HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/20/1997, 2 - COMPREHENSIVE AMENDMENT TO THE CITY'S SIGN REGULATIONS (TA 31-95) jcouncil °� zo 9 17
acEnda Repout
CITYOF SAN LUIS 0 B 1 S P 0
FROM: Arnold Jonas, Community Development Director a
Prepared By: Ronald Whisenand, Development Revi w Manager
SUBJECT: Comprehensive Amendment to the City's Sign Regulations(TA 31-95)
CAO RECOMN ENDATION
Introduce an ordinance to print amending the City's Sign Regulations (Chapter 15.40 of the San Luis
Obispo Municipal Code).
DISCUSSION
Back and
The Architectural Review Commission(ARC)has long identified a comprehensive amendment to the
City's sign regulations as a priority goal for the City. The City's current sign regulations were first
adopted in 1977 and have received only a few minor amendments since that time. On several
occasions over the past few years,the ARC has been faced with situations where the sign regulations
no longer reflect proper planning and good community design This comprehensive update(attached)
culminates an extensive effort by the ARC, community organizations, and design professionals in
crafting clear and easy to follow sign regulations.
When researching the sign regulations work programs staff reviewed our current sign regulations and
compared them to ordinances from several other quality conscious communities. In addition, staff
wanted to get community organizations, local sign makers, and neighborhood groups involved early
on in the update process. Following this research and public input stage, it was staffs conclusion
that our current sign standards are fairly reflective of our community's goal to avoid sign clutter and
blight, but that the regulations are hard to follow and need to better fit real-life situations.
Proposed Changes
The central purpose for the amendment program is to improve the format of the sign regulations and
make them easier to follow by staf, the ARC, and the community. Staff kept the following goals in
mind when drafting the proposed update:
► Improved organization of the regulations and use of sign graphics for easier reference;
► Clarification of regulations, processing procedures, and City policy on sign control;
► Provision of guidelines for sign evaluation;
Modified standards to better meet the practical needs of the community and the intent of the
Council Agenda Report - Comprehensive Sign Regulations Amendment
Page 2
regulations; and
Policy and regulatory consistency with other City documents including newly adopted
General Plan policies.
One of the primary accomplishments that was achieved with the ordinance update was improved
organization ofthe regulations thereby malting them easier to understand and use. For example, the
existing ordinance contains application procedures and sign standards in several different sections.
You can not rely on a given section because there are often additional or clarifying standards that are
located elsewhere in the document. Related information is now grouped together. In addition, the
ordinance includes a series of new graphics in order to clarify definitions and better illustrate specific
sign standards.
A second problem area that staff and the ARC addressed were the"holes" in our current regulations
where no standards for specific types of signs were included. Examples include regulations on the
use of certain signs, such as banners, inflatable signs, vehicle signs, awning signs, painted window
signs, portable signs, and new subdivision identification signs. The update describes each of these
sign types and notes whether they are prohibited, exempt, or allowed under certain circumstances.
Perhaps one of the most important components with any sign ordinance is clear procedures for the
processing of sign permits, exceptions to sign standards, and provisions for appeals of sign decisions.
The update has improved the format of the sign permit provisions with a more comprehensive
explanation of the application process. In addition, the update includes detailed standards for
evaluation of sign permit applications so that the applicant, staff, and ARC Commissioners can share
a common understanding of how sign proposals will be addressed.
Finally, there are several other changes that have been made to the general and zone specific sign
standards. A more detailed review of those changes can be found in the attached ARC staff report.
Public Review and Input
Notice of the draft update was mailed on June 7, 1996 to roughly 40 sign companies, neighborhood
groups,the Business Improvement Association(BIA), and the Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber
suggested some criteria for cabinet signs and opposed any reduction in total sign area for the C-C and
C-R zones. Chamber of Commerce and BIA comments and recommendations were incorporated into
the draft update and were accepted by the ARC. These community business organizations support
Council adoption of the recommended changes.
Follow-un Requirements
With any change in land use regulations, existing development may become nonconforming.
Changing sign standards is no exception and in fact is a recognized component of the regulations
update(Article VI). Fortunately, the standards for most signs will not become more restrictive than
our existing standards. However, it is anticipated that some nonconforming situations will occur.
Council Agenda Report - Comprehensive Sign Regulations Amendment
Page 3
In the past, nonconforming signs were subject to a City adopted amortization program, where
specified time limits were given to individual property owners to bring non-conforming signs into
compliance with current standards. These time periods have run and a number of the nonconforming
signs have been removed. There are several signs however, that have yet to be removed or made to
conform. It would be stafFs goal as a follow-up to the updated sign ordinance, to reactivate this past
amortization program,and gain compliance city-wide.
One of the first things that will be needed following adoption of these regulations will be for staff to
complete a survey of existing nonconforming signs that were previously subject to amortization. As
stated above, several ofthose signs have already been removed. Staff will then reactivate the City's
past amortization program and gain compliance through notification and possible abatement.
Other tasks that will assist implementing the update include preparation of a revised sign permit
application checklist to help applicants understand exactly what is required to complete an
application. In addition, staff will need to flag properties in the computerized land use inventory to
assist staff in identifying existing nonconforming or amortized signs that need to be removed or
modified.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Adopt the Ordinance with amendment;
2. Retain existing City Sign Regulations; or
3. Continue, with direction to staff.
Attachments
Draft Ordinance
Sign Regulations(as will be published)
ARC Staff Report
�-3
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION STAFF REPORT rrEm x3
BY: Whitney Mcllvaine, Associate Planner MEETING DATE: December 2, 1996
FROM: Ron Whisenand, Development Review Managero
FILE NUMBER: TA 31-95
PROJECT ADDRESS: Citywide
SUBJECT: Update of the 1977 Sign Regulations.
SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION
Recommend that City Council approve the draft update to the sign regulations as recommeded by
staff or with changes suggested by the Commission.
BACKGROUND
Situation
Current sign regulations were adopted in 1977. Only minor amendments have been made since
that time. The ARC has identified a comprehensive amendment to the City's sign regulations as
a priority goal. Staff researched sign regulations from other communities and drafted changes to
the regulations which are summarized below. Modifications to standards are recommended both
by zone and for individual sign types. Changes are proposed in response to past applicant, staff,
and Commission suggestions for modifying standards to better fit real-life applications, as
summarized below. Amendments to these regulations are subject to City Council approval.
Summer of changes 1ropW
► Improved organization of the regulations for easier reference;
Clarification of regulations, processing procedures, and City policy on sign control;
► Provision of guidelines for sign evaluation;
Modified standards to better meet the practical needs of the community and the intent of
the regulations;
Policy and regulatory consistency with other City documents;
Related efforts include preparation of a sign permit application checklist to help applicants
understand exactly what is required to complete an application, and flagging properties in the
computerized land use inventory to assist staff in identifying existing nonconforming or amortized
signs that need to be removed or modified.
Sign Regulations
TA 31=95
Page 2
PROPOSED CHANGES
Organization and formatting
Sections of the draft update to the sign regulations are reorganized for easier (and hopefully more
logical) reference. For example, all provisions related to application processing are grouped
together. Where a section includes a long list of items,headings are in bold type to make scanning
easier. Regulations for each zone are listed separately. Graphics are included to clarify standards.
1 ri 'ng policies and regulation
ion
Current regulations are silent on the use of certain signs, such as banners, inflatable signs, vehicle
signs, awningsigns, portable signs, and subdivision identification signs. The update describes
each of these sign types and notes whether they are prohibited, exempt, or allowed under certain
circumstances.
In some cases, the language currently used is unclear. For instance, roof signs seem to be defined
as only those signs which extend above the roof of a building; however, "roof signs which do not
extend above the highest point on the roof" require ARC approval..
Hopefully nothing in the update is as obtuse as a provision in the current regulations for signs
allowed in the C-T zone, which reads:
Same as subsection D of this section for all uses except those listed
in subdivision 2 of this subsection.
Clarif3dng>rocessing_procedl=
All provisions related to processing a sign permit are grouped together under Article III in the
draft update. This section has been substantially revised to include a more comprehensive
explanation of the application and review process. Regulations governing the requirement for
ARC review and the appeal process are included in this section. (Currently provisions for ARC
review, sign permits, and appeals are located separately in different sections of the document.)
Sign evaluation guidelines and findings for approval of exceptions are new provisions proposed
for this section.
Sign evaluation guidelines
Specific criteria for evaluating sign proposals and standard findings for approval of exceptions to
the sign regulations are proposed so that the applicant, staff, and ARC Commissioners can share
a common understanding of how sign proposals will be evaluated.
—�
Sign Regulations
TA 31-95
Page 3
Changes by zone
C/OS - Conservation/Open Space-Non-exempt signs in the C/OS zone would require use permit
approval. Any use in this zone that might have associated signs (e.g. a cemetery) already requires
use permit approval. This provision would just ensure that signs are reviewed as part of the use
permit. Current regulations group the C/OS zone together with R-1 and R-2 zones.
R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4-Residential zones - Rather than two separate standards for sign illumination
in residential zones, the draft provides for exterior lighting only for identification signs with
lighting levels the same as for the Office zone. Current regulations stipulate non-illuminated signs
in the R-1 and R-2 zones and no restriction on use of illuminated signs in the R-3 and R-4 zones.
Allowed sign types and sizes would remain the same.
PF - Public Facility - Current regulations allow one 10 sq. ft. non-illuminated sign on each
frontage. The update would allow one 24 sq. ft. identification sign per frontage with illumination
optional. Maximum illumination levels would be as provided in the general standards section -
10 footcandles at a distance of 10 feet.
O - Office - The maximum sign area (50 sq. ft.) remains the same. The types of signs allowed
are expanded to include non-illuminated suspended and projecting signs. Monument signs would
be allowed to have a maximum height of 4 feet versus the current height limit of 2.66 feet. A
maximum of 2 signs would be allowed. Currently one wall sign is allowed for each frontage with
a public entrance and one freestanding sign is allowed per premises.
C-N - Neighborhood Commercial - Total sign area allowed remains 100 sq.ft. Types of signs
allowed are expanded to include suspended and projecting signs. More flexibility in sign location
is provided. A maximum of 2 signs is established. Currently one wall sign is allowed for each
frontage with a public entrance and one freestanding sign is allowed per premises for uses not
within a shopping center.
C-C - Central Commercial - Total sign area allowed remains 200 sq.ft. Total number of signs
allowed remains 4. Maximum area for projecting signs is reduced from 24 sq. ft. to 12 sq. ft.
and for suspended signs from 10 sq. ft. to 6 sq. ft. These reductions are recommended to
acknowledge and enhance the pedestrian scale of downtown shopping. Types of signs allowed
are expanded to include non-illuminated monument signs. Internally illuminated cabinet signs
would require ARC review and approval.
C-R - Retail Commercial - Total sign area allowed remains 200 sq. ft. Total number of signs
allowed remains 4. Maximum sign area for suspended signs is reduced from 10 sq. ft. to 6 sq.
ft. since these are primarily pedestrian style signs. Types of signs allowed are expanded to include
monument signs with illumination optional.
Sign Regulations
TA 31-95
Page 4
C-S and M- Service Commercial and Manufacturing - Total sign area of 200 sq. ft. remains the
same. The choice to allow a freestanding or monument sign is clarified. The provision for off-
premises signs is eliminated. The maximum number of signs is 2. Currently one wall sign per
frontage with a public entrance and one freestanding sign per premises is allowed.
C-T - Tourist Commercial - Total sign area of 200 sq. ft. remains the same. A maximum of 4
signs is established. The maximum height of pole signs is reduced from 25 feet to 16 feet.
Monument signs are reduced from 8.33 feet to 6 feet in height, and from 72 sq. ft. to 24 sq. ft.
in area.
Changes to standards for individual sign tym
Monument signs-Specific height standards are called out for monument signs in each zone where
they are allowed. Current regulations limit the height of monument signs to 1/3 the height of
allowed freestanding signs. This resulted in an awkward limit of 2.66 feet for monument signs
in the Office zone. New sign area calculations would allow for landscaping at the base of
monument signs.
Freestanding pole signs would be subject to ARC approval. A standard maximum height of 16
feet is recommended. Cuurent regulations stipulate maximum heights from 8 to 25 feet.
Temporary window signs - Temporary signs would be limited to 30 days rather than 60 days.
Temporary window signs not exceeding 4 sq. ft. or 10% of the window area would be exempt
from permit requirements. Current standards have no size limit on temporary window signs.
Banters-Banners would be prohibited in all but the following situations: in conjunction with an .
approved temporary use; as a temporary window sign, inside the window; as an approved
temporary sign awaiting completion of an approved permanent sign; and as approved by the Public
Works Director over designated right-of--ways.
Miscellaneous signs - Staff is regularly asked questions about flag poles, fence signs, sandwich
board signs, and subdivision identification signs. The update provides standards for these sign
types and enbles some additional exemptions for service station signs.
INTERNAL CONSISTENCY
The update removes an erroneous reference to Section 2.48.180 of the Municipal Code - a section
that no longer exists. Changes to regulations regarding signs in the Open Space zone and
billboards are recommended consistent with scenic resource policies in the Open Space Element
(pp. 73-75); with view protection and architectural heritage goals in the Land Use Element (pp.
6-9); and with Programs 14.11 and 14.12 in the Circulation Element.
�2-1
Sign Regulations
TA 31-95
Page 5
PUBLIC FEEDBACK
Notice of the draft update was mailed to roughly 40 sign companies, neighborhood groups and
the Business Improvement Association and Chamber of Commerce on June 7, 1996. The
Chamber suggested some criteria for cabinet signs and opposed any reduction in total sign area
for the C-C and C-R zones. Chamber of Commerce recommendations are incorporated in the
draft update.
ALTERNATIVES
The Commission may:
1. Continue review with specific direction to'staff; or
2. Recommend that the Council approve the an update with different changes than those
recommended by staff.
Attached: Draft sign regulations update
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION STAFF REPORT mama 4
BY: Whitney Mcllvaine, Associate Planner MEETING DATE: January 21, 1997
FROM: Ron Whisenand, Development Review Manager
FILE NUMBER: TA 31-95
PROJECT ADDRESS: Citywide
SUBJECT: Update of the 1977 Sign Regulations.
SUAD4ARY RECOMMENDATION
Recommend that City Council approve the draft update to the sign regulations with changes.
suggested by the Commission.
BACKGROUND
Situation
Current sign regulations were adopted in 1977. Only minor amendments have been made
since that time. The ARC has identified a comprehensive amendment to the City's sign
regulations as a priority goal. Amendments to these regulations are subject to City Council
approval.
Previous Review
On December 2, 1996 Commissioners received a copy of the draft update to the sign
regulations together with a staff report that summarized proposed changes. After a brief
discussion, Commissioners continued action until the second meeting in January.
GOALS OF THE UPDATE:
► Improved organization of the regulations for easier reference;
► Clarification of regulations, processing procedures, and City policy.on sign control;
► Provision of guidelines for sign evaluation;
► Modified standards to better meet the practical needs of the community and the intent
of the regulations;
► Policy and regulatory consistency with other City documents;
Sign Regulations
TA 31-95
Page 2
Related efforts include preparation of a sign permit application checklist to help applicants
understand exactly what is required to complete an application, and flagging properties in the
computerized land use inventory to assist staff in identifying existing nonconforming or
amortized signs that need to be removed or modified.
PUBLIC FEEDBACK
Notice of the draft update was mailed to roughly 40 sign companies, neighborhood groups and
the Business Improvement Association and Chamber of Commerce on June 7, 1996. The
Chamber suggested some criteria for cabinet signs and opposed any reduction in total sign area
for the C-C and C-R zones. Chamber of Commerce recommendations are incorporated in the
draft update. Pierre Rademaker will be attending the meeting to present the Business
Improvement Association's comments on the update. .
REVIEW STRATEGY
Staff received specific comments from Commissioner Mandeville which will be reviewed at
the meeting. If other Commissioners could simply note questions and comments in the
margins of their copies of the update, staff can summarize Commission comments page by
page, and incorporate needed changes into the Council draft.
ALTERNATIVE
1. Continue review with specific direction to staff.
Commissioners, please bring your draft update to the meeting.
d2-��
ARC Minutes
Page 6
Co Day seconded the motion.
AYES: Illin ay, Aiken, Combrink, Regier
NOES: Join - ovotn
REFRAIN: andeville
The motion passed.
4. TA 31=95: City Wide: Review of update to the Sign Regulations; City of San Luis Obispo,
applicant.
Whitney McIlvaine, Associate Planner, presented the staff report recommending City Council
approval of the draft update to the sign regulations with changes suggested by the Commission.
Commr. Aiken moved to approve a recommendation to City Council for adoption of an update to
the Sign Regulations with some revisions to the draft related to lighting standards, graphic
presentation, real estate signs for large commercial developments and residential subdivisions, and
clarification of proposed standards.
Commr. Day seconded the motion.
AYES: Aiken, Day, Combrink, Mandeville,Regier, Illingworth
NOES: None
ABSENT: Joines-Novotny
The motion passed.
The meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m. to a regular meeting of the Architectural Review Commission
scheduled for February 18, 1997, at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room(Room 9) of City
Hall, 990 Palm Street.
Respectfully submitted,
Pam Ricci
Whitney McIlvaine
Recording Secretary
ORDINANCE NO. (1997 Series)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
AMENDING THE SIGN REGULATIONS, CHAPTER 15.40 OF THE
MUNICIPAL CODE (TA 31-95)
WHEREAS, the Architectural Review Commission conducted a public hearing on January
21, 1997 and recommended approval of the Exhibit A update to the City's Sign Regulations; and
WHEREAS, the City Council conducted a public hearing on May 20, 1997 and has
considered testimony of other interested parties, the records of the Architectural Review
Commission hearing and action, and the evaluation and recommendation of staff; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the proposed provisions are consistent with and
in certain cases implement newly adopted policies of the General Plan and other applicable City
ordinances; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has considered the draft Negative Declaration of
environmental impact(ER 31-95) as prepared by staff and reviewed by the Architectural Review
Commission;
BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo as follows:
SECTION 1. AnvironmenW Determination. The City Council finds and determines that
the project's Negative Declaration adequately addresses the potential significant environmental
impacts of the proposed text amendment to the sign regulations, and reflects the independent
judgement of the City Council. The Council hereby adopts said Negative Declaration.
SECTION 2. Action. Chapter 15.40 of the Municipal Code is hereby repealed, and a
new Chapter 15.40 is hereby added to the Municipal Code as follows:
Article I. General Provisions
15.40.010 Title.
This chapter shall be known and cited as the "Sign Regulations of the City."
15.40.020 Purpose.
These regulations are intended to:
A. Protect and enhance the character and natural beauty of the community and its various
neighborhoods and districts against visual blight;
B. Protect those uses which are adequately and appropriately identified from too many and too
large signs in their environs;
Ordinance No. (1997 Series)
Page 2
C. Protect commercial districts from sign clutter;
D. Protect residential districts from light and glare caused by commercial signs;
E. Protect the public's ability to identify uses and premises without confusion;
F. Eliminate unnecessary distractions which may jeopardize pedestrian or vehicular traffic safety;
G. Assure the maintenance of signs;
H. Implement the community goals and policies expressed in the general plan;
I. Encourage energy conservation in sign design;
J. Ensure that signs are used primarily as identification rather than advertisement;
K. Ensure that the location, size and design of signs is visually compatible with the architecture
of affected structures and the character of surrounding development;
L. Maintain and enhance the quality of the City's appearance by limiting off-premises signs to
avoid clutter and by subjecting certain signs to architectural review; and
M. Regulate the number and size of signs according to standards consistent with the types of
establishments in each zoning district.
15.40.030 Scope.
It is unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation that owns, occupies, or controls property in the
City of San Luis Obispo to construct, maintain, display or alter or cause to be constructed, main-
tained, displayed or altered, a sign within the City except in conformance with this chapter.
Article II. Exempt Signs
15.40.040 Exempt signs.
The following signs shall be allowed without a sign permit and shall not be included in the
determination of type, number, or area of signs allowed in each zone district: (Under certain
circumstances temporary signs and other exempt signs may require a construction or encroachment
permit. Check with the Building Division of the Community Development Department and the
Public Works Department.)
A. Bulletin boards-Not over 24 square feet in area and 6 feet in height, for public, charitable,
or religious institutions;
02-/3
Ordinance No. (1997 Series)
Page 3
B. Construction/Subdivision signs-Tempo-rary signs not exceeding 16 square feet in aggregate
used to indicate owner, builder, architect, and pertinent data regarding building construction on
the site during construction only. For commercial and residential projects on sites 3 acres or
larger, the maximum exempt sign area is 32 square feet;
C. Government-required signs- Official federal, state or local government traffic, directional,
and information signs and notices issued by any court, person or officer in performance of a
public duty, or any other sign that is required to be posted by any government agency;
D. Hazard signs - Temporary signs warning of construction, excavation, or similar hazards so
long as the hazard exists;
E. Historic building signs and plaques;
F. Miscellaneous information signs - in non-residential zones, with an aggregate area not to
exceed 3 square feet at each public entrance, nor 10 square feet total, indicating address, hours
and days of operation, whether a business is open or closed, credit information, emergency ad-
dress and telephone numbers, and informing the public of available goods or services;
G. "No trespassing" signs-Each not more than one square foot in size placed at each comer and
each entrance to property and at intervals of not less than 100 feet or in compliance with the
requirements of law;
H. Official signs - Official federal, state, or local government flags, emblems and historical
markers, subject to height limits established by zone;
I. Public signs - Public information, special event, and directional signs erected by a public
agency;
J. Real estate signs-Temporary signs indicating that the property on which the sign is located
is for sale, rent or lease. Only one such sign, is permitted to face on each street adjacent to the
property. Such signs may be single- or double-faced and are limited to 3 square feet or less on
property in-residential zones and 10 square feet or less on property in nonresidential zones. A
maximum of 3 off-premises open house signs are allowed with the approval of the property owner
- or the City if located in the right-of-way - and shall be removed immediately after the open
house is held;
K. Residential identification signs - Identification signs for residents limited to not more than
one square foot on each dwelling unit;
L. Service station point-of-sale and price signs - For service stations: 1) all point-of-sale signs
at the gas pumps, and 2) not more than one price sign for each frontage not exceeding 20 square
feet each and subject to height and setback limits established by zone;
�`/
Ordinance No. (1997 Series)
Page 4
M. Temporary holiday decorations- See also "Temporary window signs";
N. Temporary political signs-Not exceeding 3 square feet total for each property in residential
zones and 10 square feet total for each property in nonresidential zones;
O. Temporary window signs-Signs in office and commercial zones which cumulatively do not
exceed 10 percent of each window area or 4 square feet per window, whichever is greater. No
temporary window sign shall be displayed for more than 30 days. Cumulatively, no business shall
display temporary signs for more than 60 days per year;
P. Traffic directional signs - Parldng lot and other private traffic directional signs each not
exceeding 3 feet in height and 5 square feet in area and limited to guidance of pedestrian or
vehicular traffic within the premises on which they are located; and
Q. Utility signs- Signs showing the location of public telephones and signs placed by utilities to
show the location of underground facilities.
Article M. Prohibited Signs
15.40.050 Prohibited signs.
The following signs are prohibited:
INFLATABL NS
M ER �.
IGN R
� SIGIy 5
t
%¥ SEAR S &
mB S
Figure 1 - Prohibited Signs
A. Attention-getters-Pennants, streamers, spinners, helium balloons, inflatable signs, and other
similar attention-getting devices, unless authorized in conjunction with a temporary use permit or
through architectural review;
B. Backlit translucent awning signs;
Ordinance No. (1997 Series)
Page 5
C. Banner signs are prohibited unless:
1. approved in conjunction with a temporary or intermittent use permit or special event
permit; or
2. approved with a sign permit as a temporary window sign, affixed on the inside of the
window; or
3. approved with a sign permit as a temporary sign pending manufacture and installation of
an approved permanent sign; or
4. approved by the Public Works Director over designated rights-of-way;
D. Billboards;
E. Highly reflective and fluorescent signs - Signs made wholly or partially of highly reflective
material and fluorescent or day-glo painted signs;
F Off_premises signs, except open house real estate signs;
G. Roof signs unless approved by the Architectural Review Commission;
H. Search lights and beacons unless authorized by the City in conjunction with a temporary use
permit or special event;
I. Signs in required setbacks, as specified by this chapter and the zoning regulations;
J. Signs on utility poles or traffic control devices - Signs attached or placed adjacent to any
utility pole, parking meter, traffic sign post, traffic signal or any other official traffic-control
device in accordance with Section 21464 of the California Vehicle Code;
K. Signs on street trees;
L. Signs that block ingress or egress - Any sign, except as may be required by other code or
ordinance, placed or maintained so as to interfere with free ingress to or egress from any door,
window or fire escape;
M. Signs on or over public property - Private signs, other than permitted projecting signs,
located on or extended over public property without a valid encroachment permit;
N. Signs without permission- Signs erected without the permission of the owner, or his agent,
of the property on which such signs are located;
Ordinance No. (1997 Series)
Page 6
O. Signs with inadequate clearance- Any sign which does not conform with clearance require-
ments noted in Article V. Sign Standards, and with the following clearance requirements for
communication lines, utility lines and power lines, or any further restrictions adopted by the
California Public Utilities Commission:
MINIMUM CLEARANCE OF SIGNS FROM CONDUCTORS
Greater than or
Less than equal to 750
Iso volts volts
vertieal clearance
Above sign 3 feet 8 feet
Below sign 3 feet prohillited
Horizontal clearance
Above sign 3 feet 6 feet
Below sign 4 feet 6 feet
P. Simulated traffic signs-Any sign which simulates or imitates in size, color, lettering or design any
traffic sign or signal, or which makes use of words, symbols or characters in such a manner to interfere
with, mislead, or confuse pedestrian or vehicular traffic;
Q. Temporary outdoor signs -Temporary signs visible from a public street attached to or placed on
merchandise or materials stored or displayed outdoors, unless approved in conjunction with a temporary
or intermittent use permit or special event permit;
R. V signs (see definition);
S. Vehicle signs (see definition);
Figure 3 - Vehicle Sign Example
Ordinance No. (1997 Series)
Page 7
T. Other-Any sign not expressly allowed by this chapter.
Article IV. Sign Permits: Application and Processing Procedures
15.40.060 Permit required.
No sign shall be constructed, maintained, displayed or altered without a sign permit obtained as provided
in this chapter, unless the sign is specifically exempted from permit requirements.
15.40.070 Sign permit application-Contents.
Any person desiring to construct, repair, alter or display a sign for which a permit is required shall submit
an application and associated fees, established by resolution of the City Council, to the Community
Development Department. Such application shall include plans, drawings and other descriptive material
sufficient to: 1) depict the sign(s) proposed, as well as all existing signs on the same property; and 2)
enable evaluation of the proposal's conformance with the sign regulations. Authorization of the property
owner is required to submit a sign permit application. See Figure 3 for examples of site plan and elevation
drawings depicting a sign proposal.
The Community Development Department staff will review all sign permit applications for completeness
and consistency with these regulations. Staff will notify the applicant if architectural review is required.
15.40.080 Architectural review application.
When architectural review is required, a separate application for such review together with fees, as
established by resolution of the City Council, shall be filed with the Community Development Department.
15.40.090 Determination of need for other permits.
A. Construction permits. The Chief Building Official shall determine if a separate building, electrical,
or other construction permit is also required.
B. Encroachment permits. Signs which appear to extend into or over a public right-of-way or easement
shall be routed to the City Engineer to determine if an encroachment permit is also required.
15.40.100 Review and action by the Director.
Within 15 days of receiving a complete application for sign permit which does not require architectural
review or the issuance of other permits, the Director of Community Development shall in writing approve,
conditionally approve, or deny the sign permit application. The Director may impose only such conditions
as will assure compliance with the provisions of this chapter.
15.40.110 Permit issuance.
The Chief Building Official shall be responsible for issuance of sign permits, determination of compliance
with building code requirements, and inspection of installation. No sign permit shall be issued until other
required permits and approvals, including architectural review, have been issued and granted, and any
associated appeal periods have expired.
Ordinance No. (1997 Series)
Page 8
NOTE
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.,2
Ordinance No. (1997 Series)
Page 9
15.40.120 Signs requiring architectural review.
The following signs shall require architectural review:
A. Animated signs - Signs consisting of or containing any moving, rotating, flashing or otherwise
animated light or component;
B. Roof signs;
C. Signs requiring exceptions -Any individual sign, or combination of all signs on any one property,
which is not consistent with the height, number, type, location, setback, size, or maximum area standards
prescribed by these regulations;
D. Modifications to sign programs approved by the Architectural Review Commission (ARC);
E. Shopping center identification signs;
F. Internally4lluminated cabinet signs in the C-C zone;
G. Pole signs;
H. Flag signs;
I. Marquee signs including theater marquees;
J. Signs for new commercial development;
K. Oft-premises signs, not otherwise exempt or prohibited; and
L. Other- Any other visual device which does not, in the determination of the Community Development
Director, comply with the purpose of this chapter or the evaluation criteria outlined below.
15.40.130 Sign evaluation criteria.
In reviewing a sign permit application,the Director and the Architectural Review Commission (ARC) shall
apply the following criteria as a basis for action, in addition to criteria outlined in the stated purpose of
these regulations, general sign standards, and standards for each zoning district:
A. The sign proposal together with already existing signs shall be consistent with the purpose of these
regulations.
B. The sign proposal shall not constitute needless redundancy or proliferation of signs.
C. Signs shall not obscure from view or unduly detract from existing approved signs.
D. To be clearly readable, the amount of information per sign should be limited.
E. Signs shall be visually compatible and in scale with the architecture of affected buildings, existing
approved signs, and the character of surrounding development.
Ordinance No. (1997 Series)
Page 10
F. Signs shall primarily function to identify a business or tenant. Prices, phone numbers and detailed
descriptions of merchandise and services should generally be avoided.
G. In a multi-tenant commercial development, tenant signage should exhibit continuity in sign type,
materials, location, and size.
H. For internally illuminated signs, a dark background with lighter letters and graphics is generally
preferable to the reverse. Raised lettering and graphics with halo or back lighting are also preferable to
flat faced signs with a light background and dark copy.
15.40.140 Approval.
If a sign permit application satisfies the above criteria and complies with other provisions of these
regulations, it shall be approved.
15.40.150 Denial.
Denial of a sign permit application shall be based on specific findings explaining how the proposed sign
fails to satisfy the evaluation criteria above or other provisions of these regulations.
15.40.160 Appeals.
A. Community Development Director decisions.
1. Appeal body. Any discretionary decision of the Community Development Director authorized
by these regulations may be appealed to the Architectural Review Commission (ARC).
2. Fling time. Appeals must be filed in writing at the Community Development Department within
10 calendar days of the Director's decision. If the tenth day is a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, the appeal
period shall extend to the next business day.
3. Public hearing. Once an appeal has been filed, it shall be considered at the earliest available
Architectural Review Commission (ARC) meeting, considering public notification requirements.
B. Architectural Review Commission decisions.
Any decision of the Architectural Review Commission (ARC) may be appealed to the City Council in
accordance with the procedures set out in Chapter 1.20 of the Municipal Code.
Article V. Sign Standards
15.40.170 General standards.
All signs shall conform to the following general standards (by sign type) in addition to standards for the
zone district in which they are located, unless an exception is granted through the architectural review
process.
02"07
Ordinance No. (1997 Series)
Page 11
Note: Please also refer to the definitions, and sections describing exempt signs, prohibited signs, and
signs requiring architectural review.
A. Awning signs: Signs on awnings shall not cover more than 25 percent of the main area of the awning,
or exceed 25 square feet in size, whichever is smaller.
B. Cabinet signs: Generally, cabinet signs should have dark backgrounds and light letters rather than
the reverse.
C. Changeable copy signs: These may be used in lieu of a wall or window sign, but may not exceed.
6 square feet in size (theater signs are not subject to this area limit).
D. Clearance-Awning, projecting, marquee, and suspended signs: Where permitted, these signs shall
conform to the following requirements:
1. Vertical clearance. The minimum clearance between the lowest point of a sign and the grade
immediately below shall be 8 feet.
2. Horizontal clearance. The minimum horizontal clearance between a sign and the curb line shall
be 2 feet; the maximum projection over a public sidewalk shall be two-thirds (2/3) the width of the
sidewalk or 6 feet, whichever is less.
E. Clearance-Pole signs: Where permitted, pole signs must have a minimum vertical clearance of 8
feet.
r. pl
r MD.
Figure 4-Pole Sign
F. Fence signs: Signs attached to fences are permitted wherever wall signs are permitted providing they
do not encroach into the public right-of-way or cross a common property line and are limited to a
maximum area of 16 square feet.
G. Flags: The use of the American flag should have patriotic rather than commercial signing functions.
Flag poles displaying only national, state, or local flags shall be located outside of required setback areas
and shall conform to the height requirements for structures in the site's zoning district. Flag poles
displaying other than national, state, or local flags shall be subject to height, area, lighting, and location
standards established by this chapter for pole signs.
� ,2a�—
Ordinance No. (1997 Series)
Page 12
H. Height: The top of a sign attached to building shall not be higher than 25 feet or the height of the
building face, excluding parapets, whichever is less. Signs shall not be located above the second story.
Generally, signs should not be located above the floor occupied by the identified tenant.
I. Illuminated signs: Where permitted, lighting for signs shall not create a hazardous glare for
pedestrians or vehicles either in a public street or on any private premises. The light source shall be
shielded from view. Sign illumination for externally illuminated signs shall be indirect and shall utilize
focused light fixtures that do not allow light or glare to shine above the horizontal plane of the top of the
sign or onto any public right-of-way or adjoining property. Signs shall not be illuminated after 10:00 p.m.
or close of business, whichever is later. Except as specifically provided for in the Office zone standards,
each sign shall be designed so that illumination does not exceed 100 luxes (10 candlepower) at a distance
of 10 feet from the sign.
J. Portable(sandwich board)signs: Portable signs are allowed in lieu of a monument sign, providing
they do not-exceed 4 square feet in area, are located outside the right-of-way, and do not interfere with
building ingress and egress.
K. Setbacks: Except as provided in this chapter, sign location shall conform with setbacks established
in the zoning regulations.
1. With Director approval, 'traffic directional signs' may be placed in the required setback,
providing they do not interfere with visibility required for safe vehicular and pedestrian circulation, espe-
cially at street comers.
2. With Director approval, "monument signs"may be located in the required setback area, subject
to the same visibility finding required above, and providing they meet applicable height and area limits
established for the zoning district.
3. All signs in the Service Commercial (C-S)and Manufacturing (M) zones shall maintain a 5 foot
minimum set back from a street yard property line.
REQUIRED SETBACK
MW
NO 5IGN5 OVER V
KOM IN THIS AREA
wx:s�
PROPERTY LINE
SIDEWALK
CURB
30'
Figure 6- Corner Setbacks
Ordinance No. (1997 Series)
Page 13
L. Shared signs: Where two or more businesses are located on the same premises, the maximum number
and sign area for pole and monument signs must be shared.
M. Shopping center identification signs: With architectural approval, in addition to the signs permitted
for individual tenants, shopping centers may have one identification sign per frontage not to exceed 16 feet
in height or 72 square feet in area. Note: Such shopping center signs shall not be included in the area
calculations for individual tenants, unless tenants are specifically identified on the shopping center sign.
N. Subdivision identification signs (permanent): Only one such sign is permitted to face each perimeter
frontage of the subdivision, not to exceed 16 square feet in area and 8 feet in height. A sign permit is
required for these signs.
15.40.180 Sign standards by district.
This section describes the number, type, and size of signs, which are allowed for each zone, subject to sign
permit issuance and in some cases architectural review.
Note:
1. Sign types (window, awning, pole, etc.) are subject to the general standards described in the
previous.section.
2. Signs shall be located only on each building face having a public entrance.
3. Where a property has a sign program approved by the Architectural Review Commission (ARC),
that program shall supersede the following.
4. The.maximums established by these regulations are legal maximwns and the full maximum may
not be appropriate in every case.
A. Conservation/Open Space (C/OS) zone.
Signs in the Conservation/Open Space zone are subject to use permit approval.
B. Residential (R-1, R-2, R-3, and R4) zones.
The following signs are permitted within the residential zones (R-1, R-2, R-3, and R-4):
1. One monument or wall identification sign, not internally illuminated and not exceeding 10 square
feet on each frontage of a planned residential development, multiple-family build-ing, group quarters,
school, church, or institutional use.
2. One directory sign for multi-family residential developments and other uses, as determined by the
Director, not internally illuminated and not exceeding one square foot for each room or suite occupied as
a unit or 16 square feet, whichever is less.
3. Where allowed in residential zones, a neighborhood grocery market may have one wall, window,
or awning sign on each frontage or building face having a public entrance, not internally illuminated and
Ordinance No. (1997 Series)
Page 14
with a total area not to exceed 10 percent of the tenant's building face or 20 square feet, whichever is less.
4. If signs are externally illuminated, illumination of the reflecting surface shall not exceed 10 luxes
(one candlepower) measured 10 feet from the sign.
C. Public Facility (PF) zone.
One identification sign per frontage not to exceed 24 square feet, is permitted in the Public Facility zone.
D. Office(0) zone.
The following signs are permitted within the Office zone:
1. Signs allowed for residential uses.
2. One directory sign at each premises, not internally illuminated and not exceeding one square foot
for each room or suite occupied as a unit.
3. Total area of all signs, excluding directory signs, shall not exceed 50 square feet per business or
tenant.
4. Each business or tenant may have a maximum of 2 signs from any of the following:
a. One not internally illuminated monument sign per premises not to exceed 24 square feet in
area or 4 feet in height.
b. One wall, window, or awning sign on each frontage or building face having a public entrance,
not internally illuminated and not to exceed 5 percent of the tenant's building face or 25 square
feet, whichever is less.
c. One non-illuminated suspended sign, not to exceed 6 square feet.
d. One non-illuminated projecting sign, not to exceed 6 square feet.
e. No internally illuminated signs shall be allowed except as provided for in subsection f below.
For externally illuminated signs, illumination of the reflecting surface shall not exceed 10 luxes
(one candlepower) measured 10 feet from the sign.
f. Hospitals are allowed to have internally illuminated signs subject to the illumination levels
authorized by Section 15.40.1701.
E. Neighborhood Commercial (C-N) zone.
The following signs are permitted within the Neighborhood Commercial zone:
1. Signs allowed for residential uses.
,-
Ordinance No. (1997 Series)
Page 15
2. One non-illuminated directory sign at each premises, not exceeding one square foot for each room
or suite occupied as a unit.
3. Total area of all signs, excluding directory signs, shall not exceed 100 square feet for each busi-
ness or tenant.
4. Each business or tenant may have a maximum of 2 signs from any of the following:
a. Wall, window, or awning signs. The total area of wall, window, and awning signs on the
same wall may not exceed 10 percent of a tenant's building face or 50 square feet, whichever is
less. See general standards for awning sign criteria.
b. One non-illuminated suspended sign, not to exceed 6 square feet.
c. One non-illuminated projecting sign, not to exceed 12 square feet.
d. For uses=located within a shopping center, one monument sign per premises not to exceed
12 square feet in area or 4 feet in height.
e. For shopping centers, one shopping center identification sign per frontage, subject to ARC
approval.
F. Central Commercial (C-C) zone.
The following signs are permitted in the Central Commercial zone:
1. Signs allowed for residential uses.
2. One directory sign at each premises, not internally illuminated and not exceeding one square foot
for each room or suite occupied as a unit.
3. Total area of all signs, exclusive of any directory sign, shall not exceed 200 square feet for each
business or tenant.
4. Each business or tenant may have a maximum of 4 signs from any of the following.
a. Wall, window, and awning signs. The total area of all wall, window, and awning signs on
any wall shall not exceed 100 square feet or 15 percent of the tenant's building face, whichever
is less. See general standards for awning sign criteria.
b. Suspended signs, not to exceed 6 square feet.
c. Projecting signs, not to exceed 12 square feet each.
d. One non-illuminated monument sign per premises not to exceed 4 feet in height or 12 square
feet in area.
e. Internally illuminated cabinet signs and marquee signs in the C-C zone require Architectural
Review Commission (ARC) approval.
�-o�P
Ordinance No. (1997 Series)
Page 16
G. Retail Commercial (C-R) zone.
The following signs are permitted in the Retail Commercial zone:
1. Signs allowed for residential uses.
2. One directory sign at each premises, not exceeding one square foot for each room or suite occupied
as a unit.
3. Total area of all signs, exclusive of any directory sign, shall not exceed 200 square feet for each
business or tenant.
4. Each business or tenant may have a maximum of 4 signs as follows:
a. Wall, window, and awning signs. The total area of wall, window, and awning signs on the
same wall may not exceed 100 square feet or 15 percent of the tenant's building face, whichever
is less. See general standards for awning sign criteria.
b. Suspended signs, not to exceed 6 square feet.
c. Projecting signs, not to exceed 24 square feet each.
d. For uses=located within a shopping center, one monument sign per premises not to exceed
4 feet in height or 12 square feet in area.
e. For shopping centers, one shopping center identification sign per frontage, subject to
Architectural Review Commission (ARC) approval.
H. Service Commercial (C-S) and Manufacturing (M) zones.
The following signs are permitted within the Service Commercial and Manufacturing zones:
1. One directory sign at each premises, not internally illuminated and not exceeding one square foot
for each room or suite occupied as a unit.
2. Total area of signs, exclusive of any directory sign, shall not exceed 200 square feet for each
business or tenant.
3. Each business or tenant may have a maximum of 2 signs as follows:
a. Wall, window, or awning signs. The total area of wall, window, and awning signs on the
same wall may not exceed 15 percent of the tenant's building face or 100 square feet, whichever
is less. See general standards for awning sign criteria.
b. One pole sign per premises,subject to Architectural Review Commission (ARC) approval, not
to exceed 16 feet in height or 72 square feet in area, or one monument sign per premises not to
exceed 6 feet in height or 24 square feet in area.
��7
Ordinance No. (1997 Series)
Page 17
I. Tourist Commercial (C-T) zone.
The following signs are permitted within the Tourist Commercial zone:
1. Signs allowed for residential uses.
2. One directory sign at each premises, not internally illuminated and not exceeding one square foot
for each room or suite occupied as a unit.
3. Total area of signs, exclusive of directory signs, shall not exceed 200 square feet, for each business
or tenant.
4. Each business or tenant may have a maximum of 4 signs as follows:
a: Wall, window, or awning signs. The total area of wall, window, and awning signs on the
same wall may not exceed 7 percent of the tenant's building face or 100 square feet, whichever
is less. See general standards for awning sign criteria.
b. One pole sign per premises, subject to Architectural Review Commission (ARC) approval, not
to exceed 16 feet in height or 72 square feet in area, or one monument sign perpremises not to
exceed 6 feet in height or 24 square feet in area.
Article VI. Exception to Sign Standards
15.40.190 Requests for exceptions.
Unusual site conditions or other design factors may wan-ant signs not otherwise permitted by these regula-
tions. A sign permit application which includes a request for exceptions to standards established by these
regulations is subject to architectural review and shall include reasons for the request. Unless deemed
architecturally insignificant, a separate architectural review application and fees are required.
15.40200 Findings for approval of an exception.
Granting an exception to the sign regulations must be based on the following or similar findings:
A. There are exceptional or unusual circumstances applying to the property involved which do not apply
generally to properties in the vicinity with the same zoning, such as:
1. Presence of a legally nonconforming use;
2. Visual obstruction; or
3. Unusual building location on-site.
B. The sign for which an exception is requested is a nonconforming sign that acts as a neighborhood
landmark or focal point while not disrupting views of prominent community landscape features. When
granting an exception, the Architectural Review Commission (ARC) or the Director shall require that as
many nonconforming elements of the sign as possible be eliminated while allowing its basic form and
character to remain.
Ordinance No. (1997 Series)
Page 18
C. The exception will not constitute a grant of special privilege or entitlement inconsistent with
limitations applied to other properties in the vicinity with the same zoning.
D. Granting the exception will not be detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to the properties or
improvements in the vicinity.
E. The sign for which the exception is requested is consistent with the purpose and intent of the sign
regulations.
Article VL Nonconforming Signs
15.40.210 Existing nonconforming signs -Abatement.
Signs which lawfully existed and were maintained as nonconforming signs prior to March 12, 1983, have
been fully amortized and are subject to abatement, unless otherwise in compliance with this chapter. The
adoption of this chapter shall in no way extend any abatement period in effect prior to March 12, 1983.
15.40.220 Abatement or conformance-When required.
Signs which lawfully existed and were maintained and became nonconforming after March 12, 1983, shall
be removed or made to conform within 30 days after written notice by the Department of Community
Development, when:
A. The use of the premises changes and the exterior of the building or other site conditions are to be
altered; or
B. A sign is damaged by any cause resulting in replacement or repair cost equal to or greater than one-
half of its replacement value at the time the damage occurs; or
C. In accordance with the amortization schedule outlined in Section 15.40.230.
15.40.230 Amortization.
A. Signs which lawfully existed and were maintained and became nonconforming after March 12, 1983,
shall be removed or made to conform within 30 days of written notice by the Community Development
Department, in accordance with the following schedule:
If Twice the Original Amortization Period
Value of Sip is: an years)
Less than 5500 Two
$500 to$999 Three
$1,000 to$2,999 Five
$3,000 to$5,999 Fight
Mose than$6,000 Ten
B. The time periods in the schedule set out in subsection A of this section shall commence on the effective
date of the ordinance giving rise to or creating the nonconforming sign.
C. If more than one sign on a premises is or becomes nonconforming, the original cost of all such
nonconforming signs shall be aggregated for the purpose of determining the amortization period.
�� 47
Ordinance No. (1997 Series)
Page 19
D. The owner or user of a nonconforming sign shall, upon written request of the Community
Development Department, furnish acceptable proof of the initial cost in the form of:
1. An original bill of sale;
2. A description schedule from state or federal income tax returns; or
3. A written appraisal by a sign manufacturer.
Article VIII. Non-current, Abandoned or Unsafe Signs
15.40.240 Non-current signs-Removal required.
Any sign, including its supporting structure which no longer identifies the current occupant or which
otherwise fails to serve its original purpose after a lapse of 3 months shall be deemed to be a public
nuisance and shall be removed by the owner of the property on which it is located upon 30 days written
notice by the Community Development Department.
15.40.250 Unsafe signs - Correction or removal required.
Any sign that, in the opinion of the Chief Building Official, is unsafe or insecure, shall.be deemed a public
nuisance and shall be corrected or removed, together with any supporting structure, by the owner of the
property on which the sign is located, within 72 hours of written notice by the Community Development
Department.
Article IX. Enforcement
15.40.260 Type of offense.
Any person who violates any provision of this ordinance shall be guilty of an infraction. Violations shall
be punishable as set forth in Chapter 1.12 of the San Luis Obispo Municipal Code. Nothing in this chapter
shall be deemed or constituted to prevent the City from commencing any civil proceeding otherwise
authorized by law for the declaration or abatement of a public nuisance.
15.40.270 Public nuisance.
If the owner of any premises fails or neglects to comply with the provisions of this chapter, it shall
constitute a public nuisance, pursuant to Chapter 8.24 of the San Luis Obispo Municipal Code. Any
aggrieved party may, in addition to any other right or remedy he or she may possess either at law or in
equity,pursue a private cause of action to abate a public nuisance, as specified in Chapter 8.24 of the San
Luis Municipal Code.
Article X. Definitions
As used in this chapter, the following terms and phrases shall have the indicated meanings:
A. "ARC" means Architectural Review Commission.
oz 3l
Ordinance No. (1997 Series)
Page 20
B. "Area of sign" means the number of square feet of the smallest rectangle within which a sign face can
be enclosed. In determining the area of an individual sign which has more than one face, the greatest area
of sign faces visible from any one point shall be used. The "total sign area" is the sum of all individual
sign areas.
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I I
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SIGN AREA=A x s
Figure 7 Sign Area
C. "Awning sign" means any lettering or graphic painted on or otherwise applied to any part of an awn-
ing.
D. "Bann" means a flexible sign typically supported at two or more points and hung on a building or
otherwise suspended down or across its face, or across a public right-0f--way.
E. 'Billboard" means a sign structure, available for lease or rent, advertising an establishment,
merchandise, service, or entertainment, which is not sold, produced, manufactured or furnished at the
property on which said sign is located.
F. "Building face" means the whole of a building visible in an elevation view, excluding sloped ioof and
gable parapet surfaces. "Tenant's building face" is that portion of the building face enclosing the area
of the building occupied by the tenant. In multi-tenant buildings with interior tenant spaces, each tenant's
building face shall be the proportionate share of the building face enclosing the area occupied by all
tenants.
G. "Bulletin board" means a sign which accommodates changeable copy and which displays information
on activities and events on the premises.
H. "Directory sign" means a wall-mounted sign identifying the location of occupants of a building or
group of buildings which are divided into rooms, suites, or units used as separate offices, studios, or
dwellings.
�-3/
Ordinance No. (1997 Series)
Page 21
I. "Fascia" means a flat horizontal band on.a building elevation, typically above the first story doors and
windows.
J. "Frontage" or "Lot frontage" means the horizontal distance along a lot line adjacent to a public
street, or the side of a lot adjacent to a public street.
K. "Group quarters" means a residential facility in which residents do not occupy individual dwelling
units, such as dormitories, fraternities, hostels, and residential care facilities.
L. "Height of sign" means the vertical distance from average ground level immediately below the sign
to the top of the sign - including the support structure and any design elements.
M. "Identification sign" means any sign identifying a residential development, a multi-family building,
group quarter;, school, church, institution, or shopping center, and not advertising any product or service.
N. "Illegal sign" means any sign which does not meet the requirements of this code and which has not
received legal nonconforming status.
O. "Illumination".
1. "Internally illuminated sign" means a sign which has characters, letters, figures, or any portion
of the sign face or outline thereof illuminated from an interior light source.
2. "Externally illuminated sign" means a sign which is illuminated from an exterior artificial light
source mounted on the sign, another structure, or the ground.
3. "Non-illuminated sign" means a sign with no internal or external artificial light source and only
incidentally illuminated by ambient light conditions.
P. "Legal nonconforming sign" means:
1. A sign which was erected legally, but which does not comply with the subsequently enacted sign
restrictions and regulations.
2. A sign which does not conform to the sign code requirements, but for which an exception has been
approved.
Q. "Marquee sign" means a sign placed on the face of a permanent roofed structure projecting over the
building entrance, which is an integral part of the building (usually a theater or hotel) and is not a fascia
extension of the roof or eve.
R. "Monument sign" means a sign which is completely self-supporting, has its base on the ground or
is supported by posts, and is 6 feet or lower in height.
S. "Nonconforming sign." See "Illegal sign" and "Legal nonconforming sign."
T. "Nonresidential zone" means any zone other than an R-1, R-2, R-3, or R4 zone.
�-3-21
Ordinance No. (1997 Series)
Page 22
U. "Off-premises sign" means any sign which directs attention to a business, service product, or
entertainment not sold or offered or only incidentally sold or offered on the premises on which the sign
is located.
V. "Person" means any individual,partnership, corporation, association or government or any other legal
entity.
W. "Pole sign" means a freestanding sign, supported by one or more poles 8 feet or longer in length.
X. "Political sign" means a sign intended to draw attention to or communicate a position on any issue,
candidate, or measure in any national, state, local or university campus election.
Y. "Portable sign" means any sign designed to be moved easily and not permanently affixed to the
ground or to a structure or building, such as a sandwich board sign.
Z. "Premises" means a building or unified complex of buildings on one lot or on two or more contiguous
lots under common ownership and/or with shared parking.
AA. "Price sign" means a sign on the premises of a service station, which contains information on the
cost and type or grade of motor fuel only.
BB. "Projecting sign" means a sign which extends out from a building face or wall so that the sign face
is perpendicular or at an angle to the building face or wall.
CC. "Public entrance" means a place of entry at a premises which is accessible by the general public.
DD. "Roof sign" means any sign any part of which is on or over any portion of any roof, eave, or
parapet of a building or structure.
EE. "Sandwich board sign" -see Portable sign.
FF. "Shopping center" means five or more stores with a minimum area of 50,000 square feet, 300 feet
of frontage and common off-street parking.
GG. "Second story" means the highest point of the second floor of a building.
HH. "Sign" means any visual device or representation designed or used for the purpose of com-
municating a message or identifying or attracting attention to a premises, product, service, person,
organization, business or event, with or without the use of words, visible from outside the premises on
which such device is located.
II. "Subdivision identification sign" means a temporary sign identifying an approved residential or
commercial subdivision and erected primarily for the purpose of advertising homes, lots or condominiums
for sale.
JJ. "Sign face" means the visible sign proper including all characters, symbols, and structural or
nonstructural background (e.g..cabinet frame or painted border), but not including the base of a pole or
monument sign.
—33
Ordinance No. (1997 Series)
Page 23
KK. "Sign area." See "Area of sign."
LL. "Suspended sign' means a sign attached to and located below any permanent eave, roof or canopy.
MM. "Temporary sign" means any sign which remains in use not more than 30 days or such other
period specified by a use permit or architectural review condition of approval.
NN. NPraffic Directional Sign"means a sign not exceeding 3 feet in height or 5 square feet in area that
provides on-site guidance to pedestrian or vehicular traffic such as parking lot entrance and exit signs.
00. "V sign" means a sign consisting of 2 essentially equal faces, positioned at an angle less than 180
degrees.
PP. • 'Vehicle sign" means a sign placed on a vehicle or trailer which is parked or located for the
primary purpose of displaying said sign. (Ibis does not include signs or lettering on buses, taxis, or work
vehicles operating during the normal course of business.)
QQ. "Wall sign" means a single-faced sign painted on or attached to a building wall, no part of which
extends out from or above a wall more than 6 inches.
RR. "Window sign" means a sign painted on or attached to a window or displayed within a building
but visible through.a window or similar opening for the primary purpose of exterior visibility.
SECTION 3. Publication. A summary of this ordinance, together with the names of Council
members voting for and against, shall be published at least five (5) days prior to its final passage,
in the Telegram Tribune, a newspaper published and circulated in this City. This ordinance shall
go into effect at the expiration of thirty (30) days after its final passage.
Ordinance No. (1997 Series)
Page No. 24
INTRODUCED AND PASSED TO PRINT by the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo
at its meeting held on the day of , 1997, on a motion of , seconded by
and on the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Mayor Allen Settle
ATTEST:
City Clerk Bonnie Gawf
APPROVED:
ty orn Je rge n
. City Of SAn tuis OBISPO
}aii A
mot
, INIM
'.x•a� 4ii+.ft j!1'fir]'
:f iec:y,.oi
July 3, 1997
city of san tins osispo
SIGN REGULATIONS
Table of Contents
Article I. General Provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
15.40.010 Title . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
15.40.020 Purpose 1
15.40.030 Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Article II. Exempt Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
15.40.040 Exempt signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Article M. Prohibited Signs 4
15.40.050 Prohibited signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Article IV. Sign Permits: Application and Processing Procedures 6
15.40.060 Permit required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
15.40.070 Sign permit application - Contents 6
15.40.080 Architectural review application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
15.40.090 Determination of need for other permits . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 6
15.40.100 Review and action by the Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
15.40.110 Permit issuance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
15.40.120 Signs requiring architectural review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
15.40.130 Sign evaluation criteria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
15.40.140 Approval . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
15.40.150 Denial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
15.40.160 Appeals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Article V. Sign Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
15.40.170 General standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10
15.40.180 Sign standards by district . 12
A. Conservation/Open Space (C/OS) zone 12
B. Residential (R-1, R-2, R-3, and R-4) zones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
C. Public Facility (PF)zone
. . . 12
D. Office (0)zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
E. Neighborhood Commercial (C-N) zone 13
F. Central Commercial (C-C)zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
G. Retail Commercial (C-R)zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
H. Service Commercial (C-S) and Manufacturing (M) zones . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
I. Tourist Commercial (C-T) zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
i
-:R7
Article VI. Exception to Sign Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
15.40.190 Requests for exceptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
15.40.200 Findings for approval of an exception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Article VI. Nonconforming Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
15.40.210 Existing nonconforming signs -Abatement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
15.40.220 Abatement or conformance-When required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
15.40.230 Amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Article VIII. Non-current, Abandoned or Unsafe Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
15.40.240 Non-current signs - Removal required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
15.40.250 Unsafe signs - Correction or removal required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Article IX. Enforcement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
15.40.260 Type of offense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
15.40.270 Public nuisance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Article X. -Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
ii
-3F
SIGN REGULATIONS — Chapter 15.40
Article I. General Provisions K. Ensure that the location, size and design of
signs is visually compatible with the architecture
of affected structures and the character of sur-
15.40.010 Title. rounding development;
L. Maintain and enhance the quality of the
This chapter shall be known and cited as the City's appearance by limiting off-premises signs
"Sign Regulations of the City." to avoid clutter and by subjecting certain signs to
15.40.020 Purpose. architectural review; and
M. Regulate the number and size of signs
These regulations are intended to: according to standards consistent with the types
of establishments in each-zoning district.
A. Protea and enhance the character and natural
beauty of the . community and its various 15.40.030 Scope.
neighborhoods and districts against visual blight;
It is unlawful for any person, firm, or
B. Protect those uses which are adequately and corporation that owns, occupies, or controls
appropriately identified from too many and too property in the City of San Luis Obispo to
large signs in their environs; construct, maintain, display or alter or cause to
be constructed, maintained; displayed or altered,
C. Protect commercial districts from sign a sign within the City except in conformance
clutter; with this chapter.
D. Protect residential districts from light and
glare caused by commercial signs;
E. Protect the public's ability to identify uses
and premises without confusion;
F. Eliminate unnecessary distractions which
may jeopardize pedestrian or vehicular traffic
safety;
G. Assure the maintenance of signs;
H. Implement the community goals and policies
expressed in the general plan;
I. Encourage energy conservation in sign
design;
J. Ensure that signs are used primarily as
identification rather than advertisement;
1
SIGN REGULATIONS — Chapter 15.40
Article II. Exempt Signs exceed 3 square feet at each public entrance, nor
10 square feet.total, indicating address, hours
and days of operation, whether a business is open
or closed, credit information, emergency address
15.40.040 Exempt signs. and telephone numbers, and informing the public
of available goods or services;
The following signs shall be allowed without a
sign permit and shall not be included in the G. "No trespassing" signs -Each not more than
determination of type, number, or area of signs one square foot in size placed at each corner and
allowed in each zone district: (Under certain each entrance to property and at intervals of not
circumstances temporary signs and other exempt less than 100 feet or in compliance with the
signs may require a construction or en- requirements of law;
croachment permit. Check with the Building
Division of the Community Development H. Official signs - Official federal, state, or
Department and the Public Works Department.) local government flags, emblems and historical
markers, subject to height limits established by
A. Bulletin boards -Not over 24 square feet in zone;
area and 6 feet in height, for public, charitable,
or religious institutions; I. Public signs - Public information, special
event, and directionalsigns erected by a public
B. Construction/Subdivision signs - Tempo- agency;
rary signs not exceeding 16 square feet in
aggregate used to indicate owner, builder, J. Real estate signs -Temporary signs indicat-
architect, and pertinent data regarding building ing that the property on which the sign is located
construction on the site during construction only. is for sale, rent or lease. Only one such sign, is
For commercial and residential projects on sites permitted to face on each street adjacent to the
3 acres or larger,the maximum exempt sign area property. Such signs may be single-or double-
is 32 square feet; faced and are limited to 3 square feet or less on
property in residential zones and 10 square feet
C. Government-required signs-Official feder- or less on property in nonresidential zones. A
al, state or local government traffic, directional, maximum of 3 off-premises open house signs are
and information signs and notices issued by any allowed with the approval of the property owner
court, person or officer in performance of a -or the City if locatedin the right-of-way - and
public duty, or any other sign that is required to shall be removed immediately after the open
be posted by any government agency; house is held;
D. Hazard signs-Temporary signs warning of K. Residential identification signs - Identi-
construction, excavation, or similar hazards so fication signs for residents limited to not more
long as the hazard exists; than one square foot on each dwelling unit;
E. Historic building signs and plaques; L. Service station point-of-sale and price signs
-For service stations: 1) all point-of-sale signs at
F. Nscellaneous information signs - in non- the gas pumps, and 2) not more than one price
residential zones, with an aggregate area not to sign for each frontage not exceeding 20 square
2
02
SIGN REGULATIONS — Chapter 15.40
feet each and subject to height and setback limits
established by zone;
M. Temporary holiday decorations - See also
"Temporary window signs";
N. Temporary political signs - Not exceeding
3 square feet total for each property in residential
zones and 10 square feet total for each property
in nonresidential zones;
O. Temporary window signs - Signs in office
and commercial zones which cumulatively do not
exceed 10-percent of each window area or 4
square feet per window, whichever is greater. No
temporary window sign shall be displayed for
more than 30 days. Cumulatively, no business
shall display temporary signs for more than 60
days per year;
P. Traffic directional signs - Parking lot and
other private traffic directional signs each not
exceeding 3 feet in height and 5 square feet in
area and limited to guidance of pedestrian or
vehicular traffic within the premises on which
they are located; and
Q. Utifity signs-Signs showing the location of
public telephones and signs placed by utilities to
show the location of underground facilities.
3
07" /�
SIGN REGULATIONS — Chapter 15.40
Article III. Prohibited Signs 3. approved with a sign permit as a
temporary sign pending manufacture and
installation of an approved permanent sign; or
15.40.050 Prohibited signs. 4. approved by the Public Works Director
The following signs are prohibited: over designated rights-of-way; .
D. Billboards;
a E. Highly reflective and fluorescent signs -
INFLATABL S Signs made wholly or partially of highly
MO ; ER reflective material and fluorescent or day-glo
IGN _NSR IG painted signs;
F. Off-premises signs, except open house real
S ri+is F:
estate signs;
G. Roof signs unless approved by the Architec-
tural Review Commission;
SEAR CS &
• 1
B S H. Search lights and beacons unless authorized
"•r b the Ci m con
• '• wx�:� *a��' y City � junction with a temporary use
P
Figure 1 - Prohibited Signs
permit or special event;
I. Signs in required setbacks, as specified by
A. Attention-getters - Pennants, streamers, this chapter and the zoning regulations;
spinners, helium balloons, inflatable signs, and
other similar attention-getting devices, unless J. Signs on utility poles or traffic control
authorized in conjunction with a temporary use devices-Signs attached or placed adjacent to any
permit or through architectural review; utility pole, parking meter, traffic sign post,
traffic signal or any other official traffic-control
B. Backlit translucent awning signs; device in accordance with Section 21464 of the
C. Banner signs are prohibited unless: California Vehicle Code; .
K. Signs on street trees;
1. approved in conjunction with a tem-
porary or intermittent use permit or special event L. Signs that block ingress or egress - Any
permit; or sign, except as may be required by other code or
ordinance,placed or maintained so as to interfere
2. approved with a sign permit as a with free ingress to or egress from any door,
temporary window sign, affixed on the inside of window or fire escape;
the window; or
M. Signs on or over public property - Private
signs, other than permitted projecting signs,
4
SIGN REGULATIONS — Chapter 15.40
located on or extended over public property R. V signs (see definition);
without a valid encroachment permit;
S. Vehicle signs (see definition);
N. Signs without permission - Signs erected
without the permission of the owner, or his
agent, of the property on which such signs are
located;
O. Signs with inadequate clearance Any sign 0.
which does not conform with clearance require-
ments noted in Article V. Sign Standards, and
with the following clearance requirements for
communication lines, utility lines and power
lines, or any further restrictions adopted by the
California Public Utilities Commission:
MMMUM CLEARANCE OF SIGNS
FROM CONDUCTORS
Greater than or
Less than equal to 7SO
7SO volts volts Figure 2 - Vehicle Sign Example
Vertical clearance
Above sign 3 feet 8 feet T. Other - Any sign not expressly allowed by
Bdovr sip 3 feet prohibited this chapter.
Horizontal dearame
Above sip 3 feet 6 fee
Below sign 4 feet 6 feet
P. Simulated traffic signs - Any sign which
simulates or imitates in size, color, lettering or
design any traffic sign or signal, or which makes
use of words, symbols or characters in such a
manner to interfere with, mislead, or confuse
pedestrian or vehicular traffic;
Q. Temporary outdoor signs - Temporary
signs visible from a public street attached to or
placed on merchandise or materials stored or
displayed outdoors, unless approved in
conjunction with a temporary or intermittent use
permit or special event permit;
5
SIGN REGULATIONS — Chapter 15.40
Article M Sign Permits: 15.40.090 Determination of need for other
Application and Processing permits.
Procedures A. Construction permits. The Chief Building
Official shall determine if a separate building,
electrical, or other construction permit is also
15.40.060 Permit required. required.
No sign shall be constructed, maintained, dis- B. Encroachment permits. Signs which appear
played or altered without a sign permit obtained to extend into or over a public right-of-way or
as provided in this chapter, unless the sign is easement shall be routed to the City Engineer to
specifically exempted from permit requirements. determine if an encroachment permit is also
-
15.40.070-Sign permit application - Contents. required.
15.40.100 Review and action by the Director.
Any person desiring to construct, repair, alter or
display a sign for which a permit is required Within 15 days of receiving a complete applica-
shall submit an application and associated fees, tion for sign permit which does not require
established by resolution of the City Council, to architectural review or the issuance of other per-
the Community Development Department. Such mits, the Director of Community Development
application shall include plans, drawings and shall in writing approve, conditionally approve,
other descriptive material sufficient to: 1) depict or deny the sign permit application. The
the sign(s)proposed, as well as all existing signs Director may impose only such conditions as will
on the same property; and 2)enable evaluation of assure compliance with the provisions of this
the proposal's conformance with the sign chapter.
regulations. Authorization of the property owner
is required to submit a sign permit application. 15.40.110 Permit issuance.
See Figure 3 for examples of site plan and
elevation drawings depicting a sign proposal. The Chief Building Official shall be responsible
for issuance of sign permits, determination of
The Community Development Department staff compliance with building code requirements, and
will review all sign permit applications for inspection of installation. No sign permit shall
completeness and consistency with these be issued until other required permits and .
regulations. Staff will notify the applicant if approvals, including architectural review, have
architectural review is required. been issued and granted, and any associated
15.40.080 Architectural review application. appeal periods have expired.
When architectural review is required, a separate
application for such review together with fees, as
established by resolution of the City Council,
shall be fled with the Community Development
Department.
6
2—�'f
SIGN REGULATIONS — Chapter 15.40
NOTE
D SEE SM NI 2 FOR LOCATION
OF PROPOSED SIGN
REDWOOD FRAME
DARK OWE SQUPr{OLOK
SAMPLE ATTACKED TD
APrLICATION
MGNr GLUE D
AGGROIND
SMORGSORDAE EvenrAOREMA � C
A
LETTERING
ADOSESLOCR I
NAT.GRADE
FRONT VIEW SIDE VIEW
MOPOSFD SIGN INFOkMA'ION:
ZONING:GS(SFIVICF.COMMERCIAL)
TOTAI..SION AREA ON•MMISE5:
SM:"C x Cr
TYPE:MONUMENT
MAX NEIGNT:"A"
LIGMING:INTERN/,L FUOKSCENT(8O WATTS)
PLANTING:UNDULATUM PLANITARNM
(M DPJP:RRGATION)
SIGN FOR unors ORFMAL SMORGMBOARD PREP,Th K.GEfUM 6 AS50C.
T610 LOISLAW ,srARKS COURT � ELEVATIONS SITf.2d2
SAN wIs oasro,CA ssarn SAN WIS ONSP0,CA .
...::.. •w.:�w..>a..a§.an,Iz:r.sra....xJwWa...a.m...,qnaia':...nxwi.....w.w.....,....c„..sw..e.ua.,..:vi;wa.m.:x',r:;:Ba,,:.. .:...:.......:
PPDPCr,EDMONLI(MENIT L015 LANE
no
i W
5K•N(Sim 8 NEIGFIT)
iis
NORM
k::3330 •'iii
FASTING WALL `%'' _
91GN(SaE6NFJGIii)
O ERk:i:-::;): DUSTING STRICTURE
ic
s'?' P
ARKING A
7 m
3'i''•
m
R
k
Properw Lw T
... SIGN FOR U.WM OIOEHM&.0 PRER 6Y:IC GETUM 6 A990G DATE
1101110 WO LADE t SPART5 O0uRr e�AM- 51TE PLAN %M 11f 2
sAN Luls oeNSPo.a salol w LDIs oesrD.u
Figure 3 Typical Sign Permit Plans
7
2�/s
SIGN REGULATIONS — Chapter 15.40
15.40.120 Signs requiring architectural review. 15.40.130 Sign evaluation criteria.
The following signs shall require architectural In reviewing a sign permit application, the
review: Director and the Architectural Review
Commission (ARC) shall apply the following
A. Animated signs - Signs consisting of or criteria as a basis for action, in addition to
containing any moving, rotating, flashing or criteria outlined in the stated purpose of these
otherwise animated light or component; regulations, general sign standards, and standards
B. Roof signs; for each zoning district:
A. The sign proposal together with already
C. Signs requiring exceptions - Any individual existing signs shall be consistent with the pur-
sign, or combination of all signs on any one pose of these regulations.
property, which is not consistent with the height,
number, type, location, setback, size, or B. The sign proposal shall not constitute
maximum area standards prescribed by these needless redundancy or proliferation of signs.
regulations;
C. Signs shall not obscure from view or unduly
D. Modifications to sign programs approved detract from existing approved signs.
by the Architectural Review Commission
(ARC); D. To be clearly readable, the amount of
information per sign should be limited.
E. Shopping center identification signs;
E. Signs shall be visually compatible and in
F. Internally-illuminated cabinet signs in the scale with the architecture of affected buildings,
C-C zone, existing approved signs, and the character of
G. Pole signs; surrounding development.
F. Signs shall primarily function to identify a
H. Flag signs; business or tenant. Prices, phone numbers and
detailed descriptions of merchandise and services
I. Marquee signs including theater marquees; should generally be avoided.
J. Signs for new commercial development; G. In a multi-tenant commercial development,
tenant signage should exhibit continuity in sign
K. Off-premises signs, not otherwise exempt or type, materials, location, and size.
prohibited; and
H. For internally illuminated signs, a dark
L. Other- Any other visual device which does background with lighter letters and graphics is
not, in the determination of the Community generally preferable to the reverse. Raised
Development Director, comply with the purpose lettering and graphics with halo or back lighting
of this chapter or the evaluation criteria outlined are also preferable to flat faced signs with a light
below. background and dark copy.
8
Flo
SIGN REGULATIONS — Chapter 15.40
15.40.140 Approval.
If a sign permit application satisfies the above
criteria and complies with other provisions of
these regulations, it shall be approved.
15.40.150 Denial.
Denial of a sign permit application shall be based
on specific findings explaining how the proposed
sign fails to satisfy the evaluation criteria above
or other provisions of these regulations.
15.40.160 Appeals.
A. Community Development Director deci-
sions.
1. Appeal body. Any discretionary deci-
sion of the Community Development Director
authorized by these regulations may be appealed
to the Architectural Review Commission (ARC).
2. Fling time. Appeals must be filed in
writing at the Community Development Depart-
ment within 10 calendar days of the Director's
decision. If the tenth day is a Saturday, Sunday,
or holiday, the appeal period shall extend to the
next business day.
3. Public hearing. Once an appeal has
been filed, it shall be considered at the earliest
available Architectural Review Commission
(ARC) meeting, considering public notification
requirements.
B. Architectural Review Commission deci-
sions.
Any decision of the Architectural Review Com-
mission (ARC) may be appealed to the City
Council in accordance with the procedures set
out in Chapter 1.20 of the Municipal Code.
9
o�-417
SIGN REGULATIONS — Chapter 15.40
Article V. Sign Standards width of the sidewalk or 6 feet, whichever is
less.
E. Clearance-Pole signs: Where permitted,
15.40.170 General standards, pole signs must have a minimum vertical clear-
ance of 8 feet.
All signs shall conform to the following general
standards (by sign type) in addition to standards
::SPO
for the zone district in which they are located,
unless an exception is granted through the
architectural review process.
Note: Please also refer to the definitions, and - a,MIN.
sections describing exempt signs, prohibited
signs, and signs requiring architectural review.
A. Awning signs: Signs on awnings shall not
cover more than 25 percent of the main area of
the awning, or exceed 25 square feet in size, Figure 4-Pole Sign
whichever is smaller.
F. Fence signs: Signs.attached to fences are
B. Cabinet signs: Generally, cabinet signs permitted wherever wall signs are permitted
should have dark backgrounds and light letters providing they do not encroach into the public
rather than the reverse. right-of-way or cross a common property line
and are limited to a maximum area of 16 square
C. Changeable copy signs: These may be used feet.
in lieu of a wall or window sign, but may not
exceed 6 square feet in size (theater signs are not G. Flags: The use of the American flag should
subject to this area limit). have patriotic rather than commercial signing
functions. Flag poles displaying only national,
D. Clearance-Awning, projecting, marquee, state, or local flags shall be located outside of
and suspended signs: Where permitted, these required setback areas and shall conform to the
signs shall conform to the following require- height requirements for structures in the site's .
ments: zoning district. Flag poles displaying other than
national, state, or local flags shall be subject to
1. Vertical clearance. The minimum clear- height, area, lighting, and location standards
ance between the lowest point of a sign and the established by this chapter for pole signs.
grade immediately below shall be 8 feet.
H. Height: The top of a sign attached to
2. Horizontal clearance. The minimum building shall not be higher than 25 feet or the
horizontal clearance between a sign and the curb height of the building face, excluding parapets,
line shall be 2 feet;the maximum projection over whichever is less. Signs shall not be located
a public sidewalk shall be two-thirds (2/3) the above the second story. Generally, signs should
10
"`T6
SIGN REGULATIONS — Chanter 15.40
not be located above the floor occupied by the 3. All signs in the Service Commercial (C-
identified tenant. S)and Manufacturing (M) zones shall maintain
a 5 foot minimum set back from a street yard
I. Illuminated signs: Where permitted, property line.
lighting for signs shall not create a hazardous
glare for pedestrians or vehicles either in a public
street or on any private premises. The light RMURevSEnBACx
source shall be shielded from view. Sign
illumination for externally illuminated signs shall "o 0'�s•
wc�w THIS nREn
be indirect and shall utilize focused light fixtures
that do not allow light or glare to shine above the rRorEMME
horizontal plane of the top of the sign or onto : ;; SIDEWALK
x�
any public right-of--way or adjoining property.
Signs shall-not be illuminated after 10:00 p.m. or
close of business, whichever is later. Except as
specifically provided for in the Office zone
standards, each sign shall be designed so that aW
illumination does not exceed 100 luxes (10
candlepower) at a distance of 10 feet from the
sign. Figure 5 Corner Setbacks
J. Portable(sandwich board) signs: Portable L. Shared signs: Where two or more
signs are allowed in lieu of a monument sign, businesses are located on the same premises, the
providing they do not exceed 4 square feet in maximum number and sign area for pole and
area, are located outside the right-of--way, and do monument signs must be shared.
not interfere with building ingress and egress.
M. Shopping center identification signs: With
K. Setbacks: Except as provided in this chap- architectural approval, in addition to the signs
ter, sign location shall conform with setbacks permitted for individual tenants, shopping centers
established in the zoning regulations. may have one identification sign per frontage not
to exceed 16 feet in height or 72 square feet in
1. With Director approval, 'traffic direc- area. Note: Such shopping center signs shall not
tional signs' may be placed in the required be included in the area calculations for individual .
setback, providing they do not interfere with tenants, unless tenants are specifically identified
visibility required for safe vehicular and on the shopping center sign.
pedestrian circulation, especially at street cor-
ners. N. Subdivision identification signs
(pe naneit): Only one such sign is permitted to
2. With Director approval, 'monument face each perimeter frontage of the subdivision,
signs" may be located in the required setback not to exceed 16 square feet in area and 8 feet in
area, subject to the same visibility finding height. A sign permit is required for these signs.
required above, and providing they meet
applicable height and area limits established for
the zoning district.
11
a-yy
SIGN REGULATIONS — Chapter 15.40
15.40.180 Sign standards by district. 2. One directory sign for multi-family
residential developments and other uses, as
This section describes the number, type, and size determined by the Director, not internally illumi-
of signs, which are allowed for each zone, nated and not exceeding one square foot for each
subject to sign permit issuance and in some cases room or suite occupied as a unit or 16 square
architectural review. feet, whichever is less.
Note: 3. Where allowed in residential zones, a
neighborhood grocery market may have one wall,
1. Sign types (window, awning, pole, etc.) window, or awning sign on each frontage or
are subject to the general standards described in building face having a public entrance, not
the previous section. internally illuminated and with a total area not to
exceed 10 percent of the tenant's building face or
2. Signs shall be located only on each 20 square feet, whichever is less.
building face having a public entrance.
4. If signs are externally illuminated,
3. Where a property has a sign program illumination of the reflecting surface shall not
approved by the Architectural Review exceed 10 luxes (one candlepower) measured 10
Commission (ARC), that program shall feet from the sign.
supersede the following.
C. Public Facility (PF) zone.
4. The maximums established by these
regulations are legal maximums and the full One identification sign per frontage not to exceed
maximum may not be appropriate in every case. 24 square feet, is permitted in the Public Facility
A. Conservation/Open Space (C/OS) zone. zone.
Signs in the Conservation/Open Space zone are D. Office (0) zone.
subject to use permit approval. The following signs are permitted within the
B. Residential(R-1,R-2, R-3,and R-4)zones. Office zone:
The following signs are permitted within the I. Signs allowed for residential uses.
residential zones (R-1, R-2, R-3, and R-4): 2. One directory sign at each premises, not
internally illuminated and not exceeding one
1. One monument or wall identification square foot for each room or suite occupied as a
sign, not internally illuminated and not exceeding unit.
10 square feet on each frontage of a planned
residential development, multiple-family build- 3. Total area of all signs, excluding directo-
ing, group quarters, school, church, or ry signs, shall not exceed 50 square feet per
institutional use. business or tenant.
12
�s�r�
SIGN REGULATIONS — Chapter 15.40
4. Each business or tenant may have a 3. Total area of all signs, excluding directo-
maximum of 2 signs from any of the following: ry signs, shall not exceed 100 square feet for
each business or tenant.
a. One not internally illuminated monument
sign per premises not to exceed 24 square 4. Each business or tenant may have a
feet in area or 4 feet in height. maximum of 2 signs from any of the following:
b. One wall, window, or awning sign on a. Wall, window, or awning signs. The
each frontage or building face having a total area of wall, window, and awning signs
public entrance, not internally illuminated on the same wall may not exceed 10 percent
and not to exceed 5 percent of the tenant's of a tenant's building face or 50 square feet,
building face or 25 square feet, whichever is whichever is less. See general standards for
less. awning sign criteria:
c. One non-illuminated suspended sign, not b. One non-illuminated suspended sign, not
to exceed 6 square feet. to exceed 6 square feet.
d. One non-illuminated projecting sign, not c. One non-illuminated projecting sign, not
to exceed 6 square feet. to exceed 12 square feet.
e. No internally illuminated signs shall be d. For uses = located within a shopping
allowed except as provided for in subsection center, one monument sign per premises not
f below. For externally illuminated signs, to exceed 12 square feet in area or 4 feet in
illumination of the reflecting surface shall height.
not exceed 10 luxes (one candlepower)
measured 10 feet from the sign. e. For shopping centers, one shopping
center identification sign per frontage,
f. Hospitals are allowed to have internally subject to ARC approval.
illuminated signs subject to the illumination
levels authorized by Section 15.40.170 L F. Central Commercial (C-C) zone.
E. Neighborhood Commercial (C-N) zone. The following signs are permitted in the Central
Commercial zone:
The following signs are permitted within the
Neighborhood Commercial zone: 1. Signs allowed for residential uses.
1. Signs allowed for residential uses. 2. One directory sign at each premises, not
internally illuminated and not exceeding one
2. One non-illuminated directory sign at square foot for each room or suite occupied as a
each premises, not exceeding one square foot for unit.
each room or suite occupied as a unit.
13
SIGN REGULATIONS — Chapter 15.40
3. Total area of all signs, exclusive of any 4. Each business or tenant may have a
directory sign, shall not exceed 200 square feet maximum of 4 signs as follows:
for each business or tenant.
a. Wall, window, and awning signs. The
4. Each business or tenant may have a total area of wall, window, and awning signs
maximum of 4 signs from any of the following. on the same wall may not exceed 100 square
feet or 15 percent of the tenant's building
a. Wall, window, and awning signs. The face, whichever is less. See general
total area of all wall, window, and awning standards for awning sign criteria.
signs on any wall shall not exceed 100
square feet or 15 percent of the tenant's b. Suspended signs, not to exceed 6 square
building face, whichever is less. See general feet.
standards for awning sign criteria.
c. Projecting signs, not to exceed 24 square
b. Suspended signs, not to exceed 6 square feet each.
feet.
d. For uses = located within a shopping
c. Projecting signs, not to exceed 12 square center, one monument sign per premises not
feet each. to exceed 4 feet in height or 12 square feet
in area.
d. One non-illuminated monument sign per
premises not to exceed 4 feet in height or 12 e. For shopping centers, one shopping
square feet in area. center identification sign per frontage,
subject to Architectural Review Commission
e. Internally illuminated cabinet signs and (ARC) approval.
marquee signs in the C-C zone require
Architectural Review Commission (ARC) H. Service Commercial (C-S) and Nlanufac-
approval. turfing (Nn zones.
G. Retail Commercial (C-R) zone. The following signs are permitted within the
The following signs are permitted in the Retail Service Commercial and Manufacturing zones:
Commercial zone: 1. One directory sign at each premises, not
internally illuminated and not exceeding one
1. Signs allowed for residential uses. square foot for each room or suite occupied as a
unit.
2. One directory sign at each premises, not
exceeding one square foot for each room or suite 2. Total area of signs, exclusive of any
occupied as a unit. directory sign, shall not exceed 200 square feet
3. Total area of all signs, exclusive of any for each business or tenant.
directory sign, shall not exceed 200 square feet 3. Each business or tenant may have a
for each business or tenant. maximum of 2 signs as follows:
14
SIGN REGULATIONS — Chapter 15.40
a. Wall, window, or awning signs. The 72 square feet in area, or one monument sign
total area of wall, window, and awning signs per premises not to exceed 6 feet in height or
on the same wall may not exceed 15 percent 24 square feet in area.
of the tenant's building face or 100 square
feet, whichever is less. See general standards
for awning sign criteria.
b. One pole sign per premises, subject to
Architectural Review Commission (ARC)
approval, not to exceed 16 feet in height or
72 square feet in area, or one monument
sign per premises not to exceed 6 feet in
height or 24 square feet in area.
I. Tourist Commercial (C-7).zone.
The following signs are permitted within the
Tourist Commercial zone:
1. .Signs allowed for residential uses.
2. One directory sign at each premises, not
internally illuminated and not exceeding one
square foot for each room or suite occupied as a
unit.
3. Total area of signs, exclusiveof
directory signs, shall not exceed 200 square feet,
for each business or tenant.
4. Each business or tenant may have a
maximum of 4 signs as follows:
a. Wall, window, or awning signs. The
total area of wall, window, and awning signs
on the same wall may not exceed 7 percent
of the tenant's building face or 100 square
feet, whichever is less. See general
standards for awning sign criteria.
b. One pole sign per premises, subject to
Architectural Review Commission (ARC)
approval, not to exceed 16 feet in height or
15
o2-S�
SIGN REGULATIONS — Chapter 15.40
Article VI. Exception to Sign while allowing its basic form and character to
Standards remain.
C. The exception will not constitute a grant of
special privilege or entitlement inconsistent with
15.40.190 Requests for exceptions. limitations applied to other properties in the
vicinity with the same zoning.
Unusual site conditions or other design factors
may warrant signs not otherwise permitted by D. Granting the exception will not be detri-
these regulations. A sign permit application mental to the public welfare or injurious to the
which includes a request for exceptions to stan- properties or improvements in the vicinity.
dards established by these regulations is subject
to architectural review and shall include reasons E. The sign for which the exception is requested
for the request. Unless deemed architecturally is consistent with the purpose and intent of the
insignificant, a. separate architectural review sign regulations.
application and fees are required.
15.40.200 Findings for approval of an
exception.
Granting an exception to the sign regulations
must be based on the following or similar find-
ings:
A. There are exceptional or unusual circum-
stances applying to the property involved which
do not apply generally to properties in the
vicinity with the same zoning, such as:
1. Presence of a legally nonconforming use;
2. Visual obstruction; or
3. Unusual building location on-site.
B. The sign for which an exception is requested
is a nonconforming sign that acts as a
neighborhood landmark or focal point while not
disrupting views of prominent community land-
scape features. When granting an exception, the
Architectural Review Commission (ARC) or the
Director shall require that as many nonconform-
ing elements of the sign as possible be eliminated
16
SIGN REGULATIONS — Chapter 15.40
Article VI. Nonconforming Signs Community Development Department, in
accordance with the following schedule:
If Twice the Original Amortisation Period
15.40.210 Existing nonconforming signs Value of Sign is: CM years)-
Abatement. Less than$500 Two
$500 to$999 Three
$1,000 to$2,999 Five
Signs which lawfully existed and were $3,000 to$$,999 Fight
maintained as nonconforming signs prior to MOre than$6.000 Ten
March 12, 1983, have been fully amortized and
are subject to abatement, unless otherwise in B. The time periods in the schedule set out in
compliance with this chapter. The adoption of subsection A of this section shall commence on
this chapter shall in no way extend any abatement the effective date of the ordinance giving rise to
period in effect prior to March 12, 1983. or creating the nonconforming sign.
15.40.220 Abatement or conformance-When C. If more than one sign on a premises is or
required. becomes nonconforming, the original cost of all
such nonconforming signs shall be aggregated for
Signs which lawfully existed and were the purpose of determining the amortization
maintained and became nonconforming after period.
March 12, 1983, shall be removed or made to
conform within 30 days after written notice by D. The owner or user of a nonconforming sign
the Department of Community Development, shall, upon written request of the Community
when: Development Department, furnish acceptable
proof of the initial cost in the form of:
A. The use of the premises changes and the
exterior of the building or other site conditions 1. An original bill of sale;
are to be altered; or
2. A description schedule from state or
B. A sign is damaged by any cause resulting in federal income tax returns; or
replacement or repair cost equal to or greater
than one-half of its replacement value at the time 3. A written appraisal by a sign manu-
the damage occurs; or facturer.
C. In accordance with the amortization schedule
outlined in Section 15.40.230.
15.40.230 Amortization.
A. Signs which lawfully existed and were
maintained and became nonconforming after
March 12, 1983, shall be removed or made to
conform within 30 days of written notice by the
17
r—
SIGN REGULATIONS — Chapter 15.40
Article VIII. Non-current,
Abandoned or Unsafe Signs
15.40.240 Non-current signs - Removal re-
quired.
Any sign, including its supporting structure
which no longer identifies the current occupant
or which otherwise fails to serve its original
purpose after a lapse of 3 months shall be
deemed to be a public nuisance and shall be
removed by the owner of the property on which
it is located upon 30 days written notice by the
Community Development Department.
15.40.250 Unsafe signs - Correction or re-
moval required.
Any sign that, in the opinion of the Chief Build-
ing Official, is unsafe or insecure, shall be
deemed a public nuisance and shall be corrected
or removed, together with any supporting struc-
ture, by the owner of the property on which the
sign is located, within 72 hours of written notice
by the Community Development Department.
18
a-s�
SIGN REGULATIONS — Chapter 15.40
Article I%. Enforcement
15.40.260 Type of offense.
Any person who violates any provision of this
ordinance shall be guilty of an infraction.
Violations shall be punishable as set forth in
Chapter 1.12 of the San Luis Obispo Municipal
Code. Nothing in this chapter shall be deemed
or constituted to prevent the City from
commencing any civil proceeding otherwise
authorized- by law for the declaration or
abatement of a public nuisance.
15.40.270 Public nuisance.
If the owner of any premises fails or neglects to
comply with the provisions of this chapter, it
shall constitute a public nuisance, pursuant to
Chapter 8.24 of the San Luis Obispo Municipal
Code. Any aggrieved party may, in addition to
any other right or remedy he or she may possess
either at law or in equity, pursue a private cause
of action to abate a public nuisance, as specified
in Chapter 8.24 of the San Luis Municipal Code.
19
,;2 -57
SIGN REGULATIONS — Cha ter 15.40
Article R. Definitions not sold,produced, manufactured or furnished at
the property on which said sign is located.
As used in this chapter, the followingterms and F. "Building face" means the whole of a
building visible in an elevation view, excluding
phrases shall have the indicated meanings: Sloped roof and able
P g Parapet surfaces.
"Tenant's building face" is that portion of the
A. "ARC" means Architectural Review Com- building face enclosing the area of the building
mission. occupied by the tenant. In multi-tenant buildings
with interior tenant spaces, each tenant's building
B. "Area of sign" face shall be the proportionate share of the
means the number
of square feet of the building face enclosing the area occupied by all
-
smallest rectangleIW.
tenants.
within which a sign A G. "Bulletin board" means a sign which ac-
face canbe
Ff
enclosed. ini I eommodates changeable copy and which displays
determining the areeaa or/ �A information on activities and events on the
s
of an individual sign premises.
which has more than H. "Directory sign" means a wall-mounted sign
one face, the great_
est area of sign faces eDcSrg r :JAidentifying the location of occupants of a building
visible from any one or group of buildings which are divided into
point shall be used.
rooms, suites, or units used as separate offices,
studios, or dwellings.
The "total sign area"
is the sum of all s A I. "Fascia" means a flat horizontal band on a
individual sign building elevation, typically above the first story
azo' doors and windows.
SIGN AREA�A x B '
Fgure 6 Sign Area J. "Frontage" or "Lot frontage" means the
C. "Awning sign" means anlettering horizontal distance along a lot line adjacent to a
Y g or public street, or the side of a lot adjacent to a
graphic painted on or otherwise applied to any public street.
part of an awning.
D "Banner" m K. "Group quarters" means a residential
Bans a flexible sign typically facility in which residents do not occupy individ-
supported at two or more points and hung on a ual dwelling units, such as dormitories, fraterni-
building or otherwise suspended down or across ties, hostels, and residential care facilities.
its face, or across a public right-of--way.
L.E. "Billboard" meatus a sign structure, available from ave�eof sign" means the vertical distance
op
for lease or rent, advertising an establishment, sign to the tof the sl immediatelybelow the
merchandise, service, or entertainment, which is P si - includding the sup-
port structure and any design elements.
20
SIGN REGULATIONS — Chapter 15.40
M. "Identification sign" means any sign identi- R. "Monument sign" means a sign which is
fying a residential development, a multi-family completely self-supporting, has its base on the
building, group quarters, school, church, inti- ground or is supported by posts, and is 6 feet or
tution, or shopping center, and not advertising lower in height.
any product or service.
S. "Nonconforming sign." See "Illegal sign"
N. "Illegal sign" means any sign which does and "Legal nonconforming sign."
not meet the requirements of this code and which
has not received legal nonconforming status. T. "Nonresidential zone" means any zone other
than an R-1, R-2, R-3, or R-4 zone.
O. "Illumination".
U. "Off-premises sign" mean any sign which
1. "Internally illuminated sign" mean a directs attention to a business, service product,
sign which bas characters, letters, figures, or any or entertainment not sold or offered or only
portion of the sign face or outline thereof illnmi- incidentally sold or offered on the premises on
nated from an interior light source. which the sign is located.
2. "Externally illuminated sign" means a V. "Person" means any individual, partnership,
sign which is illuminated from an exterior corporation, association or government or any
artificial light source mounted on the sign, other legal entity.
another structure, or the ground.
W. "Pole sign" mean a freestanding sign, sup-
3. "Non-illuminated sign" mean a sign ported by one or more poles 8 feet or longer in
with no internal or external artificial light source length.
and only incidentally illuminated by ambient
light conditions. X. "Political sign" mean a sign intended to
draw attention to or communicate a position on
P. "Legal nonconforming sign" mean: any issue, candidate, or measure in any national,
state, local or university campus election.
1. A sign which was erected legally, but
which does not comply with the subsequently Y. "Portable sign" means any sign designed to
enacted sign restriction and regulation. be moved easily and not permanently affixed to
the ground or to a structure or building, such as
2. A sign which does not conform to the a sandwich board sign.
sign code requirements, but for which an excep-
tion has been approved. Z. "Premises" means a building or unified
complex of buildings on one lot or on two or
Q. "Marquee sign" mean a sign placed on the more contiguous lots under common ownership
face of a permanent roofed structure projecting and/or with shared parking.
over the building entrance, which is an integral
part of the building (usually a theater or hotel) AA. "Price sign" means a sign on the pre-
and is not a fascia extension of the roof or eve. mises of a service station, which contains
information on the cost and type or grade of
motor fuel only.
21
a sy
SIGN REGULATIONS — Cha ter 15.40
BB. "Projecting sign" means a sign which KK. "Sign area." See "Area of sign."
extends out from a building face or wall so that
the sign face is perpendicular or at an angle to LL. "Suspended sign" means a sign attached
the building face or wall. to and located below an
y permanent save, roof or
CC. "Public entrance" means a place of entry ropy
at a premises which is accessible by the general MM. "Temporary sign"means any sign which
public. remains in use not more than 30 days or such
DD. "Roof sign" means any sign any part of architectural r a ew coonnd tion of approvby a use vt or
which is on or over any portion of any roof,
eave, or parapet of a building or structure. NN. Traffic Directional Sign"means a sign
not exceeding 3 feet in height or 5 square feet in
EE. "Sandwich board sign" - see Portable area that provides on-site guidance to pedestrian
sign, or vehicular traffic such as parking lot entrance
FF. "Shopping center" means five or more and exit signs.
stores with a minimum area of 50,000 square 00. "V sign" means a sign consisting of 2
feet, 300 feet of frontage and common off-street essentially equal faces,positioned at an angle less
parking. than 180 degrees.
GG. "Second story" means the highest point PP. "Vehicle sign" means a sign placed on a
of the second floor of a building. vehicle or trailer which is parked or located for
Iii Si the primary purpose of displaying said sign.
1m" means any visual device or (This does not include signs or lettering on
representation designed or used for the purpose buses, taxis, or work vehicles operating during
Of communicating a message or identifying or the normal course of business.)
attracting attention to a premises, product,
service, person, organization, business or event,
with or without the use of words, visible from QQ' "Wall sign" means asingle-faced sign
outside the premises on which such device is of whichted oex extn or ends attached
or to a abo e wall,ding wall ore
located. than 6 inches.
H. "Subdivision identification sign" means RR. "Window sign" means a sign painted on
a temporary sign identifying an approved or attached to a window or displayed within a
residential or commercial subdivision and erected building but visible through a window or similar
primarily for the purpose of advertising homes, opening for the primary purpose of exterior
lots or condominiums for sale. visibility.
Jl. "Sign face" means the visible sign proper
including all characters, symbols, and structural
or nonstructural background (e.g. cabinet frame
or Painted border), but not including the base of
a pole or monument sign.
22
BUSINESS IMPROV ASSOC TEL :805-781-2647 MV-nBJ(j97 10iL35NO6.001 P .03
DATE ITEM #
20 May 1997
To: Mayor Allen Settle and City Council Members
From: $Jkcrre Rademaker,BIA President
Re: Revised Sign Ordinance
After a careful review of the new ordinance we would hereby like to express our support for its adoption
tonight.
It is our opinion that a thoughtful,consistently applied sign ordinance contributes to a positive business
environment. City staff,with input from the business community, has crafted a logical,easily understood
document which is in many ways superior to the current ordinance. It endeavors to anticipate all situations
in a reasonable way but still allows for subjective evaluation by the ARC when necessary.
CIV .
1 11- dam_'D.,
❑ FIN DIR.
A= ❑ FIRE CHIEF
Y ►rb'A TC)J 1' ❑ PW DIR
EYCLERK'ORIG ❑ POLICE CHF
— - ❑ MGMTTEAM ❑ REC DIR
1030 ILE C1UTIL DIR
z
. ❑ PER&C+ )
MEETING AGENDA !
f 5-90-q 7 ITEM #
San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce
1039 Chorro Street • San Luis Obispo, California 93401-3278
(805) 781-2777 • FAX (805) 543-1255
e-mail: slo-chamberpslonet.brg
David E. Garth, President/CEO
May 23/ 1997
IL'.`YIIS-
.. . . v .. ... ."
via ^.
r: r
47
,v
Mayor Alleri Settle:
City of San Luis Obispo 1 13 _ nw
990 Palm Street Q .:.0 AMLD R
ILE .
San Luis Obis o,CA 93401 ._ .____:_ : O pERS�;#
Re: Proposed Comprehensive Amendment to the City's Sign Regulations
Dear Mayor Settle:
On May 15, 1997, the Board of Directors of the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce
voted unanimously to endorse the proposed Comprehensive Amendment to the City's
Sign Regulations.
City staff has done a terrific job of improving the organization of the regulations. They
will be much easier to use and understand. We also think that the clarification of
certain regulations and the modifications made to other regulations are reflective of the
practical needs of our community.
The Chamber looks forward to your reasoned decision on this matter.
Sincerely,-
Robert
incerely,Robert L. Griffin ==.-
- Chairman of the Board
cc: Bill Roalman
Dave Romero
. Kathy Smith .� � _ � //��11
RECEI y/y�y D TEN YEARS
Dodie Williams
MAY"_+ 91997 - -
CITY COUNCIL. _
cr•' ^'� ^a ACCREDITED
R
Or'\Y