HomeMy WebLinkAboutNS-2116 - Amending Divisions 1 Through 6 of Article XI of Chapter 41 of Santa Ana Municipal Code, to Revise the Zoning Regulations Pertaining to On-Premise Advertising Signs in the City...
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REL: 2/12/91
ORDINANCE NO. NS- 2116
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA
AMENDING DIVISIONS 1 THROUGH 6 OF ARTICLE
XI OF CHAPTER 41 OF THE SANTA ANA MUNI-
CIPAL CODE, TO REVISE THE ZONING REGULA-
TIONS PERTAINING TO ON-PREMISE ADVER-
TISING SIGNS IN THE CITY GENERALLY.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA DOES ORDAIN AS
FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1: That Division 1 of Article XI of Chapter 41 of the
Santa Ana Municipal Code is hereby repealed, and Article XI of
Chapter 41 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code is hereby amended by
adding a new division, to be numbered 1, which said new Division 1
consists of sections 41-850 through 41-851 and reads as follows:
DIVISION 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sec. 41-850. Purpose.
The purpose of this article is to establish a system for
the control of the size, location, type and number of signs
located on private property in the City of Santa Ana according
to reasonable and nondiscriminatory standards. Such
regulation is deemed necessary to enhance the quality of the
visual environment, thereby promoting commerce, improving
community identity, conserving property values, improving
traffic safety, and promoting the health, safety and general
welfare of the people.
Sec. 41-851. scope.
(a) This article applies to all signs and advertising
displays in all zoning districts except as otherwise provided
in this section.
(b) This article does not apply to signs and advertising
displays of the fOllowing types and descriptions:
(l) Any billboard or other off-premfse commercial
advertising sign regulated by Article XII of this
chapter.
(2) Any sign located in the public right-of-way and
installed or maintained by the Public Works Agency
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ORDINANCE NO. NS-2116
of the City or by any other public entity having
the legal authority to maintain the sign.
(3) Any sign located within a building or enclosed area
and designed to be viewed primarily by persons
inside of such building or enclosed area,.
'\
(4) Any sign on a vehicle or other mobile unit, unless
such vehicle or mobile unit is parked or stationed
near a business activity advertised or identified
by the sign and for the primary purpose of
attracting public attention to such business
activity.
(5) Any temporary sign taped or otherwise affixed to a
window in such a manner as to be easily removed,
provided that the total area of such sign in any
one window does not exceed~25 percent of the area
of each window.
(6) In commercial or manufacturing zones, non-
freestanding incidental sign area not exceeding two
square feet in size per elevation and attached
flush to a door, wall or window containing
information on hours of operation, deliveries,
credit cards accepted, or similar information.
(7) The changing of copy on an approved changeable copy
sign, provided the copy identifies the business or
service provided.
(c) Noncommercial signs are etempted from compliance
with all sections 'of this article exaept section 41-860.
(d) Signs
compliance with
article.
in the Downtown District are exempted from
sections 41-861 through 41-872 of this
SECTION 2: That Division 2 of Article XI of Chapter 41 of the
Santa Ana Municipal Code is hereby repealed, and Article XI of
Chapter 41 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code is hereby amended by
adding a new division, to be numbered 2, which said new Division 2
consists of sections 41-860 through 41-872 and reads as follows:
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ORDINANCE NO. NS-2116
2371
DIVISION 2. SIGN STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS
Sec. 41-860. General regulations.
(a) No sign is permitted that:
(I) Is dangerous or confusing to motorists on the
public right-of-way, including any sign which by
its color, wording, design, location or
illumination resembles or conflicts with any
official traffic control device or which impedes
the safe and efficient flow of traffic.
(2) Is in a condition which presents a danger of injury
to the public.
(3) Incorporates mechanical movement or in any way
gives the illusion of motion, moving parts,
rotation or any flashing, moving or intermittent
lighting, other than a sign providing a time-and-
temperature or similar public service display.
(4) Is on a vehicle, except as excluded from the scope
of this article by section 41-851.
(5) Impedes free ingress and egress from any door,
window or exitway required by building or fire
regulations.
(6) Emits sound, smoke, visible particles, or odors,
except that speakers on drive-thru facilities shall
be permitted.
(7) Is attached to or maintained upon any public
utility pole or structure, or tree.
(b) No person, except a public officer or employee in
the performance of a public duty or a private person in giving
a legal notice, shall paste, post, paint, nail or tack or
otherwise fasten any card, banner, handbill, sign, poster,
advertisement or notice of any kind upon any property without
the written consent of the owner, holder, lessee, agent or
trustee thereof.
(c) All signs, other than temporary signs, and their
supporting structures shall:
(I) Be constructed of metal, wood, plastic, foam, paint
and/or comparable weather-resistant material.
(2) Be kept in good repair and maintained in safe,
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238 ORDINANCE NO. NS-2116
neat, clean and attractive condition.
(3)
Be so enclosed as
infestation by birds
structurally safe.
to provide
and vermin,
against their
and shall be
(
(d) Logos or identification symbols shall be considered
signs and shall conform to all provisions of this article.
8eo. 41-861. Additional regulations.
No sign is permitted that:
(1) Is an A-frame, sandwich board or other portable,
temporary advertising display.
(2) Is temporary or special event flags, banners,
festoons, flag canopies, or other displays, except
as permitted by a special event sign permit.
(3) Is a sculptured, molded or otherwise fabricated
representational object used for the purpose of
visually conveying business identification or
product advertising, except as approved by a
planned sign program.
(4) Is an aerial or balloon type sign, unless approved
pursuant to a special event sign permit.
(5) Conflicts with standards established by resolution
of the City Council pertaining to the colors and
materials of signs adopted for the purpose of
promoting signage which is visually attractive and
harmonious with its surroundings.
(6) Duplicates or repeats copy on the same sign.
(7)
Is a graphic of paint
building for the purpose
attention to a sign,
Planning Director.
or other material on a
of amplifying or directing
unless approved by the
f
8eo. 41-862. Freestanding signs.
No permit shall be issued for a freestanding sign which
does not comply with the following standards:
(a) Number.
(I) The number of freestanding signs permittable on an
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ORDINANCE NO. NS-2l16
()3 i)
~< .
integrated development site shall be as follows:
Total street Frontaqe
Number
o - 299 feet
300 - 599 feet
600 - 899 feet
900 - 1,199 feet
1,200 or more feet
1
2
3
4
5
(2) No more than one freestanding sign advertising or
identifying the same business activity shall be
permitted on each street on which the integrated
development site has frontage.
(b) Location.
(I) No freestanding sign shall be permitted on any site
which does not have street frontage.
(2) A freestanding sign shall be located only in a
landscaped planter, with such planter not less than
four feet in any direction from the edge of the
planter to the sign. No sign shall obstruct or
remove any required landscape materials.
(3) ,No freestanding sign shall be placed closer than 25
feet to a side lot line.
(4) No freestanding sign for a commercial use shall be
placed within 50 feet of land used, zoned, or
designated on the General Plan for residential
purposes on the same street frontage as the
proposed sign.
(5) No freestanding sign shall be closer than 100 feet
from another freestanding sign on the same site.
(6) No freestanding sign shall be located in the
triangular area (s) measured 15 feet by 15 feet
where a driveway enters onto a street, or in any
other area which may obstruct the vision of
motorists so as to create a safety hazard.
Additionally, all signs are subject to sections 36-
45 to 36-47 of this code regarding obstructions to
vision at corner intersections.
(c) Heiqht and area.
(I)
Properties with
frontage shall
requirements:
less than 120
be subj ect to
feet
the
of street
following
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240 ORDINANCE NO. NS-2116
Total street Frontaqe
size
o - 60 feet
20 square feet
maximum,
not to exceed 5 feet
in height.
[
61-119 feet
30 square feet
maximum, not to exceed
6 feet in height
(2) Freestanding signs with more than 120 feet of
street frontage shall not exceed seven feet in
overall height from curb level unless otherwise
stated in this section. The overall height plus the
overall width shall not exceed 16 linear feet and
the sign face area shall not exceed 45 square feet.
(3) Developments over 15 acres and with at least 750
feet of street frontage shall have no more than one
freestanding sign not to exceed 15 feet in overall
height and 10 feet in overall width; the sign face
area shall not exceed 60 square feet. Such sign
shall not be located on any secondary frontage.
(4) A sign may be permitted to a height not exceeding
35 feet and an area not exceeding 100 square feet,
provided all of the following conditions are
satisfied:
a. The sign is located on a site which has
frontage on a freeway right-of-way or which is
located within 300 feet of a freeway exit
centerline;
b. The sign is oriented toward viewing by freeway
traffic;
[,
c. The sign is limited in content to the
identification of the business name. The
business shall offer a service or product of
specific interest to the traveling public
including, but not limited to, transient
lodging, prepared food and goods, and services
necessary to the normal operation of motor
vehicles.
(d)
Desiqn.
(I) All signs shall be architecturally compatible with
the development on which it is located.
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ORDINANCE NO. NS-2l16
241
(2) The copy area of a freestanding sign shall not
exceed 40 percent of the sign face.
(3)
Freestanding signs shall be for the
or development name and/or the
thereon, not to exceed a total of
information.
shopping center
major tenants
eight items of
(4) No sign shall use mirrors reflecting a direct light
source or utilize flashing, blinking or sequenced
lights. No sign shall utilize unshielded
incandescent, fluorescent or other lighting, except
neon.
(5) The project address shall be located on the
monument sign base.
Sec. 41-863. Wall signs and canopy signs.
No permit shall be issued for a wall sign or canopy sign
which does not comply with the following standards:
(a) Number.
No more than one wall or canopy sign shall be permitted
for each primary elevation of a leasable tenant space. In
addition, no more than one sign shall be permitted on more
than two secondary elevations which face a public street or
on-site parking area. (As used herein, street shall include
freeways, but exclude alleys and service ways.)
(b) Area.
(I) Sign area on the primary elevation shall not exceed:
a. Ten percent of the business elevation; or
b. Forty percent of the signable area; or
c. Two hundred square feet,
whichever is smaller.
(2) sign area on permitted secondary elevations, as
permitted above in Sec. III.A., shall not exceed:
a. Five percent of the business elevation area; or
b. Twenty percent of the signable area; or
c. Fifty square feet,
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242 ORDINANCE NO. NS-2116
whichever is smaller.
(3) Sign copy area shall not exceed 40 percent of the
sign area for existing cabinet signs.
[
(c) Lenqth.
The horizontal dimension of any wall or canopy sign shall
not exceed 75 percent of the horizontal dimension of the
building elevation of the activity identified by the sign,
measured on the side of the building on which the sign is
located.
(d) Location.
(I) No wall or canopy sign shall be placed higher than
the ground floor of the building or 20 feet,
whichever is less, except that second floor retail
or office spaces with access separate from the
use(s) on the ground floor are permitted a sign no
higher than the second floor. Buildings over two
stories in height are subject to the requirements
of major building identification signs.
(2) No sign shall be placed on a building elevation
which is within 50 feet of and faces a residential
zone or use.
(3) No sign shall project above the parapet, canopy
fascia, or wall to which it is attached, nor above
the roofline if attached to the roof.
(4) All wall or canopy signs shall be consistently
centered above the business entrance or an
architecturally consistent area of the elevation.
(e) Desiqn.
(I) All signs on an individual business or within an
integrated development site shall be consistent in
sign shape, type and materials.
[
(2) All individual letter signs shall be installed to
appear flush mounted with no exposed raceways
containing electrical transformers or components.'
(3) All signs shall be for business identification only
containing the recognized trade name of the
business and no more than five words describing
products, services or brands, and shall not include
slogans, phrases, promotions or duplication of
copy.
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ORDINANCE NO. NS-2ll6
I
2481
I
(4) No sign shall use mirrors reflecting a direct light
source or utilize flashing, blinking or sequenced
lights.
(5) Where more than one sign is permitted to a
business, all signs shall be consistent in design,
style, shape, color, illumination, and text.
(6) Individual channel letters made of foam core with a
density of fourteen pounds or greater shall be
permitted.
(7) Internally illuminated cabinet wall signs are
prohibited.
Sec. 41-864. projecting signs.
No permit shall be issued for any projecting sign which
does not comply with the following standards:
(a) Number.
A projecting sign shall only be permitted for a business
activity having more than 50 feet of street frontage, and only
in lieu of a wall or canopy sign and a freestanding sign to
which such business activity would otherwise be entitled under
this division. No more than one projecting sign shall be
allowed for any leasable tenant space.
(b) Location.
(I) No part of any projecting sign shall be located
lower than eight feet above ground level.
(2) No projecting sign shall be located within 50 feet
of another projecting sign on the same site.
(3) No projecting sign shall be located higher than the
ground level of occupancy of the building.
(c) structure.
(I) A projecting sign shall be perpendicular to the
building wall to which it is affixed.
(2) No face of any projecting sign shall exceed 25
square feet in area.
(3) A projecting sign shall not exceed 12 inches in
thickness.
9
24(1 ORDINANCE NO. NS-2116
(4) No face shall project more than four feet from the
wall to which it is attached.
(5) No face shall exceed seven feet in vertical
dimension.
[
(d) Ilesiqn.
(I) Sign copy area shall not exceed 50 percent of the
sign face.
(2) The design of any projecting sign shall be
architect-urally compatible with the building on
which it is located.
(3) No projecting sign shall be wholly or partially
illuminated by unshielded lighting of any type,
including exposed fluorescent or incandescent
bulbs, except exposed neon. No sign shall use
mirrors reflecting a direct light source or utilize
flashing, blinking or sequenced lights.
(4) Projecting signs shall be for identification of the
business(es) or use(s) located on the site subject
to the following:
a. The sign shall have no more than five words
describing products, services or brands
available on the premises where the sign is
located in addition to the business
identification.
b. The sign shall not advertise or display the
name, brand name or manufacturer's name of any
product, article or service, unless these
names are included in the name identifying the
business.
Sec. 41-865. Marquee signs.
No permit shall be issued for a marquee sign which does
not comply with the following standards:
r
(a) Location.
No more than one sign shall be permitted on-each side of
a marquee and any such sign shall be in lieu of wall, canopy
or projecting signs to which such business would otherwise be
entitled under this division.
10
ORDINANCE NO. NS-2116
245
(b) Area.
(I) The area of all signs located on a marquee shall
not exceed two square feet of total area per lineal
foot of business frontage or 200 square feet,
whichever is smaller.
(2) Sign copy area shall not exceed 40 percent of the
sign face, or where there is no sign face, 40
percent of the signable area up to the allowable
sign area.
(c) Dimensions.
(I)
The horizontal dimension
percent of the side of the
is located.
shall not exceed 75
marquee where said sign
(2) The vertical dimension shall not exceed six feet in
height.
(d) Desiqn.
Design of marquee signs shall be for identification of
the business or use located on the site and may include a
changeable copy sign.
Sec. 41-866. siqns located under canopies or marquees.
No permit shall be issued for any sign to be located
under a canopy or marquee which does not comply with the
following standards:
(a)
business
building
The sign shall contain only identification of the
name of the activity occupying the portion of the
to which it is affixed.
(b) No more than one sign shall be located at each
entrance into the business activity identified by the sign.
(c) A minimum clearance above grade of eight feet over
walkways and 12 feet over driveways shall be maintained.
(d) The area of the sign shall not exceed four square
feet.
(e) The letters on the sign shall not exceed eight
inches in height.
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24() ORDINANCE NO. NS-2116
Sec. 41-867. Major building identification signs.
I[
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Article, a
permit may be issued for a wall sign for buildings over two
stories per this section which provides long-distance
identification, or signage for the primary tenant in such a
building, provided that the following standards are met:
~
(a) Number.
No more than two such signs shall be installed on the
building.
(b) Area.
The sign area of such a sign shall not exceed 40 percent
of the signable area to which it is attached, nor shall it
exceed an area equal to two square feet multiplied by the
number of lineal feet in the horizontal dimension of the
building face to which it is attached, measured at the height
of the proposed sign location.
(c) Lenqth.
The horizontal dimension of such sign shall not exceed 40
percent of the horizontal dimension of the building elevation
to which it is attached, measured at the height of the
proposed sign location.
(d) Location.
Such sign shall be located at the top story of the
building or between the top story and the top of the building
parapet or eaveline. only one sign shall be permitted per
building elevation.
(e) Desiqn.
(I) Letter Height.
[
The height of the letters used in such sign
not exceed the following maximums, depending
number of stories in the building:
shall
on the
Number of stories
Heiqht
(in
inches)
2
3
4
5
24
30
36
42
12
ORDINANCE NO. NS-2ll6
247
6
7
8-10
11-14
15 or more
48
54
60
72
84
A logo may be used on such sign if the logo height
does not exceed the maximum permitted letter height
for the sign and if its horizontal dimension is not
more than twice its maximum vertical dimension.
(2) structure.
Such sign shall be composed solely of individual
channel letters or logo.
Sec. 41-868. Residential development identification signs.
(a) No permit shall be issued for any sign providing
identification of a residential development having five or
more dwelling units, unless the following standards are met:
(1) No more than one such sign may be installed for
each street frontage of the development.
(2) The sign shall not contain exposed unshielded
illumination.
(3) The sign face area shall not exceed 20 square feet.
(4) The height of the sign shall not exceed six feet.
(5) The width of the sign shall not exceed eight feet.
(b) In addition, directory type signs for multiple unit
developments of five units or more, not exceeding six square
feet in area or four feet in any dimension and six feet in
height, shall be permitted provided such sign is located
within an interior court and adjacent to an internal walkway.
Sec. 41-870. Real estate signs.
(a) Residential Units. Notwithstanding any other
provision of this article, signs advertising the sale, lease
or rental of one or more dwelling units are prohibited, except
that no more than one sign may be permitted on the site of
such unit (s) without the necessity of obtaining a permit,
provided the following standards are met: '
(I) The sign shall not be illuminated.
13
248 ORDINANCE NO. NS-2116
(2) The sign area shall not exceed four square feet.
(3) The sign shall not exceed six feet in height.
[
(4) No other sign advertising the sale or lease of one
or more dwelling units shall be installed on the
same site.
(5) A sign for the rental or lease of a unit shall
correspond to an actual vacancy and shall not be
permitted on fully occupied sites. The sign shall
be removed within 14 days after the sale or lease
of the property.
(b) Nonresidential units. Notwithstanding any other
provislon of this article, signs advertising the sale or lease
of one or more nonresidential units are prohibited, except
that no more than one sign may be installed per street
frontage of such property without the necessity of obtaining
a permit, provided the following standards are met:
(I) The sign shall not be illuminated.
(2) The sign area shall not exceed 32 square feet.
(3) The sign shall not exceed 12 feet in height.
(4) No more than one sign advertising the sale or lease
of units of real property shall be installed on the
same street frontage of the same site.
(5) A sign for the rental or lease of a unit shall
correspond to an actual vacancy and shall not be
permitted on fully occupied sites. The sign shall
be removed with 14 days of the rental or lease of
the unites).
(6) Placement of such sign shall correspond directly
with the space available and shall not be located
at unrelated businesses.
J
(c) New Developments. Notwithstanding any other
provislon of this article, a sign advertising the first-time
sale or lease of units of real estate within a site which is
being or has been newly developed or redeveloped may be
installed on such site pursuant to a permit issued pursuant to
this Article for a one-year period, provided'the following
standards are met:
(I) The sign shall not be illuminated.
(2) The sign area shall not exceed 80 square feet.
14
(3) The sign shall not exceed 16 feet in height.
(4) No other sign advertising the sale or lease or
units of real estate shall be installed on the same
site.
'14\\
4,. .
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ORDINANCE NO. NS-2116
(5)
Notwithstanding
removed wi thin
site.
the above, the sign shall be
15 days of full occupancy of the
No person shall install or maintain, or allow to be
installed or maintained on property occupied by such person,
any special event sign or display, except in accordance with
the following requirements.
Sec. 41-871. special event signs or displays.
(I) The special event sign or display shall be
installed and maintained in accordance with a
permit issued by the zoning administrator who may
approve, approve with conditions, or deny such
permit.
(2) The special event sign or display shall not be
maintained for more than 30 successive days, except
that grand opening signs shall be permitted for a
period not to exceed 60 days from the date the
certificate of occupancy of the business is issued.
(3) No more than one special event sign or display
shall be installed on a site for each business
activity on such site in any given six-month
period.
(4)
Such special event sign or display shall
more than banners, parking lot light
displays and non-aerial balloon signs,
not include flag canopies, aerial
freestanding signs.
include no
pole flag
and shall
signs or
Sec. 41-872. Other signs.
(a) Directional siqns. Directional signs not exceeding
four square feet in area and, if freestanding, a height of
four feet shall be allowed. Said directional sign shall
contain only that information necessary for on-site
circulation, parking and site information without any
advertising.
15
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250 ORDINANCE NO. NS-2116
(b) Menu boards. Menu boards on the interior driveways
of drive-thru facilities shall not exceed seven feet in height
and 60 square feet in area. Speakers shall face away from
residential property. No more than two menu boards per drive-
thru shall be permitted.
r;
,
,/
(c) Window sians. No permanent sign affixed to or
incorporated into an exterior window shall exceed 25 percent
of each window area.
(d) Awni.nq
into an awning
elevation.
siqns.
shall
No sign affixed to or incorporated
exceed 10 percent of the awning
(e) Construction siqns. One unlighted construction sign
is permitted per street frontage per job site and shall not
exceed six square feet in any residential zone, or 32 square
feet in all other zones, and shall contain no more than the
name of the project and the names and addresses of the
contractors, architects, engineers, landscape architect,
financing company or developer. Such sign shall be removed
within 30 days of building permit final approval or issuance
of a certificate of occupancy for the project.
(f) Service station siqns. Signs for service stations
shall comply with the provisions of this Article for
freestanding and wall signage, and shall include signs
required by law, but shall not exceed the minimums set by law
subject to sign placement requirements and review as set forth
in this part. In addition, the following signage is
permitted:
(1) Island canopies.
One sign per street frontage shall be permitted.
Canopy signage shall not exceed 2Q square feet in
area. Canopy sign copy shall be limited to
business name and logo only. Signage may be
internally illuminated.
(2) Spandrel signs or canopy support signs.
[
The signs shall not exceed 20 percent of the
spandrel area. The spandrel sign copy shall be
limited to business name and logo only. Spandrel
signage may be internally illuminated.
(3) Pump or dispenser signs.
Pump or dispenser signs shall be limited to
business or fuel identification, operational
instructions, and state required information.
16
i
I
ORDINANCE NO. NS-2116
251
(4) convenience signs.
Signage designated to assist customers, such as
"Please Pull to Forward Pumps" or "Please Pay
Cashier Before Pumping Gas" shall be
architecturally integrated with the structure to
which it is being applied and not exceed 4 square
feet in sign area.
(g) Siqns over public riqht-of-wav. No sign shall
extend over the public right-of-way, except signs on a
marquee, canopy or awning which shall project no closer than
two feet from a curb.
SECTION 3: That Division 3 of Article XI of Chapter 41 of the
Santa Ana Municipal Code is hereby repealed, and Article XI of
Chapter 41 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code is hereby amended by
adding a new division, to be numbered 3, which said new Division 3
consists of sections 41-880 through 41-884 and reads as follows:
DIVISION 3. PLANNED SIGN PROGRAMS
Sec. 41-880. General requirements.
(a) A planned sign program shall be adopted for multi-
tenant developments and shall include criteria for
freestanding, wall and directional signs, as applicable, for
each individual development.
(b) No permit shall be issued for any sign in or for a
multi-tenant development, except pursuant to an approved
planned sign program in accordance with this article.
(c) A planned sign program for existing multi-tenant
developments that do not have an approved planned sign program
shall be adopted prior to the issuance of any additional sign
permits in such development. Said planned sign program shall
follow the implied sign program or predominant pattern of sign
type and configuration in use in the existing development.
Sec. 41-881. Application.
Application for a planned sign program shall be filed by,
or with written consent of, the property owner. An
application shall be filed and reviewed in the same manner as
an application for a sign permit pursuant to Division 4.
17
252 ORDINANCE NO. NS-2116
Sec. 41-882. Standards of approval.
(a) A planned sign program shall satisfy the following
standards:
1
(I) All of the signs are consistent with the purpose,
spirit and intent, as well as the specific minimum
standards, of this article.
(2) All of the signs are harmonious and visually
related to each other through the incorporation of
common design elements.
(3) The signs are architecturally integrated with the
buildings to which they are appurtenant.
(4) The signs do not adversely affect nearby land uses
or obscure the view of other signs which conform to
this article.
(b) A planned sign program as submitted by an applicant
may be approved subject to conditions designed to bring it
into compliance with the purpose, spirit and intent of this
article. No conditions unrelated to signage shall be imposed.
However, approval may be more restrictive than Division 2 of
this article.
Bee. 41-883. Procedures.
Applications for planned sign programs shall be decided
in the same manner as sign permits subject to the right of
appeal by any aggrieved applicant to the planning commission.
No public hearing shall be required, but the zoning
administrator or the planning commission may send such notices
of the pending action and receive such comment to and by
surrounding property owners and occupants or other interested
persons, as they deem appropriate. The decision of the
planning commission shall be final.
Bee. 41-884. Amendments.
[
(a) An application for an amendment to an approved
planned sign program may be made at any time, subject to the
same limitations, requirements, and procedures as apply to an
original application, except that tenants whose signs are
addressed by the amendment application need the property
owner's consent to file such application. Sign program
amendment review shall consider existing signs prior to
approval or denial of program change.
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ORDINANCE NO. NS-2l16
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(b) The change of copy on a sign, or the substitution of
one Sl.gn for another, shall not require an amendment to a
planned sign program if the change or substitution is limited
in effect to changing the' identification of a business
activity only, and the new or altered sign conforms in all
other respects to the approved planned sign program.
SECTION 4: That Division 4 of Article XI of Chapter 41 of the
Santa Ana Municipal Code is hereby repealed, and Article XI of
Chapter 41 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code is hereby amended by
adding a new division, to be numbered 4, which said new Division 4
consists of sections 41-890 through 41-894 and reads as follows:
DIVISION 4. SIGN PERMITS
Sec. 41-890. Applications.
Applications for sign permits shall be filed by, or with
the written consent of, the property owner on forms required
by the zoning administrator and shall be accompanied by the
following information:
(1) A pictorial representation of, and other
information about, the proposed sign, disclosing
overall dimensions, dimensions of letters and
figures, colors, materials, copy, and illumination
or movement characteristics, if any.
(2) A plan of the site on which the proposed sign is to
be located showing the location of all existing or
proposed signs subject to this article, buildings,
parking areas and vehicular accessways.
(3) A description of the type and dimensions of all
other existing or proposed signs on the site which
are subject to this article, relating each to the
location shown on the site plan.
(4) Such other information as the zoning administrator
deems appropriate to determine compliance with the
provisions of this article.
Sec. 41-891. Powers and duties of zoning administrator.
(a) The zoning administrator shall determine whether the
proposed sign or sign program is in compliance with this
chapter, the provisions of this code, and, in addition, where
said property is located within a redevelopment project area,
shall consider the provisions of the applicable redevelopment
19
25,-10RDINANCE NO. NS-2116
[
plan and any applicable development agreement approved by the
City or the Santa Ana Redevelopment Agency. In addition, the
zoning administrator shall determine whether or not the
purposes and objectives of this chapter have been met and, in
that regard, may impose conditions more restrictive than this
article to assure that the purposes and objectives of this
chapter will be realized. Consideration may be given to site
plans, landscaping, general design and development, setback,
height, vehicular and pedestrian ingress and egress, and
relationship of such factors to existing development in
immediate or surrounding areas, as well as proposed future
development in surrounding or immediate areas as indicated on
the General Plan or any specific plan of the City, and any
applicable redevelopment plan. Interior design of buildings
shall not be considered except as related to the foregoing;
nor shall conditions be imposed to require signs obviously
incongruous with the property or surrounding areas.
(b) The zoning administrator, in compliance with the
foregoing, may approve, conditionally approve subject to
modifications, or disapprove any application for a sign permit
to relocate, erect, alter or expand any sign or sign structure
subject to the following standards:
(1)
Such approval
privilege not
circumstances.
does not constitute
available to others in
a special
the same
(2) Such approval is in substantial compliance with the
General Plan and with any applicable redevelopment
or specific plan of the city and any applicable
development agreement approved by the City or the
Santa Ana Redevelopment Agency.
(3) The nature, condition and development of adjacent
uses, buildings and structures have been considered
and no approval shall be granted where such
approval will adversely affect or be materially
detrimental to said adjacent uses, buildings or
structures.
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(4) The sign placement, scale, shape, illumination,
size, colors, letter styles, or other design aspect
is architecturally appropriate and compatible in
relation to the development on and adjacent to the
site of the proposed sign. site- development,
landscaping, construction, color and material of
exteriors, other signs, exterior lighting, uses,
occupancy, density, and the entire development plan
shall be considered prior to sign approval.
20
ORDINANCE NO. NS-2116
25fj
Sec. 41-892. Determination by zoninq administrator.
If the decision of the zoning administrator should be to
approve the sign plans as submitted with no insignificant or
minor changes, a permit shall be issued. Otherwise, the
zoning administrator shall make no decision until notice to
the applicant giving them 14 days to appear and present
evidence on his/her behalf is made and given. zoning
administrator hearings shall not require notice to anyone
other than the applicant. The decision of the zoning
administrator shall be final and conclusive, and effective
five city business days after giving of notice thereof, unless
within said five city business days an appeal in writing is
filed with the secretary of the planning commission by the
applicant.
sec. 41-893. Hearinq before the planninq commission.
All appeals shall be heard by the planning commission at
a public hearing within 30 days of the notice of said appeal,
and on at least 10 days prior written notice to the applicant
and appellant and any person requesting notice of the time and
place of said hearing. No other notice of said hearing is
required. Said notice of hearing may be waived by any person
entitled thereto. The planning commission, in making its
determination, shall consider the record before the zoning
administrator and such additional evidence deemed relevant and
received by it at said hearing. The planning commission, in
making said determination, shall be governed by the terms and
provisions of this article, and its decision shall be final
and conclusive.
Sec. 41-894. Removal of temporary siqns.
In any case where a permit is issued for a sign or
advertising display to be installed for a limited time only,
the zoning administrator may require, as a condition of
approval of the permit, that the applicant post a cash deposit
in amount of the estimated cost of removal of the sign, but
not to exceed $500.00 refundable upon removal of the sign, and
an agreement to permit the city to enter upon the site and
remove and dispose of the sign in the event such sign is not
removed when required to be removed.
SECTION 5: That Division 5 of Article XI of Chapter 41 of the
Santa Ana Municipal Code is hereby repealed, and Article XI of
chapter 41 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code is hereby amended by
adding a new division, to be numbered 5, which said new Division 5
consists of sections 41-895 through 41-900 and reads as follows:
21
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ORDINANCE NO. NS-2116
DIVISION 5. ILLEGAL AND NONCONFORMING SIGNS
Sec. 41-895. Permit requirement.
Except as otherwise provided in this article, no person
shall place, paint, erect, move, reconstruct, alter or display
any sign structure, or allow the same to be done on property
occupied or controlled by such person, except in accordance
with a permit issued for such sign pursuant to this article.
Sec. 41-896. Maintenance of signs.
No person shall allow any sign located on property owned,
occupied or controlled by such person to remain in a condition
of disrepair for a period of more than 30 days. For purposes
of this article, a sign shall be deemed to be in a condition
of disrepair if it is in need of replacement of defective or
missing parts, has a broken or damaged sign face, or is in
need of repainting or cleaning in order to be brought into a
reasonable sightly and legible condition.
Sec. 41-897. Nuisance abatement.
Any sign installed, altered or maintained in violation of
any provision of this article constitutes a public nuisance
and is subject to abatement pursuant to Chapter 17 of this
Code.
Sec. 41-898. Nonconforming signs.
(a)
the same
buildings
A nonconforming sign may be maintained subject to
restriction as apply to nonconforming uses and
pursuant to Article VI of this chapter.
(b) A nonconforming sign which is relocated on the, same
site to accommodate a street widening or,other public works
project shall retain its status as a nonconforming sign,
provided the relocated sign is substantially the same as the
sign existing prior to the relocation.
Sec. 41-899. Loss of nonconforming sign status.
Subject to section 41-898(b), a nonconforming sign
becomes an illegal sign and must be removed, altered or
changed to comply with all provisions of this article when:
(1) The sign is structurally altered or expanded.
22
ORDINANCE NO. NS-2116
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(2) The sign has ceased, for a period of 90 days or
more, to identify or represent any occupant or
activity actually located and operating on the site
of the sign. For a multi-tenant nonconforming
freestanding sign, the discontinued business sign
shall be blanked out, and when 50 percent or more
of the entire sign is blanked out then the sign
shall be removed or shall comply with the
provisions of this part.
(3) There is damage or destruction to the sign to the
extent of more than 50 percent of the value of the
sign.
(4) The sign face or copy is changed, except that a
sheet metal cabinet sign in conformance with an
implied or explicit sign program may continue
subject to all other provisions of this article.
(5) The sign is located on a site on which the building
exteriors are undergoing remodeling, renovation, or
rehabilitation.
Sec. 41-900. Prohibition of illegal signs.
No person shall install, construct or maintain an illegal
sign.
SECTION 6: That Division 6 of Article XI of Chapter 41 of the
Santa Ana Municipal Code is hereby repealed, and Article XI of
Chapter 41 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code is hereby amended by
adding a new division, to be numbered 6, which said new Division 6
consists of section 41-1000 and reads as follows:
DIVISION 6. DEFINITIONS
Sec. 41-1000. General.
The words and phrases used in this article' shall be
construed
as defined in this division, unless the context clearly
requires otherwise. Unless specifically defined in this
article, the definitions set forth in other provisions of this
code shall likewise apply to this article.
1. Aerial Siqn: a free floating balloon, kite, or similar
object not directly secured to property within the city.
23
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ORDINANCE NO. NS-2ll6
2.
Alter: to change the
illumination, position,
supporting structure of
maintenance.
copy, color, size, shape,
location, construction or
a sign, not including ordinary
3 .
Area of a siqn: the entire area within a single
continuous perimeter composed of squares or rectangles
that enclose the extreme limits or writing,
representation, logo, or any figure of similar character,
together with any frame, background area, structural
trim, 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. The supports
or uprights on which any such sign is supported shall not
be included in determining the sign area. The area of
signs with two faces shall be considered to be the area
of the largest face. The area of signs with three or
more faces shall be considered to be the area of the
largest face or one-half the area of all the faces,
whichever is less.
~
4. Awninq sign: a sign affixed to or imprinted on a
temporary shelter composed of nonrigid material on a
supporting framework, affixed to the exterior wall of a
building.
5. Business activity: an enterprise offering goods,
services, or other consideration to the public, in legal
occupancy of a site or of a specific portion of a site
and under separate and distinct management from any other
enterprise located on the same site.
6.
Business frontaqe: the horizontal dimension of
or individual business elevation measured
level.
a building
at ground
7.
Canopy siqn: a sign affixed to any
archi tectural projection extending over a door,
window, or outdoor service area.
permanent
entrance,
8.
Chanqeable copy siqn: a sign or portion thereof which
copy is changed manually or electrically, such as
readerboards and electronic message boards, without
altering the face or surface.
9.
Construction sign: a sign at the site of a construction
project which identifies the project and/or the persons
or firms involved in it.
10. Directional siqn: a sign erected for the purpose of
facilitating or controlling the efficient and safe
movement of pedestrians or vehicles on private property
24
ORDINANCE NO. NS-2116
25:)
and containing only directional information and no
advertising.
11. Elevation: the visible vertical plane of the side of a
building from ground level to the roof line.
12. Elevation. primary: the side of a building directly
abutting either a street or a parking area. A business
owner may choose which elevation is considered the
primary elevation, except that in a multi-tenant building
the elevation which is contiguous to other businesses
shall be the primary elevation.
13. Elevation. secondarv: any elevation of a building not
determined to be a primary elevation.
14. Flaq canopv: a line of flags, or a series of lines of
flags, suspended above a site.
15. Freestandinq siqn: a sign standing directly on the ground
that is independent from any building or other structure.
16. Frontaqe: the length of a property line along the street
that forms its boundary.
17. Frontaqe, primarv: a frontage which is either abutting a
major arterial or is longer than other frontages on lots
having two or more frontages.
18. Frontaae. secondary: on a lot with frontage on two or
more streets, all frontages except that frontage
designated the primary frontage.
19. Gross leasable space: a single leasable space regardless
of number of tenants or leases within the space.
20. Heiqht of siqn: the overall height of the sign above the
top of the curb grade.
21. Illeqal siqn: a sign which does not conform to the
requirements and standards of this article and which is
not a nonconforming sign as hereinbelow defined.
22. Implied siqn proqram: the predominant pattern of signs
within a commercial center which does not have an adopted
sign program.
23. Incidental siqn: a sign conveying information that
includes, but is not limited to, hours of operation,
delivery information, credit cards accepted, and
open/closed signs.
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24.
25.
r 26.
27.
28.
Inteqrated development site: any
regardless of the number of lots or
that is developed with common
architecture or design features.
commercial site,
individual tenants
parking, layout,
Item of information: a word, figure, logo, abbreviation,
or other symbolic representation.
Loqo: a design of letters or symbols used as a trademark
or for identification in lieu of, or in conjunction with,
other signs.
Lot line: a line that separates two lots.
Marquee siqn: a sign affixed to a permanent projection
extending from the building or beyond the wall of the
building.
29. Monument siqn: a freestanding low profile sign with the
sign width greater than the sign height and designed with
a solid base and background.
30. Multi-tenant development: a development consisting of
three or more leasable spaces.
31. Noncommercial sian: a sign which is not any of the
following:
[
a. A sign which is designed to promote the sale,
lease, or exchange of goods, services, or
property.
b. A sign which is designed to identify or attract
attention to any place which sells, leases, of
exchanges goods, services, or property.
c.
A sign which is designed to identify or attract
attention to any church or other place of
worship, club, nonprofit facility,
governmental office or facility, or other such
place where a person, group of persons, or
organization is engaged in any activity
involving interaction with the general public
or a significant portion thereof, whether for
income purposes or not.
d.
A directional sign.
e.
A construction sign.
32. Nonconforminq siqn: any sign which at one time conformed
to all applicable requirements and standards of this
26
ORDINANCE NO. NS-2ll6
261
chapter, including all applicable permit requirements,
but which subsequently ceased to so conform due to
changes in such requirements and standards.
33. Painted siqn: a sign painted directly on a building or on
material which is then attached to a building.
34. Parapet: a protective wall or barrier projecting above
any canopy, balcony, or roof.
35. Permanent siqn: a sign constructed of weather-resistant
material and intended for permanent use.
36.
proiectinq siqn: a sign
face not parallel to
building.
attached to a building with the
the vertical surface of the
37. Racewav: a conduit to house electrical wires for signs
and used to support and/or affix signage on a wall.
38. Real estate siqn: a temporary sign pertaining to the
sale, lease, or rental of land and/or buildings.
39. Roof line: the uppermost edge of the roof or the top of
the parapet, excluding mechanical equipment screens,
whichever is highest. Where a building has several roof
levels, the roof line shall be the one belonging to that
portion of the building on which the sign is located.
40. Roof siqn: a sign which has a point of attachment to the
roof of a building. Architectural projections, including
mechanical equipment screens, above any parapet or roof
line whose sole function is a background for signs shall
be considered a sign structure. A sign on such an
architectural projection shall be considered a roof sign.
41. Siqn: letters, figures, symbols, trademarks, or logos,
with or without illumination, intended to identify any
place, subject, person, firm, business, product, article,
or merchandise. A sign includes all parts, materials,
frames, and backgrounds.
42. Siqnable area: the area of the largest rectangular
portion of a face of a building, to which a sign is
affixed or proposed to be affixed, which can be included
within parallel, vertical and horizontal lines
uninterrupted by significant architec-tural features of
the building.
43. site: a unit of land, together with all improvements
thereon, determined as follows:
27
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ORDINANCE NO. NS-2ll6
(a) A unit of land which may be conveyed separately from
any and all adjacent land without the requirement of
approval of a tentative map pursuant to the Subdivision
Map Act and Chapter 34 of this Code.
(b) Two or more buildings or business activities that are
or will be related to each other physically or
architecturally, such as by sharing off-street parking
facilities, so as to form an integrated development, such
as a shopping center, industrial park or office complex.
44.
Special event siqn or displav: signs or advertising
displays or combination thereof which advertise or
attract public attention to a special one-time event, the
opening of a building or business activity, the sale of
goods or services at discounted or otherwise specially
advantageous prices, or similar event; but excluding
signs pertaining to the sale, lease or rental of real
estate.
45.
Temporary siqn: any sign that is used only temporarily
and is not permanently mounted.
46.
Under-canopy siqn: a sign that is suspended below a
canopy or marquee perpendicular to the nearest elevation.
47. Unshielded liqhtinq: an external illumination source
which is exposed to view.
48.
Wall siqn:
painted on a
a building.
a sign which is attached parallel to or
wall, including parapet or canopy fascia, of
49. width of siqn: the total horizontal dimension of a sign,
including all frames or structures.
50. Window siqn: a sign that is attached to or is intended to
be seen in, on, or through a window and is visible from
the exterior of the window.
SECTION 7: That sections 41-619.13, 41-619.14, 41-619.15, 41-
619.16, and 41-619.17 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code are hereby
repealed.
SECTION 8: If any section, subsection, sentence, clause,
phrase or portion of this ordinance is for any reason held to be
invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of any court of
competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity
of the remaining portions of this ordihance. The City Council of
the City of Santa Ana hereby declares that it would have adopted
this ordinance and each section, subsection, sentence, clause,
28
ORDINANCE NO. NS-2l16
268
phrase or portion thereof irrespective of the fact that anyone
more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses, phrases,
portions be declared invalid or unconstitutional.
or
or
SECTION 9: Neither the adoption of this ordinance nor the
repeal hereby of any ordinance shall in any manner affect the
prosecution for violation of ordinances, which violations were
committed prior to the effective date hereof, nor be construed as
affecting any of the provisions of such ordinance relating to the
collection of any such license or penalty or the penal provision
applicable to any violation thereof, nor to affect the validity of
any bond or cash deposit in lieu thereof, required to be posted,
filed or deposited pursuant to any ordinance and all rights and
obligations thereunder appertaining shall continue in full force
and effect.
ADOPTED this 18th
day of
March
1991-.
ice c. Guy
erk of the Counc
~#:!(\
Mayor
ATTEST:
COUNCILMEMBERS:
Young
Pulido
Acosta
Griset
McGuigan
Norton
Richardson
Ave
Ave
Ave
Ave
Ave
Ave
Aye
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
~~~
city Attorney
29
2614 ORDINANCE NO. NS-2116
CERTIFICATE OF ORIGINALITY & PUBLICATION
,
State of California
County of Orange
I, JANICE C. GUY, Clerk of the Council, do hereby certify the
attached Ordinance
NS-21l6
to be the original ordinance
adopted by the City Council of the City of Santa Ana on
3/18/91
; and that said ordinance was published in
accordance with the Charter of the City of Santa Ana.
ft: c y,5zt. .v~/"
erk of the Coun I, Date
City of Santa Ana
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