HomeMy WebLinkAboutORD 1483 (2018)ORDINANCE NO. 1483
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF TUSTIN, CALIFORNIA, ADDING TUSTIN CITY CODE
SECTION 9403d7; AMENDING TUSTIN CITY CODE
SECTIONS 9402, 9403d2, 9403e11, 9403e13, 9404a1 k,
9404a1 n, 9404a3c, 9406D, and 9406E2; AND DELETING
TUSTIN CITY CODE SECTIONS 9403e14, 9404a1s, and
9404C6, RELATING TO TEMPORARY OFF -PREMISES
COMMERCIAL SIGNS AND TEMPORARY NON-
COMMERCIAL SIGNS.
The City Council of the City of Tustin does hereby ordain as follows:
Section 1. The City Council finds and determines as follows:
A. That on June 18, 2015, the United States Supreme Court issued a decision in
Reed v. Town of Gilbert, AZ, and determined that the First Amendment
generally prohibits cities from applying different regulations to signs based on
the content of the signs.
B. That the Reed decision reemphasized that sign regulations generally may not
be based on the content of a sign, but must be content -neutral and rely on
factors such as the time, place, and manner of placement, as well as physical
characteristics of the signs, to distinguish between and regulate signs.
C. That in response to the Reed decision, most cities nationwide need to review
their existing sign codes to avoid conflicting with or violating the First
Amendment.
D. That the Tustin Sign Code categorizes signs based on their content by
regulating and referencing the content of both commercial and non-commercial
signs located either on private property or within the public right-of-way. To
avoid conflicts with the law established by the Reed decision, several revisions
to the City's sign regulations addressing temporary signs on private property
and in the public right-of-way are proposed through Code Amendment 2017-
004.
E. That one of the objectives of the City's sign regulations is to maintain and
enhance the quality of the City's appearance. This objective is achieved by
avoiding sign clutter, promoting uniformity, and limiting off premises signs in
order to control sign proliferation.
F. That the proposed Code Amendment 2017-004 would: 1) continue to allow
Ordinance No. 1483
Page 1 of 13
temporary off -premises commercial signs and temporary non-commercial signs
on private property and in the public right-of-way; and, 2) apply uniform
standards.that are not based on the content of the signs and regulate the size
and placement of the signs.
G. That proposed Code Amendment 2017-004 would generally maintain the City's
appearance while allowing the placement of temporary signs on private and
public property, including political signs, protected speech signs, human signs,
non-profit event signs, real estate open house signs, and garage sale signs.
H. That the City conducted public workshops on the subject of temporary signs on
February 21, 2017, March 28, 2017, and August 8, 2017.
I. That on November 28, 2017, the Planning Commission discussed the proposed
code amendment at their regular meeting.
J. That on February 13, 2018, a public hearing was duly noticed, called, and held
on Code Amendment 2017-004 by the Planning Commission.
K. That on February 13, 2018, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution No.
4344, and recommended that the City Council adopt Ordinance No. 1483,
approving CA 2017-004 relating to temporary off -premises commercial signs
and temporary non-commercial signs.
L. That on March 20, 2018, a public hearing was duly noticed, called, and held on
Code Amendment 2017-004 by the City Council
M. That the proposed code amendment is not subject to the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to California Code of Regulations,
Title 14, Chapter 3, Sections 15060 (c) (2) (the activity will not result in a direct
or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment) and
15060(c)(3) (the activity is not a project as defined in Section 15378) because it
has no potential for resulting in a physical change to the environment, directly or
indirectly.
N. That the proposed temporary sign provisions are reasonably necessary to
protect the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the City of Tustin.
O. That the proposed amendments are, and where interpretation is required shall
be interpreted to be, consistent with the United States Supreme Court decision
in Reed v. Town of Gilbert, AZ.
P. That the proposed amendments are consistent with the Tustin General Plan in
that they comply with the following goal:
Ordinance No. 1483
Page 2 of 13
Land Use Element Goal 4 to assure a safe, healthy, and aesthetically
pleasing community for residents and businesses.
Section 2. The following definitions in Section 9402 of Chapter 4 of Article 9 of the
Tustin City Code are hereby added, deleted, or amended to read as
follows (new text underlined; deleted text in strikeout):
"Commercial enterprise" means a business that conducts business in the
City of Tustin and holds a valid City of Tustin business license, unless it is
exempt from having a business license.
"Commercial sign" means a sign relating to the sale of any merchandise,
product, service, commodity or other item or activity for private benefit or
gain. Commercial signs include, but are not limited to:
1. A business identification sign.
2. A garage sale sign
3. A real estate open house sign.
"Noncommercial sign" means any sign other than a sign relating to the
sale of any merchandise, product, service, commodity or other item or
activity for private benefit or gain. Noncommercial signs include, but are
not limited to:
1. A political sign.
2. A protected speech sign.
3. A public event sign
4. A non-profit event sign.
"Non-profit event sign" means a temporary sign advertising events and/or
other promotions open to the public and sponsored by a non-profit
organization.
"Off -premises sign" means a commercial sign or structure of any kind or
character erected and/or maintained for advertising a business, activity,
service or product not sold or produced on the premises upon which the
sign is placed, including a billboard and any other outdoor advertising sign
and structure."
"Portable sign" means any sign capable of being carried or readily moved
from one location to another, including but not limited to an A -frame sign,
"sandwich sign", a sign on wheels or a sign which leans against a
stationary object, building or structure. Portable sign does not include a
Ordinance No. 1483
Page 3 of 13
dirontinnal/informa+inn temporary off -premises commercial sign, p a-1
temporary noncommercial sign, or human sign.
"Public event banner sign" means a temporary sign installed by the City of
Tustin advertising events and/or other promotions open to the public and
sponsored by the City of Tustin.
"Special event" is an irregular and „niryo, a commercial, civic, patriotic,
religious, cultural, community, or political event that recurs irregularly, if at
all, and that takes t-akiRg place on a specific date or dates. "Special event"
does not include routine commercial promotions, 6UGR—asrgular
nromo4innc of a national fraRGWS6.
"SRino igR" means, a t®mnnrnne cirvn Dr pesteF.whinh is posted, S.i'[_G
tacked-nvr- a`frrTivcouda —f^e the grE) a'nrrp"o"s�,tfe�,ti.._✓ " E±'lr ,wnr nfh®Tr
surfaee
"Temporary sign" means any sign constructed of paper, cloth, canvass or
other similar lightweight material, with or without frames, including painted
windows, flags, streamers, pennants, banner signs and other signs not
designed to be permanently attached to a building or anchored to the
ground.
Section 3. Section 9403d2 of Chapter 4 of Article 9 of the Tustin City Code is hereby
amended to read as follows (new text underlined; deleted text in strikeout):
Public event banner signs. Public event banner signs may be located
within the public right-of-way subject to the following restrictions and
criteria:
(a) All public event banner signs posted on the structures approved by
the Cityh�hall be posted for a+ rr,a+viff fount eR (14) days and shall be
removed no later than seventy-two (72) hours after the event has
occurred.
(b) All public event Baer signs shall be professionally made and
constructed of cloth, canvas, plastic, PVC or similar material, and have
slits for proper wind resistance, where necessary.
Ordinance No. 1483
Page 4 of 13
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"Temporary sign" means any sign constructed of paper, cloth, canvass or
other similar lightweight material, with or without frames, including painted
windows, flags, streamers, pennants, banner signs and other signs not
designed to be permanently attached to a building or anchored to the
ground.
Section 3. Section 9403d2 of Chapter 4 of Article 9 of the Tustin City Code is hereby
amended to read as follows (new text underlined; deleted text in strikeout):
Public event banner signs. Public event banner signs may be located
within the public right-of-way subject to the following restrictions and
criteria:
(a) All public event banner signs posted on the structures approved by
the Cityh�hall be posted for a+ rr,a+viff fount eR (14) days and shall be
removed no later than seventy-two (72) hours after the event has
occurred.
(b) All public event Baer signs shall be professionally made and
constructed of cloth, canvas, plastic, PVC or similar material, and have
slits for proper wind resistance, where necessary.
Ordinance No. 1483
Page 4 of 13
(c) No baser sign shall exceed thirty-five (35) feet in horizontal length,
with a maximum sign height or vertical dimension of four (4) feet.
Section 4. Section 9403d7 of Chapter 4 of Article 9 of the Tustin City Code is hereby
added to read as follows (new text underlined)
Portable sians within the Cultural Resource District and/or Old Town
Commercial General Plan land use designation. Portable signs for
sidewalk -adjacent businesses within the Cultural Resource District and/or
Old Town Commercial General Plan land use designation may be placed
within the sidewalk adjacent to the identified business, subiect to review
and approval by the Citv of Tustin in accordance with established desian
guidelines.
Section 5. Section 9403e11 of Chapter 4 of Article 9 of the Tustin City Code is
hereby amended to read as follows (new text underlined; deleted text in
strikeout):
Temporary idireGtienal infermatien off -premises commercial signs may be
Incated in any diE;tF,,,+' subject to the following criteria:
a) Temaorary off -premises commercial signs must be associated with
a legitimate commercial enterprise in the City of Tustin for which
permanent business identification signs are not authorized. A maximum
of twenty (20) temporary off -premises commercial signs per commercial
enterprise shall be allowed within the city limits at any one time.
Ordinance No. 1483
Page 5 of 13
Liam
Section 4. Section 9403d7 of Chapter 4 of Article 9 of the Tustin City Code is hereby
added to read as follows (new text underlined)
Portable sians within the Cultural Resource District and/or Old Town
Commercial General Plan land use designation. Portable signs for
sidewalk -adjacent businesses within the Cultural Resource District and/or
Old Town Commercial General Plan land use designation may be placed
within the sidewalk adjacent to the identified business, subiect to review
and approval by the Citv of Tustin in accordance with established desian
guidelines.
Section 5. Section 9403e11 of Chapter 4 of Article 9 of the Tustin City Code is
hereby amended to read as follows (new text underlined; deleted text in
strikeout):
Temporary idireGtienal infermatien off -premises commercial signs may be
Incated in any diE;tF,,,+' subject to the following criteria:
a) Temaorary off -premises commercial signs must be associated with
a legitimate commercial enterprise in the City of Tustin for which
permanent business identification signs are not authorized. A maximum
of twenty (20) temporary off -premises commercial signs per commercial
enterprise shall be allowed within the city limits at any one time.
Ordinance No. 1483
Page 5 of 13
(b) The signs shall not exceed three four 4 square feet in size and
four (4) feet in height,
(c) Signs may p_Dly be located in the public parkway area, subject to
the visual clearance area requirements, except as otherwise allowed by
local, state, or federal law. n mons urn of ^no fbuFth (14) of a mile of strop+
frontage shall be provided on aRy one (1) stFeet between garage sal
(d) Signs are not permitted to be attached to any traffic control device,
tree, street light or utility pole or placed so as to impede public sidewalks.
(e) Signs shall not be posted on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or
Thursday or between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and -97:00 a.m. on Fridays,
Saturdays, or Sundays.
(f) Signs shall only be posted between twenty-five (25) feet and three
hundred (300) feet of a street intersection. A maximum of two (2) signs
Der commercial enterprise shall be posted per street intersection, and no
more than one (1) sign per commercial enterprise shall be permitted in the
public parking way area abutting any one (1) parcel of property.
(g) The name, address, and phone number of the responsible party
shall be provided on the back of the sign. This information shall occupy a
space no larger than ten (10) square inches.
(h) The responsible party for signs erected in the public parkway area
shall be liable to the City of Tustin, private property owners and the
general public for any injury to persons or property resulting from the
placement and maintenance of the sign.
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Ordinance No. 1483
Page 6 of 13
Section 6. Section 9403e13 of Chapter 4 of Article 9 of the Tustin City Code is
hereby amended to read as follows (new text underlined; deleted text in
strikeout):
Temporary non-commercialP—rtical signs—(except public event signs
subject to the following criteria:
(a) No person shall affix a temporary non-commercial p0litiGal sign on
any traffic signal, utility pole, traffic control device, or tree.
(b) Written permission of the property owner is required for temporary
non-commercial pel+tic-al signs placed on private property.
(c) Temporary non-commercial Pel+tic-al signs on private property shall
be limited to a maximum of thirty-two (32) square feet in size, and ten (10)
feet in height.
(d) The name, address and telephone number of the responsible party
for posting the PeaitiGal temporary non-commercial sign shall be included
on the sign.
(e) Temporary non-commercial Dolma signs in the public parkway
area are subject to the following additional criteria:
(1) Signs shall only be posted between twenty-five (25) feet and
three hundred (300) feet of a street intersection. No more than one 1
sign per sponsoring individual or organization three (3) identinpl poli+incl
sjf�s shall be permitted in the public parkway area abutting any one (1)
parcel of property.
(2) PGlitiGal sSigns shall be limited to a maximum of sig (6) four
square feet in size and four (4) feet in height above grade.
(3) POlitiGal sSigns shall not be installed or maintained in any
manner so as to impede vehicles or permitted parking adjacent to curb,
pedestrian walkways, hinder disabled access, or constitute a hazard to or
endanger persons using the sidewalks.
(4) Relit+Eal sSigns shall not be located in any visual clearance
area.
(5) Any person, party or group posting such PGlitiGal signs shall
be liable to the City of Tustin, private property owners and the general
public for any injury to persons or property resulting from the placement
and maintenance of the sign.
(6) 411 polio nc p� rvipn tea n srtin� olarTlnn+�hallll rnTno+`
�rrprnr tai—Sig•nTP r'-m� cr-Parncar
be orented rneFe than fnr+a_five (45) day prior to the olontion to Whinh thee
SigR pertaiRs and shall be renieved within five (5) GaleRdar days after the
date of the e!eGtion. A temporary non-commercial sign shall be posted for
Ordinance No. 1483
Page 7 of 13
no more than forty-five (45) days per calendar quarter. Signs related to a
specific event shall be removed no later than five (5) days after the event
to which the sign relates The date that the sign was posted and the name,
address and phone number of the responsible party shall be provided on
the back of the sign within a space no larger than ten (10) square inches.
(7) Any pelitiGal sigR posted iR the publiG park -way area that is -
the nwner of the single family rooidenno.
(8) If the Community Development Director finds that any
p0litiGal temporary non-commercial sign has been posted or is being
maintained in violation of the provisions of this section, the responsible
party shall be given notice to remove said sign(s) within twenty-four (24)
hours from the time of said notice. The notice shall include a brief
statement of the reasons for requiring removal. If the person so notified
fails to correct the violation or remove the sign(s), the Community
Development Director may cause said sign(s) to be removed without
further notice. If the responsible party for the sign cannot in good faith be
located within a reasonable time, the sign shall be deemed abandoned.
(9) Any PGlitiGaI temporary non-commercial sign that remains
posted for more than forty-five (45)sox (6) calendar days after the eleGtinn
to whiGh it pertains or for more than five (5) calendar days after the event
to which the sign relates shall also be deemed abandoned. The
Community Development Director may cause such abandoned signs and
any signs, which constitute an immediate peril to persons or property to be
removed summarily and without prior notice. The City shall assess a
charge against any person, candidate, entity, party or group posting or
placing signs in violation of this section for the cost incurred in the
removal
(10) PnctiGaI sSigns in the public parkway area in violation of this
section shall be subject to removal by City in accordance with section
9405e1(b) of this Code.
(11) Any person who intentionally defaces, obliterates, tears
down, or destroys a p0litiGai sign installed in accordance with the
provisions of this Code shall be subject to being charged with an infraction
pursuant to section 1121 of this Code.
Section 7. Section 9403e14 of Chapter 4 of Article 9 of the Tustin City Code is
hereby deleted in its entirety as follows (deleted tent in strikeout):
Ordinance No. 1483
Page 8 of 13
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Page 9 of 13
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Section 8. Section 9404a1 k of Chapter 4 of Article 9 of the Tustin City Code is
hereby amended to read as follows (new text underlined; deleted text in
strikeout):
Off -premises signs, except those erected or caused to be erected by the
City, temporary off -premises commercial signs,
human signs, and temporary noncommercial signs.
Section 9. Section 9404a1 n of Chapter 4 of Article 9 of the Tustin City Code is
hereby amended to read as follows (new text underlined; deleted text in
strikeout):
Portable signs, except those approved by the City within the Cultural
Resource District and/or Old Town Commercial General Plan land use
designation.
Section 10. Section 9404a1 s of Chapter 4 of Article 9 of the Tustin City Code to
deleted in its entirety as follows (deleted text in strikeout):
Section 11. Section 9404a3c of Chapter 4 of Article 9 of the Tustin City Code is
hereby added to read as follows (new text underlined; deleted text in
strikeout):
Signs on any public property, public right-of-way, and public parkway area.
Signs on any public property, within public right-of-way, including the
public parkway area, traffic control sign posts, utility poles, and trees are
prohibited. No person, except a public officer in performance of public
Ordinance No. 1483
Page 10 of 13
duty, shall affix by any means any form of Sign on any public property or
within the public right-of-way. Temporary diFeG+innal/infnrmatinn off -
premises commercial signs, temporary noncommercial signs, and human
signs shall be permitted within the public parkway area, but only in strict
accordance with section 9403e.
Section 12. Section 9406C6 of Chapter 4 of Article 9 of the Tustin City Code is hereby
deleted as follows (deleted text in strikeout):
��_�+� li 7F3
rd
Section 13. Section 9406D of Chapter 4 of Article 9 of the Tustin City Code is hereby
amended to read as follows (new text underlined; deleted text in strikeout):
Section 14. Section 9406E2 of Chapter 4 of Article 9 of the Tustin City Code is hereby
amended to read as follows (new text underlined; deleted text in strikeout):
Ordinance No. 1483
Page 11 of 13
a. Subject to the
A minimi M Of 1 mile
regulations of
of street frontage
Section 9403e11
D. Off-
premises
commercial
OF
Infnrm.,+inn
Bio,,
(efTrnfsite)
Stake
No
34
between Sig nc
Mon+if.,inn the soma
Wit: A maximum
of two (2) signs per
4
In public right -of-
way between curb
curb line and the
sidewalk subject
t® visual
clearance
requirements
No
of this Chapter.
b. Permitted for
deRtal
as#+Vities
legitimate
commercial
enterprise in the
City of Tustin for
commercial
enterprise shall be
hosted per street
intersection and one
(1) sign abutting any
which business
one (1) parcel.
identification signs
are not allowed.
Section 14. Section 9406E2 of Chapter 4 of Article 9 of the Tustin City Code is hereby
amended to read as follows (new text underlined; deleted text in strikeout):
Ordinance No. 1483
Page 11 of 13
i
a. Subject to the
regulations in
Section 9403d of
140;
On designated
Within
this Chapter.
2. Public
Maximum
4gt# poles only.
the
b. Permitted only
NeRpFsfi
Banner Yes,
horizontal
;Onei
Maximum
public
No.
for events and
events
width of 35
vertical height
right -of-
promotions open
feet
of 4 feet.
way.
to the public and
sponsored by the
City of Tustin.
Section 15. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this
ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the
decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not
affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance. The City
Council of the City of Tustin hereby declares that it would have adopted
this ordinance and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or
portion thereof irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections,
subsections, sentences, clauses, phrases, or portions be declared invalid
or unconstitutional.
PASSED AND ADOPTED, at a regular meeting of the City Cou cil of the City of Tustin
on this 3rd day of April, 2018. ��
ELWYN A. MURRAY,
Mayor
ATTEST:
- "A 1)
ERICA N. RABE,
City Clerk
Ordinance No. 1483
Page 12 of 13
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
DAVID E. KENDIG,
City Attorney
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF ORANGE ) ss.
CITY OF TUSTIN )
CERTIFICATION FOR ORDINANCE NO. 1483
Erica N. Rabe, City Clerk and ex -officio Clerk of the City Council of the City of Tustin,
California, does hereby certify that the whole number of the members of the City
Council of the City of Tustin is five; that the above and foregoing Ordinance No. 1483
was duly and regularly introduced and read by title only at the regular meeting of the
City Council held on the 20th day of March, 2018, and was given its second reading,
passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council held on the 3rd day of April,
2018, by the following vote:
COUNCILMEMBER AYES:
COUNCILMEMBER NOES:
COUNCILMEMBER ABSTAINED:
COUNCILMEMBER ABSENT:
ERIC N. RABE,
City Clerk
Ordinance No. 1483
Page 13 of 13
Murray, Gomez, Puckett, Bernstein, Clark (5)
(0)
(0)
(0)
CHAPTER 4 - SIGN REGULATIONS
9401 - PURPOSE
The purpose of this Chapter is to promote community identity and effective business identification
through the regulation and design of signs and sign structures within the City of Tustin. Because signs
and graphics are an essential element of our community, their location, number, size and design have a
significant influence upon the community's visual and economic environment. The regulation of signs is
considered necessary to promote and protect the public health, safety and welfare through consideration
of traffic and pedestrian safety and community aesthetics.
(Ord. No. 1321, Sec. 2, 4-3-07)
9402 - DEFINITIONS
The following terms as used in this Chapter shall have the respective meanings as set forth except
when the context clearly indicates otherwise. For ease of reference, each term that is defined in this
section appears in title caps in the text of this Chapter. A supplemental graphic presentation of certain
definitions is provided as information and is included as section 9412.
"Abandoned sign" is a sign which no longer identifies or advertises a bona fide business, lessor,
service, owner, product, or activity, and/or for which no legal owner can be found.
"Act of God" is a natural occurrence such as wind, rain, flood, fire or earthquake.
"Aerial sign" is a sign which is inflatable or designed to be flown or attached to the ground,
building, structure or other object, which may or may not include copy.
"A -frame sign" means a Sign generally not securely attached or fixed to the ground or to a
permanent structure used as a stationary advertising devise and usually supported by two (2) upright
sign faces.
"Aggregate area" is the combined permitted Sign sizes of all signs on any one (1) parcel, site,
building, structure or other premises, excluding temporary signs, noncommercial signs, special event
signs, public information signs and traffic signs.
"Alter" means to change color (other than copy color), size, shape, position, location, or method
of illumination of a sign. This shall not include replacement of face copy on cabinet type signs.
"Animated sign" means any sign designed to attract attention through movement or the
semblance of movement of the whole or any part, including, but not limited to, signs which swing,
twirl, revolve, move back and forth or up and down; or signs which can change color or shades of
color; or any other method or device which suggests movement, but not including flags or banner
signs.
"Arcade" is a covered passageway projecting from the exterior wall of a building and supported
by posts or columns attached to the ground.
"Arcade sign" means a sign projecting beneath or on the underside of any structural overhang
or passageway and perpendicular to the front building facade; see section 9412.
"Attached sign" is any sign permanently affixed to a building or affixed to the external surface of
a building (including wall signs).
"Audible sign" is any sign that contains loudspeakers or emits sounds.
Ordinance No. 1483 Exhibit
Page 1 of 59
"Automobile service business" is a business whose primary purpose is gasoline sales, ancillary
uses may include auto repair, tire sales and auto supply sales.
"Awning" is a roof -like structure extending over a door, window or all or any portion of a building
wall and projecting from and supported by the exterior wall of a building; see section 9412.
"Awning sign" is a Sign painted on, printed on or attached to the front surface of an awning.
"Balloon" means a sphere of nonporous material filled with air or gas.
"Banner sign" means any publicly visible advertising device, not on the interior side of a window,
made of cloth, paper, plastic, cardboard, metal or any other usually flexible material, which may
indicate the identity or give or ask information about or convey a message, either directly or
indirectly, about a person, entity, business, commodity, service or idea.
"Beacon" means any stationary or moving light source or light with one (1) or more beams that
rotate or move located outside of or inside a building, or within three (3) feet of a window and
flashing with one (1) or more beams directed into the atmosphere or directed at one (1) or more
points not on the same lot as the light source.
"Bench sign" means a seat located upon or adjacent to a public or private right-of-way for the
purpose of persons resting and which is capable of displaying a sign or advertising device.
'Building frontage", means the lineal extent of a building which fronts on either a street or
parking area and used as the basis for determining the maximum sign area and number of signs
allowed; see section 9412.
"Bulletin board" means a Sign that signifies an institution or organization on the premises of
which it is located and that contains the name of the institution or organization, the names of the
individuals connected with it, and general announcements of events or activities occurring at the
institution or similar messages.
"Business identification sign" is a Sign which serves to identify only the name, address, and
lawful use of the premises upon which it is located and shall not include the listing of pricing
information or specific brand names unless the pricing or brand name is incorporated into the name
of the business or is a trademark or company name symbol identifying the business or activity
provided as in the case of a logo. Said signage is not intended as an advertising device.
Identification of product, trade and service information is permitted, and is considered supplemental
provided it is subordinate to business identification. Supplemental signs shall be considered
subordinate if no more than twenty-five (25) percent of the total allowable sign area is used for this
purpose.
"Canopy," same as "awning".
"Canopy sign," same as "awning sign".
"Center " is a commercial, industrial or professional use, consisting of one (1) or more buildings
sharing common facilities such as off-street parking, access or landscaping. In each case, a center
will consist of two (2) or more retail stores or businesses, but may not necessarily be under a single
ownership.
"Center identification sign" means any freestanding sign which advertises or directs attention to
a shopping center or area having two (2) or more separate businesses or activities therein.
"Changeable copy sign means a sign on which the copy changes either automatically through
mechanical means, electrical or electronic time or temperature controls or manually in the field.
"Channel letters" means individual letters or figures, illuminated or nonilluminated, affixed to a
building or freestanding sign structure.
"Commercial enterprise" means a business that conducts business in the City of Tustin and
holds a valid City of Tustin business license, unless it is exempt from having a business license.
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"Commercial sign" means a sign relating to the sale of any merchandise, product, service,
commodity or other item or activity for private benefit or gain. Commercial signs include, but are not
limited to:
A business identification sign.
2. A garage sale sign
3. A real estate open house sign.
"Community Development Director" means the City of Tustin Community Development Director
or his or her designee.
"Construction sign" means a temporary sign identifying the name of the project under
construction, street address, emergency phone number and name of person to contact; see section
9412.
"Corporate flag" means a flag which has the name, logo, trademark, or symbols of a business or
corporation which cannot be construed to mean official flags.
"Copy" means any words, letters, numbers, figures, designs or other symbolic representations
illuminated or non -illuminated incorporated into a sign.
"Decorative flag" means a temporary sign made of fabric or any non rigid material which is
individually mounted a flag pole device and is not a corporate flag or official flag.
"Double-faced sign" is a sign with two (2) faces that are placed back-to-back with a distance
separation of no greater than eighteen (18) inches and in which both faces cannot be viewed from
any point at the same time.
"Electrical sign" means any sign containing electrical wiring which is attached or intended to be
attached to an electrical energy source for the purposes of illuminating its surface.
"Erect" means to build, construct, attach, place, suspend, affix or Install.
"Exempt sign" means signs exempt from the permit requirements of this Chapter.
"Facade" means the exterior walls of a building exposed to public view.
"Festoons" means a nonmetallic string of ribbons, nonmetallic tinsel, small flags, pinwheels,
bunting, pennants and other like items.
"Flag" means cloth or other lightweight material of distinctive size, color and design, used as a
symbol, standard, signal, emblem, or a device used to attract attention.
"Flashing sign" means any directly or indirectly Illuminated Sign that exhibits changing natural or
artificial light or color effects by any means whatsoever.
"Flat Roof" means a roof having no slope, or one with only a slight pitch so as to drain
rainwater. (Ord. No. 1429, Sec. 111.1, 5-21-13)
"Freestanding sign" means any non -moveable sign not affixed to a building, including but not
limited to pole signs, ground signs, and construction signs; see section 9412.
"Freeway sign" is a sign whose purpose is to identify a specific service oriented business (those
offering eating facilities, lodging accommodations or an automobile service business) which is
located adjacent to the freeway right-of-way, or separated from the right-of-way by a frontage road.
"Garage sale sign" means a temporary sign announcing the limited sale, from a private
residence, of goods, furniture, clothing or other similar articles.
"Height" means the vertical distance measured from the highest point of the sign including any
architectural, ornamental or structural element of the sign to the finished grade adjacent to the sign
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structure. When calculating sign area, height is the vertical distance from the highest point to the
lowest point of the sign.
"Human sign" means a sign that is held or worn by a person.
"Identification sign" means a sign whose copy is limited to the name and address of a building,
institution, or person and/or to the activity or occupation being identified and shall not include a listing
of pricing information or of specific brand names unless the pricing or brand name is incorporated
into the name of the business or is a trademark or company symbol identifying the business or
activity. Identification of product, trade and service information is permitted, and is considered
supplemental provided it is subordinate to business identification. Supplemental signs shall be
considered subordinate if no more than twenty-five (25) percent of the total allowable sign area is
used for this purpose.
"Illegal sign" means a sign not permitted or exempted by this Chapter at the time of its
construction or erection.
"Illuminated sign" is a sign which has characters, letters, figures, designs, logograms, pictures
or outlines illuminated by a source of energy directly or indirectly in order to make the message
visible. The definition shall include internally and externally lighted signs and reflectorized, glowing
and radiating signs.
"Incidental sign" means a sign, emblem, or decal informing the public of services available on
the premises such as a credit card sign or a sign indicating hours of operation or emergency phone
number.
"Individual business" means a single commercial enterprise which is physically separate from
and does not relate to any other commercial business, and is not a part of a shopping center.
"Install" means to build, paint, erect, hang or in any manner affix or modify in any way.
"Legal Nonconforming Sign" means a sign that was lawfully erected which does not comply with
the most current adopted sign restrictions and regulations. (Ord. No. 1397, Sec. 9, 11-15-11)
"Light bulb strings" means external or internal displays within twelve (12) inches of the inside of
the window which consist of light bulbs, or strings of open light bulbs or lighted tubing.
"Location" means a position on a Site or on a building where a sign may be placed. The location
is regulated by setbacks from property lines for free-standing signs or a height limitation for wall
mounted signs.
"Logo" means a name, symbol, feature or trademark that represents a business, enterprise,
group or activity.
"Maintenance (of signs)" means, for the purposes of this chapter, the cleaning, painting, repair,
or replacement of defective parts of a sign in a manner that does not alter the basic copy, design, or
structure of the sign.
"Mansard" means a sloped roof or roof -like facade designed to give the appearance of a full
pitched roof; see section 9412.
"Marquee" means a permanent roof -like structure over an entry, projecting from and supported
only by the exterior wall of a building. A marquee is architecturally a part of the building; see section
9412.
"Master Sign Plan" means a comprehensive program for coordinating all tenant signs within a
center.
"Menu board sign" means a sign displaying food or items sold on the premises.
"Monument sign" is any free-standing Sign mounted directly on a planter or pedestal base
without air space beneath as distinguished from the support of a pole or poles and which is designed
Ordinance No. 1483 Exhibit
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to incorporate features and building materials which complement the architectural theme of the
buildings on the premises.
"Multi -tenant identification sign (directory)" means a sign constructed so as to permit individual
identification of businesses within a shopping, professional or industrial center. Such signs are solely
for the purpose of identification of a business by name, general service or trade, and not to include
the listing of individual products or services offered.
"Nameplate" means a non -electric or mechanical on -premises identification plate, plaque or
sign giving only the name, address, ,and/or occupation of an occupant or group of occupants; less
than two (2) square feet in size.
"Neon" means a glass tube filled with gas that emits light when energized.
"Noncommercial sign" means any sign other than a sign relating to the sale of any
merchandise, product, service, commodity or other item or activity for private benefit or gain.
Noncommercial signs include, but are not limited to:
A political sign.
2. A protected speech sign.
3. A public event sign.
4. A non-profit event sign.
"Nonconforming sign" means a sign erected legally which does not comply with the most
current adopted sign restrictions and regulations.
"Non-profit event sign" means a temporary sign advertising events and/or other promotions
open to the public and sponsored by a non-profit organization.
"Official flag" means flags of the United States of America, the State of California, City or other
governmental agency.
"Off -premises sign" means a commercial sign or structure of any kind or character erected
and/or maintained for advertising a business, activity, service or product not sold or produced on the
premises upon which the sign is placed, including a billboard and any other outdoor advertising sign
and structure."
"On -premises advertising display" means any structure, housing, device, figurine, statuary or
other contrivance of a permanent or portable nature which is designed and intended to advertise
specific products or services, services available or goods sold on the premises which the business or
display is located or upon the building within which the business is located; see definition of
"premises".
"On -premises sign" means a sign which displays the name, use, service, trade or trademark, or
symbol of the business or business activity provided on the premises on which the business or
business activity is located.
"Open house sign" means a sign which identifies a building for sale or lease which is open and
available for inspection.
"Ornamental sign" means a sign that includes decorative design details fabricated out of
wrought iron, wood or similar product with the intent of making the Sign more compatible with the
residential property on which it is located.
"Owner" means a person recorded as such on official records and including any duly authorized
agent or notary, a purchaser, devisee, judiciary and any person having a vested or contingent
interest in the property in question.
"Painted sign" means any sign which is applied with paint or similar substance to the face of a
wall, arcade, canopy or marquee of a building.
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"Parapet" means an extension of the structural walls, or other architectural feature screening
from view on all sides of a building the rooftop equipment; see section 9412.
"Parcel" or "lot" means:
A parcel of real property which is shown as a single lot in a lawfully recorded subdivision,
approved pursuant to the provisions of the Subdivision Map Act (California Business and
Professions Code, Sec. 11500, et seq.); or
2. A parcel of real property, the dimensions and boundaries of which are defined as a single
lot by a lawfully recorded record of survey map; or
3. A parcel of real property shown on a parcel map as a single lot, lawfully recorded pursuant
to the provisions of the Subdivision Map Act (California Business and Professions Code,
Section 11500, et seq.); or
4. Two (2) or more parcels of real property which are combined by an appropriately recorded
written instrument or by common fee ownership and usage.
"Pennant" means a flag that tapers to a point or a forked double -point, and is often used alone
or in a series and suspended from a rope, wire or string.
"Permanent directional/information sign" means an on -premises sign giving directions,
instructions, or facility information such as parking locations, exits, entrances, time and temperature.
Such signs may not contain the name or logo of an establishment or information of a commercial
nature.
. "Persons" means any person, firm, partnership, association, corporation, company or
organization of any kind whatsoever.
"Plaque" means a flat thin piece of metal (or other material) placed on a building to identify a
Site or an event or to commemorate an individual or an event.
"Pole sign",means any free-standing sign supported by a structural member(s) with air space
between the grade level and the bottom of the sign face.
"Political sign" means any sign pertaining to a candidate for public office or a ballot issue
pending before the electorate at a specific election.
"Portable sign" means any sign capable of being carried or readily moved from one location to
another, including but not limited to an A -frame sign, "sandwich sign", a sign on wheels or a sign
which leans against a stationary object, building or structure. Portable sign does not include a
temporary off -premises commercial sign, temporary noncommercial sign, or human sign.
"Premises" means the building as it relates to a wall sign within which a business is located; or
as it relates to a ground sign, premises is defined as the project site upon which the business is
located.
"Primary wall" means a building wall containing a primary store entrance/exit which faces onto a
street or designated parking area.
"Project identification sign" means a temporary sign identifying a future occupant, project
developer, architect, engineer, contractor or others participating in construction on the property on
which the sign is located; see section 9412.
. "Projecting sign" means any sign which is not substantially parallel to the surface or plane of the
supporting wall, fence, canopy or marquee to which it is attached.
"Protected speech sign" means any sign containing a message of public interest, and
containing no commercial speech. For the purpose of this Chapter, the term "protected speech sign"
does not include political signs.
"Public event sign" means a temporary sign installed by the City of Tustin advertising events
and/or other promotions open to the public and sponsored by the City of Tustin.
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"Public parkway area" means the strip of land between the curb line and the sidewalk, and any
City landscape easement adjacent to the public right-of-way.
"Public right-of-way" means and includes all public streets, curbs, medians, islands, sidewalks
and utility easements, now or hereafter owned in fee or easement by the City.
"Public safety area" means a strip of land, twenty (20) feet in width, running parallel with,
adjacent to and measured from the public right-of-way line. The public right-of-way line is the same
as the property line; see section 9412.
"Real estate sign" means a temporary sign advertising the sale, lease or rent of the property
upon which it is located, and the identification of the person or firm handling such sale, lease or rent.
"Replacement value" means the total actual cost to repair or restore a sign to its original
condition.
"Responsible party" means the owner of the sign or, where ownership is not known, the owner
of the property where the Sign is posted. In the absence of persuasive evidence to the contrary, the
person who benefited from the sign shall be presumed to be the person who was responsible for the
placement of the sign. For open house signs, the responsible party shall be the real estate licensee
holding the open house and that real estate licensee's real estate broker of record.
"Rider" means a changeable portion of a real estate sign that includes specific information
relating to the property or broker.
"Roof line" means either the uppermost edge of the roof or the top of the parapet; see section
9412.
"Roof sign" means a painted sign or attached sign constructed upon or over a roof, or placed so
as to extend above the visible roofline.
"Secondary wall" means a building wall which contains no primary store entrance, but may have
emergency exits, exits/entrances subordinate to the primary entrance which may face onto a street
or designated parking area or access drive.
"Seasonal or holiday sign(s)" means signs, such as Christmas decorations, which are used for a
historical holiday or special time of the year and installed for a limited period of time, as defined in
this Chapter.
"Sign" or "signs" means any structure, device or contrivance and all parts thereof which are
installed or used for identification purposes upon or within which any poster, bill, copy, lettering,
painting, device or other advertising of any kind whatsoever is used, placed upon, or affixed to the
building support structure, window area, canopy, awning or marquee. Product, trade and service
information is considered supplemental information and may be included on the sign provided it is
subordinate to business identification. Supplemental signs shall be considered subordinate if no
more than twenty-five (25) percent of the total allowable sign area is used for this purpose. This
definition includes signs directly applied to a building surface such as plastics, and menus. This
definition shall not include official notices issued by a court or public body or officer, or directional
warning or information sign or structures required by or authorized by law or Federal, State, County
or City authority; see section 9412.
"Sign area" means the entire area of the face or faces of the Sign, which is designed to carry
copy, whether or not there is copy on all surfaces. Architectural design embellishments and structural
elements such as a sign pedestal or pole are not construed to be part of sign area. The perimeter is
defined by the smallest square, circle, rectangle, triangle or combination thereof or irregular shape
that will encompass the extreme limits of the copy together with any frame or structural trim forming
an integral part of the display such as a sign cabinet. In the case of a double-faced sign, the area
shall be computed as only one (1) of the sign surfaces; see section 9412.
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"Sign copy" means any words, letters, numbers, figures, designs, or other symbolic
representation incorporated into a sign.
"Sign program" means a comprehensive program intended to provide incentive, latitude and
variety in order to achieve aesthetically appealing and compatible signage for shopping and
professional office centers and industrial parks with two (2) or more occupants. A sign program may
also be applicable for a single business proposing two (2) or more signs.
"Sign structure" means the supports, uprights, braces, cables, framework, and display surface
of a sign.
"Site" means one (1) or more parcels of land identified by the assessor's records. The site shall
include all parcels of land contained within, or a part of an integrated building development. An
integrated building development shall include all parcels served by common accessways, driveways,
parking and landscaping.
"Special event" is a commercial, civic, patriotic, religious, cultural, community, or political event
that recurs irregularly, if at all, and that takes place on a specific date or dates. "Special event" does
not include routine commercial promotions.
"Standard sign plans" means a comprehensive set of plans and materials required to be
submitted before erecting, placing, rebuilding, reconstructing or moving any sign.
"Storefront area" means the front area of a building in which the primary entrance to a store or
business is located. The area is calculated by multiplying the width of the storefront (or tenant space
in the case of a multi -tenant building) by the wall height (which includes all vertical surfaces between
the finished grade and the roof); see section 9412 for a display of the storefront area calculation.
"Street frontage" means lineal extent of a street which fronts on or is adjacent to either a
building or parking area and used as the basis for determining the maximum sign area and number
of signs allowed; see section 9412.
"Supplemental signs" means signs identifying special features, trade, services or products of
the business. Such signs may not include a listing of pricing information or specific brand names
unless incorporated into the name of the business. Supplemental signs may be of a permanent
nature, provided they are subordinate to business identification information. They shall be
considered subordinate if no more than twenty-five (25) percent of the total allowable sign area is
used for this purpose.
"Temporary sign" means any sign constructed of paper, cloth, canvass or other similar
lightweight material, with or without frames, including painted windows, flags, streamers, pennants,
banner signs and other signs not designed to be permanently attached to a building or anchored to
the ground.
"Tivoli lights" is a brand of tube lights; see tube lights.
"Tract identification sign" means a permanent sign designed to identify a single-family or
multifamily residential subdivision or development. Such signs shall be limited to subdivisions
containing a minimum of ten (10) units or ten (10) lots and a minimum total project size of one (1)
acre.
"Tube lights" are small decorative lights of a permanent nature. Light bulbs are usually one-half
(%2) watt in size and usually less than one (1) inch long and placed within a clear tube, approximately
eight (8) inches apart.
"Under -canopy" means a sign which is perpendicular to and suspended below the ceiling or roof
of a canopy.
"Use" means the purpose for which land or a building is occupied, arranged, designed or
intended, or for which either land or building is or may be occupied or maintained.
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"Vehicle -mounted sign" means any sign placed or maintained on a stationary automobile, truck,
trailer or any other motor -driven device.
"Vertical clearance" is the vertical distance between grade and the lowest part of any sign,
including framework or embellishments.
"Visual clearance area" is a triangular shaped portion of land established at a street intersection
or driveway in which nothing is constructed, placed, planted or allowed to grow in such a manner as
to limit or obstruct the visibility of a motorist entering or leaving the intersection or driveway; see
section 9404a3(b) and exhibit in section 9412.
"Wall sign" means a sign attached parallel to or erected on the fascia, parapet or exterior wall of
a building, structure., wall or fence with the exposed face of the sign in a line approximately parallel to
the plane of the exterior wall; see section 9412.
"Width of a sign" means the maximum horizontal dimension of a sign.
"Window" is an opening in a wall surrounded by framework or casing and enclosed with
transparent material. For the purpose of calculating window area on one (1) building elevation, a
series of adjoining window panes separated by mullions or panels can be combined to establish total
window area.
"Window sign" means any sign attached, painted, or pasted, either permanent or temporary, on
the interior or exterior of a window and intended to be viewed from the outside; see section 9412.
"Wind sign" means any sign or portion thereof or series of signs, banner signs, balloons, flags,
pennants, spinners, streamers, or other objects designed and fastened in such a manner as to move
upon being subjected to pressure by wind or breeze.
(Ord. No. 1321, Sec. 2, 4-3-07)
9403 - SIGN PERMIT REQUIREMENTS
a. Permits required.
Except as otherwise provided specifically in this title, no sign shall hereafter be erected, re -
erected, constructed or altered until a sign permit for such has been issued by the person or
body having final authority to do so, or until a conditional use permit or planned sign program
with respect to such a Sign has been granted by the Planning Commission in instances in which
a conditional use permit is required.
A separate permit shall be required for each sign or group of signs in one (1) location. In
addition to the requirements set forth in this section, all applicable building and electrical permits
shall be obtained in accordance with the Uniform Building Code and the Uniform Electrical
Code.
A tag issued by the city indicating the sign permit number shall be affixed to the sign so as to be
readily visible. The tag shall include the sign permit number, approval date and/or expiration
date for any sign constructed in compliance with the provisions of this Chapter.
b. Permit application. Applications for sign permits shall be made by the owner of the property on which
the sign is to be located, by a licensed contractor or an authorized agent of the property owner, as
may be required by state contractors' law, on forms furnished by the Community Development
Department and shall be accompanied by all information and fees, as required for standard sign
plans or master sign plans. The application shall be signed by the owner of the premises on which
the sign is located.
c. Review procedures. Each sign permit or temporary sign permit application, plans, and fees shall be
submitted to the Community Development Department, pursuant to this Chapter, and shall be
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processed and approved, conditionally approved, or denied within the time limits established by state
law for action on development projects by the Community Development Director, unless such
approval authority is granted to the Planning Commission pursuant to this Chapter or the
requirements contained in specific plans, planned developments, or planned community districts. All
decisions by the Community Development Department or Planning Commission are final unless
appealed in accordance with this Chapter.
All signs proposed to be located within the public safety area shall also be reviewed and approved by
the Public Works Department prior to the issuance of any permits.
d. Temporary sign permits. Temporary sign permits are required for signs intended for temporary
display. This section shall not authorize signs identified as prohibited by section 9404 of this Chapter.
Additional regulations for temporary signs are found in section 9406. As applicable, a separate
building permit and/or electrical permit may also be required. In addition to a refundable cash bond,
which guarantees the removal of the temporary display, the following requirements shall apply.
Banner signs.
(a) All banner signs must be fixed to a building and hung below a roof eave or mounted on
poles.
(b) All banner signs shall be professionally made and constructed of cloth, canvas, plastic,
PVC or similar material, and have slits for proper wind resistance, where necessary.
(c) No banner sign may exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area, except that a single banner
sign of up to one hundred (100) square feet may be allowed on a building elevation of at
least one thousand (1,000) square feet that faces a freeway or major arterial.
(d) One (1) display per building or street frontage, or in the case of a multi -tenant building, one
(1) display per storefront area shall be allowed. As a substitute for a wall -mounted banner
sign, one (1) pole -mounted banner sign per property street frontage is permitted.
(e) Every banner sign shall display a City -issued permit identifying the approved dates for the
display. Banner signs displayed without a City permit or on non -approved dates may be
removed by the City.
(f) Grand opening banner signs shall be permitted for a period not to exceed thirty (30)
consecutive days.
(g) Special event information banner signs for purposes other than grand openings shall be
permitted for no more than thirty (30) consecutive days from or around the date of the
event, not more than four (4) times in any calendar year, and no more than twice in any
calendar quarter. As an alternative, if specific nonconsecutive dates can be identified in
writing, a banner sign shall be permitted for no more than sixty (60) days per calendar
quarter and no more than one hundred twenty (120) days per calendar year.
(h) Banner signs for the sponsorship of nonprofit events, including civic, public, religious,
educational, or philanthropic events, shall be permitted for a period not to exceed thirty (30)
days per event. Temporary banner signs shall be appropriate for the event. Copy of
signage may contain names, logos, or corporate sponsors but such names, logos, or
corporate sponsors may not exceed one-fourth (1/) of the aggregate area of signage.
(i) Banner signs are exempt from the requirement to provide a refundable cash bond.
Public event signs. Public event signs may be located within the public right-of-way subject to
the following restrictions and criteria:
(a) All public event signs posted on the structures approved by the City shall be removed no
later than seventy-two (72) hours after the event has occurred.
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(b) All public event signs shall be professionally made and constructed of cloth, canvas,
plastic, PVC or similar material, and have slits for proper wind resistance, where
necessary.
(c) No sign shall exceed thirty-five (35) feet in horizontal length, with a maximum sign height or
vertical dimension of four (4) feet.
3. Decorative flags. Decorative flags shall meet the following criteria and any deviation from these
criteria shall be approved by the Planning Commission, as provided for in section 9404c4.
(a) Decorative flags shall be installed on a flag pole device or frame, approved by the Building
Official or installed directly upon a building or wall surface but in no case above the roof
eave.
(b) No decorative flag may exceed six (6) square feet in area with a maximum pole height of
twelve (12) feet.
(c) Original grand opening decorative flags shall be permitted for a period not to exceed thirty
(30) days. In addition, a change of ownership or change of business type qualifies for
grand opening flags.
(d) Not more than five (5) decorative flags per site for purposes other than grand openings
shall be permitted for thirty (30) days and not more than four (4) times in any calendar year
nor more than twice in any calendar quarter.
(e) Decorative flags are permitted for non-residential projects and only for residential projects
in conjunction with temporary project identification signs.
4. Beacons. Beacons used as part of the grand opening are permitted for a period not to exceed
thirty (30) days. Temporary sign permits for grand opening beacons are subject to the approval
of the Community Development Department.
5. Festoons. Festoons may be permitted in conjunction with a special event, subject to Planning
Commission approval pursuant to section 9404c3.
6. Balloons. Nonmetallic balloons (individual, groupings or arch of balloons) may be permitted only
one (1) time per year and in conjunction with a special event. Balloons shall meet the following
criteria and any deviation from these criteria shall be approved by the Planning Commission, as
provided for in section 9404c4.
Individual or grouping of balloons: Individual balloons include balloons attached separately to
the ground or building or attached to the end of a nonmetallic string. A grouping of balloons is
two (2) or more balloons attached separately to nonmetallic string which are clustered together.
(a) Maximum size of balloons—Twelve (12) inches in diameter.
(b) Maximum number—Thirty (30) Balloons.
(c) Maximum height—Fifteen (15) feet above grade.
(d) Location—Must be securely affixed to ground or building and must maintain a minimum
twenty -foot setback from all property lines.
(e) Duration of display—Maximum of two (2) consecutive days, no more than one (1) time per
year for arch, individual or string of balloons.
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Arch of balloons: An arch of balloons is a collection of helium -filled balloons that are attached
close together to create a solid band of color forming an arch.
(a) Maximum size of balloons—Twelve (12) inches in diameter.
(b) Maximum number—Three (3) Balloons per lineal foot.
(c) Location—Must be securely affixed at each end to ground or building and must maintain a
minimum twenty -foot setback from all property lines.
(d) Duration of display—Maximum of two (2) consecutive days, no more than one (1) time per
year for arch, individual, or string of balloons.
7. Portable signs within the Cultural Resource District and/or Old Town Commercial General Plan
land use designation. Portable signs for sidewalk -adjacent businesses within the Cultural
Resource District and/or Old Town Commercial General Plan land use designation may be
placed within the sidewalk adjacent to the identified business, subject to review and approval by
the City of Tustin in accordance with established design guidelines.
e. Exempt signs. The following signs are exempt from the permit requirements of this Chapter, provided
that they conform to the standards outlined below and contained in sections 9406 through 9411.
Although the following signs do not require a sign permit, they may require a building and/or
electrical permit.
1. Public signs placed by a governmental body or public utility, including signs required by law,
community service signs, public transit signs, safety signs, trespassing signs, danger signs and
all signs erected by a public officer in the performance of a public duty.
2. One (1) official flag per property. However, building permits shall be obtained for the flag poles
where required by the Uniform Building Code, The flag pole shall meet the setback
requirements and shall not exceed the allowable height of the zoning district or fifty (50) feet,
whichever is less.
3. Flags identifying the name and/or Logo of the business upon the premises. Such flags shall not
exceed one (1) in number per site nor more than ten (10) percent of the permitted aggregate
sign area for the business identified on the flag. Business flags shall be no higher than any state
flag and must be lower than the federal flag if located on the site. The flag pole shall meet the
setback requirements and shall not exceed the allowable height of the zoning district or fifty (50)
feet, whichever is less.
4. Nameplates less than two (2) square feet in area, displaying only the following:
(a) Name of the premises upon which it is displayed;
(b) Name of the owner or lessee of the premises;
(c) Occupation of the owner or lessee.
5. Seasonal or holiday signs, holiday lights and decorations with no commercial message for one
(1) continuous period not to exceed fifty (50) days during any given year.
6. Address numbers installed on a building which must be at least six (6) inches in height and in
Arabic numerals.
7. Permanent plaques, cornerstones, or building names containing the name of the building and
date of erection, or historical designation, provided that these are cut into a masonry surface, or
constructed of bronze or other appropriate material of a permanent nature.
& Incidental signs mounted, painted, attached to, or placed upon windows and intended to be
viewed from the exterior, unless prohibited in an approved Master Sign Plan, provided that the
aggregate area of such signs do not constitute more than twenty-five (25) percent of the window
area upon which they are placed.
Ordinance No. 1483 Exhibit
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9. Non -illuminated on -premises real estate signs or open house signs subject to the following
criteria:
(a) In residential zones, not more than one (1) sign per street frontage, with a maximum height
of four (4) feet and maximum size of six (6) square feet. Ornamental signs may be a
maximum of seven (7) feet high to top of structure, with a maximum of six (6) square feet
for sign face.
(b) In professional districts, not more than one (1) sign per street frontage, with a maximum of
sixteen (16) square feet in size and six (6) feet in height.
(c) In commercial districts when a property has a street frontage of less than two hundred
(200) lineal feet, not more than one (1) sign per street frontage, with a maximum size of
sixteen (16) square feet and maximum six (6) feet in height. For properties with two
hundred (200) lineal feet or more of street frontage, not more than one (1) sign per street
frontage, with a maximum of twenty-four (24) square feet in size and eight (8) feet in
height.
(d) In industrial districts, not more than one (1) sign per street frontage, with a maximum of
thirty-two (32) square feet in size and ten (10) feet in height.
(e) For vacant properties in any district with a minimum of five (5) acres in size, not more than
one (1) sign per street frontage with a maximum of twenty (20) square feet in size and
eight (8) feet in height.
(f) All such signs shall be installed on private property and only on the premises which the
sign advertises.
(g) All such signs may contain a maximum of three (3) riders in excess of the above sign area
limitation. The combined size of all riders including any spaces between riders shall not
exceed twenty-four (24) inches in total sign height or vertical dimension and must be
attached under the permanent sign face.
10. A permanent directional/information sign not exceeding six (6) square feet per face nor four (4)
feet in height, limited to one (1) sign per vehicle entrance to the site. In addition, each tenant
may have directional signs located on or next to the building, maximum size of four (4) square
feet and not to exceed one (1) per store entrance.
11. Temporary off -premises commercial signs, subject to the following criteria:
(a) Temporary off -premises commercial signs must be associated with a legitimate
commercial enterprise in the City of Tustin for which permanent business identification
signs are not authorized. A maximum of twenty (20) temporary off -premises commercial
signs per commercial enterprise shall be allowed within the city limits at any one time.
(b) The signs shall not exceed four (4) square feet in size and four (4) feet in height.
(c) Signs may only be located in the public parkway area, subject to the visual clearance area
requirements, except as otherwise allowed by local, state, or federal law.
(d) Signs are not permitted to be attached to any traffic control device, tree, street light or utility
pole or placed so as to impede public sidewalks.
(e) Signs shall not be posted on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays; or between
the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays.
(f) Signs shall only be posted between twenty-five (25) feet and three hundred (300) feet of a
street intersection. A maximum of two (2) signs per commercial enterprise shall be posted
per street intersection, and no more than one (1) sign per commercial enterprise shall be
permitted in the public parkway area abutting any one (1) parcel of property.
Ordinance No. 1483 Exhibit
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(g) The name, address, and phone number of the responsible party shall be provided on the
back of the sign. This information shall occupy a space no larger than ten (10) square
inches.
(h) The responsible party for signs erected in the public parkway area shall be liable to
the City of Tustin, private property owners and the general public for any injury to
persons or property resulting from the placement and maintenance of the sign.
12. Light bulb strings are permitted on a temporary or permanent basis, provided all of the following
limitations are met:
(a) Maximum number—One hundred (100) light bulbs.
(b) Minimum separation between lights—Six (6) inches.
(c) Maximum size bulb—Three (3) inches in length, seven (7) watt.
(d) Color—Clear or white.
(e) Location—Not permitted on the exterior of a building or structure. May be located within
twelve (12) inches of the interior of a window. Light bulb strings located more than twelve
(12) inches from the interior of a window are not regulated by this Code.
(f) All such lights shall not flash, blink, chase or be otherwise animated.
(g) Standards above do not apply to decorative holiday lighting as permitted by section
9403e5.
13. Temporary non-commercial signs (except public event signs), subject to the following criteria:
(a) No person shall affix a temporary non-commercial sign on any traffic signal, utility pole,
traffic control device, or tree.
(b) Written permission of the property owner is required for temporary non-commercial signs
placed on private property.
(c) Temporary non-commercial signs on private property shall be limited to a maximum of
thirty-two (32) square feet in size, and ten (10) feet in height.
(d) The name, address and telephone number of the responsible party for posting the
temporary non-commercial sign shall be included on the sign.
(e) Temporary non-commercial signs in the public parkway area are subject to the following
additional criteria:
(1) Signs shall only be posted between twenty-five (25) feet and three hundred (300) feet
of a street intersection. No more than one (1) sign per sponsoring individual or
organization shall be permitted in the public parkway area abutting any one (1) parcel
of property.
(2) Signs shall be limited to a maximum of four (4) square feet in size and four (4) feet in
height above grade.
(3) Signs shall not be installed or maintained in any manner so as to impede vehicles or
permitted parking adjacent to curb, pedestrian walkways, hinder disabled access, or
constitute a hazard to or endanger persons using the sidewalks.
(4) Signs shall not be located in any visual clearance area.
(5) Any person, party or group posting such signs shall be liable to the City of Tustin,
private property owners and the general public for any injury to persons or property
resulting from the placement and maintenance of the sign.
(6) A temporary non-commercial sign shall be posted for no more than forty-five (45)
days per calendar quarter. Signs related to a specific event shall be removed no later
Ordinance No. 1483 Exhibit
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than five (5) days after the event to which the sign relates The date that the sign was
posted and the name, address, and phone number of the responsible party shall be
provided on the back of the sign within a space no larger than ten (10) square inches.
(8) If the Community Development Director finds that any temporary non-commercial sign
has been posted or is being maintained in violation of the provisions of this section,
the responsible party shall be given notice to remove said sign(s) within twenty-four
(24) hours from the time of said notice. The notice shall include a brief statement of
the reasons for requiring removal. If the person so notified fails to correct the violation
or remove the sign(s), the Community Development Director may cause said sign(s)
to be removed without further notice. If the responsible party for the sign cannot in
good faith be located within a reasonable time, the sign shall be deemed abandoned.
(9) Any temporary non-commercial sign that remains posted for more than forty-five (45)
calendar days or for more than five (5) calendar days after the event to which the sign
relates shall also be deemed abandoned. The Community Development Director may
cause such abandoned signs and any signs, which constitute an immediate peril to
persons or property to be removed summarily and without prior notice. The City shall
assess a charge against any person, candidate, entity, party or group posting or
placing signs in violation of this section for the cost incurred in the removal.
(10) Signs in the public parkway area in violation of this section shall be subject to removal
by City in accordance with section 9405e1(b) of this Code.
(11) Any person who intentionally defaces, obliterates, tears down, or destroys a sign
installed in accordance with the provisions of this Code shall be subject to being
charged with an infraction pursuant to section 1121 of this Code.
15. Human signs shall be permitted on private property and in public parkway areas and sidewalks,
subject to the following provisions:
(a) Human signs shall be prohibited within two hundred (200) feet of any street intersection.
(b) Human signs shall be limited to a maximum of three (3) square feet in size.
(c) Human signs shall not block the visibility of any traffic control device or traffic signal for
motorists.
(d) Human signs on public sidewalks shall yield to the passage of pedestrians.
(e) Human signs shall not spin, twirl, swing or gyrate.
Exceptions. When an application for a sign code exception has been submitted to the Community
Development Department, the Community Development Director shall have authority to grant or
conditionally grant an exception to allow no more than a ten (10) percent increase in height or sign
area of an allowable sign subject to findings contained herein. The Planning Commission shall have
authority to grant or conditionally grant all other exceptions to the various sign regulations contained
in this Chapter subject to the following:
Sign size and placement restrictions of this chapter shall be as closely followed as
practicable;
2. The intent and purpose of the sign regulations of the land use zone in which the sign is to
be located shall be followed as closely as practicable;
3. There are special circumstances unique to the property to justify the exception;
4. Granting of the exception will not have a negative impact on surrounding properties;
Ordinance No. 1483 Exhibit
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5. The Sign application promotes the public health, safety, welfare and aesthetics of the
community and that the granting of the exception meets the findings and intent of this
Chapter.
g. Standard sign plans. All applications for sign permits shall be accompanied by three (3) sets of
dimensioned plans and shall include the following information:
1. The name, address, and telephone number both of the owner or persons entitled to possession
of the sign and of the sign contractor or erector.
2. The location by street address of the proposed sign.
3. An elevation of the. sign showing the dimensions of the sign, the dimensions of the sign's
supporting members, the maximum and minimum height of the sign, sign copy, proposed
lettering and background color and lettering style.
4. A dimensioned elevation of that portion of the building exterior where the proposed location of
the sign will be placed in relation to the face of the building.
5. A dimensioned site plan showing the proposed location of the sign in relation to the boundaries
of the lot upon which it is to be situated and any pole or monument signs within fifty (50) feet of
the site boundaries can be prepared on an eight and one-half (8%2) inch x eleven (11) inch size
paper.
6. Where the sign is to be attached to an existing building, a current color photograph of the face
of the building to which the sign is to be attached and color photograph of all existing Signs on
the building and sign structures labeled to show which signs will be removed and which will
remain.
7. A sign plan shall indicate the scope and structural detail of the work to be done, including details
of all electrical and mechanical connections, guy lines, supports and footing and materials to be
used.
8. Means of lighting/illumination along with an electrical permit for all electrical signs. All electrical
components for the sign shall be listed and approved by certified testing laboratory.
9. Any other information that the applicant believes to be needed to fully define the sign proposal.
10. Such other architectural, design, or engineering information as may be required by the Uniform
Sign Code and Uniform Building Code for the specific sign proposal.
11. Any required permit and review fees as established by resolution of the City Council.
h. Master sign plans. A master sign plan is required for developments in specific plan, planned
development and planned community districts, multi -use sites, multi -tenant centers and mixed use
districts in the City. The purpose of a master sign plan is to encourage coordinated and quality sign
design (integrated with architectural style of project) on sites where a large number of signs will
occur. In addition, the master sign plan should include permanent directional/information signs to
facilitate smooth internal circulation by the motorist.
After approval of a master sign plan, no sign shall be erected, placed, painted or maintained except
in conformance with such plan, and such plan may be enforced in the same way as any provision of this
ordinance unless a modification to the master sign plan is approved. In case of any conflict between the
provisions of such a plan and this ordinance, the ordinance takes precedence. In addition to all of the
requirements for standard sign plans contained in section 94038 of this Chapter, the following additional
information shall be required for a master sign plan:
1. Plan specifications including the type and texture of materials and colors proposed for the signs
and the building facade.
2. A colored elevation of the proposed signs as they would appear on the building facade.
3. Drawings illustrating the lettering styles and sizes proposed and the use of logos, if any.
Ordinance No. 1483 Exhibit
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4. Color photographs of buildings and signs on adjacent sites.
5. Any regulations that are more restrictive than those included in the sign code pertaining to use,
location and size of signs.
Review criteria.
General criteria (applicable to all signs). Proposed signs and the materials, size, color, lettering,
location and arrangement thereof shall conform to the following criteria:
(a) Signs shall be consistent throughout the site by incorporating common design elements
such as quality of materials, letter style, colors (not more than three (3) excluding black and
white per individual sign), illumination, sign type or sign shape.
(b) Signs shall be compatible with, and bear a harmonious relationship to the visual image and
architectural design of the buildings they identify in terms of materials, colors, and design
motif.
(c) Signs shall relate to a human scale, and shall be directed toward pedestrians as well as
motorists. The base and supporting structure of all signs shall be consistent with the size
and scale of the advertising surface.
(d) Signs shall contain only that information necessary to identify the businesses or uses of the
property on which the sign is located and be in compliance with district regulations.
Identification of product, trade and service information is permitted and considered
supplemental provided it is subordinate to business identification. Supplemental signs shall
be considered subordinate if no more than twenty-five (25) percent of the total allowable
sign area is used for this purpose.
(e) Signs shall be appropriately visible, legible, as far as spacing and proportion of letters and
details, and shall not dominate the visual quality of the site or obscure from view existing or
adjacent signs.
(f) Signs shall be compatible with the visual characteristics of the development and signs in
the surrounding area and shall not detract from adjacent developed properties.
(g) New signs in existing developments shall be designed in accordance with the established
master sign plan for the building or center where the signs are to be located. If a master
sign plan does not exist, any new signs shall be designed to be harmonious with other
existing signs on the property and/or architectural theme or design features of the
building(s) or required by any special criteria pursuant to section 9403h,
(h) Freestanding signs may be located in a required yard setback area provided the following
criteria are met:
(1) Said location is not within a required visual clearance area as shown on section 9412
exhibits.
(2) All signs proposed to be located within the public safety area shall be reviewed and
approved by the Public Works Department.
(3) All such signs shall be located a minimum of twenty-five (25) feet from an interior side
property line or fifty (50) feet from another existing pole or monument sign located on
an adjacent site, whichever is less restrictive.
(4) In the event of a lighted sign the location will not cause negative light and glare
impacts on adjacent sensitive land uses.
(i) All signs shall conform to provisions contained in section 9404 of this Chapter and any
previously approved master sign plan, on file with the Community Development
Department.
Ordinance No. 1483 Exhibit
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2. Master sign plan criteria. In addition to general criteria listed in section 9403i of this Chapter,
master sign plans shall be reviewed for conformance with the following criteria:
(a) Signs shall reflect a common theme, incorporating design elements in terms of materials,
letter styles, colors, illumination, sign type and sign shape.
(b) Signs shall utilize materials, colors, and a design motif which are compatible and which
reflect the special qualities of the architecture of the buildings on the site in both daytime
and nighttime situations.
(c) For developments with existing signs, the master sign plan shall designate appropriate
replacements, if any, which are consistent with the new signage. Where such signs cannot
be replaced immediately, a schedule or phasing plan for bringing such signs into
conformance with the master sign plan shall be submitted and become part of the
approval.
A cash bond, based upon the estimated cost to remove the sign, may be required to
guarantee their removal. Bond is returnable upon successful completion of removal. If not
removed, the bond will be forfeited and the sign will be removed by the City pursuant to the
enforcement procedures of section 9405e. The sign plan should acknowledge that tenants
desiring signs may not be identified during the building design process or may change over
time. Therefore, care should be taken in size and placement to accommodate future
changes.
(d) The master sign plan shall designate a person or firm as the primary liaison with the City
for the purpose of requesting approval of the master sign plan and for submitting sign
permit requests in conformance with the approved master sign plan.
(e) The master sign plan submitted by the applicant may establish more restrictive sign
standards than those contained in this Chapter. Conversely, a master sign plan for a center
may deviate from the specific standard for permanent business identification upon
submittal and approval of a conditional use permit, provided that the center is a single
development project of at least thirty thousand (30,000) building square feet or one (1) acre
in project size.
3. Special criteria. The Planning Commission may recommend and the City Council may establish
more specific design criteria by resolution within certain portions of the City to encourage signs
which are in harmony with established architectural guidelines in those areas. The specific
criteria may be more or less restrictive than the regulations included in this Chapter.
(Ord. No. 1321, Sec. 2, 4-3-07)
9404 - SIGN REGULATIONS
a. Prohibited sign types, prohibited materials and prohibited locations. Any sign, sign structure or
advertising device which are not specifically permitted by the zoning district regulations in which the
sign is located or which may have been erected in violation of the laws in effect at time of erection is
prohibited. Such prohibited signs include, but are not limited to the following types, materials and
locations.
Types of signs prohibited:
(a) Advertising bench signs. No person shall place within a public right-of-way, public parkway
area, or in any public safety area within the City any advertising bench, or seat except:
(1) Upon obtaining a written permit from the City Council, and,
Ordinance No. 1483 Exhibit
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(2) Upon obtaining the approval of the City Engineer for the design and construction
details.
(b) Advertising display bus shelter signs. No person shall place within a public right-of-way,
public parkway area, or in any public safety area within the city any advertising display bus
shelter, except in compliance with the following conditions:
(1) A franchise agreement or other contractual agreement acceptable to the City Attorney
shall be required for all advertising bus shelters proposed within the public right-of-
way or public parkway area. City Council approval shall also be required for all
shelters located within a public safety area.
(2) The Planning Commission and City Engineer shall review and recommend to the City
Council appropriate locations, design and construction details for all advertising bus
shelters prior to award of franchise agreement or approval of alternative contractual
agreement. However, in no case shall an advertising bus shelter be located within a
residential neighborhood. The Planning Commission may also recommend certain
guidelines to the City Council on appropriate standards for advertising and/or design.
(3) All advertising display bus shelters shall be located based upon ridership demand, as
determined by the Orange County Transit Authority and City Engineer.
(4) Displays shall not contain advertising for tobacco or alcohol products.
(c) Aerial signs, unless approved pursuant to section 9404c of this chapter.
(d) Animated signs.
(e) Audible signs.
(f) Beacons. Unless approved pursuant to sections 9403d or 9404b of this Chapter.
(g) Festoons. Unless approved pursuant to section 9404c of this Chapter.
(h) Flashing signs.
(i) Light bulb strings, except holiday lights per section 9403e5, and not in conformance with section
9403e12.
(j) Obscene or unlawful signs.
(k) Off -premises signs, except those erected or caused to be erected by the City, temporary off -
premises commercial signs, human signs, and temporary noncommercial signs.
(1) On -premises advertising display.
(m) Painted signs.
(n) Portable signs, except those approved by the City within the Cultural Resource District and/or Old
Town Commercial General Plan land use designation.
(o) Projecting signs.
(p) Roof signs, except rooftop signs displaying only company name or logo on a flat roof so not to be
seen from a horizontal plane of view below the roof line and approved as part of a Master Sign Plan
pursuant to 9403h or 9404b6. (Ord. No. 1429, Sec. 111.2, 5-21-13)
(q) Service, product and pricing signs. Any sign advertising specific brand names or pricing unless
incorporated into the business name for the purpose of City business licenses and filing of fictitious
business name as required by the State Board of Equalization. Specific pricing signs as required by
state law and permitted in the Code are not subject to these limitations. Identification of product,
trade or service information in excess of twenty-five (25) percent of the total allowable sign area is
also prohibited.
Ordinance No. 1483 Exhibit
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(r) Signs constituting a traffic hazard. No person shall install or maintain or cause to be installed or
maintained any sign which simulates or imitates in size, color, lettering or design any traffic sign or
signal, or which makes use of the words "stop, look, danger," or any other words, phrases, symbols
or characters in such a manner to interfere with, mislead or confuse vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
(t) Vehicle -mounted signs. Business signs on or affixed to trucks, automobiles, trailers or other vehicles,
while parked on public or private property, excepting those vehicles used for the purpose of lawfully
making deliveries or sales of merchandise or rendering services.
[1] [Reserved.]
Materials. prohibited: Nondurable signs. Paper, cloth or any matter or material not securely
fastened to the surface of a sign or sign structure with the exception of approved temporary
signs.
3. Locations prohibited:
(a) Signs in proximity to utility lines. No permit shall be issued for any sign, and no sign shall
be constructed or maintained, which has less horizontal or vertical clearance from
authorized communication or energized electrical power lines than that prescribed by the
laws of the state or rules and regulations duly promulgated by agencies thereof. Signs are.
prohibited on any utility pole, traffic sign post, traffic signal or any other official traffic control
device, in accordance with Section 21465 of the California Vehicle Code.
(b) Visual clearance area. No permit shall be issued for any sign and no sign shall be
constructed or maintained which is located within the visual clearance area. This area shall
be measured from each side of the driveway or access point to the adjoining street per
current City standards. See the diagram in section 9412 showing visual clearance area.
(c) Signs on any public property, public right-of-way, and public parkway area. Signs on any
public property, within public right-of-way, including the public parkway area, traffic control
sign posts, utility poles, and trees are prohibited. No person, except a public officer in
performance of public duty, shall affix by any means any form of Sign on any public
property or within the public right-of-way. Temporary off -premises commercial signs,
temporary noncommercial signs, and human signs shall be permitted within the public
parkway area, but only in strict accordance with section 9403e.
(d) Projecting signs. Projecting signs shall not extend over or into a public right-of-way or
public parkway area, except for public event banners, subject to approval by the
Community Development Director.
(e) Side yard setback area. A monument sign shall be set back a minimum of twenty-five (25)
feet from side property lines or fifty (50) feet separation from another pole or monument
sign located on an adjacent site, whichever is less restrictive. Additional regulations for
monument signs are located in sections 9407 through 9411.
b. Signs subject to conditional use permit approval. The following types of signs are permitted only
when reviewed by the Planning Commission and where a conditional use permit has been issued in
accordance with the Tustin Zoning Code. An application for a conditional use permit for these types
of signs shall be processed in accordance with conditional use permit procedures contained in the
Tustin Zoning Code. Appeal procedures for conditional use permits shall also be governed by
applicable sections of the Tustin Zoning Code.
1. Changeable copy signs (electronic or manual), except time and temperature signs which are
permitted.
2. Pole sign. All pole signs not considered freestanding freeway signs pursuant to subsection
9404b(3) shall require approval of a conditional use permit. In addition to findings required to be
Ordinance No. 1483 Exhibit
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made on granting of a CUP contained in the Tustin City Code, the following restrictions and
criteria shall apply:
(a) Type of business. Only center identification signs are permitted to be pole signs.
(b) Size and scale of project. The center identified by the sign is a single development project
of at least one hundred thousand (100,000) building square feet or five (5) acres in project
size which has a minimum of three (3) or more tenants.
(c) Design. The pole sign is designed to reflect theme of the center it identifies and
incorporates similar design elements, materials, colors and special qualities of the
architecture of the building(s) in the center and is compatible with existing or proposed
signage in the center.
(d) Location. The pole sign shall (1) be located within a landscaped area and is limited to one
(1) per street frontage, (2) maintain a minimum of one hundred (100) lineal feet from any
other monument sign or freestanding sign in the center, and (3) be set back a minimum of
twenty-five (25) feet from interior side property line or maintain a minimum of fifty (50) feet
from another pole or freestanding sign located on an adjacent site.
(e) Height and size. The sign shall be compatible with the size and scale of the project and
shall not exceed twenty (20) feet in height and fifty (50) square feet in size.
Freestanding freeway signs. The purpose of a freeway sign is to provide identification for
businesses that provide services to the freeway motorist. In addition to findings required by the
Tustin City Code, the following restrictions and criteria shall apply:
(a) Type of business. Only businesses offering eating facilities, lodging accommodations or
automobile services are permitted to have a freeway sign.
(b) Location of business. Only those permitted businesses that are located directly adjacent to
the freeway right-of-way, or separated from the right-of-way by a frontage road may
request a freeway sign.
(c) Location of sign. The sign may be located in such a manner as to be oriented towards and
visible from the closest freeway lanes. In any event, the freeway sign shall maintain a
minimum twenty -five-foot setback from a non -freeway property line or maintain a minimum
of fifty (50) feet from another freestanding sign located on an adjacent site.
(d) Height and size. The sign shall be no higher or larger than necessary to provide
identification to freeway motorist. In any event, the freeway sign shall not exceed twenty-
four (24) feet in height and fifty (50) square feet in size.
4. Painted wall signs to include murals or graphics which do not promote a product or business but
which depict a scene or image.
5. Beacons. Any beacon used (other than approved for grand openings) as a searchlight directing
light beams into the atmosphere or at one (1) or more points on-site shall require a conditional
use permit.
6. A master sign plan requesting deviations from standards contained in this chapter provided that
the project is a center and a single development project of at least thirty thousand (30,000)
building square feet or one (1) acre in project size.
Signs subject to Planning Commission Review. The following types of signs are permitted only after
the Planning Commission has reviewed and approved the sign permit application for conformance
with the review criteria outlined in section 94034:
Tivoli lights or tube lights. External displays of small decorative lights of a permanent nature
require approval by the Planning Commission. Tivoli lights are a brand of tube lights.
Ordinance No. 1483 Exhibit
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2. Neon/exposed light when intended as a permanent feature integrated with a building's
architectural design.
3. Festoons. Festoons may be permitted on a temporary basis only in conjunction with a special
event, provided the Planning Commission determines that it is consistent with the size and
scale of the project and approves a temporary sign permit.
4. Temporary decorative flags and nonmetallic balloons. Any request to deviate from the location,
size height, number or time limits for decorative flags or balloons as provided for in section
9403d shall be reviewed by the Planning Commission. Prior to approval, the Commission shall
determine that the proposal is compatible with the size and scale of the buildings on the site and
project size.
5. Permanent decorative flags/banner signs. Any request to install permanent decorative flags or
banner signs on a building or project site is subject to the design review procedures outlined in
section 9272 of the Tustin Municipal Code and shall be reviewed by the Planning Commission.
In approving such flags or banner signs, the Commission shall determine that the permanent
decorative flags or banner signs meet the following criteria:
(a) Consistent with project theme.
(b) Compatible with architectural design of project.
(c) Integrated into project design.
(d) Shall be maintained and replaced or removed when torn, frayed, faded or otherwise
damaged.
d. Required signs.
1. Construction signs shall include such information as project name, emergency phone number
and contact. All such Signs shall be removed prior to approval for occupancy.
2. Address numbers. As provided for in sections 4111 and 4112 of the Uniform Building Security
Code, street address numbers shall be displayed in a prominent position so as to be easily
Visible to approaching vehicles. For residential uses, the numbers shall be no less than three (3)
inches in height and for nonresidential uses the numerals shall be no less than six (6) inches in
height. In all cases, the numbers shall be of a color contrasting with the background and located
so they can be clearly seen and read.
e. Gasoline service station sign standards.
1. Pricing signs shall be visible from the street or highway adjacent to the sign, and when situated
at an intersection, the sign shall be visible from each street.
2. The number of signs, sign area, location, height and type of signage shall conform to the
individual business identification sign criteria.
3. Pricing signs shall be incorporated with the service station business identification sign.
4. Gasoline pump information signs shall be attached to pump islands and limited to two (2) per
island column elevation. No products, Logos or business identification shall be included.
f. Permitted signs by zoning district and use. All signs shall be governed by the limits set forth in the
sign regulations chart, attached to this chapter as sections 9406 through 9411 and incorporated
herein by reference except if addressed elsewhere in this chapter. Signs not expressly authorized
elsewhere in this chapter or on the sign standard charts shall be considered unauthorized. The sign
chart lists the maximums permitted for number, sign area and height of allowed signs along with
other standards.
g. Maintenance and construction of signs.
Standards.
Ordinance No. 1483 Exhibit
Page 22 of 59
a. All signs and sign structures shall be enclosed, structurally safe, kept in good repair,
including replacement of defective parts and illuminating fixtures, repainting and cleaning,
and otherwise in a presentable condition such that they do not detract from the appearance
of the surrounding area and shall comply with the most current Uniform Building Codes, as
locally amended.
b. All repairs to signs shall be at least equal in quality and design to the original signs.
c. All signs and sign material shall be constructed of permanent materials including but not
limited to metal, wood or other comparable durable weatherproof material. No material
more combustible than treated wood shall be used in the construction of any permanent
sign. Any sign support used in the construction of any permanent sign shall be reviewed as
part of the sign application. Brackets or other structural elements that contribute to the
architecture or in any way contribute to the advertisement of a business shall be calculated
as part of the aggregate area of signage permitted for the site. All cabinets, conductors,
transformers or other equipment shall be concealed from public view.
d. Every sign erected which is subject to a permit shall have its sign permit number, name of
erector, installation year, and voltage (if electrical) in a readily visible location.
e. Electric signs shall be indirectly illuminated. Illumination shall be either from the interior of a
sign, behind letters (back lighting), channel lighting illuminated from finished grade, or
another indirect lighting source. Letters and Logos may be internally lit but sign background
shall be opaque. Illumination shall be considered excessive and not permitted when it
prevents the normal perception of buildings or structures beyond or in the vicinity of the
sign or when it shines directly onto residential zones or in any public or private right-of-way.
All illuminated signs shall be designed, placed or arranged to prevent glare upon the public
right-of-way, adjacent properties, and traffic circulation areas of the subject property and
shall not create a menace to traffic or a nuisance to adjacent property.
f. All areas where wall signs are removed and background discoloration or holes remain shall
be appropriately patched and painted to match the building surface within thirty (30) days
of removal of said sign.
2. The Community Development Department shall have the authority to order the painting, repair,
alteration or removal of a sign that does not conform to the standards set forth in subsection (1).
3. Hazardous signs. If a sign is damaged or not properly maintained to a degree that causes it to
pose a physical danger to persons or property, the following provisions shall apply:
a. A hazardous sign is a sign that poses a danger to the public or that could create a potential
hazard and are declared to be a public nuisance.
b. Removal of hazardous signs. Upon discovering a hazardous condition, the Community
Development Director may cause the immediate removal of a sign that is a danger to the
public due to unsafe conditions. The determination that a sign has become hazardous or
unsafe shall consider only the physical condition and characteristics of the sign, and shall
not consider the message thereon. No hearing shall be required for the removal of
hazardous signs. The Community Development Director is not required to give notice of
intent to remove the sign prior to removal, but shall inform the responsible party that the
hazardous sign has been removed within seven (7) days of removal, by certified United
States mail, return receipt requested and by first class United States mail.
c. Signs removed in compliance with this section shall be stored for thirty (30) days, during
which time they may be recovered by the responsible party upon payment to the City for
costs of removal and storage. If not recovered within the thirty -day period, the sign and
supporting structure shall be declared abandoned and title shall vest with the City. The
reasonable cost of the removal and storage may be assessed against the owner of the
sign(s) and/or the property owner. If not paid, the applicable costs may be imposed as a
Ordinance No. 1483 Exhibit
Page 23 of 59
tax lien against the property. Notice of the imposition of the tax lien shall be sent to the
owner of the property by certified United States mail, return receipt requested, as well as
by first class United States mail. Costs of removal and storage (up to thirty (30) days) may
be billed to the responsible party.
(Ord. No. 1321, Sec. 2, 4-3-07)
9405 - ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
a. Responsibility. The Community Development Director shall have the authority to administer and
enforce all the provisions of this chapter in accordance with the provisions of this Code and the
currently adopted Uniform Building Code.
b. Interpretations. If any ambiguity arises concerning the appropriate application of the sign code, the
Community Development Director shall make the final decision as to the application of this sign
code. In making this determination, the Director shall consider (but not be limited to) the following
items:
1. The general intent and purpose of the sign code.
2. Prior administrative interpretation of similar provisions of the sign code.
3. The general intent and purpose of similar provisions in the sign code.
4. The intent and purpose of the zone classification of the property involved.
The provisions of the general plan.
Any other applicable codes or requirements, legally permitted precedents or other relevant
information applicable to the application.
Any decisions of the Community Development Director may be appealed to the Planning
Commission pursuant to the appeals procedure in this chapter.
c. Legal Nonconforming Signs. A legal nonconforming sign shall be made to conform to all provisions
of this Chapter if the Director determines that any of the following events occur:
A legal nonconforming sign shall not be changed to another nonconforming sign.
2. A legal nonconforming sign shall not be structurally altered so as to extend its useful life. A sign
shall be considered to be structurally altered if the construction materials are physically replaced
with new materials. The replacement of face copy in a cabinet -type sign does not constitute
structural alteration.
3. A legal nonconforming sign shall not be expanded or altered so as to change the size, shape,
position, location or method of illumination of the sign.
4. A legal nonconforming sign shall not be reestablished after discontinuance of the use for ninety
(90) days or more. If any use is wholly discontinued for any reason, except pursuant to a valid
order of a court of law, for a period of ninety (90) days, it shall be presumed that such use has
been abandoned in accordance with Section 9405d. All other provisions of the enforcement
Section 9405e shall apply.
5. A legal nonconforming sign shall not be reestablished after damage or destruction of more than
fifty (50) percent of its replacement value, including destruction by an act of God.
(Ord. No. 1397, Sec. 10, 11-15-11)
d. Abandoned signs and advertising displays. Lawfully erected signs or advertising displays pertaining
to activities or occupants that are no longer using a property shall be removed by the responsible
Ordinance No. 1483 Exhibit
Page 24 of 59
party from the premises within sixty (60) days after abandonment. A sign is considered abandoned if
the occupants are no longer conducting business for a period of ninety (90) days. (Ord. No. 1367,
Sec. II, 4-6-10)
e. Enforcement, legal procedures, and penalties. Enforcement, legal procedures and penalties with all
with recovery costs shall be in accordance with the following provisions and any provisions of state
law as may be amended from time to time.
Notice and removal.
(a) Notice of violation. Where it is determined that a sign is constructed, erected or installed in
violation of this Chapter; improperly maintained; abandoned; illegal; unsafe; or the sign
permit has terminated, been revoked or is otherwise in violation of this Chapter; and written
notice is required pursuant to this Chapter, such notice shall be mailed or delivered to the
responsible party. If the notice cannot be sent or delivered to the responsible party, then
the notice shall be attached to the sign. The notice shall give the responsible party an
opportunity to cure the violation or to appeal the City's determination to remove without
notice and shall include instructions for how to request a hearing or appeal. An invoice for
costs may be included with the notice.
(b) Removal with notice. If the City is required to remove any signs or if no response is made
to a notice of violation, the sign may be removed by the City. The sign will be stored by the
City for a period of thirty (30) days and may be reclaimed by the responsible party after the
payment of all removal and storage costs. Any sign not reclaimed within such time, may be
destroyed or disposed of by the City. In the event the responsible party does not reclaim
the sign, or pay all fees assessed by the City, the City may recover its costs through the
cost recovery mechanism identified in this section.
(c) Removal without notice—Nominal value signs. Notwithstanding any other provision herein
to the contrary, nominal value signs in the public right-of-way, public parkway area, or
easements, excepting political signs, if posted in clear disregard of the provisions of this
Chapter, may be removed and destroyed without notice or hearing. Signs constructed of
cloth, paper, cardboard or scrap wood, with hand drawn or painted lettering, unframed and
unmounted or staked to the ground or nailed to a post and any other sign believed to have
a value of less than two hundred dollars ($200.00) may be determined by the Director of
Community Development to have nominal value.
2. Nuisance. Notwithstanding any other provision under this Code, all illegal signs are declared to
be a public nuisance and are subject to the public nuisance procedures set forth in Chapter 5,
"Property Maintenance And Nuisance Abatement Regulations and Standards," of the Tustin
Municipal Code.
3. Civil and legal procedures. Notwithstanding the enforcement tools described in this chapter, the
City may concurrently utilize all available criminal and legal penalties available to it including
infraction and misdemeanor citation provisions contained in Section 1121 of the Tustin City
Code.
4. Cost recovery. The City shall have the right to recover from a responsible party the full costs of
legal remedies, confiscation, storage and disposal of said sign. An account of all costs for
confiscation, removal, storage and/or disposal shall be maintained by the Community
Development Department. The total costs of abatement including all administrative costs shall
constitute a special assessment against the sign owner and/or property owner. (Ord. No. 1367,
Sec. II, 4-6-10)
5. Hearings.
(a) Unless stated otherwise in this Chapter, any person who has received a notice and/or
invoice pursuant to this Chapter may request a hearing. Any hearing request must be in
writing with the Community Development Director within ten (10) business days of the date
Ordinance No. 1483 Exhibit
Page 25 of 59
of mailing of the notice/invoice. The request for hearing must set forth the basis of such
person's objection.
(b) Upon receipt of a request for a hearing, the Community Development Director shall set a
hearing date before a hearing officer appointed by the City Manager within thirty (30) days
of receipt of the request for a hearing. The Director shall provide the person requesting the
hearing at least five (5) days advance notice of the hearing date. The hearing date may be
changed by mutual consent of the Community Development Director, the person
requesting the hearing, and the hearing officer. At the hearing, the person requesting the
hearing will have an opportunity to present evidence supporting his/her position.
(c) Within. thirty (30) days following the conclusion of the hearing, the hearing officer shall
render a written decision. A copy of this decision shall be promptly sent to the responsible
party. This decision shall be final unless appealed by the responsible party (also referred to
as the "appellant").
(d) If no appeal is filed, the responsible party, within seven (7) days, following the finality of the
determination of the hearing officer shall commence the repairs or improvements or
removal ordered, and such work shall be completed within ninety (90) days from the
commencement thereof, unless otherwise agreed to by the Community Development
Department.
f. Appeals. Any person may appeal any decision of the Director of Community Development in
accordance with Section 9294 of this Code. (Ord. No. 1366, Sec. 28, 11-17-09)
g. Compliance with State and Federal Regulations. Nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed
as permitting signs which violate State or Federal law, or as eliminating the necessity of full
compliance with all such laws affecting erection or maintenance of signs.
h. Severability. All of the provisions of this Chapter shall be construed together in order to accomplish
the purpose of these regulations. If any provision of this Chapter is held by a court to be
unconstitutional, such unconstitutionality shall apply only to the particular facts, or if a provision is
declared to be unconstitutional as applied to all facts, all of the remaining provisions of this Chapter
shall continue to be fully effective.
(Ord. No. 1321, Sec. 2, 4-3-07)
9406-9411 - CHARTS
The charts on the following pages provide general regulations for signs defined in Section 9402. The
regulations also serve as guidelines for sign programs and zoning districts. Each class of sign has
specific regulations designed for a particular use of the sign. These regulations are provided in a matrix
format which identifies class of signs, type of signs, sign area, quantity, height, location, illumination and
permit requirements. Additional sign regulations are contained in Sections 9403 and 9404. (See charts at
end of Section 9413.)
(Ord. No. 1321, Sec. 2, 4-3-07)
9412 - GRAPHICS
The graphics on the following pages illustrate various types of signs, building frontage and sign area
calculations. (See graphics at end of Section 9413.)
(Ord. No. 1321, Sec. 2, 4-3-07)
Ordinance No. 1483 Exhibit
Page 26 of 59
9413 - NONCOMMERCIAL SIGNS
No provision of this Chapter shall be construed to limit the rights of owners of signs regulated by this
Chapter to display noncommercial messages on any sign authorized by this Chapter.
(Ord. No. 1321, Sec. 2, 4-3-07)
9406 TEMPORARY SIGNS ALLOWED IN ALL ZONING DISTRICTS
Maxim
Permit
um
Maximu
Maximu
Illuminat
!
Type of
yp
Si
Sign
Class
Requir
m
m Height
Location
ion
Remarks
Sign
Area
ed
Number
(in feet)
Allowed
(in sq.
ft.)
a. Copy
i
i
limited to
I
name,
address,
phone
number and
Attached
to
emergency
contact
constructi
information
on fence,
only.
Fence,
wall or
b. Sign must
wall,
One per
ground-
be installed
A. Construction
freestan
Yes
16
street
16
mounted
No
after issuance
ding or
frontage
and
of grading
�
pole
subject to
and/or
visual
building
clearance
permits for
requirem
the project.
ents
c. Sign shall
be removed
prior to
approval for
occupancy of
the project.
Ordinance No. 1483 Exhibit
Page 27 of 59
Ordinance No. 1483 Exhibit
Page 28 of 59
a. May
include
information
on new
development
s, developer,
Attach to
architect,
I
I
fence,
contractor, or
I
wall or
information
Fence,
ground-
about sale or
wall,
One per
mounted
rent of site or
B. Project
freestan
Yes
32
street
6
and
No
building.
Identification
ding or
frontage
subject to
b. Sign
pole
visual
allowed
clearance
during
requirem
construction
ents
and for a
period of 180
f
days from
issuance of
first
occupancy
permit.
a. Copy shall
i
a) less
pertain to the
1
than
resale, re -
200'
rent, or re -
street
lease of the
C. Real Estate
Fences,
To be on
frontag
property.
(re-
wall,
See
e:16
One per
p
a) 6
p remises
b. Check with
sale/lease/rent)
freestan
remar
b)200'
street
b) 8
for rent,
No
the Building
1. Commercial
ding or
k b.
frontage
lease, or
(on-site)
pole
or
sale onl y
Department
more
to determine
street
if a building
frontag
permit
f
e:24
should be
G
obtained.
2.
i
Fence,
See
16
One per�6TObe
on
N®
a. Copy shall
Ordinance No. 1483 Exhibit
Page 28 of 59
Professional/Offi
wall,
remar�
street
premises
pertain to the
ce (on-site)
freestan
k b.
frontage
for rent,
resale, re-
ding or
lease, or
rent, or re-
pole
sale only
lease of the
property.
b. Check with
the Building
Department
to determine
if a building
permit
should be
obtained.
a. Copy shall
pertain to the
resale, re-
rent, or re-
lease of the
Fence,
To be on
wall,
See
One per
premises
property.
3. Industrial
b. Check with
freestan
remar
32
street
10
for rent,
N®
(on-site)
the Building
ding or
k b.
frontage
lease, or
Department
pole
sale only
to determine
if a building
permit
should be
obtained.
To be on
4. Residential—
Stake or
One per
premises
Nonornamental
No
6
street
4
for rent,
No
(on-site)
post
frontage
lease, or
sale only
5. Residential—
Ornamental (on-
Stake or
No
6
One per
street
7
To be on
p remises
No
site)
post
frontage
for rent,
lease, or
Ordinance No. 1483 Exhibit
Page 29 of 59
Ordinance No. 1483 Exhibit
Page 30 of 59
sale only
I
a. Site shall
contain a
minimum of
5 acres.
b. Copy shall
pertain to the
Fence,
�
To be on
sale, rent or
7. Vacant land
wall,
See
One per
premises
lease of the
i
freestan
remar
20
street
8
for rent,
No
any district
property.
ding or
k c.
frontage
lease, or
I
Check with
pole
sale only
k
the Building
Department
to determine
if a building
permit is
required.
a. Subject to
maximu
m of two
the
(2) signs
In public
regulations of
Section
per
right -of -
9403e11 of
E
commer
way
this Chapter.
cialbetween
enterpris
curb line
b. Permitted
i
D. Off -premises
a shall
and the
for
commercial
Stake
No
4
be
4
' sidewalk
No
commercial
posted
j subject to
enterprise in
the City of
per
visual
Tustin for
street
clearance
intersect
requirem
which
ion and
ants
business
one (1)
identification
signs are not
sign
abutting
allowed.
_�.... _
._._._.�..__..
any one.
C .._._....___.�._.._.
_.
_....�....�.
Ordinance No. 1483 Exhibit
Page 30 of 59
Ordinance No. 1483 Exhibit
Page 31 of 59
(1)
parcel.
a. Subject to
temporary
sign
regulations in
Section
Below
9403d of this
32; 100
roof eave
Chapter.
on a
or top of
b. Temporary
Freestan
buildin
fence of
sign permit is
ding
g
wall. Shall
a
banners
elevati
be
discretionary
not to
on of
securely
permit which
exceed
Banner
at least
affixed to
is subject to
One per
12' from
(see
1,000
wall or
review and
Yes
street
� finished
No
remark
square
fence,
approval by
frontage
grade.
d.)
feet
and
the
Maximu
that
subject to
Community
E. Special event
faces a
m vertical
all
Development
1. Private
freewa
n
Building
Department.
property
y or
heighti of
Departme
c. Permitted
6 feet.
j
major
nt
for
arterial
requirem
nonresidentia
ents
I projects
only.
d. May be
freestanding
or building
mounted.
a. Subject to
the
regulations in
Flag
Yes
6
5
12
No
Section
9403b of this
Chapter.
b. Permitted
for
Ordinance No. 1483 Exhibit
Page 31 of 59
9407 RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS*
nonresidentia
Maximu
I projects and
Type of
Permit
m Sign
Maximu
Maximum
residential
Class
Require
Area
m
Height (in
Location
projects only
Remarks
Sign
in
d
(in sq.
Number
feet)
conjunction
ft.)
with Project
E A. Building
Wall
One per
Monumen
On building
ID sign (class
i
identificati
Yes
15
project
below
B above).
used for
monumen
t_ 6
wall
a. Subject to
on
t, or
entrance
roof eave,
the
multifamil
regulations in
Section
140;
On
9403d of this
Maxim
designate
Chapter.
um
d poles
Within
b. Permitted
2. Public events
Banner
Yes
horizon
One
only.
the publicNo.
only for
tal
Maximu
right-of-
eventsand
width
m vertical
way.
promotions
of 35
height of
open to the
feet
4 feet.
public and
sponsored by
the City of
Tustin.
9407 RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS*
Maximu
Type of
Permit
m Sign
Maximu
Maximum
Illuminatio
Class
Require
Area
m
Height (in
Location
Remarks
Sign
n Allowed
d
(in sq.
Number
feet)
ft.)
E A. Building
Wall
One per
Monumen
On building
a. May be
identificati
Yes
15
project
below
Yes
used for
monumen
t_ 6
wall
on
t, or
entrance
roof eave,
multifamil
Ordinance No. 1483 Exhibit
Page 32 of 59
Ordinance No. 1483 Exhibit
Page 33 of 59
canopy
on canopy,
y housing
or ground-
projects
mounted
only.
and must
b. Copy to
meet visual
identify
clearance
only the
requirement
name and
S.
address of
project.
Project
address
not
included in
sign area.
c. If sign
includes
vacancy
informatio
n which is
physically
and
aesthetical
ly
integrated
into the
sign, then
the
maximum
size of
such sign
may be 21
square
feet.
d.
Changeabl
e copy to
identify
vacancies
is
permitted
Ordinance No. 1483 Exhibit
Page 33 of 59
* Also applies to Planned Community Districts where Development Plan does not establish standards.
Ordinance No. 1483 Exhibit
Page 34 of 59
without
approval
of a CUP.
a.
Permitted
for
multifamil
y housing
projects
On building
only.
wall below
b. Copy to
roof eave,
identify
on canopy,
only rental
B.
Wall or
One per
Monumen
or ground-
informatio
Permanent
monumen
Yes
6
project
t: 6
mounted
Yes
n.
real estate
t
entrance
and must
meet visual
C.
Changeabl
clearance
e copy to
requirement
identify
S.
vacancies
is
permitted
without
approval
of a CUP.
On project
32
wall or
a. For the
square
ground -
purpose of
C. Tract
Wall or
feet of
Two per
mounted
identifying
identificati
monumen
Yes
aggregat
project
6
and must
Yes
the name
on
t
e area
entrance
meet visual
of the
per
clearance
tract only.
entrance
requirement
s.
* Also applies to Planned Community Districts where Development Plan does not establish standards.
Ordinance No. 1483 Exhibit
Page 34 of 59
9408 COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS*
Maximu
Permit
m Sign
Maximu
Maximum
Illuminati
Type of
Class
Requir
Area
m
Height (in
Location
on
Remarks
Sign
ed
(in sq.
Number
feet)
Allowed
ft. )
a. Site shall
have a
minimum of
200 lineal
street
frontage per
sign.
b. Permitted
for centers
only.
c. Minimum
of 25'
In
separation
landscaped
from side
A. Center
One per
area,
property
Monume
subject to
identificati
Yes
75
street
6
Yes
lines or 50'
nt
visual
on
frontage
from another
clearance
existing pole
requireme
nts.
or
monument
sign on an
adjacent site,
whichever is
less
restrictive.
d. Subject to
the
regulations of
Section 9403
of this
Chapter.
I
Ordinance No. 1483 Exhibit
Page 35 of 59
Ordinance No. 1483 Exhibit
Page 36 of 59
a. Permitted
for single -
tenant sites
only.
b. Site shall
have a
minimum of
150 linear
feet of street
frontage per
sign.
i
c. Minimum
In
of 25'
landscaped
separation
area,
from side
1.
One per
subject to
property
B.
Monume
Yes
32
street
visual
Yes
lines or 50'
Individual
nt
frontage
clearance
from another
business
requireme
existing pole
identificati
6
nts.
or
on (not
monument
located
sign on an
within a
adjacent site,
center)
whichever is
less
restrictive.
d. Subject to
the
regulations of
Section
9403i.1(h) of
this Chapter.
Primary
Primary:
a. For the
wall:
Front wall
purpose of
2. Wall or
15%
One
or canopy
business
canopy
Yes
storefro
primary
area and
Yes
identification
nt area,
below roof
only.
max. of
eave.
b. Secondary
75 sq.
_
signs shall
Ordinance No. 1483 Exhibit
Page 36 of 59
ft.
Seconda
ry wall:
Secondary:
5% of
Side wall or
side or
Two
other non -
rear
secondar
primary
wall
y
wall and
area,
below roof
max. of
25 sq.
eave.
ft.
Ordinance No. 1483 Exhibit
Page 37 of 59
Yes
face onto a
street,
parking area,
or service
road.
c. Maximum
of one
secondary
sign per
building face.
d. The
amount of
signage
permitted on
the primary
wall may be
switched
with the
signage on a
secondary
wall provided
the
Community
Development
Department
determines
thatthe
secondary
wall would
be more
visible to a
street or
parking area
and would
not have a
negative
impact on
surrounding
land uses.
Ordinance No. 1483 Exhibit
Page 38 of 59
a. Copy may
include
hours,
address,
phone
number,
emergency
25% of
information,
window
or special
Permitted
3.
area
Height of
only on the
announceme
Window
No
upon
window
window
Yes
nts.
which
b. Permanent
surface
sign is
display or
located
window
lettering
authorized
on interior or
exterior
surface of
window or
glass door.
a. Permitted
for individual
tenant
located in a
In
freestanding
landscaped
building
C.
area
within a
Individual
adjacent to
business
business
1.
Monume
Yes
32
One per
6
street, and
Yes
center having
g
identificati
business
subject to
nt
a minimum
on (within
visual
of 5,000
a center)
clearance
square feet
requireme
of floor area.
nts.
b. There shall
be a
minimum of
100 lineal
feet
Ordinance No. 1483 Exhibit
Page 38 of 59
Ordinance No. 1483 Exhibit
Page 39 of 59
separating
each
monument
sign with a
center.
c. Monument
signs shall
maintain a
minimum 25'
separation
from side
property
lines or 50'
separation
from another
pole or
monument
sign on an
adjacent site,
whichever is
less
restrictive.
d. Subject to
the
regulations of
Section
9403i.1(h) of
this Chapter.
Primary
a. for the
wall:
Primary:
purpose of
15%
front wall
business
storefro
One
or canopy
identification
Yes
2. Wall or
nt area,
primary
Height of
area below
only.
canopy
Yes
max. of
window
and roof
Secondary
75 sq.
eave
signs shall
face onto a
street,
Seconda
Two
parking area,
Secondary:
Yes
ry wall:
secondar
side wall or
or service
Ordinance No. 1483 Exhibit
Page 39 of 59
3. Arcade I Yes
5% of
y
other non -
side or
primary
rear
wall and
wall
below roof
area,
eave
max. of
25 sq.
ft.
One Attached
Below
6 double to the
arcade
face underside
of arcade,
Yes
road.
c. Maximum
of one
secondary
sign per
building face.
d. The
amount of
signage
permitted on
the primary
wall may be
switched
with the
signage on a
secondary
wall provided
the
Community
Development
Department
determines
that the
secondary
wall would
be more
visible to a
street or
parking area
and would
not have a
negative
impact on
surrounding
land uses.
a. Minimum
of 7 -foot
clearance
between
Ordinance No. 1483 Exhibit
Page 40 of 59
Ordinance No. 1483 Exhibit
Page 41 of 59
and
perpendicu
lar to
storefront.
sidewalk and
the lowest
point of the
sign.
b. Permitted
only for
individual
businesses
located
within a
center.
a. Copy may
include
hours,
address,
phone
number,
emergency
25% of
information,
window
or special
Permitted
4.
area
Height of
only on the
announceme
Window
No
upon
window
window
Yes
nts.
which
b. Permanent
surface.
sign is
display or
located
window
lettering
authorized
on interior or
exterior
surface of
window or
glass door.
One per
Freestandi
a. Copy
D. On-
Wall or
street
ng: Subject
limited to
premises
freestandi
No
4
access to
Freestandi
to visual
Yes
information
directional
ng
project
ng` 4
clearance
relating to
and one
requireme
parking,
per store
nts.
exit/entrance
Ordinance No. 1483 Exhibit
Page 41 of 59
Ordinance No. 1483 Exhibit
Page 42 of 59
entrance
Wall: On
, directional
building
and similar
wall on 1st
information,
floor and in
but in no
no case
case business
higher than
or product
15' from
identification
ground.
b. Signs shall
be designed
to be viewed
from within
the site by
pedestrians
and/or
motorists.
c. May
provide more
than 1 per
entrance in
order to
facilitate
smooth
internal
circulation if
a deviation is
granted in a
Master Sign
Plano See
Section
9403i.2.
a. Must be
Subject to
incorporated
75 sq`
visual
within Center
E. Tenant
Monume
Yes
ft.; 6 sq.
One per
6
clearance
Yes
Identification
directory
nt
ft. per
center
Siclass A
Sign,
requireme
tenant
nts
above.
b. Tenant
signs shall be
Ordinance No. 1483 Exhibit
Page 42 of 59
Ordinance No. 1483 Exhibit
Page 43 of 59
of uniform
size, design
and
background
color.
a. Pricing
information
In
shall be
landscaped
incorporated
area,
within
subject to
business
visual
identification
requireme
monument
nts.
sign.
Located at
b. Site shall
a.
angle
have a
One per
Monume
Yes
32
where
Yes
minimum of
F. Gasoline
nt
business
street
150 lineal
Service
intersects
feet of street
Station
on corner
frontage.
Uses
sites, or
c. On corner
6
1.
facing
lots, only 1
Business
directly to
sign is
identificati
streets on
permitted
on
interior
and must be
lots.
located at
the corner of
the site.
Primary
r--
a. For
wall:
Primary:
purposes of
15%
Front wall
identification
b. Wall or
storefro
One
or canopy
only.
canopy
Yes
nt area,
primary
area and
Yes
b. Secondary
max. of
below roof
signs shall
75 sq.
eave.
face onto
ft.
street,
Ordinance No. 1483 Exhibit
Page 43 of 59
parking area,
C. No 25/0 of Height of permitted Yes Copy may
window window window only on the include
Ordinance No. 1483 Exhibit
Page 44 of 59
or service
road.
c. Maximum
one
secondary
sign per
building face.
d. The
amount of
signage
permitted on
the primary
wall may be
Seconds
switched
ry wall:
Secondary:
with the
5%® of
Side wall or
signage on a
side or
Two
other non-
secondary
rear
secondar
primary
Yes
wall provided
wall
Y
wall and
I
the
area,
below roof
Community
max. of
save
Development
25 sq.
Department
ft.
determines
that the
secondary
wall would
be more
visible to a
street or
parking area
and would
not have a
negative
impact on
surrounding
land uses.
C. No 25/0 of Height of permitted Yes Copy may
window window window only on the include
Ordinance No. 1483 Exhibit
Page 44 of 59
Ordinance No. 1483 Exhibit
Page 45 of 59
area
upon
which
sign is
located
window
surface
hours,
address,
phone
number,
emergency
information,
or special
announceme
nts.
a. For the
purpose of
providing
instructions
only; does
Attached
not include
to pump
2`
state and
Two per
islands
Gasoline
federal
pump
Wall
No
2
pump
6
only, not
yes
required
island
on top of
informatio
elevation
or attached
signs.
n
b. No
to gasoline
advertisemen
pumps
t or products,
logos, or
business
identification
allowed.
a. Pricing
information
shall be
Visible
incorporated
3. Price
Wall or
See
Monume
See
from each
with business
informatio
monumen
Yes
remarks
nt: One
remarks a.
adjacent
Yes
identification
n
t
a. and c.
Wall:
and c.
street or
signage,Class
One
highway
F.1, above.
b. Prices of
all major
grades sold
on -premises
Ordinance No. 1483 Exhibit
Page 45 of 59
° Also applies toPlanned Community Districts where Development Plan does not establish standards.
9409 PROFESSIONAL/OFFICE DISTRICTS*
Maximu
Type of Permit m Sign Maximu Maximum Illuminati
Class Sign Require Area rn Height (in Location on Remarks
d (in sq. Number feet) Allowed
shall be
purpose of
c. Minimum
identifying
6 -inch high
the name of
letter size.
° Also applies toPlanned Community Districts where Development Plan does not establish standards.
9409 PROFESSIONAL/OFFICE DISTRICTS*
Maximu
Type of Permit m Sign Maximu Maximum Illuminati
Class Sign Require Area rn Height (in Location on Remarks
d (in sq. Number feet) Allowed
purpose of
identifying
the name of
a building
Wall: Below
or center
roof eave.
only.
Monument:
b. Where
In
building is
A. Building
Wall or
One per
landscaped
occupied by
or center
monumen
Yes
24
street
Monument
area and
Yes
a single
identificati
t
frontage
:6
subject to
tenant or a
on
visual
major
clearance
tenant, this
requiremen
sign may
business
name in
place of
listed
below. The
Ordinance No. 1483Exhibit
Page 40of5Q
Ordinance No. 1483 Exhibit
Page 47 of 59
name on
this sign
shall be
determined
by the
property
owner.
a. Must be
incorporate
d within
center or
building
Wall or
identificatio
75 sq.
One per
Wall or
ground-
n sign.
B. Tenant
ft.; 6 sq.
building
monumen
Yes
6
mounted in
Yes
b. Tenant
directory
ft. per
entranc
t
landscaped
signs shall
tenant
e
area
be of
uniform
size, design
and
background
color.
�M
�
a. For the
On building
6 square
purpose of
i
wall or
feet
business
with a
canopy on
identificatio
the 1st
1. Wall or
maximu
One per
floor and in
n only.
Yes
m
No
b. The
C. Business
canopy
horizont
tenant
no case
maximum
higher than
identificati
al width
20 feet
letter
on
of 12
above the
height of
feet
16" is
ground
permitted.
2. Arcade
Yes
6 square
feet per
One
double-
Below
Attached to
the
No
Minimum
of 7 -foot
face
faced
arcade
underside
clearance
sign per
of arcade
between
Ordinance No. 1483 Exhibit
Page 47 of 59
Ordinance No. 1483 Exhibit
Page 48 of 59
tenant
and
perpendicul
ar to
storefront
sidewalk
and the
lowest
point of the
sign.
F-
a. Copy
limited to
information
relating to
parking,
exit/entran
ce,
Freestandin
directional
g: A
and similar
minimum
topics, but j
of 20 -foot
€
in no case
setback
business or
One per
from
product °
street
property
information
access
line and
D. On-
Wall of
to
subject to
b. Signs
project
Freestandi
visual
No
shall be
premises
freestandi
Yes
4
and one
ng: 4
clearance
designed to
directional
ng
per
requiremen
be viewed
store
is
from within
entrant
Wall: On
the site by
e
1st floor
pedestrians
and in no
and/or
case higher
motorists.
than 15'
c. May
above the
provide
ground
more than
1 per
entrance in
orderto
facilitate
smooth
internal
circulation
Ordinance No. 1483 Exhibit
Page 48 of 59
* Also applies to Planned Community Districts where Development Plan does not establish standards.
9410 INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS*
Maximu
if a
Permit
m Sign
Maximu
Maximu
deviation is
Type of
granted in a
Class
Require
Area
m
m Height
Location
Master Sign
Remarks
Sign
Plan. See
d
(in sq.
Number
(in feet)
Section
ft.)
9403i.2.
* Also applies to Planned Community Districts where Development Plan does not establish standards.
9410 INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS*
Maximu
Permit
m Sign
Maximu
Maximu
Type of
Illuminatio
Class
Require
Area
m
m Height
Location
Remarks
Sign
n Allowed
d
(in sq.
Number
(in feet)
ft.)
In
landscaped
Forthe
area and
purpose of
A. Center
One per
Monume
shall meet
identifying
identificatio
Yes
7S
street
6
Yes
nt
visual
the name
n
frontage
g
clearance
of the
requiremen
center only.
is
a. Signs for
the purpose
B. Business
of business
identificatio
Wall or
identificatio
n for
front of
Wall or
One per
n only.
individual
Yes
12
N/A
canopy, and
Yes
tenants
canopy
tenant
below roof
b. Sign shall
face onto a
within a
eave
street or
center
parking
area only.
Ordinance No. 1483 Exhibit
Page 49 of 59
C.
Individual
business
1. Wall
Yes
64
One per
street
frontage
N/A
Front wall
below roof
eave
_
Yes
In
a. For the
purpose of
business
identificatio
only.
b. For single
tenant sites
only.
identificatio
In
a. For the
n
landscaped
purpose of
area and
business
2.
One per
shall meet
identificatio
Monume
Yes
32
street
6
visual
Yes
n only.
nt
frontage
clearance
b. For single
requiremen
tenant sites
is
only.
a. Must be
incorporate
d within
In
1
center
landscape
identificatio
75 sq. ft;
area and
n sign.
D. Tenant
Monume
6 sq. ft.
One per
shall meet
b. Tenant
directory
nt or wall
Yes
per
center
6
visual
Yes
signs must
tenant
clearance
be of
requiremen
uniform
is
size, design
and
background
color.
I
* Also applies to Planned Community Districts where Development Plan does not establish standards.
_ 9411 PUBLIC AND INSTITUTIONAL DISTRICTS*
Ordinance No. 1483 Exhibit
Page 50 of 59
* Also applies to Planned Community Districts where Development Plan does not establish standards.
Ordinance No. 1483 Exhibit
Page 51 of 59
Type
Maximum
Maximum
Permit
Maximum
Illumination
Class
of
Sign Area
Height (in
Location
Remarks
Required
Number
Allowed
Sign
(in sq. ft.)
feet)
All signs in this
district shall be
subject to a
Conditional Use
Permit. Must
also submit a
Master Sign Plan
* Also applies to Planned Community Districts where Development Plan does not establish standards.
Ordinance No. 1483 Exhibit
Page 51 of 59
9412 7hxs of Signs
Sign Area Project Wntification
`POiv� °'•
Re at r
a Sign Opdo"
«r'«c r MAXIMUM
HEIGHTAmMki
gn
srne
A.
. �-.
MAXIMUM ra `
HEIGHT i.ar
Crede
Orale
Projecting Sign
fDJw"U I
Sign
[Monument Sign � r
-J MAXIMUM
HEIGHT
Building Una
See Restrictions in Secrions 9403 - 94.11
Ordinance No. 1483 Exhibit
Page 52 of 59
9412 -IYM Of Signs
w
(C
Ordinance No. 1483 Exhibit
Page 53 of 59
Marques
w in Se leom 940.1® 9411
9422
Types of Suns
,sand
11L
Ser Rul clfow in Seecliiont 9403 - 9411
Ordinance No. 1483 Exhibit
Page 54 of 59
9412
Sign Area Measurements
Deruution of Sign Area .Measurements by Sip Type:
Width z Height - Sign Area .
Rectangular Signs
Canister Wall or Freestanding Signs
i--- WIDTH ----J
ZZ7
HEIGHT
L
I WIDTH --a
r
HEiGH.T
Ordinance No. 1483 Exhibit
Page 55 of 59
GIM Sadao .--\
Sights
Channel Letters
• .L ----F Z
--
S1 Il
®
'1 r
HEIGHT
. r
WIDTH 1
See Resnicaions in SerPionr 9403.9411
9412
Building Frontage Calculations
Tarlm■wmaww al Rattarari�•tti
err+■ t•�r
Ask iwarAli, atDs;rA■`ttr,,
• 'A'
WIDTH A
Stora, A Height A x Width A
Store B Height B x Width B
Guidelines for Determining Sign LAXtation
Visual Clearance and Public Safety Areas
Sorest
Curb t.iae
I 1 f
10' 1 Q'
J— r
orr Afty Alley
Skkwalk
C= MinlnauM2l'witle
Publk Sakiy Mn Street
M Visual Ckaraom Arps Property Liras
to Reania Clear See Resoictions in SCCI&M 9403 - 9411
Ordinance No. 1483 Exhibit
Page 56 of 59
Acceptable Locations for
Posting Real Estate Open House Signs
in the Public Right-of-way
Ordinance No. 1483 Exhibit
Page 57 of 59
Mau
SkUS Prohibi" 10 me,40
Signs Prohibited in Medians
mllv,am
Em Acceptable Locations for
Posting Real Estate Open House Signs
in the Public RiLyht-of-way
VisualClearance Area
Ej
Ordinance No. 1483 Exhibit
Page 58 of 59
N
Ordinance No. 1483 Exhibit
Page 59 of 59