HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC_2016-09-06_AgendaPacket
WEBSITE: www.atascadero.org
http://www.facebook.com/planningatascadero
@atownplanning
Scan This QR Code
with your smartphone
to view Planning
Commission Website
CITY OF ATASCADERO
PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, September 6, 2016 – 7:00 P.M.
City Hall Council Chambers, 4th floor
6500 Palma Avenue
Atascadero, California 93422
CALL TO ORDER
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call: Chairperson Jan Wolff
Vice Chairperson Duane Anderson
Commissioner David Bentz
Commissioner Mark Dariz
Commissioner Jerel Seay
Commissioner Charles Bourbeau
Commissioner Dennis Schmidt
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
PUBLIC COMMENT
(This portion of the meeting is reserved for persons wishing to address the Commission on any matter not
on this agenda and over which the Commission has jurisdiction. Speakers are limited to three minutes.
Please state your name for the record before making your presentation. The Commission may take action
to direct the staff to place a matter of business on a future agenda.)
PLANNING COMMISSION BUSINESS
CONSENT CALENDAR
(All items on the consent calendar are considered to be routine and non-controversial by City staff and will
be approved by one motion if no member of the Commission or public wishes to comment or ask questions.)
1. APPROVAL OF DRAFT ACTION MINUTES OF AUGUST 16, 2016
City of Atascadero Planning Commission Agenda Regular Meeting, September 6, 2016
Page 2 of 4
WEBSITE: www.atascadero.org
http://www.facebook.com/planningatascadero
@atownplanning
Scan This QR Code
with your smartphone
to view Planning
Commission Website
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT STAFF REPORTS
None
PUBLIC HEARINGS
DISCLOSURE OF EX PARTE COMMUNICATIONS:
Prior to a project hearing Planning Commission Members must disclose any communications they have had on any quasi-judicial
agenda items. This includes, but is not limited to, Tentative Subdivision Maps, Parcel Maps, Variances, Conditional Use
Permits, and Planned Development Permits. This does not disqualify the Planning Commission Member from participating and
voting on the matter, but gives the public and applicant an opportunity to comment on the ex parte communication.
(For each of the following items, the public will be given an opportunity to speak. After a staff report, the Chair will open the public
hearing and invite the applicant or applicant’s representative to make any comments. Members of the public will be invited t o provide
testimony to the Commission following the applicant. Speakers should state their name for the record and can address the
Commission for three minutes. After all public comments have been received, the public hearing will be closed, and the Commission
will discuss the item and take appropriate action(s).)
2. PLN 2016-1607, CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR 7525 GABARDA ROAD
Property Owner: Douglas and Heidi Fapp, 7525 Gabarda Rd., Atascadero, CA 93422
Representative: Ryan Tannehill, PO Box 4750, Paso Robles, CA 93447
Project Title: PLN 2016-1607 / CUP 2016-0300
Project Location: 7525 Gabarda Rd., Atascadero, CA 93422
( San Luis Obispo County) APN 028-411-007
Project
Description:
The application is for a conditional use permit to allow the construction o f a
garage/barn structure that is larger than 50% of the size of the primary structure.
The proposed accessory structure is a 988 square -foot metal building with a
maximum height of 17 feet and 10 inches. It will be placed in the rear of the
property at the northeast corner.
General Plan Designation: Suburban Estate (SE)
Zoning District: Residential Suburban (RS)
City Staff: Katie Banister, Assistant Planner, kbanister@atascadero.org, Phone: 470-3480
Proposed
Environmental
Determination:
The project qualifies for a Class 3 exemption from the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA): New construction or conversion of small structures (Section
15303) for the construction of accessory structures including garages.
Staff
Recommendation:
The Planning Commission adopt Resolution PC 2016-A approving Conditional Use
Permit 2016-0300 allowing a 988 square-foot detached accessory structure based on
findings and subject to conditions of approval.
City of Atascadero Planning Commission Agenda Regular Meeting, September 6, 2016
Page 3 of 4
WEBSITE: www.atascadero.org
http://www.facebook.com/planningatascadero
@atownplanning
Scan This QR Code
with your smartphone
to view Planning
Commission Website
PUBLIC HEARINGS (CONTINUED)
DISCLOSURE OF EX PARTE COMMUNICATIONS:
Prior to a project hearing Planning Commission Members must disclose any communications they have had on any quasi-judicial
agenda items. This includes, but is not limited to, Tentative Subdivision Maps, Parcel Maps, Variances, Conditional Use
Permits, and Planned Development Permits. This does not disqualify the Planning Commission Member from participating and
voting on the matter, but gives the public and applicant an opportunity to comment on the ex parte communic ation.
(For each of the following items, the public will be given an opportunity to speak. After a staff report, the Chair will open the public
hearing and invite the applicant or applicant’s representative to make any comments. Members of the public wil l be invited to provide
testimony to the Commission following the applicant. Speakers should state their name for the record and can address the
Commission for three minutes. After all public comments have been received, the public hearing will be closed , and the Commission
will discuss the item and take appropriate action(s).)
3. PLN 2016-1608, SIGN ORDINANCE UPDATES
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS AND REPORTS
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
ADJOURNMENT
The next regular meeting will be on September 20, 2016 at City Hall Council Chambers, 6500
Palma Avenue, Atascadero.
Please note: Should anyone challenge in court any proposed development entitlement listed
on this Agenda, that person may be limited to raising those issues addressed at the public
hearing described in this notice or in written correspondence delivered to the Planning
Commission at, or prior to, this public hearing.
Applicant: City of Atascadero, 6500 Palma Ave., Atascadero, CA 93422
Project Title: PLN 2016-1608 / ZCH 2016-0182
Project Location: Citywide
Project
Description:
The proposed project consists of repealing Chapter 15 of Title 9, of the Atascadero
Municipal Code (Signs) and replacing with a new Chapter 15, Signage. This Chapter
is commonly known as the “Sign Ordinance.”
City Staff: Alfredo Castillo, Associate Planner, acastillo@atascadero.org, Phone: 470-3436
Proposed
Environmental
Determination:
The project is exempt from CEQA based on Section 15061.(3) “General Rule”
since CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a
significant effect on the environment.
Staff
Recommendation:
The Planning Commission adopt PC Resolution 2016-A recommending to the City
Council amendments to Title 9 of the Atascadero Municipal Code, Zoning
Ordinance repealing of Chapter 15 (Sign Ordinance) to be replaced with a revised
and amended Chapter 15 – Signs.
City of Atascadero Planning Commission Agenda Regular Meeting, September 6, 2016
Page 4 of 4
WEBSITE: www.atascadero.org
http://www.facebook.com/planningatascadero
@atownplanning
Scan This QR Code
with your smartphone
to view Planning
Commission Website
City of Atascadero
WELCOME TO THE ATASCADERO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
The Planning Commission meets in regular session on the first and third Tuesday o f each month at 7:00 p.m. at City
Hall, Council Chambers, 6500 Palma Avenue, Atascadero. Matters are considered by the Commission in the order of
the printed Agenda.
Copies of the staff reports or other documentation relating to each item of business referred to on the Agenda are on
file in the office of the Community Development Department and are available for public inspection during City Hall
business hours at the Front Counter of City Hall, 6500 Palma Avenue, Atascadero, and on our website,
www.atascadero.org. All documents submitted by the public during Commission meetings that are either read into
the record or referred to in their statement will be noted in the minutes and available for review in the Comm unity
Development Department. Commission meetings are audio recorded, and may be reviewed by the public. Copies of
meeting recordings are available for a fee. Contact the City Clerk for more information (470-3400).
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in a City
meeting or other services offered by this City, please contact the City Manager’s Office or the City Clerk’s Office,
both at (805) 470-3400. Notification at least 48 hours prior to the meeting or time when services are needed will
assist the City staff in assuring that reasonable arrangements can be made to provide accessibility to the meeting or
service.
TO SPEAK ON SUBJECTS NOT LISTED ON THE AGENDA
Under Agenda item, “PUBLIC COMMENT”, the Chairperson will call for anyone from the audience having business
with the Commission to approach the lectern and be recognized.
1. Give your name for the record (not required)
2. State the nature of your business.
3. All comments are limited to 3 minutes.
4. All comments should be made to the Chairperson and Commission.
5. No person shall be permitted to make slanderous, profane or negative personal remarks concerning any
other individual, absent or present.
This is when items not on the Agenda may be brought to the Commission’s attention. A maximum of 30 minutes will
be allowed for Public Comment Portion (unless changed by the Commission).
TO SPEAK ON AGENDA ITEMS (from Title 2, Chapter 1 of the Atascadero Municipal Code)
Members of the audience may speak on any item on the agenda. The Chairperson will identify the subject, staff will
give their report, and the Commission will ask questions of staff. The Chairperson will announce when the public
comment period is open and will request anyone intere sted to address the Commission regarding the matter being
considered to step up to the lectern. If you wish to speak for, against or comment in any way:
1. You must approach the lectern and be recognized by the Chairperson.
2. Give your name (not required).
3. Make your statement.
4. All comments should be made to the Chairperson and Commission.
5. No person shall be permitted to make slanderous, profane or negative personal remarks concerning any
other individual, absent or present.
6. All comments limited to 3 minutes.
If you wish to use a computer presentation to support your comments, you must notify the C ommunity Development
Department at 470-3402 at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Digital presentations brought to the meeting should
be on a USB drive or CD. You are required to submit to the Recording Secretary a printed copy of your presentation
for the record. Please check in with the Recording Secretary before the meeting begins to announce your presence
and turn in the printed copy.
The Chairperson will announce when the public comment period is closed, and thereafter, no further public
comments will be heard by the Commission.
PC Draft Action Minutes of 8/16/16
Page 1 of 4
CITY OF ATASCADERO
PLANNING COMMISSION
DRAFT ACTION MINUTES
Regular Meeting – Tuesday, August 16, 2016 – 7:00 P.M.
City Hall Council Chambers
6500 Palma Avenue, Atascadero, California
CALL TO ORDER - 7:01 p.m.
Vice Chairperson Anderson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and Commissioner
Seay led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners Bentz, Dariz, Bourbeau, Seay, Schmidt and Vice
Chairperson Anderson
Absent: Chairperson Wolff (excused absence)
Others Present: Recording Secretary, Stefanie Farmer
Staff Present: Community Development Director, Phil Dunsmore
Associate Planner, Alfredo Castillo
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION: By Commissioner Bentz and seconded by
Commissioner Dariz to approve the Agenda.
Motion passed 6:0 by a roll-call vote.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
Vice Chairperson Anderson closed the Public Comment period.
PLANNING COMMISSION BUSINESS
None
ITEM NUMBER: 1
DATE: 9-6-16
1
PC Draft Action Minutes of 8/16/16
Page 2 of 4
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. APPROVAL OF DRAFT ACTION MINUTES OF JULY 19, 2016
2. PLN 2007-1245, DEL RIO ROAD COMMERCIAL AREA SPECIFIC PLAN –
VTPM Time Extension
MOTION: By Commissioner Dariz and seconded by
Commissioner Bentz to approve the
consent calendar.
Motion passed 6:0 by a roll-call vote.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT STAFF REPORTS
None
Property
Owner/Applicant:
Walmart Stores Inc., 2001 S.E. 10th Street, Bentonville, AR 72716-0550
Project Title: Del Rio Road Commercial Area Specific Plan – Vesting Tentative Parcel Map
Extension
Project Location: 2055 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422
APN 049-112-002, 018, 019, 022, 036, 039, 049-151-005, 036, 037, 040, 041
(San Luis Obispo County)
Project
Description:
One (1) year time extension of Vesting Tentative Parcel Map 2009 -0095 (AT 09-0073) for
the creation of four (4) parcels, consistent with the Del Rio Road Commercial Area
Specific Plan (SP-2)
City Staff: Alfredo Castillo, Associate Planner, acastillo@atascadero.org, Phone: 470-3436
Staff
Recommendation:
Staff recommends the Planning Commission adopt PC Resolution 2016 -A approving a
one (1) year time extension of Vesting Tentative Parcel Map, extending vesting
tentative map entitlements for an additional year. Tentative Parcel Map would expire
July 12, 2017.
Proposed
Environmental
Determination:
The project is consistent with the adopted EIR and mitigation monitoring program for
the Del Rio Road Commercial Area Specific Plan (SCH #2010051034).
2
PC Draft Action Minutes of 8/16/16
Page 3 of 4
PUBLIC HEARINGS
DISCLOSURE OF EX PARTE COMMUNICATIONS:
Prior to a project hearing, Planning Commission Members must disclose any communications they have had on any quasi-
judicial agenda items. This includes, but is not limited to, Tentative Subdivision Maps, Parcel Maps, Variances, Conditional Use
Permits, and Planned Development Permits. This does not disqualify the Planning Commission Member from participating and
voting on the matter, but gives the public and applicant an opportunity to comment on the ex parte communication.
(For each of the following items, the public will be given an opportunity to speak. After a staff report, the Chair will open the public
hearing and invite the applicant or applicant’s representative to make any comments. Members of the public will be inv ited to provide
testimony to the Commission following the applicant. Speakers should state their name for the record and can address the
Commission for three minutes. After all public comments have been received, the public hearing will be closed, and th e Commission
will discuss the item and take appropriate action(s).)
3. PLN 2016-1594, AMENDING LAND USE DEFINITIONS (CITYWIDE)
EX PARTE COMMUNICATIONS:
Commissioner Bourbeau asked questions to Associate Planner Castillo over the phone.
Community Development Director Dunsmore gave a brief overview on the item, and
stated that staff will eventually publish a color zoning handbook. Associate Planner
Castillo gave the staff report and answered questions from the Commission.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
Vice Chairperson Anderson closed the Public Comment period.
Applicant: City of Atascadero, 6500 Palma Ave., Atascadero, CA 93422
Project Title: PLN 2016-1594 / ZCH 2016-0181
Project Location: Citywide Atascadero, CA 93422 (San Luis Obispo County)
Project
Description:
The proposed project consists of amendments to Article 1 and repealing Articles 2
through 21 and Article 29 of Chapter 3, Title 9 of the Atascadero Municipal Code and
replacing these sections with Articles 2 through 5. The intent of the amendment is to
reorganize the Zoning Ordinance for increased legibility while accommodating the revised
land use definitions.
Staff
Recommendation:
The Planning Commission adopt PC Resolution 2016-A recommending to the City
Council amendments to Title 9 of the Atascadero Municipal Code, Zoning Ordinance,
amendments to Article 1 and repealing of Articles 2 through 21 and Article 29 to be
replaced with the following section:
Article 2 – Agriculture & Residential Zoning Districts;
Article 3 – Non-Residential Zoning Districts;
Article 4 – Public Zoning Districts;
Article 5 – Land Use Definitions;
Articles 6 through 22 – Reserved
Article 29 – Reserved.
Proposed
Environmental
Determination:
The project is exempt from CEQA based on Section 15061.(3) “General Rule” since
CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on
the environment.
3
PC Draft Action Minutes of 8/16/16
Page 4 of 4
Commissioner Schmidt recommended that when the presentation is made to Council in
the future, it is made the same way, but the zoning handbook should be kept separately
from that discussion completely. Commissioners were pleased with the changes and
agreed that this simplified document makes items easy to interpret for staff and the
public.
MOTION: By Commissioner Bentz and seconded by
Commissioner Dariz that the Planning
Commission adopt PC Resolution 2016-A
recommending that the City Council
introduce an ordinance for first reading, by
title only, to approve PLN 2016-1594 based
on findings.
Motion passed 6:0 by a roll-call vote.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS AND REPORTS
Commissioner Schmidt talked about the consent calendar, and stated that this item
could have been pulled if the Commission wanted to pull it . Commissioner Bentz also
responded to the question about consent calendar.
DIRECTORS REPORT
Community Development Director Dunsmore updated the Commission on the Walmart
time extension and announced that the next Planning Commission hearing is scheduled
for September 6, 2016, and the Commission will hear the sign regulations.
ADJOURNMENT – 8:34 p.m.
The next regular meeting of the Planning Commission is scheduled for September 6,
2016, at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall, Council Chambers, 6500 Palma Avenue, Atascadero.
MINUTES PREPARED BY:
____________________________
Stefanie Farmer, Planning Intern
4
Atascadero Planning Commission
Staff Report - Community Development Department
Stefanie Farmer, Planning Intern, 470-3466, sfarmer@atascadero.org
Katie Banister, Assistant Planner, 470-3480, kbanister@atascadero.org
PLN 2016-1607 / CUP 2016-0300
Oversized Accessory Structure
7525 Gabarda Road
(Fapp)
SUBJECT:
The project is a detached accessory structure in excess of fifty percent (50%) of the
gross floor area of the primary residence in the Residential Suburban (RS) zoning
district.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff Recommends:
The Planning Commission (PC) adopt Resolution PC 2016-A approving Conditional Use
Permit (CUP) 2016-0300 allowing a 988 square-foot detached accessory structure
based on findings and subject to conditions of approval.
DISCUSSION:
Situation & Facts
1. Applicant & Owner: Douglas & Heidi Fapp, 7525 Gabarda Road,
Atascadero, CA 93422
2. Project Address: 7525 Gabarda Road, Atascadero, CA 93422
APN 028-411-007
3. General Plan Designation: Suburban Estate (SE)
4. Zoning District: Residential Suburban (RS)
5. Site Area: 0.91 acres
6. Existing Use: Single-Family residence
ITEM NUMBER: 2
DATE: 9-6-16
5
7. Environmental Status: Section 15303 Categorical Exemption: New
Construction or Conversion of Small Structures
Background
The site is located near Curbaril Avenue on Gabarda Road to the east of the railroad
tracks. The property is less than one acre in the Residential Suburban zone and is a
relatively flat lot.
Location and Zoning
Surrounding Land Use and Setting:
North: Residential Suburban (RS)
South: Wastewater Facility
Residential Suburban (RS)
East: Residential Suburban (RS)
West: Railroad & Curbaril Ave
Residential Single-Family (RSF-Y)
The 1,324 square-foot residence with an attached 428 square -foot garage (1752 total
square feet) was constructed in 1998. The applicant intends to place a detached steel
Project Site
7525 Gabarda Road
Jim Green Trail
Stadium Park
Curbaril Ave
RS District
El Camino Real
Wastewater
Facility
RSF-Y
District
6
building at the rear of the property. The applicant plans to plant a small orchard on the
property. The steel building will be used to store agricultural supplies needed for the
orchard, along with hay and feed for goats and chickens, and a recreational vehicle.
Aerial Photograph
ANALYSIS:
Residential Accessory Use
Atascadero Municipal Code (AMC) Section 9-6.106 limits residential properties to two
detached accessory structures requiring building permits. These structures can be as
large as 50% of the size of the primary residence. Deviation from these standards
requires a minor Conditional Use Permit (CUP).
The floor area of the proposed 988 square-foot structure is approximately 56% of the
size of the primary residence. Without a CUP, the maximum size for a detached
accessory structure on this property would be 876 square feet of floor area. The
structure is defined as a workshop or garage by AMC Section 9-5.020, and is
categorized as an unconditioned, utility (U) occupancy space.
There are currently multiple temporary storage structures located in the back of the
property near the proposed barn. The structures are metal poles with cloth material
Project Site
7525 Gabarda Rd
Proposed location of new
accessory structure
7
covers. The applicant intends to remove the existing temporary accessory structures
when the new structure replaces them.
Native Trees
There are two native trees located on the south-eastern side of the proposed structure,
which may be impacted by development of this site. All proposed construction activities
are outside the dripline of these trees and tree protection fencing will be installed to
prevent as much disturbance as possible. No native tree removals are proposed.
Driveway
Fire Department standards require a driveway to the accessory structure. The driveway
must be at least 12 feet wide and have an all -weather surface. In addition, a Fire
Department turnaround on an all-weather surface must be located in proximity to the
structure.
Neighborhood Compatibility
The proposed accessory structure will be located at the rear of the property; there will
be little to no visibility from public streets. The proposed structure is approximately 18
feet in height at the peak of the roofline, and will be visible from neighboring residences.
Front of property with dirt road access Proposed structure
The proposed metal building is designed with materials similar to other accessory
buildings in the neighborhood and has a neutral color scheme. Neighboring properties
are close to or over one acre in size and have an overall characteristic of containing at
least one accessory structure and a variety of farm animals. Photographs of
neighboring accessory buildings are included below:
Northern neighboring property Eastern neighboring property
8
Southern neighboring property
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION:
The project qualifies for a Categorical Exemption under CEQA Sec tion 15303, New
Construction or Conversion of Small Structures, specifically the construction of
accessory structures including garages.
CONCLUSION:
The applicant is proposing a detached accessory structure with a gross floor area in
excess of 50% of the gross floor area of the primary structure. The proposed design
and placement of the structure is generally consistent with the character of the
neighborhood.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. The Commission may include modifications to the project and/or conditions of
approval for the project.
2. The Commission may determine that more information is needed on some
aspect of the project and may refer the item back to the applicant and staff to
develop the additional information. The Commission should clearly state the type
of information that is required and move to continue the item to a future date.
3. The Commission may deny the project. The Commission must specify the
reasons for denial of the project and make an associated finding with such
action.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1: Site Photographs
Attachment 2: Applicant Statement of Justification
Attachment 3: Draft Resolution PC 2016-A
9
ATTACHMENT 1: Site Photographs
PLN 2016-1607 / CUP 2016-0300
Primary Residence Existing Driveway
Access Way Through Property Northern Property Line
Facing Back Towards House (Southwest) Northwest Property Line
Eastern Property Line Proposed Accessory Structure
Structure to be removed
Structures to be removed
10
ATTACHMENT 2: Applicant’s Statement of Justification
PLN 2016-1607 / CUP 2016-0300
11
ATTACHMENT 3: Draft Resolution PC 2016-A
PLN 2016-1607 / CUP 2016-0300
DRAFT RESOLUTION PC 2016-A
RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF ATASCADERO APPROVING
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 2016-0300 (PLN 2016-1607) ALLOWING
A DETACHED ACCESSORY STRUCTURE WHICH EXCEEDS
FIFTY PERCENT OF THE SIZE OF THE PRIMARY RESIDENCE
7525 GABARDA ROAD / APN 028-411-007
(FAPP)
WHEREAS, an application has been received from Douglas and Heidi Fapp (7525
Gabarda Road, Atascadero, CA 93422), Applicant and Owner, to consider a Conditional Use
Permit (CUP 2016-0300) to allow a 988 square foot detached accessory structure, which is larger
than 50% of the gross floor area of the principal structure; and,
WHEREAS, the site’s General Plan designation is Suburban Estate (SE); and,
WHEREAS, the site’s zoning is Residential Suburban (RS); and,
WHEREAS, the proposed project qualifies for an Categorical Exemption consistent with
CEQA Section 15303: New construction or conversion of small structures; and,
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 Minor
Conditional Use Permit 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
Conditional Use Permit; and,
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of Atascadero, at a duly noticed
Public Hearing held on September 6, 2016, studied and considered the Conditional Use Permit
2016-0300; and,
NOW, THEREFORE, the Planning Commission of the City of Atascadero takes the
following actions:
SECTION 1. Findings of Environmental Exemption. The Planning Commission finds
as follows:
12
1. The proposed project has been found Categorically Exempt under Class 3, Section
15303, New construction or conversion of small structures, of the California
Environmental Quality Act.
SECTION 2. Findings for approval of Conditional Use Permit. The Planning
Commission finds as follows:
1. The proposed use is consistent with the General Plan; and
Detached accessory structures are consistent with the Suburban Estates designation of
the General Plan. The size, use and appearance, are compatible with the surrounding
neighborhood as required by Land Use, Open Space and Conservation Element
Program 1.1.6.
2. The proposed project satisfies all applicable provisions of the Title (Zoning
Ordinance), and
As proposed, the project will meet the property’s setback, height and other site design
requirements. The use of the structure will be limited to uses permitted by the Zoning
Ordinance. The project, with Planning Commission approval of the CUP for a size
exception, satisfies all applicable provisions of the zoning ordinance related to
residential accessory structures.
3. The establishment, and subsequent operation or conduct of the use will not,
because of the circumstances and conditions applied in the particular case, be
detrimental to the health, safety, or welfare of the general public or persons
residing or working in the neighborhood of the use, or be detrimental or
injurious to property or improvements in the vicinity of the use; and
The storage of a recreational vehicle, feed for animals, and agricultural supplies are
typical of residential suburban neighborhoods. The structure will be constructed to
meet the standards of the building code.
4. That the proposed project will not be inconsistent with the character or the
immediate neighborhood or contrary to its orderly development; and
The structure will be located at the rear of the property and the neighborhood contains
other similar accessory buildings. The proposed use of the structure is compatible
with the neighborhood.
5. That the proposed project will not generate a volume of traffic beyond the safe
capacity of all roads providing access to the project, either existing or to be
improved in conjunction with the project, or beyond the normal traffic volume
of the surrounding neighborhood that would result from full development in
accordance with the Land Use Element; and
The addition of a residential workshop/garage will not contribute additional traffic in
the neighborhood.
6. That the proposed project is in compliance with any pertinent City policy or criteria
adopted by ordinance or resolution of the City Council.
13
Consistent with City policy, the accessory structure may not be used as an additional
residential unit. Detached accessory structures are permitted in the residential
districts.
SECTION 3. Approval. The Planning Commission of the City of Atascadero, in a regular
session, assembled on September 6, 2016 resolved to approve Conditional Use Permit 2016-0300
subject to the following:
EXHIBIT A: CEQA Exemption
EXHIBIT B: Conditions of Approval
EXHIBIT C: Site Plan
EXHIBIT D: Floor Plan
EXHIBIT E: Elevations
On motion by Commissioner_____________, and seconded by Commissioner_______________
the foregoing resolution is hereby adopted in its entirety by the following roll call vote:
AYES: ( )
NOES: ( )
ABSTAIN: ( )
ABSENT: ( )
ADOPTED:
CITY OF ATASCADERO, CA
______________________________
Jan Wolff
Planning Commission Chairperson
Attest:
______________________________
Phil Dunsmore
Planning Commission Secretary
14
EXHIBIT A: Notice of Exemption
PLN 2016-1607 / CUP 2016-0300
15
EXHIBIT B: Conditions of Approval
PLN 2016-1607 / CUP 2016-0300
Conditions of Approval
PLN 2016-1607 / CUP 2016-0300
7525 Gabarda Road
Detached Accessory Structure
Timing
BL: Business License
GP: Grading Permit
BP: Building Permit
FI: Final Inspection
TO: Temporary Occupancy
FO: Final Occupancy
Responsibility
/Monitoring
PS: Planning Services
BS: Building Services
FD: Fire Department
PD: Police Department
CE: City Engineer
WW: Wastewater
CA: City Attorney
Planning Services Conditions
1. This Conditional Use Permit shall allow for the construction of a 988
square foot detached accessory structure at 7525 Gabarda Road,
described on the attached exhibits and located on APN 028-411-007,
regardless of owner.
Ongoing PS
2. The approval of this use permit shall become final and effective for the
purposes of issuing building permits fourteen (14) days following the
Planning Commission approval unless prior to the time, an appeal to
the decision is filed as set forth in Section 9-1.111(b) of the Zoning
Ordinance.
Ongoing PS
3. Approval of this Conditional Use Permit shall be valid for twenty-four
(24) months after its effective date. At the end of the period, the
approval shall expire and become null and void unless the project has
received a building permit.
BP PS
4. The Community Development Department shall have the authority to
approve minor changes to the project that (1) modify the site plan
project by less than 10%, and/or (2) result in a superior site design or
appearance.
BP PS, CE
5. The applicant shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the City of
Atascadero or its agents, officers, and employees against any claim or
action brought to challenge an approval by the City, or any of its
entities, concerning the construction or use of the detached accessory
structure.
Ongoing PS
6. Architectural elevations shall be consistent with Exhibit D. Exterior
building and roof colors shall be neutral color scheme, similar to as
shown in attached exhibits
FI PS
7. All utilities servicing the accessory structure shall be installed
underground. BP PS, BS
8. Building height shall not exceed 20 feet. BP PS, BS
9. The accessory structure shall not be used as a secondary residential
unit. The accessory structure shall not have cooking facilities including
a kitchen or wet bar. No overnight stays are permitted.
Ongoing PS
10. Existing temporary accessory structures on the property shall be
removed. FI PS
16
Conditions of Approval
PLN 2016-1607 / CUP 2016-0300
7525 Gabarda Road
Detached Accessory Structure
Timing
BL: Business License
GP: Grading Permit
BP: Building Permit
FI: Final Inspection
TO: Temporary Occupancy
FO: Final Occupancy
Responsibility
/Monitoring
PS: Planning Services
BS: Building Services
FD: Fire Department
PD: Police Department
CE: City Engineer
WW: Wastewater
CA: City Attorney
Building Services Conditions
11. A building permit is required before construction of the accessory
structure shall begin. BP BS
Public Works Department Conditions
12. A storm water control plan shall be submitted to the City, to be
approved by the City Engineer. BP CE
13. Erosion control and dust control shall be in place at all times during
ground disturbing activities. Said control measures shall remain in
place until 70% or more of the disturbed surfaces show signs of re -
vegetation, to the satisfaction of the City Engineer. If hydro -seeding
is used on-site, the seed mixture shall be comprised of a mix of
native grass and plant species, to be approved by the Community
Development Director and City Engineer.
BP CE
Fire Department Conditions
14. The detached accessory structure shall comply with all Fire
Department standards and requirements including driveway length,
width, surface and slope, dry line and fire truck turnaround.
BP FD
15. A Knox Box to allow Fire Department access shall be required if a
locking gate is installed over the driveway. BP FD
16. The driveway to the accessory structure shall be at least 12 feet wide
and given an all-weather surface (gravel road base 4-6 inches thick) or
as approved by the Fire Department.
BP FD, PS
17. The Fire Department turnaround shall be given an all-weather surface
(gravel road base 4-6 inches thick) with a cross-slope not to exceed XX
%.
BP FD
17
EXHIBIT C: Site Plan
PLN 2016-1607 / CUP 2016-0300
Proposed oversized
accessory structure
Existing residence
Fire turnaround
Existing all-
weather surface
driveway
Existing
temporary
structures to be
removed
Tree protection
fencing
18
EXHIBIT D: Conceptual Floor Plan
PLN 2016-1607 / CUP 2016-0300
26 feet
38 feet
19
EXHIBIT E: Elevations
PLN 2016-1607 / CUP 2016-0300
10 feet
17 feet & 10 inches
20
ITEM: 3
DATE: 9-6-16
Atascadero Planning Commission
Staff Report - Community Development Department
Phil Dunsmore, AICP, Community Development Director, 470-3488, pdunsmore@atascadero.org
Alfredo R. Castillo, AICP, Associate Planner, 470-3436, acastillo@atascadero.org
Title 9 Planning and Zoning Text Amendments – Sign Ordinance
PLN 2016-1608
(City of Atascadero)
SUBJECT:
This action consists of proposed Zoning Ordinance Text Amendments to the City’s Sign
Ordinance, contained in Title 9 Planning and Zoning, based on feedback received from the
City Council, business owners, and sign companies.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission adopt Resolution PC 2016-A,
recommending that the City Council introduce an ordinance for first reading, by title
only, to approve PLN 2016-1608 based on findings.
SITUATION AND FACTS:
1. Applicant: City of Atascadero, 6500 Palma Ave.
Atascadero, CA 93422
2. General Plan Designation: Citywide
3. Zoning District: Citywide
4. Environmental Status: Exempt from CEQA (Section 15061.(3)(b). No
significant environmental impact.
21
ITEM: 3
DATE: 9-6-16
DISCUSSION:
Background:
As part of the City Council’s 2014 Strategic Planning process, the Council discussed the
appearance of the City’s commercial district along El Camino Real and Morro Road. At
the February 11, 2014 City Council meeting, the Council agreed that the appearance of
the commercial district along El Camino Real needs to be im proved and that temporary
and unpermitted signs were a concern. In the fall of 2014, the City along with the
Chamber of Commerce completed a business walk and business appearance outreach
meeting.
At the January 2015 meeting, City Council members express ed a desire that staff plan
for “consultation and education” of local businesses in this effort. Based on the feedback
and comments from the City Council, staff devised an approach that mirrored the
successful business walk efforts. The following strategies were developed that reflected
this consultation and education approach that the City Council had mentioned in their
comments:
Creating a positive business friendly approach and branding signage clean -up as
“Improve Atascadero Signage Campaign” and create an easy to use webpage to
disseminate information;
City staff provide outreach with local media to discuss the signage campaign and
help promote signage clean-up of the corridor;
Rather than mail out notices, City staff would walk the City’s business corridor
and hand out letters, listen to business owners, and help discuss the signage
ordinance;
Create easy to use handouts that both City staff and the Chamber of Commerce
can provide to existing and future business owners;
Track and log business that had sign violations and follow-up with additional
business visits or phone calls;
Provide a signage symposium in conjunction with the Atascadero Chamber of
Commerce to discuss City signage regulations and ways businesses can
promote themselves;
Commend businesses that have come into compliance by providing them
recognition through a certificate and recognition on the City’s website.
As the campaign rolled out, City staff visited businesses over a two week span. Initial
follow-up visits have been ongoing since the campaign began in spring of 2015.
Business visits and subsequent follow-ups have been time consuming, yet yielded
positive results as the amount of temporary signage such as banner signs, a -frame
signs, feather flags, and other illegal signage has been reduced substantially.
22
ITEM: 3
DATE: 9-6-16
Staff continues to outreach to businesses in regards to signage. On July 1 , 2016, staff
visited over 30 businesses and asked for the removal of approximately 35 temporary
signs that were found to be inconsistent with the City’s Sign regulations. The site visits
utilized a positive approach in an attempt to assist businesses with better signage while
helping them understand the Citywide goal of a professional image.
Evolution of the Sign Ordinance Amendments
Staff has created a draft Sign Ordinance based what we have learned from the sign
campaign and on feedback from the following sources:
Staff input in regards to managing the Sign Ordinance based on customer
inquiries and use of the code;
Updates based on recent case law (Sign Content –Attachment 1)
Business Owner feedback in regards to the lack of understanding of the City ’s
Sign Ordinance and limitations of the Sign Ordinance to properly advertise
business locations;
Signage Company feedback on proposed regulations and ways to modify the
Ordinance to allow for additional signage types;
Input from the Chamber of Commerce in regards to continuing a partnership with
the City in providing information on signage, lower fees, and overall cooperative
spirit in ensuring business owner success in Atascadero.
Analysis:
1. Organization
The most significant change to the proposed ordinance is the reorganization of the
City’s Sign Ordinance. The current Ordinance structure is inefficient in its format. This
has made for an Ordinance that is difficult for staff and applicants to mine for
information and added to the business community’s comment that the Ordinance is “too
difficult to understand.”
The graphic below illustrates the existing table of contents of the Sign Ordinance and
the need for reorganization.
23
ITEM: 3
DATE: 9-6-16
Existing Ordinance Content List
Proposed Sign Ordinance Content List
Definitions should be
placed in the rear.
Text heavy & hard to
determine when and
where a sign is allowed
Deals with non-
commercial signage,
however unclear as
written
Required sign permit
materials should be
placed up front
Moved definitions to
end
Clear and concise
clause sections to
reflect new case law
Placed all types of
signs in easy to use
tables
Clearly identified
signage that is
prohibited in the City
Permit requirements
now placed at the
beginning of
ordinance
Clearly identify
signage that is
exempt from permits
Permit exempt signs
& prohibited signs
are buried in text
24
ITEM: 3
DATE: 9-6-16
2. Revisions to Exempt Signage
The exempt sign section has been revised to be content neutral, consistent with the
2015 Supreme Court Case Reed v. Town of Gilbert (Attachment 1). Sign descriptions
that have been revised include:
Existing Content Based Signage
Type
Proposed Content-Neutral Type Sign Example
Agriculture Signs Signs in Agriculture Zones
Construction Signs Signs on properties under
construction
Holiday Signs Decorations
Real Estate Signs Temporary For Sale Signs
Election Signs Non-Commercial Signage
Additional exempt signage (signs not requiring a permit) have been added to allow for
additional sign options. In most cases, these permit exempt signage contain criteria that
must be followed in order to be permit exempt.
25
ITEM: 3
DATE: 9-6-16
Proposed New Exempt
Signage Type
Brief Description Sign Example
Projected Image Sign Images, generated by an electronic
device that projects text, graphics,
etc for a temporary amount of time.
Temporary Non-
Commercial Sign
Signs that display a non-
commercial message, for a
temporary duration of time
Perforated Window Film A type of window graphic used by
businesses to attract customers
Art & Murals Non-Commercial messages that are
painted on walls or facades,
however an AUP is required prior to
installation. The AUP is fee exempt.
3. Clarification of Prohibited Sign Types
Staff is proposing additional signs that are to be prohibited within the City. The
additional signs that proposed to be prohibited are not consistent with the established
intent of the City’s Sign Ordinance The intent is codified as follows:
26
ITEM: 3
DATE: 9-6-16
Intent of the City’s Sign Ordinance
The intent is not proposed to be modified and staff has reviewed the following signs and
determined, with input from the Chamber and signage companies, the following signs
are to be prohibited:
Signage Types Proposed to Be
Prohibited
Example
Digital Display / LED Messaging
New Wall mounted cabinet signs
Feather Flag
27
ITEM: 3
DATE: 9-6-16
4. Additional Sign Options Added
Based on feedback received from business owners, sign companies, and experience in
the field through business visits, staff is proposing additional sign types be codified and
allowed within the City. The following are additional signage options that will b e allowed
in the City:
Signage on City Right-of-Way
Proposed New Signage Special Requirements Example
Private Light Pole Sign May be utilized for temporary
banner or signage
Does not count towards total
aggregate sign area.
Light Pole required to be on
private property.
A maximum of two (2) signs
per pole.
Signage on poles need to be
placed within decorative
frames or brackets.
Multi-Tenant Freestanding Two (2) or more tenants
required.
Minimum base height four
(4) feet for visibility.
Base will not count towards
sign face.
Bases to be located in a
landscape planter.
Grounded Monument Signs Minimum base height of one
(1) foot for visibility.
Base does not count towards
sign area.
Base to have decorative
hardscaping and architecture
of the building(s) it serves.
Bases shall be located in a
landscape planter.
Allow in the Downtown
Zones
28
ITEM: 3
DATE: 9-6-16
5. Increasing allowable signage on properties
As a part of the analysis of the City’s Sign Ordinance and feedback received, it became
clear that the current Ordinance is too restrictive in terms of signage and arbitrary for
some of the signage types. Staff is proposing the following overall amendments to the
Sign Ordinance.
Increase the overall aggregate sign area for non-residential zones, except for the
Downtown to 150 square feet (sf);
Allow additional signage types in the non -residential zones such as awning signs,
building name signs, and tenant directional signs;
Allowed the ability for monument signage in the Downtown zones ;
Increase the amount of wall signage permitted based on building frontage versus
20 sf in the Downtown and 40 sf in non-residential zones.
6. Substitution / Severability Clause
As a part of ensuring content neutrality, as well as ensuring the City has a Signage
Ordinance in place due to any future case law, staff is recommending inclusion of two
clauses.
The first is what is known as a substitution
clause. The substitution clause ensures that all
allowed types of signs that are permitted in any
zone, can be changed out with a non-commercial
message, as long as it meets the requirements of
said sign. The following is an example of the
substitution clause:
Subdivision Identification Allowed in developments of
five (5) units or more.
Establish min. Base heights.
towards sign face area.
Bases to be located in a
landscape planter and on
private property.
Signs shall front on either an
designated arterial or
collector road.
Meets monument sign min. 10 sf;
Can be used interchangeably with
other business
Can carry a non-commercial
message
29
ITEM: 3
DATE: 9-6-16
The clause is the City’s “first line of defense” to ensure content neutrality, or simply, the
regulation of time, place, manner versus any content. The clause language is proposed
as follows:
9-15.016 Substitution Clause
Notwithstanding any provision of this section to the contrary, the extent that this section
allows a sign containing a commercial message, a non-commercial signage shall be allowed to
the same extent. The non-commercial message may occupy the entire sign area or any portion
thereof, and may substitute or be combined with the commercial message. The sign message may
be changed from commercial to non-commercial message to another, as frequently as desired by
the sign’s owner, provided that the sign is not prohibited and the sign continues to comply with
all requirements of this section.
The 2nd clause to be included is the severability clause. Currently, the City’s Sign
Ordinance does not have such a clause. As it stands, it is conceivable that the current
ordinance could be challenged and deemed invalid, due to its current content based
regulations that make it inconsistent with recent court rulings. Staff is proposing to
codify a severability clause to ensure that the code remains in place, while the portion of
the code that is deemed invalid would no longer be enforced. The following is the
proposed language:
9-15.017 Severability Clause
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phase of this sign ordinance is for any
reason held to be invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of
this sign ordinance. The City Council of the City of Atascadero hereby declares that it would
have adopted the Sign Ordinance in each section, subsection, sentence, or phase thereof,
irrespective of the fact that any one or more section, subsections, sentences, clauses, or phases be
declared invalid.
Proposed Environmental Determination
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (Section 15061.(3), (b)) exempts
activities which are covered by the general rule that CEQA applies only to projects
which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. The
proposed text amendment will not have any significant adverse environmental impacts
associated with this project application.
CONCLUSIONS
The proposed amendments to the Sign Ordinance started in summer of 2013 and
continued through 2014, a signage campaign in 2015, and finally ordinance revisions.
The proposed ordinance revisions have not been created in a vacuum, but rather
represented over a year and half of outreach with our Chamber of Commerce, local
30
ITEM: 3
DATE: 9-6-16
businesses, and sign companies. The results of the “Improve Atascadero Signage”
campaign are evident throughout the El Camino Real corridor and other areas. The
proposed Sign Ordinance revisions are a reflection of balance that needed to be
completed in the Sign Ordinance and allow for better solutions for our existing and
future businesses.
ALTERNATIVES
1. The Commission may recommend modifications of the text amendments to the
City Council.
2. The Commission may determine that more information is needed on some
aspect of the project and may refer the item back to the applicant and staff to
develop the additional information. The Commission should clearly state the type
of information that is required and move to continue the item to a future date.
3. The Commission may recommend the City Council deny some or all of the
proposed text amendments. The Commission should specify the reasons for
denial of the project and recommend an associated finding with such action.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1: Reed v. Town of Gilbert – Lisa Wise Handout
Attachment 2: Draft Resolution 2016-A
31
ITEM: 3
DATE: 9-6-16
ATTACHMENT 1: Reed v. Town of Gilbert – Lisa Wise Handout
32
ITEM: 3
DATE: 9-6-16
ATTACHMENT 2: Draft Resolution PC 2016-A
DRAFT RESOLUTION PC 2016-A
RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF ATASCADERO, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL AMEND THE ATASCADERO MUNICIPAL
CODE BY APPROVING PLN 2016-1608/ZCH 2013-0169 TITLE 9 ZONING
ORDINANCE CODE TEXT AMENDMENTS
(Citywide/City of Atascadero)
WHEREAS, an application has been received from the City of Atascadero (6500 Palma
Ave., Atascadero, CA 93422), to consider Zone Change Text Amendments to Title 9, Chapter 15
that includes repeal and replace of Chapter 15, known as the Sign Ordinance; and
WHEREAS, a Notice of Exemption was prepared for the project and made available for
public review in accordance with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA); and,
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission has determined that it is in the best interest of the
City to enact these amendments to Title 9 Planning and Zoning of the Municipal Code; and,
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 August 16, 2016, studied and considered PLN 2016-1608; and,
NOW THEREFORE, the Planning Commission of the City of Atascadero takes the
following actions:
SECTION 1. Findings for Approval of a Zone Text Change. The Planning
Commission finds as follows:
33
ITEM: 3
DATE: 9-6-16
1. The Planning and Zoning Text Change is consistent with General Plan policies and
all other applicable ordinances and policies of the City.
2. This Amendment of the Zoning Ordinance 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. Recommendation of Approval. The Planning Commission of the City of
Atascadero, in a regular session assembled on September 6, 2016, resolved to recommend that
the City Council introduce for first reading by title only, an Ordinance that would amend the City
Planning and Zoning Code Text with the following:
EXHIBIT A: Categorical Exemption
EXHIBIT B: Zone Text Change – Chapter 15 – Signs
34
ITEM: 3
DATE: 9-6-16
On motion by Commissioner ____________, and seconded by Commissioner ______________,
the foregoing resolution is hereby adopted in its entirety by the following roll call vote:
AYES: ( )
NOES: ( )
ABSTAIN: ( )
ABSENT: ( )
ADOPTED:
CITY OF ATASCADERO, CA
______________________________
Jan Wolff
Planning Commission Chairperson
Attest:
______________________________
Phil Dunsmore
Planning Commission Secretary
T:\- 16 PLNs\PLN 2016-1608 Sign Ordinance\Planning Commission\PLN 2016-1608SR.PC.ac.docx
35
ITEM: 3
DATE: 9-6-16
EXHIBIT A: Categorical Exemption
PLN 2013-1462 / ZCH 2013-0168
Title 9 Zoning Ordinance Text Amendments
36
ITEM: 3
DATE: 9-6-16
EXHIBIT B: Zone Text Change – Title 9 Zoning Ordinance
PLN 2016-1608 – Sign Ordinance Revisions
Chapter 15
SIGNS
Sections:
9-15.001 Title and intent.
9-15.002 DefinitionsIntent.
9-15.003 Applicability.
9-15.004 Sign Exempt Signsdesign standards.
9-15.005 Allowed signs.Sign Permits Required
9-15.006 Exceptions to sign standards.
9-15.007006 Sign construction standards.Prohibited Signs
9-15.008007 Sign maintenance.Allowed Signs By Zone
9-15.009008 Sign permit application package.Types of Signs & Standards
9-15.010009 Legal nonconforming signs.Freeway Signs
9-15.010 Sign Materials, Design & Calculations
9-15.011 Code enforcement.Design Exceptions
9-15.012.1 Private placement on right-of-way.Sign Maintenance and Abandoned Signs
9-15.012.2 Sign area.
9-15.012.3 Height.
9-15.012.4 Posting on structures.
9-15.013 Private placement.Non-Conforming Signs
9-15.014 Code Enforcement
9-15.015 Signs on City Property
9-15.016 Substitution Clause
9-15.017 Severability Clause
9-15.018 Definitions
9-15.001 Title and intent.
This chapter shall be known and cited as the Sign Ordinance of the City of Atascadero.
This chapter is based on the City’s responsibility to protect the general public’s health, safety and
welfare. The spirit of this chapter is based on the City’s desire to protect the economy and
aesthetics of the community. The City finds that it is in the interest of both aesthetics and traffic
safety that sign information be kept to a minimum.
9-15.002 Intent
The purpose of this chapter is to establish sign regulations that are intended to:
(a) Maintain and improve the aesthetic environment and overall community
appearance to foster the City’s ability to attract sources of economic development and growth;
(b) Encourage the effective use of signs as a means of communication in the City and
reduce possible traffic and safety hazards from confusing or distracting signs;
37
ITEM: 3
DATE: 9-6-16
(c) Implement quality sign design standards that are consistent with the City’s
General Plan, Zoning Ordinance and Appearance Review Guidelines;
(d) Enable fair and consistent enforcement of these sign regulations;
(e) Minimize possible adverse impacts of signs on private and public property in
order to maintain property values and to maintain a positive City image;
(f) Enhance traffic safety by ensuring that signage does not distract, obstruct or
otherwise impede traffic circulation and to safeguard and preserve the health, property, and
public welfare of Atascadero residents through prohibiting, regulating, and controlling the
density, location, and maintenance of signs.;
(g) Permit noncommercial signage wherever other signage is permitted within
Chapter 9-15 subject to the same standards and total maximum allowances for a site of each sign
type specified in this chapter. (Ord. 400 § 1, 2002; Ord. 255 § 2, 1992)
9-15.003 Applicability.
(a) General.
(1a) The provisions of this chapter are applicable to all signs constructed or altered
after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapterof the ordinance codifying this
chapter.
(2b) 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.
(3c) 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.
(5d) The sign design standards herein are intended to be the maximum standards
allowable without an administrative use permit or conditional use permit.
9-15.004 Exempt Signs
Types of exempt signage. The following sign types are exempt from building permits consistent
with the provided standards. Size and placement standards noted below and in subsequent
sections must be adhered to in order to qualify as exempt.
(a) Signs on Properties Under Construction. With an aggregate area of forty (40)
square feet, attached to a fence or construction related structure, not exceeding eight (8) feet in
height, and made of a lightweight material such as vinyl. One (1) sign per street frontage.
(b) Directory Signs. Wall mounted for pedestrian use, with an aggregate area of
twenty (20) square feet, not exceeding eight (8) feet in heightplaced lower that 65-feet on the
wall surface.
(c) Non-illuminated Decorations. Special event decorations, may be in place up to
sixty (60) days, except for signage listed in section 9-15.006.
(d) Hazard Signs. As long as a hazard exists.
(e) Residential Signs and Home Occupations. With an aggregate area of fourtwo (42)
square feet.
38
ITEM: 3
DATE: 9-6-16
(f) Window Signs and Lettering. Limited to lettering, graphics and perforated
window film. Maximum area of ½ of the window, where permitted, per tTable 15.-1 and Table
15.2. With an aggregate area not exceeding four (4) square feet, at public entrancesPosting of
signs related to the operation of the business not to exceed (4) square feet (hours, restaurant
ratings, etc) are excluded from aggregate sign calculations. not included in this maximum area
(g) Official Government Flags. Signs, flags and notices.
(i) Window Lettering. Limited to lettering, graphics and perforated window film, per
Table 15-1.
(jih) Landscaped Signs. Consistent with Section 9-4.127.
(kji) Official Safety and Directional Signs. Safety and directional signage that is
consistent with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, California edition (MUTCD)
and shall not interfere with sight distance requirements or path of travel.
kOfficial Cityand/or signage /orlM.(nmj) Temporary signage in accordance with
Table 15.1 and Table 15.2.
(onk) Vehicle Signs. Painted signs, magnetic signs, decals, or logo wrap adhered to a
vehicle, unless parked for the primary purpose of displaying the sign, refer to section 9-
15.006(g).
9-15.004005 Sign Sign design standards.Permits Required
(a) Except as hereinafter provided, no permanent sign shall be constructed, displayed
or altered without an approved sign building permit. Signs are permitted under the various use
classifications or locations specified in this chapter.
(b) The application requirements, processing, review and approval for a sign permit
shall be as set forth in Section 9-15.004 of this chapter..005(d)Where noted in this code,
additional Planning Entitlements may be required for signage that does not conform to the
specified sign regulations or when noted as required based on signage type or location.
(c1) When signs are proposed for a project subject to entitlement approval, a separate
sign permitentitlement is not required. The application for entitlement and sign shall include
complete information per Section 9-15.009 of this chapterthis section, and any other information
determined to be necessary for planning divisioncommunity development department review.
(ad) Permit RequirementsApplication. Applications for a sign building permit for the
establishment, alteration or relocation of a sign shall be made to the City, and shall include the
following items for processing:
(1) Sign Application Form.
Include the name and business address of the applicant and/or property owner and name and
address of agent if applicable, assessor parcel number, legal description, type and number of
sign(s), applicant and property owners’ signature and agent’s signature.
(2) Site Plan. Showing location of all existing structures on site, and location of .
Show location of proposed sign(s) with all distances to structures and property lines noted. . Note
distance of monument signs to structures and public right-of-way, if applicable. Show any
grading required for monument signs.
(3) Elevations. Provide drawings of all building elevations, specifying all dimensions
of signs, including lettering, length, height, width and debt of projecting letters if applicable.
Provide building elevations showing location of existing and proposed si gns on walls, including
dimensions to building structural features such as roof, windows, doors and finished grade. If For
39
ITEM: 3
DATE: 9-6-16
a monument sign, show plan and side views of proposed sign. Also provide all structural support
elevations and details.
(4) Colors and Materials Board. Provide samples of proposed colors and materials,
and/or a color rendering for all signs including rendering of full building elevations for sign
program applications. If a master sign program is required, provide colored drawings for
proposed signs on building wall elevations. Include manufacturer’s color and materials’ names.
(5) Structural Calculations. When applicable, provide all structural specifications and
calculations calculations by a licensed architect or civil engineeras required by the Chief
Building Official or their designee. (Ord. 400 § 1, 2002; Ord. 255 § 2, 1992) (a)
Agricultural Zone Signage. Unlighted, with an aggregate area of thirty-two (32) square
feet. One (1) sign per street frontage.
(b) Signage on properties under construction. With an aggregate area of forty (40)
square feet, not exceeding eight (8) feet in height. One (1) sign per street frontage.
(c) Directory Signs. Wall mounted for pedestrian use, with an aggregate area of
twenty (20) square feet, not exceeding eight (8) feet in height.
(d) Decorations. Special event decorations, may be in place up to sixty (60) days,
except for signage listed in section 9-15.007.
(e) Hazard Signs. As long as a hazard exists.
(f) Residential Signs and Home Occupations. With an aggregate area of four (4)
square feet.
(g) Window Signs. With an aggregate area not exceeding four (4) square feet, at
public entrances.
(h) Official Government Flags. Signs, flags and notices.
(i) Window Lettering. Limited to lettering and graphics with an aggregate area not to
exceed fifty percent (50%) of the window area.
(j) Landscaped Signs. Consistent with Section 9-4.127.
(k) 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
(a) Sign Faces Counted. Where a sign has two (2) faces containing sign copy, which
are oriented back to back and separated by not more than twenty-four (24) inches at any point,
the area of the sign shall be measured using one (1) sign face only.
(b) Wall Mounted Letters. Where a sign is composed of letters individually mounted
or painted on a building wall, without a border or decorative enclosure, the sign area is that of the
smallest area within which all letters and words can be enclosed.
(c) Three-Dimensional Signs. Where a sign consists of one (1) or more three-
dimensional objects such as balls, cubes, clusters of objects, or sculptural or statute-type
trademarks, the sign area shall be measured as the area of the smallest rectangle within which the
object(s) can be enclosed, when viewed from a point where the largest area of the object(s) can
be seen.
(d) Sign Materials and Design. Signs shall utilize materials, colors, and design motifs
that are compatible with the architecture and color of the buildings on-site and adjacent
properties. (See Appearance Review Guidelines)
40
ITEM: 3
DATE: 9-6-16
(e) Sign Messages. Sign messages shall be limited to the identification of the
business or the type of activity conducted on the premises. Sign messages shall use a minimum
of graphics, letters, numbers etc., to convey the business at the subject location.
(f) Sign Programs. A master sign program must be provided for locations with three
(3) or more tenants or businesses.
(g) Franchise and Logo Signs. Businesses that are part of a franchise or corporation
may not exceed the maximum sign area allowed in their zone including franchise or logo signs.
(h) Monument Signs. All monument signs must have either landscaping or decorative
hardscaping at their base to soften the appearance and incorporate the signs into their
surroundings.
(i) Color banding. The installation or painting of high croma color banding on
buildings and structures shall be defined as a sign and shall be subject to the same size
restrictions as other signs. (Ord. 400 § 1, 2002; Ord. 255 § 2, 1992)
(a) Illumination. Signs shall be indirectly lighted by continuous, stationary, shielded
light sources, directed solely at the sign, or internal to it. All light sources for signs are to be
shielded so as not to be directly visible from off-site. (1) When located in the
Corner Clear Zone, the sign shall not exceed thirty (30) inches in height.
(2) Signs shall not obstruct a motorist’s view of pedestrian or vehicular traffic,
traffic-control signs, or signals, or otherwise represent a hazard to vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
(3) Signs shall not impede a pedestrian’s free use of the sidewalk.
(4) Signs shall be securely affixed to the property on which they are placed.
(5) Signs may not be posted without the permission of the property owner.
(b) Code Standards. All signs established in this City must comply with all current
editions of the Uniform Building Code, Uniform Electrical Code, and Uniform Sign Code for
anchoring, foundations, windloads, illumination, and design standards. Awning Signs and
projecting signs require structural plans to be done by a licensed architect or civil engineer.
9-15.006. Prohibited Signs
Prohibited Signs. The Following sign types are prohibited within the City of Atascadero.
(a) 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, except as approved
through agreement with the Redevelopment Agency and except as noted below for off-site
subdivision signage;
(b) Abandoned Signs. A sign is considered abandoned where when any of the
following is met:
(i) For for a period of ninety (90) days or more, there is no sign copy
appearing on the sign;
(ii) or Wwhere the establishment to which the sign is attached has ceased
operation and where it is clear that the sign has been forsaken and desertedis no longer use;
(ii) W or where the sign is fifty percent (50%) or more deteriorated, damaged
or destroyed to 50% or greater of the replacement value of the structure/sign;
(c) Confusing signs that simulate in color or design any traffic sign, or signal, or
which makes use of words, symbols, or characters in such a manner to interfere with, mislead, or
confuse pedestrian or vehicular traffic;
41
ITEM: 3
DATE: 9-6-16
(d) Digital display / LED messaging signs including Animatedanimated, moving,
flashing, blinking, reflecting, glaring, or revolving, or any other similar sign, except electronic
message boards displaying time, temperature, or required prices of gasoline or similar fuels, or
the display of noncommercial notices or messages;
(e) Roof signs;
(f) Snipe signs or any other sign attached to a tree, utility pole, fence post, etc.;
(g) Commercial Signs on vehicles when the vehicle is parked for the purpose of
displaying said sign and /or directing traffic to a business when any of the following is met:
(i) Location. Vehicle(s) is parked off-premise;
(ii) Time. Vehicle is parked for a duration of more than two (2) hours within a 24-
hour period of time, off-premise.
(h) Inflatable signs;
(i) Digital display / LED messaging signs;
(ji) Wall mounted cabinet signage where the frame or external structure is a box,
either in rectangular, square, or similar box like appearance, and the sign face is flat and/or the
background is light colored and non-decorative in nature, with little or no articulation and
comprised of plastic, or other similar type of material;
(kj) Feather flag signage;
(lk) Signage, including non-commercial signage that is placed or encroaches into the
right-of-way without a valid encroachment permit or prior approval of the City Engineer or their
designee for the purpose of safety or traffic control.
9-15.007 Allowed Signs By Zone
(a). Permitted Signs by Zones. The following are the signs types that are permitted by
zone as shown in Table 15.1.
Table 15.1 – Allowed Sign Types Based On Zone
Sign Type
P Permitted Sign**
AUP Administrative Use Permit Required**
(blank) Not Permitted
**building permit requirements per section 9-15.005 and 9-15.007**
Total Aggregate sign Area (square feet) and may be divided by using
one (1) or more sign Types
Based on
Sign Type
Based on
Sign Type 150 sf 50 sf 100 sf
Ag Zone Residential
Zones
Non-Residential Zones
(CS, CN, CR, CPK, CT, IP, I)
Downtown
Zones
(DC, DO)
Public Zones
(P, OS, L, LS)
1. A-Frame P P P P
2. Art & Wall Murals AUP AUP AUP AUP AUP
3. Awning P P P P
4. Banner P P P
5. Building Name P P P P P
6. Changeable Copy AUP AUP AUP AUP AUP
7. Freeway Oriented1 AUP
42
ITEM: 3
DATE: 9-6-16
Table 15.1 – Allowed Sign Types Based On Zone
Sign Type
P Permitted Sign**
AUP Administrative Use Permit Required**
(blank) Not Permitted
**building permit requirements per section 9-15.005 and 9-15.007**
Total Aggregate sign Area (square feet) and may be divided by using
one (1) or more sign Types
Based on
Sign Type
Based on
Sign Type 150 sf 50 sf 100 sf
Ag Zone Residential
Zones
Non-Residential Zones
(CS, CN, CR, CPK, CT, IP, I)
Downtown
Zones
(DC, DO)
Public Zones
(P, OS, L, LS)
8. Home Occupation P P
9. Information Kiosks
10. Private Light Pole P P P P
11. Monument Sign P P P P
12. Multi-Tenant
Freestanding
P P
13. Projecting P P P
14. Projected Image P P P P
15. Off-Site Subdivision AUP AUP
16. Neighborhood
Identification
P
17. Single Tenant
Freestanding Sign
P P P
18. Suspended P P P P
19. Temporary For-Sale P P P P
20. Temporary Non-
Commercial
P P P P
21. Tenant Directional P P P P
22. Wall P P P P
23. Window Lettering P P P P
Notes:
1 Freeway signs are regulated by section 9-15.009
9-15.008 Types of Signs & Standards
(a) Allowed Signs and Standards. The following signs are permitted within the City of
Atascadero as shown in Table 15.21 and including size, number of signs, and maximum
size standards. Additional standards may be applicable as contained in this chapter.
Allowed Signage Types – Table 15.2
Sign Type Permit
Required
Zones
Allowed
Max. Sign
Area1
Number
of sign(s)
permitted
Max.
Height2 Special Requirements
1. A-Frame None All Zoning
Districts
10 sf 1 per
street
5 ft. (a) Must be located outside of Right-
of-way and on business property,
43
ITEM: 3
DATE: 9-6-16
Allowed Signage Types – Table 15.2
Sign Type Permit
Required
Zones
Allowed
Max. Sign
Area1
Number
of sign(s)
permitted
Max.
Height2 Special Requirements
except
Residential
frontage except as allowed by
encroachment permit in the East
Mall and West Mall parkway
area.
(b) Minimum height is 3-feet.
2. Art and Murals Yes All Zoning
Districts
N/A N/A N/A (a) AUP required prior to installation
for review limited to size,
placement, and duration.
3. Awning Yes All Zoning
Districts
except
Residential
50% of
awning
face
1 per
Business
Based
on
building
height
(a) Minimum vertical clearance from
the ground of eight (8) feet. May
project a maximum of five (5) feet
into the public right-of-way
(b) Maintain a minimum vertical
clearance from the ground of
eight (8) feet.May project a
maximum of five (5) feet into the
public right-of-way with approved
encroachment permit
A projection into the right-of-way
requires issuance of an
encroachment permit.
(c) Shall be securely attached to the
buildings and well maintained.
(d) No supports or poles may be
located in the public right-of-way.
(e) Shall complement the building
they are attached to.
4. Banner No All Zoning
Districts
except Ag
&
Residential
40 sf 1 per
Public
street
frontage
N/A (a) May be in place for a maximum
of thirty (30) days.
(b) All banners must be down a
minimum of sixty (60) days
before any new banner may go
up
(c) Banners must be secured flat
against a building or secure
structure placed in the ground.
(d) Nonprofit events shall be exempt
from size and number of banners
(e.g., farmers market).
5. Building Name
Identification
Yes All Zoning
Districts
except Ag
&
Residential
20 sf 1 per
building
Based
on
building
height
(a) Signage used to identify the
building not the tenant(s).
6. Changeable
Copy
Yes All Zoning
Districts l
Based on
AUP
1 per
business
12 ft. (a) AUP required.
(b) Size of changeable copy to be
determined by the AUP.
(c) Design of changeable copy sign
shall be determined by AUP.
(d) Sign is non-digital.
7. Freeway
Oriented
Yes N/A* N/A* N/A* *Refer to section 9-15.010
44
ITEM: 3
DATE: 9-6-16
Allowed Signage Types – Table 15.2
Sign Type Permit
Required
Zones
Allowed
Max. Sign
Area1
Number
of sign(s)
permitted
Max.
Height2 Special Requirements
8. Home
Occupation
No All Ag &
Residential
Zones
42 sf 1 per
homeresid
ential unit
4 ft (a) Requires issuance of a valid
business license prior to
placement.
(b) Signage is permitted as a part of
a residential occupancy in a
mixed-use development.
9. Information
Kiosks
Yes All Zoning
Districts
Based on
AUP
Based on
AUP
Based
on AUP
(a) For the permanent and / or
temporary display of information.
(b) Limited to civic activities,
advertising for local events.
(c) AUP required.
10. Private Light
Pole3
Yes Non-
Residential
Zones /
Public
Zones/
Public
Zones
6 sf for
each pole
25% of the
total
number of
light poles;
Based
on Light
Pole
Height
(a) A permanent light pole within a
parking lot or property may be
utilized for temporary banner or
signage that does not count
towards total aggregate sign
area.
(b) Eight (8) feet minimum vertical
clearance or as required by the
California Building Code,
whichever is greater.
(c) Light Pole located on private
property.
(d) A maximum of two (2) signs per
pole.
(e) Temporary sSignage on poles
shall be placed within decorative
frames or brackets.
11. Monument
Sign
Yes All Zoning
Districts
Except
Residential
60 sf
CN, CP,
CR, CS,
CT, CPK,
IP, I
1 per 200
lineal foot
6 ft. (a) Minimum base height shall be
one (1) foot.
(b) Maximum base height shall be
four (4 feet)
(c) Base does not count towards
sign face area.
(d) Base shall have decorative
hardscaping and shall be
consistent with the architecture of
the building(s) it serves.
(e) Bases shall be located in a
landscape planter.
(f) Cabinet type signs shall be
prohibited.
(g) Monument signs in DO/DC
require a building to be setback a
min. of 10-feet from back of walk.
(h) Bases shall be located in a
landscape planter and setback
three (3) feet from the back of
sidewalk in the DO/DC zone.
50 sf
L,LS,P,OS
40 sf
DC, DO,
AG
12. Multi-Tenant
Freestanding
Yes Non-
Residential
Zones
50 sf
+
1 per
property
12 ft (a) Two (2) or more tenants
required.
(b) Minimum base height shall be
45
ITEM: 3
DATE: 9-6-16
Allowed Signage Types – Table 15.2
Sign Type Permit
Required
Zones
Allowed
Max. Sign
Area1
Number
of sign(s)
permitted
Max.
Height2 Special Requirements
additional
10 sf per
tenant
Max. 100 sf
four (4) feet.
(c) Base does not count towards
sign face.
(d) Base Articulation. Base shall be
consistent with architecture of
multi-tenant building.
(e) Bases shall be located in a
landscape planter and setback
five (5) feet from the back of
sidewalk.
(f) Cabinet monument type shall be
prohibited.
(g) A singular pole is prohibited.
13. Projecting Yes All Zoning
Districts
except Ag
&
Residential
15 sf 1 per
business
N/A (a) Minimum ground clearance must
be eight (8) feet, or as regulated
by the California Building Code.
(b) May encroach up to five (5) feet
within the public right-of-way with
issuance of an encroachment
permit.
14. Projected
Image
No*
*Electrical
permit may
be required.
All Zoning
Districts
except Ag l
N/A 1 per
business /
residence
N/A (a) Laser lights or projected image
signs used to project an image,
logo, or other graphic in a
building, structure, sidewalk or
other surface.
(b) Project image signs may be in
place a maximum of thirty (30)
calendar days and not be utilized
for a minimum of sixty (60) days
thereafter.
(c) Installation of new electrical
components shall be consistent
with the California Building Code
or successor code.
(d) Flashing , distracting lights shall
not be utilized.
15. Off-Site
Subdivision
Yes Ag &
Residential
Zones /
Non-
Residential
Zones
w/ AUP
40 sf 3 per
subdivision
10 ft. (a) Subdivision tracts of five (5) or
more lots may be permitted to
install off-site directional
advertising signage.
(b) Subject to the approval of an
AUP.
(c) Subdivision shall be located
within the City of Atascadero.
(d) No flags, banners or other
decorations shall be affixed to
the sign.
(e) The signs shall not be
illuminated.
(f) All signs shall be located on
private property with written
permission from the property
46
ITEM: 3
DATE: 9-6-16
Allowed Signage Types – Table 15.2
Sign Type Permit
Required
Zones
Allowed
Max. Sign
Area1
Number
of sign(s)
permitted
Max.
Height2 Special Requirements
owner provided to the City.
(g) 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.
(h) The applicant may apply
annually for a one (1) year time
extension for active construction
projects.
16. Neighborhood
Identification
Yes Residential
Zones
36 sf 1 per
arterial /
collector
street
frontage
6 ft (a) Residential Single Family / Multi-
Family Developments of five (5)
units or more.
(b) Minimum base height shall be
one (1) foot.
(c) Maximum base height shall be
three (3 feet)
(d) Base does not count towards
sign face area.
(e) Base shall have decorative
hardscaping and shall be
consistent with the architecture of
the building(s) it serves.
(f) Bases shall be located in a
landscape planter on private
property,
(g) Cabinet type signs shall be
prohibited.
(h) Signs shall front on either an
designated arterial or collector
road.
17. Single Tenant
Freestanding
Yes All Zoning
Districts
except
Residential
60 sf 1 per
property
6 ft (a) Sign face shall be elevated, a
minimum of one (1) foot off the
ground.
(b) Bases shall be located in a
landscape planter and setback a
minimum of two (2) feet from the
back of sidewalk.
(c) Cabinet monument type shall be
prohibited.
(d) A singular pole is prohibited.
(e) Signs in DO/DC require a
building to be setback a min. of
10-feet from back of walk.
18. Suspended Yes All Zoning
Districts
except Ag
&
Residential
15 sf 1 per
public
street
frontage
N/A (a) Minimum ground clearance of
eight (8) feet or as regulated by
the California Building Code or
successor code.
47
ITEM: 3
DATE: 9-6-16
Allowed Signage Types – Table 15.2
Sign Type Permit
Required
Zones
Allowed
Max. Sign
Area1
Number
of sign(s)
permitted
Max.
Height2 Special Requirements
19. Temporary
For-Sale
No All Zoning
Districts
6 sf all
other lots
1 sign per
street
frontage;
1 sign per
highway
frontage
6 ft. (a) Signs must be removed fourteen
(14) days after use is no longer
requiredclose of sale.
32 sf for
lots fronting
a highway
20. Temporary
Non-
Commercial
No All Zoning
Districts
6 sf for
yard sign
1 per
property
5 ft (a) A maximum of nine (9) months.
(b) Must be removed a minimum of
ninety (90) days before any new
non-commercial signage may be
placed.
(c) Prohibited in the public right-of-
way.
32 sf
freestanding
21. Tenant
Directional
No All Zoning
Districts
N/A N/A 5 ft. (a) Does not count against total
aggregate sign area.
(b) Design shall be consistent with
the architectural style and
features of the building façade.
22. Wall Yes All Zoning
Districts
except
Residential
40 sf in P,
L, LS
zones
1 per
building
face with a
public
street
frontage or
parking lot
Based
on
building
height
(a) May not exceed one (1) square
foot per lineal foot of building
frontage.
(b) For tenants greater than 10,000
square feet in size, an additional
one hundred and fifty percent
(150%) more sign area may be
permitted.
(c) 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.
(d) Painted signs do not require
building permits but required
planning review.
Based on
building
frontage
for all other
non-
residential
zones
23. Window
Lettering /
Perforated
Window Film /
Window
Graphics
No All Zoning
Districts
except Ag
&
Residential
Not to
exceed 1/2
of window
area in all
other
zones
* * *See section 9-15.004(f)
Not to
exceed 1/3
of window
area in
DC/DO
Zone
Notes:
1. Maximum Sign Area measured in square feet (sf).
2. Maximum Height measured in feet (ft) and from finished grade for all sign types.
3. Additional Light Pole signage regulations contained in subsection 9-15.0087(b)(2).
48
ITEM: 3
DATE: 9-6-16
(b) Special Sign Types and Criteria. The following are additional signage types defined by
the City and criteria required for their uses.
(1) Gas Station Canopies. In addition to the signs allowed above, a maximum of
twenty (20) square feet of 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.
(2) Light Pole Signage. The following shall be prohibited to be placed on light poles:
(a) Posting of signage or messages above the height of the light pole structure;
(b) Digital display message signs;
(c) Internally illuminated signage;
(d) Changeable copy signage;
(e) Faded, torn, or otherwise damaged signage.-elements
(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 sixty (60) days before any new banner
may 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. Nonprofit events shall be exempt from size and number of banners
(e.g., farmers market). (b) Portable Signs and A-frame Signs.
(1) One (1) portable sign per street frontage.
(2) Maximum size of portable sign is not to exceed two (2) feet wide by five
(5) feet tall. Minimum height is three (3) feet tall.
(3) Portable and A-frame signs must be located on the business’s property.
(1) Time Displayed. Sixty (60) days before and ten (10) days after any official
local, state, regional, or national authorized election. Such signage may carry any form of
noncommercial message, consistent with this section.
(2) Sign Area. The maximum allowable sign area is six (6) square feet per
sign for yard signage. A maximum of thirty-two (32) square feet for freestanding signs (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) 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;
(vi) A building permit shall be obtained for the signs;
(vii) 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 (1)
year time extension for active construction projects.
49
ITEM: 3
DATE: 9-6-16
(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.
9-15.005 Allowed signs. (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 provided in Section 9 -15.003(d)(7).
(4) Advertising on Public Transit Facilitiesies. 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 (1) 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 (36) inches. Additional signs and/or
modification signs associated with public transit facilities may be approved through conditional
use permit process. (Ord. 499 § 2, 2006; Ord. 400 § 1, 2002; Ord. 376 § 2 (Exh. A), 2000; Ord.
354 § 1, 1998; Ord. 255 § 2, 1992)
9-15.009 Freeway Signs
(6) Freeway Signs. In addition to the signs allowed abovein Table 15-1 and Table 15-
2, sitesFreeway oriented signs shall adhere to the below standards. 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:Approval of an AUP shall be required
for all Freeway oriented signage.
(ai) 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 9-15.00611(c)).
50
ITEM: 3
DATE: 9-6-16
(bii) Where the principal use is planned shopping, office or industrial complex with
five (5) or 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.
(ciii) 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.
(d) 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.
(e) 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 or externally lit individual letters.
9-15.010 Sign Materials, Design & Calculations
(a) Sign Faces Counted. Where a sign has two (2) faces containing sign copy, which
are oriented back to back and separated by not more than twenty-four (24) inches at any point,
the area of the sign shall be measured using one (1) sign face only.
(b) Wall Mounted Letters/Logos. Where a sign is composed of letters individually
mounted or painted on a building wall, without a border or decorative enclosure, the sign area is
that of the smallest area within which all letters and words can be enclosed.
(c) Three-Dimensional Signs. Where a sign consists of one (1) or more three-
dimensional objects such as balls, cubes, clusters of objects, or sculptural or statute-type
trademarks, the sign area shall be measured as the area of the smallest rectangle within which the
object(s) can be enclosed, when viewed from a point where the largest area of the object(s) can
be seen.
(d) Sign Materials and Design. Signs shall utilize materials, colors, and design motifs
that are compatible with the architecture and color of the buildings on-site and adjacent
properties. (See Appearance Review Guidelines)
(e) Sign Messages. Sign messages shall be limited to the identification of the
business or the type of activity conducted on the premises.
(f) Sign Programs. A master sign program must be provided for locations with five
(5) or more tenants or businesses. Such programs shall be approved by an AUP or concurrently
with at eh CUP for the development. Sign programs may also include wayfinding programs or
civic sign programs.
(g) Franchise and Logo Signs. Businesses that are part of a franchise or corporation
may not exceed the maximum sign area allowed in their zone including franchise or logo signs.
(h) Illumination. Signs shall be indirectly lighted by continuous, stationary, shielded
light sources, directed solely at the sign, or internal to it. All light sources for signs are to be
shielded so as not to be directly visible from off-site.
(i) Temporary Freestanding Signage. Temporary signs freestanding signage
displaying either a commercial or non-commercial message shall adhere to the following criteria:
(1) When located in the Corner Clear Zone, the sign shall not exceed thirty
(30) inches in height.
51
ITEM: 3
DATE: 9-6-16
(2) Signs shall not obstruct a motorist’s view of pedestrian or vehicular traffic,
traffic-control signs, or signals, or otherwise represent a hazard to vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
(3) Signs shall not impede a pedestrian’s free use of the sidewalk.
(4) Signs shall be securely affixed to the property on which they are placed.
(5) Signs may not be posted without the permission of the property owner.
(j) Code Standards. All signs established in this City must comply with all current
editions of the California Building Code, or successor adopted building code for anchoring,
foundations, windloads, illumination, and design standards. Awning Signs and projecting signs
require structural plans to be done by a licensed architect or civil engineer.
9-15.006011 Exceptions to sign standardsDesign Exceptions.
The sign area or other limitations of this chapter may be modified, increased or decreased
through approval of an administrative use permit. In reviewing an administrative use permit, the
following criteria findings shall be consideredmade:
(a) The need for such signing is based on the purposes set forth in Section 9-
15.001002;
(b) The opportunity to combine signs for more than one (1) use on a single sign
structure has been considered;
(c) For freeway oriented signs, the sign area and height are the minimum needed to
achieve adequate visibility along the freeway due to highway ramp locations and grade
differences; and
(d) Conformance with all other applicable codes and ordinances of the City,
including, but not limited to, the Zoning Ordinance, General Plan and its several elements, and
the appearance review guidelines. (Ord. 400 § 1, 2002; Ord. 255 § 2, 1992)
9-15.007 Sign construction standards.
(Ord. 400 § 1, 2002; Ord. 255 § 2, 1992)
9-15.008012 Sign maintenance and Abandoned Signs.
All signs established in this City are subject to this code regarding safety, maintenance,
and repair. All signs are to be properly maintained in a safe and legible condition at all times.
Any sign that is fifty percent (50%) or more damaged of the replacement cost of the sign or
deteriorated, must be repaired and brought into conformance with this chapter will be presumed
to be abandoned as defined in Section 9-15.003018.(d)(2).
(Ord. 400 § 1, 2002; Ord. 255 § 2, 1992)
9-15.009 Sign permit application package.
9-15.010013 Legal nonconforming Non-conforming signs.
The use of a legal nonconforming sign may continue as follows:
(a) Free-Standing and Attached Signs. A legal nonconforming sign shall not be:
(1) Increased in area;
52
ITEM: 3
DATE: 9-6-16
(2) Moved from its location on the effective date of the ordinance codified in this title
unless required by law or pursuant to this title;
(3) Be provided with increased or intensified lighting;
(4) Changed to an advertisement for a business not occupying the premises or a
product not sold on the premises.
(b) Sign Copy. The advertising copy on a legal nonconforming sign may be changed,
except as provided by subsections (a), (c) and (d) of this section.
(c) Discontinued Use. If the use of a building or land associated with a legal
nonconforming sign is discontinued for a period of three six (36) months or more, any signing
signage except for an off-premises sign shall be removed and thereafter conform to the
provisions of the chapter.
(d) Public Nuisances. Any nonconforming sign which is found to present danger to
the public or becomes abandoned due to disrepair or lack of proper maintenance may be declared
a public nuisance and abated as set forth in Chapter 9-8 (Enforcement).
(e) Destroyed Signs. If a legal nonconforming sign is destroyed to the extent of fifty
percent (50%) or more of its replacement cost prior to its destruction by fire, explosion or act of
God, it may be restored only if it is brought into full conformance with the provisions of this
chapter. If the sign is damaged to the extent of less than fifty percent (50%) of its replacement
cost, it may be restored to its former legal nonconforming status. (Ord. 400 § 1, 2002; Ord. 255
§ 2, 1992)
9-15.011014 Code Eenforcement.
The provisions of this chapter shall be enforced pursuant to Section 9-8.101 et seq., of
Title 9. (Ord. 400 § 1, 2002; Ord. 255 § 2, 1992 and Title 12, Code Enforcement or its successor
code. )
9-15.012.4 Posting on structures.
All signage within the public right-of-way shall be self-supporting and freestanding. No
temporary sign shall be posted on any streetlight, utility pole, post, pole, or structure supporting a
traffic-control sign or signal, fire hydrant, or similar structures in the public right-of-way.
(a) Safety of Placement. Temporary signs posted in the public right-of-way shall
meet the following criteria:
(1) When located in the Corner Clear Zone, the sign shall not exceed thirty (30)
inches in height.
(2) Signs shall not obstruct a motorist’s view of pedestrian or vehicular traffic,
traffic-control signs, or signals, or otherwise represent a hazard to vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
(3) Signs shall not impede a pedestrian’s free use of the sidewalk.
(4) Signs shall be securely affixed to the property on which they are placed.
(5) Signs may not be posted without the permission of the property owner.
(b) No permit nor deposit is required for the posting of temporary signs on public
property by the City. (Ord. 400 § 1, 2002; Ord. 255 § 2, 1992)
53
ITEM: 3
DATE: 9-6-16
9-15.013015 Private placement.Signs on City Property
Any sign placed on property owned by the City of Atascadero, or within the right-of-way
of a dedicated public street without the permission of the City may be removed by the City
without prior notice. This section shall not be interpreted to violate the First Amendment to the
Constitution of the United States.
9-15.016 Substitution Clause
Notwithstanding any provision of this section to the contrary, the extent that this section
allows a sign containing a commercial message, a non-commercial message shall be allowed to
the same extent. The non-commercial message may occupy the entire sign area or any portion
thereof, and may substitute or be combined with the commercial message. The sign message may
be changed from commercial to non-commercial message to another, as frequently as desired by
the sign’s owner, provided that the sign is not prohibited and the sign continues to comply with
all requirements of this section.
9-15.017 Severability Clause
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phase of this sign ordinance is for any
reason held to be invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of
this sign ordinance. The City Council of the City of Atascadero hereby declares that it would
have adopted the Sign Ordinance in each section, subsection, sentence, or phase thereof,
irrespective of the fact that any one or more section, subsections, sentences, clauses, or phases be
declared invalid.
9-15.002018 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 for a period of ninety (90) days or more, 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.
54
ITEM: 3
DATE: 9-6-16
(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.
Building Frontage. Building Face that fronts a public street or shared common parking
area within a commercial center, measured in linear feet from the edge of wall to the edge of
wall.
Cabinet Sign. Also referred to as “can sign”. A sign that contains all the text and/or logo
symbols on the display face of an enclosed cabinet
(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, that is non-digital.
(j) 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.
(l) 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.
Construction. A property that has been issued a building permit by the City of
Atascadero for activities related to demolition, remodel, or new construction of a property.
Digital Display. The portion of a sign message made up of internally illuminated
components capable of changing a message periodically. Digital displays may include but not
limited to LCD, LED, plasma, or high intensity displays (hid).
(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.
(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.
Feather Flag. Also known as a blade sign, teardrop sign, or similar type of temporary
signage that is constructed of cloth, canvas, plastic fabric, or similar lightweight, non-rigid
55
ITEM: 3
DATE: 9-6-16
material and that is supported by a single vertical pole mounted into the ground or portable
structure for means of advertsing.
(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 such 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 sign that has exceeded
its authorized amortization period.
(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 noncommercial 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 Nonconforming Sign. A sign which was legal when first erected, with all
necessary permits, but due to a change in the law it became nonconforming.
Light Pole Signage. A temporary banner or sign that id designed to be attached to a
permanent light pole and where the temporary sign element can be changed without modifying
the structure.
(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.
56
ITEM: 3
DATE: 9-6-16
(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.
Murals. A large picture, image (including but not limited to painted art) which is painted,
constructed, or affixed directing only a vertical building wall, which may or may not contain
text, logos, and/or symbols. May also include a mural sign.
(dd) Noncommercial Signage. Any signage which is not determined to be commercial
signage, as defined herein.
(ee) Noncommercial Speech. Any message which is not determined to be commercial
speech as defined herein.
(ff) Nonstructural 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.
(jj) 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 (1) or more poles and otherwise
separated from the ground by air.
(mm) Portable Sign or A-frame Sign. Any freestanding, moveable sign.
(nn) Prohibited Signs. Signs specified in Section 9-15.003(d)007 of this chapter or
any sign not specified in Section 9-15.0058 through 9-15.010, nor in compliance with the design
criteria for this chapter.
(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, mobilehome park, condominium subdivision or other residential subdivision.
Projected Image Sign. A sign which involves an image projected on the face of a wall,
structure, sidewalk, or other surface from a distant electronic device such that the image does not
originate from the plan of the wall, structure, sidewalk, or other surface.
(qq) Public Service Sign. A noncommercial 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 chapter.
57
ITEM: 3
DATE: 9-6-16
(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 chapter 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.
(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.
Temporary For Sale Sign. Temporary signage for properties that are for sale or rent.
Yard Sign. A sign no larger than five (5) square feet in size comprised of light weight
material such as vinyl, canvas, fabric, or other similar materials that are staked, or framed in the
ground.(Ord. 499 § 2, 2006; Ord. 400 § 1, 2002; Ord. 255 § 2, 1992)
58