HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 499 CERTIFICATION
1, Marcia McClure Torgerson, C.M.C., City Clerk of the City of Atascadero, hereby
certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of Ordinance No. 499, adopted by the
Atascadero City Council at a regular meeting thereof held on September 26, 2006, and that it has
been duly published pursuant to State Law,
Marcia McClure Torgerson,C.M.Cli
City Clerk
City of Atascadero, California
ORDINANCE NO. 499
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF ATASCADERO, CALIFORNIA,
APPROVING ZONE CHANGE 2006-0117 AMENDING ATASCADERO
MUNICIPAL CODE TO ESTABLISH AN INDUSTRIAL ZONE TEXT
CHANGE, SIGN ORDINANCE TEXT CHANGE, AND EXTERIOR
LIGHTING STANARDS TEXT CHANGE
(Citywide/City of Atascadero)
The City Council hereby finds and declares as follows:
WHEREAS, an application has been received from the City of Atascadero (6907 El
Camino Real), to consider Zone Change Text Amendments to conditionally allow utility service
centers in Industrial Zones and Industrial Park Zones, a Sign Ordinance Text Change to clarify
standards for banner signs, portable signs, and monument signs, and an Exterior Lighting Text
Change to coincide with the General Plan requirements; and,
WHEREAS, an Initial Study and Draft Negative Declaration 2006-0023 were prepared
for the project and made available for public review in accordance with the requirements of the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); and,
�r
WHEREAS, the laws and regulations relating to the preparation and public notice of
environmental documents, as set forth in the State and local guidelines for implementation of the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)have been adhered to; and,
WHEREAS, a timely and properly noticed Public Hearing upon the subject Planning and
Zoning Text Change application was held by the Planning Commission of the City of Atascadero
at which hearing evidence, oral and documentary, was admitted on behalf of said Planning and
Zoning text amendments; and,
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of Atascadero, at a Public Hearing
held on July 18, 2006, studied and considered Zone Change 2006-0117, after first studying and
considering the Draft Negative Declaration prepared for the project; and,
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Atascadero, at a duly noticed Public Hearing
held on September 12, 2006 studied and considered Zone Change 2006-0117, after first studying
and considering the Proposed Negative Declaration prepared for the project; and,
NOW THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATASCADERO
HEREBY ORDAINS AS FOLLOWS:
am
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No.499
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SECTION 1. Findings for Approval of a Zone Text Change. The City Council finds
as follows:
1. The Planning and Zoning Text Change is consistent with General Plan policies and
all other applicable ordinances and policies of the City.
2. Amendment of the Zoning Ordinance, Sign Ordinance, and Exterior Lighting
Standards will provide for the orderly and efficient use of lands where such
development standards are applicable.
3. The text change will not, in itself, result in significant environmental impacts.
SECTION 2. Approval. The City Council of the City of Atascadero, in a regular
session assembled on September 26, 2006, resolved to approve on second reading by title only,
an ordinance that would amend the City Zoning code text as follows:
Chapter 3 ZONING DISTRICTS
Article 17. IP (industrial Park) Zone
9-3.303 Conditional uses.
The following uses may be allowed in the Industrial Park Zone. The establishment of
conditional uses shall be provided by Section 9-2.109 (Conditional use permits):
(a) Agricultural processing;
(b) Chemical products;
(c) Concrete, gypsum, and plaster products;
(d) Caretaker residence (see Section 9-6.104);
(e) Glass products manufacturing;
(f) Machinery manufacturing;
(g) Lumber and wood products;
(h) Paving materials;
(i) Pipelines;
0) Plastic and rubber products;
(k) Recycling and scrap (see Section 9-6.131);
(1) Schools—business and vocational (see Section 9.6.125);
(m) Textile mills;
(n) Transit stations and terminals;
(o) Vehicle and freight terminals;
(p) Paper products;
(c) Structural clay pottery products;
(r) Indoor recreation;
(s) Recycling centers (see Section 9-6.132);
(t) Utility service centers;
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City of Atascadero
Ordinance No.499
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(u) Sales lots (see Section 9-6.139). (Ord. 364 § 2 (part), Exh. B (part), 1999: Ord.
237 § 1 (D) (part), 1992; Ord. 77 § 1 (2), 1984: Ord. 68 § 9-3.303, 1983)
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Article 18. 1 (Industrial) Zone
9-3.313 Conditional uses.
The following uses may be allowed in the Industrial Zone. The establishment of
conditional uses shall be as provided by Section 9-2.109 (Conditional use permits):
(a) Chemical products;
(b) Caretaker residence (see Section 9-6.104);
(c) Petroleum refining and related products;
(d) Textile mill;
(e) Metal industries—primary;
(f) Pipelines;
(g) Recycling and scrap (see Section 9-6.131);
(h) School—business and vocational (see Section 9-6.125);
(i) Transit stations and terminals;
0) Vehicle and freight terminals;
(k) Plastic and rubber products;
(1) Recycling centers (see Section 9-6.132);
(m) Utility service centers;
(n) Sales lots (see Section 9-6.139). (Ord. 364 § 2 (part), Exh. B (part), 1999: Ord.
237 § 1 (D) (part), 1992; Ord. 68 § 9-3.313, 1983)
Article 29. Land Use Descriptions
9-3.701 Purpose.
This section contains descriptions of the types of land uses which can be established
under this article. The uses described here are allowed in the various zoning districts
established. The description of land uses are intended only to list the various land uses
included under each general heading and do not explain what permit requirements or
performance standards may be applicable to a given use.
Accessory Storage. The indoor or outdoor storage of various materials on the same site as
a principal building or land use which is other than storage, which supports the activities
or conduct of the principal use.
Agricultural Accessory Uses. Includes any use that is customarily part of an agricultural
activity and is clearly incidental and secondary to that activity and does not change the
character of the agricultural use. Agricultural accessory uses include grazing, crop
production to feed animals, and related storage of vehicles and personal property, and
accessory structures including barns, stables and corrals.
Ag Processing. Establishment performing a variety of operations on crops subsequent to
their harvest, with the intent of preparing them for market or further processing and
packaging at a distance from the agricultural area including: alfalfa cubing; hay baling
and cubing; corn shelling; drying of corn, rice, hay, fruits and vegetables; fruit and
�.�. vegetables; grain cleaning and custom grinding; custom grist mills; custom milling of
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Ordinance No.499
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flour, feed and grain; sorting, grading and packaging of fruits and vegetables; tree nut
hulling and shelling; cotton ginning; and wineries.
Amusement Services. Establishments providing indoor amusement or entertainment on
payment of a fee or admission charge, such as: arcades and coin-operated amusements;
card rooms, billiard and pool halls as a primary use; alleys; ice skating and roller skating;
dance halls, and ballrooms which are principal uses rather than being subordinate to an
eating or drinking place; gymnasiums, reducing salons, health and exercise facilities that
do not include courts or similar facilities designed for tennis, handball, racquetball or
similar indoor participation sports.
Animal Hospitals. Establishments primarily engaged in performing services for animals,
including veterinary services and animal hospitals. Does not include kennels, which are
listed as a separate category.
Apparel and Finished Products. Manufacturing establishments, known as the cutting-up
and needle trades, producing clothing and fabricating products by cutting and sewing
purchased woven or knit textile fabrics, plastics and furs. Included in the apparel
industries are three (3) types of establishments: (i) "regular" or inside factories; (2)
contract factories; and (3) apparel jobbers. Regular factories perform all of the usual
manufacturing functions within their own plant; the contract factories manufacture
apparel from materials owned by others; and apparel jobbers perform the entrepreneurial
functions of a manufacturing company, such as buying raw materials, designing and
preparing samples, arranging for the manufacture of the garments from their materials
and selling of the finished apparel. Also includes leather and leather products,tanning
and finished products. Custom tailors and dressmakers not operating as a factory are not
�. included.
Auto Dealers (New and Used) and Supplies. Retail and wholesale trade establishments
selling new and used automobiles, including but not limited to, light trucks, motorcycles
and mopeds. Also includes establishments selling new parts and accessories within a
building for the above. Does not include establishments dealing exclusively in used parts.
Includes automobile repair shops only when maintained by establishment engaged in the
sale of vehicles on the same site. Does not include "service stations,"which are
separately defined.
Auto Repair and Services. Service establishments primarily engaged in the repair,
alteration, painting, washing or waxing of automobiles. May also include rental of cars,
trucks or trailers; leasing of cars and trucks. Does not include repair shops which are
subordinate to and maintained by a vehicle dealership.
Bar/tavern. Establishments where alcoholic beverages are sold for on-site consumption,
which is not part of a larger restaurant. Includes bars, taverns, pubs, night clubs, and
similar establishments where any food service is subordinate to the sale of alcoholic
beverages. May also include beer brewing as part of a microbrewery, and other beverage
tasting facilities. Does not include adult entertainment businesses.
Bed and Breakfast. Transient lodging establishments primarily engaged in providing
overnight or otherwise temporary lodging for the general public. Such establishments
provide limited meal service, generally breakfast, for lodgers.
Broadcasting Studios. Communications uses including radio, television, telegraph and
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telephone broadcasting and receiving stations which are facilities and equipment enclosed
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entirely within buildings, except for accessory transmission facilities such as antennas,
satellite receiving dishes and similar transmission and receiving apparatus.
Building Materials and Hardware. Retail trade establishments primarily engaged in the
sale of lumber and other building materials, including paint, wallpaper, glass, hardware,
nursery stock, lawn and garden supplies. Includes all such stores selling to the general
public, even if sales to contractors account for a larger proportion of total sales.
Establishments primarily selling plumbing, heating, and air conditioning equipment and
electrical supplies are classified in "Wholesaling and Distribution."
Business Support Services. Service establishments housed primarily within buildings,
which provide particular businesses with services that are maintenance and repair related,
service oriented, testing, rental, etc. This group includes: outdoor advertising services;
mail advertising services (reproduction and shipping); blueprinting, photocopying,
photofinishing, commercial art and design (production); services to structures, such as
window cleaning, exterminators,janitorial services; heavy equipment and business
equipment repair services including welding repair and armature rewinding and repair
(except vehicle repair which is included under"Auto Repair and Service"); computer
related services (rental, repair, and maintenance); research and development laboratories,
including testing facilities; protective services (other than office-related); equipment
rental yards are included under"Vehicle and Equipment Storage" and which include the
leasing of tools, machinery and other business items, except vehicles; trading stamp
services: repair of large size consumer products including major appliances; and other
business services that may be of a"heavy service" nature.
Caretaker Residence. A permanent residence that is secondary or accessory to the
.r principal use activity occurring on a property. A caretaker dwelling is used for housing a
caretaker employed on the site of any nonresidential use where a caretaker is needed for
security purposes or to provide twenty-four(24) hour care or monitoring of plants,
animals, equipment, or other conditions on the site. Also includes separate quarters for
servants who are employed by the occupant of the principal dwelling on the property.
Does not include housing for caretaker-type employees in the Agriculture Zone which is
defined as "Farm Labor Quarters."
Cemeteries. Interment establishments engaged in subdividing property into cemetery lots
and offering burial plots or air space for sale. Includes animal cemeteries and cemetery,
mausoleum and columbarium operations. Excludes funeral parlor and related facilities
which are listed under"Funeral Services."
Chemical Products. Manufacturing establishments producing basic chemicals and
establishments manufacturing products predominantly by chemical processes.
Establishments classified in this major group manufactures three (3) general classes of
products: (1) basic chemicals such as acids, alkalis, salts, and organic chemicals; (2)
chemical products to be used in further manufacture such as synthetic fibers, plastic
materials, dry colors, and pigments; (3) finished chemical products to be used for
ultimate consumption such as drugs, cosmetics, and soaps; or to be used as materials or
supplies in other industries such as paints, fertilizers and explosives.
Churches and Related Activities. Religious organization facilities operated for worship or
for promotion of religious activities, including churches and religious Sunday-type
schools. Other establishments maintained by religious organizations, such as educational
institutions, hospitals and other operations that may be considered commercial in nature
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No.499
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if not run by the religious organization (such as a recreational camp) are classified
according to their respective activities.
Collection Stations. Facilities for the temporary accumulation and storage of recyclable
discarded materials, which are subsequently transported to recycling centers or solid
waste disposal sites for further processing. Does not include automobile wrecking yards
or any recycling processing facilities, which are listed under"Recycling and Scrap."
Does not include temporary storage of toxic, mutagenic or radioactive waste materials.
Concrete, Gypsum, and Plaster Products. Manufacturing establishments primarily
engaged in producing concrete building block, brick and all types of precast and prefab
concrete products. Also includes ready-mix concrete batch plants, lime manufacturing,
and the manufacture of gypsum products, such as plasterboard.
Contract Construction Services. Service establishments primarily engaged in
construction, including new work, additions, alterations, and repairs. Construction
activities are generally administered or managed from a relatively fixed place of business,
but the actual construction work is performed at one or more different sites which may be
dispersed geographically. Three (3) broad types of construction activity are covered:
building construction by general contractors or by operative builders, other construction
by general contractors, and construction by special trade contractors such as electrical, air
conditioning and plumbing contractors, or others such as well drilling services. The
installation of prefabricated buildings and equipment is also included.
Crop Production and Grazing. Agricultural uses including the production of grains, field
crops, vegetables, melons, fruits, tree nuts, flower fields and seed production,tree and
sod farms, crop services and crop harvesting. Also includes the raising or feeding of beef
�. cattle, sheep and goats by grazing or pasturing. Does not include feedlots, which are not
allowed.
Eating and Drinking Places. Restaurants and other establishments selling prepared foods
and drinks for consumption on the premises, as well as facilities for dancing and other
entertainment which are secondary and subordinate to the principal use of the
establishment as an eating and drinking place. Also includes lunch counters and
refreshment stands selling prepared goods and drinks for immediate consumption.
Restaurants, lunch counters, and drinking places operated as subordinate service facilities
within other establishments are not included here unless they are operated as leased
departments by outside operators. Does not include establishments with drive-through
facilities.
Eating and Drinking Places with Drive-Through Facilities. Establishments which include
points of service where customers are served prepared food without leaving their
vehicles.
Electronic and Scientific Instruments. Manufacturing and establishments producing
instruments (including professional and scientific) for measurement, testing, analysis and
control, and their associated sensors and accessories; optical instruments and lenses;
surveying and drafting instruments; surgical, medical, and dental instruments, equipment,
and supplies; ophthalmic goods; photographic equipment and supplies; and watches and
clocks; and electrical instruments, components and equipment including integrated
circuits, semiconductors, calculators and computers.
Farm Animal Raising. The keeping, feeding or grazing of animals as an avocation,
�` hobby, or school project, subordinate to the principal residential use of a property,
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Ordinance No.499
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includes species commonly considered as farm animals as well as exotic species, but does
not include household pets. See also "Livestock Specialties."
Farm Equipment and Supplies. Establishments primarily engaged in the sale or rental of
agricultural machinery and equipment for use in the preparation and maintenance of the
soil, the planting and harvesting of crops, and other operations and processes pertaining
to work on the farm; also dairy and other livestock equipment. Includes agricultural
machinery, dairy farm machinery and equipment, irrigation equipment, poultry
equipment and frost protection equipment; hay, grain and feed sales.
Farm Labor Quarters. Includes residences, rooming houses and boardinghouses and mess
halls for farm workers employed on land owned by the owner of the building site on
which the quarters are located.
Financial Services. Service establishments primarily engaged in the field of finance,
including: banks and trust companies; credit agencies other than banks; brokers and
dealers in securities and commodity contracts; security and commodity exchanges;
holding (but not predominantly operating) companies; and other investment companies.
Fisheries and Game Preserves. Resource extraction operations engaged in commercial
fishing (including marine-related animals, mammals, etc.) and the operation of fish
hatcheries, fish and game preserves and game propagation.
Food and Beverage Retail Sales. Retail trade establishments primarily engaged in selling
food for home preparation and consumption, as well as the retail sale of packaged
alcoholic beverages for consumption off the premises, including wine tasting facilities
which are not on the same site as the winery. Establishments (except for wine tasting
facilities) may include no more than two (2) gas pumps as an accessory use.
Food and Kindred Products. Manufacturing establishments engaged in producing or
processing foods and beverages for human consumption and certain related products.
Includes: (1) meat and poultry products (slaughtering, canning, and curing and by-
product processing); (2) dairy products processing; (3) canned and preserved fruit and
vegetables and related processing; (4) grain mill products and by-products; (5) bakery
products, sugar and confectionery products; (6) fats and oil products; (7) beverages and
liquors (except wineries, which are included under"Ag Processing"); and(8)
miscellaneous food preparation from raw products. Operations on crops subsequent to
their harvest are included under"Ag Processing."
Forestry. Establishments primarily engaged in the operation of timber tracts, tree farms,
forest nurseries, and related activities such as reforestation services; also the gathering of
gum barks, sap, moss and other forest products. Does not include logging camps.
Fuel and Ice Dealers. Retail trade establishments primarily engaged in the sale to
consumers of coal, wood, ice, fuel, oil and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), bottled or in
bulk.
Funeral Services. Establishments with facilities for the preparation of the dead for burial
or cremation and for the holding of funeral observances and services. Accessory facilities
may include a cemetery, columbarium or mausoleum. Includes: funeral homes and
parlors, mortuaries and related facilities.
Furniture and Fixtures. Manufacturing establishments producing: wood and metal
household furniture and appliances; bedsprings and mattresses; all types of office
furniture and public building furniture and partitions, shelving, lockers and store
"'"' furniture; and miscellaneous drapery hardware, window blinds and shades.
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No.499
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Furniture, Home Furnishings and Equipment. Retail trade establishments primarily
engaged in selling furnishings for the home, such as furniture, floor coverings, draperies,
glass and chinaware, domestic stoves, refrigerators and other household electrical and gas
appliances. Establishments selling electrical and gas appliances are included only if the
major part of their sales consist of articles for home use. Also includes retail sale of office
furniture, as well as music stores.
General Merchandise Stores. Retail trades included in this group are department stores,
variety stores, drug and discount stores, general stores, etc., engaged in retail sales of
many lines of new and used merchandise, including: dry goods; apparel and accessories;
furniture and home furnishings; small wares; hardware; sporting goods and equipment;
bicycles, parts and accessories. Also includes sales of miscellaneous shopping goods such
as: books; stationery;jewelry; hobby materials, toys and games; cameras and
photographic supplies; gifts, novelties and souvenirs; luggage and leather goods; fabrics
and sewing supplies; florists; cigar and newsstands; artists' items (stores for which may
include space for crafting operations when such area is subordinate to the retail sales);
and other miscellaneous retail shopping goods.
Glass Products. Manufacturing establishments producing flat glass and other glass
products which are pressed, blown, or shaped from glass produced in the same
establishment. Does not include artisan and craftsman type operations of a larger scale
than home occupations, which are listed under"Small Scale Manufacturing."
Health Care Services. Service establishments primarily engaged in furnishing medical,
mental health, surgical and other personal health services including: medical, dental and
psychiatric offices (mental health) related services, including various types of counseling
.� practiced by licensed individuals other than medical doctors or psychiatrists, or
unlicensed individuals, are included under"Offices"; medical and dental laboratories;
outpatient care facilities; and allied health services. Associations or groups primarily
engaged in providing medical or other health services to members are included. Also
includes hospitals and similar establishments primarily engaged in providing diagnostic
services, extensive medical treatment including surgical and other hospital services; such
establishments have an organized medical staff, inpatient beds, and equipment and
facilities to provide complete health care. Nursing homes and similar long-term personal
care facilities are classified in "Residential Care."
Home Occupations. The gainful employment of the occupant of a dwelling, with such
employment activity being subordinate to the residential use of the property.
Horticultural Specialties. Agricultural establishments primarily engaged in the production
of ornamental plants and other nursery products, grown under cover or outdoors. Also
includes establishments engaged in the sale of such products, i.e., wholesale and retail
nurseries.
Hotels, Motels. Commercial transient lodging establishments, including hotels, motor
hotels, motels, tourist courts or cabins, primarily engaged in providing overnight or
otherwise temporary lodging, with or without meals, for the general public. Such
establishments shall not provide kitchen facilities in more than twenty-five percent (25%)
of the units.
Indoor Recreation Services. Facilities for various indoor sports and recreation, including:
bowling alleys; ice skating and roller skating; gymnasiums, health and athletic clubs;
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No.499
Page 9 of 26
tennis, handball, racquetball and similar indoor sports; shooting and archery ranges;
recreation and community centers.
Kennels. A lot, building, structure, enclosure or premises where four(4) or more dogs or
cats (four (4) months of age or older) are kept or maintained, including the keeping of
such animals for sale, for commercial breeding or for lodging and care for which a fee is
charged. Does not include dogs and cats kept for noncommercial purposes, including
hunting and herding livestock, which are allowed as residential accessory uses.
Laundries and Dry Cleaning Plants. Service establishments primarily engaged in high
volume laundry and garment services, including: power laundries (family and
commercial); garment pressing and dry cleaning; linen supply; diaper service; industrial
laundries; carpet and upholstery cleaners. Does not include coin-operated laundries or dry
cleaning pickup stores without dry cleaning equipment, which are classified in "Personal
Services."
Libraries, Museums. Permanent public or quasi-public facilities generally of a
noncommercial nature such as libraries, museums, art exhibitions, planetariums,
aquariums, botanical gardens, arboretums and zoos. Also includes historic sites and
exhibits.
Light Repair Services. Service establishments where repair of small consumer products is
the principal business activity, including: electrical repair shops; television and radio and
other small appliance repair; and watch, clock and jewelry repair. Does not include repair
or services that are incidental and accessory to retail sales. Does not include businesses
serving the repair needs of heavy equipment, or large size consumer products which are
included under"Business Support Services."
..r Livestock Specialties. Agricultural establishments primarily engaged in commercial
livestock keeping or feeding as a principal land use which, because of operational
characteristics, may generate dust, odors or visual impacts which could have an adverse
effect upon adjacent properties. Such uses include dairies, chicken, turkey and other
poultry farms; animal specialties (such as rabbit farms and other fur-bearing animals);
other specialties such as bee farms, aviaries, worm farms, etc.
Lumber and Wood Products. Manufacturing and processing uses, including merchant
sawmills, lath mills, shingle mills, cooperage stock mills, planing mills, and plywood
mills and veneer mills engaged in producing lumber and basic wood products; and
establishments engaged in manufacturing finished articles made entirely or mainly of
wood or wood substitutes. Also included are: truss and structural beam assembly; wood
containers; pallets and skids; wood preserving; particle board assembly; turning and
shaping wood and wood products on a manufacturing basis; mobilehome and modular
home assembly. Wood and cabinet shops are included in "Furniture and Fixtures." Craft
type shops are included in "Small Scale Manufacturing."
Machinery Manufacturing. Establishments engaged in manufacturing machinery and
equipment such as: engines and turbines; farm and garden machinery and equipment
(except for secondary assembly of such products which is included under"Farm
Equipment and Supplies"); construction, mining and materials handling machinery and
equipment such as bulldozers, cranes, dredging machinery, mining equipment, oil field
equipment, passenger and freight elevators, conveyors, industrial trucks and tractors;
machine tools such as gear cutting machines, die casting machines, dies,jigs, industrial
am molds, power-driven hand tools; machinery for use in the food products, textile,
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No.499
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woodworking, paper or printing industries; general machinery and equipment such as
pumps, roller bearings, industrial furnaces and ovens; office, computing and accounting
machines such as typewriters, computers, dictating machines; machinery for refrigeration
and service industries such as commercial laundry and dry cleaning equipment, heating,
ventilating and air conditioning equipment, commercial cooking and food warming
equipment; miscellaneous machinery such as carburetors, pistons and valves.
Mail Order and Vending. Establishments primarily engaged in retail sale of products by
catalog and mail order. Also includes vending machine distributorships and suppliers.
Membership Organizations. Organizations operating on a membership basis for the
promotion of the interests of the members, including: business associations; professional
membership organizations; labor unions and similar labor organizations; civic, social and
fraternal organizations (not lodging); political organizations and other membership
organizations.
Metal Industries, Primary. Manufacturing establishments engaged in the smelting and
refining of ferrous and nonferrous metals from ore, pig, or scrap; in the rolling, drawing,
and alloying of ferrous and nonferrous metals; in the manufacture of castings and other
basic products of ferrous and nonferrous metals; and in the manufacture of nails, spikes,
and insulated wire and cable. Merchant blast furnaces and by-product or beehive coke
ovens are also included.
Mining. Resource extractions establishments primarily engaged in mining, developing
mines or exploring for metallic minerals (ores), coal and nonmetallic minerals (except
fuels), or surface mines extracting crushed and broken stone, dimension stone or sand and
gravel. See also "Stone and Cut Stone Products."
..r Mini-Storage. Buildings containing individual storage areas rented or leased to the
general public. Does not include warehousing or exterior storage facilities.
Mobilehome Developments. Includes mobilehome parks and mobilehome subdivisions in
any area or tract of land where two (2) or more mobilehome lots are leased, rented, or
sold to accommodate mobilehomes used for human occupancy. Includes the renting and
leasing of overnight or short-term sites for trailers and campers in a mobilehome park
provided that such spaces are included in the maximum allowable density and do not
constitute more than twenty percent(20%) of the total spaces in the mobilehome park.
Mobilehome Dwelling. A vehicle without self-propulsion designed and equipped as a
dwelling unit to be used with a foundation.
Multiple Family Dwellings. Includes a building, or portion of a building, used and/or
designed as a residence for two (2) or more families living independently of each other
(includes duplexes, triplexes and apartments).
Offices. Establishments engaged in performing a service in a professional office
including: engineering, architectural and surveying services; real estate agencies;
noncommercial educational, scientific and research organizations; accounting, auditing,
and bookkeeping services; authors, writers, artists, etc.; advertising agencies;
photography studios and small commercial art studios; employment agencies and
stenographic services; reporting services; data processing and computer services;
management, public relations, and consulting services; detective agencies and other
similar professional services; attorneys; and counseling services provided by individuals
other than licensed psychiatrists, which are included under"Health Care Services."
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No.499
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Organization Houses. Residential lodging houses operated by membership organizations
for the benefit of their constituents and not open to the general public. Also includes
fraternity and sorority residential houses and religious residential retreats.
Outdoor Recreation Services. Facilities for various outdoor sports and recreation,
including: amusement and kiddie parks; golf courses, golf driving ranges and miniature
golf courses; skateboard parks; go-cart and miniature auto race tracks; tennis courts,
swim and tennis clubs and facilities; play lots, playgrounds and athletic fields; recreation
and community centers.
Paper Products. Includes the manufacture of pulps from wood, other cellulose fibers, and
rags; the manufacture of paper and paperboard; and the manufacture of paper and
paperboard into converted products such as paper coated off the paper machine, paper
bags, paper boxes, and envelopes. Also includes building paper and building board mills.
Paving Materials. Manufacturing establishments producing various common paving and
roofing materials, including paving blocks made of asphalt, creosoted wood and various
compositions of asphalt and tar.
Personal Services. Service establishments primarily engaged in providing services
generally involving the care of the person which are not medically related, including:
beauty and barber shops; shoe repair shops; saunas and hot tubs; dry cleaning pickup
stores and small scale dry cleaners without pickup and delivery services; clothing rental;
dating and escort services; and related activities.
Petroleum Extraction. Resource extraction establishments primarily engaged in:
producing crude petroleum and natural gas; recovering oil from oil sands and shales;
producing natural gasoline and cycle condensate. Activities include exploration, drilling,
�.r oil and gas well operation and maintenance, operation of natural gas and cycle plants, and
the mining and extraction of oil from oil sands and shales.
Petroleum Refining and Related Industries. Manufacturing and processing establishments
primarily engaged in petroleum refining, and compounding lubricating oils and greases
from purchased materials. Also includes manufacture of petroleum coke and fuel
briquettes and petroleum bulk stations. Petroleum and petroleum products distributors are
included in "Wholesaling and Distribution."
Pipelines. Facilities primarily engaged in the pipeline transportation of crude petroleum;
refined products of petroleum such as gasoline and fuel oils; mixed, manufactured or
liquefied petroleum gas; or the pipeline transmission of other commodities, excluding
natural gas.
Plastics and Rubber Products. Manufacturing establishments producing rubber products
such as: tires; rubber footwear; mechanical rubber goods; heels and soles; flooring; and
rubber sundries from natural, synthetic or reclaimed rubber, gutta percha, balata, or gutta
siak. Also includes establishments primarily manufacturing tires (establishments
primarily recapping and retreading automobile tires are classified in"Auto, Mobilehome
and Vehicle Dealers and Supplies"). Also includes establishments engaged in molding
primary plastics for the trade, and manufacturing miscellaneous finished plastics
products.
Primary Family Housing. A secondary dwelling to a single family dwelling which is
limited to occupancy by members of the immediate family of the property owner.
Immediate family members shall only include grandparents, parents, children,
...r grandchildren, sisters and brothers of the property owner or spouse of the property owner.
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No.499
Page 12 of 26
Public Assembly and Entertainment. Facilities for public assembly and group
entertainment such as: public and semi-public auditoriums; exhibition and convention
halls; civic theaters and meeting halls; motion picture theaters; legitimate theater facilities
for live theatrical presentations or concerts by bands and orchestras; amphitheaters;
meeting halls for rent and similar public assembly uses.
Recreational Vehicle Parks. Transient lodging establishments primarily engaged in
renting, leasing or otherwise providing overnight or short-term sites for trailers, campers,
or tents, with or without individual utility hookups, but with other facilities such as public
restrooms. Does not include incidental camping areas, which are included under"Rural
Sports and Group Facilities."
Recycling and Scrap. Establishments primarily engaged in assembling, breaking up,
sorting, temporary storage and distribution of recyclable or reusable scrap and waste
materials, including auto wreckers engaged in dismantling automobiles for scrap. Does
not include waste disposal sites, which are separately defined. Does not include
temporary storage of toxic or radioactive waste materials.
Recycling Centers. An establishment, which is larger than a "collection station,"that
serves as a community-wide center for the collection and/or processing of recyclable
materials such as glass, paper, plastic, aluminum and metal cans.
Residential Accessory Uses. Includes any use that is customarily part of a residence and
is clearly incidental and secondary to a residence and does not change the character of the
residential use. Residential accessory uses include the storage of vehicles and other
personal property and accessory structures including garages, studios and workshops.
Residential Care. Establishments primarily engaged in the provision of residential, social
err and personal care for children, the aged, and special categories of persons with some
limits or ability for self-care, including mental and physical limitations, but where
medical care is not a major element. Includes: board and care facilities; children's homes;
halfway houses; rehabilitation centers; self-help group homes.
Retirement Hotel. Establishments primarily engaged in providing lodging facilities
limited to the aged where no medical care is provided. Such establishments may provide
housekeeping and meals to the residents.
Roadside Stands. Open structures for the retail sale of agricultural products (except hay,
grain and feed sales which are included under"Farm Equipment and Supplies") which
are located on the site or in the area of the property where the products being sold were
grown.
Rural Sports and Group Facilities. Establishments supporting special group activities
such as: archery, pistol, rifle, and skeet clubs and facilities; dude ranches; health resorts
including outdoor hot spring, spa or hot tub facilities; hunting and fishing clubs;
recreational camps; group or organized camps; incidental, seasonal camping areas
without facilities; equestrian facilities, including riding academies, schools, stables and
exhibition facilities.
Sales Lots. Sales lots consist of any outdoor sales area for permanent display of
recreational vehicles, recreational and utility trailers, motorized farm equipment, boats,
heavy commercial trucks (over one ton), mobilehomes, construction equipment, or other
heavy equipment; outdoor equipment rental yards; or large scale temporary or permanent
am
outdoor sales activities, including but not limited to, swap meets and flea markets.
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No.499
Page 13 of 26
Schools—Business and Vocational. Business and secretarial schools; vocational schools
offering specialized trade and commercial courses; specialized nondegree granting
schools, such as: music schools; dramatic schools; language schools; driver education
schools; ballet and other dance studios; and establishments furnishing educational courses
by mail.
Schools. An institution or establishment that provides a program of instruction and
teaching services. Includes: preschools, nursery schools and day care centers; elementary
and secondary schools serving grades K through 12 (or portions thereof);junior colleges,
colleges and universities; and similar education institutions. Does not include Sunday
schools which are permitted under"Churches and Related Facilities."
Service Stations. Retail trade establishments primarily engaged in the sale of gasoline,
which may also provide lubrication, oil change and tune-up services incidental to
gasoline sales. May also include a towing service but does not include storage of wrecked
or abandoned vehicles,paint spraying body and fender work, or trailer and equipment
rental, unless rental uses are allowed in the subject zoning district as "Storage Yards and
Sales Lots." Does not include the retail sale of gasoline as a subordinate service to a
liquor store unless such sale includes more than two (2) pumps.
Sexually Oriented Business. Any business defined by the Atascadero Sexually Oriented
Business Ordinance (see Chapter 5-10 of this Code) as an adult arcade, adult bookstore,
adult novelty store, adult video store, adult cabaret, adult motel, adult motion picture
theater, adult theater, massage parlor, sexual encounter establishment, or nude model
studio is a sexually oriented business.
Single Family Dwelling. A detached building designed for and/or occupied exclusively
.. by one family. Does not include mobilehome dwellings which have a separate
description.
Skilled Nursing Facility. Residential establishments primarily engaged in providing
nursing and health-related personal care, generally on a long-term basis, with inpatient
beds, including skilled nursing facilities; extended care facilities; convalescent and rest
homes.
Small Scale Manufacturing. Manufacturing establishments not classified in any other
major manufacturing group, including:jewelry, silverware and plated ware; musical
instruments; toys; sporting and athletic goods; pens, pencils, and other office and artists'
materials; buttons, costume novelties, miscellaneous notions; brooms and brushes; and
other miscellaneous manufacturing industries. Also included are artisan and craftsman
type operations which are not home occupations, and which are not secondary to on-site
retail sales.
Social and Service Organizations. Public or quasi-public establishments providing social
services and rehabilitation services to such as counseling centers, welfare offices,job
counseling and training centers, or vocational rehabilitation agencies, persons with social
or personal problems requiring special services and to the handicapped and the
disadvantaged. Also included are organizations soliciting funds to be used directly for
these related services. Also includes establishments engaged in community improvement
and neighborhood development. Does not include child day care services which are
classified under"Schools."
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No.499
Page 14 of 26
Sports Assembly. Facilities for spectator-oriented specialized group sports assembly that
include: stadiums and coliseums; arenas and field houses; race tracks (auto and animals);
motorcycle racing and drag strips; and other sports that are considered commercial.
Stone and Cut Stone Products. Manufacturing establishments primarily engaged in
cutting, shaping, and finishing marble, granite, slate, and other stone for building and
miscellaneous uses. Also includes establishments primarily engaged in buying or selling
partly finished monuments and tombstones.
Structural Clay and Pottery-Related Products. Manufacturing establishments primarily
producing brick and structural clay products, including pipe, china plumbing fixtures, and
vitreous china articles, fine earthenware and porcelain electrical supplies and parts.
Artist/craftsman uses are included in"Small Scale Manufacturing" or"Home
Occupations."
Temporary Dwelling. Includes the temporary use of a mobilehome or recreational vehicle
as a dwelling unit, following the issuance of a building permit for a permanent residence
while the permanent residence is under construction.
Temporary Events. Any use of a structure or land for an event for a limited period of time
where the site is not to be permanently altered by grading or construction of accessory
facilities. Events include: art shows; rodeos; religious revivals; tent camps; outdoor
festivals and concerts.
Temporary Offices. The utilization of a mobilehome or recreational vehicle as a
temporary office during the period of a construction of a permanent office facility on the
same site.
Temporary or Seasonal Retail Sales. Retail trade establishments primarily engaged in the
irrrr sale of fireworks; produce; Christmas trees or other seasonal items; or semiannual sales
of art or handcrafted items in conjunction with community festivals or art shows.
Textile Mills. Manufacturing establishments engaged in performing any of the following
operations: preparation of fiber and subsequent manufacturing of yarn, threads, braids,
twine cordage; manufacturing woven fabric and carpets and rugs from yarn; dying and
finishing fiber, yard, fabric, and knit apparel; coating, waterproofing, or otherwise
treating fabric; the integrated manufacture of knit apparel and other finished products
from yarn; and the manufacture of felt goods, lace goods, nonwoven fabrics and
miscellaneous textiles.
Transit Stations and Terminals. Passenger stations for vehicular and rail mass transit
systems; also terminal facilities providing maintenance and service for the vehicles
operated in the transit system.
Utility Service Centers. A private or public utility facility providing for customer services
(including bill paying), engineering, production and treatment facilities, clerical, and
construction crew activities. Includes vehicle, material and equipment parking and
storage.
Utility Transmission Facilities. Utility transmission lines and distribution facilities,
including substations for electric, gas, other energy sources, water, cable television and
telephone. Does not include lines serving individual customers.
Vehicle and Freight Terminals. Transportation establishments furnishing services
incidental to transportation, including: freight forwarding services; transportation
arrangement services; parking, crating, inspection and weighing services; freight terminal
° facilities;joint terminal and service facilities; trucking facilities, including transfer and
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No.499
Page 15 of 26
storage; public warehousing and storage. Includes both railroad transportation and motor
freight transportation.
�rrr Vehicle and Equipment Storage. Service establishments primarily engaged in the
business of storing cars, buses and other motor vehicles; recreational vehicles (such as
campers, motor homes, boats); construction equipment; and farm equipment. Includes
both day use and long-term public and commercial garages, parking lots and structures.
Does not include wrecking yards (classified in"Recycling and Scrap").
Warehousing. Establishments primarily engaged in the storage of farm products,
furniture, household goods, or other commercial goods of any nature for later distribution
to wholesale and retailers. Does not include terminal facilities for handling freight
(classified in "Vehicle and Freight Terminals"). Also includes storage or mini-storage
facilities offered for rent or lease to the general public.
Wholesaling and Distribution. Establishments engaged in selling merchandise to retailers;
to industrial, commercial, institutional, farm, or professional business users; or to other
wholesalers; or acting as agents or brokers in buying merchandise for or selling
merchandise to such persons or companies. Includes such establishments as: merchant
wholesalers; agents, merchandise or commodity brokers, and commission merchants;
assemblers, buyers and associations engaged in the cooperative marketing of farm
products. (Ord. 489 § 2 (part), 2006; Ord. 473 § 2 (part), 2005: Ord. 427 § 1, 2003; Ord.
364 § 2 (part), Exh. A (part), 1999: Ord. 303 § 2 (Exh. A), 1996; Ord. 300 § 2 (6), 1996;
Ord. 237 § 1 (C), 1992; Ord. 68 § 9-3.701, 1983)
w.rr Chapter 15 SIGNS
9-15.002 Definitions.
For the purposes of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply:
(a) Abandoned Signs. A sign is abandoned when for a period of ninety(90) days or more,
there is no sign copy appearing on the sign, or where the establishment with which the
sign is associated has ceased operation, or where it is relatively clear that the sign has
been forsaken or deserted. Any sign which is a conforming sign not in use, but which
could be re-used in conjunction with the ownership or operation of a new business on a
property, shall not fall under the definition of abandoned.
(b) Alteration. Any change of size, shape, illumination, position, location, construction or
supporting structure of an existing sign.
(c) Animated Sign. A sign with action or motion, rotating, flashing or color changes,
excepting therefrom wind actuated elements such as flags, banners, streamers, whirligigs
or other similar devices, and public service signs such as time and temperature units.
(d) Balloon, Inflatable Signs, or Inflatable Attention-getting Devices. Any air or gas filled
device located, attached, or tethered to the ground, site, merchandise, building, or roof
and used for the purpose of signage, advertising, or attention-getting.
(e) Banner. Any sign of lightweight fabric or similar material that is attached to a
building or other structure erected for another purpose. Flags, as defined in this Section,
shall not be considered banners.
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No.499
Page 16 of 26
(f) Building Complex. A building or group of buildings on one (1) or more lots or
building sites containing three (3) or more separate businesses or industrial uses and
sharing common parking facilities.
(g) Building Face. The outermost surface of any exterior wall of a building, but not
including cornices, bay windows, balconies, or other architectural features which extend
beyond the general outermost surface of such exterior wall.
(h) Canopy Sign. Any sign that is part of a projecting awning, canopy, or other fabric,
plastic, or structural protective cover over a door, entrance or window or outdoor service
area, or otherwise attached to a building face.
(i) Changeable Copy Sign. A sign with changeable copy, regardless of the method of
attachment or the materials of construction.
0) Commercial Speech. Any message, the prevailing thrust of which is to propose a
commercial transaction.
(k) Commercial Signage. Any sign with wording, logo, or other representation that,
directly or indirectly, names, advertises, or calls attention to a business, product, service,
or other commercial activity.
(1) Corner Clear Zone. The area at a street corner inscribed by a line drawn between
points established by measuring back fifteen (15) feet from the beginning of the curb
radius along the curb line, or edge of pavement when there is no curb, and the face of the
curb or edge of pavement.
(m) Dormer. A structure located above the height of a wall projecting from a sloping roof
that is enclosed on both sides and top, and does not project above top of the roof
structure.
.r (n) Dwelling Unit. Any building or portion thereof which contains living facilities,
including provisions for sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation.
(o) Enforcement Officer. Any City official or agent designated by the City Manager as
having authority to enforce the provisions of this Article.
(p) Flag. A device, generally made of flexible materials, usually cloth, paper or plastic,
usually used as a symbol of a government, school, or religion, and not containing a
commercial message.
(q) Freestanding Sign. Any sign supported by structures or supports that are placed on, or
anchored in, the ground which are independent from any building or other structure. This
definition may include pole signs, ground signs and monument signs.
(r) Ground Sign. Any freestanding sign greater than six (6) feet in height and supported
wholly by uprights, braces, or poles in or upon the ground and where any supports or
angle irons are enclosed in a wood, plastic, metal or other decorative form, such that the
angle irons or supports are not visible. The entire bottom of a ground sign is generally in
contact or in close proximity to the ground.
(s) Height. The height of any sign shall be the measurement from the top of the sign
cabinet, including all ornamentation and supports, to the existing grade beneath the sign.
(t) Illegal Sign. Any sign placed without all required governmental approval and/or
permits at the time said sign was placed or is an existing sign which was not constructed
in accordance with the ordinances and other applicable laws in effect on the date of
construction, did not receive government approval or permits, or a legal nonconforming
am
sign that has exceeded its authorized amortization period.
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No.499
Page 17 of 26
(u) Illuminated Sign. Any sign employing the use of lighting sources for the purpose of
decorating, outlining, accentuating or brightening the sign area.
(v) Incidental Sign. A sign, generally informational, that has a purpose secondary to the
use of the lot on which it is located, such as no parking, entrance, loading only, telephone
and other similar directives. A sign that also includes a commercial message is not
considered incidental.
(w) Institutional. Uses whose primary function is furtherance of the public health, safety
and welfare, generally, but not exclusively non-commercial in nature, including, but not
limited to the following: hospitals and similar health care facilities, airports, cemeteries,
recreational clubs and lodges, museums, theaters and similar cultural institutions,
churches and similar religious institutions, detention facilities, fire and police stations,
emergency shelters, marinas, parks and similar recreational facilities, schools and similar
educational institutions,public utility facilities other than business offices.
(x) Legal Non-Conforming Sign. A sign which was legal when first erected, with all
necessary permits, but due to a change in the law it became nonconforming.
(y) Lot. Any piece or parcel of land or a portion of a subdivision, the boundaries of which
have been established by some legal instrument of record, that is recognized and intended
as a unit for the purpose of transfer of ownership.
(z) Lot Frontage. Those portions of a lot or building site which abut a public street. For
purposes of determining frontage on corner lots and through lots, all sides of a lot
abutting a public street (excluding an alley) shall be considered frontage.
(aa) Marquee. A permanent roofed structure attached to and supported by the building
and projecting beyond the building face.
(bb) Monument Sign. A freestanding sign which is supported by a base which extends the
entire length of the sign area and is an integral part of the design.
(cc) Multi-Faced Sign. A sign with two or more sign faces where any two sign faces are
oriented such that they have an interior angle of greater than forty-five (45) degrees from
each other.
(dd)Non-Commercial Signage. Any signage which is not determined to be commercial
signage, as defined herein.
(ee) Non-Commercial Speech. Any message which is not determined to be commercial
speech as defined herein.
(ff)Non-Structural Trim. The molding, battens, caps, nailing strips, lattice, cutouts, or
letters and walkways which are attached to the sign structure.
(gg) Obscene Signs. Signage when taken as a whole, which to the average person
applying contemporary statewide standards, appeals to the prurient interest and as a
whole depicts or describes in a patently offensive way sexual conduct which lacks serious
literary, artistic, political or scientific value.
(hh) Off-Site Commercial Signage. Signage that is not located on the site of the business,
accommodations, services, or commercial activity served by the sign.
(ii) On-Site Commercial Signage. A sign advertising the business, accommodations,
services or commercial activities provided on the site on which the sign is located.
Oj) Permanent Sign. Any legal sign designed or used in excess of forty-five (45) days.
(kk) Permitted Sign. Signs permitted pursuant to this Article.
(ll) Pole Signs. A sign wholly supported by one or more poles and otherwise separated
from the ground by air.
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No.499
Page 18 of 26
(mm) Portable Sign or A-frame Sign. Any freestanding, moveable sign.
(nn) Prohibited Signs. Signs specified in Section 9-15.003(d) of this article or any sign
" not specified in Section 9-15.005 nor in compliance with the design criteria for this
Article.
(oo) Projecting Sign. A sign which projects more than twelve (12) inches from the
exterior face of a building wall or facade and which uses the building wall as its primary
source of support.
(pp) Project Entrance Sign. An on-site sign used to identify the name of an apartment
housing complex, mobile home park, condominium subdivision or other residential
subdivision.
(qq) Public Service Sign. A non-commercial sign that provides general information that
benefits the public, such as electronic changeable time and temperature units. The
renewal of any part of an existing sign for the purpose of its maintenance.
(rr) Roof Sign. A sign erected upon or above a roof(angled surface) or a parapet of a
building or structure, and not contained within a dormer(flat surface).
(ss) Setback Area. The setback area shall be that area defined as the required minimum
yard as specified by the Zoning Ordinance for each Zoning District, unless a specific
setback is designated within this Article.
(tt) Sign. Any device, fixture, placard, or structure that uses any color, form, graphic,
illumination, symbol, or writing to advertise, announce the purpose of, or identify the
purpose of a person or entity, or to communicate information of any kind to the public,
with the exception of the following.
(1) Such devices not exceeding one (1) square foot in area and bearing only property
numbers, post box number, names of occupants or other similar identification on a site.
(2) Flags and other insignia of any government not displaying a commercial message.
(3) Legal notices, identification, informational or directional/traffic controlling devices
erected or required by government agencies.
(4) Decorative or architectural features of buildings, except letters, trademarks or moving
parts.
(5) Holiday decorations and lights.
(6) Government traffic controlling devices are not considered signs for purposes of this
article due to their distinct purpose.
(uu) Sign Area. The entire area contained within the frame, cabinet or fixture, including
all ornamentation or decoration used to attract attention. In the case of pole signs, that
area above the supporting column, provided such supporting column is not decorated or
displayed with advertising. The area of signs painted on walls, individual letter signs,
trough signs, and other directly illuminated signs, shall be calculated on the basis of the
smallest rectangle, circle or spherical figure that will enclose the entire copy area of the
sign. The area of any two (2) or more faced signs or type signs having any interior angle
of more than forty-five (45) degrees (multi-faces signs) shall be the total area of all faces
or panels. If all interior angles are forty-five (45) degrees or less, the greatest sized panel
or face shall only be counted as the sign area.
(vv) Sign Copy. Any words, letters, numbers, figures, designs or other symbolistic
representation incorporated into a sign with the purpose of attracting attention to the
subject matter.
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No.499
Page 19 of 26
(ww) Sign Face. The surface of the sign upon, against, or through which the message is
displayed or illustrated on the sign.
�.. (xx) Sign Structure. Any structure that supports or is capable of supporting any sign as
defined in this Section. A sign structure may be a single pole and may or may not be an
integral part of the building.
(yy) Site. A lot, or group of contiguous lots, with or without development, in single
ownership, or having multiple owners, all of whom join in an application for signage.
(zz) Street. A public or private highway, road or thoroughfare which affords the principal
means of access to adjacent lots. (Ord. 400 § 1 (part), 2002: Ord. 255 § 2 (part), 1992)
9-15.003 Applicability.
(a) General.
(1) The provisions of this chapter are applicable to all signs constructed or altered after
the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter.
(2)Nonconforming signs shall be revised to conform to the provisions of this chapter
where an entitlement for construction other than minor additions or interior alterations is
occurring or where a change of use occurs.
(3) All signs that are not specifically exempted from this chapter are subject to the
appearance review guidelines and an approved sign permit.
(4)Neon signs visible from the public right-of-way, and change in copy or materials for
existing signs requires Appearance Review by the Planning Division.
(5) The sign design standards herein are intended to be the maximum standards allowable
without an administrative use permit or conditional use permit.
(b) Permits required.
(1) Except as hereinafter provided, no permanent sign shall be constructed, displayed or
altered without an approved sign permit. Signs are permitted under the various use
classifications or locations specified in this chapter.
(2) The application requirements, processing, review and approval for a sign permit shall
be as set forth in Section 9-15.009 of this chapter.
(3) When signs are proposed for a project subject to entitlement approval, a separate sign
permit is not required. The application for entitlement and sign shall include complete
information per Section 9-15.009 of this chapter, and any other information determined to
be necessary for Planning Division review.
(c) Exempt Signs.
(1) Agricultural Signs. Unlighted, with an aggregate area of thirty-two (32) square feet.
One (1) sign per street frontage.
(2) Construction Signs. With an aggregate area of forty(40) square feet, not exceeding
eight (8) feet in height. One (1) sign per street frontage.
(3) Directory Signs. Wall mounted for pedestrian use, with an aggregate area of twenty
(20) square feet, not exceeding eight (8) feet in height.
(4) Holiday Signs. Holiday and special event decorations, for a single holiday, may be in
place up to sixty(60) days.
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No.499
Page 20 of 26
(5) Real Estate Signs. Located on a lot for sale, lease or rent. Aggregate area up to six (6)
square feet. Sign must be removed fourteen (14) days after sale or transaction has
occurred. One (1) sign per street frontage.
(6) Hazard Signs. As long as a hazard exists.
(7) Residential Signs and Home Occupations. With an aggregate area of four(4) square
feet. Apartment, condominium projects with five (5) or more units, and subdivisions may
have an aggregate sign area up to ten (10) square feet.
(8) Window Signs. With an aggregate area not exceeding four(4) square feet, at public
entrances.
(9) Official Government Flags. Signs, flags and notices.
(10) Window Lettering. Limited to lettering and graphics with an aggregate area not to
exceed fifty percent (50%) of the window area.
(11) Landscaped Signs. Consistent with Section 9-4.127.
(12) Safety and Directional Signs. With an aggregate area not exceeding four (4) square
feet. Such signs shall be pedestrian scale. The City has a compelling interest in ensuring
traffic and pedestrian safety. To directly advance that interest, such safety and directional
signs are allowed.
(13) Banner or Temporary Signs. Constructed from nonpermanent material, (e.g. paper,
canvas, vinyl, etc.).
(i.) Maximum number and area. Each business may have one (1) banner sign per public
street frontage, with a maximum area of forty(40) square feet.
(ii.) Limits on time displayed. Temporary signs may be in place for a maximum of thirty
(30) days. All banners must be down a minimum of 60 days before any new banner may
r.. go up. Banners may remain up during the entire permanent sign permit process.(iii.)
Placement. Banners must be secured flat against a building or secure structure.
(iv.) Exceptions. Non-profit events shall be exempt from size and number of banners
(e.g. farmers market.)
(14) Redevelopment Projects. Any sign program approved and entered into by the
Community Redevelopment Agency of Atascadero, so long as the program is otherwise
consistent with the General Plan of the City of Atascadero.
(d) Prohibited Signs.
(1) Off-Premises signs that direct attention to a business, service or product not sold or
offered on the premises on which the sign is located, including billboards;
(2) Abandoned Signs. A sign is abandoned where for a period of ninety(90) days or
more, there is no sign copy appearing on the sign or where the establishment to which the
sign is attached has ceased operation and where it is clear that the sign has been forsaken
and deserted or where the sign is fifty percent (50%) or more deteriorated, damaged or
destroyed;
(3) Confusing signs that simulate in color or design any traffic sign, signal or which
makes use of words, symbols or characters in such a manner to interfere with, mislead, or
confuse pedestrian or vehicular traffic;
(4) Animated, moving, flashing, blinking, reflecting, glaring or revolving, or any other
similar sign, except electronic message boards displaying time or temperature or the
display of non-commercial notice services and free speech messages;
(5) Roof signs;
am (6) Snipe signs or any other sign attached to a tree, utility pole, fence post, etc.;
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No.499
Page 21 of 26
(7) Signs on vehicles when the vehicle is parked or placed for the primary purpose of
displaying said sign except a sign painted directly upon, magnetically affixed to or
..� permanently affixed to the body or other integral part of the vehicle. Such signs shall not
be used as a billboard. Such signs may contain non-commercial messages;
(8) Inflatable signs. (Ord. 400 § 1 (part), 2002: Ord. 255 § 2 (part), 2002)
9-15.005 Allowed signs.
(a) Commercial and Industrial Zones. The aggregate sign square footage allowed per site
is one hundred twenty-five(125) square feet. This sign square footage may be divided by
using more than one type of sign, provided that the aggregate sign square footage allowed
per sign does not exceed the following standards:
(1) Wall sign. One (1) wall sign per building face with public street frontage or parking
lot frontage (except those facing a residential zone)per business (up to two (2) businesses
at the same location). Maximum size for wall signs may not exceed one (1) square foot
per lineal foot of business frontage or forty(40) square feet, whichever is less.
(2) Monument Sign. One (1) monument sign per two hundred (200) lineal feet of public
street frontage per site (except streets adjacent to a residential zone). Maximum size of
monument sign is not to exceed sixty(60) square feet, and a maximum height of ten (10)
feet from the natural grade.
(3) Suspended Sign. One (1) suspended sign, with an aggregate area not exceeding fifteen
(15) square feet, and a minimum ground clearance of eight (8) feet or as regulated by the
Uniform Sign Code.
(4) Projecting Sign. One (1)projecting sign with an aggregate area not to exceed fifteen
(15) square feet. Minimum ground clearance must be eight (8) feet, or as regulated by the
Uniform Sign Code. Projecting signs may not be closer than five (5) feet to a public
right-of-way.
(5) Tenant Sign. Centers with three (3) or more tenants may have one (1) tenant wall sign
per business street frontage (except streets adjacent to a residential zone). The aggregate
area of tenant signs is not to exceed one (1) square foot per lineal foot of business
frontage, or twenty(20) square feet, whichever is less per tenant. Centers may have one
(1) center identification monument sign per two hundred(200) lineal feet of street
frontage, with a maximum sign area of sixty(60) square feet. Major tenants (ten thousand
(10,000) square feet or more) may have one hundred fifty percent (150%) more wall sign
area.
(6) Freeway signs. In addition to the signs allowed above, sites located adjacent to
Highway 101 or a Highway 101 frontage road may be authorized, through administrative
use permit, approval to use a freeway oriented sign as provided below:
(i.) Businesses located on freeway frontage of Highway 101, and that are a restaurant,
service station, provide lodging, or are a dealer of new automobiles, may have a pole
mounted freeway oriented sign with an area not to exceed one (1) square foot of sign area
per lineal foot of freeway oriented building frontage up to one hundred fifty(150) square
feet, whichever is less. Pole mounted signs shall not exceed fifty(50) feet in height or the
minimum height necessary for effective visibility(see Section 9-15.006(c)).
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No.499
Page 22 of 26
(ii.) Where the principal use is planned shopping, office or industrial complex with five
(5) o r more tenants, a building mounted freeway oriented sign may be allowed with a
maximum area not to exceed one (1) square foot for each lineal foot of building frontage
up to sixty(60) square feet per principal tenant, whichever is less.
(iii.) Where the building area of a single tenant building exceeds ten thousand (10,000)
square feet, a building mounted freeway oriented sign may be allowed with a maximum
area not to exceed one (1) square foot for each lineal foot of building frontage up to sixty
(60) square feet, whichever is less.
Where the building area of a single tenant building is less than ten thousand (10,000)
square feet, a building mounted freeway oriented sign may be allowed with a maximum
area of forty(40) square feet with a maximum letter height of fourteen (14) inches.
Freeway wall signs shall be constructed of individual three-dimensional letters or logos.
Rectangular box or cabinet signs shall not be allowed along the US 101 frontage. Signs
may be internally illuminated pan channel letters.
(7) Gas Station Canopies. In addition to the signs allowed above, a maximum of twenty
(20) square feet signs, logos and or color banding shall be permitted on no more than two
(2) sides of a pump island canopy structure. The remainder of the pump canopy fascia
shall be of an architectural treatment consistent with site architecture.
(8) Off Site Subdivision Signs. Subdivision tracts of twenty(20) or more lots may be
permitted to install off site directional advertising signage subject to the approval of an
administrative use permit subject to the following conditions:
(i.) The subdivision tract shall be located within the City of Atascadero.
(ii.)No more than three (3) signs shall be allowed with a maximum height of fifteen (15)
r feet and sixty(60) square feet of sign area.
(iii.)No flags, banners or other decorations shall be affixed to the sign.
(iv.) The signs shall not be illuminated.
(v.) All signs shall be located on private property with written permission from the
property owner provided to the City.
(vii.) A building permit shall be obtained for the signs.
(viii.) The signs shall be removed prior to final occupancy of the last unit in the tract or
after a period of three (3) years whichever is less. The applicant may apply annually for a
one-year time extension for active construction projects.
(9) Portable Signs and A-frame Signs. One (1) Portable sign per street frontage.
Maximum size of portable sign is not to exceed two (2) feet wide by five (5) feet tall.
Minimum height is 3 feet tall. Portable and A-frame signs must be located on the
business's property or within the boundaries of the shopping center or commercial
complex, unless an encroachment permit is obtained for a portable sign located in the
public right of way. The property owner is required to indemnify the City in conjunction
with the encroachment permit for any sign located in the right of way. (b) Downtown
Districts.
(1) Applicability. Signs within the downtown zoning districts are subject to all applicable
requirements of the City's Sign Ordinance, except as provided by this Section.
(2) Design Review. The design, materials, illumination and location of all signs shall be
reviewed for consistency with the Downtown Design Guidelines.
(3) Maximum allowed sign area. Each business shall be allowed a total of one (1) square
r foot of sign area per linear foot of the street frontage occupied by the business, with a
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No.499
Page 23 of 26
minimum total of twenty(20) square feet allowed for each business, and a maximum
total sign area of fifty (50) square feet.
(4) Standards for specific types of signs.
(i) Wall Signs.
a. Maximum number. Each business may have one (1) wall sign, except corner buildings,
which may have two (2). A single facade may have a wall sign or awning sign
(Subsection D.2), but not both.
b. Height. Wall signs shall be located below the top of the parapet or roofline on single
story buildings and below the second floor sill on multi-story buildings.
c. Placement and materials. The sign may be painted directly on a wall, formed of
individual letters attached to a wall, or consist of a sign panel attached to the wall,
provided that the design is consistent with the architectural style and features of the
building facade. Internally illuminated "can" signs are not allowed.
(ii) Awning Signs. Awning signs may be used instead of allowable wail signs on the
same building facade. A logo/insignia or name may be painted, silk-screened, or
appliqued onto the awning.
a. Sign area. The area of signage on an awning shall not exceed twenty-five percent
(25%) of the area of the awning face.
b. Projection and clearance. Awnings may project a maximum of five (5) feet into the
public right-of-way and shall maintain a minimum vertical clearance from the ground of
eight(8) feet.
c. Design. Awnings shall be securely attached to the buildings and well maintained. No
supports or poles may be located in the public right-of-way. Awnings shall complement
Now the building they are attached to.
(iii) Projecting Signs. Projecting signs may be allowed as follows:
a. Maximum number and area. Each business within the Downtown is allowed a
projecting sign in addition to the wall signs allowed by this section.
1. If the projection is two (2) sided, each side of the sign shall be used in the total
allowable area calculation (subsection (C)).
2. No projecting signs shall exceed nine (9) square feet in area per side.
b. Projection and Clearance. Projecting signs may extend five (5) feet into the public
right-of-way and must maintain a minimum vertical clearance of eight (8) feet.
c. Alternative Use of Decorative Pennants. Decorative individual pennants (not strings of
pennants) may be used as an alternative to an allowed projecting sign. Only fabric
pennants may be used. The image may be painted, silk screened or appliqued on the
fabric. Any business logo or insignia shall be included within the total allowable
projecting sign area. All decorative pennants shall be well maintained and of professional
quality.
(iv) Monument Signs. Uses occupying over ten thousand (10,000) square feet may be
allowed a monument sign in compliance with the Sign Ordinance, in addition to the sign
area and types of signs allowed by this section. Maximum size of monument sign is not
to exceed sixty(60) square feet, and a maximum height of ten (10) feet from the natural
grade.
(v) Window Graphics. Window graphics shall not exceed twenty percent (20%) of the
storefront window area, or twenty(20) square feet, whichever is less. Window graphics
`m are not counted as part of the maximum sign area allowed a business.
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No.499
Page 24 of 26
(vi) Multi-Tenant Directory Signs. Multi-tenant directory signs shall not exceed seventy-
two (72) inches per tenant. The multi-tenant directory signs are allowed in addition to the
sign area and types of signs allowed by this section, provided that the design is consistent
with the architectural style and features of the building fagade.
(vii) Building Name Sign. A building name sign shall not exceed twenty(20) square feet.
The building name sign shall be limited to buildings with at least three tenants and shall
identify the building, not a business within the building. The building name sign is
allowed in addition to the sign area and types of signs allowed by this section, provided
that the design is consistent with the architectural style and features of the building
fagade.
(viii) Portable Signs and A-frame Signs. One (1) Portable sign per street frontage.
Maximum size of portable sign is not to exceed two (2) feet wide by five (5) feet tall.
Minimum height is 3 feet tall. Portable and A-frame signs must be located on the
business's property or within the boundaries of the shopping center or commercial
complex, unless an encroachment permit is obtained for a portable sign located in the
public right of way. The property owner is required to indemnify the City in conjunction
with the encroachment permit for any sign located in the right of way.
(c) Public and Recreation Zones. The following signs are allowed in the P, and L Zones,
provided that the aggregate area of signs per site does not exceed one hundred (100)
square feet.
(1) Wall Sign. One (1) wall sign for each public street frontage for business or tenants
with a sign area maximum of ten percent (10%) of the building face or up to a maximum
of forty(40) square feet, whichever is less.
am (2) Suspended Sign. One (1) suspended sign for each public street frontage, with a
maximum area of ten (10) square feet for each business or tenant.
(3) Monument Sign. One (1) monument sign for each business per three hundred (300)
lineal feet of public street frontage. Monument signs may have a maximum sign area of
forty(40) square feet, and a maximum height of ten(10) feet from the natural
grade.
(d) All Zoning Districts. The following signs may be allowed, either by conditional use
permit or administrative use permit, as specified, in all zoning districts.
(1) Community Identification Sign. Community identification signs may be allowed, by
conditional use permit, on arterial streets entering the City with a maximum area of
eighty(80) square feet and a maximum height of twelve (12) feet. Such signs may
include the name of the City, names of civic or religious organizations, and names and
locations of City facilities. Such signs shall not contain the names of businesses of
commercial products.
(2) Information Kiosks. Kiosks for the permanent and/or temporary display of
information including community and civic activities, and advertising for local
commercial establishments may be allowed. Approval of the size, location, and
maintenance requirements for such kiosks shall be established through administrative use
permit.
(3) Changeable Copy Sign. Approval of the size, location, purpose, design, and content of
changeable copy signs shall be by conditional use permit or administrative use permit as
.r
provided in Section 9-15.003 (d)(7).
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No.499
Page 25 of 26
(4) Public Transit Facilities. At the discretion of the Community Services Director,
advertising signs may be placed on buses and designated bus stop benches used in
connection with a public transit program provided by the City of Atascadero. Signs on
buses shall be limited to one on each side, neither of which exceeds six (6) square feet.
Signs on benches shall be limited to one (1) sign which shall be placed on the back of the
bench and which shall not exceed ten (10) inches by thirty-six (3 6) inches. Additional
signs and/or modification signs associated with public transit facilities may be approved
through conditional use permit process. (Ord. 400 § 1 (part), 2002: Ord. 376 § 2 (Exh. A),
2000; Ord. 354 § 1, 1998; Ord. 255 § 2 (part), 1992)
Chapter 4 GENERAL SITE DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
9-4.137 Exterior lighting.
The standards of this section are applicable to all outdoor night-lighting sources installed
after the effective date of this title, except for street lights located within public rights-of-
way and all uses established in the Agriculture zone. An electrical permit may be
required by Title 8.
(a) Illumination Only. Outdoor lighting shall be used for the purpose of illumination only
and shall not be designed for or used as an advertising display, except as provided by
Sections 9-4.130 et seq.
.�r (b)Nondecorative Exterior Lighting Shielded. All nondecorative exterior lighting shall
be shielded to direct light toward buildings or the ground. Light sources shall be
designed and adjusted to direct light away from any road or street and away from any
property or buildings outside the ownership of the applicant.
(c) Minimization of Light Intensity. No light or glare shall be transmitted or reflected in
such concentration or intensity as to be detrimental or harmful to persons or to interfere
with the use of surrounding properties or streets.
(d) Decorative Exterior Lighting Shielded. Where lights are used for the purpose of
illuminating or accenting building walls, signs, flags, architectural features, or
landscaping, the light source is to be shielded so as not to be directly visible from off-site.
(e) Ground Illuminating Lights. Any light source used for ground area illumination
except incandescent lamps of one hundred fifty(15 0) watts or less and light produced
directly by the combustion of natural gas or other fuels, shall be shielded from above in
such a manner that the edge of the shield is level with or below the lowest edge of the
light source. Where any light source intended for ground illumination is located at a
height greater than eight (8) feet, the required shielding is to extend below the lowest
edge of the light source a distance sufficient to block the light source from the view of
any residential use within one thousand (1000) feet of the light fixture.
(f) Height of Light Fixtures. Freestanding outdoor lighting fixtures shall not exceed the
allowed height of the tallest building on the site, pursuant to Section 9-4.111. (Ord. 68 §
9-4.137, 1983)
City of Atascadero
Ordinance No.499
Page 26 of 26
SECTION 3. A summary of this ordinance, approved by the City Attorney, together
with the ayes and noes, shall be published twice: at least five days prior to its final passage in
the Atascadero News, a newspaper published and circulated in the City of Atascadero, and;
before the expiration of fifteen (15) days after its final passage in the Atascadero News, a
newspaper published and circulated in the City of Atascadero. A copy of the full text of this
ordinance shall be on file in the City Clerk's office on and after the date following introduction
and passage and shall be available to any interested member of the public.
INTRODUCED at a regular meeting of the City Council held on September 12, 2006, and
PASSED and ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Atascadero, State of California, on
September 26, 2006,by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Council Members Clay, Pacas and Mayor O'Malley
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Council Member Luna
One Vacancy
+inn ATTEST: CITY OF ATASCADERO
. 4.
Marcia McClure Torge-son, C.M.C., Tom Malley, Ma `
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
atric nr' , City Attorney