Source: http://www.codepublishing.com/ca/SanCarlos/html/SanCarlos18/SanCarlos1822.html
Timestamp: 2013-05-19 17:08:04
Document Index: 104769933

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4']

Chapter 18.22SIGNS
18.22.090 Commercial, industrial and airport zones.
B. Authority. This chapter is enacted pursuant to the following provisions of State law: the California Constitution, Article XI, Section 7; Government Code Sections 65000 et seq., 65850(b), 38774, 38775; Business and Professions Code Sections 5200 et seq. and 5490 et seq.; Civil Code Section 713; Penal Code Section 556 et seq.; as well as the City’s inherent police and zoning powers.
D. Scope. As to signs on private property, this chapter is regulatory; it does not abrogate, override, limit, modify or nullify any easements, covenants, leases or other existing private agreements which are more restrictive than this chapter. This chapter does not regulate signs that are displayed on public streets, sidewalks, and public spaces; those matters are covered by Title 12. This chapter does not modify State or Federal laws pertaining to the regulation or display of signs. (Ord. 1438 § 4 (Exh. A (part)), 2011: Ord. 1415 § 4 (Exh. A (part)), 2010. Formerly 18.150.010)
A. Compliance Required. Signs may be erected, installed or displayed only in compliance with this chapter. Unless explicitly exempted from the permit requirement, signs may be displayed only pursuant to a sign permit or other approval, and in compliance with all other applicable permit requirements. A sign that is exempt from the sign permit requirement may still be subject to other permit requirements or legal approvals, including those required by governmental or regulatory agencies other than the City. B. Responsibility for Compliance. The responsibility for compliance with this chapter rests jointly and severally upon the sign owner, the sign operator (if different from the sign owner), all parties holding the present right of possession and control of the property whereon a sign is located, mounted or installed, and the legal owner of the lot or parcel, even if the sign was mounted, installed, erected or displayed without the consent of the owner and/or other parties holding the legal right to immediate possession and control.
C. Violations. When a sign is displayed in violation of the rules of this chapter, or in violation of other applicable laws, rules, regulations, or policies regarding signs, each day is a separate violation. D. Enforcement. The Director is authorized and directed to enforce and administer this chapter.
E. Interpretations. The Director, in consultation with the City Attorney, shall interpret this chapter as the need for interpretation arises, including for application to specific issues and proposed signs; such interpretations may be appealed first to the Planning Commission and then to the City Council. All interpretations are to be made in light of the policies of message neutrality and message substitution, and the overall purposes and intent of this chapter. F. Message Neutrality. It is the City’s policy and intent to regulate signs in a manner consistent with the U.S. and California Constitutions, and which is content-neutral as to protected noncommercial speech. G. Message Substitution. Subject to the property owner’s consent, a protected noncommercial message of any type may be substituted, in whole or in part, for the message displayed on any sign for which the sign structure or mounting device is legal, without consideration of message content. Such substitution of message may be made without any additional approval, permitting, registration or notice to the City. The purpose of this provision is to prevent any inadvertent favoring of commercial speech over noncommercial speech, or favoring of any particular noncommercial message over any other noncommercial message.
3. This message substitution provision does not: a. Create a right to increase the total amount of signage on a parcel, lot or land use; b. Affect the requirement that a sign structure or mounting device be properly permitted; c. Allow a change in the physical structure of a sign or its mounting device; or d. Authorize the substitution of an off-site commercial message in place of an on-site commercial message or in place of a noncommercial message.
1. When discretion is authorized, it may be exercised to the following factors, as applicable: a. Style or character of existing improvements upon the site and lots adjacent to the site; b. Construction materials and details of structural design; c. The number and spacing of signs in the area; d. The sign’s display area, height, and location in relation to its proposed use; e. The sign’s relationship with other nearby signs, other elements of street and site furniture and adjacent structures; f. Form, proportion, and scale; g. Potential effect of the proposed sign on driver and pedestrian safety; h. Potential blocking of view (whole or partial) of a structure or facade or public view of historical, cultural or architectural significance; i. Potential obstruction of views of users of adjacent buildings to side yards, front yards, open space, or parks; and j. Potential negative impact on visual quality of public spaces. 2. Discretion may not be exercised as to the graphic design or message content of the subject sign; however, graphic design themes, including color and coverage ratios, may be evaluated for sign programs, but then only as to commercial messages on signs within the area subject to the sign program.
K. Noncommunicative Aspects. All rules and regulations concerning the noncommunicative aspects of signs, such as location, size, height, illumination, spacing, orientation, etc., stand enforceable independently of any permit or approval process. L. Legal Nature of Sign Rights and Duties. As to all signs attached to real property, the signage rights, duties and obligations arising from this chapter attach to and travel with the land or other property on which a sign is mounted, installed or displayed. A sign permit is an official authorization of legal right to a certain use of a particular parcel of land; it is not a certificate of ownership. This provision does not modify or affect the law of fixtures, sign-related provisions in private leases (so long as they are not in conflict with this chapter or other applicable law), or the ownership of sign structures. This provision does not apply to temporary hand-held signs or visual images that are aspects of personal appearance. This provision does not prevent a sign owner from removing a sign structure from a given location and installing it in another location, so long as all then-current legal requirements applicable to the new location are satisfied.
M. Owner’s Consent. No sign may be placed on private property without the consent of the legal owner of the property owner and all persons holding the present right of possession and control.
O. Policy Regarding New Billboards. New billboards, as defined herein, are prohibited. The City completely prohibits the construction, erection or use of any new billboards. This policy does not affect existing, legal billboards, or prevent relocation agreements, as authorized by Business and Professions Code Section 5412, so long as such agreements are not contrary to other applicable law. This policy does not prohibit permanent directional signs that are under four square feet in area or otherwise conform to the current edition of the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices. Violation of this policy is declared to be a public nuisance that may be abated by any method authorized by law. 1. Billboard Policy—Severability. In adopting the “no new billboards” provision, the City Council affirmatively declares that it would have adopted this billboard policy even if it were the only provision in this chapter. The City Council intends for this billboard policy to be severable and separately enforceable even if other provision(s) of this chapter may be declared, by a court of competent jurisdiction, to be unconstitutional, invalid or unenforceable.
P. Mixed-Use Zones. In any zoning district where both residential and nonresidential land uses are allowed, the sign-related rights and responsibilities applicable to any particular parcel or land use shall be determined as follows: residential uses shall be treated as if they were located in a zone where a use of that type would be allowed as a matter of right, and nonresidential uses shall be treated as if they were located in a zone where that particular use would be allowed, either as a matter of right or subject to a conditional use permit or similar discretionary process. (Ord. 1438 § 4 (Exh. A (part)), 2011: Ord. 1415 § 4 (Exh. A (part)), 2010. Formerly 18.150.015)
“Architectural Review Committee (ARC)” means that committee so designated by resolution of Council; the ARC may be the same as the Planning Commission.
“Billboard” means a permanent structure sign in a fixed location, which meets any one or more of the following criteria: 1. It is intended to be used for, or is actually used for, the display of general advertising or general advertising for hire; 2. It is used for or intended to be used for the display of commercial advertising messages which pertain to products and/or services which are offered at a different location, also known as off-site commercial messages; 3. It constitutes a separate principal use of the property, in contrast to an auxiliary, accessory or appurtenant use of the principal use of the property.
Governmental or Other Sign Required by Law. See “official signs.”
“On-site sign” means a sign which directs attention to a business, commodity, service, industry, or other activity which is sold, offered, or conducted on the premises upon which the sign is located or to which it is affixed. Signs which promote products or services that are expected to be offered or available in the near future, at the same location, are within this definition. Signs mounted on public rights-of-way that are adjacent to the establishment premises, or on parking lots which serve the establishment premises, are considered on-site. As to signs on construction sites, all commercial messages related to the persons, firms, and entities involved in the construction project, and information pertaining to the future use of the completed project, are considered on-site, so long as the sign is not used for general advertising for hire. On parcels which are adjacent to freeways, any sign installed within three hundred feet of any portion of the parcel on which an establishment is located is considered on-site as to commercial messages related to that establishment. As to officially approved redevelopment projects, any sign located within the project is considered on-site as to any commercial message related to any establishment within the same project. This definition applies only to signs displaying commercial messages.
“Readerboard” means a sign with detachable and interchangeable letters which are easily changed. Digital signs are within this definition, as are older technologies using channel lettering and functionally similar devices.
“Roof line” means the peak of the roof, top of a parapet or top of the wall or an angular plane projected parallel to the verge rafter of a gable roof, whichever is higher.
“Sign program” means a comprehensive scheme for a consistent visual theme applicable to multiple establishments located in a single development project. Such programs often include standardized fonts, lighting, backgrounds, other elements of graphic design, and placement rules. Also known as “coordinated sign design.”
“Window sign, temporary” means a sign displayed within three feet from the inside of the window face, or on the window face (interior or exterior), that is visible from the public right-of-way, on display thirty or fewer days per calendar year. (Ord. 1438 § 4 (Exh. A (part)), 2011: Ord. 1415 § 4 (Exh. A (part)), 2010. Formerly 18.150.020)
(Ord. 1438 § 4 (Exh. A (part)), 2011: Ord. 1415 § 4 (Exh. A (part)), 2010. Formerly 18.150.021)
A. Scope. This section applies to all signs that may be erected, maintained or displayed only by a sign permit. The internal review and appeal procedures also apply to any other sign-related decision made by the City, including but not limited to removal orders, revocation of permits, orders to abate, etc.
1. Administrative Review. A sign that must be reviewed by Planning Department staff for compliance with the provisions of this chapter. If the permit application satisfies all requirements of this chapter, and the requirements of this chapter are not changed during the review period, then the permit shall be approved. Approval of a sign permit may be conditional upon satisfaction of other applicable laws, rules, policies, conditions, permits and approvals. 2. Architectural Review. As detailed herein, certain signs are subject to review by the Architectural Review Committee. Such review is subject to the limitations stated in Section 18.22.020(H) for discretionary review. Architectural review shall be required for the following proposed signs:
a. All signs visible from the U.S. 101 right-of-way or within one hundred feet of the right-of-way, including off and on ramps;
c. Initial or revised sign programs for multitenant projects;
d. All signage for planned communities, commercial or industrial complexes or centers;
e. New pole signs, per Section 18.22.080(G)(1);
f. Appeals of administrative review decisions;
g. Such other signs as may be designated elsewhere in this chapter for architectural review. D. Approval Process—Necessary Findings. Prior to approving an application for architectural review, the following findings must be made by the approving body:
4. That the proposed sign satisfies all rules stated in this chapter.
G. Application for Sign Review. Any person seeking a permit for a sign, for which review is required, shall submit to the Director a written application for such sign review. The Director shall prepare a sign permit application form and provide it to any person on request. The same form may be used for both the application and the decision thereon. A single form may be used for multiple signs on the same site. A sign permit application is complete only when it is accompanied by the appropriate application fee, in an amount set by resolution of the City Council.
H. Application—Format and Fee. 1. Persons wishing to submit application materials in electronic form may consult with City staff about acceptable file formats and other technical requirements.
6. Elevation plan, fully dimensioned, showing height and size of each proposed sign, colors, method of illumination and materials of construction, and if a wall sign, the exact location on the face of the building.
3. The sign application is substantially the same as an application previously denied, unless: a. Twelve months have elapsed since the date of the last application, or b. New evidence or proof of changed conditions is furnished in the new application; or
M. Signs Which Are Part of a Larger Project. Permit applications for sign programs as part of planned commercial, office-professional and industrial development shall include the above information as part of a site development plan. When approval is sought for a development that includes one or more signs, then the sign aspects of the proposed development must satisfy the applicable provisions of this chapter. All such applications are subject to architectural review.
R. Safety Codes. When a sign qualifies as a structure under the Building Code, a building permit shall also be required. Compliance with all applicable safety codes shall be a condition of all sign permits. S. Permit Denial. When a sign permit application is denied, the denial shall be in writing and sent or delivered to the address shown on the applicant’s application form, and shall state the grounds for denial. T. Timely Decision. Other than initial review for completeness, at each level of review or appeal, the decision shall be rendered in writing within sixty calendar days. The time period begins running when the application is complete (or is deemed complete because no notice of incompleteness has been given), or the notice of appeal has been filed, whichever applies. The timely decision requirement may be waived by the applicant or appellant. If a decision is not rendered within the required time, then the lower level decision shall be deemed affirmed.
U. Appeal. Any decision on a sign permit application, or any other sign-related decision, may be appealed by any affected or interested person. Appeals go first to the Planning Commission, and then if the appellant is still not satisfied, to the City Council, after which judicial review may be sought. All appeals of sign-related matters shall generally be processed in accordance with Section 18.27.150, but subject to the timely decision rules of this chapter and the limitations on discretion. V. When Appeal Right Arises. The appeal right arises at the earlier of: 1. Whenever a written decision is delivered to the application; or 2. The time for decision has run without a written decision. In this context, “delivered” means personally delivered or placed in the U.S. mail, whichever occurs first.
Z. Notices. Written notices required within this chapter shall be deemed given on the earliest of the following: when personally delivered, when publicly posted, or on the day of mailing. Notices are deemed effective when sent to the last known address of the addressee. (Ord. 1438 § 4 (Exh. A (part)), 2011: Ord. 1415 § 4 (Exh. A (part)), 2010. Formerly 18.150.030)
2. No sign shall be located within the public right-of-way, except as otherwise authorized by this chapter or a resolution or ordinance duly adopted by City Council. 3. Signs must be located in a manner to ensure pedestrian and vehicular safety.
C. Proportionate Size and Scale. The scale of signs should be appropriate for the building on which they are placed and the area in which they are located. The size and shape of a sign should be proportionate with the scale of the structure.
D. Size Limits on Display Face. As to signs on nonresidential establishments, the maximum display area of all permanent signs on a given parcel is 1.6 square feet per linear foot of primary business frontage, with a one-hundred-square-foot maximum, plus 0.8 square feet of sign area for any secondary business frontage, with a fifty-square-foot maximum. This general rule applies unless there is an explicit provision to the contrary in this chapter; this general rule does not apply to sign programs.
E. Sign Programs. A sign program shall be required for all multiple-tenant projects constructed after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter. Such programs may deviate from the otherwise applicable rules regarding the noncommunicative aspects of signs. The intent of a sign program is to achieve uniformity in lettering style, height and color. The sign program shall be subject to architectural review. For projects constructed prior to the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter, a sign program shall be established at the time the first modification of an existing sign is proposed that requires the replacement or alteration of an existing sign on the premises. Thereafter, any replacement or alteration of any sign shall be in compliance with this chapter and the approved coordinated sign program.
H. Repainting. Repainting to like colors or replacement of faded or damaged sign face is not subject to a sign permit; provided, that the sign meets current sign ordinance requirements and there is no change to the sign structure. I. New Establishment. Changing the sign panels for a new establishment shall require administrative review to verify that the sign cabinet and other structural elements are still legal. (Ord. 1438 § 4 (Exh. A (part)), 2011: Ord. 1415 § 4 (Exh. A (part)), 2010. Formerly 18.150.035)
Subject to the rules stated in this section, the signs listed in this section are exempt from the sign permit requirement, but are still subject to other applicable laws, rules and regulations. A. Directional signs (not including temporary real estate directional signs) may be erected on site when necessary to facilitate circulation to and on the site. Such signs shall not be counted against the site’s allowed sign area. Individual directional signs may not exceed two square feet in area or six feet in height.
E. Official signs posted by the City or another governmental entity authorized to do so. Legal notices, as required by law or as ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction, such as notices of eviction, notices of violation, notice of application for liquor permits, etc. F. Signs on residential uses. See Section 18.22.130.
G. Temporary signs displaying exclusively noncommercial messages on nonresidential properties; provided, that such temporary signage does not exceed one hundred square feet at all times, or one hundred square feet during the election period. Such signs may be illuminated only by ambient lighting, and are subject to building permit requirements only when they meet the definition of “structure” in the Building Code. (Ord. 1438 § 4 (Exh. A (part)), 2011: Ord. 1415 § 4 (Exh. A (part)), 2010. Formerly 18.150.040)
The signs described in this section may be displayed on all nonresidential properties, subject to the rules stated in this section, as well as all other applicable laws, rules and policies. Unless otherwise stated, all signs described in this section are subject to administrative review.
C. Monument signs may be placed within required setback or yard areas, in which case they may be either parallel or substantially at right angles to such right-of-way. 1. Maximum height: eight feet above finished grade, but no higher than one and one-half times the length of the base. 2. If placed on a foundation or planter, the total height includes the height of the planter or foundation. 3. Monument signs shall be placed at least six feet away from any public or private driveway. 4. In areas with sidewalks, monument signs shall be placed at least twelve feet from public roadway. 5. Square footage for monument signs shall be deducted from overall permitted sign area, with both sides of the sign calculated as signage if the sign is intended to be read from two or more directions. 6. Monuments are subject to architectural review.
1. Such signs may be projecting or parallel to the surface to which they are attached. 2. Such signs may not be made of cloth, canvas or other material of a similar lightweight nature. 3. Such signs shall not hang lower than the marquee or canopy. 4. Such signs may not project higher than the marquee or canopy. Architectural review.
E. Marquee (fixed awning) or canopy signs must be of a permanent nature and attached to and supported by a building. 1. Such signs shall not exceed the permitted signage allowed for the location. Architectural review.
F. Marquee underside signs must be suspended above the public right-of-way under a canopy, awning, or marquee of a building. 1. The canopy or marquee must be of a permanent nature and attached to and supported by a building. 2. Such signs shall not exceed the permitted signage for the location. 3. Clearance: minimum eight feet above grade or walkways. Architectural review.
1. Between Industrial Road and the Highway 101 Corridor and adjacent to Skyway Road and Shoreway Road. a. Within these areas, new pole signs may not exceed forty feet in height or one hundred square feet in display face area (measured one side) if used exclusively by a single establishment, or up to three hundred square feet per display face area when shared by two or more establishments, all of whom qualify as on site. b. Maximum number of pole signs per establishment, or shared between two or more on-site establishments: one. c. Such signs may not be used for general advertising. Architectural review.
2. Within C-2, C-4, C-R, C-P, C-S, M-1, M-2, PM-1, and PM-2 Districts, pole signs may be placed within required setback or yard areas, in which case they may be either parallel or substantially at right angles to such right-of-way. a. They may not project over the public right-of-way. b. Freestanding pole signs shall be no taller than twenty-five feet at their uppermost top edge measured from the surrounding grade level below. c. Posts or structural supports below the sign shall not be considered in determining the sign area. d. The lowermost portion of the image display area shall be at least eight feet above grade to allow for visibility and access. e. Freestanding sign pedestals or poles shall be placed at least six feet from any building or structure. f. The sign cabinet shall be placed at least six feet from any private and/or public driveway. g. Freestanding pedestal signs shall not extend into or over any public property or access. In areas without any sidewalks, freestanding sign pedestals or poles shall be placed at least six feet from the edge of paving, provided the sign does not extend into or over a public right-of-way. h. The square footage of the image display area of the pole sign shall fall at or below the maximum permitted square footage for the establishment. i. In no case shall one side of the display face exceed one hundred square feet. Administrative review.
H. Professional/occupational signs count toward the total allowed signage on the property. If signs of this type are cumulatively less than four square feet, for the entire property, then they are all exempt from the permit requirement. I. Projecting signs shall be securely attached to the wall and shall not project more than four feet from the mounting wall. However, if a permanent, structural overhang is part of the building and extends into the public right-of-way, a sign may be placed on top of it so long as the sign projects no more than four feet from the building face. 1. The uppermost top edge of the sign may be no higher than the adjoining wall, parapet or roof line of the building to which it is attached. 2. If projecting over private or public access or right-of-way, the lowest bottom edge shall be at least eight feet above the ground or grade. 3. If double-sided, both sides of the sign shall be added together to determine total sign area which shall be deducted from the overall permitted sign area. 4. Signs over the public right-of-way shall not extend into or occupy more than two-thirds the width of the sidewalk or walkway, as measured from the building. Administrative review.
1. Readerboards may not exceed twelve square feet. 2. Digital/LED type readerboards are prohibited. K. Wall signs, subject to the following standards:
1. Wall signs shall be placed no further than twelve inches from the wall surface and shall be no higher than the top of the wall or parapet upon which they are mounted. 2. Wall signs may be in cabinets, on wood or similar material attached to the wall, or painted directly on the wall. L. Window signs, permanent, subject to the following standards:
1. Window signs may not cover more than twenty percent of the window surface. 2. Combined area of permanent and temporary window signs shall not exceed forty percent of the window area. (Ord. 1438 § 4 (Exh. A (part)), 2011: Ord. 1415 § 4 (Exh. A (part)), 2010. Formerly 18.150.050)
The signs described in this section are subject to administrative review, unless otherwise noted.
A. Individual Tenant Occupancy Signs. 1. Maximum number per building or center: five; total allowable area is calculated at 1.6 square feet of signage for every lineal foot of primary business frontage, but not exceeding one hundred square feet. 2. If a building is located where there is a secondary frontage (or frontages), the secondary business frontages are allowed 0.8 square feet of signage for each linear foot of secondary business frontage the business occupies, not to exceed a total of fifty square feet. 3. The applicant can distribute the square footage permitted among proposed signs.
B. Multitenant Occupancy (Nonresidential). 1. One sign per tenant, plus one additional sign on the site to identify the project. 2. Total sign area for each tenant or occupant shall not exceed one and one-half square feet per lineal foot of primary business frontage of the occupancy. 3. As to secondary frontage, total sign area for each tenant or occupancy shall not exceed one-half square foot per lineal foot of frontage. 4. Maximum cumulative sign area per tenant or occupancy shall not exceed one hundred square feet. 5. Signage for new multitenant buildings and sign programs require architectural review.
C. Public and Quasi-Public Building Signs, Including Churches. 1. Maximum number: one per street frontage.
2. Maximum area determined in the same manner as other establishments. (Ord. 1438 § 4 (Exh. A (part)), 2011: Ord. 1415 § 4 (Exh. A (part)), 2010. Formerly 18.150.055)
A. Banners and other temporary signs painted on the window or constructed of paper, cloth, or similar expendable material affixed on the window, wall, or building surface are permitted; provided, that all of the following conditions are met: 1. The total area of such signs shall not exceed the total allowable sign area which would be allowed for new or existing permanent signs on the property. If permanent signage already exists on the property, the allowed square footage of the banner shall be within the permanent signage allotment.
4. The design and construction details of the banners shall be made with adequate allowance for stresses, the strength of materials incorporated into the banner, the manner of attachment to supports, and loads to be placed on the banner by the effect of the wind and other natural phenomena. This rule prevents flimsy or shoddily mounted signs which could easily become dislodged and pose a safety threat to the public. Minimum six-foot, eight-inch clearance to any walking surface on private property. B. Inflatable signs, hot air balloons or blimps shall comply with the provisions for temporary banners and signs and shall meet the following additional criteria: 1. They may be on display for no more than thirty days per calendar year; 2. They shall be ground-mounted or roof-mounted, not to exceed a height of twenty-five feet above finished grade of the building;
3. Maximum number per location: one; 4. Maximum size: one thousand square feet of surface area.
C. Real estate/open house/directional signs may not exceed four square feet in area (per side) or three feet in height, and may be on display only during daytime hours when the subject property is open for public inspection or actually on the market for the proposed transaction. Such signs may not be placed on City-owned property or the public right-of-way unless authorized by Title 12. D. Real estate/subdivision signs may display one sign on each property or saleable dwelling unit, not to exceed six square feet in area; if that is the only sign on display, then it is exempt from the permit requirement. 1. One additional sign, applicable to the entire subdivision project, maximum twenty square feet in area, may be on display for up to one year; that display time may be extended by the ARC upon a showing that new units remain unsold, up to the expiration of the tentative map. 2. Up to three subdivision directional signs may also be displayed on private property with the owner’s consent, subject to: a. Not exceeding twenty-five square feet of total sign area in C-2, C-4, C-R, C-P, C-S, M-2, PM-1, A or P-R districts, and b. Eight square feet of total sign area in R-1, R-1-LD, R-3, R-3-G, R-4, P-C, or O-S districts. 3. Such subdivision directionals may be displayed only during the time period that the project sign is on display. 4. Subdivision signs may be mounted or displayed on City-owned property or the public right-of-way only as authorized by Title 12. 5. All signs described in this subsection are subject to administrative review.
E. Construction Site Signs. 1. Maximum number per construction site: one. 2. Maximum size: six square feet. 3. Maximum height: four feet. 4. Special illumination prohibited. F. Community activity signs may be displayed on City-owned property and/or the public right-of-way only as authorized by Title 12. (Ord. 1438 § 4 (Exh. A (part)), 2011: Ord. 1415 § 4 (Exh. A (part)), 2010. Formerly 18.150.060)
A. Unprotected Speech. Any message or image which is outside the protection of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and/or the corollary provisions of the California Constitution is prohibited. Examples include threats against the president or vice president of the United States, material that meets the legal definition of obscenity, misleading or deceptive commercial messages, messages which promote illegal products or services, etc. B. Abandoned signs, those which no longer advertise a bona fide business, product, service or establishment available to the public. Signs are presumed abandoned after one hundred eighty days of nonuse or nonapplicability. If a legal sign is left in place by the tenant or landowner for the next occupant, opaque plastic inserts must be installed for any cabinet type sign and the sign shall be maintained during vacancy.
F. Billboards and billboard vehicles. G. Confusing Signs. Signs (other than when used for traffic direction) which contain or are an imitation of an official traffic sign or signal, or contain the words “stop,” “go,” “slow,” “caution,” “danger,” “warning,” or similar words, or signs which imitate or may be confused with other public notices, such as zoning violations, building permits, business licenses, and the like.
H. Despoliation of Nature. Signs tacked, posted, cut, burnt, limed, painted or otherwise affixed on trees, fields, vegetation, rocks, or other natural features. I. Digital signs and digital displays.
K. Hazardous Signs. Any sign erected in any manner that would create a hazardous condition to pedestrians or traffic, either by obstructing the free use of exits, buildings or sites, or by creating visual distractions by using color, sound or glare. 1. Note: Graffiti is covered by the owner’s consent requirement.
M. Roof signs erected on or above the roof ridge line of a building or placed above the roof line or eaves of a building or a sign painted on or attached directly to the roof.
N. Rotating signs that turn on an axis, allowing different faces or images to be viewed from a single location. O. Stored signs may not be located on premises so as to be visible from beyond the property line after removal, prior to erection, or in storage.
P. Vandalized Signs. Any sign damaged, defaced or painted by acts of vandalism must be repaired and restored by the sign owner or responsible party, or removed within three days. (Ord. 1438 § 4 (Exh. A (part)), 2011: Ord. 1415 § 4 (Exh. A (part)), 2010. Formerly 18.150.065)
H. Other Designations. The provisions of this section shall not apply to signs that have been identified as an historic resource to the City by inclusion on the San Carlos Historical Resources Survey, or to signs which have been given historical status in a proceeding other than the historical sign permit process by the City of San Carlos or agency of the County, State, or Federal government. Such signs are deemed authorized by any of those alternate procedures. (Ord. 1438 § 4 (Exh. A (part)), 2011: Ord. 1415 § 4 (Exh. A (part)), 2010. Formerly 18.150.070)
A. Subject to property owner’s consent, each legal dwelling unit may display signs as specified in this section. A permit is required only when the sign qualifies as a structure under the Building Code. All safety code requirements must be satisfied. B. Total allowable display area (counting only one side of each double-sided sign): three square feet at all times; this area allowance may be increased to one hundred square feet during the election period. Flags and nameplates do not count toward this total.
C. Message Types. Any and all protected speech of a noncommercial nature; signs described in Civil Code Section 713; garage sale signs, nameplates and identification signs, warning signs. Prohibited: off-site commercial messages, home occupation signs.
F. Physical Types. 1. Freestanding height not to exceed four feet within required setbacks; attached to walls, doors, fences, windows or poles. 2. No mounting on roofs. 3. If mounted on a fence, neither the fence nor the sign thereon may exceed the height limits of the fence ordinance, which are: four feet in the front setback of fifteen feet, and seven feet elsewhere.
G. Flags. 1. Maximum number of poles: one. 2. Maximum height of pole: not exceeding the roof line.
2. Such sign is subject to administrative review. (Ord. 1438 § 4 (Exh. A (part)), 2011: Ord. 1415 § 4 (Exh. A (part)), 2010. Formerly 18.150.080)
Any violation of this chapter may be remedied by any method provided by law. Each day that the violation continues is a new violation. All violations are declared to be public nuisances. (Ord. 1438 § 4 (Exh. A (part)), 2011: Ord. 1415 § 4 (Exh. A (part)), 2010. Formerly 18.150.090)