are design considerations to increase the effectiveness
of freeway oriented signs and to enhance the built enviromnent. The design of the proposed freeway
oriented signs shall visually complement and be compatible with the scale and architectural style of
the primary structures on the site.
1. Signs should be placed and sized consistent with the proportions of the building's facade.
2. Avoid hard -to -read, intricate fonts. Typefaces that are difficult to read reduce the sign's ability to
communicate.
Colors should relate to and complement the materials or paint scheme of the buildings, including
accent and trim colors.
Electrical raceways should be concealed from public view. If a raceway cannot be mounted
internally behind the finished exterior wall, the exposed metal surfaces of the raceway should be
as narrow as possible and finished to match the background wall, or integrated into the overall
design of the sign.
Section 20.150- Nearest to Freeways Restricted, is modified to read as follows:
Other than signs approved as part of a master sign program for a retail shopping center with freeway
frontage pursuant to Section 20.140, no outdoor advertising structure, sign, or other advertising structure
shall be erected, constructed, relocated or maintained, regardless of the zone or district in which it is
located:
Section 2. Except as amended herein, the City of Petaluma Implementing Zoning Ordinance remains in
full force and effect.
Section 3. Severability. If -any -section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or word of this ordinance
is for any reason held to be unconstitutional, unlawful or otherwise invalid by a court of
competent jurisdiction or preempted by state legislation, such decision or legislation shall not affect
the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance. The City Council of the City of Petaluma
hereby declares that it would have passed and adopted this ordinance and each and all provisions thereof
irrespective of the fact that any one or more of said provisions be declared unconstitutional, unlawful or
otherwise invalid.
Section 4. Effective Date. This ordinance shall become effective thirty (30) days after the date of its
adoption by the Petaluma City Council.
Section 5. Posting / Publishing. The City Clerk is hereby directed to publish or post this ordinance or a
synopsis for the period and in the manner provided by the City Charter and any other applicable law.
INTRODUCED and order posted/published this 19th day of May 2014.
ADOPTED this _day of _2014 by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
ATTEST:
David Glass, Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Claire Cooper, City Clerk Eric Danly, City Attorney
ATTACHMENT 2
DATE: February 11, 2013
TO: Planning Commission
FROM: Heather Hines, Planning Manager
SUBJECT: Text Changes to the City of Petaluma Implementing Zoning Ordinance, Chapter
20 (Signs and Sign Structures), including but not limited to Section 20.020
(definitions) and 20.140 and 20.150 (freeway -oriented signs). The proposed
amendments would allow consideration of freeway oriented wall signs for retail
shopping centers along Highway 101 as part of a master sign program.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Planning Commission consider the additional discussion regarding
freeway oriented signs, conduct a public hearing, and direct staff to prepare the appropriate
resolution for adoption at the February 25`h Commission meeting.
BACKGROUND
On May 7, 2012 as part of the City Council's consideration of Regency's appeal of the sign
program for East Washington Place, the Council directed staff to prepare modifications to
Chapter 20 (signs) of the Implementing Zoning Ordinance to allow freeway -oriented signs.
More specifically, the Council directed staff to prepare code modifications to allow retail
shopping centers with freeway frontage an exception to the current prohibition on freeway
oriented signs as part of a master sign program. The City Council further directed that the
revised ordinance include the authority to require architectural upgrades to freeway facing
facades in existing retail shopping centers as part of any approvals for freeway oriented signage
and specified that freestanding freeway oriented signs were to remain prohibited. The City
Council determined that existing Site Plan and Architectural Review findings required for
approval of a master sign program were sufficient to ensure the size, design, and lighting of
freeway oriented signs was appropriate for the specific shopping center and individual master
sign program, at the discretion of the Planning Commission.
On June 12, 2012 the Planning Commission considered modifications to IZO Chapter 20 as
directed by the City Council. The draft modifications presented to the Plamning Commission
provided an exception for retail shopping centers with freeway frontage to permit freeway
oriented signs as part of a master sign program, at the discretion of the Planning Commission.
Staff recommended that allowable freeway oriented signs be limited to wall signs. Additionally,
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the proposed code modifications included the addition of a definition of master sign program and
incorporated required findings for approval of a master sign that included freeway oriented wall
signs.
After deliberation the Planning Commission unanimously (6-0, Johansen absent) adopted PC
Resolution No. 2012-06, recommending the City Council not amend the text of Chapter 20
regulating freeway oriented signage. The consensus of the Planning Commission was that the
sign ordinance should be reviewed comprehensively to ensure continuity and cohesion for the
City's sign standards and that freeway oriented signs should not be amended without looking at
the sign code as a whole. The Commission also expressed concern about potential visual
impacts of freeway oriented signs along the Highway 101 corridor.
Although unsupportive of the overall text amendment, the consensus of the Planning
Commission was that there needed to be consistency in the language and terminology within the
amendments and that there was a lack of specificity in the proposed language regards to the type
of signs, how they were mounted, type of lighting, overall size, materials, and orientation. The
Commission also expressed concern regarding the process and submittal requirements for review
of master sign program and incorporating applicable Caltrans' review given the location along
the Highway 101 corridor.
On July 2, 2012 the Planning Commission's recommendation was presented to the City Council
for consideration. After deliberation a motion to approve the proposed amendments was made,
seconded, and a vote was taken. The motion failed with a 3-3 vote by the City Council.
On April 15, 2013 Merlone Geier, developer of the Deer Creek Village Center, submitted a
written request for reconsideration to the City Council. At their June 17, 2013 meeting a
majority of the City Council indicated support for directing staff to bring the amendment back to
the Planning Commission for reconsideration with appropriate modifications to address
comments previously expressed by the Planning Commission.
On September 24, 2013 staff presented draft revisions to the previously considered text
amendments, including requirements that freeway -oriented signs shall be limited to individual
channel letters, additional sign area of freeway -oriented signs shall be within allowable sign area
currently allotted for the shopping center, and supplemental findings shall be required for
approval of a master sign program that allows freeway -oriented signs. The primary authority for
design review of freeway -oriented signs remained part of the master sign program requiring Site
Plan and Architectural Review (SPAR) at the discretion of the Planning Commission.
The Commission continued the item and directed Staff to look at how other jurisdictions regulate
freeway oriented signs and consider more restrictions within the zoning code and leave less
subjective evaluation for the SPAR process for the individual master sign programs. The
Commission also reiterated their desire to see the sign code in its entirety come forward for
update instead of looking at only individual pieces such as freeway oriented signs.
Staff researched a number of other cities, primarily along the Iighway 101 corridor and found
that most cities include some minimum requirements in the actual sign code but utilize master
sign programs and design review committees for the specific design criteria for freeway -oriented
signs. This approach allows a base standard that establishes such criteria as maximum size,
allowable sign type, and location requirements. The master sign program for individual
shopping center evaluates specific design details such as precise location on buildings,
architectural compatibility, color, font, and lighting.
Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa's adopted Design Guidelines include a policy that signs should be oriented towards
local City streets and not to the regional highways (Highway 101 and Highway 12) and therefore
have not allow freeway oriented signs within the City. More recently the City Council adopted
modifications to the sign code that allow freeway oriented signs in limited locations and under
the following criteria:
• Only allowed for retail uses;
• Minimum individual store size — 20,000 square feet or as excepted by the Design Review
Board;
• Building Location — building must be visible from Highway 101 or Highway 12 and no
other building stands in the visibility window between the subject building and the
highway;
• Placement— signage can only be building mounted on an exterior wall of the subject
space. Signage cannot extend to an elevation higher than the exterior wall;
• Limit — One freeway oriented sign per retail space;
• The introduction of freeway signage does not increase the number of signs or square
footage allowed per tenant, those maximums still apply;
• Letter Height —18 inches; and
• Max Sign Area — 30 square feet.
Additionally, Section 20.38.030 of the Santa Rosa Municipal Code requires a master sign
program for any multiple occupancy commercial site (shopping center) which is reviewed by the
Community Development Director and requires three specific findings regarding compliance
with minimum sign standards and applicable design guidelines and compatibility of size,
location, and design with the overall development.
Corte Madera
Corte Madera requires approval of a sign program for all shopping centers through the Design
Review process. Code section 18.22.020 specifies that the master sign program should include
specifics for size, materials, location, design, color, lighting, and construction of all signs for the
development. Section 18.22.120 outlines requirements for signs within the C-3 (Highway
Commercial) zoning district and includes the requirement that signs must be located on the
building elevation providing primary access to the tenant. This section would allow the
"freeway oriented" signs such as Barnes and Noble and Crate and Barrel within the shopping
Z-3
center on the east side of the freeway because those tenants primary access faces towards
Highway 10I.Variances for this requirement have been issued for several master sign programs
for centers that back onto the Highway 101 corridor.
Design Review of a master sign program requires a finding of consistency with the character and
scale of the buildings and ensuring that signs are visually harmonious with the surrounding
development.
The recently approved sign program for the Village Shopping Center (west side of Highway 10 1)
outlines the creation of eleven sign shelves on the east facing elevation (freeway facing) of the
existing buildings. The sign program outlines the following tenant sign specifications for the
installation of freeway facing signs for the shopping center:
• Tenant design in accordance with their standard branding/trademark logos;
• Material will be aluminum charmel letters with translucent face;
• Internal white LED illumination;
• Letter Height — 2 feet maximum;
• Sign Length — 30 feet maximum;
• Max Sign Area — 60 square feet (as approved by Planning Department) any deviation in
size beyond max limits will require Planning Department approval and possibly an
amendment to the precise plan amendment; and
• Raceways are not allowed.
The decision regarding which tenants in the center are allowed identification on the eleven
available sign shelves is at the landlord's discretion.
San Mateo
San Mateo code section 25.060.060 limits freeway oriented signs to properties immediately
adjacent to the freeway right-of-way. Freeway -oriented signs are subject to the following
restrictions:
• Letter Height — 4 feet maximum;
• Sign Length — 50 feet maximum;
• Max Sign Area— 150 square feet; and
• Max Number of Signs — 3 signs permitted.
Sign area of freeway oriented signs must be included in the total sign area and must not exceed
the maximum sign area established by the requirements of the base zoning district.
San Rafael
San Rafael's sign code defines freeway oriented as those uses that face directly onto a frontage
road that is generally parallel to and level with Highway 101 or Interstate 580. The maximum
sign area for freeway oriented signs correlates to the lineal lot frontage. However the emphasis
of this code section is focused on freestanding signs oriented towards the freeway.
Z--"
Hayward
Hayward's sign regulations (Article 7) define a freeway oriented sign as any sign designed to be
visible from Interstate 880, State Route 72, or west of Industrial Boulevard. More detailed
criteria for freeway oriented signs appear to be only applicable to freestanding signs oriented
towards the freeway.
Hayward requires a master sign program for any project that includes five or more business uses
and requires site plan review, a use permit, variance, or is within a planned unit development.
STAFF ANALYSIS
Most jurisdictions require a master sign program for multi -tenant development such as a retail
shopping center and places importance on the sign program for creating a harmonious,
coordinated sign approach consistent with the character of the architecture and site design of the
development. This is consistent with Petaluma's informal policy for review of sign programs.
An aspect of the proposed text amendments is to add a definition of master sign program to
Chapter 20.020 of the IZO as follows:
Master Sign Program. A master sign program is a comprehensive sign program
stipulating size, design, location, and other criteria for approval of all signs in a multi -
tenant shopping center, retail center, commercial or industrial complex or other use.
A Master Sign Program is processed as a Site Plan and Architectural review
application at the discretion of the Planning Commission and when found consistent
with the requirements in Section 24.010.G. When a unique, cohesive approach to
project signage is warranted, some flexibility in design requirements may be
approved by the Planning Commission if it is found that the master sign program is in
conformance with the purposes stated in Section 20.010. A Master Sign Program that
includes freeway oriented signs must also be found in compliance with applicable
requirements of Section 20.140.
A variety of approaches is used by jurisdictions to regulate freeway oriented signs and is
illustrated in the above discussion of several communities along the Highway 101 corridor. The
Petaluma City Council's direction has been to consider exceptions for freeway oriented signs
only for retail shopping centers with frontage along Highway 101 and only through a Master
Sign Program at the discretion of the Planning Commission and subject to SPAR findings. Staff
believes that the appropriate approach is to include base criteria for freeway oriented signs in
IZO Chapter 20 but allow design specifics to be developed as part of the master sign program for
a development. This approach helps applicants clearly identify the base criteria for freeway
oriented signs but also allows the design specifics such as colors, lighting, font, and specific
locations to be developed for each unique development. This approach provides oversight but
assures that the character of the development is considered in the development of the sign
concept and allows for more independent design.
Based on the different approaches considered above, Staff recommends including the following
base criteria for freeway oriented signs to be included in the amendments to IZO Section 20.140:
Z--5
• Retail shopping center with direct Highway 101 frontage only
• Approved only as part of a Master Sign Program at PC discretion
• Limited to wall signs, no freestanding signs
• Individual channel letters
• No raceways allowed
• Maximum Height — 2 feet maximum letter height
• Sign Length — 30 feet maximum sign length
• Maximum Size — 60 square feet
• Size of freeway facing signs shall be consistent with the maximum sign area per tenant
per existing criteria for shopping centers
• Special findings if freeway facing signs
• Master Sign Program must include specific design criteria, size, colors, lighting,
construction, location, etc.
• Building and/or site improvements may be required to ensure compliance with SPAR
standards and required findings.
The Planning Commission may wish to discuss additional criteria to:
• Cap the maximum number of freeway oriented signs per shopping center;
• Provide flexibility for logo design that exceeds the maximum letter height;
• Limit allowance of freeway oriented signs to tenants of a specific size (20,000 square
feet); and/or
• Further reduce maximum letter height, sign length, or overall sign area.
Staff continues to recommend that the following supplemental findings for approval of freeway
oriented signs as part of a Master Sign Program be included in the text amendments:
1. The proposed freeway oriented wall signs are of a minimum size and height necessary to
enable motorists to readily identify the facility or site from a sufficient distance to safely
and conveniently access the facility or site;
2. The proposed freeway oriented signs are included in the maximum sign area for the
shopping center as prescribed in subsection 20.050.B.5 and do not increase the allowable
sign area or number of signs for a specific tenant or the overall shopping center;
3. The design of the proposed freeway oriented signs are visually complementary and
compatible with the scale and architectural style of the primary structures on the site;
4. All required criteria for freeway facing signs as outlined in Section 20.140(C) have been
incorporated into the design;
5. The proposed freeway oriented signs are a color, letter type, location, material, shape,
size, and style that is appropriate for the use of the premises, enhances the shopping
center, and is harmonious with the surrounding area/neighborhood. The same detail and
design criteria is applied to all signs proposed on the rear, freeway oriented building
frontages; and
6. Lighting for proposed freeway oriented signs has been designed to minimize light and
glare on surrounding rights-of-way and properties and specific attention has been paid to
Z -(P
neighboring residential areas. Sign illumination does not blink, flash, flutter, or change
light intensity or color.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This project has been reviewed in compliance with CEQA guidelines and has been determined to
be categorically exempt pursuant to Section 15305 (Minor Alterations in Land Use Limitations)
in that the project involves minor modifications to the IZO that do not result in significant
changes in allowable land use or density; and/or Section 15311 (Accessory Structures) in that the
project involves modifications to the IZO allowing certain types of on -premise signs for existing
commercial structures.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Public notice of the Damning Commission hearing was posted in an eighth page ad in the Argus
Courier and mailed to all property owners and residents within 500 feet of the four existing retail
shopping centers with frontage along Mghway 101 (East Washington Place, Plaza North, Plaza
South, and Deer Creek Village). No comments were received.
Z_ 7
EAST WASHINGTON PLACE FREEWAY SIGN EXAMPLE
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2858
DATE: April 8, 2014 AGENDA ITEM NO. 9C
TO: Planning Commission
FROM: Jackie Turner, AICP, LEED AP
Principal Planner
SUBJECT: Text Amendment to the City of Petaluma Implementing Zoning Ordinance (IZO),
Chapter 20 (Signs and Sign Structures), including but not limited to Section
20.020 (definitions) and 20.140 and 20.150 (freeway -oriented signs). The
proposed amendments will allow consideration of freeway oriented wall signs for
retail shopping centers on Highway 101 as part of a master sign program.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission consider revised code amendments and adopt a
resolution recommending the City Council approve text amendments to Implementing Zoning
Ordinance Sections 20.020, 20.050, 20.140 and 20.150 to allow freeway oriented wall signs for
retail shopping centers with Highway 101 frontage, and to add definitions relevant to freeway
oriented signs including master sign program, to IZO Section 20.020 (Attachment A).
BACKGROUND
On May 7, 2012 as part of the City Council's consideration of Regency's appeal of the sign
program for East Washington Place, the Council directed staff to prepare modifications to
Chapter 20 (Signs) of the Implementing Zoning Ordinance to allow freeway oriented signs. The
City Council also determined that the existing Site Plan and Architectural Review findings
required for approval of a master sign program for a specific shopping center, were sufficient to
ensure the size, design, and lighting of freeway oriented signs were appropriate, at the discretion
of the Planning Commission.
On June 12, 2012 the Planning Commission considered modifications to IZO Chapter 20 as
directed by the City Council. The draft modifications provided an exception for retail shopping
centers with freeway frontage to permit wall -mounted freeway oriented signs as part of a master
sign program, at the discretion of the Planning Commission. After deliberation the Planning
Commission unanimously (6-0, Johansen absent) adopted PC Resolution No. 2012-06,
t -I
recommending the City Council not amend the text of Chapter 20 regulating freeway oriented
signage preferring the sign ordinance should be reviewed comprehensively to ensure continuity
and cohesion for the City's sign standards.
Date MeetinL / Action
May 7 2012
Regency's appeal of the sign'; programfor East' Washington
Place to allow freeway -oriented signs
June 12, 2012
Planning Commission adopted PC Resolution No. 2012-06,
recommending the City Council not amend the text of signage
but consider a comprehensive overhaul of the sign code
July 2, 2012
City Council motion to consider PC motion fails
June 17, 2013
City Council supports reconsideration of Sign text amendment
with modifications
September 24, 2013
PC reviews proposed text amendments and continues to
request entire sign code update as well as additional research
on other jurisdictions' freeway (sign codes.
February 11, 2014
PC discusses and provides feedback on staff presentation of
examples from other jurisdictions.
On July 2, 2012 the Planning Commission's recommendation was presented to the City Council
for consideration. After deliberation a motion to approve the proposed amendments was made,
seconded, and a vote was taken. The motion failed with a 3-3 vote by the City Council,
On April 15, 2013 Merlon Geier, developer of the Deer Creels Village Center, submitted a
written request for reconsideration to the City Council. At their June 17, 2013 meeting a
majority of the City Council indicated support for directing staff to bring the amendment back to
the Planning Commission for reconsideration with appropriate modifications to address
comments previously expressed by the Planning Commission.
On September 24, 2013 staff presented draft revisions to the previously considered text
amendments. The primary authority for design review of freeway -oriented signs remained part of
the master sign program requiring Site Plan and Architectural Review (SPAR) at the discretion
of the Planning Commission. The Conunission continued the item and directed Staff to look at
how other jurisdictions regulate freeway oriented signs and consider more restrictions within the
zoning code leaving less subjective evaluation in the SPAR process for the individual master
sign programs.
On February 11, 2014, staff presented the results of research regarding other jurisdictions sign
codes, including sketches and photographic illustrations of sign design components. Staff
researched a number of cities, primarily along the Highway 101 corridor including Santa Rosa,
Corte Madera, San Mateo.. San Rafael, and Hayward, and found that most cities include
minimum requirements in the actual sign code but utilize master sign programs and design
review conmiittees for the specific design criteria for freeway oriented signs within a specific
development. The February 1 It" staff report (Attachment E) contained a summary of these sign
codes. This approach allows base standards for such criteria as maximum size, allowable sign
type, and location requirements. The master sign program for individual shopping center
-f—Z—
evaluates specific design details such as precise location on buildings, architectural
compatibility, color, font, and lighting.
Also presented at the Planning Commission meeting was a PowerPoint containing sketches of
the East Washington Place and Deer Creek Village retail shopping center facades that directly
abut Highway 101 with generic wall signs of different size fonts to simulate the requested
freeway oriented signs. The Planning Commission provided comment and direction to staff in
terms for developing a text amendment.
DISCUSSION
At the Planning Commission discussion on February 11, 2014, the Planning Cormnission gave
the following direction to balance minimmn standards to ensure uniformity while allowing
flexibility to accommodate design details such as architecture, color, lighting, font, and
placement. Many jurisdictions require a master sign prograin for multi -tenant development such
as a retail shopping center and place importance on the sign program for creating a harmonious,
coordinated sign approach consistent with the character of the architecture and site design of the
development. This is similar to Petaluma's informal policy for review of sign programs for
multi -tenant developments. A Master Sign Program is processed as a Site Plan and Architectural
Review application at the discretion of the Planning Commission and reviewed for consistency
with the requirements in Section 24.01 O.G.
In response to this direction, staff has prepared a package of IZO Chapter 20 text amendments
(See Attachment B for the redline) for signs which includes but is not limited to the following:
Definition of master sign program
e Modification and additions to existing definitions
Minimum standards for freeway facing signs, including:
o Required findings for approval of master sign program
o Illumination type
o Must be wall -mounted
o Maximum sign area
o Maximum height of fonts, logos, etc.
o Maximum length
o Font style
o Cohesiveness
o Caltrans compliance
• Cross references such as Section 20.050 A.5 to the new freeway oriented sign section.
This approach provides oversight but assures that the character of the development is considered
in the development of the sign concept and allows for more independent design.
Additionally, staff has included graphic simulations (Attachments C and D) illustrating four
different sign font heights ranging from 12 inches to 36 inches on the freeway facing facades of
East Washington Place and Deer Creel: retail centers. Based on these graphics simulations, staff
believes that a maximum sign height of 24 inches will allow for readable sign lettering as viewed
,f--3
from Highway 101 but will not encourage oversized signs on these freeway facing facades in
retail shopping centers.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This project has been reviewed in compliance with CEQA guidelines and has been determined to
be categorically exempt pursuant to Section 15305 (Minor Alterations in Land Use Limitations)
in that the project involves minor modifications to the IZO that do not result in significant
changes in allowable land use or density; and/or Section 15311 (Accessory Structures) in that the
project involves modifications to the IZO allowing certain types of on -premise signs for existing
commercial structures.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Public notice of the Planning Commission hearing was posted in an eighth page ad in the Argus
Courier and mailed to all property owners and residents within 1000 feet of the four existing
retail shopping centers with frontage along Highway 101 (East Washington Place, Plaza North,
Plaza South, and Deer Creek Village). No comments were received.
ATTACHMENTS
(Not included in Council Report)
Attachment A: Draft Resolution
Attachment B: Chapter 20 Redline
Attachment C: Shopping Center Wall Sign Illustration, Deer Creek Village
Attachment D: Shopping Center Wall Sign Illustration, East Washington Place
Attachment E: February 11, 2014 — Planning Conunission Staff Report
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Implementing Zoning Ordinance ATTACHMENT 5
Chapter 20 Signs and Sign Structures
20.010 - Purposes
A. To protect the public health, safety, and general welfare of the City by ensuring that the number, type, size, and
design of all signs in Petaluma will not detract from the attractiveness and orderliness of the City's appearance.
B. To protect the general welfare of the merchants and property owners in Petaluma by avoiding wasteful and costly
competition among sign users which can result from the uncontrolled use of signs.
20.020 - Definitions
A. Area of signing. The total area of all non-exempt permanent signs related to a single occupant.
B. Building frontage. The primary wall or walls of a building facing a public street or streets (not including freeways).
C. Cabinet Sign, Internally Illuminated. A box sign regular in shape with a single transparent or translucent material
such as a Plexiglasllexan face mounted on the face of a building or freestanding and that provides for internal
illumination within the box.
C D. Chief Building Official. The Chief Building Official of the City of Petaluma or his designated representative.
D -.E. City. The City of Petaluma.
,.F. City Council. The Petaluma City Council,
F—.G. Community Development Director. The Community Development Director of the City of Petaluma or a
designated representative.
C.H. Erect. To build, construct, attach, hang, place, suspend or affix, and shall also include the painting of wall signs.
1_Free-standing sign. Any sign standing on the ground. Such signs are usually, but not necessarily, supported
from the ground by one or more poles or posts or similar uprights.
J. Freeway -oriented sign. Any sign mounted to the primary wall(s) or facade of a building facing the freeway with no
other building located in the visibility window between the subject building and the freeway. This excludes building
facades on frontage roads adjacent to the freeway.
RX. Illuminated Signs, Any sign which has characters, letters, figures, designs, or outline illuminated by electric lights
or luminous tubes.
6L_ Illumination, direct. Light source is an external part of the sign.
M_Illumination, indirect. Light source is an internal part of the sign.
N. Individual letters. A type of sign construction where individual letters or images are cut out into separate shapes.
0. Individually illuminated letters. Individual letters either internally illuminated or backlighted solid letters (reverse
channel.
d.P_Marquee. Any permanent roofed structure attached to and supported by a building.
Q. Master Sign Program. A master sign program is a comprehensive sign program for approval of all signs in a
mulit-tenant shopping center, retail center, commercial or industrial complex or other use stipulating size design
criteria and location. A Master Sign Program is processed as a Site Plan and Architectural Review application at
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Implementing Zoning Ordinance
the discretion of the Planning Commission and when found consistent with requirements in Section 24.010.G.
When a unique. cohesive approach to project signage is warranted, some flexibility in design requirements may be
approved by the Planning Commission if it is found that the master sign program is in conformance with the
purposes stated in Section 20.010.
V:R. Occupant. One who occupies a group of buildings, one building, or each substantially separate physical division
of a building.
L—.S. One foot lambert. Equal in brightness to one lumen per square foot reflected from a surface. One lumen per
square foot is equal to a square foot illuminated evenly by one foot candle at any point.
M. -T. outdoor advertising structure. Any device which is used or designed to direct attention to a business,
profession, commodity, service, or entertainment which is conducted, sold, or offered elsewhere than upon the lot
where such sign is located.
Nall. Planning Commission. The City of Petaluma Planning Commission.
V. Projecting Sign. Any sign, other than a wall sign, which is suspended from or supported by a building or wall and
which projects outward therefrom. Any sign suspended under a marquee, porch, walkway covering or similar
covering structure and in a place approximately perpendicular to the wall of the adjoining building shall be deemed
to be a projecting sign.
W. Raceway. An aluminum junction box containing wiring and conduit that is mounted in one piece to the wall or
building.
Q.X. Reverse Channel Lit 1 Halo letters. Individually illuminated (LED) letters installed directly on a wall emitting light
from the channel in back of the letter onto the wall giving it a "Halo" effect.
P—.Y. Roof sign. Any sign erected upon or over the roof or parapet of any building or eave of any building, including the
roof of any porch, walkway covering, or similar covering structure, and supported by or connected to the building or
roof.
Q-. Shopping center. Any combination of five (5) or more separately owned and operated retail businesses on a
single or commonly owned or leased parcel of land, or a commercial use of commercial complex occupying and
operated as a single site of at least two (2) acres. An existing building situated on a single parcel of land which is
converted into separate retail businesses is not for the purpose of this section defined as a shopping center.
P,. LA. Sign. Any writing, pictorial representation, symbol, banner, or any other figure of similar character of
whatever material which is used to identify, announce, direct attention to or advertise or communicate, which is
placed on the ground, on any bush, tree, rock, wall, post, fence, building, structure, vehicle or on any place
whatsoever and which is visible from outside a building. The term 'placed" shall include constructing, erecting,
posting, painting, printing, tacking, nailing, gluing, sticking, carving, stringing, or otherwise fastening, affixing, or
making visible in any manner whatsoever.
S BB. Sign area. The area in square feet of the smallest rectangle enclosing the total exterior surface of a sign,
or of one face of a double face sign.
SCC. Street. A public right-of-way thirty (30) feet or more in width which provides a public means of access to
abutting property. The term "street" shall include avenue, drive, circle, road, parkway, boulevard, highway,
freeway, or any other similar term, but not alley. The term shall include the total width of the dedicated right-of-
way.
DD. Trailblazer Sign. An identification or directional sign to specific sites or uses that are of regional importance or
have a regional draw and provide a public benefit.
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Implementing Zoning Ordinance
L1EE. Wall sign. Any sign posted or painted on, suspended from or otherwise affixed to the wall of any
building or structure in an essentially flat position, or with the exposed face of the sign in a place approximately
parallel to the plane of such wall. Any sign suspended from and placed approximately parallel to the front of a
canopy, porch, or similar covering structure shall be deemed to be a wall sign. Excludes banners and pennants.
1LFF. Window sign. Any sign placed on, or inside an exterior window. This shall include but not be limited to:
decals, stickers, readerboards, neon tubing signs, signs painted directly on the glass surface, and signs made of
wood, plastic, metal, composite materials, paper, or cardboard.
20.030 - General Provisions
No sign, outdoor advertising structure or display shall be permitted except in conformity with the following regulations:
A. East Washington Street signs. All freestanding signs for properties with an East Washington Street frontage shall
be a monument, low -profile style not exceeding five (5) feet in height measured from the grade of the nearest
public sidewalk.
B. Hazardous signs. No sign or outdoor advertising structure shall be erected in such a manner that it will, or
reasonably may be expected to interfere with, obstruct, confuse, or mislead traffic or create a safety hazard.
C. Lighting. An illuminated sign within five hundred (500) feet of an R District measured along the radius of one
hundred eighty (180) degree arc in front of a face of the sign, shall not be directly lighted, but may be indirectly
lighted, provided that the surface brightness shall not be greater than thirty (30) foot lamberts.
D. Lighting of free-standing signs. All free-standing signs shall be illuminated indirectly with white light and no light
filament or tubing shall be visible from the front of the sign or from beyond the property line.
E. Marquee signs. No sign shall be placed upon the roof or on the face of any marquee unless integrated as part of
the building architecture.
F. Moving and novelty signs; pennants. Moving signs, sign structures, and flashing lights are prohibited, except for
official flags and symbols, clocks, thermometers, and traditional type barber poles that rotate. Pennants shall be
included in the total sign area permitted for a particular use or site.
G. On-site sign locations. All signs and displays shall be located on the same site as the use they identify or
advertise, except subdivisions.
H. Roof signs. No sign or sign structure shall be painted or located upon or above the roof of any building, unless
integrated as part of the building architecture.
1. Signs in Planned Unit Developments. Signs in P.U.D. (Planned Unit Development) Districts shall comply with the
regulations prescribed in this section for the districts with which they are combined.
J. Signs near street intersections. No sign shall be erected at the intersection of any street improved for vehicular
traffic, within a triangular area formed by the curb lines and their projection, and a line connecting them at points
thirty-five (35) feet from the intersection of the projected curb lines, unless in compliance with the provisions of this
ordinance, has a clearance of at least ten (10) feet above curb grade.
K. Sign obstruction. No sign shall be erected in such a manner than any portion of the sign or its support is attached
to or will interfere with the free use of any fire escape, exit or standpipe, or obstruct any required stairway, door,
ventilator, or window.
L. Sign visibility. Not more than three (3) permanent signs for any one (1) occupant shall be visible from any one (1)
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Implementing Zoning Ordinance
ground vantage point.
M. Vertical clearance. There shall not be less than ten (10) feet of clearance between the bottom of an overhanging
sign and ground level, except that marquee signs not exceeding six (6) square feet in area may be erected with a
minimum vertical clearance of eight and one-half (8-1/2) feet.
N. Wall and projecting signs. A wall or projecting sign attached to a building shall not extend above the top of the
wall upon or in front of which it is situated, or in the case of buildings having sloping roofs, above the eave of the
roof.
20.040—Signs in Open Space and Parks, Agricultural, Residential, and Civic Facilities Districts
Conformity with Regulations: No sign, outdoor advertising structure, or display with any character shall be permitted in an AG,
OSP, or R District except the following:
A. Permanent tract signs. One (1) permanent tract identification sign may be erected at the main entrance of a
tract, provided that it does not exceed five (5) feet in height and twenty-five (25) square feet in area. Such sign
may be indirectly illuminated in white light, provided the intensity does not exceed ten (10) foot lamberts.
B. Real estate signs. One (1) non -illuminated real estate sign advertising the sale, rental, or lease of the premises
on which it is maintained. For each ten (10) feet of lot(s) width, one (1) square foot of sign area is permitted, but in
no case shall such area exceed thirty (30) square feet. All such signs shall be set back from every street lot line at
least a distance in feet equal to one-half (1/2) the number of square feet in area of the sign, but each setback shall
not be less than any required front yard.
C. Free-standing signs. One free-standing identification sign not directly lighted, not exceeding twenty (20) square
feet in area or a height of five (5) feet on the site of a public building or grounds, a private institution, a church, a
club or lodge, or a professional office building, clinic or laboratory.
D. Wall sign. One (1) wall identification sign not directly lighted, not exceeding twelve (12) square feet in area on the
site of a church, school, community center or other public or institutional building.
E. Announcement signs. One (1) non -illuminated announcement sign or bulletin board not over twelve (12) square
feet in area on the site of a church, school, community center or other public or institutional building which sign, if
not attached Flat against a building, shall be at least twelve (12) feet from all street curb or pavement lines.
1. Announcement Signs for Public and Private Academic Schools. One (1) non -illuminated
announcement sign or bulletin board not over thirty-two (32) feet in area on the site of a public or private
academic school. Which sign, if not attached Flat against a building, shall be at least twelve (12) feet
from all street curb or pavement lines. Announcement signs may not project over two (2) feet from any
wall surface in compliance with Section 20.050(A)(6). Messages on these signs shall be related to
school activities. The school shall be responsible for maintaining the sign in an attractive and well kept
condition. Unauthorized messages and/or graffiti shall be removed from the sign in a timely manner.
2. Announcement Signs for Churches, Community Centers or Other Public or Institutional Buildings
Other Than Public and Private Academic Schools. One (1) non -illuminated announcement sign or
bulletin board not over twelve (12) square feet in area on the site of a church, community center or other
public or institution building other than a public or private academic school. Which sign, if not attached
flat against a building, shall be at least twelve (12) feet from all street curb or pavement lines.
Announcement signs may not project over two (2) feet from any wall surface in compliance with Section
20.050(A)(6).
F. Temporary signs. Temporary construction and subdivision signs, in accordance with the provisions of Section
20.050(B).
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Implementing Zoning Ordinance
G. Lighting of signs. No sign in an AG or R District shall be constructed in such a way that any light filament or
tubing is visible from the front of the sign or from beyond the property line.
H. Bed and Breakfast Inns. One (1) identification sign, on the site of a bed and breakfast inn, not internally lighted,
not exceeding six (6) square feet in area, of distinctive design and in keeping with the character of the structure
and neighborhood.
20.050—Signs in Commercial, Mixed Use, Business Park and Industrial Districts
A. Permitted Sign Types. No sign, outdoor advertising structure, or display of any character shall be permitted in a
C, MU, BP, or I District except the following:
1. Exempted signs. Signs exempted from sign permits.
2. Sale, lease and rental signs. One (1) sign pertaining to the sale, lease, rental, or display of a structure
or land, not exceeding six (6) square feet in a C1 District or twenty (20) square feet in a C2, MU1, MU2,
BP or I District.
3. Shopping center free-standing signs. One (1) free-standing sign not exceeding thirty (30) feet in
height and two hundred (200) square feet in area on the site of a shopping center, with a maximum
height of ten (10) feet from the bottom to top of the sign face, provided that all buildings are set back not
less than thirty (30) feet from the curb or street pavement edge on which the shopping center fronts.
Shopping centers fronting on two (2) or more public streets shall be allowed one (1) additional free-
standing sign for each additional frontage. Such signs shall not exceed twenty-five (25) square feet in
area nor a height of fifteen (15) feet.
4. Other free-standing signs. One (1) free-standing sign not exceeding the height of the main building, or
twenty (20) feet, whichever is lower, provided that all buildings are set back not less than twenty-five (25)
feet from the curb or street pavement edge on which the use fronts; or one (1) free-standing sign not
exceeding five (5) feet in height and twenty (20) square feet in area provided that all buildings are set
back not less than fifteen (15) feet from the curb or street pavement edge on which the use fronts and
the sign blends architecturally with the main building on the lot.
5. Wall signs. No more than two (2) wall signs for each primary building face (no building shall be deemed
to have more than four [4] primary building faces), not exceeding a thickness of ten (10) inches, including
any light box or other structural part, in all C, MU, BP or I Districts. Refer to section 20.140 for Freeway
Oriented Sign standards.
6. Projecting signs. One (1) projecting sign for each building frontage not exceeding ten (10) square feet
in area and not projecting over two (2) feet from any wall surface. Exception: any sign suspended under
a marquee, porch, walkway or similar covering structure may project more than two (2) feet from any wall
surface but shall not project beyond the walkway covering structure.
7. Temporary signs. One (1) temporary construction sign not exceeding forty (40) square feet in area nor
eight (8) feet in height on the site of the structure while under construction and shall contain only names
of persons, firms and information pertaining to the structure.
B. Permitted Area of Signing. For all C (Commercial), MU (Mixed Use), BP (Business Park), and I (Industrial) zoning
districts exclusive of shopping centers, the maximum permitted area of signing for any occupant shall be the
following:
1. One (1) square foot of sign area for every ground level linear foot of building frontage; or in the case of
buildings with multiple building frontages, one (1) square foot of sign area for every ground level linear
foot of the longest building frontage plus one-half (1l2) square foot of signing for every linear foot of
additional frontage, where no building exists the maximum allowable sign area shall be derived from the
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Implementing Zoning Ordinance
allowable building envelope (area exclusive of setback), not to exceed the maximum stated in Subsection
3 below.
2. Buildings fronting on more than one (1) public right-of-way may not combine permissible sign area for
one frontage with another frontage.
3. No sign or combination of signs on a parcel located in said districts shall exceed two hundred (200)
square feet nor shall be restricted to less than twenty (20) square feet of permanent signing.
4. One (1) directory sign not exceeding twelve (12) square feet in area to identify occupants of the upper
floors in a multi -story building, in addition to the maximum stated in subsection 3 hereof.
5. The sign area for all uses located in a shopping center shall be allotted in accordance with the following
procedures:
a. Multiply the number of businesses within the center by one hundred (100) square feet to
determine the total aggregate sign area.
b. Subtract the area of the free-standing shopping center signs, if any. The maximum allowable
area of the main free-standing sign shall not exceed two hundred (200) square feet, and other
permitted free-standing signs shall not exceed twenty-five (25) square feet.
c. Multiply the number of businesses within the center by twenty (20) square feet (a sign area
constant available to each business in a shopping center to assure that businesses with very
small floor areas will have adequate sign area for identification) and subtract the result from the
balance of the aggregate sign area.
d. Determine the total floor area for all businesses in the center, then determine what percentage
each store represents of the total floor area.
e. Use the floor area percentage ratio to determine the percentage of the balance of the sign area
to be allotted to each store, and add the "constant" twenty (20) square foot area.
20.060 - Signs in Mobile Home Districts
One (1) non -flashing lighted or unlighted identification sign, not exceeding sixteen (16) square feet, shall be permitted on the site
of a mobile home park.
20.070 - Temporary Subdivision and Construction Signs - Conformity with Regulations
Temporary subdivision signs shall be permitted in an R (Residential) District, provided that they conform to the following
regulations:
A. Subdivision signs. One (1) non -illuminated sign pertaining to a subdivision and not exceeding sixty (60) square
feet in area may be erected or displayed for each ten (10) acres in the subdivision. If a subdivision has an area of
less than ten (10) acres, one (1) such sign may be erected or displayed. The total number of signs shall not
exceed four (4) and shall be spaced at a distance of no less than seven hundred (700) feet.
B. Model home signs; temporary sales office signs. One (1) non -illuminated sign pertaining to a model home and
not exceeding six (6) square feet in area may be erected or displayed on the site of each model home in a
subdivision. One sign identifying a temporary sales office may be erected or displayed in the subdivision, and shall
not exceed six (6) square feet in area.
C. Directional signs. Not more than two (2) non -illuminated directional signs, each not more than six (6) square feet
in area, may be erected or displayed for each ten (10) acres in a subdivision, and may be located off the site. If a
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Implementing Zoning Ordinance
subdivision has an area of less than ten (10) acres, two (2) signs may be erected or displayed. No more than six
(6) such signs shall be allowed per subdivision.
D. Temporary construction signs. One (1) non -illuminated temporary construction sign may be erected or
displayed on the site of a structure that is not part of a subdivision, while under construction or alteration. Such a
sign shall not exceed twenty (20) square feet for every street frontage of the site and shall contain only names of
persons, firms, and information pertaining to the structure.
E. Sign permits. For any temporary subdivision or construction sign, a permit may be issued by the Director any
time after recordation of the final subdivision map, or issuance of the building permit, if no subdivision is involved,
and shall become void one (1) year following the date on which the permit was issued. The sign shall then be
removed, unless prior to the expiration date, renewal of the permit for a period of not more than one (1) year shall
be approved by the Community Development Director.
20.080.Outdoor Advertising Structures
A. Conditional use permit required; subject to restrictions. No outdoor advertising structures are permitted
except when approved as conditional uses in the C2, BP, and I Districts. No such signs shall be erected or
maintained in violation of Sections 20,130, 20.140, and 20.210 of this Ordinance.
B. Distance separation. A minimum distance of fifteen hundred (1500) feet between outdoor advertising structures
shall be maintained, measured along the nearest street right-of-way.
C. Signs near residential districts. No sign or sign structures other than identification signs shall be permitted
which face the front or side lot line of any lot in any R District or within two hundred (200) feet of such lot line, or
which face any public parkway, entrance to any public park, school, library, church, civic center or building,
hospital, or similar institution, within two hundred (200) feet thereof.
D. Area requirements. No outdoor advertising structure shall exceed three hundred (300) square feet in area.
20.090 - Trailblazer Signs
A. Locations Permitted. Trailblazer identification and directional signs may be installed only within the public right-
of-way of arterial status roads or on other public property, except when adjacent to Caltrans right-of-way; trailblazer
signs may be permitted on private property provided that the sign is not designed to be viewed primarily from the
main traveled roadway of a freeway or the ingress ramps thereto. Trailblazer signs may be visible from the
freeway egress ramps.
B. Design of Signs. Trailblazer identification and direction signs shall conform to the master sign design (historic
street lamp) for such signs and shall be provided (at the cost of the applicant) with an underground utility
connection to the nearest City street light, as required by the Directors of Community Development and Public
Works.
C. Regional ImportancelDraw. The Community Development Director shall insure that listed uses and locations are
of a regional importance or have a regional draw and provide a public benefit. The Community Development
Director will refer requests to the Planning Commission for their determination of eligibility - consideration will be on
Planning Commission consent agenda.
D. Approvals Necessary. No Trailblazer identification (light pole or attached sign) shall be installed without first
receiving administrative Site Plan and Architectural Review approval. Placement of the lamp post shall also
require an encroachment permit prior to their installation.
20.100 - Political and Campaign Signs
No political or campaign signs shall be permitted except in conformity with the following regulations:
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A. R (Residential District). In residential districts, there are permitted stationary, unlighted, temporary signs on
behalf of candidates for public office or measures on an election ballot, provided that:
1. Any such sign shall be erected not earlier than ninety (90) days prior to the election and shall be removed
within fifteen (15) days after such election.
2. Any such sign shall not be more than twenty (20) square feet in area and, if detached, not more than six
(6) feet in height.
3. No such sign shall be located closer than five (5) feet to any property line.
4. No such sign shall be a roof sign.
B. AG (Agricultural), C (Commercial), MU (Mixed Use), BP (Business Park), and I (Industrial) Districts. In any
AG, C, MU, BP or I Districts, there are permitted one (1) or more political or campaign signs on a parcel of land on
behalf of candidates for public office or measures on an election ballot, provided that:
5. Any such sign shall be erected not earlier than ninety (90) days prior to the election and removed within
fifteen (15) days after such election.
6. The total area of such sign, or signs, on any one (1) parcel shall not exceed fifty (50) square feet, except
that larger signs may be placed upon any legally existing sign structure.
7. No such sign shall be a roof sign except upon a legally existing sign structure.
8. Signs on behalf of political candidates who are successful in primary elections may be retained for
general election purposes until fifteen (15) days following the date of such general election; provided that
they are maintained in good condition and are removed at such time.
C. Removal of signs. It shall be the responsibility of the property owner to remove the political sign within fifteen (15)
days after the sign has served its purpose. If such signs are not removed within fifteen (15) days, they may be
abated by the City. It is unlawful to erect a sign in conflict with this Chapter.
D. Prohibited on public property. Political or campaign signs may not be erected or installed upon public property,
or upon public utility property, and may be abated by the City without notice.
20.110 - Signs Exempted from Permit
A. Normal maintenance. No approval or permit is required for normal sign maintenance other than changes in color,
type of lighting, or design.
B. Exempted signs. The following signs do not require a sign permit:
1. One (1) non -illuminated real estate sign advertising the sale, rental, or lease of the premises on which it
is maintained and not over six (6) square feet in area.
2. Signs showing the location of public telephones, restrooms and underground facilities.
3. One (1) street address sign, not directly lighted, and less than two (2) square feet in area.
4. One (1) occupancy identification sign for each street frontage, not directly lighted, and not exceeding two
(2) square feet in area in any AG or R District.
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Implementing Zoning Ordinance
5. One (1) non -illuminated professional name plate not exceeding two (2) square feet in area.
6. One (1) non -illuminated sign identifying a home occupation not more than one and one-half (1-112)
square feet in area, which may be used to identify the occupant and his "home occupation"; said name
plate shall be affixed flat against the outside wall of the dwelling.
7. Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings and date or erection when cut into any masonry surface or
when constructed of bronze or other incombustible materials.
8. Any sign, posting, notice, etc., placed by or required by a government entity in carrying out its
responsibility to protect the general health and welfare of the community.
9. Window signs in business establishments, located in C (Commercial), Mixed Use, (MU), Business Park
(BP), and I (Industrial) Districts.
10. Political campaign signs in conformance with the regulations herein.
11. Two (2) non -illuminated temporary identification signs not exceeding thirty (30) square feet in area each
on sites occupied by temporary uses such as Christmas tree lots, circuses, carnivals and charity booths.
Such signs may be maintained for a period of fourteen (14) days or the duration of such use, whichever
is less, with the exception of Christmas tree lots, for which such period shall not exceed forty (40) days.
12. Directional signs for off-street parking and loading facilities not exceeding four (4) square feet in area nor
a height of three (3) feet and limited to two (2) such signs per driveway entrance to off-street parking
facilities.
13. One (1) permanent directional sign identifying institutions of an educational, religious, charitable,
governmental or civic nature, not to exceed four (4) square feet in area and situated on an arterial street.
Additional directional signs may be approved subject to the granting of a use permit.
14. Pennants or banners for a period or periods not exceeding 21 days aggregate per year, on the site of
businesses located in C1, C2, MU1,and MU2 Districts.
20.120 — Appeal
As prescribed in Section 24.070.
20.130 - Sign Permit
The purpose of the sign permit is to allow erection of signs in conformity with the provisions of this Ordinance, and to establish
that nonconforming signs were lawfully erected in compliance with regulations at the time they were constructed.
A. Application for Permit. Application for permits shall be made upon forms provided by the City and shall contain
or have attached hereto the information requested on the application; or additional information as deemed
necessary by the Director to process the application.
B. Issuance - Validity Period. It shall be the duty of the Zoning Administrator or his/her authorized representative
upon the filing of an application for a sign permit to examine such plans, specifications, other data and the
premises upon which it is proposed to erect the sign or other advertising structure, and if it shall appear that the
proposed structure is in compliance with all of the requirements of this chapter and all other laws of the City, he/she
shall then issue the permit. If the work authorized under a permit has not been completed within six months after
date of issuance, such permit shall become null and void.
C. Compliance with Building and Zoning Regulations. All signs erected within the City shall be erected in
accordance with and in compliance with the uniform building, electrical and other codes and laws as applicable,
including the Zoning Ordinance.
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Implementing Zoning Ordinance
20.140 - Freeway Oriented Signs Preeedure4or-P-ermit4o-€reet-Ad}'acent4o-Freeway
A. Procedure for Permit to Erect Freewav Oriented Signs. A Wo -permit shall not be issued to erect, construct or
relocate any sign, billboard or other advertising structure, regardless of location, unless the Zoning Administrator
shall have first determined that such sign, billboard or other advertising structure is not designed to have the
advertising thereon maintained primarily to be viewed from the main traveled roadway of a freeway or the ingress
or egress ramps of the freeway except in the case of theretaof freeway oriented wall signs approved as part of a
master sign program for a retail shopping center with Highway101 building frontage. For purposes of this section
building frontage includes the primary wall(s) or facade of a building facing the freeway with no other building in the
visibility window between the subject building and the highway. This provision excludes building facades on
frontage roads adjacent to the freeway.
B. ,Master Sign Program. Freeway oriented wall signs may be apprevedconsidered by the Planning Commission as
part of a master sign program for a retail shopping center, as defined in Section 20.020.Q, with direct Freewav
frontage, in accordance with subsections 20.140.0 and 20.140.D. The master sign program shall address material
size. color, lighting, attachment. and placement. The Planning Commission shall consider if the master sign
program meets the Site Plan and Architectural Review (SPAR) standards contained in Subsection 24.010.G. and
make the additional findings contained in subsection 20.140.1) below.
C. Determination and Appeal. Except as part of a master sign program for a retail shopping center with Freewav
frontage pursuant to this Section, every application for a permit to erect, construct, or relocate a sign, billboard or
other advertising structure within five hundred feet of a main traveled roadway of a freeway, shall be considered by
the Zoning Administrator, and the Administrator shall determine whether the proposed sign, billboard or other
advertising structure is designed to be viewed from a main traveled roadway of a freeway or the ingress or egress
ramps thereto. If the Zoning Administrator determines that the proposed sign, billboard or other advertising
structure is designed to --have the advertising thereon so maintained, the application for a permit shall be denied. If
the Zoning Administrator determines that the sign, billboard or other advertising structure is not designed to have
the advertising thereon so maintained and that the same does not violate any other provision of this title, the permit
shall be granted. Procedures for the notice, hearing and appeal of the decision of the Zoning Administrator
hereunder shall be the same as are set out in Section 24.070.
D. Freeway Oriented Sign Standards. In addition to finding that the master sign program meets the Site Plan and
Architectural Review standards in subsection 24.010.G.1. the Planning Commission shall make the following
findings as part of Site Plan and Architectural Review prior to approval of any freeway oriented wall signs for retail
shopping centers with freeway frontage.
1. Freeway oriented son" shall be limited to permanent wall -mounted signs as defined in subsection 20.020.EE.
Pennants or banners as described in 20.110.8.14 shall not be permitted.
2. Freestanding freeway oriented signs shall be prohibited.
3. Building elevations on which freeway oriented signs are proposed shall be consistent with Site Plan and
Architectural Review standards contained in subsection 24.010.G.1. Building and/or site improvements may
be required by the Planning Commission to ensure conformance with the Site Plan and Architectural Review
standards and required findings. For purposes of this section, building frontage includes the primary wall(s) of
a building facing Highway 101.
3A. The wall -mounted font shall not exceed two feet (2'-0") in height. Logos, flourishes and other symbols also
shall not exceed 2'-0" in height.
45. Freeway oriented signs shall be permitted only for retail shopping center tenants of 20.000 square feet or
greater and with a facade that abuts the freeway. Only one freeway oriented sign shall be allowed per tenant
meeting the above criteria.
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Implementing Zoning Ordinance
M. Siqn area shall be calculated based on 1 square foot of sign area per linear foot of building facade with direct
freeway frontage up to 60 square feet.
7. Maximum sign length shall not exceed 30 feet.
& The sign area of freeway oriented signs shall be included in the total maximum sign area for the retail
shopping center as prescribed in subsection 20.050.8.5. The addition of freeway oriented signs shall not
increase the allowable sign area or number of signs for a specific tenant or overall shopping center beyond
that permitted in the Master Sign Program. Size of freeway facing signs shall be consistent with the maximum
sign area per tenant per existing criteria for shopping centers.
9. Freeway oriented wall signs shall consist of individual letters. Individual letters may be mounted directly on the
building wall or on a narrow raceway mounted to the wall and painted the same color as the wall.
10. Cabinet signs are prohibited,
11. Lighting for freeway oriented signs shall minimize glare and distractions to motorists on the rights-of-way and
adjacent properties, especially residential areas. Freeway oriented signs shall not blink, flash flutter, or
change light intensity or color.
12. Signs may have individually illuminated letters, either internally illuminated or backlighted solid letters (reverse
channel/halo) or the use of external, direct illumination. The light shall be LED technology or other sustainable
technology providing white liqht.
13. Temporary signage as described in Section 20.050 A.7 shall not be permitted for freeway oriented signs.
14. The same detail and design criteria should be applied to all signs proposed on freeway oriented building
frontages of the subject retail shopping center.
E. Caltrans Compliance. All freeway oriented signs shall comply with the California Outdoor Advertising Act.
Business and Professions Code Section 5200 or as subsequently revised and shall be referred to CalTrans as
appropriate for comment prior to Planning Commission review of the master sign program.
F. Design Consideration. The following items are design considerations to increase the effectiveness of
freeway oriented signs and to enhance the built environment. The design of the proposed freeway oriented
signs shall visually complement and be compatible with the scale and architectural style of the primary
structures on the site.
1. Signs should be placed and sized consistent with the proportions of the building's facade.
2. Avoid hard -lo -read, intricate fonts. Tvoefaces that are difficult to read reduce the sign's ability to communicate
3. Colors should relate to and complement the materials or paint scheme of the buildings, including accent and
trim colors.
4. Electrical raceways should be concealed from public view. If a raceway cannot be mounted internally behind
the finished exterior wall, the exposed metal surfaces of the raceway should be as narrow as possible and
finished to match the background wall, or integrated into the overall design of the sign.
20.150 - Nearest to Freeways Restricted
Other than signs approved as part of a master sign program for a retail shopping center with freewav frontaoe pursuant to Section
2 140. nNo outdoor advertising structure, sign, or other advertising structure shall be erected, constructed, relocated or
maintained, regardless of the zone or district in which it is located:
Implementing Zoning Ordinance
A. If such structure, sign or other advertising structure is designed to have or has the advertising thereon maintained
primarily to be viewed from a main traveled roadway of a freeway or the ingress or egress ramps thereto; or
B. If such structure, sign or other advertising structure, because of its location, size, nature or type, constitutes or
tends to constitute a hazard to the safe and efficient operation of vehicles upon a freeway, or creates a condition
which endangers the safety of persons or property thereon.
20.160 - Unsafe and Insecure Signs
If the Zoning Administrator or his/her authorized representative shall find that any sign or other advertising structure regulated
herein is unsafe or insecure, or is a menace to the public, or has been constructed or erected or is being maintained in violation of
the provisions of this chapter, he/she shall give written notice to the permittee thereof. The procedure for notice, hearing, and
appeal of an order of the Zoning Administrator shall be as set out in the Section on appeals contained in the latest edition of the
Building Code as adopted by the City. If the permittee fails to remove or alter the structure so as to comply with the standards
herein set forth, or as set forth within any of the building codes lawfully in existence of this City within ten (10) days after such
notice and after exhausting of any appeals, such sign or other advertising structure may be removed or altered to comply by the
Zoning Administrator or his/her authorized representative at the expense of the permittee or owner of the real property upon which
it is located, and shall be a lien on said real property and shall be collectible in the same manner as taxes on said real property.
No permit shall be issued to any permittee or owner who refuses to pay costs so assessed. The Zoning Administrator may cause
any sign or other advertising structure which is an immediate peril to persons or property to be removed summarily and without
notice.
20.170 - Removal of Unused Signs
Any sign now or hereafter existing which no longer advertises a bona fide business conducted, or a product sold, shall be taken
down and removed by the owner, agent, or person having the beneficial use of the building or structure upon which such sign may
be found within ten (10) days after written notification from the Zoning Administrator, and, upon failure to comply with such notice
within the time specified in such order, the Zoning Administrator is authorized to cause removal of such sign, and any expenses
incident thereto shall be paid by the owner of the building or structure to which such sign is attached, pursuant to the same
procedure set out in Section 20.150.
20.180.Obstructions Prohibited - Attaching to Certain Items Prohibited
No sign shall be erected, relocated or maintained so as to prevent the free ingress to or egress from any door, window or fire
escape. No sign of any kind shall be attached to a stand pipe or fire escape.
20.190 - Traffic Hazard Prohibited
No sign or other advertising structure as regulated by this Chaoter shall be erected at the intersection of any streets in such a
manner as to obstruct free and clear vision, or at any location where, by reason of the position, shape or color, it may interfere
with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device; or which makes use of the words
"Stop", "Look", "Drive-in", "Danger", or any other word, phrase, symbol or character in such manner as to interfere with, mislead or
confuse traffic.
20.200 - When Sign Surface to be Smooth
All signs or other advertising structures which are constructed on street lines, or within five feet thereof, shall have a smooth
surface and no nails, tacks or wires shall be permitted to protrude therefrom, except electric reflectors and devices which may
extend over the top and in front of the advertising structure.
20.210 - Projecting Signs
Every projecting sign shall be placed at least twelve feet above the public sidewalk over which it is erected, and a distance not
greater than two feet from the face of the wall to which it is attached, measuring from the point of the sign nearest thereto, nor
shall any sign or point thereof extend nearer the curb line than three feet. No permit shall be issued for a projecting sign over
public right-of-way unless an encroachment permit is first obtained from the City. The total projection from any wall surface shall
not exceed four (4) feet, including bracket.
20.220 - Existing Signs
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All signs, billboards, or other advertising structures which do not conform to the regulations of this Chapter, but which were
constructed in compliance with previous rules and regulations, shall be regarded as nonconforming and may be continued,
pursuant to Section 20.220 except that:
A. The provisions of this section shall not be construed as authorizing the continued maintenance of any sign,
billboard or other advertising structure which is required to be removed by the provisions of Section 20.160,
B. No such nonconforming sign originally erected without a permit shall be allowed to continue more than ninety (90)
days from the effective date of this Section, unless the owner shall provide such proof as is necessary to establish
the date when said sign was erected, and shall apply for a permit hereunder. Said permit shall be granted if it
appears that said sign was constructed in compliance with the rules and regulations effective at the time it was
erected, and shall thereafter be treated as a nonconforming sign.
20.230 - Non -Conforming Signs
Signs and advertising structures not in conformity with Sections 20.010 through 20.110 are deemed sufficiently objectionable,
undesirable, and out of character in the district in which such use is located so as to depreciate the value of other property and
uses permitted in the district, and impair the proper and orderly development and general welfare of such district and the
community. Therefore, each such non -conforming sign use or structure shall be discontinued within ninety (90) days unless a
sign permit is obtained pursuant to Sections 20.120 here in, or was obtained pursuant to prior ordinance. The time period shall be
measured from the effective date of this section. Non -conforming signs for which sign permits have been obtained shall be
subject to all other requirements of this chapter.
Billboards, outdoor advertising structures:
A. Painted on buildings, walls or fences, two (2) years.
B. All other signs and outdoor advertising structures, three (3) years.
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ATTACHMENT 6
CITY OF PETALUMA PLANNING COMMISSION
RECOMMENDING THE CITY COUNCIL AMEND THE TEXT OF CHAPTER 20, SECTIONS 20.020,
20.050, 20.140, AND 20.150, OF THE CITY OF PETALUMA IMPLEMENTING ZONING
ORDINANCE REGULATING FREEWAY ORIENTED SIGNAGE
WHEREAS, Section 25.010 of the City of Petaluma Implementing Zoning Ordinance
provides in pertinent part that no amendment shall be made to the Implementing Zoning
Ordinance unless the Planning Commission and City Council find the amendment to be in
conformity with the General Plan; and,
WHEREAS, on May 7, 2012 the Petaluma City Council directed staff to modify Chapter 20
(signs and sign structures), Sections 20.020, 20.140, and 20.150, of the Implementing Zoning
Ordinance to allow for freeway oriented signs as part of a master sign program for shopping
centers with freeway frontage; and,
WHEREAS, on May 31, 2012 a public notice of the June 12, 2012 public hearing before the
Planning Commission was mailed to all property owners and residents within 500 feet of Plaza
North, Plaza South, East Washington Place, and Deer Creek Village, and a notice of the June 12,
2012 public hearing before the Planning Commission was published in an one-eighth page
notice in the Argus -Courier on May 31, 2012; and,
WHEREAS, on June 12, 2012 the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing
in accordance with the City of Petaluma Implementing Zoning Ordinance, Section 24.010 and
unanimously adopted Resolution No. 2012-06 recommending that the City Council not adopt
said text amendments and modifications to the text of Chapter 20; and,
WHEREAS, a public notice of the July 2, 2012 public hearing before the City Council was
mailed to all property owners and residents within 500 feet of Plaza North, Plaza South, East
Washington Place, and Deer Creek Village, and a notice of the June 12, 2012 public hearing
before the Planning Commission was published in an one-eighth page notice in the Argus -
Courier, and,
WHEREAS, on July 2, 2012 the City Council held a duly noticed public hearing in
accordance with the City of Petaluma Implementing Zoning Ordinance, Section 24.010 and the
motion to approve said text amendments and modifications to the text of Chapter 20 resulted in
a tie vote (3-3) and therefore the motion died; and,
WHEREAS, on April 15, 2013 Merlone Geier submitted a written request to the City Council
to reconsider the text amendments to allow freeway oriented signs as part of a master sign
program for shopping centers with Highway 101 frontage; and,
WHEREAS, at their duly noticed meeting on June 17, 2013, the City Council directed staff
to return to the Planning Commission with the proposed text amendments and modifications to
Chapter 20 and any necessary changes to address the Planning Commission's previous
comments; and,
WHEREAS, on September 12, 2013 a public notice of the September 24, 2013 public
hearing before the Planning Commission was mailed to all property owners and residents within
Planning Commission Resolution No. 2014-06 6 �1'
500 feet of Plaza North, Plaza South, East Washington Place, and Deer Creek Village, and a
notice of the June 12, 2012 public hearing before the Planning Commission was published in an
one-eighth page notice in the Argus -Courier on September 12, 2013; and,
WHEREAS, on September 24, 2013 the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public
hearing in accordance with the City of Petaluma Implementing Zoning Ordinance, Section
24.010 and directed Staff to look at how other jurisdictions regulate freeway oriented signs and
consider more restrictions within the zoning code leaving less subjective evaluation in the SPAR
process for the individual master sign programs; and,
WHEREAS, on February 11, 2014 the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public
hearing in accordance with the City of Petaluma Implementing Zoning Ordinance, Section
24.010, and considered the results of the research of other jurisdiction's sign codes, including
sketches and photographic illustrations of sign design components; and,
WHEREAS, on April 8, 2014 the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing in
accordance with the City of Petaluma Implementing Zoning Ordinance, Section 24.010, and
notice was mailed to all property owners and residents within 500 feet of Plaza North, Plaza
South, East Washington Place, and Deer Creek Village and published in an one-eighth page
notice in the Argus -Courier on March 27, 2014.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Planning Commission hereby finds that the
proposed amendments to the City's Implementing Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 20, Sections,
20.020, 20.050, 20.140, and 20.150, contained in this Resolution are in general conformity with the
Petaluma General Plan 2025 and further finds that:
The proposed text amendments are consistent with the purpose of Chapter 20 which is to
protect public health, safety, and general welfare of the City by ensuring that the
number, type, size, and design of all signs in Petaluma will not detract from the
attractiveness and orderliness of the City's appearance and to protect the general
welfare of the merchants and property owners in Petaluma by avoiding wasteful and
costly competition among sign users which can result from the uncontrolled use of signs;
and
The proposed text amendments would allow freeway oriented wall signs for retail
shopping centers with freeway frontage through approval of a Master Sign Program at
the discretion of the Planning Commission. The Master Sign Program can provide for
flexibility in design in order to achieve a cohesive master sign program unique to the
project site and in keeping with the intent of the Sign Ordinance and the Site Plan and
Architectural Review standards.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the following proposed amendments to the Implementing
Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 20, Sections 20.020, 20,050, 20.140, and 20.150 (in bold), are hereby
recommended to the Petaluma City Council for consideration and adoption in accordance
with Section 25.060 of the Implementing Zoning Ordinance.
IZO Chapter 20
Section 20.020 - Definitions.
C. Cabinet Sign. Internally Illuminated. A box sign regular in shape with a single transparent
or translucent material such as a Plexiglas / lexan face mounted on the fagade of a
building or freestanding, and that provides for internal illumination within the box.
J. Freeway -oriented sign. Any sign mounted to the primary wall(s) or facade of a building
Planning Commission Resolution No. 2014-06
facing the freeway with no other building located in the visibility window between the
subject building and the freeway. This excludes building facades on frontage roads
adjacent to the freeway.
K. Individual letters. A type of sign construction where individual letters or images are cut
out into separate shapes.
L. Individually illuminated letters. Individual letters either internally illuminated or
backlighted solid letters (reverse channel).
Q. Master Sign Program. A master sign program is a comprehensive sign program for
approval of all signs in a multi -tenant shopping center, retail center, commercial or
industrial complex or other use stipulating size, design, criteria, and location. A Master
Sign Program is processed as a Site Plan and Architectural Review application at the
discretion of the Planning Commission and when found consistent with requirements In
Section 24.010.G. When a unique, cohesive approach to project signage is warranted,
some flexibility in design requirements may be approved by the Planning Commission if it
is found that the master sign program is in conformance with the purposes stated in
Section 20.010.
W. Raceway. An aluminum junction box containing wiring and conduit that is mounted in
one piece to the wall or building.
X. Reverse Channel Lit / Halo letters. Individually illuminated (LED) letters installed directly
on a wall emitting light from the channel in back of the letter onto the wall giving it a
"Halo" effect.
Shopping center. Any combination of five (5) or more separately owned and operated
retail businesses on a single or commonly owned or leased parcel of land, or a
commercial use of commercial complex occupying and operated as a single site of at
least two (2) acres. An existing building situated on a single parcel of land which is
converted into separate retail businesses is not for the purpose of this section defined as
a shopping center.
Sign. Any writing, pictorial representation, symbol, banner, or any other figure of similar
character of whatever material which is used to identify, announce, direct attention to
or advertise or communicate, which is placed on the ground, on any bush, tree, rock,
wall, post, fence, building, structure, vehicle or on any place whatsoever and which is
visible from outside a building. The term "placed" shall include constructing, erecting,
posting, painting, printing, tacking, nailing, gluing, sticking, carving, stringing, or otherwise
fastening, affixing, or making visible in any manner whatsoever.
AA. Window sign. Any sign placed on, or inside an exterior window. This shall include but not
be limited to: decals, stickers, reader boards, neon tubing signs, signs painted directly on
the glass surface, and signs made of wood, plastic, metal, composite materials, paper,
or cardboard. Excludes banners and pennants.
Section 20.050 - Signs in Commercial, Mixed Use, Business Park and Industrial Districts
A. Permitted Sign Types. No sign, outdoor advertising structure, or display of any character
shall be permitted in a C, MU, BP, or I District except the following:
5. Wall signs. No more than two (2) wall signs for each primary building face (no
building shall be deemed to have more than four [4] primary building faces), not
exceeding a thickness of ten (10) inches, including any light box or other structural
part, in all C, MU, BP or I Districts. Refer to section 20.140 for Freeway Oriented Sign
Planning Commission Resolution No. 2014-06 '
standards.
B. Permitted Area of Signing. For all C (Commercial), MU (Mixed Use), BP (Business Park),
and I (Industrial) zoning districts exclusive of shopping centers, the maximum permitted
area of signing for any occupant shall be the following:
One (1) square foot of sign area for every ground level linear foot of building
frontage; or in the case of buildings with multiple building frontages, one (1) square
foot of sign area for every ground level linear foot of the longest building frontage
plus one-half (1 /2) square foot of signing for every linear foot of additional frontage,
where no building exists the maximum allowable sign area shall be derived from the
allowable building envelope (area exclusive of setback), not to exceed the
maximum stated in Subsection 3 below.
20.140 - Freeway Oriented Signs
A. Procedure for Permit to Erect Freeway Oriented Signs. A permit shall not be issued to
erect, construct or relocate any sign, billboard or other advertising structure, regardless
of location, unless the Zoning Administrator shall have first determined that such sign,
billboard or other advertising structure is designed to have the advertising thereon
maintained primarily to be viewed from the main traveled roadway of a freeway or the
ingress or egress ramps of the freeway except in the case of freeway oriented wall signs
approved as part of a master sign program for a retail shopping center with Highway 101
building frontage. For purposes of this section, building frontage includes the primary
wall(s) or facade of a building facing the freeway with no other building in the visibility
window between the subject building and the highway. This provision excludes building
facades on frontage roads adjacent to the freeway.
B. Master Sign Program. Freeway oriented wall signs may be considered by the Planning
Commission as part of a master sign program for a retail shopping center, as defined in
Section 20.020.Q, with direct freeway frontage, in accordance with subsections 20.140.0
and 20.140.D. The master sign program shall address material, size, color, lighting,
attachment, and placement. The Planning Commission shall consider if the master sign
program meets the Site Plan and Architectural Review (SPAR) standards contained in
Subsection 24.010.G, and make the additional findings contained in subsection 20.140.D
below.
C. Determination and Appeal. Except as part of a master sign program for a retail shopping
center with freeway frontage pursuant to this Section, every application for a permit to
erect, construct, or relocate a sign, billboard or other advertising structure within five
hundred feet of a main traveled roadway of a freeway, shall be considered by the
Zoning Administrator, and the Administrator shall determine whether the proposed sign,
billboard or other advertising structure is designed to be viewed from a main traveled
roadway of a freeway or the ingress or egress ramps thereto. If the Zoning Administrator
determines that the proposed sign, billboard or other advertising structure is designed to
have the advertising thereon so maintained, the application for a permit shall be denied.
If the Zoning Administrator determines that the sign, billboard or other advertising
structure is not designed to have the advertising thereon so maintained and that the
same does not violate any other provision of this title, the permit shall be granted.
Procedures for the notice, hearing and appeal of the decision of the Zoning Administrator
hereunder shall be the same as are set out in Section 24.070.
D. Freeway Oriented Sign Standards. In addition to finding that the master sign program
meets the Site Plan and Architectural Review standards in subsection 24.010.G.1, the
Planning Commission shall make the following findings as part of Site Plan and
Architectural Review prior to approval of any freeway oriented wall signs for retail
Planning Commission Resolution No. 2014-06 i
shopping centers with freeway frontage.
1. Freeway oriented signs shall be limited to one permanent wall -mounted signs as
defined in subsection 20.020.EE.
2. Freestanding freeway oriented signs shall be prohibited.
3. Building elevations on which freeway oriented signs are proposed shall be consistent
with Site Plan and Architectural Review standards contained in subsection 24.010.G.1.
Building and/or site improvements may be required by the Planning Commission to
ensure conformance with the Site Plan and Architectural Review standards and
required findings. For purposes of this section, building frontage includes the primary
wall(s) of a building facing Highway 101.
4. The wall -mounted font shall not exceed two feet (2'-0") in height. Logos, flourishes
and other symbols also shall not exceed 2'-0" in height.
5. Freeway oriented signs shall be permitted only for retail shopping center tenants of
20,000 square feet or greater and with a facade that abuts the freeway. Only one
freeway oriented sign shall be allowed per tenant meeting the above criteria.
6. Sign area shall be calculated based on 1 square foot of sign area per linear foot of
building fagade with direct freeway frontage up to 60 square feet.
7. Maximum sign length shall not exceed 30 feet.
8. The sign area of freeway oriented signs shall be included in the total maximum sign
area for the retail shopping center as prescribed in subsection 20.050.B.5. The
addition of freeway oriented signs shall not increase the allowable sign area or
number of signs for a specific tenant or overall shopping center beyond that
permitted in the Master Sign Program. Size of freeway facing signs shall be consistent
with the maximum sign area per tenant per existing criteria for shopping centers.
9. Freeway oriented wall signs shall consist of individual letters. Individual letters maybe
mounted directly on the building wall or on a narrow raceway mounted to the wall
and painted the some color as the wall.
10. Cabinet signs are prohibited.
11. Lighting for freeway oriented signs shall minimize glare and distractions to motorists
on the rights-of-way and adjacent properties, especially residential areas. Freeway
oriented signs shall not blink, flash, flutter, or change light intensity or color.
12. Signs may have individually illuminated letters, either internally illuminated or
backlighted solid letters (reverse channel/halo) or use external, direct illumination.
The light shall be LED technology or other sustainable technology providing white
light.
13. Temporary signage as described in Section 20.050 A.7 and Section 20.110.B.14 shall
not be permitted for freeway oriented signs.
14. The same detail and design criteria should be applied to all signs proposed on
freeway oriented building frontages of the subject retail shopping center.
E. Caltrans Compliance. All freeway oriented signs shall comply with the California Outdoor
Advertising Act, Business and Professions Code Section 5200 or as subsequently revised
and shall be referred to Caltrans as appropriate for comment prior to Planning
Planning Commission Resolution No. 2014-06 �r
Commission review of the master sign program.
F. Design Considerations. The following items are design considerations to increase the
effectiveness of freeway oriented signs and to enhance the built environment. The design
of the proposed freeway oriented signs shall visually complement and be compatible
with the scale and architectural style of the primary structures on the site.
1. Signs should be placed and sized consistent with the proportions of the building's
facade.
2. Avoid hard -to -read, intricate fonts. Typefaces that are difficult to read reduce the
sign's ability to communicate.
3. Colors should relate to and complement the materials or paint scheme of the
buildings, including accent and trim colors.
4. Electrical raceways should be concealed from public view. If a raceway cannot be
mounted internally behind the finished exterior wall, the exposed metal surfaces of
the raceway should be as narrow as possible and finished to match the background
wall, or integrated into the overall design of the sign.
Section 20.150 -- Nearest to Freeways Restricted
Other than signs approved as part of a master sign program for a retail shopping center with
freeway frontage pursuant to Section 20.140, no outdoor advertising structure, sign, or other
advertising structure shall be erected, constructed, relocated or maintained, regardless of the
zone or district in which it is located:
ADOPTED this 81h day of April, 2014, by the following vote:
Commission Member
Aye
No
Absent
Abstaini
Benedetti-Petnic
X
Lin
X
Gomez
X
Marzo
X
Councilmember Miller
X
Vice Chair Pierre
X
Chair Wolpert
X
Bill Wolpert, Chair
Planning Commission Resolution No. 2014-06 6/(,
ATTEST:
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Heather Hines, Commission Secretary Eric Donly, City Attorney
Planning Commission Resolution No. 2014-06 61