agenda - City of Los Banos [PDF]

www.losbanos.org

AGENDA PLANNING COMMISSION CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS 520 J Street Los Banos, California

January 27, 2010 If you require special assistance to attend or participate in this meeting, please call the Planning Secretary @ (209) 827-7000 extension 118 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting. The City of Los Banos complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Si requiere asistencia especial para atender o participar en esta junta por favor llame a la oficina de la Secretaria del Departamento de Planificación al (209) 827-7000 extensión 118 a lo menos de 48 horas previas de la junta. La Cuidad de Los Banos cumple con la Acta de Americanos con Deshabilidad (ADA) de 1990.

Any writings or documents provided to a majority of the Planning Commission regarding any item on this agenda will be made available for public inspection at the meeting and in the Planning Department’s office located at City Hall, 520 J Street, Los Banos, California during normal business hours. In addition, such writings and documents may be posted on the City’s website at www.losbanos.org. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Cualquier escritura o los documentos proporcionaron a una mayoría del Departamento de Planificación con respecto a cualquier artículo en este orden del día será hecho disponible para la inspección pública en la reunión y en la oficina del Secretaria del Departamento de Planificación del City Hall, 520 J Street, Los Banos, California durante horas de oficina normales. Además, tales escrituras y los documentos pueden ser anunciados en el website de la Ciudad en www.losbanos.org.

1.

CALL TO ORDER.

2.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.

3.

ROLL CALL: (Planning Commission Members)

7:00 PM

Donovan __, Hammond __, Lee __, McCauley __, Mello __, Napolitano __, Chairman Viveros __

Los Banos Planning Commission Agenda – January 27, 2010

Page 1 of 3

4.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA. Recommendation: Approve the agenda as submitted.

5.

CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF THE ACTION MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR MEETING OF JANUARY 13, 2010. Recommendation: Approve the minutes as submitted.

6.

PUBLIC FORUM: Members of the public may address the Commission on any item of public interest that is within the jurisdiction of the Commission, including agenda and non-agenda items. No action will be taken on non-agenda items. Speakers are limited to a five (5) minute presentation.

7.

PUBLIC HEARINGS: If you challenge the proposed action as described herein in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described herein or in written correspondence delivered to the City at, or prior to, the public hearing. A. Public Hearing – Consider Recommending a Temporary Six Month Suspension of the Enforcement of Section 9-3.2838 (d) of the Los Banos Municipal Code. 1) Planning Commission Resolution No. 2010-02 – Recommending Approval of a Temporary Six Month Suspension of the Enforcement of Section 93.2838 (d) of the Los Banos Municipal Code. Recommendation: Receive staff report, open the public hearing, receive public comment, close the public hearing and adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 2010-02 as submitted.

B. Public Hearing – Consideration of Appropriate Findings And Approval of Variance #2010-01 for a Reduction in Onsite Parking at 1025 Fifth Street. 1) Planning Commission Resolution No. 2010-03 – Approval of Variance #2010-01 for a Reduction in Required Off-Street Parking at 1025 Fifth Street. Recommendation: Receive staff report, open the public hearing, receive public comment, close the public hearing and adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 2010-03 as submitted.

C. Public Hearing – Consider Recommending Approval of the 2009-2014 Housing Element to the Los Banos City Council. 1) Planning Commission Resolution No. 2010-04 – Recommending Approval of the 2009-2014 Housing Element to the City Council of the City of Los Banos. Recommendation: Receive staff report, open the public hearing, receive public comment, close the public hearing and adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 2010-04 as submitted. Los Banos Planning Commission Agenda – January 27, 2010

Page 2 of 3

8.

PLANNING DEPARTMENT REPORT.

9.

COMMISSIONERS REPORTS.

10.

A.

Donovan

B.

Hammond

C.

Lee

D.

McCauley

E.

Mello

F.

Napolitano

G.

Viveros

ADJOURNMENT. APPEAL RIGHTS AND FILING PROCEDURES Any person dissatisfied with an act or determination of the Planning Commission may appeal such act or determination to the Planning Commission by filling written notice with the Planning Commission Secretary not later than five (5) business days (excluding holidays) after the day on which the act or determination was made. An appeal must state the act or determination which is being appealed, the identity of the applicant and his/her interest in the matter, and set forth in concise statement(s) the reasons which render the Commission’s decision unjustified or inappropriate. (Los Banos Municipal Code Section 9-3.2226) Concerning an action taken by the Planning Commission related to Chapter 2 Articles 1 through 17 of the Los Banos Municipal Code “Subdivisions”, if a subdivider or other affected property owner is dissatisfied with any action of the Commission with respect to a tentative map or the nature and extent of improvements recommended or required he/she may within fifteen (15) days after such action appeal to the Planning Commission Secretary for a public hearing on the matter. An appeal must state the action being appealed, identify the agenda item by agency number or project title, and set forth in concise statement(s) the reasons for the appeal. (Los Banos Municipal Code Sections 92.807) Appeals must be in writing and include the appellant’s name and address and original signature. A filing fee of $150.00 must accompany the notice of appeal. I hereby certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing agenda was posted on the City Hall bulletin board not less than 72 hours prior to the meeting.

/s/ Norma Fuentes Norma Fuentes, Planning Commission Secretary

Los Banos Planning Commission Agenda – January 27, 2010

nd

Dated this 22 day of January, 2010

Page 3 of 3

CITY OF LOS BANOS PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 13, 2010 ACTION MINUTES – These minutes are prepared to depict action taken for agenda items presented to the City Council. For greater detail of this meeting refer to the electronic media (CD and/or audio) kept as a permanent record.

CALL TO ORDER: Vice Chair Viveros called the Planning Commission Meeting to order at the hour of 7:00 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. Allegiance.

Planning Commissioner Hammond led the Pledge of

ROLL CALL – MEMBERS OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION PRESENT: Stephen Hammond, Ann McCauley, Tom Mello, Shirley Napolitano, and Erasmo Viveros. STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: City Attorney Vaughn, Assistant Planner Souza, Planning Director Fitzgerald, and Planning Secretary Fuentes. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Motion by Hammond, seconded by Mello to approve the agenda as submitted. The motion carried by the affirmative action of all Commission Members present. ADMINISTRATION OF OATH OF OFFICE TO NEW PLANNING COMMISSIONERS: Assistant City Clerk/Human Resources Technician Sousa administered the Oath of Office to Norm Donovan and Chandra Lee. ROLL CALL – MEMBERS OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION PRESENT: Norm Donovan, Stephen Hammond, Chandra Lee, Ann McCauley, Tom Mello, Shirley Napolitano, and Erasmo Viveros. ELECTION OF OFFICERS: Motion by Donovan, seconded by Mello to nominate Erasmo Viveros to serve as the new Chairman of the Planning Commission. The motion carried by the affirmative vote of all Commissioners present. Motion by Lee, seconded by Napolitano to nominate Tom Mello to serve as the new Vice Chair of the Planning Commission. The motion carried by the affirmative vote of all Commissioners present. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF ACTION MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR MEETING OF DECEMBER 9, 2009: Commissioner Napolitano requested to have the full name of the organization stated in the meeting minutes when the representative and/or applicant(s) speak during the Public Forum. No change to the action minutes. Motion by Donovan seconded by Mello to approve the minutes as submitted. The motion carried by the affirmative action of all Commission Members present.

CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF THE ADJOURNED MEETING MINUTES OF DECEMBER 17, 2009: Motion by McCauley seconded by Donovan to approve the minutes as submitted. The motion carried by the affirmative action of all Commission Members present. PUBLIC FORUM: MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY ADDRESS THE COMMISSION ON ANY ITEM OF PUBLIC INTEREST THAT IS WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE COMMISSION; INCLUDES AGENDA AND NON-AGENDA ITEMS. NO ACTION WILL BE TAKEN ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS. SPEAKERS ARE LIMITED TO A FIVE (5) MINUTE PRESENTATION. Bob Reister, Resident – concerned with the fence “height” setbacks for front yards; recommends to change fence “height” setback from 3 feet to 4 feet; Keith Snow – Resident; concerned about the Wal-Mart liquor license; no one else came forward and the public forum was closed. RECEIVE INFORMATION FROM PLANNING DIRECTOR PAULA FITZGERALD REGARDING THE RULES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION (INFORMATIONAL ITEM ONLY). Planning Director Fitzgerald presented a power point presentation. PUBLIC HEARING – CONSIDER A USE PERMIT FOR A TYPE 21 ALCOHOL LICENSE FOR THE OFF-SALE OF GENERAL ALCOHOL. THE REQUESTED USE PERMIT IS FOR WAL-MART STORES, INC. LCOATED AT 1575 W. PACHECO BOULEVARD, MORE SPECIFICALLY IDENTIFIED AS ASSESSOR’S PARCEL NUMBER: 430-010-012. Assistant Planner Souza presented the staff report which included a power point presentation. Commissioner Hammond; with regard to Condition #10, is the language sufficient enough; believes the intent is to keep the alcohol locked up and should this language be included; Assistant Planner Souza; the tobacco products are always behind the counters; customer will at all times need to request the assistance of a sales associate; Commissioner Hammond; so its implied and we do not need to add the language; Assistant Planner Souza; correct. Chairman Viveros opened the public hearing; Alicen Wong, Attorney – Gresham Savage Nolan & Tilden, PC, representative for Wal-Mart; applicant has reviewed all the conditions of approval and have accepted them; wanted to give the Commission additional information; cashier register does prompt for the cashier to check identification for age; it is called the “ACE” policy – meaning “A” = assess; “C” = check individuals I.D., “E” = enter the date of birth from drivers license; 300 security cameras located throughout the entire store; additional camera located right above the cashier stations; if cashier is ever found to have sold alcohol to a minor they will either be terminated or reprimanded; normally the employee would be terminated; Wal-Mart takes the sale of alcohol very seriously. Commissioner Donovan; referring to the shelves, believes the diagram is incorrect; wanted clarification as to the location of the alcohol; liquor will be under lock and key and sales associate will have to get it; Alicen Wong, Attorney – Gresham Savage Nolan & Tilden, PC, representative for Wal-Mart; absolutely.

Commissioner Mello; currently following the same procedures given by Wal-Mart for alcohol sales; Alicen Wong, Attorney – Gresham Savage Nolan & Tilden, PC, representative for Wal-Mart; correct; reasons for this upgrade is due to Wal-Mart winning a lottery for a Type 21 Liquor license in Merced County; asked Commission if it would it be possible to allow Wal-Mart to refrigerate the beer and wine if its under lock and key; Commissioner Mello; have we ever allowed other stores to refrigerate their beer and wine; Assistant Planner Souza; where it addresses the singles liquor, is this where you would like for it to be refrigerated and under lock and key; Alicen Wong, Attorney – Gresham Savage Nolan & Tilden, PC, representative for Wal-Mart; referring to not just the singles but to beer and wine; Assistant Planner Souza; it is not the policy of the City to regulate the refrigeration of beer at this time; no other stores of this kind have been required to lock their refrigerators; staff feels that creating a condition to lock the refrigerators is not applicable at this time; Alicen Wong, Attorney – Gresham Savage Nolan & Tilden, PC, representative for Wal-Mart; Wal-Mart does not want to sell singles. Keith Snow – Resident; believes that Wal-Mart is being given favoritism with regard to their liquor license; the alcohol is out in the open and not currently locked; it is the same for the Target store; Target does not have their alcohol locked up; feels that the Planning Commission should see more of what is going on with the item being presented; feels that the refrigeration of the alcohol will create more problems than they currently have now. Bob Reister, Resident; believes there isn’t an issue with people drinking in the parking lot; believes Wal-Mart is professional with their security to not allow drinking in their parking lot; concerned with how many times cashiers are tested within a months time; would like to see a minimum of two or more tests/exams a month and that the Commission should review these reports. Alicen Wong, Attorney – Gresham Savage Nolan & Tilden, PC, representative for Wal-Mart; techniques of alcohol management is computer based; cashiers are trained and then tested; if they do not score 100%, then they cannot begin their cashier position; Commissioner Hammond; training is done annually; Alicen Wong, Attorney – Gresham Savage Nolan & Tilden, PC, representative for Wal-Mart; employees are retrained annually; if there are any changes with the law then they would be retrained at that time; all management positions are also trained as well; this is the same type of testing that all Wal-Mart stores conduct; Commissioner Lee; feels that Wal-Mart has appropriate procedures put in place to provide adequate security; Alicen Wong, Attorney – Gresham Savage Nolan & Tilden, PC, representative for Wal-Mart; WalMart does keep track of the scoring for all employees; Human Resources department will provide evidence of the testing if requested. No one else came forward and the public hearing was closed. Motion by Donovan, seconded by Lee to adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 2010-01 – Recommending approval of Use Permit #2009-02 to the Los Banos City Council for the Off-Sale of General Alcohol for Wal-Mart Store #2117 located at 1575 W. Pacheco Blvd. The motion carried by the affirmative action of all Commission Members present.

PLANNING DEPARTMENT REPORT. Planning Director Fitzgerald; attended a Census meeting with Assistant Planner Souza; Census information will be mailed by March 15, 2010, per the Census Bureau; staff has worked with the I.T. department to get the information about the Census on the City website; various business owners are requesting that staff allows for a temporary suspension of enforcement of Special Use Signs; staff will be bringing this issue before the Commission at the next scheduled meeting; staff will also be bringing the Housing Element before the Commission at the next scheduled meeting; continuing to revise the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance. PLANNING COMMISSION MEMBER REPORTS. NORM DONOVAN: Thanked everyone for assisting him during his term as Chairman; asked the City Attorney if there could be a “meeting decorum” put in place with regard to Public Forum comments being presented to the Commission; feels their should be something in place to prevent public speakers to speak on other issues other than the items at hand; City Attorney Vaughn suggested possibly adopting something similar to the new “Meeting Decorum” policy that was just adopted by the City Council. STEPHEN HAMMOND: Asked staff if the “Decorum” information can be given to the Commissioners at the next scheduled meeting. CHANDRA LEE: Thanked everyone in the community for supporting her niece who has been battling Bladder Cancer; found out on January 7th that she has been diagnosed as being cancer free. ANN McCAULEY: Wished Commissioner Lee continued success with her niece’s condition; feels there was good discussion with regard to the Wal-Mart liquor license; feels they will continue to do a good job; Wal-Mart’s security is very good; feels there will be a positive reflection. TOM MELLO: Asked staff if information regarding the fencing setbacks can be brought before the Commission at the next scheduled meeting. SHIRLEY NAPOLITANO: Nothing to report. ERASMO VIVEROS: Thanked the Commission for their support in nominating him as Chairperson; agrees that we need to review the information with regard to the fencing setbacks as well as the “Meeting Decorum” policy; Merced County is currently updating their General Plan and asked if anyone is interested in reviewing the information it can be located on their County website, under “Planning” departments page. ADJOURNMENT. The meeting was adjourned at the hour of 8:07 p.m.

APPROVED: __________________________ Erasmo Viveros, Chairman ATTEST: ________________________________________ Norma Fuentes, Planning Commission Secretary

PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT TO:

CHAIR VIVEROS AND COMMISSIONERS

FROM:

PAULA FITZGERALD, AICP, PLANNING DIRECTOR

FOR:

PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF JANUARY 27, 2010

SUBJECT: TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF ENFORCEMENT AND CITATIONS FOR TEMPORARY SIGNS FOR SIX MONTHS PROJECT BACKGROUND/DESCRIPTION: Approximately two weeks ago, local business owners requested a meeting with staff to express concerns with the requirements for temporary advertising. The business owners were made aware that we are working on a complete update of the sign regulations but they stated that they are having trouble competing and staying afloat without being able to advertise to draw in customers. These local merchants have asked for immediate assistance to alleviate their economic hardship by suspending the enforcement and citations relating to temporary signs (Section 93.2838 (d). After this meeting with the local merchants, staff held internal meetings with departments that would be impacted by this temporary suspension and determined that this should not be detrimental to the public health, safety and welfare as the public right-of-way still cannot be utilized for advertising and agreed that a six month trial period may give sufficient time for the new Zoning Code to be implemented.

PUBLIC COMMENT: A public hearing notice was published in the Los Banos Enterprise on January 15, 2010. As of the date of this staff report, no comments have been received.

Resolution #2010-02

2

Planning Commission January 27, 2010

ATTACHMENTS:

1. Resolution #2010-02 recommending suspension of citations and enforcement for Section 9-3.2838 (d) of the Los Banos Municipal Code 2. Los Banos Municipal Code Section 9-3.28

RESOLUTION No. 2010-02 A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LOS BANOS RECOMMENDING A TEMPORARY SIX MONTH SUSPENSION OF THE ENFORCEMENT OF SECTION 9-3.2838 (d) OF THE LOS BANOS MUNICIPAL CODE WHEREAS, under the Los Banos Municipal Code Section 9-3.2838(d) the City of Los Banos restricts the display of temporary signs; and WHEREAS, the Sign Ordinance was last amended in 1998 and is due for an extensive review, revision, and update due to technology and emerging trends; and WHEREAS, City staff has concerns regarding the provisions of the Sign Ordinance and is currently working on an amendment of the Sign Ordinance in its entirety including restrictions on temporary signs; and WHEREAS, the local merchants within the community are facing an economic hardship and difficulty displaying signage adequate to alert consumers of the presence of their businesses sale activities due to the restrictions within Section 9-3.2838(d); and WHEREAS, an amendment to the Sign Ordinance could not be presented for City Council consideration in a period of less than 120 days due to the procedures required to amend a zoning ordinance; and WHEREAS, it would not be in the public interest to continue enforcement of a Code provision that Staff will be recommending major changes to and which may be creating economic hardship; and WHEREAS, a public hearing notice was advertised in the Los Banos Enterprise on January 15, 2010 as required by the Los Banos Municipal Code and Government Code Section 65091; and WHEREAS, the Los Banos Planning Commission has held a public hearing, reviewed staff report, has studied the compatibility of the merchants’ request relating to the general health, safety and welfare. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Planning Commission of the City of Los Banos:

1. That the Planning Commission of the City of Los Banos does hereby find that it is in the public interest to suspend enforcement of Los Banos Municipal Code Section 9-3.2838(d) for a period of 180 days; and 2. That the Planning Commission of the City of Los Banos does hereby recommend to the City Council that the City suspend enforcement of Los Banos Municipal Code Section 9-3-.2838(d) for a period of 180 days; and 3. Staff shall return within 120 days with a proposed amendment to the entire Sign Ordinance. The foregoing resolution was introduced at a regular meeting of the Planning Commission of the City of Los Banos held on the 27th day of January 2010 by Planning Commissioner_______ who moved its adoption, which motion was duly seconded by Planning Commissioner_______, and the Resolution adopted by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: APPROVED:

______________________________________ Chairman

ATTEST:

______________________________________ Norma Fuentes, Planning Commission Secretary

Article 28. Signs* * Article 24, as added by Ordinance No. 771, effective December 4, 1987, renumbered to Article 28 by codifier because Articles 24, 25, 26, and 27 are in use.

Part 1. General Provisions Sec. 9-3.2801 Title. This article shall be known as the "Sign Ordinance of the City of Los Banos." (§ II, Ord. 771, eff. December 4, 1987, as amended by § 1, Ord. 937, eff. February 6, 1998)

Sec. 9-3.2802 Purpose. The purpose of the sign regulations is to provide minimum standards to safeguard life, health, property, and the public welfare in keeping with the character of the City by regulating and controlling the size, height, structural design, quality of materials, construction, location, electrification, and maintenance of all signs and sign structures and to accomplish the following results: (a) To protect and enhance the character of residential neighborhoods and property values by prohibiting obtrusive and incompatible signs; and (b) To promote and maintain healthy commercial centers and property values, to effectively communicate the nature of goods and services, and to avoid wasteful, ugly, and unsightly competition in signs; and (c) To provide a reasonable and comprehensive system of control of signs; and (d) To encourage signs which are well designed and pleasing in appearance and to provide incentive and latitude for variety, good design relationship, spacing, and location; and (e) To encourage a desirable urban character which has a minimum of overhead clutter; and (f) To attract and direct persons to various activities and enterprises in order to provide for the maximum public convenience; and (g) To enhance the economic value of the community, and each area of it, through the regulation of the size, location, design, and illumination of signs. (§ II, Ord. 771, eff. December 4, 1987)

Sec. 9-3.2803 Conforming signs. Every sign in existence on December 4, 1987, which conforms to the provisions of this article, shall be a legal conforming sign. (§ II, Ord. 771, eff. December 4, 1987)

Part 2. Sign Regulations Sec. 9-3.2821 Standard provisions for permitted signs. (a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

Approval required. No sign shall be constructed, maintained, displayed, or altered within the City except pursuant to a sign review permit obtained as provided in this article, unless the sign is specifically exempted from permit requirements. Signs may be erected and maintained in the districts where such structures are permitted after having secured approval of the location, size, and design of such structure, subject to the regulations set forth in this article. Design, construction and maintenance. All signs shall be designed, constructed, and maintained in accordance with the following standards: (1) All signs shall comply with the requirements of the Public Utilities Commission of the State, the Uniform Sign Code as adopted by the City, the regulations of the Building Department of the City and all other relevant Federal, State, and local laws and regulations. (2) Except for banners, flags, temporary signs, and window signs conforming in all respects with the requirements of this article, all signs shall be constructed of permanent materials and shall be permanently attached to the ground, a building or another structure by direct attachment to a rigid wall, frame, or structure. (3) All signs shall be maintained in good structural condition in compliance with all building and electrical codes, and in conformance with this Code, at all times. (4) All signs shall be designed in a neat and orderly manner, and all signs, including supporting structures, shall be kept in a presentable condition at all times. All painted signs and all supporting structures of signs shall be repaired to keep them in good condition whenever such action is requested in writing by the Building Official or Planning Director. Lighting. Lighting for illuminated signs shall be so arranged that it does not create a hazardous glare for pedestrians or vehicles either in a public street or on any private premises. No artificial light of whatever type or nature used in conjunction with, or for the purpose of lighting, any sign shall be so located or constructed, nor any substance or material capable of reflecting light on or into any adjoining or nearby lot, structure, or public right-of-way. Where spotlights or floodlights are used to illuminate a sign, the reflector shall be provided with proper shields or glass lenses concentrating the illumination upon the area of the sign so as to prevent glare upon the street or adjacent property. Measurement of sign areas. The measurement of sign display areas shall be as follows:

(1)

(e)

(f)

Freestanding, ground-mounted, and monument signs shall be measured by taking the entire framed area and background, including the framing surface. (2) Wall-mounted, roof-mounted, marquee, canopy, and under-canopy signs, if framed either with material or paint outlining the sign, shall be measured by taking the entire framed or outlined area; if consisting of individual letters or symbols, shall be measured by means of the smallest square, circle, rectangle, triangle or combination thereof that will encompass the extreme limits of the writing, representation, emblem or other display, together with any material or color forming an integral part of the background of the display or used to differentiate the sign from the backdrop or structure against which it is placed. (3) The area of all faces of multiple face signs shall be added together to determine the total sign area. However, doublefaced signs may be erected having the allowed sign area on each side of the sign, provided the maximum dimension between the two (2) faces shall not exceed twenty-four (24") inches in width, shall be counted together to determine the total sign area. Location. (1) Freestanding, ground-mounted, and monument signs. Freestanding, ground-mounted, and monument signs shall not be less than one foot behind a property line or designated right-of-way for vehicular and pedestrian traffic, but in no case shall such signs be located closer than five (5') feet behind a sidewalk location and five (5') feet from any vehicular entrance or driveway, and such signs shall not interfere with the safety of vehicular traffic entering or exiting the premises or with vehicular street traffic or pedestrians. (2) Wall-mounted, roof-mounted, canopy, under-canopy, projecting, and marquee signs, Wall-mounted, roofmounted, canopy, under-canopy, projecting, and marquee signs shall be located on or over private property, except in those districts where certain signs are allowed over public sidewalks. A minimum of eight (8') feet clearance shall be maintained. (3) All signs. Signs shall be located so as not to interfere with the safety or movement of vehicular or pedestrian traffic. Master signage plan. No permit shall be issued for an individual sign requiring a permit unless and until a master signage plan for the zone lot on which the sign will be erected has been submitted to the Planning Director and approved by the Planning Director as conforming with this section. (1) Master signage plan. For any zone lot on which the owner proposes to erect one or more signs requiring a permit, the owner shall submit to the Director a Master signage plan containing the following:

(i)

An accurate site plan of the zone lot, at such scale as the Director may reasonably require; (ii) Location of building, parking lots, driveways, and landscaped areas on such zone lots; (iii) Computation of the maximum total sign area, the maximum area for individual signs, the height of signs, and the number of freestanding signs allowed on the zone lots(s) included in the plan under this article; and (iv) An accurate indication on the site plan of the proposed location of each present and future sign of any type, whether requiring a permit or not, except that incidental signs need not be shown. (2) Consent. The master signage plan shall be signed by all owners or their authorized agents in such form as the Director shall require. (3) Procedures. A master signage plan shall be included in any development plan, site plan, planned unit development plan, or other official plan required by the City for the proposed development shall be processed simultaneously with such other plan. (4) Amendment. A master signage plan may be amended by filing a new master signage plan that conforms with all requirements of the ordinance then in effect. (5) Binding effect. After approval of a master signage 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 article. In case of any conflict between the provisions of such a plan and other provision of this article, the article shall control. (§ II, Ord. 771, eff. December 4, 1987, as amended by §§ 2, 3, 4, Ord. 937, eff. February 6, 1998)

Sec. 9-3.2822 Exempt signs. The following signs shall be exempt from the sign review permit requirements of this article but shall be limited by Section 9-3.2823 and other requirements of this article: (a) Addresses. Street numbers and/or names not exceeding two (2) square feet per sign for single-family or duplex structures and four (4) square feet per sign for all other uses. One sign per street frontage shall be allowed. The provisions of this subsection shall include signs which identify the location of the office of the manager of property; (b) Bulletin boards. Bulletin boards not over twenty-four (24) square feet in area for public, charitable, or religious institutions where the bulletin boards are located on the premises of such institutions; (c) Commemorative plaques. Memorial signs and tablets approved under site plan review. Building names and/or erection dates when cut into a permanent surface or constructed on

(d)

(e)

(f)

(g)

(h)

(i)

(j)

noncombustible materials, or religious symbols and similar emblems when submitted with the design of the building and approved pursuant to the provisions of this chapter; Community activity signs (temporary). Signs associated with religious, charitable, cultural, civic, or educational organizations which signs do not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in size. Such signs shall be temporary and non-illuminated, located on private property only, and shall not create a site visibility hazard; Construction announcement signs. Signs placed on real property on which construction is to take place which signs contain information regarding the individuals and firms directly connected with the construction project, including the name of the contractor, the subcontractors, the real estate licensee, and future tenants. Signs for sites less than two (2) acres shall be limited to a maximum size of thirty-two (32) square feet. Signs for sites of (2) acres or greater shall not exceed ninety-six (96) square feet. Such signs shall not be displayed more than six (6) months prior to the construction of the project. Time extensions may be granted by the Planning Director. Construction announcement signs shall be removed within thirty (30) days after the issuance of the certificate of occupancy for a majority of the development; Credit cards accepted: Trading stamps given: Association membership. Signs displaying credit cards accepted, trading stamps given, or association membership when not exceeding one-half ( 1/2) square foot per window sign and one and onehalf (1 1/2) square feet per hanging sign and a total of four (4) in number; Directional signs. Signs bearing no advertising message and located on the site may be erected when necessary to facilitate circulation within the site and facilitate egress and ingress. Such signs shall not be counted against the site's allowed sign area. The size, number, and placement of informational signs may be limited by the Planning Director; Informational signs for the safety and convenience of the public. Signs such as "rest rooms", "telephone", "danger", "impaired clearance", "no smoking", and other signs of a similar nature ("parking in rear", "drive-in window", parking, and facility signs) may be allowed up to five (5) square feet in area pursuant to this subsection; Interior signs. Signs located in the interior of any building or within an enclosed lobby or court of any building or group of buildings, and which are not visible from any public right-of-way, shall not be subject to the size and location criteria of this article. However, permits shall be required for signs which require electrical connections or engineered supports; Nonprofit, cultural, and promotion posters. Temporary display posters in connection with nonprofit civic and cultural events and with noncommercial health, welfare, and safety campaigns (such as Red Cross, United Crusade, TB Seals, Heart Fund,

(k)

(l)

(m)

(n)

performing arts, and the like). Such posters shall be removed within fourteen (14) days after the termination of the event; Official signs. Official signs posted pursuant to and in the discharge of any governmental function by public officials in the performance of their duties (including traffic and street name signs, as well as notices, emblems, or other forms of identification and signs required by law); Political signs. Signs associated with a candidate for elected office, political party, ballot measure, or which make a political statement, not exceeding thirty-two (32) square feet in area per candidate or issue per site, subject to the following: (1) Any such sign shall be erected not earlier than the closing date of the filing candidacy and shall be removed within fourteen (14) days after such election. However, those candidates who continue as such after the primary election may continue to display their signs until fourteen (14) days after the next general election. (2) No political or campaign sign shall be attached to trees, fence posts, or utility poles, except on private property where signs may be attached to trees and fence posts with the permission of the property owner. (3) No political or campaign sign shall be attached and erected on public property or within the public right-of-way. (4) Political or campaign signs placed upon private property shall not be erected in a manner which, in whole or in part, would create a hazardous condition to pedestrian or traffic alike, either by obstructing the free use of exits, buildings, or sites, or by creating visual distractions, whether by color, glare, or representing a traffic control device. (5) In cases where political or campaign signs are not removed within the specific time period, the City shall cause to be removed those signs which remain, and the cost and expense of such activity shall be paid by the candidate; Public signs. Traffic and other municipal signs, legal notices, railroad crossing signs, public utility signs, and civic, community, or non-advertising signs as may be approved by the Council; Real estate signs. Real estate signs, subject to the following: (1) For sale or lease on-site or structure signs not exceeding six (6) square feet for single-family or duplex, sixteen (16) square feet for multiple-family, business, and industrial sites of two (2) acres or less in area, thirty-two (32) square feet for multiple-family, business, and industrial sites of two (2) acres or larger, and one in number per street frontage. Real estate signs shall be limited to a continuous display of one year; (2) Open house, on-site or structure signs not exceeding six (6) square feet in area per sign and one in number per site or structure during the time of an open house; and (3) Open house, off-site ground-mounted signs not exceeding six (6) square feet per sign and one in number in the

neighborhood of sales during the time of an open house; not to be located in any center median of a public road or in a sidewalk right-of-way; and directional arrows with addresses, not exceeding two (2) in number in the neighborhood of sales; (o) Replacing sign copy. The removing and replacing of only sign copy without increasing or decreasing the area in conforming signs. The sign container, including the structural and electrical connections, shall remain unchanged. Any change to the sign container shall be reviewed and approved; (p) Residential nameplates. Residential nameplates not exceeding two (2) square feet in area and one in number and displaying only the name of the premises upon which it is displayed; the name of the owner or lessee of such premises; and the address of such premises; (q) Seasonal decorations. Holiday greetings, decorations, and displays, such as those which relate to Christmas, Thanksgiving, the Fourth the July, and the like, excluding advertising signs disguised as seasonal decorations; (r) Signs required by law. Signs displayed by private individuals when required by law or the regulations of any governmental agency or law; and (s) Window signs. Temporary window signs (non-internally illuminated) announcing special sales, a change in management, individual product and/or price signs, or similar information and designed to be viewed from adjacent streets, sidewalks, public rights-of-way, or parking lots within a business center. This subsection is not intended to allow additional permanent signs. (§ II, Ord. 771, eff. December 4, 1987)

Sec. 9-3.2823 Prohibited signs. In addition to any sign not specifically in accordance with this article, the following signs shall be prohibited: (a) Signs having one or a combination of the following characteristics: (1) Obscene or offensive to morals. Containing statements, words, or pictures of an obscene, indecent, or immoral character which, taken as a whole, appeal to the prurient interest in sex, and which signs are patently offensive and, when taken as a whole, do not have serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value; (2) Imitative of official signs. Signs (other than when used for traffic direction) which contain or are an imitation of an official traffic sign or signal, or contain the words stop, go, slow, caution, danger, warning, or similar words, or signs which imitate or may be construed as other public notices, such as zoning violations, building permits, business licenses, and the like;

(3)

(b)

(c) (d)

(e)

Fluorescent colors. Permanent signs containing fluorescent colors as all or part of their copy; (4) Privilege signs. Signs containing the manufacturer's name and/or emblem which exceeds one-fourth ( 1/4) of the face of the sign; (5) Natural despoliation. Signs which are cut, burnt, limed, painted, or otherwise marked on a field, tree, rock, or other natural item; and (6) Portable changeable copy signs. Signs designed to have changeable copy as a part or all of their copy and which are portable and not an integral part of a permanent sign; Moving signs having one or a combination of the following characteristics: (1) Windblown devices and signs whose movement is designed to attract attention, such as pennants, flags, balloons, or other inflated objects, or reflective attachments to sign faces, with the exception of those which specifically are permitted (as temporary signs) by subsection (f) of Section 9-3.2838 of this article and subsection (d) of said Section 9-3.2838, or flags which are specifically exempt by subsection (g) of said Section 9-3.2838; (2) Banners, with the exception of those which are specifically permitted by subsection (f) of Section 9-3.2838 of this article and subsection (d) of said Section 9-3.2838; and (3) Where there is any production of smoke, sound, or other substances; Signs which are portable, "A" frame and "I" frame signs and reader board signs; Obstructive to use or visibility or in hazardous locations. No sign shall be erected in any manner which sign, in whole or in part, would create a hazardous condition to pedestrian or traffic alike, either by obstructing the free use of exits, buildings, or sites, or by creating visual distractions, whether by color, sound, glare, or representing a traffic control device. This is in addition to other provisions of this Code; and Signs in one or more of the following locations: (1) Roof signs. Roof signs located above the roof ridge line; (2) Signs on vehicles. (i) No vehicle may be used as a platform or substitute for a billboard, freestanding sign, or movable sign, whether parked on private property or the public right-of-way. This subsection is specifically intended to include the use of vehicles as freestanding or off-premises signs, (ii) No vehicle, trailer, camper, boat, or other mobile equipment displaying any sign, advertisement or device for the purpose of advertising that said vehicle, trailer, camper, boat, or other mobile equipment is for sale shall be parked on any private property, except duly licensed sales lots. Exception: The display of one vehicle, trailer, camper, boat, or

other mobile equipment for sale on private property of the owner of such vehicle, trailer, camper, boat, or other mobile equipment which property is residentially-zoned and improved with a dwelling, shall be permitted provided any advertising sign is not more than ten (10") inches by twelve (12") inches in size, is placed on or within such vehicle, trailer, camper, boat, or other mobile equipment and such display complies with all other sections of this code; (3) Bus bench signs. Signs located on benches or on other similar structures provided for the use of passengers along the route of a bus shall be prohibited; (4) In storage. Signs may not be located on premises so as to be visible from beyond the property line after removal, prior to erection, or while in storage; and (5) Miscellaneous temporary signs and posters. The tacking, posting, or otherwise affixing of signs of a miscellaneous character, visible from a public way, located on the walls of buildings, barns, and sheds, or on trees, poles, posts, fences, or other structures shall be prohibited, unless specifically permitted by this article. (f) Strings of lights not permanently mounted to a rigid background except those exempt by Section 9-3.2822(q). (§ II, Ord. 771, eff. December 4, 1987, as amended by § 2, Ord. 934, eff. October 17, 1997, and § 5, Ord. 937, eff. February 6, 1998)

Sec. 9-3.2824 Abandoned or dilapidated signs, frames, structural members, and supporting poles. Signs advertising an activity, business, product, or service no longer conducted on the premises on which the sign is located, or sign frames, structural members, or supporting poles remaining unused for six (6) months or longer, shall be removed from the site. Signs will be considered abandoned or dilapidated where the sign or element of the sign is excessively weathered or structurally unsound, or where the copy can no longer be seen or understood by a person with normal eyesight under normal viewing conditions. The owner of a sign, the purpose of which has been abandoned, who desires to make subsequent use of the structural portions of such sign in its present location, may, within six (6) months after the abandonment, make an application to the Planning Director for an extension of time. Where the sign conforms with all other requirements of the law, and where the owner submits reasonable evidence that he is endeavoring to secure a use for the sign (a new tenant for the structure or the arrival of a new product line for the existing tenant), the Planning Director may grant extensions of time. The Planning Director may require the owner, as a condition of the granting of such extension, to paint out, obscure, or remove some or all elements of the message or face portion of the sign in such a manner as to leave the remaining structure neat and unobtrusive in appearance and in harmony with the structure to which it is attached, and shall require that such work be done within thirty (30) days after the granting of such extension, or the extension shall be invalidated by such failure. Signs which are

determined by the City to be structurally unsound and dangerous or hazardous to the public safety or welfare shall be removed immediately upon notification by the City. (§ II, Ord. 771, eff. December 4, 1987)

Part 3. Sign Standards Sec. 9-3.2831 Residential Districts (R-1), (R-2), (R-3), and (P-D). Permitted signage for the residential districts shall be as follows: (a) Type. (1) Single-family residences. Sign (one) shall be a wall sign. (2) Multiple-family residences. Signs may be wall, freestanding, or monument. (3) Planned unit developments. Signs shall be approved in conjunction with the P-D District Plan, or amendment thereto, through a use permit. (4) Professional office developments. Signs may be wall, freestanding, monument, canopy, or under-canopy. (5) Churches, civic and community buildings, parks, and schools. Signs may be wall, freestanding, monument, canopy, or under-canopy. (b) Size. (1) Single-family residences. The sign display area shall not exceed two (2) square feet. (2) Multiple-family residences. The total sign display area shall not exceed one-fourth ( 1/4) square foot per lineal foot of frontage; only one freestanding or monument sign per street frontage shall be permitted, with a maximum twentyfour (24) square feet of display area. (3) Professional office developments. The total wall sign display area shall not exceed one-half ( 1/2) square foot per lineal foot of frontage; freestanding or monument signs shall be limited to one with thirty-two (32) square feet of display area, except when an office building has more than one tenant, individual low-profile signs shall be uniform in construction (except for copy) and shall not exceed four (4') feet in width per business. Such low-profile signs shall be limited to copy on one side and placed parallel to the street. (4) Churches, civic and community buildings, parks, and schools. The total wall sign display shall not exceed onehalf ( 1/2) square foot per lineal foot of frontage or seventyfive (75) square feet, whichever is less; freestanding or monument signs shall be limited to one with thirty-two (32) square feet of display area. (c) Height. (1) For single-family and multiple-family residences, the maximum height of freestanding or monument signs shall be four (4') feet. All other signs shall be located below the roof line.

(2)

For professional office developments, churches, civic and community buildings, parks, and schools, the maximum height of freestanding or monument signs shall be six (6') feet. All other signs shall be located below the roof line. (d) Location. All signs shall be located on private property and in accordance with the sign standards contained in this article. (e) Lighting. Signs may be non-illuminated or indirectly illuminated only. (f) Animated signs are acceptable provided the length of display is appropriate. Each message shall be displayed for a period of at least eight (8) seconds. The sign shall remain blank (no messages or display) for at least one (1) second between displays. The messages and displays shall not appear in incremental stages or move across the changeable copy sign face. The software manufacturer and the software installer shall certify to the city that the software for the computer which controls the sign has been designed to and can only operate the sign at the approved on and off intervals. (§ II, Ord. 771, eff. December 4, 1987, as amended by § 6, Ord. 937, eff. February 6, 1998)

Sec. 9-3.2832 Neighborhood Commercial District (C-N). Permitted signage for the Neighborhood Commercial District shall be as follows: (a) Type. Signs may be wall, freestanding, monument, canopy, undercanopy, or marquee. (b) Size. (1) Wall, canopy, under-canopy, and marquee signs shall not exceed one-half ( 1/2) square foot of aggregate display area per lineal foot of frontage. (2) One freestanding or monument sign with a maximum of thirty-two (32) square feet of display area shall be allowed, except when an office building or commercial complex has more than one tenant, individual low-profile freestanding signs for each tenant may be permitted in lieu of a single freestanding sign for the site. Such low-profile signs shall be uniform in construction (except for copy) and shall not exceed four (4') feet in height, eight (8') feet in length, and two (2') feet in width per business. Such low-profile signs shall be limited to copy on one side and placed parallel to the street. (c) Height. (1) The maximum height of freestanding and monument signs shall be eight (8') feet. (2) All other signs shall be located below the roof ridge line. (d) Location. All signs shall be located on private property and in accordance with the sign standards contained in this article. (e) Lighting. Signs may be directly illuminated, indirectly illuminated, or non-illuminated as applies to the type of sign. (f) Animated signs are acceptable provided the length of display is appropriate. Each message shall be displayed for a period of at

least eight (8) seconds. The sign shall remain blank (no messages or display) for at least one (1) second between displays. The messages and displays shall not appear in incremental stages or move across the changeable copy sign face. The software manufacturer and the software installer shall certify to the city that the software for the computer which controls the sign has been designed to and can only operate the sign at the approved on and off intervals. (§ II, Ord. 771, eff. December 4, 1987)

Sec. 9-3.2833 Retail Commercial District (C-1). Permitted signage for the Retail Commercial District shall be as follows: (a) Type. Signs may be wall, freestanding, monument, canopy, undercanopy, or marquee. (b) Size. (1) Wall, canopy, under-canopy, and marquee signs shall not exceed three-fourths ( 3/4) square foot of aggregate display area per lineal foot of frontage. Wall, canopy undercanopy, roof, and marquee signs shall not exceed one square foot of aggregate sign display area for each lineal foot of building frontage to which the sign is attached. (2) One freestanding or monument sign with a maximum of thirty-two (32) square feet of display area shall be allowed on each street frontage of more than fifty (50') feet. Where two (2) or more freestanding or monument signs are allowed on a single street frontage, one freestanding or monument sign with a maximum of fifty (50) square feet of display area may be used in lieu of several signs on the same frontage. (c) Height. (1) The maximum height of freestanding and monument signs shall be fifteen (15') feet. (2) All other signs shall be located below the roof ridge line. (d) Location. All signs shall be located on private property and in accordance with the sign standards contained in this article, except that canopy, under-canopy, and marquee signs may extend over the public sidewalk provided a minimum clearance of eight (8') feet is maintained, and the sign is no closer than two (2') feet from the curb face. (e) Lighting. Signs may be directly illuminated, indirectly illuminated, or non-illuminated as applies to the type of sign. (f) Animated signs are acceptable provided the length of display is appropriate. Each message shall be displayed for a period of at least eight (8) seconds. The sign shall remain blank (no messages or display) for at least one (1) second between displays. The messages and displays shall not appear in incremental stages or move across the changeable copy sign face. The software manufacturer and the software installer shall certify to the city that the software for the computer which controls the sign has been

designed to and can only operate the sign at the approved on and off intervals. (§ II, Ord. 771, eff. December 4, 1987, as amended by § 7, Ord. 937, eff. February 6, 1998)

Sec. 9-3.2834 General Commercial District (C-2). Permitted signage for the General Commercial District shall be as follows: (a) Type. Signs may be wall, roof, freestanding, monument, canopy, under-canopy, or marquee. (b) Size. (1) Wall, canopy, under-canopy, roof, and marquee signs shall not exceed one square foot of aggregate sign display area for each lineal foot of building frontage to which the sign is attached. (2) One freestanding or monument sign with a maximum of fifty (50) square feet of display area shall be allowed on each street frontage of more than fifty (50') feet. (3) Where a street frontage is greater than 200 lineal feet, one freestanding or monument sign with a maximum of fifty (50) square feet of display area shall be allowed for each full 200 lineal feet of street frontage. (4) Where two (2) or more freestanding or monument signs are allowed on a single street frontage, one freestanding or monument sign with a maximum of 100 square feet of display area may be used in lieu of two (2) signs on the same frontage. (c) Height. (1) The maximum height of freestanding and monument signs shall be twenty (20') feet. (2) All other signs shall be located below the roof ridge line. (d) Location. All signs shall be located on private property and in accordance with the sign standards contained in this article. (e) Lighting. Signs may be directly illuminated, indirectly illuminated, or non-illuminated as applies to the type of sign. (f) Animated signs are acceptable provided the length of display is appropriate. Each message shall be displayed for a period of at least eight (8) seconds. The sign shall remain blank (no messages or display) for at least one (1) second between displays. The messages and displays shall not appear in incremental stages or move across the changeable copy sign face. The software manufacturer and the software installer shall certify to the city that the software for the computer which controls the sign has been designed to and can only operate the sign at the approved on and off intervals. (§ II, Ord. 771, eff. December 4, 1987, as amended by §§ 8, 9, Ord. 937, eff. February 6, 1998)

Sec. 9-3.2835 Highway Commercial District (H-C). Permitted signage for the Highway Commercial District shall be as follows: (a) Type. (1) Signs may be wall, roof, freestanding, monument, canopy, under-canopy, or marquee. (2) Billboards may be allowed by use permit in undeveloped areas, subject to the standards set forth in subsection (j) of Section 9-3.2838 of this article. (b) Size. (1) Wall, canopy, under-canopy, roof, and marquee signs shall not exceed one square foot of aggregate sign display area for each lineal foot of building frontage to which the sign is attached. (2) One freestanding or monument sign with a maximum of fifty (50) square feet of display area shall be allowed on each street frontage of more than fifty (50') feet. (3) Where a street frontage is greater than 200 lineal feet, one freestanding or monument sign with a maximum of fifty (50) square feet of display area shall be allowed for each full 200 lineal feet of street frontage. (4) Where two (2) or more freestanding or monument signs are allowed on a single street frontage, one freestanding or monument sign with a maximum of 100 square feet of display area may be used in lieu of two (2) signs on the same frontage. (c) Height. (1) The maximum height of freestanding and monument signs shall be twenty (20') feet. (2) All other signs shall be located below the roof ridge line. (d) Location. All signs shall be located on private property and in accordance with the sign standards contained in this article. (e) Lighting. Signs may be directly illuminated, indirectly illuminated, or non-illuminated as applies to the type of sign. (f) Animated signs are acceptable provided the length of display is appropriate. Each message shall be displayed for a period of at least eight (8) seconds. The sign shall remain blank (no messages or display) for at least one (1) second between displays. The messages and displays shall not appear in incremental stages or move across the changeable copy sign face. The software manufacturer and the software installer shall certify to the city that the software for the computer which controls the sign has been designed to and can only operate the sign at the approved on and off intervals. (§ II, Ord. 771, eff. December 4, 1987, as amended by §§ 10, 11, Ord. 937, eff. February 6, 1998)

Sec. 9-3.2836 Planned Industrial District (PM). Permitted signage for the Planned Industrial District shall be as follows: (a) Type. (1) Signs may be wall, freestanding, monument, canopy, under-canopy, or marquee. (2) Billboards may be allowed by use permit in undeveloped areas, subject to the standards set forth in subsection (j) of Section 9-3.2838 of this article. (b) Size. (1) Wall, canopy, under-canopy, roof, and marquee signs shall not exceed one square foot of aggregate sign display area for each lineal foot of building frontage to which the sign is attached. (2) One freestanding or monument style sign with a maximum of fifty (50) square feet of display area shall be allowed on each street frontage of more than fifty (50') feet. (3) When an office, research, or industrial complex has more than one tenant, individual low-profile freestanding signs for each tenant may be permitted in lieu of a single freestanding sign for the site as set forth in subsection (2) of this subsection. Such low-profile signs shall be uniform in construction (except for copy) and shall not exceed four (4') feet in height, eight (8') feet in length, and two (2') feet in width per business. Such low-profile signs shall be limited to copy on one side and placed parallel to the street. (c) Height. (1) The maximum height of freestanding and monument signs shall be fifteen (15') feet. (2) All other signs shall be located below the roof ridge line. (d) Location. All signs shall be located on private property and in accordance with the sign standards contained in this article. (e) Lighting. Signs may be directly illuminated, indirectly illuminated, or non-illuminated as permitted for the sign type. (f) Animated signs are acceptable provided the length of display is appropriate. Each message shall be displayed for a period of at least eight (8) seconds. The sign shall remain blank (no messages or display) for at least one (1) second between displays. The messages and displays shall not appear in incremental stages or move across the changeable copy sign face. The software manufacturer and the software installer shall certify to the city that the software for the computer which controls the sign has been designed to and can only operate the sign at the approved on and off intervals. (§ II, Ord. 771, eff. December 4, 1987, as amended by § 12, Ord. 397, eff. February 6, 1998

Sec. 9-3.2837 General Industrial District (M). Permitted signage for the General Industrial District shall be as follows: (a) Type. (1) Signs may be wall, roof, freestanding, monument, canopy, under-canopy, or marquee. (2) Billboards may be allowed by use permit in undeveloped areas, subject to the standards set forth in subsection (j) of Section 9-3.2838 of this article. (b) Size. (1) Wall, canopy, under-canopy, roof, and marquee signs shall not exceed one square foot of aggregate sign display area for each lineal foot of building frontage to which the sign is attached. (2) One freestanding or monument sign with a maximum of fifty (50) square feet of display area shall be allowed on each street frontage of more than fifty (50') feet. (3) Where a street frontage is greater than 200 lineal feet, one freestanding or monument style sign with a maximum of fifty (50) square feet of display area shall be allowed for each full 200 lineal feet of street frontage. (4) Where two (2) or more freestanding or monument signs are allowed on a single street frontage, one freestanding or monument sign with a maximum of 100 square feet of display area may be used in lieu of two (2) signs on the same frontage. (c) Height. (1) The maximum height of freestanding and monument signs shall be twenty (20') feet. (2) All other signs shall be located below the roof ridge line. (d) Location. All signs shall be located on private property and in accordance with the sign standards contained in this article. (e) Lighting. Signs may be directly illuminated, indirectly illuminated, or non-illuminated as applies to the type of sign. (f) Animated signs are acceptable provided the length of display is appropriate. Each message shall be displayed for a period of at least eight (8) seconds. The sign shall remain blank (no messages or display) for at least one (1) second between displays. The messages and displays shall not appear in incremental stages or move across the changeable copy sign face. The software manufacturer and the software installer shall certify to the city that the software for the computer which controls the sign has been designed to and can only operate the sign at the approved on and off intervals. (§ II, Ord. 771, eff. December 4, 1987, as amended by §§ 13, 14, Ord. 937, eff. February 6, 1998)

Sec. 9-3.2838 Special use signs. The following standards shall be applicable to the following special use signs: (a)

Shopping center signs. A master signage plan shall be required for a shopping center pursuant to Section 9-3.2821(f). Such review shall insure that signs located within a shopping center are harmonious and of compatible design with the site and surrounding uses. (b) Gasoline price signs. One permanently mounted freestanding price sign per street frontage shall be allowed which sign lists information for each grade of gasoline, type of service available, and type of payment permitted when there is a difference in price for each separate case. Such signs indicating a single price or a combination of prices shall not exceed a total area of twenty (20) square feet, with a maximum height of five (5') feet, unless mounted on the freestanding business identification sign or the pump island supports, in which case the height shall not exceed the height allowed for the district. In addition to the gasoline signs permitted by this subsection, one or a combination of the following gasoline price sign locations, not to exceed twenty (20) square feet per street frontage, may be displayed: on-building or window locations; and pump island support locations. (c) Seasonal and temporary sales conducted outdoors. Signs for seasonal and temporary sales conducted outdoors shall have a maximum sign area of fifty (50) square feet total, individual signs shall be limited to twenty-five (25) square feet each, the maximum height shall be six (6') feet, shall be non-illuminated, and shall not affect traffic or parking spaces. There shall be one sign per street frontage, and such signs shall be approved by the Planning Director. (d) Temporary signs (other than window). (1) Temporary signs shall be limited to banners, posters, or pennants. Such signs may be used in conjunction with an event or sale, shall be displayed for fourteen (14) days maximum, and shall be limited to one such display four (4) times each year, with written notification given to the Planning Director. (2) Temporary signs shall be attached to the wall of the business unit for which the signs are advertising and shall be permitted only on those building elevations for which permanent wall signage is permitted. Temporary signs shall not be suspended across private property except as permitted in Section 9-3.2838(d)(3) and shall be prohibited on fences, freestanding signs, and flagpoles. (3) For vehicle dealerships (for cars, trucks, motorcycles, and boats, etc.) where outside display of merchandise is necessary and for temporary parking lot sales where merchandise is displayed outside with no overhead cover, temporary signs may be suspended upon private property.

(e)

(f)

(g)

(h)

Directory signs. Directory signs may be located on the site, shall not exceed twenty (20) square feet of display area per side, and shall be limited to one sign per major entrance, as approved by the Planning Director. Subdivision identification signs (permanent). Residential subdivisions may be allowed a permanent identification sign at one or more main entrances to the subdivision. Such signs may be freestanding, monument, wall, or fence-mounted, not over six (6') feet in height, not over thirty-two (32) square feet display area per entrance, and not more than two (2) signs per entrance. If located in a center island or public right-of-way, such signs shall be subject to an approved encroachment permit. Such signs shall be approved with the tentative map or by use permit. Subdivision sales signs (temporary/on-site). One on-site subdivision sales sign identifying the subdivision shall be allowed under the following conditions: (1) A tentative map for the development shall have been approved. (2) The display surface area shall not exceed 128 square feet per side, two (3) side maximum, and the sign shall not be over ten (10') feet in height. (4) The sign shall be located on private property, at least five (5') feet inside the property line, not within any corner vision triangle, and shall not constitute a traffic hazard. (5) The sign shall not be illuminated. (6) The sign shall be removed within two (2) years after erection, except that the Planning Director may grant oneyear extensions until ninety (90%) percent of the original sales is reached. Subdivision and residential development directional signs (temporary/off-site). Three off-site sales signs advertising the subdivision shall be allowed, for subdivisions/residential developments of five (5) or more lots, under the following conditions: (1) A final map for the subdivision or a subdivision phase shall have been recorded. (2) A building permit shall be obtained after submittal and review of all required plans, details and calculations and a Two Hundred and no/100ths ($200.00) Dollars cash performance bond posted for each sign to be returned at the time of removal of the sign. (3) The display surface area shall not exceed forty (40) square feet per side, two (2) side maximum, and the sign shall not exceed eight (8') feet in height. (4) The sign(s) shall be located on vacant private property, at least five (5') feet inside the property line, not within the corner vision triangle, and shall not constitute a traffic hazard. There shall be no more than one sign located on each individual legally subdivided parcel.

(5) (6)

(7)

(j)

The sign shall not be illuminated or contain any appurtenances such as flags or pennants. The sign shall be removed within two (2) years of construction or until occupancy release of the last unit in the subdivision whichever is first, except that the Planning Director may grant one year extensions until ninety (90%) percent of the original sales is reached. The sign shall be removed within two (2) years after erection, except that the Planning Division may grant one year extensions until ninety (90%) percent of the original sales is reached. (i) Standards for under-canopy signs. (1) Permits required. In addition to a sign review permit, any under-canopy sign over a public rightof-way shall require an encroachment permit. (2) Size. The maximum size of such signs shall be six (6) square feet. (3) Copy. The copy shall be limited to the identification of the business only. No advertising or advertising devices shall be permitted. (4) Materials. Such signs shall be constructed of natural wood. (5) Color. The color shall be natural or stained wood. The letters may be painted. (6) Sign structure. Such signs shall be suspended from the canopy by a chain of sufficient strength to support the weight of the sign. (7) Illumination. No illumination shall be permitted. (8) Quantity. The quantity shall be limited to one per business. (9) Double-facing. Both faces of such signs may be used to identify the business. (10) Minimum height. Such signs shall have a minimum eighth (8') foot clearance from the sidewalk. (11) Shape. Such signs shall be rectangular. (12) Maintenance. All portions of such signs, including the frame, background, supports, and anchorage, shall be maintained in proper repair. All sign surfaces shall be neatly painted. (13) Mitigation measures. All under-canopy signs shall be erected and maintained in accordance with the provisions of this article and any conditions attached to the issuance of the permit. Failure to abide by such provisions will result in the revocation of the permit and the removal of the sign.

Standards for billboard signs (nonappurtenant). (1) Size. (i) The maximum sign are shall be 300 square feet. The maximum height shall be twelve (12') feet.

(ii)

(iii)

The total maximum height of such signs shall not exceed twenty-five (25') feet from the grade. The minimum clearance rom the grade to the bottom of the sign shall be twelve (12') feet. Sign displays shall not be permitted within 500 feet of a four (4) corner intersection.

(2)

Spacing. The minimum distance between displays on the same side of the roadway shall be 500 feet. (ii) No sign display shall be permitted within 100 feet of a property division line or building. (iii) Sign displays shall not be permitted within 500 feet of a four (4) corner intersection. (3) Support structure. Such signs shall be supported by a single pole structure. (4) Prohibitions. (i) V-type, side-by-side, and back-to-back displays shall be prohibited. Advertising shall be permitted on both faces of a permitted display. (ii) Banners, balloons, flags, pennants, pinwheels, and similar attention getting devices shall be prohibited. (iii) Electrical illumination shall be permitted, excluding neon illumination. Reflective paint and reflective material shall be permitted. (iv) No moving parts or animation shall be permitted. (5) Identity. The identity of the owners of such signs shall be posted on the sign. (6) Structural safety. Such signs shall be constructed according to the Uniform Sign Code. (7) Maintenance. All portions of such signs, including the copy, frame, background, supports, and anchorage, shall be maintained and neatly painted. (8) Use permits. All billboard signs shall require a use permit for erection or modification. (9) Mitigation measures. All nonappurtenant signs shall be erected and maintained in accordance with the provisions of this article and any conditions attached to the issuance of the use permit. Failure to abide by such provisions will result in the revocation of the use permit and the removal of the sign. (§ II, Ord. 771, eff. December 4, 1987, as amended by § 1, Ord. 852, eff. February 1, 1992, and § 15, Ord. 937, eff. February 6, 1998) (i)

Part 4. Sign Permits Sec. 9-3.2841 Sign review permits required. Except as otherwise provided in this article, it shall be unlawful for any person to erect, alter, or relocate a sign within the City without first obtaining a sign review permit.

(§ II, Ord. 771, eff. December 4, 1987)

Sec. 9-3.2842 Procedure. (a)

(b)

Applications for sign review permits shall be in the number of copies and on the format designated by the Planning Director. Such applications shall be accompanied by a fee set by the Council and by such profiles, elevations, plot plans, drawings, photographs, color or material samples, and other pertinent information necessary to show what is requested. Such applications shall be filed in the office of the Planning Department. Only one sign review permit shall be required for each sign program. In processing sign applications, the following criteria shall be used to approve, conditionally approve, or disapprove: (1) The sign shall be consistent with the purpose and intent of this article. (2) The sign shall be consistent with the standards, exceptions, and prohibitions set forth in this article. (3) The sign's location and copy shall be best suited for visibility and safety.

(c)

The Planning Department shall review all sign review permit applications and shall either approve, approve with modifications, or deny applications in accordance with the requirements of this article and any other applicable requirements of Federal, State, or local laws. The Planning Director, however, may withhold action on an application until it is reviewed by the Commission if he feels there is a potential element of controversy regarding the following factors, which include, but are not limited to, size, color, type, face, shape, or other elements disharmonious, distracting, or incongruous with the site or the surrounding neighborhood. (§ II, Ord. 771, eff. December 4, 1987)

Sec. 9-3.2843 Variations of sign standards. Requests for variations of the sign standards set forth in this article shall be through use permits. (§ II, Ord. 771, eff. December 4, 1987)

Sec. 9-3.2844 Expirations and time extensions. (a)

The approval of a sign review permit or sign review application shall expire one year after its effective date, unless the sign has been erected or a different expiration date is stipulated at the time of approval. Prior to the expiration of a sign review permit or sign review approval, the applicant may apply to the Planning Director for an extension of one year from the date of the expiration. The Planning Director may make minor modifications or may deny further extensions of the approved sign at the time of extension if he finds there has been a substantial change in circumstances.

(b)

A sign review permit shall expire and become void if the circumstances or facts upon which the permit was granted change through some subsequent action by the owner or lessee so that the review permit would not be permitted under the new circumstances. (§ II, Ord. 771, eff. December 4, 1987)

Sec. 9-3.2845 Revocation. Upon due notice to the applicant, any sign review permit heretofore or hereafter granted may be revoked if the Planning Director determines that the sign or sign program for which the permit was granted: (a)

Advertises the availability or sale of goods, property, or services no longer available; or (b) Is not constructed, installed, or maintained in accordance with the approved application. To be sufficiently maintained, all signs, together with all supports, braces, guys, and anchors, shall be kept in a presentable condition and repair, including periodic repainting and cleaning, as well as the replacement of worn or defective parts. (§ II, Ord. 771, eff. December 4, 1987)

Part 5. Nonconforming Signs Sec. 9-3.2851 Unlawful signs. Every sign in existence on December 4, 1987, and which was prohibited or illegal at the time of installation, and which does not conform to the provisions of this article, shall be an illegal sign. Such signs shall be removed immediately upon notification of illegality. Failure to remove such signs shall be in violation of this article. Signs which are not constructed, maintained, or displayed pursuant to the requirements of this article, notwithstanding the other provisions of this article, for the purposes of this section, a change of copy or sign face shall not be deemed a discontinuance of use. However, for the purposes of this section, any structural alteration to any part of the sign shall be deemed a discontinuance of use. A nonconforming sign shall be made to conform immediately to the provisions of this article if: (a)

The owner, outside of a change of copy, requests permission to remodel and remodels a nonconforming sign display, or expands or enlarges the building or land use upon which the advertising display is located, or changes the use of the premises; (b) The owner relocates a sign; (c) There is an agreement between the owner and the City for the removal of a sign on a given date; (d) The sign display is temporary; (e) The sign display is or may become a danger to the public or is unsafe; or (f) The sign display constitutes a traffic hazard. (§ II, Ord. 771, eff. December 4, 1987)

Part 6. Violations: Enforcement Sec. 9-3.2861 Violations. Any person who violates any provision or fails to comply with any of the requirements of this article shall be guilty of an infraction or a misdemeanor. Each such person shall be guilty of a separate offense for each day during any portion of which any violation of any provision of this article is committed, continued, or permitted by such person and shall be punishable therefore as provided in this Code. (§ II, Ord. 771, eff. December 4, 1987)

Sec. 9-3.2862 Enforcement. It shall be the duty of the Planning Director or his designated representative to enforce this article. When a sign is erected upon public property, including the street right-ofway, in violation of the provisions of this article, and it is determined by the City that such sign is hazardous to the general welfare of the public, such sign may be removed without notice. The cost of the removal or alteration of any such sign and any expense incident thereto, which, by the terms of this section, shall be paid by a permittee, sign owner, property owner, or any other person, shall become a debt owing the City for the collection of which the City may maintain a civil action in its own name. (§ II, Ord. 771, eff. December 4, 1987)

Part 7. Definitions Sec. 9-3.2871 Definitions. For the purposes of this article, unless otherwise apparent from the context, certain words and phrases used in this article are defined as follows: (a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

"A frame sign" shall mean a portable sign with advertising messages mounted on one or two (2) surfaces with two (2) edges connected with the other two (2) edges spread so that the two (2) faces read from different directions. "Animated sign" shall mean a sign with action or motion or sound, whether by flashing lights, color, changes, wind, rotation, movement of any part of the sign or letters or part of the sign structure, or other motion. "Apartment/multi-family identification sign" shall mean a sign identifying an apartment or multi-family building or an apartment or multi-family by name and/or address. "Awning" shall mean a hood or cover which projects from the wall of a building of a type as to be able to be retracted, folded, or collapsed against the face of the supporting building. A fixed awning shall be treated as a marquee. "Banner" shall mean any cloth, bunting, plastic, paper, or similar non-rigid material attached to, or appended on or from, any structure, staff, pole, line, or framing upon which there is an advertising message or which is intended for promotion.

(f)

(g) (h)

(i)

(j)

(k)

(l)

(m) (n)

(o)

(p)

(q)

(r) (s) (t)

"Barber pole" shall mean a rotating or stationary cylindrical pole, of the traditional red, white, and blue spiral striped design, identifying the premises as a barber shop. "Base of the sign structure" shall mean the structural component of a freestanding sign located below the sign face. "Billboard" shall mean any sign which directs attention to a business, commodity, service, industry, or other activity which is not sold, offered or conducted on the premises upon which such sign is located, or to which it is affixed. "Development sign" shall mean any sign erected during the construction and development of industrial or residential subdivisions, office complexes, apartment complexes, or shopping centers. "Directional or informational sign" shall mean a sign giving only information and direction to the viewer and containing no advertising message. "Direct illumination" shall mean a light source in which the light rays go through the face of the sign. "Direct illumination" shall include illuminated tubing and strings of lights. "Directory sign" shall mean any sign which includes only the names and locations of businesses, firms, offices, residential complexes, or establishments but does not otherwise promote or advertise the business or residential complex. "Display surface" shall mean the area made available by the sign structure for the purpose of displaying the message. "Display surface area" shall mean and include the sum of the separate display surfaces of a sign, including the reverse side of any sign when the reverse side actually may be viewed from any City street, expressway, freeway, or other public right-of-way. The area of each display surface shall be computed by calculating the area of the circle, square, triangle, rectangle, or combination of such geometric designs necessary to enclose such surface. "Flag" shall mean a fabric, textile, or material of any shape or size, with colors, patterns, and the like used as a symbol of a nation, state, government, political subdivision company, or the like. "Flashing sign" shall mean any sign which has any flashing device, intermittent illumination, revolving or rotating lighting device, or constant lighting device in which the brilliance thereof is caused to vary by mechanical or other means. "Freestanding sign" shall mean a sign which is supported by one or more uprights, poles, or braces that are placed on, or anchored in, the ground and that are independent from any building or other structure. "Front/frontage" shall mean that portion of a lot or building elevation which faces a street or has a main public entrance. "Gasoline price sign" shall mean an on-premises sign identifying the grade and/or type and price of gasoline sold. "Governmental or other sign required by law" shall mean a sign placed in any area of the City by a governmental entity or private individual or business as required by Federal, State, or local laws.

(u) (v)

(w)

(x)

(y)

(z)

(aa)

(ab) (ac)

(ad)

(ae)

(af)

(ag)

(ah)

(ai)

"Graphic" shall mean and include all lettering, logos, pictures, symbols, patterns, and depictions, including color, on a sign. "Height" shall mean the distance from the sidewalk or roadbed grade nearest the base of the sign to the top of the highest element of the sign. Where there is no sidewalk, the grade of the roadbed nearest the sign shall be used. "I frame sign" shall mean a portable sign, with advertising messages mounted on one or two (2) surfaces, which has a base making the sign readable from different directions. "Identification sign" shall mean a sign which serves to tell only the name, address, and lawful use of the occupant or building upon which the sign is located. "Illuminated sign" shall mean a sign in which an artificial source of light is used in order to make the message readable. "Illuminated sign" shall include internally and externally lighted signs and reflectorized, flowing, or radiating signs. "Institutional sign" shall mean a sign identifying the premises of, or announcing the activities conducted by, a church, school, hospital, rest home, or similar institutional facility. "Instructional sign" shall mean any sign which does not contain advertising or promotional matter but relates solely to traffic or pedestrian control, warnings, or hours of operation. "Logo" shall mean the name, symbol, emblem, insignia, or trademark of a company or organization. "Marquee sign" shall mean any sign which is on top, attached to the face, or suspended below a marquee, canopy, cantilevered covered walkway, or arcade, whether parallel to or at right angles to the face of the building. "Monument style sign" shall mean a freestanding sign where the height of the sign is equal to or less than the length of the base of the sign and having a maximum height of ten (10') feet. The area below the sign copy shall be solid from the ground to the lower edge of the copy area. "Major tenant" shall mean a tenant in a business center leasing a large portion of the leasable space in such center. The minimum size of a major tenant shall be 7,000 square feet. "Nonconforming sign" shall mean a sign which was legal at the time it was erected but does not accord or comply with the requirements of this article or an amendment to this article. "Office complex" shall mean three (3) or more buildings collectively containing at least 12,000 square feet of building area located on one or more contiguous parcels and which utilize common off-street parking and access. "On-site" or "accessory sign" shall mean a sign which directs attention to a business, commodity, service, industry, or other activity which is sold, offered, or conducted on the premises upon which such sign is located or to which it is affixed. "Parking lot sign" shall mean a sign placed or displayed on a parking lot to supply information to people using such lot, including with respect to liability, as well as entry, exits, and directional

(aj)

(ak)

(al)

(am)

(an)

(ao)

(ap)

(aq) (ar) (as)

(at) (au)

(av)

(aw)

information, as is necessary to facilitate the safe movement of vehicles served by the parking area. "Pennant" shall mean any lightweight plastic, fabric, or other material, whether or not containing a message of any kind, suspended from a rope, wire, or string, usually in a series, designed to move in the wind. "Person" shall mean any natural person, firm, association, organization, partnership, trust, or association of persons, joint venture, corporation or company, and any officer or agent thereof. "Political sign" shall mean a sign associated with a candidate for elected office, political party, or ballot measure or which makes a political statement. "Portable sign" shall mean a sign which is capable of being carried or moved by manual or mechanical means from one location to another. "Privilege sign" shall mean a standardized sign supplied at a nominal cost or fee to a retailer wherein a prominent portion of the sign face, by text and/or style, identifies the product of the regional or national distributor or manufacturer, and the remainder of the sign face is available to identify the local retailer. "Projecting sign" shall mean a sign characterized by its attachment at an angle or perpendicular to the face of a building as opposed to being mounted flat on the surface of a building. Any sign which extends twelve (12") inches or more beyond the building surface to which the sign is attached shall be considered a projecting sign. "Public entrance" shall mean an entrance into a building recognized as a main or principal entrance. A fire exit only doorway shall not be included as a public entrance. "Reader board sign" shall mean the same as "changeable copy sign" together with "portable sign". "Real estate sign" shall mean a sign offering developed or undeveloped real property for sale, lease, or rent. "Roof line" shall mean a horizontal plane projected parallel to the plane of the roof fascia line or top of a parapet wall or an angular plane projected parallel to the verge rafter of a gable roof. "Roof ridge line" shall mean the peak of the roof, top of a parapet, or the top of the wall of a building. "Roof sign" shall mean any sign erected upon or above the roof ridge line of a building or placed above the apparent flat roof or eaves of a building. "Shopping center" shall mean two (2) or more businesses which function(s) as an integral unit on a single parcel or on contiguous parcels and which utilizes common off-street parking and access. "Sign" shall mean any announcement, declaration, demonstration, display, illustration, insignia, surface or space, when erected outof-doors (or indoors in case of a window sign) and in view of the general public for identification, advertisement or promotion of the interests of any person. "Sign" does not include any of the following: (1) Official notices issued by any court or public body or officer;

(2)

Notices posted by any public officer in performance of a public duty or by any person in giving any legal notice; (3) Directional warning or information signs or structures required by or authorized by law or by Federal, State, County, or local authority; (4) A sign erected near a City or County boundary that contains the name of that City or County and the names of, or any other information regarding, civic, fraternal, or religious organizations located within that City or County. (ax) "Sign clearance" shall mean the vertical distance between the bottom of a sign and the sidewalk or roadbed grade nearest the base of a sign. (ay) "Sign structure" shall mean any structure which supports or is capable of supporting any sign. A sign structure may or may not be an integral part of a building. For the purposes of a freestanding sign, the sign structure shall include the aggregate area of the sign, including the sign copy and all structural elements of the sign. (az) "Subdivision directional sign" shall mean an off-premises sign providing information on the location of a subdivision whose lots, parcels, or units are being offered for sale, lease, or rent. (ba) "Subdivision identification sign" shall mean an on-premises sign advertising developed or undeveloped real property which has been divided into five (5) or more lots, parcels, or units for sale, lease, or rent. (Signs advertising fewer than five (5) such lots shall be treated as "real estate signs".) (bb) "Temporary sign" shall mean and include any sign approved for display for a set length of time. (bc) "Under-canopy sign" shall mean a sign suspended no lower than seven (7') feet above the public right-of-way under a canopy or awning of a building which sign identifies a business, profession, or industry conducted on the premises by name only. (bd) "Vehicle sign" shall mean a sign on a vehicle used for the purpose of advertising a business location, a special sale, or the like by any means. (be) "Wall sign" shall mean any sign painted on or attached parallel to the wall facing of a building and projecting not more than twelve (12") inches from the building face. (bf) "Window sign" shall mean any sign displayed on the inside or outside of a window facing and visible from a public street, walkway, or parking lot, or a parking lot, pedestrian plaza, or walkway accessible to the public. (§ II, Ord. 771, eff. December 4, 1987, as amended by § 16, Ord. 937, eff. February 6, 1998, § 2, Ord. 1038, eff. August 17, 2005, and § 2, Ord. 1039, eff. October 1, 2005)

Part 8. Uniform Sign Code Sec. 9-3.2881 Adoption of the Uniform Sign Code. For the purpose of providing minimum standards to safeguard life, health, property, and the public welfare by regulating and controlling the design, quality, materials, construction, location, electrification, and maintenance of all signs and sign structures within the City not located within buildings, that certain Code designated as the "Uniform Building Code, Volume V, Signs, 1967 Edition," published by the International Conference of Building Officials, three (3) copies of which are on file in the office of the City Clerk for public record and inspection, is hereby adopted by reference and made a part of this article as though set forth in this article in full, subject, however, to the amendments, additions, and deletions set forth in this article, and said Code shall be known as the Sign Code for the City. (§ II, Ord. 771, eff. December 4, 1987)

Sec. 9-3.2882 Amendments: Section S-103. Subsections (e) and (f) are hereby added to Section S-103 of said Sign Code to read as follows: Sec. S-103. Enforcement. (e) Permits Revocable at Any Time. All rights and privileges acquired under the provisions of this Code, or any amendment thereto, shall be mere licenses revocable at any time by the City Council, and all such permits shall contain this provision. (f) Removal of Certain Signs. Any sign now or hereafter existing which no longer advertises a bona fide business conducted or a product sold shall be taken down and removed by the owner, agent, or person having the beneficial use of the building or structure upon which such sign may be found within ten (10) days after written notification from the City Inspector, and, upon failure to comply with such notice within the time specified in such notification, the City Inspector is hereby authorized to cause the removal of such sign, and any expense incident thereto shall be paid by the owner of the building or structure to which such sign is attached or benefitted. (§ II, Ord. 771, eff. December 4, 1987)

Sec. 9-3.2883 Amendments: Section S-304. Section S-304 of said Sign Code is hereby amended to read as follows: Sec. S-304. Permit Fees. Except for signs specifically exempted from the requirements of permits and permit fees, every applicant for a sign permit, at the time of making an application therefor, shall pay to the City Inspector a fee which shall be determined on the basis of the area of the advertising surface of such sign in accordance with the following schedule: TABLE INSET:

Area of Advertising Surface

Fee

100 square feet or less

$5.00

100 to 200 square feet

6.00

200 to 300 square feet

7.00

300 to 400 square feet

8.00

400 to 500 square feet

9.00

500 to 600 square feet

10.00

600 square feet and over

11.00

For the purposes of this Code, the advertising surface of only one side of doublefaced signs shall be used in determining the advertising area. For the purposes of determining the permit fee for one or more signs erected upon one location at one time, only one permit shall be required, and the amount of the permit fee shall be determined by the sum of the areas of the signs to be erected at such location under such permit. (§ II, Ord. 771, eff. December 4, 1987)

Sec. 9-3.2884 Amendments: Section S-1501. Section S-1501 is hereby added to said Sign Code to read as follows: Sec. S-1501. Liability for Damages. The provisions of this Code shall not be construed as relieving or limiting in any way the responsibility or liability of any person erecting or owning any sign for personal injuries or property damages resulting from the placing of such signs or resulting from the negligence or wilful acts of such person, or his agents, employees, or workmen, in the construction, maintenance, repair, or removal of any sign erected in accordance with a permit issued pursuant to the provisions of this Code; nor shall the provisions of this Code be construed as imposing upon the City or its officers or employees any responsibility or liability by reason of the approval of any sign, material, or device subject to the provisions of this Code. (§ II, Ord. 771, eff. December 4, 1987)

Sec. 9-3.2885 Amendments: Section S-1502. Section S-1502 is hereby added to said Sign Code to read as follows: Sec. S-1502. Signs Not to Constitute Traffic Hazards. No sign or other advertising structure regulated by this Code shall be erected at the intersections of streets in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision or at any location where, by reason of position, shape, or color, the sign or advertising structure may interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal, or device, and no sign or other advertising structure shall be erected which makes use of the words "Stop", "Look", "Drive-in", "Danger", or any other word, phrase, symbol, or character in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead, or confuse traffic. (§ II, Ord. 771, eff. December 4, 1987)

Sec. 9-3.2886 Amendments: Section S-1503. Section S-1503 is hereby added to said Sign Code to read as follows: Sec. S-1503. Nonconforming Signs. Every sign or other advertising structure in existence on September 3, 1969, which violates or does not conform to the provisions of this Code or any other law of the City shall be removed, altered, or replaced so as to

conform to the provisions of this Code or any other law of the City on or before October 3, 1974. (§ II, Ord. 771, eff. December 4, 1987)

Sec. 9-3.2887 Violations: Penalties. Any person violating any of the provisions of this article or of the Sign Code, or who shall fail to comply with any provision thereof, or who shall violate or fail to comply with any order made thereunder, or build in violation of any detailed statement of specifications or plans submitted and approved thereunder, or any certificate or permit issued thereunder, and from which no appeal has been taken, or who shall fail to comply with such an order as affirmed or modified by the Council or by a court of competent jurisdiction within the time fixed therein, for each and every separate violation and noncompliance, respectively, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be punishable as set forth in Chapter 2 of Title 1 of this Code. The imposition of one penalty for any violation of the provisions of this article or the Sign Code shall not excuse the violation or permit it to continue, and any such person violating the provisions of this article or the Sign Code shall be required to correct or remedy such violation or defect within a reasonable time, and, when not otherwise specified, each ten (10) days prohibitive conditions are maintained shall constitute a separate offense. The application of the penalties set forth in this section shall not be held to prevent the enforced removal of prohibitive conditions. (§ II, Ord. 771, eff. December 4, 1987)

LOS Banos At the Crossroads of California

PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT TO:

CHAIR VIVEROS AND COMMISSIONERS

FROM:

STACY SOUZA, ASSISTANT

PLANNE~

THROUGH: PAULA FITZGERALD, AICP, PLANNING DIRECTOR FOR:

PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF JANUARY 27, 2010

SUBJECT:

VARIANCE 2010-01

RECOMMENDATIONS:

1 That the Planning Commission makes the appropriate findings and approves Variance #2010-01 for a reduction in onsite parking at 1025 Fifth Street. .

"

..

, Variance #201,q...01

PROJECT BACKGROUNDIDESCRIPTION:

The property at 1025 Fifth Street was purchased by Doctor Youssef Hadweh to be used as a medical facility The site currently has two buildings on one parcel, one of which is an existing doctor's office and the other an existing house. The applicant is proposing to demolish the existing house and add 170 square feet of storage area to the existing office The requested variance would relieve the hardship of providing 9 off-street parking spaces for a medical facility The applicant is proposing to remove the existing small house adjacent to the alley to facilitate onsite parking as required by the Los Banos Municipal Code, Section 9-3 1904 According to the Code the applicant is required to provide 9 spaces, however, due to the constraints of the lot, only 7 parking spaces can

Resolution 2010-03 Variance #2010-01

Planning Commission J anuary 27,2010

2

be achieved while still maintaining the City's landscape standards. Currently the site does not contain any onsite parking; therefore, the applicant would be reducing a nonconformity while still achieving the desired landscaping Without the variance the applicant would not be able to achieve the amount of landscaping required for the parking lot and there would not be any connectivity allowed for pedestrians between the parking lot and the medical office Staff believes the variance is more appropriate to alleviate parking requirements rather than landscaping requirements as there is adequate on-street parking . LOCATION AND ACCESS:

The project site is located at 1025 Fifth Street, more specifically identified as Assessor's Parcel Number' 026-051-015

LAND USE: Property Project site North South East West

Land Use Professional Office Commercial Non-Profit Organization Residential Residential

C-1 = Retail Commercial R-2 =Medium Density Residential DO =Downtown District

Zone R-3 C-1 R-1 C-1 R-2

General Plan DO DD DO DO DO

R-1 =Low Density Residential R-3 = High Density/ Professional Office

Resolution 2010-03 Variance #2010-01

3

Planning Commission January 27, 2010

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the City of Los Banos Environmental Quality Guidelines, it has been determined that this project is categorically exempt from the provisions of CEQA - Article 19, Section 15301 - Existing Facilities. VARIANCE ANALYSIS Code Requirements Pursuant to Section 9-3.2223 of the Los Banos Municipal Code, a variance may be granted when the application of the Code more stringently burdens one parcel of land than others without serving the public good According to Section 9-3.2225 the following findings are required before any variance can be granted 1 Because of special circumstances applicable to the property, including size, shape, topography, location or surroundings, the strict application of this Code deprives such property of privileges enjoyed by the other property in the vicinity and under identical zoning classifications, and 2 The granting of the variance is subject to such conditions as will assure that the adjustment thereby authorized shall not constitute a grant or special privileges inconsistent with the limitations upon other properties in the vicinity and zone in which such property is situated, 3 The variance does not authorize a use or activity which is not otherwise expressly authorized by the zone regulations governing the parcel of property; 4 That the granting of the variance would not be contrary to the intent of this chapter or to the public safety, health, and welfare, and 5 That granting the variance or its modifications will not be inconsistent with the City of Los Banos General Plan-

Staff believes the variance is appropriate in that the application of the Municipal Code would not allow the use of the existing facility based on its regulations. According to Section 9-31904 of the Los Banos Municipal Code, medical uses are required to provide 1 off-street parking space per each 200 square feet of gross floor area. The medical facility will consist of 1,748 square feet with the removal of one of the buildings, which would require 9 parking spaces. Staff believes that because of special circumstances applicable to the property, strict adherence to the code would burden this property more than others in the area without serving the public good. The applicant is trying to still provide onsite parking; however, due to the constraint of the lot only 7 parking spaces can be achieved The lot is situated on a corner which provides for ample on-street parking Furthermore, the applicant will be providing sufficient landscaping as required by the City's landscape standards PUBLIC COMMENT: A public hearing notice was published in the Los Banos Enterprise and notices were provided to adjacent property owners within a 300 foot radius of the subject property on January 15,2010 As of the date of this staff report, no comments have been received

Resolution 2010-03 Variance #2010-01

4

Planning Commission January 27, 2010

CONCLUSION: This permit would allow the use of a medical facility to provide health care for the community of Los Banos. Staff believes the requested variance meets the criteria of the Los Banos Municipal Code and is conforming to the Los Banos General Plan.

APPLICABLE ORDINANCES/GUIDELINES: Los Banos General Plan - LU 11 1 Los Banos Municipal Code - Section 9-3.1904, 9-3.2223; 9-3.2225

RECOMMENDATIONS: 1, That the Planning Commission makes the appropriate findings and approves Variance #2010-01 for the reduction in off-street parking at 1025 Fifth Street. ATTACHMENTS: 1. Resolution #2010-03 approving Variance #2010-01 Exhibit A Exhibit B Exhibit C 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

CEQA Findings Project Findings Conditions of Approval

Site Plan Vicinity Map Project Description Site Specific Zoning Map Site Photos

RESOLUTION No. 2010-03 A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LOS BANOS APPROVING VARIANCE 2010-01 FOR A REDUCTION IN THE AMOUNT OF REQUIRED OFF-STREET PARKING FOR A MEDICAL FACILITY AT 1025 FIFTH STREET PROJECT NAME AND NUMBER: Youssef Hadweh - Variance #2010-01 PROJECT DESCRIPTION: A variance to reduce the required parking of 9 spaces needed for a medical facility per Section 9-3.1904 of the Los Banos Municipal Code to 7 spaces LOCATION: 1025 Fifth Street; more specifically described as Assessor's Parcel Number' 026051-015 PROJECT APPLICANT AND PROPERTY OWNER: Youssef Hadweh

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 9-3 1904 of the Los Banos Municipal Code a medical office is required to provide 1 off-street parking space per each 200 square feet of gross floor area, and WHEREAS, the applicant has requested that the City of Los Banos consider a Variance to allow a reduction of off-street parking from the required 9 spaces to 7 spaces for a medical facility at 1025 Fifth Street; further identified as Assessor's Parcel Number' 026-051-015; and WHEREAS, a public hearing notice was advertised in the Los Banos Enterprise on January 15, 2010 and mailed to property owners within 300 feet of the site as required by the Los Banos Municipal Code and Government Code Section 65091, and WHEREAS, the Los Banos Planning Commission has held a public hearing, reviewed said Variance request and staff report, has studied the compatibility of the applicant's request with adjacent land uses and has considered this request in accordance with the required findings for a Variance established in Section 9-3.2225 of the Los Banos Municipal Code BASED ON THE EVIDENCE PRESENTED AT THE PUBLIC HEARING the Planning Commission of the City of Los Banos hereby makes the following

findings pursuant to Section 9-3.2223 of the Los Banos Municipal Code and CEQA relating to this variance request, and more specifically set forth in Exhibit A (California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Findings), and Exhibit B (Findings for Approval), attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference. 1 Because of special circumstances applicable to the property, the strict application of the Los Banos Municipal Code deprives the property at 1025 Fifth Street of privileges enjoyed by other property in the vicinity and under identical zoning classifications, and 2. The granting of the variance is subject to such conditions as will assure that the adjustment thereby authorized shall not constitute a grant or special privileges inconsistent with the limitations upon other properties in the vicinity and zone in which such property is situated, and 3. The variance does not authorize a use or activity which is not otherwise expressly authorized by the zone regulations governing the parcel of property; and 4 The granting of the variance would not be contrary to the intent of the Zoning Code or to the public safety, health and welfare; and 5 Granting the variance will nor be inconsistent with the City of Los Banos General Plan; and 6. Variance 2010-01 has been determined to be categorically exempt from the provisions of CEQA per Article 19, Section 15301 - Existing Facilities. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that based upon the foregoing the Planning Commission of the City of Los Banos does hereby approve Variance #2010-01 for a reduction in off-street parking for a medical facility at 1025 Fifth Street, subject to the Conditions of Approval set forth in Exhibit C, attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference.

The foregoing resolution was introduced at a regular meeting of the Planning Commission of the City of Los Banos held on the 2th day of January 2010 by Planning Commissioner who moved its adoption, which motion was duly seconded by Planning Commissioner , and the Resolution adopted by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT APPROVED:

Erasmo Viveros, Chairman

ATTEST

Norma Fuentes, Planning Commission Secretary

EXHIBIT A CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) FINDINGS FOR VARIANCE #2010-01 -1025 FIFTH STREET Pursuant to the requirements of California Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq (CEQA) and Title 14, California Code of Regulations 15000 et seq. (the CEQA Guidelines), the City as Lead Agency under CEQA adopts the following findings required by CEQA, along with the facts and evidence upon which each finding is based The City of Los Banos Planning Commission hereby finds as fOllows. 1 Pursuant to CEQA, the CEQA Guidelines, and the City of Los Banos Environmental Guidelines, the project was evaluated within the context of those guidelines and found to be categorically exempt from the provisions of CEQA - Article 19, Section 15301 Existing Facilities. 2. Variance 2010-01 was adequately noticed on January 15, 2010 to be considered at a public meeting on January 27,2010 3

No further environmental documentation is required as the Variance was contemplated and adequately analyzed in the initial review

4

The proposal is consistent with the Los Banos General Plan as it meets the use and density standards specified within

5 The proposal is consistent with the Los Banos Zoning Ordinance as it meets the use and development standards specified within.

Resolution 2010-03 Variance #2010-01

Planning Commission January 27, 2010

4

CONCLUSION:

This permit would allow the use of a medical facility to provide health care for the community of Los Banos. Staff believes the requested variance meets the criteria of the Los Banos Municipal Code and is conforming to the Los Banos General Plan.

APPLICABLE ORDINANCES/GUIDELINES:

Los Banos General Plan - LU 11 1 Los Banos Municipal Code - Section

9-3~ 1904,

9-3.2223; 9-3.2225

RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. That the Planning Commission makes the appropriate findings and approves Variance #2010-01 for the reduction in off-street parking at 1025 Fifth Street. ATTACHMENTS:

1. Resolution #2010-03 approving Variance #2010-01 Exhibit A Exhibit B Exhibit C 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

CEQA Findings Project Findings Conditions of Approval

Site Plan Vicinity Map Project Description Site Specific Zoning Map Site Photos

EXHIBIT B FINDINGS FOR APPROVAL OF VARIANCE 2010-01 -1025 FIFITH STREET

FINDINGS FOR APPROVAL. The City of Los Banos Planning Commission hereby finds as follows 1 Due to special circumstances applicable to the property, including size, shape, topography, location or surroundings, the strict application of the Los Banos Municipal Code deprives such property of privileges enjoyed by the other property in the vicinity and under identical zoning classifications in that the subject parcel is constrained in size with an existing building which does not permit the use of 9 spaces while maintaining the required landscaping in accordance with City Standards Furthermore, the applicant is trying to reduce the non-conformity by still providing 7 spaces, where no off-street parking currently exists. 2 The granting of the variance is subject to such conditions as will assure that the adjustment thereby authorized shall not constitute a grant or special privileges inconsistent with the limitations upon other properties in the vicinity and zone in which such property is situated in that the variance is subject to conditions expressed in Exhibit C attached herein by reference 3 The variance does not authorize a use or activity which is not otherwise expressly authorized by the zone regulations governing the parcel of property in that the reduction of off-street parking from 9 spaces to 7 permits the use of a medical facility in the High Residential! Professional District in an existing building previously used as a medical office 4 That the granting of the variance would not be contrary to the intent of the Zoning Ordinance or to the public safety, health, and welfare in that the operational characteristics of the medical facility will operate in conformance with the City's development standards and will provide a health care option for the community 5. That the granting of the variance or its modifications will not be inconsistent with the City of Los Banos general plan in that the use of the medical facility promotes the mixed-uses in the area which is a policy within the general plan.

EXHIBITC CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL FOR VARIANCE 2010~01 -1025 FIFTH STREET

Planning:

1. The Variance is for a reduction in off-street parking to permit 7 spaces where 9 spaces is required for a medical facility according to Section 9-3_1904 at 1025 Fifth Street; more specifically identified as Assessor's Parcel Number' 026-051-015. 2 The Planning Commission reserves the right to review and/or revoke this permit should the City receive complaints related to the permitted variance or should the applicant not adhere to the Conditions of Approval. 3 The applicant agrees to indemnify, hold harmless, and defend the City of Los Banos, its officers, agents and employees from any and all liability or claims that may be brought against the City of Los Banos arising out of its approval of this permit, or the environmental determination rendered in connection with the permit approval, or arising out of the operation of the use or uses allowed under the permit, save and except that caused solely by the City's active negligence 4 The premises shall be operated as a medical facility as described in the project description prepared by the applicant and filed with the Planning Department. Any significant change in the primary use or operation shall require an amendment to the variance granted 5 The premises of the subject site shall not be inconsistent with the Conditions of Approval or filed operational statement, which shall constitute a violation and may result in the revocation or modification of the permit upon written notice to the owner of the subject site. 6 Authorization of a Variance granted pursuant to the provisions of Section 9-3.2225 of the Los Banos Municipal Code shall run with the land and shall continue to be valid upon change of ownership of the site or structure which was the subject of the variance application provided the use shall be limited to all provisions of the Municipal Code and all conditions placed on approval of the variance are continually met.

Family Health Medical Center, Inc. Project Description: The Family Health Medical Center is a project on the comer of 5th and K Street in Los Banos, CA. The current use is an orthodontist office building; the proposed use will be a medical facility. There are currently two buildings on the site, the northern building will be demolished and the southern building will remain. An onsite parking lot will be constructed in place of the demolished building to serve the remaining building. The General Plan Designation is Downtown District and current zoning is high Density Residential. The surrounding area includes a church to the south, residential areas to the east and west, and a Wells Fargo Bank to the north. There is no off-site infrastructure planned. The parking lot and building expansion is the only onsite infrastructure planned.

High Densityl Professional District 7

D

Low Density Residential

D

Retail Commercial

D

Medium Density Residential

Building to remain (left), building to be demolished (right), alley. From 5th Street.

K Street, building to remain (left), building to be demolished (right). From 5th Street.

Building to remain shown at location of proposed expansion. From 5th Street sidewalk.

5th Street sidewalk view towards K Street.

Building to remain from 5th Street sidewalk view towards K Street.

LEGEND ---

EXISTING CURB

--EP--

EXISTING EDGE OF PAVEMENT

e -x-x-

c

~ rJ o 0

EXISTING TREE EXISTING FENCE

t--)

EXISTING UTI LIlY POLE W/ GUY WIRE

[=-J

EXISTING CONCRETE

®

EXISTING GAS STUB

~

EXISTING ELECTRICAL BOX/METER

EX. WOOD _______ FENCE

~ ~

"

'~~

___ L~

.v

~~~

PROPOSED PARKING LOT

-'Lr-,-'"':",··-··~~-~I\~~~~··--'--'--'~"" \