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o, S ANTS <br />CITY . 1 1 1 1 <br />U 1� <br />Lt�FQR� <br />Councilmember-Requested Item Report <br />DATE <br />May 6, 2025 <br />TOPIC <br />Updates to the Sign Ordinance <br />COUNCILMEMBER-REQUESTED ITEM TITLE <br />Discuss and Consider Directing the City Manager and City Attorney to Direct Staff to <br />Prepare an Ordinance Amending the Sign Code to Allow the Use of an A -Frame in <br />Designated Commercial Areas <br />111►*81111*4 [•] Z <br />As I continue my efforts to support local businesses and revitalize our downtown, I <br />recommend that the City Council consider directing staff to amend the Santa Ana <br />Municipal Code to allow the use of A -frame (or sandwich board) signs in designated <br />commercial areas, particularly Downtown Santa Ana, under clear and thoughtful <br />regulations. <br />Background <br />Currently, Santa Ana Municipal Code Sec. 9.26.090 prohibits the placement of <br />objects —including signs —on sidewalks and public rights -of -way. Similarly, Sec. 41-861 <br />under our zoning code restricts signage types and locations, which effectively bans the <br />use of A -frames in front of businesses, even when placed responsibly. However, we <br />know that A -frame signs are a proven, low-cost marketing tool used by small <br />businesses to increase foot traffic and communicate with pedestrians —especially in <br />walkable, urban districts like ours. <br />Several cities allow the placement of A -frames on sidewalks, including: <br />• Los Altos, CA: allows A -frame signs on sidewalks with simple permitting and <br />placement guidelines to ensure pedestrian safety. <br />• Colorado Springs, CO: allows temporary A -frame signs to support retailers in <br />downtown areas with clear size and location restrictions. <br />These cities have successfully balanced the need for clear pedestrian paths with the <br />business community's desire to attract customers and enliven commercial corridors. <br />The policies relating to A -frames for the City of Los Altos and the City of Colorado <br />Springs are attached as Exhibit 1 and Exhibit 2, respectively. <br />CITY ATTORNEY CITY MANAGER CITY CLERK <br />Sonia R. Carvalho Alvaro Nunez Jennifer L. Hall <br />20 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA - P.O. BOX 1988, M31 - SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA 92702 <br />TELEPHONE (714) 647-6900 - FAX (714) 647-6954 - www.santa-ana.org <br />