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ORDINANCE NO. 822
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF UKIAH
REPEALING EXISTING CHAPTER 7 OF DIVISION 3 OF THE
UKIAH CITY CODE AND ADOPTING NEW CHAPTER 7, DIVISION 3
(SIGN REGULATIONS) - 1983
The City Council of the City of Ukiah does Ordain as follows:
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Section 1. Chapter 7, Division 3 of the Ukiah City Code is hereby
repealed
CHAPTER 7 - SIGNS
The purpose of this Chapter is to provide standards for the regulations of
the height, size, location and appearance of signs, in order to safeguard
and enhance property values; to protect public and private investment in
buildings and open spaces; to preserve and improve the appearance of the
City as a place in which to live and work and as an attraction to
nonresidents who come to visit or trade; to encourage sound signing
practices as an aid to business and for the information of the public; to
prevent excessive and confusing sign displays; to reduce hazards to
motorists and pedestrians; and to promote the public health, safety and
general welfare of the City.
ARTICLE 1 - DEFINITIONS
Section 3200 - Definitions Generally
For the purposes of this chapter, unless otherwise apparent from the
context, certain words and phrases used in this chapter are defined in this
article.
Section 3200.01 - Abandoned Sign
"Abandoned sign" shall mean a sign which no longer directs, advertises
or identifies a legal business establishment, product or activity on the
premises where such sign is displayed.
"Advertising message", "copy" shall mean any written, graphic or picto-
rial form on a sign describing products or services being offered.
Section 3200.03 - Animated Signs
"Animated sign" shall mean any sign which is designed and constructed to
give a message through a sequence of progressive changes of parts or lights
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or degree of lighting.
Section 3200.04 - Architectural Projection
"Architectural projection" shall mean '~a marquee, porch, canopy or other
similar projection.
Section 3200.05 - Area of a Sign
"Area of a sign" shall mean the entire area within a single continuous
perimeter composed of squares or rectangles which encloses the extreme
limits of the advertising message, announcement declaration, demonstration,
display, illustration, insignia, surface or space, together with any frame
or other materials, color or condition which forms an integral part of the
display and is used to differentiate such sign from the wall or background
against which it is placed; excluding the necessary supports or up-rights on
which such sign is placed. Where a sign has two or more faces, the area of
one face and one half of the second face shall be included in determining~
the area of the sign.
Where a sign consists only of individual letters, numerals, symbols, or
other similar components and is painted on or attached flat against the wall
of a building and where such individual components are not within a circum-
scribed frame area, the total area of the sign shall be the sum of the areas
of the square or rectangles surrounding each individual sign component.
Section 3200.06 - Area Identification Sign
"Area identification sign" shall mean a permanent sign used to identify
a neighborhood, subdivision, shopping district, industrial district,
agricultural district or any special community area.
Section 3200.07 - Attached Sign
"Attached sign" shall mean any sign which is fastened, attached, con-
nected or supported in whole or in part by a building or structure other
than a sign structure which is supported wholly by the ground (See graphic
illustration section).
Section 3200.08 - Awning
"Awning" shall mean a temporary shelter supported entirely from the
exterior wall of a building and composed of non-rigid materials except for
the supporting framework.
Section 3200.09 - Detached Sign
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"Detached sign" shall mean any sign not supported in whole or in part by
a building or structure other than by a sign structure which is supported
wholly by the ground (See graphic illustration section).
Section 3200.10 - Background Area
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"Background area" shall mean the entire area of a sign on which copy
could be placed, as opposed to the copy area.
material either enclosed or not enclosed in a rigid frame, secured or
mounted so as to allow movement of the sign caused by movement of the
atmosphere.
Section 3200.12 - Building Face
"Building face" shall mean all window and wall area of a building in one
plane or elevation.
Section 3200.13 - Building Frontage
"Building frontage" shall mean the linear length of a building facing
the public right-of-way.
Section 3200.14 - Building Inspector
"Building Inspector" shall mean the chief building official or his duly
authorized representative.
Section 3200.15 - Business Frontage
"Business frontage" shall mean that primary frontage within a parcel of
land which the user considers his place of business.
Section 3200.16 - Canopy or Marquee
"Canopy or Marquee" shall mean a permanent roof like shelter extending
from part or all of a building face over a public right-of-way and
constructed of some durable material such as metal, glass, plastic or wood.
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Section 3200.17 - Changeable Copy Sign
"Changeable copy sign" shall mean a sign on which copy is changed
manually or electrically but not limited to time, temperature and date.
Section 3200.18 - Construction Sign
"Construction sign" shall mean a temporary sign identifying the persons,
firms or business directly connected with a construction project.
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Section 3200.19 -Development Project Sign
"Development project sign" shall mean a temporary sign identifying a
proposed development project, or one under construction.
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Section 3200.20 - Directional Sign
"Directional sign" shall mean any sign which serves solely to designate
the location or direction of any place of business or area.
Section 3200.21 - Directly Illuminated Sign
"Directly illuminated sign" shall mean any sign designed to provide
artificial light directly or through transparent or translucent material
from a source of light within or on such sign, including but not limited to
neon and incandescent lamp signs.
Section 3200.22 - Exempt Sign
"Exempt sign" shall mean a sign exempt from normal permit requirements.
Section 3200.23 - Facelift
"Facelift" shall mean the remodeling of a building's frontage which is
visible from a public right-of-way, so that the building material, door f
frames, window frames and signs are designed in harmony with each other.
Section 3200.24 - Face of Sign
"Face of sign" shall mean the entire face of a sign on which copy could
be placed.
Section 3200.25 - Flashing Sign
"Flashing sign" shall mean an illuminated sign which exhibits changing
light or color effect by blinking or any other such means so as to provide
a nonconstant illumination.
Section 3200.26 - Free Standing Sign
"Free standing sign" shall also be referred to as "ground sign", "de-
tached sign", "pole sign", and "monument sign". A sign erected to a free
standing frame or support, mast or pole and not attached to anything.
Section 3200.27 - Front Footage of Building Occupancy
"Front footage of building occupancy" shall mean a single lineal dimen-
sion measured horizontally along the front of a building which defines the
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limits of a particular occupancy at that location (See graphic illustration
section).
Section 3200.28 - Height of Sign
,.
"Height of sign" shall mean the vertical distance measured from the
adjacent street grade or upper surface of the nearest curb of a street
other than an elevated roadway, whichever permits the greatest height, to
the highest point of said sign (See graphic illustration section).
Section 3200.29 - Incidental Sign
"Incidental sign" shall mean a small sign pertaining to goods, products,
services or facilities which are available on the premises where the sign
occurs and intended primarily for the convenience of the public.
Section 3200.30 - Identification Sign
"Identification sign" shall mean a sign which serves to tell only the
name, address and lawful use of the premises upon which it is located. 'A
bulletin board of a public, charitable or religious institution used to
display announcements relative to meetings to be held on the premises is an
identification sign.
Section 3200.31 - Indirectly Illuminated Sign
"Indirectly illuminated sign" shall mean a sign whose illumination is
derived entirely from an external artificial source which is arranged so
that no direct rays of light are projected from such artificial source into
residences or streets.
Section 3200.32 - Individual Letter Sign
"Individual letter sign" shall mean any sign made of self-contained
letters that are mounted on the building.
Section 3200.33 - Modular Sign~
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"Modular sign" shall mean a sign with more than two faces identifying
the same product or use.
Section 3200.34 - Moving Sign
"Moving sign" shall mean any sign or device which has any visible moving
part, visible revolving part, or visible mechanical movement of any
description, or other apparent visible movement achieved bv electrical,
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electronic, or kinetic means, including int.ermittent pulsations.
Section 3200.35 - Mural
"Mural" shall mean a painting on a wall or ceiling
Section 3200.36 - Nameplate
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"Na - e"
mep±at means a sign which designates the name and~address of a
person or persons occupying the premises upon which it i~ located.
Section 3200.37 - Non-Conforming Sign
"Non-Conforming sign" shall mean a legally existing sign at the time of
the effective date of an ordinance which does not conform to the provisions
of said code.
Section 3200.38 - Occupant
"Occupant" shall mean one who occupies a group of buildings, a building,
or each substantially separate physical division of a building devoted to a
single enterprise and does not refer to individual tenants that may sha~e
said division of a building.
Section 3200.39 - Off-Site Sign
"Off-Site sign", also known as off-premise and billboard, shall mean any
sign not located on the premises of the business or entity indicated or
advertising by said sign. This definition shall include poster panels,
painted bulletins and other similar advertising displays.
Section 3200.40 - On-Site Sign
"On-Site sign", also known as on-premise and business sign, shall mean
any sign directing attention to a business, commodity, service, or
entertainment conducted, sold, or offered upon the same premises as those
upon which the sign is maintained.
Section 3200.41 - Parcel of Property
"Parcel of property" shall mean a parcel of land shown on a-subdivision
map, record of survey map, parcel map, or a parcel described by metes and
bounds which constitutes one development site whether composed of a single
unit of land or contiguous units under common ownership.
Section 3200.42 - Parapet or Parapet Wall
"Parapet or parapet wail" shall mean that portion of a bui!.~ing wall
that rises above the roof level.
Section 3200.43 - Planning Director
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"Planning Director" shall mean the Planning Director of the City of
Ukiah or his designated representative.
Section 3200.44 - Political Sign
"Political sign" shall mean a sign designed for the purpose of solicit-
ing support of, or opposition to, a candidate or propos~tion at a public
election.
Section 3200.45 - Portable Sign
"Portable sign" shall mean any sign not permanently affixed to the
ground or a structure on the premises it is intended to occupy (See graphic
illustration section).
Section 3200.46 - Premise or Premises
"Premise or premises" shall mean a parcel of property.
Section 3200.47 - Projecting Sign '~
"Projecting sign" shall mean a sign which is attached to and projects
from the structure or building face.
Section 3200.48 - Public Service Information Sign
"Public service information sign" shall mean any sign intended primarily
to promote items of general interest to the community, such as time,
temperature, date, atmospheric conditions, news or traffic control, etc.
Section 3200.49 - Reader Board
"Reader Board" shall mean any sign which would allow changing of indi-
vidual letters for different messages.
Section 3200.50 - Real Estate or Property Sign
"Real estate or property sign" shall mean any sign pertaining to the
sale, lease or rental of land or buildings. Usually a temporary sign.
Section 3200.51 - Roof Line
"Roof line" shall mean the top edge of the roof or top of the parapet,
whichever forms the top line of the building silhouette.
Section 3200.52 - Roof Sign
"Roof sign" shall mean any sign erected upon, against or directly above
a roof or top of or above the parapet of a building (See graphic
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illustration section).
Section 3200.53 - Rotating Sign
"Rotating sign" shall mean any sign or portion thereof which physically
revolves about an axis.
Section 3200.54 - Shopping Center
"Shopping Center" shall mean a unified commercial development on a
minimum site of 2 acres occupied by a group of 5 or more separate
businesses occupying substantially separate divisions of a building or
buildings fronting on a privately owned common mall or parking lot, rather
than on a public street.
Section 3200.55 - Sign
"Sign" shall mean a visual communications device used to convey a
message to its viewers. A sign shall mean and include every advertising
message, announcement, declaration, demonstration, display, illustration,
insignia, surface or space erected or maintained in view of the observer
thereof for identification, advertisement or promotion of the interests of
any person, entity, product or service.
Section 3200.56 - Sign, in-window
"In-window sign" shall mean any sign painted on the inside or outside of
a window or any sign erected or hung on the inside of a window, the purpose
of said sign to be seen by persons outside of the building
Section 3200.57 - Sign Program
"Sign Program" shall mean an integrated system of signs proposed for one
or more businesses, usually for a shopping center or group of uses on a
single parcel.
"In-window sign" shall mean any sign painted on the inside or outside of
a window or any sign erected or hung on the inside of a window, the purpose
of said sign to be seen by persons outside of the building.
Section 3200.58 - Sign Structure
"Sign structure" shall mean the supports, uprights, braces, and frame-
work of the sign.
Section 3200.59 - Special Events Sign
"Special events sign" shall mean a sign advertising or pertaining to any
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civic, patriotic or special event of general public interest taking place
within the city.
Section 3200.60 - Street or Parcel Frontage
.,
"Street or parcel frontage" shall mean the length of a lot or parcel of
land along or fronting on a street or other principal thoroughfare but not
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including such length along an alley, watercourse, railroad right-of-way or
limited access roadway or freeway (See graphic illustration section).
Section 3200.61 - Structure
"Structure" shall mean that which is built or constructed, an edifice or
building of any kind, or any piece of work artificially buii~ up or
composed of parts joined together in some definite manner.
Section 3200.62 - Temporary Sign
"Temporary sign" shall mean a sign which is not permanently affixed.
Any other device constructed of lightweight material used for the purpose
of conveying a message.
Section 3200.63 - Temporary Window Sign
"Temporary window sign" shall mean a sign painted on the window or
constructed of paper, cloth or other like material and attached to the
interior or exterior side of a window or glass area. Does not include
display merchandise.
Section 3200.64 - Total Aggregate Sign Area
"Total aggregate sign area" shall mean the combined total display area
of each sign located on the premises.
Section 3200.65 - Unlawful Sign
"Unlawful sign" shall mean a sign which contravenes this guideline or
which a public official may declare unlawful if it becomes dangerous or a
traffic hazard to public safety, or a nonconforming sign for which a permit
required under a previous ordinance was not obtained.
Section 3200.66 - Wall Sign (Fascia Sign)
"Wall sign" (Fascia Sign) shall mean a sign attached to or erected
against a wall of a building. Any sign affixed in such a way that its
exposed face is parallel to the plane of the building.
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ARTICLE 2 - PERMITS, FEES, INSPECTIONS,
APPROVALS AND INDEMNIFICATIONS
Section 3220 - Permit Required
Except as otherwise provided within tb~se regulations, it shall be
unlawful for any person to erect, constrU6t, .enlarge, move or convert any
sign within the city limits, or cause the same to be done, without first
obtaining a sign permit for each. such sign from the Building Inspector as
required by these regulations. These directives shall not be construed to
require any permit for the repainting, cleaning, and other normal
maintenance or repair of a sign or sign structure for which a permit has
been previously issued, so long as the sign or sign structure is not
modified in any way.
Section 3221 - Application for Permit
Application for such permits shall be made upon forms provided by the
Building Inspector and shall contain or have attached thereto the following
information and material:
1)
The consent of the owner or person entitled to possession, or
their authorized representative or the sign user (Name, address
and telephone number).
2)
Name, address, telephone number, license number of the sign
contractor or sign erector as required by ordinance.
3)
A plot plan indicating the location of the building, structure,
lot or parcel of property to which or upon which the sign or
other advertising structure is to be placed or erected, including
data showing building elevation and street frontages.
4)
A detailed sketch with color swatches depicting the sign or sign
structure and its relation to the building or use which it intends
to identify.
5)
Copies of a plan showing:
a)
Position of sign or other advertising structure in relation
to adjacent buildings or structures.
b)
c)
Construction design, size and type of material used.
A statement or diagram depicting the size and dimensions of
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all existing permanent advertising displays on the premises
at the time of application. Current dated photographs may
be used for this purpose.
Section 3222 - Building, encroachment, a~d electrical permits
A building permit shall be required for any sign which, in the opinion
of the Chief Building Official, constitutes a structure or structural
alteration. An encroachment permit shall be required from the City of
Ukiah Public Works Department for any sign located within or projecting
into the public right-of-way. An electrical permit shall be required for
any sign to be served by electricity.
Section 3223 - Issuance of Permits
The Director of Community Development shall issue a permit for the
erection, alteration, or relocation of a sign within the City when an
application therefore has been properly made and the sign complies with all
appropriate laws and regulations of the City. ·
Every permit issued by the Director of Community Development under the
provisions of this article shall expire by limitation and become null and
void, if the work authorized by such permit is not commenced within 60 days
from the date of such permit, or if the work authorized by such permit is
suspended or abandoned for a period of 120 days or more at any time after
the work is commenced. Before such work can be commenced or resumed
thereafter a new permit shall first be obtained and the fee therefore shall
be one-half the amount required for a new permit for such work, provided no
changes have been made or will be made in the original plans and
specification for such work; and provided further, that such suspension or
abandonment has not exceeded one year.
The Director of Community Development may, in writing, suspend or revoke
a permit issued under provisions of this article whenever the permit is
issued onlthe basis of a material omission or misstatement of fact, or in
violation of any provisions of this article.
1) Revocation
The Building Inspector may, in writing, suspend or revoke a permit
issued under the provisions of these regulations whenever the
permit is issued on the basis of a misstatement or omission of
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material fact or fraud or failure to comply with this ordinance.
2)
Review
The Building Inspector may, in writing, deny issuance of a permit
when in fact the sign or sign 'structure in question requires
review for quality of construction or design standards.
Such review of the application will then be conducted by the
Building Code Board of Appeals and a decision rendered within
fourteen working days after the initial permit application was
filed with the City.
Section 3224 - Signs, exempted from permit requirements
The following signs do not require a sign permit:
1) Professional or business signs in residential zones not to exceed
two (2) square feet in area for home occupations as allowed
by the Zoning Ordinance.
2)
Real estate signs. No single face may exceed six square feet for
each single family home or duplex, and sixteen square feet for
multiple family uses. Signs for commercial uses may not exceed
32 square feet per face. These signs must be removed when the
property is taken off the market.
3)
One political campaign sign on private property not exceeding four
(4) square feet in area or four (4) feet in height. These signs
shall be removed within ten (10) days following the elections.
Such signs shall not be erected prior to sixty (60) days before
the election.
4)
Names of buildings or dates of erection of buildings when cut in
a masonry surface or constructed of bronze or other incombustible
material.
5)
Traffic or other municipal signs, railroad crossing signs, danger.
and other such emergency signs including wording painted on
streets.
6)
Signs of a directional nature for special events not to exceed 24
square feet each to be allowed for the duration of the event, but
not to exceed 14 days.
7)
Permanent signs serving as directional signs to institutes of an
educational, religious, charitable or civic nature not to exceed
four (4) square feet in area.
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s)
Directional signs located within parking lots identifying the
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entrance and exit and other directional information only. Such
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signs shall not exceed four (4) square feet each or eight (8)
square feet for all such signs per acre of parking.
9)
Signs showing the location of public telephones, restrooms and
underground utility facilities.
10) Signs (or decals) advertising credit cards, association memberships
or trading stamps not to exceed two (2) square feet for each sign.
11) Holiday lights, decorations and displays, provided such lights,
decorations and displays are removed within ten (10) days after~
the holiday.
12) Any sign, posting, notice, etc., placed by or required by a
governmental entity in carrying out its responsibility to
protect the general health and welfare of the community.
13) Street signs and address numbers.
14) Downtown Parking District signs with business identification
ARTICLE 3 - GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 3225 - General Sign Provisions
a) Signs attached under a marquee shall have a vertical clearance
of eight (8) feet between the existing or future grade of the
finished sidewalk. Such signs shall be limited to four (4)
square feet in area on each side if a double faced sign; a single
~faced sign shall be limited to four (4) square feet in area; one
sign per occupant.
b)
No sign shall be located so as to create a safety hazard by
obstructing vision, or shall interfere with or resemble any
authorized warning or traffic sign or signal.
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c)
d)
e)
A projecting sign shall have a minimum clearance of eight (8) feet
above the existing or future grade of the finished sidewalk, and a
minimum clearance of fifteen (15) feet above an area used for
vehicular movement. ~
These regulations shall apply only to 'those signs which are located
outside of buildings or which are directly affixed to the inside of
a window. Where signs are affixed to or painted on a window, such
signs shall not exceed twenty-five (25%) percent of any window
area, and such signs shall be counted as part or all of permitted
sign area except as allowed in Section 3228 of this Chapter.
Temporary construction, development and subdivision sales signs
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are permitted in any residential zone providing the total aggregate
area for all such signs does not exceed 32 square feet, and
providing that no single face exceeds 12 square feet. Sign
height for any given sign may not exceed ten feet. Signs will be
permitted to remain for a maximum period of one year, but must be
removed upon completion of project.
f) Temporary construction, development, subdivision sales, lease and
real estate signs are permitted in any commercial or industrial
zone, if free=standing. The total aggregate area for all such signs
may not exceed 64 square feet, and no single face may exceed 32
square feet. Sign height for any given free-standing sign may not
exceed ten feet. Signs will be permitted to remain for a maximum
period of one year but must be removed upon completion of sale,
lease or project.
g)
Murals are allowed subject to review by the Planning Commission as
a regular agenda item. Criteria upon which murals will be
evaluated as both art and advertising are: Compatibility with
surrounding environment and community in general; appropriateness
to site; relationship to use of building upon which it is
placed, impact on motorists and traffic hazards; advertising
potential. Written messages are discouraged. Any area
determined to be advertising and allowed to remain in the mural
shall be counted as part of the allowed parcel signage.
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h) Awning signs are allowed subject to review by the Planning
Commission as a regular agenda item, and securing an encroachment
permit from the Public Works Department. Sign area shall be
calculated as defined in Section 3200.05. These shall not be
considered as projecting signs.
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Governmental (Educational, civic or religious special event signs
may be posted up to 20 days prior to the event and taken down at
least two days after the event. Size shall not exceed 32 square
feet and there shall be no more than four such signs. Signs shall
be approved by the Planning Director. This section shall not be
applicable to handbills or small posters for said events.
j)
Signing for a project requiring a site development permit or use
permit shall be reviewed by the Planning Commission as part of the
permit application process. ~.
k) Any and all signs, lights, banners, flags or other advertising
devices placed on an occupant's property for a maximum of sixty
(60) consecutive days to announce the opening of a new business.
Although no sign permit is required, the Director of Community
Development shall review and approve plans for such signing to
ensure that it offers no hazard to the safe movement to traffic
and also that it does not block permanent identifications sign on
neighboring properties.
Section 3226 - Prohibited Signs
The following signs are prohibited within the City of Ukiah.
1) Flashing, rotating, animated, blinking and moving signs.
2) Miscellaneous signs and posters and the tacking, pasting or
otherwise affixing of signs of a miscellaneous character visible
from a public right-of-way. Signs located on the wall of
buildings, barns, sheds, trees, poles, posts, fences or other
structures are prohibited unless provided for under other
provisions of these regulations
3) Any sign affixed to any vehicle or trailer on a public right-of-way
or public property unless the vehicle or trailer is intended to be
140
used in its official capacity and not for the sole purpose of
attracting people to a place of business.
4) Banners, pennants, search iight~, ~.twirling signs, signs on side-
walks balloons or other gas-fille~ figures. Signs described above
may be permitted at the opening of a new business or for special
events with prior approval of the Director of Communi~-. Development
only for a total period not exceeding thirty days.
7)
5) Flags other than those of~any nation or state.
6) Portable or wheeled signs, unless used for real estate purposes~
in which case the sign must be placed on the offered property.
Any sign that utilizes visible guy wires, angle irons and iron
frame structures, unless construction is otherwise impossible.
8) Signs emitting audible sounds, odor or visible matter.
9) Signs which purport to be, or are an imitation of, or resemble an
official traffic sign or signal, or which bear the words "stop",
"go slow", "caution", "danger", "warning" or similar words.
10) Signs, which by reason of their size, location, movement, content,
coloring or manner of illumination, may be confused with or con-
structed as a traffic control sign, signal or device, or the
light of a road or emergency equipment vehicle.
11) Outlining of a building by means of exposed neon tubing, exposed
incandescent lighting, or other artificial lighting, or an
equivalent effect is prOhibited.
12) Signs which are located o~ or project over the roof of a building
or structure.
13) Off-premise signs shall not be permitted within the Ukiah City
limits except Real Estate "Open House" signs not exceeding six
square feet placed on private property with permission of the
property owner (Directional type). Such signs allowed only during
hours of open house.
14) Corner Properties: Signs from ground level to eight ~8) feet in
height shall be prohibited in the area formed measuring at the
property line a distance of thirty (30) feet from the point of
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intersection of the two streets and connecting at the.~e lines in
triangular fashion.
ARTICLE 4 - GENERAL SIGN REGULATIONS
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Section 3227 - Permitted sign area, encroachment, height,
number, illumination and movement
a)
Commercial and Industrial.Zones
1) One and one-half (1½) square feet of sign area for every
ground level lineal foot of parcel frontage. No more than
2/3 of this allowed signage to be free standing.
2)
On corner lots the maximum allowable number and square footage
of onsite signs are permitted for each street frontage up to
two (2). Said maximum allowances, however, are not transfer-
able either in whole or in part from one street frontage to
another, except when the sign is placed at a 45° angle in the
corner of the parcel, in which case Site Development is
required.
3)
4)
5)
6)
In no case shall the total square footage of signs on a build-
ing frontage exceed the number of lineal feet in the frontage
or five hundred (500) square feet whichever is the lesser
figure.
Signs in commercial and industrial zones shall not overhang
the public right-of-way in excess of four (4) f?~t.
The provisions of this section do not prohibit in addition to
other free standing sign, one sandwich board or "A" frame size
per parcel, provided such sign does not exceed six square feet
per side, is not placed in any part of a public right-of-wav
and is removed at close of business each day.
Parcels under one ownership which contain four or ~ore
businesses may erect a free-standing sign in addition to
other permitted sign area which:
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a)
constitutes the single free-standing sign permitted in
Section a(5) above.
b)
shall not exceed two hundred (200) square feet. One
hundred (100) square~fe~t of the total sign area may be
used for individual identifi'cation signs uniform in size,
shape and lettering.
7)
c)
shall not exceed (30) feet in height and shall have a
minimum clearance of ten (10) feet from the finished
grade of the existing future sidewalk.
d) shall not contain "reader boards".
Regardless of any other provision to this Section, no sign,
attached to a building shall exceed the roof-height of the
main building on a parcel. Free standing signs may exceed the
roof height of the main building, providing the sign is 30
feet or less and subject to a Site Development Permit.
s)
Signs in commercial and industrial zones, if illuminated,
shall be indirectly illuminated, i.e., - shall not have
directly exposed bulbs, lamps, tubes, or other illumination
devices.
9)
Signs in commercial and industrial zones shall not flash,
revolve, move or be animated in any way.
10) A shopping center, in addition to the signing permitted each
occupant on the basis of their frontage, may have free-
standing main identification signing with area equal to one
fourth (1/4) square foot for each ground floor foot of total
building frontage up to a maximum of 200 square feet. This
signing may be a name, a roster of tenants, or a combination
thereof. The maximum height of this free-standing sign shall
be thirty (30) feet.
11) Placement of signing shall be limited to street frontages and
business frontages except sign orientation to parking areas,
freeways, pedestrian malls, internal courts or sign programs
may be allowed subject to a Site Development Permit.
143
12) Prepared food, gasoline and l~dging businesses specifically
related to the traveling public along U.S. 101 Freeway within
600 feet of the freeway centerline and 300 feet of the
centerline of any intersecting street within the City limits
may have the allowed single free standing sign at a height not
·
to exceed 50 feet regardless of the main building height, with
·
Planning Commission Site Development Permit approval. Sign
placement for both free standing and attached shall be subject
to the Site Development Permit.
At such time that a freeway logo board system is in place
these special provisions no longer apply and tile -.igns will
have to conform to the General Provisions o~ the City of Ukiah
Sign Ordinance. Ail such signs must be removed in favor of
the freeway logo program within three years of availability
of the logo system.
b) R-3, General Multiple Family Zone and P, Public Zone.
1) The total permitted sign area is one quarter (1/4) square foot
for each lineal foot of the longest property frontage. In no
case shall a sign exceed forty (40) square feet in total area.
2)
In no case shall there be more than one sign for any one use
in these zones.
3)
Signs in the R-3 and P Zones shall not revolve, flash, move,
or be animated in any way, nor shall such signs be illuminated
other than by low-level indirect lighting devices.
4)
5)
Free-standing signs in the R-3 and P zones shall not exceed
four (4) feet in height and shall be either of wood or masonry
construction.
Signs in the R-3 and P zones shall not encroach into the
public right-of-way.
6)
Signs advertising home occupations shall conform to the
requirements of Article 3, Section 3227 c(1) below.
7)
Signs in the R-3 and P Zones which are attached to buildings
shall not exceed the eave height of the first story of the
144
c)
main building on any parcel.
R-l, Single Family Residential and R-2, bIultipie f~i2 - Residential
District. ~
1) One sign not exceeding two '(2) square feet in total area
attached to the principal structure on a parcel for the
purpose of identifying the occupant of the parcel or a home
occupation.
2)
One sign not exceeding, two (2) square feet in total area
attached to a curbside mailbox for the purpose of identifying
the occupant of the parcel or owner of the mailbox.
3)
Signs in the R-1 and R-2 Zones shall not flash, revolve, move,
or be animated in any way, nor shall such signs be illuminated
other than by low-level indirect lighting devices.
4)
Signs in the R-1 and R-2 Zones shall not encroach into the
public right-of-way except where attached to a curbside
mailbox.
5)
Signs in the R-1 and R-2 Zones shall not exceed the eave
height of the first story of the principal structure on a
parcel.
d)
Signs that do not otherwise conform to the requirements of this
ordinance and are either necessarily temporary or unusual because
of the unique character of a site, may be approved by the Planning
Commission in the form of a use permit.
ARTICLE 5 - REMOVAL AND DISPOSITION OF
SIGNS; ABANDONED SIGNS
Section 3228 - Maintenance and Repair
a) Every sign shall be maintained in a safe, presentable and good
structural material condition at all times, including the
replacement of defective parts, painting, repainting, cleaning
and other acts required for the maintenance of said sign. If
the sign is not made to comply with the requirements of this
145
section, the Building Inspector may require its removal.
Section 3229 - Abandoned Signs
a) Except as otherwise provided, any. sign which is located on
property which becomes vacant and.unoccupied for a period of
60 days or more, or any sign which pertains to a time, event
or purpose which no longer applies, shall be deemed to have
been abandoned. The Building Inspector shall prepare a
notice which will describe the sign and specify the violation
involved and which shall state that if the sign is not removed
or the violation is not corrected within ten days, said sign
shall be removed by the Building Inspector in accordance with
the provisions of this ordinance. All notices sent by the
Building Inspector shall be sent by certified mail. Any time
periods provided in this section shall be deemed to commence
on the day of the receipt of the certified mail.
Any person having an interest in the sign or the property may
appeal the determination of the Building Inspector ordering
removal or compliance by filing a written notice of appeal
with the Planning Commission within 30 days after the date of
mailing the notice, or 30 days after receipt of the notice if the
notice was not mailed. Permanent signs applicable to a business
temporarily suspended because of a change of ownership or
management of such business shall not be deemed abandoned, unless
the property remains vacant for a period of four months or more.
b)
When it is determined by the Building Inspector that said sign
shall cause imminent danger to the public safety, and contact
cannot be made with a sign owner or building owner, no written
notice shall have to be served. In this emergency situation,
the Building Inspector may correct the danger. The Building
Inspector shall cause to have removed any sign that endangers
the public safety, such as an abandoned, materially dangerous,
electrically or structurally, defective sign, or a sign for
which no permit has been issued according to the provisions of
this ordinance. Any sign removed by the Building Inspector
pursuant to the provisions of this section shall become the
146
property of this City and may be disposed of in any manner
deemed appropriate by the City. The cost of removal of sign
by the City shall be considered a debt owed to the City by the
owner of the sign and the owner ~f the property and may be
recovered in an appropriate court action by the City or by
assessment against the property as hereinafter provided. The
cost of removal shall include any and all incidental expenses
incurred by the City in connection with the sign's removal.
Section 3230 - Sign Removal
a)
When it is determined by the Building Inspector that a sign has
been damaged beyond 50% of its initial capital investment value,
or when the face of a sign requires alteration or change, such
sign must then be made to conform to all provisions within this
ordinance.
ARTICLE 6 - CONSTRUCTION SPECIFICATIONS
A~ SAFETY
Section 3231 - Compliance with Building Code
a) Ail signs shall comply with the appropriate detailed provisions of
the City Building Code and the Uniform Sign Code relative to
design and construction, structural integrity and connections
and safety. Signs shall also comply with the provisions of the
applicable electric code and the additional construction
standards set forth in this section.
Section 3232 - Construction of Signs
a) Each sign hereafter erected or remodeled shall bear, in a permanent
position, clearly legible identification decals stating the firm or
corporation responsible for its construction and erection.
electric signs shall be marked with input amperages at the full
load input.
b)
Each sign shall have a specified sticker provided by the Building
Department that identifies the permit number that was originally
issued by the Building Inspector, and such sticker must be visibly
placed on the frame or outer perimeter of the sign. Within one
year of the adoption of this code all legal signs shall be
c)
d)
e)
f)
//
identified and appropriately marked.
147
No sign shall be erected, constructed or maintained so as to
obstruct any fire escape, required exit, window or door opening,
unless authorized by special user permit. No sign shall be
attached in any form, shape or manner which will inte'--fere with
/
an opening required for ventilation, except in circumstances when
-.
not in violation of the Building or Fire prevention codes.
Signs shall be located in such a way that they maintain horizontal
and vertical clearance of all overhead electrical conductors in
accordance with the Electrical Code and the regulations of the
Public Utilities Commission.
Certain signs shall be properly guttered and connected with
downspouts to storm sewers so that water will not drip or flow
into public sidewalks or streets.
All permanent free-standing signs or poles shall be self-supporting
structures erected on and permanently attached to concrete
foundations. Such structures or poles shall be fabricated only
from steel or other such materials as approved by the Building
Code.
g)
Ail signs of a building shall be constructed to withstand wind
loads of 30 lbs. per square foot of the total face area of the
letters and other sign surfaces.
Note: The wind load quoted above is a normal average and must
be adjusted for areas subject to unusually high velocity winds
and wind conditions.
h)
No sign shall be suspended by chains or other devices that will
allow the sign to swing due to wind action. Signs shall be
anchored to prevent any lateral movement that would cause wear
on supporting members or connections.
ARTICLE 7 - NONCONFORMANCY
Section 3233 - Non Conforming Signs
a) All permanent signs and sign structures which were erected and in
148
existence prior to the effective date of this ordinance, and which
were at the time of such erection or establishment in compliance
with all then applicable statutes and ordinances, but which do not
meet requirements of this ordinance, shall be permitted to remain
in existence not withstanding their non-conforming character,
providing that such signs and sign structures remain in full
compliance with Article 8 of this ordinance, and providing further
that the sign does not require any additional permits under article
Article 3 or removal under Article 5 of this ordinance. The
provisions of this paragraph will apply to any and all areas
upon annexation.
b)
Ail temporary signs and temporary sign structures which were
erected and in existence prior to the effective date of this
ordinance, but which do not meet the requirements of this
ordinance, shall be permitted to remain in existence not with-
standing their non-conforming character for a period of 60 days
from the effective date of this ordinance. Thereafter
all such signs and sign structures shall be in violation of this
ordinance, and subject to removal as in the case of any other
illegal structure or use, subject to the exceptions set forth
herein.
c) Ail signs or sign structures which at the time of adoption of this
ordinance whirl, blink, rotate, move or are animated shall be
removed or cease to whirl, blink, rotate, move or be animated
within 60 days of the effective date of this ordinance.
·
d) Ail signs or sign structures associated with a business shall be
made to conform to this ordinance upon sale or transfer of said
business, change of business name or other situation requiring
modification to sign or sign structure provided if the only change
is the sale or transfer of business, said sign shall be removed
upon the expiration of one year from
the date of said sale or transfer. The City Council finds that
this is a reasonable amortization period because all signs which
must be removed under this section have been in existence for at
least three years prior to the effective date of this ordinance.
149
ARTICLE 8 - RESPONSIBILITY
Section 3234 - Responsibility
a) The owner, or authorized representative, or sign user of the
property upon which the sign oc~advertising structure is
located shall be responsible for its proper maintenance and
repair.
l)
Ail signs shall be subject to an inspection by the Building
Inspector or his authorized representative.
2)
Ail signs erected, altered or relocated shall be inspected
every two years to determine that the sign has been
maintained in such a manner as to insure that the sign is
safe as to electrical, structural and material specifications
as provided for in these guidelines.
3)
The Building Inspector may declare any sign unlawful if it
endangers public safety by reasons of inadequate maintenance,
dilapidation or abandonment. Any such declaration shall state
the reasons for declaring that the sign constitutes a safety
hazard to the general public.
A~TICLE 9 - VARIANCE
Section 3235 - Sign Variances
a) Where practical difficulties, unnecessary hardships and results
inconsistent with the general purpose of this Chapter may result
from the strict application of certain provisions thereof, a
Variance may be granted as provided in Section 9231 et seq. of the
Ukiah Municipal Code. Economic hardship shall not be considered a
practical difficulty, unnecessary hardship, or a result
inconsistent with the general practice of this Chapter. Economic
hardship is defined as the actual expense of removing the non-
conforming sign or causing a conforming sign to be erected.
causing a conforming sign to be erected. Historical and
architectural significance based upon age, design, construction
materials and other criteria as determined by the City Council
150
shall be utilized in determining appropriateness of variances. The
granting of a variance shall require a statement of findings bv the
Commission noting the facts of the particular sign, not applicable
·
to other signs generally which justify issuance of a variance.
/
ARTICLE 10 - PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION
Section 3236 - Penalties for Violation
a) Any person, firm or corporation violating any of thc provisions of
this Chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction
thereof shall be punishable by a fine of not more than Five Hundred
($500) Dollars, or by imprisonment for a period of not more than
six (6) months, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
ARTICLE 11 - ILLUSTRATIONS
Section 3237 - Graphics
a) The following graphics describe in illustrative form many of the
terms, concepts and sign types utilized in this chapter.
151
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152
4)
?)
DETAC,tmmD SI~4: Section 3200.09)
FRONT FOOTACE OF BUILDI.N'G OCCUP.kYCY: (Section 3200 ~S)
153
· .
[Section 5200.
HEIGHT OF SIGN~
PROJECTING SI~f- (Section 3200.46)
154
ROOF SIC<: (Section S200.50
8) STREET ~RO,~-FACE: (Section $200 SS)
STREET FRONTAGE
155
9) PROIIIBITED $I~,;S' (Section.
· ·
· .
·
156
PROfflBI ,~D S I (~k'S ·
(Section
157
ii)
ECK\%R LOTS' (Section xv.-.a), 2)
12) FREEWAY ZONE- [Section 3227 a)12)]
158
Section 3. This ordinance shall be published as required bv law in a
newspaper of general circulation published in the City of Ukiah.
Section 4. This ordinance shall become effec.t,ive 30 davs after its adoption.
PASSED ~aJVD ADOPTED this 7th day of Detember , 1983 bv
the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
Councilmembers Feibusch and Hickey
Councilmember Dickens
ABSENT: None
ASTAIN- Councilmembers Myers and Kelley
~AYOR
ATTEST: