Attachment 1 - Sign OrdinanceATTACHMENT 1
DIVISION 3. - SIGNS
Sec. 29.10.100. - Defini�ons.
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this division, shall have the meanings
ascribed to them in this sec�on, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
Abandoned sign means a sign located on a parcel of land or on a structure either of which is
vacant for a period of ninety (90) days, a sign pertaining to a past occupant or business different
from the present occupant of or business on the premises, a sign pertaining to a past event or
any sign abandoned as the term is used in state law.
Arcade means a covered passageway with business establishments along at least one (1) side.
Attached sign means a sign which is affixed to and made an integral part of a building or
structure. Atached signs include, but are not limited to wall signs, roof signs, and projec�ng
signs, to dis�nguish them from freestanding and ground signs.
Attraction board is a sign constructed so that leters or other adver�sing material can be
changed, and which relates to businesses or organiza�ons which depend, on a large part, upon
trade and atendance generated by temporary, independent and frequently changing events or
showing, such as those engaged in providing live or filmed entertainment or spor�ng events.
Awning is synonymous with marquee.
Billboard means a sign, other than a direc�onal sign, which directs aten�on to a business,
commodity, service or entertainment conducted, sold or offered at a place other than where
the sign is erected. Included are signs erected upon benches.
Bulletin board is a sign located on the same premises and used solely in connec�on with
ac�vi�es of a church, school, hospital, or public building, and allowing changeable messages.
Business frontage is that por�on of a building which faces a street, parking lot, pedestrian mall,
arcade or walkway. The primary business frontage is one which contains a customer entrance or
which includes a glass-enclosed showroom facing the street. If a building has more than one (1)
business frontage with a customer entrance, the property owner must designate one (1) of
them as the primary business frontage. Unless otherwise stated, the phrase "business frontage"
means "primary business frontage." All other business frontage is secondary frontage. As used
in this sec�on, "parking lot" means either a publicly owned and operated parking lot or a
parking lot located on the same zoning plot as the business frontage.
Canopy is synonymous with marquee.
Conformance means the state of being in conformity with the provisions of this division, either
because of reconstruc�on or modifica�on pursuant to a sign permit, or because of removal or
oblitera�on.
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Construction sign is a sign located on a construc�on site during the course of construc�on,
which iden�fies the architects, engineers, contractors, financiers or other persons and other
individuals or firms involved with the construc�on, or announcing the building, enterprise or
func�on for which the construc�on is intended.
Convenience sign is a sign which facilitates traffic flow and safety, not erected by a governmental
agency, such as entrance-exit, cau�on, parking, right or le� turns only, stop, drive-up window, or
towaway zone.
Entity means any person and any dis�nct business enterprise even where adjacent business
enterprises are owned or operated by a single person.
Erect means to construct, place, relocate, enlarge, alter, atach, suspend, paint, post, display,
hang, or affix.
Face of a sign is the por�on or por�ons of the exterior surface of a sign intended to or
par�cularly adapted either to display an adver�sing message or to atract aten�on to the sign.
The face of a sign is o�en the front, but may be any surface including a rear or blank por�on. A
sign may have more than one (1) face and may be virtually all face. The fact that no message is
imprinted on a por�on of a sign does not necessarily prevent that por�on from being a face, as
in the case of a flat sign erected near and perpendicular to a street. Such sign would have two
(2) faces even if one (1) were blank. In determining what cons�tutes a sign face, weight will be
given to whether the par�cular aspect in ques�on is readily viewable from public property or
any premises other than those where the sign is erected, but a sign face may exist even where
the face is visible only from some part of the premises where the sign is erected if the face is
viewable from out-of-doors and the other elements of the defini�on of face are present.
Usually, all of one (1) face is visible from one (1) point. Where, for example, several "boards" of
a sign are erected on a single plane or parallel planes, they together comprise one (1) face, and
are measured within a single perimeter, including the spaces between them.
Freestanding sign is a sign which is wholly or partly supported by a structural element which is
not an integral part of a building.
Ground sign is a freestanding sign less than seven (7) feet high.
Height of a freestanding sign is the eleva�on above finished grade of the highest point of either
the sign or the stand, poles, wall or other structure upon which it is mounted. Finished grade is
the general finished ground surface where the sign is erected, not taking into account mounding
or other altera�ons to the surface made in regard to the sign. However, where finished grade is
below the eleva�on of the top of the curb on the frontage where the sign is erected, or if there
is no curb below the eleva�on of the margin of the street surface, height is the eleva�on above
the top of the curb, or at the margin of the street surface if there is no curb. The point on the
curb or the margin of the street surface to be used as a base point for measurement is the point
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intersected by a line drawn perpendicular to the centerline of the street which intersects the
center of the base of the sign.
Lot frontage means the property line of a lot abu�ng on a public street which affords access to
the lot. In the case of a corner lot and other lots which are bordered on more than one (1) side
by a street, lot frontage is the lot line in respect to which the business for which the sign is
provided has its primary business frontage.
Marquee means a temporary or permanent structure atached to or supported by a building,
designed for shelter over a pedestrian or vehicular way and which may or may not project over
public property.
Neighborhood identification sign is a ground sign situated where a street enters a residen�al
neighborhood, which serves only to iden�fy the neighborhood.
Nonconforming sign is one which was lawfully erected but which does not comply with this
division because of:
(1) Annexa�on of territory to the Town;
(2) Amendment to the zoning ordinance;
(3) Rezoning, other than rezoning when the applica�on for rezoning is made by or joined in by
the owner of the real property where the sign is located.
However, a sign which was lawfully erected but which does not comply with this division
because of:
(1) Division of real property where the sign is located;
(2) Altera�ons to any building on the lot, parcel or zoning plot where the sign is located; or
(3) Rezoning, when the applica�on for rezoning was made by or joined in by the owner of the
real property where the sign is located;
is not a nonconforming sign. A sign may be a nonconforming sign because of a single
characteris�c, such as height or brightness, correc�on of which may result in conforming status
for the sign, or a new amor�za�on date. This sec�on does not list all classes of signs which are
not nonconforming signs.
Off-premises sign is any sign not located on the same zoning plot as the en�ty it adver�ses.
Pedestrian directional sign is an on-premises sign which shows the direc�on to or loca�on of a
customer entrance to a business.
Political sign is any sign which is intended to influence the vote for the passage or defeat of a
measure, or nomina�on, elec�on or defeat of a candidate in any governmental elec�on.
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Portable sign is a sign which is movable, not structurally atached to the ground, nor to a
building, structure, or sign. "A"-frame and sandwich signs are portable signs.
Projecting sign is any sign erected on the wall of a building or structure, or suspended from an
overhang, with display surfaces generally not parallel to the wall.
Roof sign is an atached sign erected on a roof or projec�ng above the eave or rake of a building
or coping of a parapet. A sign erected on top of a canopy, arcade, awning or marquee is a roof
sign.
Sign is any thing, or element of a thing, located out of doors or in a place where it is visible from
out of doors, created, adapted, or installed, by a person for the primary and apparent purpose
of conveying a visible adver�sing message, and may include supports, standards and fixtures. A
color scheme or special ligh�ng effect on the exterior of a building is a sign where the
placement of the colors or ligh�ng effect in rela�on to the building create a primary effect of
adver�sing. Excep�ons:
(1) Merchandise on display is generally not a sign because merchandise is ordinarily possessed
for the primary purpose of permi�ng sales from stock on hand. A merchandise display located
at a distance from the point of sale or displayed in the unusual manner might cons�tute a sign.
(2) A structural element of a building or the supports, standard, or fixtures of a sign would not
be a sign where the element is related to reasonable structural necessity, and the circumstances
show that the element is not intended to be iden�fied by viewers with the sale or promo�on of
goods or services.
(3) Nigh�me, white illumina�on, within reasonable brightness limita�ons, of a building or of
merchandise is not of itself a sign, where the result is only to make visible without undue
emphasis that which can be seen in the day�me.
Sign area is the total area of the face or faces of a sign. Each face is measured by determining
the smallest area within a single perimeter composed of not more than eight (8) straight lines
drawn by the applicant enclosing the extreme limits of the face. Where a sign consists of leters
or symbols on a wall, the wall is not designed so that one (1) of its main purposes is to support a
sign, and the sign's background is an indis�nguishable part of a wall. For the purposes of
measurement a six-inch margin around all of the words and symbols will be included in the
perimeter composed of not more than eight (8) straight lines.
Sign permit is the permit issued by the Planning Director to evidence approval by any of the
bodies or person authorized by this division to erect a sign.
Temporary sign is a sign, usually constructed of cloth or fabric, cardboard, wallboard, wood or
other light materials, intended to be displayed for a short period of �me as set forth in sec�on
29.10.120.
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Time and temperature sign is a sign which shows �me and/or temperature and which contains
no adver�sing.
Vehicular directional sign is an off-premises sign which shows the direc�on to or loca�on of a
use or ac�vity.
Wall is a surface which has a slope steeper than one (1) foot horizontal to two (2) ver�cal.
Wall sign is a sign erected on a wall or fascia of a building or structure (other than a structure,
one (1) of whose main purposes is to support a sign), the face of which is generally parallel to
the wall or fascia and all of which is below the coping of the parapet, below the rake, the top of
the fascia, the eave line, or in any event, below the top of the structure. A sign which meets the
defini�on of this sec�on but is erected between posts, pillars, or columns which support a roof
or second story, rather than on a wall, is also a wall sign. A sign which is erected on and
incidental to a freestanding wall or fence, including any gateway por�on of a wall or fence, is
also a wall sign.
Window sign is a sign which is displayed in or through a window, is less than twenty-four (24)
inches inside glass, and is visible from a street, walkway, parking lot, or pedestrian plaza, any of
which is accessible to the public.
(Ord. No. 1316, §§ 3.31.010—3.31.190, 6-7-76; Ord. No. 1363, 8-1-77; Ord. No. 1519, 10-26-81)
Sec. 29.10.105. - Generally.
(a) Application. The regula�ons in this division apply to all signs in all zones. Regula�ons of the
number and area of signs refer to the signs allowed on a zoning plot, except where the
regula�ons prescribe the number and area of signs allowed on a business frontage.
(b) Intent. The intent of this division is as follows:
(1) The Town is a predominantly residen�al community of natural beauty, dis�nc�ve
architecture and historic character. The economic stability of the Town is dependent upon its
high quality and Town-oriented, commercial and residen�al environment. Unregulated and
uncontrolled erec�on and maintenance of adver�sing structures tends to create a garish and
gaudy atmosphere which is not in harmony with the character and environment of the business
or residen�al community.
(2) The purpose of a sign is to inform the general public that a business enterprise and func�on
exists in the Town.
(3) This chapter recognizes the right of the public to be directed, warned, advised, and
informed; and also recognizes the economic need for a sign to func�on as a means of
iden�fica�on, expression of business character, and posi�ve no�fica�on of product and service
availability for consump�on.
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(4) This chapter regulates the loca�on, height, width, shape, propor�on, design, illumina�on
and construc�on (except as provided by building codes) of signs for the purpose of insuring that
they are architecturally compa�ble with the planned image of the Town.
(5) The purpose of this chapter is to assist in the con�nua�on of exis�ng and introduc�on of
new commercial ac�vi�es in architectural harmony with the exis�ng and planned Town, to take
advantage of the unusual character of the Town and to encourage proper maintenance and
rehabilita�on of real property. To accomplish this:
a. Local public values must be balanced with general public rights and economic func�ons
related to signs.
b. The size of a sign must be prevented from overpowering its surroundings or becoming a
determinant factor in consumer evalua�on of compe��ve enterprises.
c. The shape of a sign must not conflict with the architectural lines of its se�ng.
d. A sign must be prevented from overpowering its surroundings through hue, satura�on, and
brilliance or close combina�on of incompa�ble colors.
e. Normal maintenance and speedy repair is required for all signs.
(c) Permits. Sign permits must be obtained before erec�on of all signs, except as provided
by sec�on 29.10.110. A building permit may be required by another ordinance.
(d) Variances. The provisions of this chapter concerning variances are not available to modify
the terms of this division.
(e) Authority to erect. No sign shall be erected without the express permission of the landowner.
A lease to a lessee would be sufficient evidence of the authority to erect a sign.
(Ord. No. 1316, §§ 3.30.010—3.30.070, 6-7-76; Ord. No. 1363, 8-1-77)
Sec. 29.10.110. - Excep�ons.
A sign permit is not required for the signs described in this sec�on. The number and area of
these signs are regulated only by this sec�on and they are allowed in addi�on to signs of other
classes.
(1) House numbers, traffic, etc. House numbers, street names, signs warning against danger,
railroad crossing signs, authorized traffic or parking signs and rural delivery boxes.
(2) Nameplates. Nameplates having an area not over one and one-half (1½) square feet, affixed
flat against the wall of a building, which only show the name or address of a person or persons
or en�ty occupying the area, up to a limit of six (6) plates per building.
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(3) Building directories. Building directories for buildings with more than six (6) tenants, the sign
having an area not over nine (9) square feet, affixed flat against the wall of a building, which
only show the name or address of the persons or en�tles occupying the building.
(4) Plaques. Solid metal plaques or cut inscrip�ons, either erected by recognized historical
agencies, or which show names of buildings and dates of erec�on, provided the sign does not
exceed four (4) square feet in area.
(5) Real estate. One (1) nonilluminated sign on each street frontage for any lot or building which
serves solely to adver�se the sale, lease or rental of or an offer to build to suit on the premises
where the sign is located, provided the sign does not exceed twelve (12) square feet in area if
the sign is in a commercial, professional or industrial zone, or six (6) square feet in area if the
sign is in a residen�al zone. This excep�on is only available when all or part of the premises is
actually available for the transac�on adver�sed.
(6) Open house. Nonilluminated, off-site, portable signs direc�ng customers to the loca�on of
an open house which is for sale are permited, unlimited in total number, but limited to one (1)
double-faced sign per corner of an intersec�on or zoning plot. The signs shall not exceed an
area of one (1) square foot per face and shall not be more than four (4) feet high. Open house
signs shall contain no individual, or individual company adver�sing. Prior permission shall be
obtained from the property owner if the sign is to be placed on a privately owned parcel. The
signs shall be removed each day a�er the closing of the open house. Open house signs are an
excep�on to the rule prohibi�ng off-premises signs and signs on public property.
(7) Interior signs. Signs in the interior of a building, enclosed lobby or court, not visible from the
outside and signs not visible from off the premises.
(8) Convenience signs. Convenience signs not exceeding two (2) square feet in area and
containing no adver�sing material. Excep�on: Hospital emergency signs may be as large as four
(4) square feet and may be illuminated.
(9) No trespassing signs. "No trespassing" or "no dumping" signs not exceeding three (3) square
feet in area.
(10) Window signs. Window signs not exceeding twenty-five (25) percent of the window area.
(11) Parking signs. Not more than one (1) parking control sign for each parking entrance, not
exceeding an area of two (2) square feet. Parking control signs may contain the name(s) of the
business(es) controlling the parking lot.
(12) Public notices and warnings. No�ces posted by a public officer in the performance of a
public duty, or by any person for the purpose of giving legal no�ce, and warning or
informa�onal signs required or authorized by governmental regula�ons.
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(13) Recycling and vending facilities. Recycling and vending facility signs shall not exceed two (2)
square feet, plus one (1) square foot for every one hundred (100) square feet of facility or
machine in excess of one hundred (100) total square feet of floor area.
(14) Other public agency signs. Street signs, traffic signs, emergency warnings, and the like
erected by a public agency.
(15) Political signs. Any number of nonilluminated poli�cal signs, either freestanding or
atached, is permited, limited to a total sign area not exceeding six (6) square feet in residen�al
zones and not exceeding eighteen (18) square feet in other zones. There is no area limit for
poli�cal window signs, and their area is in addi�on to that allowed for other poli�cal signs. No
poli�cal sign shall be erected an unreasonable period of �me in advance of the elec�on or
conven�on, and all persons who erect poli�cal signs or who own or control the premises where
poli�cal signs are erected, are jointly and severally liable to remove such signs within ten (10)
days a�er the elec�on or conven�on to which the sign pertains.
(16) Special event signs. Any sign permited by a special event permit issued under Ar�cle X
of Chapter 14 of this Code.
(Ord. No. 1316, §§ 3.32.010—3.32.070, 6-7-76; Ord. No. 1446, 11-19-79; Ord. No. 1731, 7-6-87;
Ord. No. 1737, § VI, 11-2-87; Ord. No. 1738, 11-2-87; Ord. No. 1908, § III, 7-20-92)
Sec. 29.10.115. - Prohibited signs.
Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the signs described in this sec�on are prohibited.
(1) Flags, etc. Flags, banners, pennants, balloons, and similar objects designed to move with the
wind, except the American flag, the flag of any na�on or governmental en�ty, or house flags
when flown in conjunc�on with the American flag, either on the same staff or a separate staff,
and when the house flag is smaller than or equal in size to the American flag.
(2) Lighted signs. Lighted signs that flash on and off, fluctuate or appear to move.
(3) Moving signs. Signs that rotate or move in any fashion, except barber poles.
(4) Excessively bright signs. Lighted signs whose brightness is detrimental to the reasonable
enjoyment of surrounding property or are a traffic hazard.
(5) Obstructing signs generally. Signs which prevent free use of a door, window or fire escape, or
obstruct the view from any living area in the building to which the sign is atached.
(6) Signs obstructing standpipes, etc. Signs atached to a standpipe or fire escape.
(7) Signs obstructing traffic devices. Signs located so as to obstruct the view of a traffic sign,
signal, or device.
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(8) Confusing signs. Signs which might be mistaken for or confuse the viewers of a traffic light or
a signal.
(9) Posters. Placards, posters, announcement and similar signs erected on any fence, pole, tree,
pavement, wall, bus stop, bench, or any other object in a public thoroughfare, except those of
an official nature as provided in sec�on 29.10.110(12).
(10) Portable signs. Portable signs and signs erected on parked vehicles or trailers, when such
vehicles or trailers are parked in such a loca�on or manner that it is clear the inten�on is to
adver�se the services of a business.
(11) Freeway signs. Signs erected for the dominant purpose of being seen by travelers on a
freeway.
(12) Off-premises signs. Off-premises signs, except those authorized by sec�ons 29.10.110(6),
(15), 29.10.120(2), (4), and 29.10.130(1).
(13) Indecent signs. Signs containing mater which is obscene under State law.
(14) Projected light signs. Signs which are flashed or projected onto walls or other structures by
means of a projector or other device.
(15) Billboards. Any billboard sign.
(16) Unauthorized signs. Any sign not specifically authorized in
sec�ons 29.10.110, 29.10.120 and 29.10.130.
(Ord. No. 1316, §§ 3.33.010—3.33.090, 6-7-76; Ord. No. 1363, 8-1-77; Ord. No. 1446, 11-19-79)
Sec. 29.10.120. - Temporary signs.
Every sign described in this sec�on, regardless of the manner of its construc�on, is a temporary
sign. The number and area of such signs are regulated only by this sec�on and are in addi�on to
the allowed number and area for other classes of signs.
(1) Grand opening sign. Temporary signs used in conjunc�on with a grand opening are
permited as long as the grand opening does not exceed forty-five (45) calendar days. The total
area of temporary signs may be equal to or less than the total sign area permited for the
business by sec�on 29.10.135. The permit shall state the maximum sign area allowed and the
date the sign is to be removed as set by the erector of this chapter, whichever is more
restric�ve.
(2) Subdivision signs. Nonilluminated, on-site signs adver�sing a residen�al subdivision are
permited, limited to one (1) double-faced sign not exceeding an area of twenty-five (25) square
feet per face, placed at a right angle to the street, or two (2) single-faced signs not exceeding an
area of twenty-five (25) square feet each placed parallel to a street. The signs shall not be more
than fi�een (15) feet high and shall be erected at least fi�een (15) feet from a street right-of-
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way line. Addi�onal signs containing informa�on about the model name or number, floor plan,
area or price are permited in residen�al subdivisions provided there is not more than one (1)
such sign for each model (not one (1) sign for each example of a model). Signs concerning
models shall have an area not exceeding three (3) square feet, nor a height of more than four
(4) feet, and shall be located in the immediate vicinity of an example of the model to which they
refer. Off-premises subdivision signs adver�sing subdivisions which are not located on a major
arterial street as defined by the Town general plan are permited, limited to one (1) sign per
subdivision. The signs shall not exceed eighteen (18) square feet in area, shall not be more than
fi�een (15) feet high and shall be erected at least fi�een (15) feet from a street right-of-way line
and shall be in a commercial or industrial zone. Signs authorized by this sec�on shall not be
erected un�l the subdivision map is recorded and building permits are issued for the
construc�on of the project. Signs authorized under this sec�on shall be removed when
occupancy permits have been granted for ninety (90) percent of the dwelling units in the
development. Off-premises subdivision signs are an excep�on to the rules prohibi�ng billboards
and off-premises signs.
(3) Lease and rental signs. One (1) single-faced sign, adver�sing the rental or lease of a
commercial, office, or industrial development to be built in the future. The sign shall not have
an area exceeding twenty (20) square feet, shall not be more than fi�een (15) feet high, and
shall be erected parallel to a street, at least fi�een (15) feet from a street right-of-way line. The
sign shall not be erected un�l a Development Review Commitee approval is granted for the
erec�on of the building or buildings and the sign shall be removed when seventy (70) percent of
the floor area of the project is occupied.
(4) Event signs.
a. Subject to the condi�ons of this sec�on, a permit may be issued for a temporary sign
promo�ng a civic, poli�cal, charitable, cultural, recrea�onal, educa�onal or religious event as
follows:
(i) An event in town sponsored by a non-profit organiza�on; or
(ii) An event sponsored by a non-profit organiza�on with its principal business address in Town;
or
(iii) An event sponsored by a public school; or
(iv) An event sponsored by a non-profit organiza�on to which the Town contributes funds; or
(v) An event co-sponsored by the Town.
b. If a non-profit organiza�on's event does not qualify under subsec�on (a), the non-profit
organiza�on may submit an applica�on to the Town Planning Director for a temporary sign if
the organiza�on can demonstrate to the sa�sfac�on of the Planning Director that the event will
occur within Santa Clara County and the proceeds from the event will be used to benefit
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residents of Los Gatos. The Planning Director shall review the applica�on and determine
whether to grant the applica�on based upon whether the proceeds from the event will benefit
residents of Los Gatos. If the Director denies the applica�on, the applicant may appeal the
decision to the Town Council within ten (10) days of the Director's decision.
c. Applica�on. The event sponsor shall submit an applica�on with applicable fee to the Planning
Director. The applica�on shall specify the proposed loca�on for each sign for which approval is
requested, a calcula�on of the total sign area proposed and permited under sec�on 29.10.135,
and a descrip�on of the sign material and means of pos�ng proposed.
d. Condi�ons of approval.
(i) The sign may not be erected more than fourteen (14) days prior to the event and shall be
removed within twenty-four (24) hours a�er the event.
(ii) An event sign shall be no larger than permited under sec�on 29.10.135.
(iii) No more than a total of three (3) signs per event shall be allowed in the Town. Within this
limit of three (3) signs, the following restric�ons apply:
A. Except as provided under subsec�on (B) below, no more than one sign per event shall be
permited in the Downtown Area.
B. No more than one sign shall be permited at the event site. Should the event have a number
of loca�ons or not have a fixed loca�on, the event site sign shall be placed within five hundred
(500) feet of the beginning or end of the event. Should the event site be located within the
Downtown Area, the sign at the event site shall not count against the limita�on imposed by
subsec�on (A) above.
(iv) Event signs shall be secured at all four (4) corners to avoid flapping.
(v) No temporary structure may be erected for the purpose of displaying an event sign.
e. General restric�ons.
(i) No more than three (3) event signs in total shall be permited at any one �me within five
hundred (500) feet of any intersec�on in Town.
(ii) The square footage of an event sign shall not exceed the calcula�on of total sign area
permited under sec�on 29.10.135.
(iii) No more than one sign is permited on any one property at one �me.
f. For purposes of this sec�on, "non-profit organiza�on" is defined as:
(i) A non-profit corpora�on exis�ng under Division 2 of Title 1 of the Corpora�ons Code; or
(ii) A non-profit associa�on as defined in Corpora�ons Code sec�on 21000; or
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(iii) A non-profit corpora�on exis�ng under the laws of another State governing non-profit
corpora�ons and which is permited to do business in California under California law.
g. For the purposes of this sec�on, Downtown Area means the C-2 zone.
(5) Construction signs. One (1) construc�on (nonilluminated) sign on a zoning plot of not more
than thirty-two (32) square feet in total area. No construc�on sign shall be erected prior to the
issuance of a building permit, and each shall be removed as soon as a cer�ficate of use and
occupancy is issued.
(Ord. No. 1316, §§ 3.34.010—3.34.035, 6-7-76; Ord. No. 1375, 11-21-77; Ord. No. 1908, § I, 7-
20-92; Ord. No. 1980, § II, 5-23-94)
Sec. 29.10.125. - Standards.
The following standards prescribed in this sec�on shall apply to all sign approvals.
(1) Copy. Signs are limited to naming the en�ty and the kind of ac�vity conducted on the
premises and products and services offered there. Signs may refer to maters not on the
premises only when sec�ons 29.10.105 through 29.10.140 expressly provide.
(2) Trade names or logos. Signs may show trade names or logos that are not the name of the
en�ty on the premises, but only when such trade name or logo is that of a product or service
which is a major part of the sales or services conducted on the premises.
(3) Compatibility with surroundings. The design, color and loca�on of each sign shall be
compa�ble with the architecture of the buildings on the premises, and in harmony with the
structures and other improvements on the property.
(4) Shopping centers. In a shopping center or mul�-tenant building, each sign shall be related to
the other signs in the same center or building by incorpora�ng at least four (4) of the following
six (6) iden�cal elements:
a. Material.
b. Leter style.
c. Color.
d. Illumina�on.
e. Method used for structural support of atachment.
f. Shape of the en�re sign and its components.
(5) Backs and supports. The backs and supports of all signs shall be subdued.
(6) Illumination generally. No por�on of the surface of any illuminated sign nor any visible lamp
illumina�ng a sign shall have a brightness exceeding one hundred fi�y foot-lamberts.
ATTACHMENT 1
(7) Illumination near residential districts. Illuminated signs with a brightness more than thirty
foot-lamberts shall not be erected nearer than fi�y (50) feet from any point in a residen�al
district unless the face of the sign is not visible from the residen�al district.
(8) Roof signs. Roof signs must:
a. Be erected only on a roof whose pitch is at least one (1) ver�cal to four (4) horizontal.
b. Have a face no more than two (2) feet measured ver�cally.
c. Be located so the face is parallel to the eave in front of the sign.
d. Be set no more than eight (8) inches above the roof.
e. Be designed and erected so that no part of its face is higher than either the peak or an
eleva�on five (5) feet above the eave in front of the sign.
f. Have architecture and site approval.
Architecture and site approval may only be issued on the basis of findings that a wall sign is not
feasible because the wall of the building is set back beneath and obscured by the porch or roof
overhang which is an extension of and integral with the sloping roof of the building, and that
the sign cannot be suspended between posts or columns suppor�ng the roof without
obstruc�ng safe passage for pedestrians.
(9) Projecting signs. Projec�ng signs shall not project more than thirty-six (36) inches from the
wall of a building nor more than twelve (12) inches into any public right-of-way. The projec�on
is measured on a line perpendicular to the wall. All projec�ng signs which project over a
walkway or public right-of-way shall have a clearance of nine (9) feet above grade.
(10) Signs suspended from a marquee. All signs suspended from a single marquee shall be
uniform in size, shape, placement and background color. Such signs shall have a clearance of at
least eight (8) feet above grade.
(11) Signs for theaters. The tradi�onal methods of theater adver�sing require a unique type of
sign program so the size, loca�on, and number of signs, including atrac�on boards for a
theater, are subject only to the limita�ons and provisions in the condi�onal use permit for the
theater. Whenever a theater is operated lawfully but has no condi�onal use permit the signs of
that theater which have been erected on or before the effec�ve date of this chapter are
nonconforming signs and a condi�onal use permit authorizing the signs must be obtained or the
signs must be abated in the manner provided in sec�on 29.10.140.
(Ord. No. 1316, §§ 3.35.010—3.35.065, 6-7-76; Ord. No. 1363, 8-1-77; Ord. No. 1375, 11-21-77;
Ord. No. 1460, 3-3-80)
ATTACHMENT 1
Sec. 29.10.130. - Signs which may be erected in all zones.
A sign permit is required for the signs described in this sec�on. The number and area of such
signs are regulated only by this sec�on and they are allowed in addi�on to signs of other
classes.
(1) Directional signs (vehicular). Nonilluminated vehicular direc�onal signs showing the
direc�on to or loca�on of the civic center, hospitals, public parking lots, and any publicly owned
facility. A sign showing the direc�on to a private facility that serves the general public (other
than a church) may also be permited upon findings by the Planning Director that there is a
public interest in making the facility easy to find; that the public would have great difficulty
finding the facility without a sign; and that the sign would not have a detrimental effect on the
neighborhood. Signs erected under this sec�on may be erected in the public right-of-way by
express permission, but shall in all cases meet the following requirements:
a. The sign must be located on an arterial street.
b. The sign shall not exceed six (6) square feet in area, nor a height of ten (10) feet.
c. The sign shall be erected at least one hundred (100) feet from any other direc�onal sign.
(2) Directional signs (pedestrian). For each customer entrance, one (1) nonilluminated
pedestrian direc�onal sign which does not exceed one (1) square foot in area.
(3) Bulletin boards. Bulle�n boards not exceeding eighteen (18) square feet in area, nor height
of six (6) feet, when located on the premises of, and used solely in connec�on with ac�vi�es of
a church, school or public building.
(4) Community bulletin boards and kiosks. Community-oriented bulle�n boards and kiosks,
including service club directories, may be located on public property a�er review and approval
as provided by sec�ons 29.20.745 and 29.20.755.
(Ord. No. 1316, §§ 3.37.010—3.37.025, 6-7-76; Ord. No. 1363, 8-1-77; Ord. No. 1375, 11-21-77;
Ord. No. 1519, 10-26-81)
Sec. 29.10.135. - Zone regula�ons.
(a) Scope. This sec�on specifies the signs which may be erected in each zone, other than signs
which by the express provisions of this chapter may be erected in all zones. Except where this
sec�on specifies, nonconforming uses shall have only those signs allowed for the zone and not
signs which might otherwise be allowed for similar uses in other zones.
(b) Residential zones. In residen�al zones (defined by sec�on 29.40.010) the following signs may
be erected:
EXPAND
ATTACHMENT 1
Land Use Class of
Sign
Number
of Signs
Total
Area
1. Mul�ple Family Developments:
a. Less than 10 units wall
signs
one per lot frontage 18 sq.
�. b. 10 units or more wall
signs
one per lot frontage 24 sq.
�.
2. Authorized Nonresiden�al Uses (including
recrea�onal ac�vi�es, schools, churches,
public u�li�es, lawful nonconforming uses,
etc.)
ground
signs
one per zoning plot 24 sq.
�.
wall
signs
one per lot frontage 24 sq.
�.
3. Neighborhood Iden�fica�on Signs (only for
neighborhoods with an area of 3 acres or
more)
ground
signs
number and loca�on
subject to determina�on
by the deciding body
24 sq.
�.
(c) Nonresidential zones. The rules for nonresiden�al zones (defined by sec�on 29.50.010) are
specified in this sec�on, and by number in the following list, table and footnotes. Rules 1 and 2
govern the calcula�on of the area of atached signs for each en�ty. Rules 3 through 9 govern the
calcula�on of the total area of all signs for each zoning plot. The following paragraph applies to
all nonresiden�al zones. The numbered rules apply only where the table so indicates. The
maximum sign area for atached signs on any frontage may not exceed the area derived from
the calcula�on for that frontage. Atached signs may be erected on any wall of the building,
however, the area of a sign on a wall that is not a business frontage may not exceed twenty-five
(25) percent of the sign area predicated on the primary business frontage. In addi�on, signs
cannot be erected on a nonbusiness frontage wall if the zoning plot is con�guous to a
residen�al zone and if the wall faces that zone.
(1) Allowed sign area is one (1) square foot for each lineal foot of primary business frontage plus
one (1) square foot for each lineal foot of secondary business frontage provided that the sign
area generated by each secondary business frontage cannot exceed fi�y (50) percent of the sign
area generated by the primary business frontage.
(2) Allowed sign area is one (1) square foot for each lineal foot of primary business frontage plus
one-half square foot for each lineal foot of secondary business frontage.
ATTACHMENT 1
(3) For vehicle sales the area of freestanding signs is not restricted by any rule limi�ng total sign
area on the zoning plot.
(4) The total area of all signs on a zoning plot shall not exceed one (1) square foot of sign area
for each lineal foot of lot frontage.
(5) The total area of all signs on a zoning plot is limited to the area derived from the business
frontage calcula�on.
(6) For shopping centers the area of a ground sign is not restricted by any rule limi�ng total sign
area on the zoning plot.
(7) For shopping centers the area of a freestanding sign is not restricted by any rule limi�ng total
sign area on the zoning plot.
(8) The area of �me and temperature signs is not restricted by any rule limi�ng total sign area.
(9) The area of any atrac�on board shall be included in the calcula�on of the area of signs of
the same class and in the calcula�on of the total area of signs on a zoning plot.
ATTACHMENT 1
(d) Planned development overlay zone. The signs shown on the official development plan referred to in
division 2 of ar�cle VIII of this chapter may be erected in the PD zone.
ATTACHMENT 1
(Ord. No. 1316, §§ 3.38.010—3.38.040, 6-7-76; Ord. No. 1328, 8-2-76; Ord. No. 1344, 1-17-77; Ord. No.
1363, 8-1-77; Ord. No. 1375, 11-21-77; Ord. No. 1446, 11-19-79)
Sec. 29.10.140. - Nonconforming signs.
(a) Scope. This sec�on regulates the use and removal of nonconforming, unlawful, and abandoned signs.
(b) Modifications to nonconforming signs. The following modifica�ons to nonconforming signs are
allowed:
(1) Changes in sign copy.
(2) Modifica�ons that reduce the extent to which the sign does not comply with this chapter.
No modifica�on of a nonconforming sign shall have any effect on the length of the amor�za�on period
for the sign.
(c) Record of nonconforming signs. The Planning Director shall prepare a list of all signs in the Town
which are nonconforming signs.
(d) Mailing of notices. The Planning Director shall mail a no�ce by cer�fied return receipt mail to the
occupant business, if known, and to the owner (as shown on the last equalized assessment roll) of the
land where each nonconforming sign is located. The no�ce shall contain:
(1) A descrip�on of the land where the sign is located and a descrip�on of the sign, both in terms
reasonably sufficient for the owner to iden�fy the sign.
(2) A statement that the sign is a nonconforming sign.
(3) The applicable date for removal of the sign under the provisions of subsec�on (f).
Informa�on concerning more than one (1) sign, and informa�on concerning separate amor�za�on dates
for different characteris�cs of one (1) or more single signs, separately stated, may be included in a single
no�ce. If the Planning Director subsequently learns that for any reason no�ce has not been given in a
�mely manner, or that no�ce given is defec�ve in any way, the Planning Director shall promptly mail a
proper no�ce to the occupant and owner, even if the regular �me for no�fica�on has expired. No�ce
mailed a�er the �me required by this subsec�on meets the requirements of subsec�on (e) and is
effec�ve to start the �me period provided in subsec�on (f).
(e) Effect of mailing of notices. No�ce mailed as provided in subsec�on (d) is deemed to be no�ce to the
owners of nonconforming signs and to all persons having any right, �tle or interest therein. The mailing
of no�ces is intended as a convenience to sign owners. However, no failure to give no�ce shall invalidate
any proceeding to enforce this chapter to abate any sign, or to punish any sign viola�on.
(f) Duration of nonconforming signs. A nonconforming sign which becomes nonconforming shall be a
nonconforming sign for the applicable period shown on the following schedule:
(1) Painted on wall signs, excessive brightness of signs, roof signs, signs suspended from a marquee: two
(2) years.
ATTACHMENT 1
(2) Freestanding signs, wall signs, projec�ng signs and all signs not otherwise specified in this sec�on:
five (5) years.
(3) Signs where total area of all signs on a building or zoning plot exceed permited area: five (5) years.
(g) Notification and other procedures concerning subsequent nonconforming signs. Within six (6) months
of the date when a sign described in subsec�on (f) becomes a nonconforming sign, the Planning Director
shall add the sign to the list of nonconforming signs and mail no�ces in the manner specified in
subsec�on (d), and such no�ces shall have the same effects as the no�ces provided for other
nonconforming signs.
(h) Extension of nonconforming sign status. During the delibera�ons on the provisions of this chapter
concerning signs, it was determined that this chapter should not include provisions for gran�ng
extensions of nonconforming status since the basic periods for nonconforming status were extended by
the same number of years originally proposed for allowable extension.
(i) Removal of unlawful signs. Any sign erected or maintained contrary to the provisions of this division
or any other ordinance of the Town including unlawfully erected signs, and formerly nonconforming
signs whose nonconforming status has terminated, is in its en�rety an unlawful sign. The provisions of
sec�ons 29.20.950 and 29.20.955 are applicable to unlawful signs, and to those who erect or maintain
them.
(j) Abandoned signs. The owner must have all copy removed from an abandoned sign and the sign shall
remain blank un�l a new en�ty has occupied the premises. Further, if any sign has been abandoned for a
period of one (1) year the owner shall remove the sign and any appurtenant structures.
(k) Maintenance. All signs shall be maintained and kept in repair and shall be painted and repainted at
reasonable intervals. If the owner fails to comply, a�er ten (10) days' writen no�ce by the Planning
Director, or duly appointed deputy, to so maintain such signs, the Planning Director shall have the sign
removed at the owner's expense.
(Ord. No. 1316, §§ 3.39.010—3.39.070, 6-7-76; Ord. No. 1380, 1-23-78)