ORDINANCE NO.1 0- 11

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CENTRO AMENDING VARIOUS SECTIONS IN ARTICLES I, II AND III OF CHAPTER 22.1 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF EL CENTRO ENTITLED SIGNS

THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CENTRO, CALIFORNIA, DOES

HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

Section 1. Chapter 22.1 of the Code ofthe City ofEI Centro, California, entitled "Signs" is hereby amended as follows:

A. Sections 22.1-12, 22.1-13, 22-1.15, 22-1.19, 22.1-24, 22.1-26, 22.1-27, 22.1-29 22.1-30 22.1-31 and 22.1-33, Division 3 of Article I of Chapter 22.1 are hereby amended to read:

"ARTICLE I. BASIC PROVISIONS

DIVISION 3. DEFINITIONS

Sec. 22.1-12. 'A'Definitions

Alley: A public or private way, other than a street, intended for vehicular access to the rear or side ofproperty served by a street. A narrow way, less in size than a street, and which is not designed for general travel, which is used primarily as a means of access to the rear of business establishments and which generally affords only a secondary means of access to the property abutting along its length shall be construed to be an alley.

Animated Sign: Any sign that is designed to give a message through a sequence of progressive changes of parts or lights, or degree of lighting, through electrical or mechanical means. Although technologically similar to flashing signs, the animated sign emphasizes graphics and artistic display. This definition does not include public service signs such as time and temperature units.

Architectural Projection: Any projection which is not intended for occupancy and which extends beyond the face of an exterior wall of a building; such terms, however, shall not include signs.

Area (of a sign): The entire area within a single continuous perimeter enclosing the extreme limits of writing, representation, emblem, or any figure of similar character, together with any frame or other material or color forming an integral part of the display or used to differentiate such sign from the background against which it is placed; excluding the necessary supports or uprights or tower(s) on which such sign is placed. Where a sign has two (2) or more faces the area of all faces shall be included in determining the area of the sign, except that where

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two (2) such faces are placed back to back and are at no point more than two (2) feet from one another, the area of the sign shall be taken as the area of the face if the two (2) faces are of equal area, or as the area of the larger face ifthe two (2) faces are ofunequal area. See Sec. 22.1-51.

Sec. 22.1-13. 'B'Definitions

Banner Sign (includes pennants): A temporary sign composed of a light weight material, fabric or any non-rigid framework, secured or mounted so as· to allow movement of the sign caused by movement of the atmosphere. May not be used as permanent signage.

Billboard: A single or multiple message advertising structure used as an outdoor display for advertising that does not pertain to the business or activity on the site where said sign or advertising structure is located.

Building Facade: That portion of any exterior elevation of a building extending from grade to the top of the parapet wall or eaves and the entire width of the building elevation.

Building Official: The officer or person charged with the administration and enforcement of this Chapter or a duly authorized deputy.

Building: For purposes of this Chapter, a building shall, in addition to the ordinary meaning, be taken to include a structure, but shall not be taken to include an advertising structure.

Building Face: Same as 'building fayade'.

Building Setback Line: The front, side, or rear yards as defined for each zone in the Zoning Ordinance or as shown on recorded maps.

Sec. 22.1-15. 'D'Definitions

Digital Sign/Billboard: A sign that is designed to give a message through a sequence of progressive changes in lights or degree of lighting. This definition does not include public service signs such as time and temperature units.

Directional Sign: On-site incidental signs designed to guide or direct pedestrian or vehicular traffic on the same parcel, or off-site if within a contiguous development where properties have the same owner or show extreme hardship due to the unique location of the property which the sign serves. For purposes of this article, such signs shall not be classified the same as subdivision directional kiosk signs.

Directly illuminated Sign: A sign designed to emit artificial light directly (or through transparent or translucent material) from a source of light within such sign, including but not limited to neon and exposed lamp signs.

Display Surfoce: The area made available by the sign structure for the purpose of

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displaying the advertising message.

Sec. 22.1-19. 'H'Definitions

Height (ofa sign): The vertical distance from the uppennost point used in measuring the area ofa sign, or structure supporting a sign, to the ground immediately below such point or to the level ofthe upper surface of the nearest cwb of a street, alley or highway (other than a structurally elevated roadway), whichever measurement pennits the greater elevation ofthe sign. See Sec. 22.1-50.

Human Directional: Also known as sign twirlers, sign spinners, human arrows, and sign holders that direct, spin, twirl or dance with the promotional sign in order to attract attention. Most commonly, this means holding or wearing a sign of some sort, but also may include wearing advertising as clothing or in extreme cases, having advertising tattooed on the body.

Sec. 22.1-24. 'M' Definitions

Marquee: A pennanent rooted structure attached to and supported by the building and projecting over public property.

Marquee Sign: Any sign attached to or constructed in a marquee.

Mobile Billboard: Any permanent or temporary advertisement on the side of a truck, trailer, bus or any moving or stationary vehicle or equipment. Stationary mobile billboards are prohibited, excepting public transit.

Mobile Sign: Any permanent of temporary advertisement painted, wrap, or marquee sign mounted on a vehicle, trailer, or on portable supports, includes moving advertisement vehicles.

Monument Sign: A freestanding, self-supported sign, supported by and integrated with a solid base, as opposed to poles, posts, or other such supports, which is placed on or at ground level and not attached to any building wall, fence or other structure, and in a fixed location. The definitions of monument sign and freestanding sign are mutually exclusive. Not all ground signs are monument signs; all monument signs are ground signs. This definition does not include portable or trailer type signs.

Mural: Any historical pictorial or graphic representation displayed on the exterior of a building or structure generally for the purposes of decoration or artistic expression, including but not limited to painting, fresco, tile, or mosaic. May not be used as an advertising sign display.

Sec. 22.1-26. '0' Definitions

Off-Premise Sign: Any sign advertising a product, good, service, business or activity that is available at a location other than that of the sign, or which said product, good, service, business or activity is sold, located or conducted on such premises only incidentally on the premises if at all. An off-premise sign may also express a political choice or express a personal opinion or belief. A billboard is an example of an off-premise sign. Also known as Outdoor Advertising.

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On-Premise Sign: Any sign advertising a product, good, service, business or activity that is available at the same location as the sign. The sign may also express a political choice or express a personal opinion or belief. They are commonly considered an accessory use of the site they occupy, and possess a partial real estate interest that is attached to or runs with the land or building to which they are affixed.

Sec. 22.1-27. 'P'Definitions

Pole Sign: A sign that is wholly supported by a freestanding pole.

Pole-Mounted Sign: Same as 'pole sign'.

Political Sign: A temporary sign identifying and urging public support for a particular election issue, candidate for public office, or political party.

Portable Display Surface: A display surface temporarily fixed to a standardized advertising structure that can be moved from structure to structure at periodic intervals.

Principal Identification Sign: A sign that identifies only the name of the business and the principal product or service.

Professional Sign: Same as 'name plate sign' .

Projecting Sign: A sign other than a wall sign, which projects from and is supported by a wall of a building or structure where the exposed face of sign is not in plane parallel to the plane of said wall.

Projection: The distance by which a sign extends over public right-of-way or beyond the building setback line.

Property Frontage, Primary: The side of a parcel that abuts a public street and provides primary access to said parcel.

Property Frontage, Secondary: Where two or more sides of a parcel abut on a public street, the side (or sides) of said parcel that abuts a public street but does not provide the primary access to said parcel.

Sec. 22.1-29. 'R'Definitions

Real Estate Signs (includes Open House and Estate Sale signs): A temporary sign erected by the owner, or agent, advertising the real property upon which the sign is located for rent, lease or sale.

Revolving Sign: Any sign or portion thereof that physically rotates about an axis.

Roof Sign: A sign erected upon or above a roof, mansard or parapet of a building and structurally attached thereto.

Sec. 22.1-30. 'S' Definitions

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Sign: Any structure, part thereof, or device or inscription which is located upon, attached to, or painted, projected or represented on any land or right-of-way, or on the outside of any building or structure including an awning, a canopy, marquee or similar appendage, or permanently affixed to the glass on the outside or inside of a window so as to be seen from the outside of the building, and which displays or includes any numeral, letter, works, model, banner, emblem, insignia, symbol, device, light, trademark or other representation used as, or in the nature of, an announcement, advertisement, attention-arrester, direction, warning or designation by or of any person, firm, group, organization, place, commodity, product, service business-profession, enterprise or industry. A sign is composed of those elements included in the area of the sign and, in addition, the supports, uprights and framework of the display. Except in the case of general advertising signs, two (2) or more faces shall be deemed to be a single sign if such faces are contiguous on the same plane, or are placed back to back to form a single structure and are at no point more than two (2) feet from one another.

Sign Structure: Any structure that supports or is capable of supporting any sign as defined in this Chapter. A sign structure may be a single pole and mayor may not be an integral part of the building.

Small Permanent Sign: Any permanent on-premises sign measuring less than twenty-five (25) square feet and not elsewhere described in mis shall be considered a small permanent sign that shall only be permitted in commercial and industrial zones.

Snipe Sign: A sign which is tacked, nailed, posted, pasted, glued or otherwise attached to trees, poles, fences, rocks, or other natural objects bearing a message not applicable to the present use of the object upon which the sign is located.

Special Event Sign: A temporary sign advertising special events including but not limited to grand openings, sales, holidays, carnivals, concerts, liquidation sales, community events, etc., intended to be displayed for a limited period of time only, not to exceed 30 days in one six month period.

Street Property Line: The 'street property line' shall mean any lines separating private property from either a street or an alley.

Structure: That which is built or constructed, an edifice or building of any kind, or any piece ofwork artificially built up or composed ofparts jointed together in some definite manner.

Subdivision Directional Kiosk Sign: A temporary decorative sign structure for the purpose of advertising new residential subdivisions containing sign panels that identify the names of residential subdivisions, the developer's name or logo, or other branding identification, and directional arrows. Panels on the kiosk sign may not be displayed after the developer has completed the sale of all units in the development. For purposes of this article such signs shall not be classified the same as directional signs.

Sec. 22.1-31. 'T' Definitions

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Temporary Sign: Any sign, banner, pennant, valance, balloon, poster, or advertising display constructed of cloth, canvas, light fabric, cardboard, wallboard, or other light materials, with or without frames, intended to be displayed for a limited period of time only, not to exceed 45 days within a 12 month period or as specified in Table 22.1-1. Temporary signs, such as political, real estate, or special event, are short-term, impermanent communication devices that do not possess a real property interest; they are considered personal property. These signs may be either on-premise or off-premise.

Sec. 22.1-33. 'V'Definitions

Visual Enhancement Area: Areas that include major thoroughfares and destination points of the City, such as Imperial Avenue, Adams Avenue, Main Street, South 4th Street, Commercial A venue, and gateways to the City that are design sensitive. Existing and proposed developments including public right-of-way medians are to be visually linked through enhanced landscaping and fa'(ade improvements in order to improve the visual environment of the City."

B. Sections 22.1-38(f) and 22.1-39 of Division I of Article II of Chapter 22.1 are hereby amended to read:

"ARTICLE II. PROCESS AND PERMITTING

DIVISION 1. SIGN PERMIT PROCESS

Sec. 22.1-38. Sign Permit Required

(f) All signs for which a permit is required shall be subject to full and complete inspections by the Building Official.

Sec. 22.1-39. Additional Permits or Approvals Required

The following sign types or modifications require issuance of other permits or approvals by other City officials or bodies, in addition to a sign permit as described below:

(a) Electrical Permit Required In addition to a sign permit, an electrical permit approved by the Building Official shall be obtained for all electrical signs. All signs containing electrical wiring shall be subject to the provisions of the latest edition of the California Electrical Code adopted by the City and the electrical components shall bear the label ofthe Underwriter's Laboratory.

(b) Encroachment Permit Required In addition to a sign permit, signs that obstruct the free passage or use of any portion of the public right-of-way including a roadway, street, alley, or sidewalk require approval of an encroachment permit by the City Engineer in accordance with Section 23-3 of the City Code.

(c) Administrative Committee Approval Required. In addition to a sign permit, the following modifications to sign requirements require the review and approval of the City's Administrative Committee: modifications to the size and location

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requirements of directional signs as required by Table 22.1-1, pole-mounted or freestanding signs within a required building setback area, principal identification signs that exceed the allowed size of a sign on a secondary street frontage, and murals. Discretionary actions taken by the Administrative Committee may be appealed to the Planning Commission. All such appeals shall be filed within ten (10) days of decision. The appeals process is outlined in Figure 22.1-2.

(d) City Council Approval Required The following signs may only be permitted with the review and approval ofthe City Council:

(1) Bench signs; and

(2) Signs not directly listed in this Chapter upon amendment of this Chapter by the City Council to allow such signs."

C. Sections 22.1-43 through 22.1-46, inclusive, of Division 1 and Section 22.1-56 of Division 3 ofArticle III of Chapter 22.1 are hereby amended to read:

"ARTICLE III. SIGN REGULATION

DIVISION 1. SIGN DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS

Sec. 22.1-43. Design

(a) General. Signs and sign structures shall be designed and constructed to resist wind and seismic forces as specified in this section and in the latest edition of the California Building Code and the Uniform Sign Code adopted by the City. All bracing systems shall be designed and constructed to transfer lateral forces to the foundations. For signs on buildings, the dead and lateral loads shall be transmitted through the structural frame of the building to the ground in such manner as not to overstress any of the elements thereof. The overturning moment produced from lateral forces shall in no case exceed two-thirds (2/3) of the dead­load resisting moment. Uplift due to overturning shall be adequately resisted by proper anchorage to the ground or to the structural frame of the building. The weight of earth superimposed over footings may be used in determining the dead­load resisting moment. Such earth shall be carefully placed and thoroughly compacted. Structural calculations prepared by a California licensed professional engineer may be required by the Building Official.

(b) Combined Loads. Wind and seismic loads need not be combined in the design of signs or sign structures; only that loading producing the larger stresses need to be used. Vertical design loads, except roof live loads, shall be assumed to be acting simultaneously with the wind or seismic loads.

(c) Allowable Stresses. The following shall conform to the requirements of the latest edition of the California Building Code and the Uniform Sign Code adopted by

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the City: (1) The design ofwood, concrete, steel or aluminum; (2) Stresses produced by loads, both vertical and horizontal, exerted on the soil; (3) Increases in working stresses for wind or seismic loads combined with dead loads.

Sec. 22.1-44. Construction

(a) General. The supports for all signs or sign structures shall be placed in or upon private property and shall be securely built, constructed, and erected in conformance with the requirements of this Article.

(b) Materials. Materials of construction for signs and sign structures shall be of the quality and grade as specified for buildings in the California Building Code and the Uniform Sign Code. In all signs and sign structures the materials and details of construction shall, in the absence of specified requirements, conform to the following:

(1) Structural steel shall be of such quality as to conform to the latest edition of the California Building Code (CBC) adopted by the City. Secondary members in contact with or directly supporting the display surface may be formed of light gauge steel provided such members are designed in accordance with the specifications of the design of light gauge steel as specified in the CBC and in addition shall be galvanized. Secondary members, when formed integrally with the display surface, shall be no less than No. 24 gauge in thickness. When not formed integrally with the display surface the minimum thickness of the secondary members shall be No. 12 gauge. The minimum thickness of hot-rolled steel members furnishing structural support signs shall be one-fourth (1/4) inch except that if galvanized, such members shall be not less than one-eighth (1/8) inch thick. Steel pipes shall be of such quality as to conform to CBC. Steel members may be connected with one galvanized bolt provided the connection is adequate to transfer the stresses in the members.

(c) Nonstructural Trim. Nonstructural trim and portable display surfaces may be of wood, metal, approved plastics, or any combination thereof, treated or painted to resist oxidation, decay or dry rot.

(d) Anchorage. Members supporting unbraced signs shall be so proportioned that the bearing loads imposed on the soil in either direction, horizontal or vertical, shall not exceed the safe values. Braced ground signs shall be anchored to resist the specified wind or seismic load acting in any direction. Anchors and supports shall be designed for safe bearing loads on the soil and for an effective resistance to pull-out amounting to a force twenty-five (25) percent greater than the required resistance to overturning. Anchors and supports shall penetrate to a depth below ground greater than that of the frost line. Portable ground signs supported by frames or posts rigidly attached to the base shall be so proportioned that the weight and size of the base will be adequate to resist the wind pressure specified in this Article. Signs attached to masonry, concrete, or steel shall be safely and securely fastened thereto by means of metal anchors, bolts, or approved expansion screws

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of sufficient size and anchorage to support safely the loads applied. No wooden blocks, plugs, or anchors with wood used in connection with screws or nails shall be considered proper anchorage, except in the case of signs attached to wood framing. No anchor or support of any sign shall be connected to, or supported by, an unbraced parapet wall, unless such wall is designed in accordance with the requirements for parapet walls specified in seismic zones in the latest edition of the California Building Code and the Uniform Sign Code adopted by the City.

Anchors and supports when of wood and embedded in the soil, or within six (6) inches of the soil, shall be of all heartwood of a durable species or shall be pressure-treated with an approved preservative. Such members shall be marked or branded by a listed testing agency and approved by the Building Official.

(e) Approved Plastics. Any plastic material used must meet the specifications of the Building Official.

(f) Bare Bulb Rlumination. Bare bulb illumination must meet the requirements established by the adopted California Electrical Code.

Sec. 22.1-45. Projection and Clearance

(a) General. All types of signs shall conform to the clearance and projection requirements of this section.

(b) Clearance from High Voltage Power Lines. Signs shall be located not less than six (6) feet horizontally or twelve (12) feet vertically from overhead electrical conductors in excess of seven hundred fifty (750) volts. For conductors less than seven hundred fifty (750) volts, there shall be a minimum of three (3) feet horizontal and vertical clearance. The term "overhead conductors" as used in this section means any electrical conductor, bare or insulated, installed above the ground except such conductors as are enclosed in iron pipe or other material covering of equal strength. All applicable Imperial Irrigation District (lID) requirements shall also apply.

(c) Clearance from Fire Escapes, Exits, or Standpipes. No sign or sign structure shall be erected in such a manner that any portion of its surface or supports will interfere in any way with the free use of any fire escape, exit or standpipe.

(d) Clearance from Obstructing View ofVehicles. No sign or sign structure shall be erected in such a manner that any portion of its surface or supports will interfere or obstruct, in any way, the clear view for drivers/vehicles entering or exiting onto or from streets, roads, highways or another public way from the property where the sign is located.

Sec. 22.1-46. Design Maintenance Standards

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(a) The standards of all signs and outdoor advertising shall reasonably comply with the guidelines of this Chapter. All signs and advertising structures shall comply with the requirements of the latest editions of the California Building Code and California Electrical Code as adopted and enforced by the City. Electrically energized components and cabinets shall bear the seal of its listing by the testing agency or laboratory, which must be approved by the Building Official.

(b) All signs and sign structures shall be maintained in a state of safe condition and good reparr.

(c) In the event a use of any site or building is vacated, terminated or abandoned, for any reason for a period of more than one hundred twenty (120) consecutive days, the owner or person in possession of the property shall be responsible for removal of all signs and their support structures on the property, building or wall, or for having the copy thereof painted out, at his expense, within thirty (30) days of notice from the City.

(d) Painting, repainting, or cleaning of any sign or outdoor advertising structure shall not be considered an erection or alteration that requires a sign permit.

DIVISION 3. SIGN STANDARDS

Sec. 22.1-56. Prohibited Signs

Except as otherwise provided in this Chapter, the following prohibitions apply to all signs:

(a) Signs that obstruct any window, door or other opening used as means of regular ingress and egress, or for required legal light and ventilation; or fire escapes and other openings for emergency access and escape; or that create a safety hazard by obstructing clear view ofpedestrians or vehicular traffic.

(b) Signs placed on public property or within the public street right-of-way , (e.g., snipe signs, human directional, etc.) except for marquee signs and signs for neighborhood watch, contingent upon review and approval of a sign permit by the Building Official.

(c) Signs with an intensity of illumination or location that interferes with the proper operation ofmotor vehicles on a public street.

(d) Signs painted on exterior of buildings that are lewd, indecent or otherwise offensive to the public morals. Murals of any kind, unless approved by the Administrative Committee and Community Services Commission, where applicable.

(e) Off-premises SIgns III any zone, excepting billboards and directional SIgnS as

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specified in Table 22.1-1, and subdivision directional kiosk signs, which require the issuance of a temporary use permit pursuant to Section 29-225 of the City Code, a sign permit, and an encroachment permit.

(f) Signs that identifY or advertise a product or business not located on the property on which said sign is located.

(g) Revolving Signs. Any sign or portion thereof that physically rotates about an axis.

(h) Painted Wall Signs. Any sign painted on the wall of a building or structure, with the exposed face of the sign in plane parallel to the plane of said wall.

(i) The prohibition contained in subsections (g) and (h) of this section and the time limitations imposed on temporary signs as defined in section 22.1-31 and banner signs as defined in section 22.1-13 and as specified in table 22.1-1 shall apply to regulate only new on-premises advertising displays. For purposes of this section, a 'new on-premises advertising display' means a display whose structure or housing has not been permanently affixed to its intended premise on the date on which the ordinance adopting this Chapter 22.1 is adopted."

D. Table 22.1 is hereby amended and Figure 22.1-15 is hereby added to read:

"Table 22.1-1 Permitted Signs

Sign Sign Pennit Required?

Pennitted Zones

Max. Area

Max. Number Max. Height Additional Standards

Animated Sign Yes ML,MG,

MBP

4 sfof primary property frontage

One per vehicular access

to property, including cluster

signs

35'

(a)

(b)

(c)

Flashing signs shall be limited to illumination equivalent to incandescent bulbs of 11 watts and shall not flash more than 150 times per minute Chaser signs shall be limited to a flashing rate of 100 times per minute Animated signs with rotating 'beacon' type lighting elements are prohibited

Billboard, (includes Digital Billboard)

Yes

CT, CG,CH,

ML,MG, MBp6,9

MAX 675 sf

per face7

MIN 244 sf per face 7

500 foot separation between

billboards

I

35'

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

Billboards shall be no closer than 500 feet to one another on the same side of the street unless separated by a building and not visible from each other Billboards shall comply with the California Outdoor Advertising Act and Regulations Legal nonconfonning billboards may not be converted to digital billboards. Digital billboards see additional standards under 'Digital Sign'.

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Table 22.1-1 Pennitted Signs

Sign Sign Pennit Required?

Pennitted Zones

Max. Area

Max. Number Max. Height Additional Standards

Bulletin Board No All 20 sf One per street

frontage Not to exceed 7'

above natural grad, Ca) Location limited to the property of public

charitable or religious institutions Ca) Each facility may display one (1) wall

identification sign and one freestanding, changeable copy, directory sign

Church / Religious Worship Facility Sign

Yes

4 sf of primary property frontage

Two 35'

(b)

( c)

Signs shall be architecturally related to the structure to which they are appurtenant Illumination of signs shall be achieved only through use ofnon-flashing, indirect or internal lighting reflecting only upon those properties ofwhich light source is located

Commemorative Plaque

No All 2 sf nlr nlr Ca) Limited to plaques placed by recognized

historical agencies 4 sf of (a) Message shall remain displayed a

primary minimum of 8 seconds.

Digital Sign Yes All C and MZones

property frontage

not to One per lot 35'

(b)

( c)

Animation and full motion video is prohibited. Light levels shall be appropriate for the

exceed ambient light conditions; shall not be 675 sf unreasonably bright.

(a) Signs designed to guide or direct pedestrian or vehicular traffic to an entrance or parking area within the same parcel, or within a contiguous development where properties have the same owner.

(b) Modifications to the size and location of these signs may be granted with review

Directional Sign

Yes R2,R3, AIlC& M Zones

18 sf Five

Not to exceed 3' above natural

grade except as provided in (c)

(c)

and approval by the City's Administrative Committee. Off-site signs not to exceed 6' above the natural grade within a contiguous development where properties have the same owner or show extreme hardship due to the unique location of the property which the sign serves are subject to the issuance of a Conditional Use Pennit by the Planning Commission. For purposes of this section, contiguous is defined as sharing a lot line. May not be located across the street.

Display Window Sign

No All 40% of window

area

one per business frontage

nlr (a) Signs shall be incorporated into a display

ofmerchandise or a display relating to services offered

(a) Signs for control of traffic and other

Governmental Regulatory Sign

No All nlr nlr nlr

regulatory purposes, street signs, danger signs, railroad crossings signs, neighborhood watch signs and signs of public service companies indicating danger and aids to service or safety

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Table 22.1-1 Permitted Signs

Sign Pennit Pennitted Max. Max. Number Max. Height Additional Standards Sign

Required? Zones Area

one per business (a) Limited to designated historical Historical No All 2 sf nlr

frontage structures or landmarks Structure Sign

(a) 'No trespassing', 'no parking', and other House warning signs are also allowed

nlr 10 inches tall No All nlr (b) Includes illuminated and un-illuminated signs

Numbers

notto exceed 3' (a) Permitted for multiple dwellings, clubs, Identification above natural Yes All one per lot lodges, community/neighborhood and100 sfSign

grade similar uses

(a) All inflatable signs must be set back from public right-of-way line(s) a distance equal to the height of the inflatable signs

(b) Signs shall only be erected for a maximum period of 30 days at no less than 3 month intervals

(c) Signs shall be mounted on any portion of the property where the business is located, except the roof. Such signs shall not be mounted or suspended from the roof of a structure

Max. Not to exceed (d) Floating hot air balloons or other tethered AllC& width/Yes 20' aboveInflatable Sign One per lot floating inflatable signs are exempt from MZones diameter

natural grade the maximum height and setback of20 feet

requirements (specified in (a) above) for inflatable signs

(e) No portion of an inflatable sign shall encroach in or over the public right-of­way or be situated to obstruct or impair vision or traffic or in any manner create a nuisance, hazard or disturbance to the health or welfare ofthe public

(f) No more than one sign shall be approved within anyone street block and erected at the same time

(a) Minimum clearance of 8 feet above the sidewalk

(b) Shall be attached by approved means (c) Shall not extend beyond the interior face

ofthe marquee columns or walls adjacent 4 sfof to the street

primary One per (d) Electric marquee signs shall be property vehicular access constructed of approved materials, except

CT,CD,Yes 35'Marquee Sign frontage to property, as specified in this Chapter.

CG,CH not to including cluster (e) All electrical equipment shall be listed

exceed signs for its intended use by an approved 675 sf testing laboratory

(f) Electrical equipment used in connection with display signs shall be installed in accordance with local ordinances regulating electrical installation

(g) For neon signs, all primary and secondary

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Table 22.1-1 Permitted Signs

Sign

Monument Sign

Sign Penni

Yes

ennitted Zones

R-2, R-3, AIIC& MZones

Max. Area

Max width 8 feet

Max. Number

One per vehicular access to property, but no more than two per street

frontage

Max. Height

Not to exceed 35' above

natural grade

(h)

! (i)

(a)

Additional Standards

wiring shall be enclosed in conduit. All electrodes must be enclosed in conduit and tenninate in a metal box and all transfonners shall be enclosed in metal boxes All electrical equipment shall be listed for its intended use by an approved testing laboratory ,., ,.." 22.1-11, Marquee Signs

Shall be architecturally compatible to the surrounding buildings.

Murals No All

Shall not exceed 100%of

Wall Space and

not less than 70% of wall space

One wall per building or

structure, certain exceptions apply

nfr

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

(f)

The content/subject matter of the mural shall be of historical significance (e.g., historical eras, historical figures, significant buildings/structures, or significant events or activities). Murals on private property shall be approved by the Administrative Committee; murals on public buildings shall first be approved by the Community Services Commission and then by the Administrative Committee. No part ofthe artwork shall project from the building in any direction. Shall not advertise any specific good or service, including political type messages. Shall not be the side of the building'S main entrance. Refer to City ofEI Centro Mural Policy and Guidelines for further infonnation.

Occupant Sign No All 3 sfper

sign Two per street

frontage 10'

(b)

(c)

Signs limited in content to name of occupant, address of premises, and signs ofdanger or a cautionary nature Signs may be illuminated only from a concealed light source that does not flash, blink, or fluctuate

Paper Notice

Parking Lot Sign

No

No

All

All

nfr

5 sf

nfr

One per parking lot

nfr

6'

(a)

(a)

Limited to notices placed on bulletin boards or kiosks maintained by the State or subdivision thereof

Sign limited in content to identifying the business(es) served, and providing driving and parking infonnation. A 20' setback from the property line must be maintained

09/2711 Owg\LSR-A1 0-0570\Update Sign Ordinance 14

Table 22.1-1 Pennitted Signs

Sign Sign Pennit Required?

Pennitted Zones

Max. Area

Max. Number Max. Height Additional Standards

(a) Sign structures shall not be placed within the building setback area without prior review and approval ofthe City's Administrative Committee

(b) Sign structures shall be constructed of steel or have a frame of structural steel or approved material

(c) Sign structures shall not be placed near an intersection or where thoroughfares change direction to be in such position as to obstruct the view and create a condition dangerous to traffic. All corner lots shall maintain, for safety vision purposes, a triangular area, one angle and two sides of which shall be fonned by the

Pole-Mounted 1Freestanding Sign

Yes AIIC&

MZones9 See

footnote 2

One per property,

including cluster signs

See footnote 3

intersection of the front and side lot lines. The third side of said triangle shall be a straight line connecting two (2) points on the property lines that are distant 20 feet from the intersection of the front and side lot lines. Within the area comprising said triangle, no portion of any sign or sign structure higher than 36 inches above the estimated curb grade, which obstructs vision, shall be pennitted

(d) See Figure 22.1-4, Height of Pole­Mounted and Freestanding Signs, Figure 22.1-7, Computation of Sign Area for Pole-Mounted and Freestanding Signs, and Figure 22.1-12, Sign Restrictions Near Intersections

(e) Sign structures shall be no closer than 500 feet to one another on the same side of the street unless separated by a building and not visible from each other.

(a) Signs advocating or opposing a candidate for public office, or a position on an issue to be detennined at an election.

(b) Placement on public property, public structures, or within the public right-of­way shall not be pennitted

(c) Placement within 660 feet of a freeway shall not be pennitted if the sign is designed to be viewed from the freeway

(d) Signs may be posted a maximum of 60

Political Sign No All 32 sf two per lot 3' days prior to an election and shall be removed within 14 days following an election

(e) Signs shall not be installed or maintained in any manner so as to impede pedestrian walkways, hinder disabled access, or constitute a hazard to or endanger persons using the sidewalks

(f) Signs cannot be illuminated, revolve, or otherwise function with mechanical parts or devices.

(g) Flags, valances, pennants, lights, or other

09/27/1 Owg\LSR-AI 0-0570\Update Sign Ordinance 15

Table 22.1-1 Pennitted Signs

Sign Sign Permit Permitted Max. Required? Zones Area

4 sfof primary

Principal AIIC &

property Identification Yes

MZones frontage

Sign not to exceed 675 sf

Professional AIlC and Sign

Yes MZones

\0 sf

Projecting AIIC & Sign

Yes MZones

60 sf

Public Notice No I All nlr

Per

Public Sign No All Agency require­

ment

80 sfper street

Real Estate frontage SignlBanner NOlO All for (Temporary) banners 6

sffor signs

Religious Sign No All nlr

2 sfper

Roof-Mounted CG,CH, lineal

Yes ML,MG, frontage,Sign

MBP not to exceed 80

Max. Number Max. Height

One per vehicular access

to property, 35' including cluster

signs

One per vehicular access nla

to property

One per street frontage per nla

premises

nlr nlr

nlr nlr

Not to exceed 3' Two/lot-R zones above natural

Three/lot-C & grade-R-Zones M zones and

35' inC&M Zones

one per business nlr

frontage

to' above the

one per business height of the building to

frontage which it is attached

Additional Standards

similar attraction devices which are accessory to a permitted sign are prohibited

(h) Signs shall not be placed within the 20 foot comer cutback area [See Section 29­143(11)(a)]

(a) Allowed on alleys and on the rear and side walls of buildings when limited to the name-of--the-busineSOHmdLor-the-oww

principal product or service provided by said business

(b) Such signs shall not exceed the allowed size for signs on a secondary street frontage without prior review and approval by the City's Administrative Committee

(a) Limited to name plate signs fastened directly to the building with maximum projection of 6 inches beyond the building setback line or front face canopy where canopy is permitted to extend to the street property line

(b) Not subject to any additional copy area standards

(c) See Figure 22.1-13, Professional Signs (a) No projecting sign shall encroach into the

public right-of-way, nor shall extend above any adjacent parapet or roof of the supporting building. No sign or sign structure shall project into a public alley more than 16 inches

(a) Limited to official public notices and notices posted by public officers in

yerformance of their duties (a) Signs required or specifically authorized

for a public purpose by any law, statute, or ordinance under which the signs are erected

(a) Limited to temporary unlit signs advertising the sale, rental or lease of the premises on which the sign is displayed.

(b) The temporary signlbanner shall be displayed no longer than 18 months. If a longer period is required, then a temporary use permit shall be obtained pursuant to Section 29-225 of the City Code.

(a) Limited to religious symbols attached to buildings ifnot projecting beyond any building setback line

(a) Any building of three stories or less, which does not exceed 35 feet in height, must have access to the roof in accordance with the California Building Code

I~

09127/IOwg\LSR-AIO-0570\Update Sign Ordinance 16

Table 22.1-1 Pennitted Signs

Sign Sign Permit Required?

Permitted Zones

Max. Area

Max. Number Max. Height Additional Standards

sf (b)

(c)

The supporting members of a roof sign shall appear to be an architectural and integral part of the bUilding. Supporting columns of round, square or shaped steel members may be erected so long as the required bracing is screened from the public view to the maximum extent feasible. See Figure 22.1-14, Roof Sims

Small Non­commercial Sign

No All 2 sf Per Agency requirement

nJa

(a) Content limited to noncommercial messages including, but not limited to: designation ofrestrooms, telephone locations, restrictions on smoking, door openings, and private traffic control and parking signs

Small Permanent Signs

Yes All C& MZones

See footnote 4

Per Agency requirement

nJa (a) Small permanent signs shall be permitted

in windows or along the face of a building.

Special Event SignlBanner

Yes 10 All

Per Agency require­

ment

Per Agency requirement

35'

(a)

(b)

A temporary sign advertising special events such as grand openings, sales, holidays, carnivals, etc. The temporary sign shall be displayed no longer than 30 days in one 6 month period and shall be removed within 5 days of the end of the special event for which they were put up.

Stadium, Theater, or Arena Sign

No CT,CG,

CH

Per Agency require­

ment

Per Agency requirement

Per Agency requirement

(a) Limited to signs within a stadium, open-air theater or arena that are designed primarily to be viewed by patrons within said stadium, theater or arena.

Subdivision Directional Kiosk Sign

Yes All R,

CN,CT Zones

80 sf double sided

One 8' in height 5' in width

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

Shall be placed on private property with written consent ofthe property owner, or on City right-of-way subject to the issuance of a temporary use permit and encroachment permit. May not be located within 2500 feet of another subdivision directional kiosk sign except in the case of signs on different comers of an intersection. Signs may only advertise subdivisions located within the city limits and/or within the city's sphere of influence and which have applied for annexation to the city and shall be double sided. Sign must be designed as an architecturally~nhanced structure that shaH include features such as a decorative cap and cornice detail. stone-clad or masonry clad columns, stone-clad or masonry clad foundation, carved/sculptured wood construction, or other similar architectural features as determined to be appropriate by the Planning & Zoning Department. The City Name, logo and motto shall be

09/2711 Owg\LSR-AI 0-0570\Update Sign Ordinance 17

Table 22.1-1 Permitted Signs

Sign Sign Permit Required?

Permitted Zones

Max. Area

Max. Number Max. Height Additional Standards

..

displayed on the sign as shown on Figure 22.1-15.

(f) Panels on the sign are allowed for residential subdivisions only of20 or more dwelling units, depicting the developer's name or logo or other branding identification and directional arrows. No other advertising is permitted.

(g) Sign panels shall not exceed seven square feet in sign area and shall be no greater than 16 inches in height and 60 inches in width.

(h) There shall be no additions, tag signs, streamers, balloons, flags, devices, display boards, or appurtenances, added to the originally approved sign.

Temporary Sign (Banners included)

Yes AIlC& AIlM Zones

see footnote 5

one per business frontage

35'

(a) The Temporary sign shall be displayed no longer than 45 days within a 12 month period.

(b) Such signs shall not be permanently fastened directly to the exterior wall or face of any building

(c) No temporary sign shall be installed, posted, or extend into any public right-of-way, excepting a subdivision directional sign as permitted in Section 29-225.

Temporary On-site Construction Sign

No All 40 sf nlr nlr (a) Signs denoting information such as the

architect, engineer, contractor, leasing agent, etc.

Traffic, Memorial, Historical, 2 sfper Commemorati lineal ve or other Sign, Flag,

No All frontage

not to one per business

frontage nlr

No additional standards beyond those otherwise required by Chapter 22.1.

Plaque exceed Maintained by 180 sf a Government Agency Vending Machine, Gas Pump, or Ice

No All nlr nlr nlr No additional standards beyond those otherwise required by Chapter 22.1.

Container Sign

Wall Sign No All C and MZones

See footnote 8

nlr nlr

(a) Must be less than 2 inches in thickness (b) Limited to signs which may only be

illuminated from a concealed light source which does not flash, blink, or fluctuate

(c) See Figure 22.1-8, Sign Area for Wall Signs

09/27/10wg\LSR-A I 0-0570\Update Sign Ordinance 18

Notes:

1. Conditionally pennitted within CG, CD, CN, and all Residential Zones

2. Maximum sign area of pole-mounted or freestanding signs shall be calculated as follows:

a. When located along the primary frontage: (Lineal feet of primary property frontage) x (4), but in no case shall the sign area exceed 1,000 square feet

b. When located along the secondary frontage: (Lineal feet of secondary property frontage) x (2), but in no case shall the sign area exceed 675 square feet

3. Maximum height of pole-mounted or freestanding signs shall be as follows with a vertical clearance of seven (7) feet: a. Limited Commercial Zone (CD, CO, CN, CC): Maximum height shall not exceed the distance measured from the centerline of the street fronting

upon its location to the column or columns nearest the street front. In no case shall this height exceed 30' to the top of the sign; 50' height pennitted within 800' of the 1-8 within the CT zone only.

b. General Commercial Zone (CG, CH): Maximum height shall not exceed 1.5' for each foot ofsetback. Said measurement shall be computed from the centerline of the street upon which the sign is located and measured to the column or columns nearest the street front. In no case will this height exceed 35' to the top of the sign.

4. The maximum sign area of small pennanent signs and small temporary signs shall be calculated as follows: (Frontage area of the ground floor) x (0.25)

5. The maximum sign area oftemporary 1not pennanently fixed signs shall be calculated as follows:

a. When displayed in windows or on display boards: (Total area of the building face upon which the signs are mounted) x (0.25)

b. Other temporary / not pennanently fixed signs: equal to or less than 16 sf per business frontage.

6. Conditionally pennitted within CT & MBP Zones 7. An allowance ofno more than 10% is allowed for cut-outs and/or extensions. Cut-outs are areas on a billboard that are removed or cut-away to highlight a detail or feature. Extensions are any portion of a billboard located outside ofthe sign area not including superficial ornamentation, trim, column or column covers or symbol-type appendages ofnon-mess age-bearing character.

8. The calculation that yields the greatest sign area shall apply:

a. (Total area of building fayade on which the sign is placed) x (0.3); or

b. (Lineal feet ofwall elevation on which the sign is placed) x (4.0)

9. Prohibited in the Visual Enhancement Area 10. The Building Official will detennine if a sign pennit is required depending on type, size, and height ofproposed sign. No sign pennit fees will be assessed for banners.

nlr = no restrictions"

IIIII

IIIII

09127/1 Owg\LSR-AI0-0570\Update Sign Ordinance 19

"Figure 22.1-15 Subdivision Directional Kiosk Signs

Subdivision Name

Subdivision Name

Subdivision Name

Subdivision Name

Subdivision Name

Subdivision Name

"

Section 2. The City Council hereby designates the Office of the City Attorney to prepare a summary of this Ordinance and said summary shall be published and a certified copy of the full text of this Ordinance shall be posted in the Office of the CityClerk at least five (5) days prior to the City Council meeting at which this Ordinance is to be adopted.

Section 3. This Ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days from and after its adoption. Within fifteen (15) days after adoption, a summary of this Ordinance shall be published once in a newspaper, published and circulated within the City of EI Centro, California, and there shall be posted in the Office of the City Clerk a certified copy of the full text ofthis Ordinance.

09l22/10wjg\LSR#AIO-0570\Updated Sign Ordinance 20

INTRODUCED ata regular meeting of the City Council of the City of El Centro, California, held on the 21st day of Sept. ,2010.

PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of EI Centro, California, held on the 5th day ofOct. ,2010.

CITY OF EL CENTRO

e Caldwell, City Clerk

APPROVED AS TO FORM: Office of the City Attorney

y~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luis F. Hernandez, City Attorney

STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) COUNTY OF IMPERIAL ) ss CITY OF EL CENTRO )

I, L. Diane Caldwell, City Clerk of the City of EI Centro, California, do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution No. 10- 11 had its first reading on Sept 2t 2010, and had its second reading on O:t.5 ,2010, and was passed by the following vote:

AYES: Edney, Silva, Viegas-Walker, Solomon, Sanders NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAINED: None

AYES: Edney, Silva, Viegas-Walker, Solomon, Sanders NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAINED: None

09/2211 Owjg\LSR#Al0-0570\Updated Sign Ordinance 21