Chapter 15.08
SIGNS
15.08.010 Purpose.
15.08.020 Definitions.
15.08.030 Scope.
15.08.040 Signs in, over, upon and projecting into public rights-of-way.
15.08.050 Sign faces.
15.08.070 Sign areas.
15.08.080 Prohibited signs.
15.08.090 Permits required.
15.08.100 Permit-Exemptions.
15.08.110 Permit-Application.
15.08.120 Permit-Fee.
15.08.130 Inspections.
15.08.140 Special inspection.
15.08.150 Variances.
15.08.160 Stop orders.
15.08.170 Unsafe signs-Nuisances-Abatement.
15.08.180 Unsafe signs-Notice and order.
15.08.190 Notice-Delivery.
15.08.200 Recordation of order to abate.
15.08.210 Applicable code.
15.08.220 Existing structures.
15.08.230 Identification.
15.08.240 Materials.
15.08.250 Anchorage.
15.08.260 Maintenance regulations.
15.08.270 General regulations.
15.08.280 Wall signs.
15.08.285 High rise wall signs.
15.08.290 Accessory ground signs.
15.08.295 Service station signs.
15.08.300 Marquee signs.
15.08.310 Under-marquee signs.
15.08.315 Projecting signs.
15.08.320 Directional and informational signs.
15.08.330 Temporary signs.
15.08.340 Miscellaneous signs.
15.08.350 Amortization period.
15.08.353 Sign programs for multi-occupancy commercial buildings and/or major projects.
15.08.355 Appeals regarding proposed sign programs.
15.08.357 Sign programs, administrative exceptions and variances for new developments in Glendale Redevelopment Agency project areas.
15.08.360 Exhibits.
15.08.370 Violation-Penalty.
15.08.010 Purpose.
A. It is the objective of this chapter to promote and protect the public health, safety, welfare, convenience and amenity by regulating existing and proposed signs of all types.
B. It is the intent of this chapter to preserve and protect property values, create a more attractive business climate, enhance and protect the physical appearance of the community, preserve the scenic and natural beauty of designated areas, and provide a more enjoyable and pleasing community, and to encourage the most appropriate use of land. It is further intended to reduce advertising obstructions that may contribute to traffic accidents, reduce hazards that may be caused by signs overhanging or projecting over public rights-of-way, provide more open space and curb the deterioration of community environment.
C. The purpose of this chapter is to provide minimum standards to safeguard life, safety, property and public welfare by regulating and controlling the design, construction, location, electrification, operation and maintenance of all signs and sign structures exposed to public view within the city unless specifically exempted from regulation by this chapter. (Prior code º 21-79)
15.08.020 Definitions.
For the purposes of this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings ascribed to them unless otherwise noted:
"Accessory sign" means any sign which carries advertisement incidental and related only to the primary use of the premises or site on which it is located, including signs or sign devices indicating the business transacted at, services rendered, goods sold or produced on the premises by either the owner, occupant or developer of the premises or site.
"Advertising structure" means a sign structure.
"Animated sign" means a sign which is designed and constructed to give a message through a sequence of progressive changes of parts by either action or motion, flashing or color changes requiring electrical or manual energy.
"Area of a sign" means the entire area within a single continuous perimeter as measured pursuant to Section 15.08.070, which encloses the extreme limits of the advertising message, announcement, declaration, demonstration, display, illustration, picture, insignia, logogram, surface or space of a similar nature, together with any frame, background area of sign, structural trim or other material, color or condition which forms an integral part of the display, excluding the necessary supports or uprights on which such sign is placed. (See Exhibits 1, 2, 3 and 4, set out at the end of this chapter.)
"Awning" means a permanent or temporary structure attached to and wholly supported by a wall of a building and installed over and partially in front of doors, windows or other openings in a building and consisting of a frame and a top of canvas or other similar material covering the entire space enclosed between the frame.
"Background area of sign" means the entire area in which copy could be placed.
"Banner" means any pennant, streamer, flag, picture, figure or other object, regardless of the material of which it is made, which is suspended or otherwise designed for decoration or advertisement, or to attract the attention of passersby; excepting, however, official warning devices, public service facilities, streetlights, and similar safety devices.
"Bulletin board" means an accessory sign structure located out-of-doors which displays small signs or the name or title, announcements, and other pertinent information pertaining to a public, charitable or religious use.
"Canopy" means a fixed shelter of any material and of any length, projecting from and connected to a building and/or columns and/or posts from the ground, or supported by a frame extending from the building and/or columns or posts from the ground. "Canopy" includes a marquee.
"Changeable copy sign" means an accessory sign which is characterized by changeable copy regardless of method of attachment.
"Construction sign" means a sign erected and maintained within a construction project site and indicating only the name of the project, names of those individuals or businesses directly connected with the construction project, their addresses and telephone numbers, and information regarding direction, price or terms.
"Directional sign" means an accessory sign designed to guide or direct pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
"Electric sign" means any sign which has the surface composed in whole or in part of glass or other transparent material and which is illuminated or energized with electrical current.
"Erect" means to build, construct, alter, repair, display, relocate, attach, hang, place, suspend, affix or paint.
"Facing or face" means the surface of a signboard, background area, and structural trim upon, against or through which a message is displayed or illustrated on the sign.
"Flashing sign" means an illuminated sign which exhibits changing light or color effect by blinking or any other such means so as to provide a nonconstant illumination.
"Freeway" means a highway, in respect to which the owners of abutting lands have no right or easement of access to or from their abutting lands, or in respect to which such owners have only a limited or restricted right or easement of access, the precise route for which has been determined and designated as a freeway by an authorized agency of the state or a political subdivision thereof. The term indicates the main traveled portion of the traffic way, all land situated within the right-of-way, and all ramps and appurtenant land and structures.
"Grade" has the same meaning as set out in Title 30 of this code.
"Ground floor occupancy" means a premises designed for human occupancy which has at least one ground-level public entrance.
"Ground sign" means a sign supported by a sign structure, other than the wall of a building, placed in or upon the ground. "Ground sign" shall include signs on walls and fences whether or not such walls and fences are attached to a building.
"Height of sign" means the vertical distance measured from grade to the highest point of such sign or sign structure. (See Exhibit 5, set out at the end of this chapter.)
"High rise wall sign" means a sign located at or above the sixth floor of a building which displays characters, letters, figures, designs or logograms.
"Identification sign" means a sign which serves to identify only the name, address and lawful use of the premises upon which it is located and which sets forth no other advertisement.
"Illuminated sign" means a sign which has characters, letters, figures, designs, logograms, pictures or outlines illuminated by a source of energy directly or indirectly in order to make visible the message. This definition shall include internally and externally lighted signs and reflectorized, glowing and radiating signs.
Illumination, Direct. "Direct illumination" means the source of light is on the exterior of sign and reflecting upon sign.
Illumination, Indirect. "Indirect illumination" means the source of the light is within interior of sign structure.
"Informational sign" means a sign which conveys information such as restrooms, no parking, and the like but does not contain advertising, brand or trade or center name information.
"Lot" has the same meaning as set out in Title 30.
"Major project" means a commercial site which meets one or more of the following criteria:
1. Contains a minimum of five thousand square feet of building area;
2. Has three or more tenants or continuous occupancies;
3. Has an owner participation agreement;
4. Has a disposition and development agreement; or
5. Has an implementation agreement.
"Mall" means a privately owned pedestrian way at least twenty feet deep providing public access to three or more commercial establishments.
"Marquee" has the same meaning as set out in the Uniform Building Code.
"Marquee sign" means an accessory sign, attached to a marquee or canopy.
"Moving sign" means any sign or device which has any visible moving part, visible revolving part, or visible mechanical movement of any description, or other apparent visible movement achieved by electrical, electronic or kinetic means, including intermittent electrical pulsation, or by actions of wind currents.
"New development" means any development project, development, construction, rehabilitation or renovation which requires Stage III: Final review by the Glendale Redevelopment Agency pursuant to the Glendale redevelopment design review guidelines.
"Nonaccessory sign" means any sign which carries advertisement other than that of an accessory sign.
"Portable sign" means a sign designed to be transported from place to place while supported or carried by one or more persons and not affixed, anchored or secured to the ground or a sign structure.
"Projecting sign" means any sign the surface or plane of which is not substantially parallel to the surface or plane of the supporting wall, fence, canopy or marquee to which it is attached.
"Public entrance" means an entryway to a building that is open to the general public and which provides direct access to a floor area of the building available to and designed for occupation by and use of the general public.
"Pump island" means a group of fuel pump dispenser units separated by service driveways on each side.
"Pump top sign" means a sign which displays characters, letters, figures, designs, logograms or pictures located on or above a single fuel pump dispenser unit.
"Real estate sign" means a temporary sign indicating that the premises on which the sign is located, or any portion thereof, is for sale or lease or rent, containing only the following information: a description of the property offered for sale, lease, rent or future use, and the name, address and telephone number of the owner, broker or other person offering the same for sale or lease or rent. Additional words may be added to a previously posted real estate sign, but may not extend beyond the perimeter of the posted sign surface.
"Roof sign" means any sign or portion thereof located on, or extending over the roof, marquee or canopy of a building and either supported by the roof, marquee or canopy or by an independent sign structure. As used in this chapter, a roof sign shall not mean any sign defined as a wall sign.
"Sign" means any material, device or lettered or pictorial matter or copy when used or located in such a manner as to be visible by the public from outdoors, for display of an advertisement, notice, directional matter, name, logogram, announcement, declaration, demonstration, display, illustration or insignia used to advertise, promote or attract the interest of any person, business, activity, institution or organization. However, a sign shall not include the following:
1. Official notices authorized by a court, public body or public officer;
2. Building entrance numbers not exceeding ten square feet in total area;
3. The official flag, emblem or insignia of a government, school or religious group or agency; ecclesiastical ornaments, except when used for the purpose of advertising;
4. Memorial plaques, historical plaques, monuments or tablets; "cornerstones" indicating the name of a building and date of construction, when cut or carved into any masonry surface or when made of bronze or other incombustible material and made an integral part of the building or structure;
5. Holiday decorations displayed between November 1st and January 15th.
"Sign program" means a set of requirements that governs the signs of a designated project or area which includes, but is not limited to, specifications regarding color, material, size, mounting hardware and location of signs.
"Sign structure" means any structure which supports or is designed to support any sign as defined in this chapter. A sign structure may be a single pole or may be an integral part of a building or fence or wall.
"Site" means two or more contiguous lots or parcels which are used or developed in any manner, jointly.
"Spandrel sign" means and includes, for the purposes of this chapter, a sign or a group of signs which displays characters, letters, figures, designs, logograms or pictures located between or extending from the supporting columns of a canopy structure.
"String lights" or "string lighting" means and includes series of light bulbs mounted on a flexible cord arrangement such as Christmas lighting or similar lighting when used or displayed on property for the purpose of attracting attention as a sign. "String lighting" shall not include permanently installed channel lighting when such lighting is used as an architectural feature of a building or facade in compliance with the electrical code.
"Subdivision sign" means an accessory sign erected and maintained only within the boundaries of the subdivision.
"Temporary sign" means a sign which is intended to advertise specific community, civic or construction projects, real estate or sale or lease, or other special events.
"Trim" means any molding, battens, cappings, matting strips, latticing or platforms which may be attached to a sign structure.
"Under marquee sign" means an accessory sign attached beneath a canopy, awning or marquee.
"Wall sign" means a sign attached to or placed on a building wall, door, window or between two supporting columns of a building.
"Wind sign" means any sign or portion thereof or series of signs, banners, flags, pennants, spinners, streamers or other objects designed and fastened in such a manner as to move upon being subjected to pressure by wind or breeze. (Ord. 5065 ºº 1-3, 1994; Ord. 5028 ºº 1-12, 1993; prior code ºº 21-80-21-111, 21-113-21-126)
15.08.030 Scope.
The provisions of this chapter shall apply to the construction, alteration, repair, erection, location, electrification and maintenance of any sign or sign structure within the city. Where, in any specific case, different sections of this chapter specify different requirements, the most restrictive shall govern. (Prior code º 21-127)
15.08.040 Signs in, over, upon and projecting into public rights-of-way.
A. No person except a duly authorized public officer or employee, shall erect, construct or maintain, paste, paint, print, nail, tack or otherwise fasten or affix any card, banner, flag, pennant, handbill, campaign sign, poster, sign, advertisement or notice of any kind, or cause or suffer the same to be done, on any curbstone, lamppost, driveway, roadway, parkway, sidewalk, streetlight standard, fire hydrant, bench, electric light pole, power pole, telephone pole, traffic signal, bridge, wall, tree, parking meter, or upon any other public property, except as may be required or permitted by ordinance or law; provided, that this provision shall not prohibit the sale or offering for sale, advertising display or the possession or custody of newspapers, magazines, periodicals or other printed matter commonly sold by news vendors, occurring upon the sidewalks by news vendors personally or pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 12.36; nor prohibit the placement, use and maintenance of warning signs designating street construction or repair and/or the location of underground utility lines. Any flag, pennant, sign, handbill, campaign sign, poster or notice of any kind which is placed upon a public street or public property in violation of this subsection is declared to be a public nuisance and may be summarily abated in addition to other remedies provided by this code.
B. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A of this section, the director of planning may approve wall signs on private property which project over the public right-of-way and the faces of which project a maximum horizontal distance of twelve inches from the wall to which the signs are attached, projecting signs attached to private property which project over the public right-of-way a maximum horizontal distance of three feet, marquee signs over the public right-of-way, banners and flags over the public right-of-way, as provided in subsection C of this section, and awning signs over the public right-of-way; provided that said signs have a minimum clearance of eight feet between the bottom of said signs and the surface of said rights-of-way over which the advertising signs or structures project. Such approval by the director of planning shall be revocable at any time by the council without notice.
C. A banner and flag program may be approved for a limited duration of time, provided the banner(s) and/or flag(s) are consistent with programs that relate to an economic, cultural or civic event or goal of the city, appropriate insurance is provided, and standards of safety and maintenance are assured.
D. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A of this section, real estate directional signs may be placed on public rights-of-way subject to the conditions provided in this section.
E. The following conditions for the placing of signs on public rights-of-way shall be as follows:
1. Signs shall be not more than eighteen inches by twenty-four inches in size.
2. No more than twenty-five signs per project shall be posted within public rights-of-way.
3. Signs shall be mounted only on stakes or secured by string and no signs shall be attached to trees, traffic signs or utility poles, nor be placed in such a manner as to obstruct the view of any official public sign.
4. All such signs may not be placed on the public right-of-way prior to nine a.m. on Saturday and all such signs shall be removed by nine p.m. on Sunday.
5. Each person desiring to post residential signs on public property under the provisions of this section shall first apply to the Glendale city clerk's office for such a permit.
6. Each applicant shall, at the time the application is made, provide a map or list of specific locations where signs are to be posted. Any change of location must first be supplied in writing to the city clerk's office before posting. Any sign posted contrary to the map or list shall be in violation, and subject the permit to revocation.
7. Each applicant shall number, from one to twenty-five, signs to be posted. Such numbers shall be large and plainly visible, but in no event smaller than four inches in height.
8. Two violations of any of the foregoing conditions shall void the permit issued under this section.
9. The applicant shall pay the city clerk the required annual license fee set forth in a resolution adopted by the council.
10. Application must be signed by the responsible principal representative of project developer, signature of responsible principal representative of advertising or sign company representative which acknowledges that they have read, understood and will abide by the rules set forth in the ordinance codified in this chapter. (Ord. 5028 º 13, 1993: prior code º 21-128)
15.08.050 Sign faces.
All signs or sign structures shall have a smooth surface, and no nails, tacks, rivets, wires or other fastening devices shall be permitted to protrude therefrom except lighting reflectors and appurtenances thereto which may extend over the top and in front of the signs or sign structures. (Prior code º 21-129)
15.08.070 Sign areas.
Sign areas (see Exhibits 1, 2, 3 and 4, set out at the end of this chapter) shall be measured as follows:
A. Signs Made of a Single Component. Areas of square, rectangle or circle, whichever is smaller, necessary to enclose the sign face. Where such signs have two back-to-back parallel faces, only one face shall be measured. (See Exhibits 1 and 2, set out at the end of this chapter);
B. Signs Made of Individual Components. Sum of areas of rectangles and/or squares necessary to enclose each letter when each individual letter, numeral, symbol or other similar component is attached to a sign structure, and where such individual components are without integrated background definition and are not within a circumscribed frame area;
C. Lamps, Neon Tubing or Artificial Illumination on Walls or Any Buildings or Structures. Width multiplied by the length of each lamp, neon tubing or other illuminating device. This area shall be counted as part of the total allowable sign area. (Prior code º 21-131)
15.08.080 Prohibited signs.
Except as permitted under Section 15.08.040, the following signs shall not be permitted, constructed, erected or maintained in the city unless otherwise permitted by this section.
A. Animated signs. This does not include public service signs such as time and temperature units and/or barber poles;
B. Wind signs;
C. String lights, other than holiday decorations displayed between November 1st and January 15th, used in connection with a commercial premises for commercial purposes;
D. Banners, flags and pennants of any size, shape or design no matter how or where affixed or attached, of fabric, vinyl or other similar materials; balloons for purposes of display or advertising, including but not limited to those filled with any type of gas including helium and hot air balloons, whether affixed to a permanent location or used for riding. Banners, flags and pennants may, however, be included in a sign program for a project or unified group of tenancies, if such a program has been reviewed and specifically approved by the director of planning as further provided in this chapter;
E. Signs erected at the intersection of any streets in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision; or erected at any location where, by reason of the position, content, shape, size or color, they may interfere with, obstruct the view of or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device, or which makes use of the words "STOP," "DRIVE-IN," "DANGER" or any other word, phrase, color, symbol or character in such manner as may tend to interfere with, mislead or confuse operators of motor vehicles;
F. Portable signs;
G. Signs made of material not permitted or prescribed for the intended use under the building code, excepting those signs located on the interior surface of the window glass of any building;
H. Signs and/or sign structures that are posted, painted, printed, nailed, tacked, erected, placed, fastened, maintained or otherwise affixed upon or over any public street or public property within the city, including any roadway, parkway, sidewalk, driveway, approach apron, streetlight standard, fire hydrant, electric light pole, power pole, telephone pole, appurtenance of any such pole, any fixture of the fire alarm system, street sign, traffic signal or devices, parking meter, tree, shrub, tree stake or guard and/or other similar facility installed or maintained within, upon, on, across or over any public right-of-way; provided, that this provision shall not prohibit the sale or offering for sale, advertising display or the possession or custody of newspapers, magazines, periodicals or other printed matter commonly sold by news vendors, occurring upon the sidewalks by news vendors personally or pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 12.36; nor prohibit the placement, use and maintenance of warning signs designating street construction or repair and/or the location of underground utility lines. Any flag, pennant, sign, handbill or decorative material structure which is placed upon a public street or public property in violation of this subsection is declared to be a public nuisance and may be summarily abated;
I. Signs that are posted, painted, printed, nailed, tacked, erected, placed, fastened or otherwise affixed upon any private property without the written consent of the owner, holder, lessee, agent or trustee;
J. Signs that are erected or maintained in such a manner that any portion of their surfaces or support will interfere in any way with the free use of any fire escape, exit, stairway or fire equipment or obstruct any required ventilator, door or stairway. No sign shall obstruct the use of any window on the premises except as provided in this chapter;
K. Signs for home occupations as defined by Section 30.44.020;
L. Roof signs;
M. Signs which do not have lawful clearance from existing overhead electric conductors;
N. Nonaccessory signs and sign structures. (Ord. 5028 º 15, 1993: prior code º 21-132)
15.08.090 Permits required.
It is unlawful for any person to construct, place, erect, alter or relocate within the city any sign or advertising structure as defined in this chapter, without first obtaining a permit therefor from the permit services administrator. Nothing in this chapter shall be interpreted to mean that any permit or fee shall be required for maintaining and repairing existing signs which comply with the provisions of this chapter. (Prior code º 21-133)
15.08.100 Permit-Exemptions.
A. The provisions and regulations of Section 15.08.090 shall not apply to the following:
1. Temporary signs;
2. Identification signs not exceeding two square feet in area;
3. The changeable copy such as is found on theater marquees and similar changeable copy signs;
4. Nonilluminated window signs;
5. Accessory signs located more than one hundred feet from the property line at the street and on which the lettered or pictorial matter thereon is directed primarily to persons on the premises and is not visible by the public from off the premises. The exemption shall only be applicable in the CEM cemetery overlay zone;
6. Signs permitted by city council pursuant to Section 15.08.040;
7. Political campaign signs not exceeding the following standards: one nonilluminated sign announcing candidates seeking public political office and other data pertinent thereto shall be permitted up to a total area of six square feet and a height of four feet above grade for each lot in a residential zone or thirty-two square feet and a height of twelve feet above grade in a commercial or industrial zone. These signs shall only be displayed no more than thirty days prior to and seven days after the election for which they are intended;
8. Pump top signs at automobile service stations;
9. Outdoor vending machine signs which are integrated into the machine.
B. Nothing contained in this section shall be interpreted in such manner as to exempt such signs from the other provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 5088 º 1, 1995: Ord. 5082 º 1, 1995: Ord. 5028 º 16, 1993: prior code º 21-134)
15.08.110 Permit-Application.
Application for a sign permit, whenever such permit is required pursuant to this chapter, shall be made in writing upon forms furnished by the permit services administrator and shall contain or have attached thereto the following information:
A. Name, address and telephone number of the applicant;
B. Location of building, sign structure or lot to which or upon which the sign or advertising structure is to be attached or erected;
C. Position of the sign or advertising structure in relation to nearby buildings, structures and property lines;
D. Two print drawings of the plans and specifications and method of construction and attachment to the building or ground;
E. Two copies of stress sheets and calculations showing the sign structure as designed for the dead load and wind pressure in any direction in the amount required by this and all other laws and ordinances of the city;
F. Name, address and telephone number of the person, firm, corporation or association erecting the sign structure, if applicable;
G. Any electrical permit required and issued for such sign or sign structure;
H. Such other information as the permit services administrator or director of planning may require to show full compliance with this chapter. (Prior code º 21-135)
15.08.120 Permit-Fee.
A. A thirty-dollar fee for each sign or sign structure for which a permit is required by this chapter shall be paid to the permit services administrator. When more than one sign is proposed to be constructed on the same site and to be inspected at the same time, a maximum fee of sixty dollars shall be paid.
B. Where work for which a permit is required by this chapter is started or proceeded with prior to obtaining such permit, the fee shall be doubled. Every permit issued by the permit services administrator under the provisions of this chapter shall expire by limitation and become null and void if the work authorized by such permit is not commenced within thirty days from the date of such permit or if the work authorized by such permit is suspended or abandoned at any time after the work is commenced for a period of sixty days. (Prior code º 21-136)
15.08.130 Inspections.
On all signs or sign structures for which a permit is required to be issued, the following inspections shall be made by the building inspection section:
A. Footing inspections shall be required for all ground signs;
B. An inspection shall be required prior to covering or recovering any component part of any building or structure to which the sign or sign structure is attached;
C. An inspection shall be required either immediately before erection or during erection of the sign
or sign structure. All materials necessary to the job shall be on the job site at the time of such inspection;
D. An inspection shall be required of underground electrical installations prior to covering same;
E. All signs containing electrical wiring shall be subject to the provisions of the current electrical code, and all electrical components used shall bear the label of an approved testing agency;
F. A final inspection shall be made of all signs. The owner of the sign or sign structure or the owner's representative shall be present at the time of final inspection and shall provide the necessary means of access for inspection of all parts of the sign and its structural supports. (Prior code º 21-137)
15.08.140 Special inspection.
Special inspection by a registered deputy building inspector shall be made, as required by Section 305 of the Uniform Building Code, "Special Inspections." The requirement for inspection of structural welding will be waived where one-half the allowable design stresses are used in design. (Prior code º 21-138)
15.08.150 Variances.
A. The building commission shall have the power and it shall be its duty to hear and determine all applications for variance only from the structural requirements of this chapter relating to type of material, method of construction and engineering design, and may grant such variances under the procedure prescribed by the Uniform Building Code as the same shall then be applicable within the city.
B. The zoning administrator shall have the power and duty to hear and determine, except as otherwise provided in Section 15.08.040 and subsections A and C of this section, applications for variance from the requirements of this chapter under the procedure prescribed in Chapter 30.16, Article IV of this code.
C. The Glendale Redevelopment Agency shall have the power and duty to hear and determine, except as otherwise provided in Section 15.08.040, and subsections A and B of this section, applications for variance from the requirements of this chapter for signs in the redevelopment project areas pursuant to Section 15.08.357. (Ord. 5028 º 17, 1993: prior code º 21-139)
15.08.160 Stop orders.
Whenever any sign work is being done contrary to the provisions of this chapter, the permit services administrator may order the work stopped by notice in writing served on any persons engaged in doing such work or in causing such work to be done. Any such persons shall forthwith stop such work until authorized by the permit services administrator to proceed with the work. (Prior code º 21-140)
15.08.170 Unsafe signs-Nuisances-Abatement.
All signs or sign structures which are structurally unsafe, which constitute a fire hazard or which are otherwise dangerous to human life, or which constitute a hazard to safety, health or public welfare by reason of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, obsolescence, fire hazard, disaster, damage or abandonment, as specified in this chapter, or any other effective ordinance, are, for the purpose of this section, unsafe signs or sign structures. All such unsafe signs or sign structures are declared to be public nuisances and shall be abated by repair, rehabilitation, demolition or removal in accordance with the procedure specified in Section 15.08.180. (Prior code º 21-141)
15.08.180 Unsafe signs-Notice and order.
The permit services administrator shall first give a notice and order directed to the owner of record of the real property, person in possession thereof, and owner of the sign. The notice and order shall contain:
A. The street address and a property description sufficient for identification of the premises upon which the sign is located;
B. A statement that the permit services administrator has found the sign or sign structure to be unsafe, with a brief and concise description of the conditions found to render the sign or sign structure unsafe;
C. A statement of the action required to be taken as determined by the permit services administrator.
1. If the permit services administrator has determined that the sign or sign structure must be repaired the order shall require that all required permits be secured therefor and the work physically commenced within ten days from the date of the order and completed within fifteen days from date of such order.
2. If the permit services administrator has determined that the sign or sign structure must be demolished the order shall require that all required permits be secured therefor within ten days from the date of the order and that the demolition be completed within fifteen days from date of such order.
3. Statements advising (a) that any person having any record title or legal interest in the real property or in possession of the real property wherein the sign or sign structure is located may appeal from the notice and order of any action of the permit services administrator to the building commission, provided the appeal is made in writing as provided in this code and filed with the permit services administrator within ten days from the date of service of such notice and order; and (b) that failure to appeal will constitute a waiver of all right to an administrative hearing and determination of the matter. (Prior code º 21-142)
15.08.190 Notice-Delivery.
The notices required by Section 15.08.180 shall be given either by personal delivery thereof to the person to be notified or by United States Postal Service in a sealed envelope, postage prepaid, addressed to such person at such person's last known address as the address appears in public records or other records pertaining to the sign or sign structure or the real property upon which the sign or sign structure is located. If no address of any such person so appears or is known to the permit services administrator, then a copy of the notice and order shall be so mailed, addressed to such person, at the address of the real property involved in the proceedings. Service by mail shall be deemed to have been completed at the time of deposit of a properly addressed, postage-paid envelope containing such notice in the U.S. mail. (Prior code º 21-143)
15.08.200 Recordation of order to abate.
A. If compliance is not had with the order within the time specified therein, and no appeal has been properly and timely filed, the permit services administrator shall file in the office of the county recorder a certificate describing the property and certifying:
1. That the sign or sign structure is an unsafe sign structure; and
2. That the owner has been so notified.
B. Whenever the corrections ordered shall thereafter have been completed or the sign or sign structure demolished so that it no longer exists as an unsafe sign or sign structure on the property described in the certificate, the permit services administrator shall file a new certificate with the county recorder certifying that the sign or sign structure has been demolished or all required corrections have been made so that the sign or sign structure is no longer unsafe, whichever is appropriate. (Prior code º 21-144)
15.08.210 Applicable code.
Sign structures appended to or a part of buildings shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the applicable provisions of Part VI, Engineering Regulations - Quality and Design of the Material of Construction, Part VII, Detailed Regulations, and if applicable, Chapter 52, Plastics, and Chapter 54, Glass and Glazing, of the Uniform Building Code. (Prior code º 21-146)
15.08.220 Existing structures.
Where signs are attached to, supported on, or made a part of existing sign structures and the existing sign structures do not meet the requirements of the Uniform Building Code pertaining to horizontal and vertical loads, the signs shall be structurally independent of the existing structures. However, where the permit services administrator finds the increase in horizontal and vertical loads, as a result of construction of the signs, does not increase the stresses in the existing structures by more than ten percent, such signs may be constructed so as to transfer their horizontal and vertical loads to the existing sign structures. (Prior code º 21-147)
15.08.230 Identification.
All signs requiring sign permits shall be identified with a durable metal tag specifying the name of the manufacturer or erector, weight, installation date, permit number, and voltage of electrical equipment. This information shall be placed where readily accessible and visible for inspection. (Prior code º 21-148)
15.08.240 Materials.
A. Materials of construction for signs and sign structures shall be of the quality and grade as specified in the Uniform Building Code, and shall not, in the opinion of the permit services administrator, constitute a fire hazard.
B. Structural steel members shall be not less than one-fourth inch thick if ungalvanized, and three-sixteenths inch thick if all members, including bolts and fastenings, are galvanized. Bolts and rivets used in sign structures supporting signs one hundred square feet in area or more shall be not less than one-half inch in diameter. On such sign structures supporting signs less than one hundred square feet in area, bolts and rivets shall be not less than three-eights inch in diameter.
C. Electrical service to signs shall be by an underground service whether directly from utility company facilities or indirectly from a building or structure having direct electrical service. (Prior code º 21-149)
15.08.250 Anchorage.
A. Signs and/or sign structures attached to masonry, concrete or steel shall be safely and securely fastened thereto by means of metal anchors, bolts or approved expansion screws of sufficient size and anchorage to support safely the loads applied.
B. No wooden blocks, plugs or anchors with wood used in connection with screws or nails shall be considered proper anchorage.
C. No anchor or support of any sign or sign structure shall be connected to, or supported by a parapet wall, unless such wall has been designed and constructed in accordance with the requirements for parapet walls specified in Chapter 23 of the Uniform Building Code unless it is demonstrated to the satisfaction of the permit services administrator that such anchor or support is safe and secure. (Prior code º 21-150)
15.08.260 Maintenance regulations.
A. Sign Structures. All signs and sign structures shall be maintained in good and safe structural condition, shall be painted on all exterior parts at least as often as required to prevent fading, chipping, peeling and rusting, and shall be maintained in good condition and appearance.
B. Ground Maintenance Around Signs. The owner or person in possession of any property on which a sign is located shall be responsible for the conditions of the area in the vicinity of the sign and shall be required to keep this area clean, sanitary and free from noxious or offensive substances, rubbish and flammable waste materials. (Prior code º 21-151)
15.08.270 General regulations.
A. Signs and sign structures are restricted, limited to and regulated as indicated in this division. Upon issuance of a sign permit, the following signs, but no others, may be erected and be maintained in the zoning districts specified in this chapter.
B. The requirements for signs for residential uses in any nonresidential zone shall be the same as those outlined in Section 15.08.280B.
C. The requirements for signs and sign structures in overlay zones shall be the same as those outlined for the underlying zones according to the provisions of this chapter.
D. The requirements for signs for existing nonconforming, nonresidential uses in any residential zone shall be the same as those outlined for the C1 zone according to the provisions of this chapter. Nonconforming uses shall be as defined in Title 30 of this code. (Ord. 5082 º 2, 1995: prior code º 21-152)
15.08.280 Wall signs.
A. Accessory Wall Signs.
1. Number.
a. For each ground floor occupancy of a building, one accessory wall sign shall be permitted on each wall which directly faces a dedicated street, dedicated alley, mall or parking area; provided, however, that no more than one accessory wall sign shall be permitted per each dedicated street, dedicated alley, mall or parking area.
b. For each second floor occupancy of a building or major project, one additional wall sign shall be permitted on each wall which directly faces a dedicated street, dedicated alley, mall or parking area; provided, however, that no more than one accessory wall sign shall be permitted for each occupancy per dedicated street, dedicated alley, mall or parking area. However, all allowable wall signs, identification signs, directional signs, and information signs (for which a permit is required) for ground floor and second floor occupancies of a single building or major project shall comply with the requirements of an approved sign design program, as further provided for in Section 15.08.353 of this code.
c. Accessory Service Station Wall Signs. For each ground floor occupancy of a building, two accessory wall signs shall be permitted on each wall which directly faces a dedicated street, dedicated alley, mall or parking area.
2. Area.
a. The area of an accessory wall sign on any wall permitted a sign shall not exceed one square foot per foot of length of frontage of each ground floor and above ground floor occupancy which directly faces a dedicated street, dedicated alley, mall or parking area; provided, however, that each ground floor and above ground floor occupancy shall be permitted an accessory wall sign area of at least twenty square feet. Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to permit the computation of allowable sign area on the basis of the sum, allocation or duplication of the eligible lengths.
b. The aggregate area of accessory service station wall signs on any wall permitted a sign shall not exceed one square foot per foot of length of building frontage which directly faces a dedicated street, dedicated alley, mall or parking area. Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to permit the computation of allowable sign area on the basis of the sum, allocation or duplication of the eligible lengths.
3. Zoning Districts.
a. Accessory wall signs shall be permitted in all zoning districts except residential zones.
b. Accessory service station wall signs shall be permitted only in the C1, C2, C3, M/C and M2 zoning districts.
4. Location.
a. Accessory wall signs shall only be attached to building walls having a vertical plane angle less than twenty degrees. No wall sign shall extend more than two feet above any parapet or eave line or have more than fifty percent of its height above any parapet or eave line.
b. No wall sign shall cover wholly or partially any required wall opening.
c. No accessory service station wall sign shall extend beyond the eave or roof line of a building.
5. Height. The lowest point of any accessory wall sign which projects over a driveway, service drive or any other traffic way more than six inches from the wall to which it is attached shall be a minimum of seventeen feet above ground.
6. Lighting.
a. Except as provided in subsection b of this subsection, any lighting of accessory wall signs shall be in compliance with the electrical code and shall not cause disturbing glare onto any adjacent areas due to excessive brightness or method of illumination. Any devices or structures used in conjunction with direct illumination of wall signs shall either be concealed from general view, recessed into a building or structure, or function as a decorative element in keeping with the character of the sign and the building to which it is attached. The direct illumination of accessory wall signs shall be subject to approval by the director of planning.
b. Any lighting of accessory service station wall signs shall be by indirect illumination only, in compliance with the electrical code.
7. Miscellaneous. An accessory wall sign shall be erected or constructed so that it is either integrated into the wall, flat against the wall to which it is attached, or projecting not more than ten inches from the wall to which it is attached (as measured from the back surface of the sign).
B. Identification Signs.
1. Number. One identification wall sign shall be permitted for each tenant or occupant of a building in addition to one such sign for the building as a whole.
2. Area. The area of an identification wall sign shall not exceed two square feet for each tenant or occupant of a building and eight square feet for such sign serving the building as a whole.
3. Zoning Districts. Identification wall signs shall be permitted in all zoning districts; provided, however, such signs shall not be permitted for tenants and occupants in residential zones.
4. Location. Identification wall signs shall be erected in compliance with established building lines and required setbacks.
5. Lighting. Any lighting of identification wall signs shall be by indirect illumination only, in compliance with the electrical code. (Ord. 5028 º 18, 1993: prior code º 21-153)
15.08.285 High rise wall signs.
A. Number. Not more than one per wall with a maximum of four signs for any one building where each sign would face in a different direction.
B. Area and Size. The area of a high rise wall sign should not exceed one square foot of sign area for each linear foot of building width, plus a bonus of one and one-half square feet of additional sign area for each foot of building height above seventy-five feet. The individual letters of a high rise wall sign shall not exceed a dimension of thirty-six inches.
C. Zoning Districts. High rise wall signs shall be permitted only in the CBD, C-3, CA/O, CA/CS, CA/CG, CS and CG/MS zoning districts.
D. Height.
1. No high rise wall sign shall be located lower than the sixth story of a building.
2. No high rise wall sign shall extend above or beyond the wall to which it is attached.
E. Lighting. Any lighting of a high rise wall sign shall be by internal or indirect illumination only and in compliance with the electrical code.
F. Miscellaneous. A high rise wall sign shall be erected or constructed so that it is either integrated into the wall, flat against the wall to which it is attached, or projecting not more than eight inches from the wall to which it is attached (as measured from the back surface of the sign). (Ord. 5028 º 31, 1993: prior code º 21-160)
15.08.290 Accessory ground signs.
A. Number. One accessory ground sign shall be permitted for each dedicated street frontage of the site. A maximum of two accessory ground signs shall be permitted per lot or site, regardless of the number of street frontages.
B. Area. An accessory ground sign shall not exceed one square foot per linear foot of site frontage as measured along a right-of-way line. The total aggregate area of the signs shall not exceed two hundred square feet. Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to permit the computation of allowable sign area on the basis of the sum, allocation or duplication of the eligible frontages.
C. Zoning Districts. Accessory ground signs shall be permitted only in the CA/O, CA/CS, CA/CG, CS, CN, CG, CG-R, CG/MS, C3, CBD, CR, M/C, M1, M2, CEM and SR zoning districts except that properties in the C1 or C2 zones that were zoned C3 or CM on April 23, 1986 shall be permitted to maintain and change the sign face(s) on existing accessory ground signs provided that the overall sign dimensions are not increased.
D. Locations.
1. No accessory ground sign shall be nearer the street than the building setback line established pursuant to the zoning ordinance of this code or by setback ordinance.
2. On property at any corner formed by intersecting streets, no accessory ground sign shall be erected within that triangular area between the property lines and a diagonal line joining points on the property lines twenty-five feet from the point of their intersection, or in the case of rounded corners, the triangular area between the tangents to the curve at such corner and a diagonal line, joining points on such tangents twenty-five feet from the point of their intersection, if the traffic and transportation administrator determines the erection of a sign in such area will obstruct the view of vehicular traffic approaching the intersection on the intersecting streets. The tangents referred to above are those at the beginning and at the end of the curve at the corner.
3. No portion of any accessory ground sign shall project over or through any portion of the roof, marquee or canopy of any building.
E. Height. An accessory ground sign shall not exceed twenty-five feet above grade.
F. Lighting. Any lighting of accessory ground signs shall be in compliance with the electrical code.
G. Miscellaneous.
1. A maximum of two supporting poles, uprights, posts or braces shall be permitted for an accessory ground sign; provided, however, if such ground sign is located in the area described in subsection (D)(2) of this section, only one supporting pole, upright, post or brace shall be permitted.
2. The lowest point of any accessory ground sign which projects over a driveway, service drive or any other vehicular traffic way shall be a minimum of seventeen feet above grade.
3. No accessory ground sign shall be closer than fifteen feet to any other accessory ground sign on the same lot or site.
4. The width of an accessory ground sign shall not exceed twenty feet.
5. All exposed backs or sides shall be suitably covered in order to conceal the structural members and bracing. (Ord. 5065 º 4, 1994: Ord. 5028 º 19, 1993: prior code º 21-154)
15.08.295 Service station signs.
A. Service Station Accessory Ground Signs.
1. Number. A maximum of three accessory ground signs shall be permitted per service station site.
2. Area.
a. One accessory ground sign shall not exceed an aggregate area of eighty square feet. Not more than one such sign shall be allowed per service station site.
b. No other accessory ground sign shall exceed an area of thirty square feet each.
3. Zoning Districts. Accessory ground signs shall be permitted only in the C1, C2, C3, M/C and M2 zoning districts.
4. Location.
a. All accessory ground signs shall be located along the property line adjacent to the public right-of-way.
b. Any accessory ground sign located at a corner formed by intersecting streets shall require approval by the traffic and transportation administrator to determine if the erection of a sign in such area will not obstruct the view of vehicular traffic.
c. A maximum of two supporting poles shall be permitted for any accessory ground sign.
d. No accessory ground sign shall be closer than fifty feet to any other accessory ground sign on the same site.
5. Dimensions.
a. The height of any accessory ground sign shall not extend more than twenty-five feet above the ground.
b. The lowest point of any accessory ground sign face located at an intersecting corner formed by intersecting streets shall be a minimum of nine feet above the ground.
c. No accessory ground sign shall exceed a width of ten feet.
6. Format. Copy material, indicating the company brand name, logogram or colors and all other promotional information shall be contained within a contiguous design element as indicated in Section 15.08.360, Exhibits.
7. Lighting. Any lighting of accessory ground signs shall be in compliance with the Glendale Building and Safety Code, Vol. IV as it now exists or may hereafter be amended.
B. Service Station Canopy Signs.
1. Number. For each service station canopy, one canopy sign and logogram shall be permitted on each side of a canopy which faces a dedicated street, dedicated alley, mall or parking area.
2. Area. The total aggregate area of canopy signs shall not exceed one square foot per foot of length of such canopy to which the sign is attached or a total area of fifty square feet, whichever is less.
3. Zoning Districts. Canopy signs shall be permitted only in the C1, C2, C3, M/C and M2 zoning districts.
4. Location. Canopy signs shall only be attached to canopies having a vertical plane angle less than twenty degrees and shall not extend beyond the ends or extremities of the canopy to which they are attached.
C. Service Station Pump Signs.
Signs bearing only the brand name shall be permitted on the fuel pump dispenser units provided they do not exceed an aggregate area of four square feet per pump. All signs located on the pump shall be an integral part of the dispenser unit.
D. Service Station Pump Top Signs.
1. Number. A single dual-faced pump top sign shall be permitted for each fuel pump dispenser unit.
2. Area. The area of a single dual-faced pump top sign shall not exceed four square feet per face.
3. Zoning Districts. Pump top signs shall only be permitted in the C1, C2, C3, M/C and M2 zoning districts.
4. Location. The sign shall be located immediately above a fuel pump dispenser unit or suspended from a supporting beam or cross brace immediately over such dispenser.
5. Height. The height of a pump top sign shall not extend more than three feet above the fuel pump dispenser unit.
6. Width. Pump top signs shall not extend beyond the extremities of the fuel pump dispenser unit.
E. Service Station Spandrel Signs.
1. Number. Two dual-faced changeable copy spandrel signs shall be permitted between each of the supporting columns or attached to a single column or post if dual columns are not a part of the design feature of a canopy structure.
2. Area. The area of the two dual-faced changeable copy spandrel signs shall not exceed an aggregate area of twenty-five square feet per pump island.
3. Zoning Districts. Dual-faced changeable copy spandrel signs shall only be permitted in the C1, C2, C3, M/C and M2 zoning districts.
4. Height. The height of the face of a spandrel column sign shall not exceed four feet. Said signs shall maintain a minimum overhead clearance of nine feet as measured from the top of the pump island surface if pedestrian access is possible below said signs.
5. Width. The width of a spandrel column sign shall not exceed twenty feet.
6. Lighting. Any lighting of spandrel column signs shall be by indirect illumination, in compliance with the electrical code.
F. Service Station State-Mandated or Safety/Instructional Signs. Signs required by state law shall be allowed in the minimum number and size to satisfy state requirements at the site without need for a permit. Pump safety or instructional signs such as "no smoking" or "stop motor" or similar instructional signs, shall be allowed as necessary and in reasonable size, provided such signs are not combined with company brand name, company logogram or company colors in a manner to be construed as both advertising and instructional in purpose. (Ord. 5098 º 1, 1995; Ord. 5065 º 5, 1994; Ord. 5028 ºº 20, 21, 23-26; prior code ºº 154.1, 154.2, 155.1-155.4)
15.08.300 Marquee signs.
A. Number.
1. For each ground floor occupancy, one marquee sign shall be permitted on only one marquee or canopy which directly faces a dedicated street, dedicated alley, mall or parking area. This provision shall not apply to theaters.
2. For each second-floor occupancy of a building, one additional marquee sign shall be permitted on each marquee or canopy which directly faces a dedicated street, dedicated alley, mall, or parking area; provided, however, that no more than one marquee sign shall be permitted for each occupancy per dedicated street, dedicated alley, mall or parking area. However, all allowable marquee signs (for which a permit is required) for ground floor and second-floor occupancies of a single building or major project shall comply with the requirements of an approved sign design program, as further provided for in Section 15.08.353.
B. Area. The area of the aggregate of a marquee sign on any marquee or canopy shall not exceed one square foot per foot of length of such marquee or canopy to which the sign is attached, or the length of each ground floor or second-floor occupancy as applicable, whichever is least, provided the total area does not exceed one hundred square feet. The area of the aggregate of all theater marquee signs on a building shall not exceed four square feet per foot of length of such marquee or canopy to which the signs are attached or the length of each ground floor occupancy, whichever is least, provided the area does not exceed three hundred square feet. Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to permit the computation of allowable sign area on the basis of the sum, allocation or duplication of the eligible lengths.
C. Zoning Districts. Marquee signs shall be permitted in all zoning districts except the residential zones.
D. Location. Marquee signs shall only be attached to marquees or canopies having a vertical plane angle less than twenty degrees.
E. Lighting. Any lighting of marquee signs shall be in compliance with the electrical code and shall not cause disturbing glare onto any adjacent areas due to excessive brightness or method of illumination. Any devices or structures used in conjunction with direct illumination of marquee signs shall either be concealed from general view, recessed into a building or structure, or function as a decorative element in keeping with the character of the sign and the building to which it is attached. The direct illumination of marquee signs shall be subject to approval by the director of planning.
F. Miscellaneous. Marquee signs shall not extend beyond the ends or extremities of the marquee or canopy to which they are attached. (Ord. 5082 º 3, 1995: Ord. 5028 º 22, 1994: prior code º 21-155)
15.08.310 Under-marquee signs.
A. Number. One under-marquee sign shall be permitted per ground floor entrance to a building.
B. Area. The area of an under-marquee sign under a marquee shall not exceed six square feet.
C. Zoning Districts. Under-marquee signs shall be permitted in all zoning districts except the residential zones.
D. Height. The height of the face of an under-marquee sign shall not exceed two feet, and the clearance above grade shall be not less than eight feet.
E. Lighting. Any lighting of under-marquee signs shall be in compliance with the electrical code.
F. Miscellaneous.
1. An under-marquee sign shall not exceed six inches in thickness. (Ord. 5082 º 4, 1995: prior code º 21-156)
15.08.315 Projecting signs.
A. Number. One projecting sign shall be permitted per ground floor occupancy.
B. Area. The area of a projecting sign shall not exceed six square feet.
C. Zoning Districts. Projecting signs shall be permitted in all zoning districts except the residential zones.
D. Height. Projecting signs shall have a minimum clearance of eight feet between the bottom of said signs and the ground surface.
E. Lighting. Any lighting of projecting signs shall be by direct illumination only, in compliance with the electrical code, and shall not cause disturbing glare onto any adjacent areas due to excessive brightness or method of illumination. Any devices or structures used in conjunction with direct illumination of projecting signs shall either be concealed from general view, recessed into building or struc-
ture, or function as a decorative element in keeping with the character of the sign and the building to which it is attached. The direct illumination of projecting signs shall be subject to approval by the director of planning.
F. Miscellaneous.
1. A projecting sign shall not exceed a thickness of six inches.
2. A projecting sign must be located a minimum of ten feet from any interior property line which intersects a property line along a right-of-way and a minimum of ten feet from any other projecting sign located on the same building. (Ord. 5028 º 27, 1993: prior code º 21-156.1)
15.08.320 Directional and informational signs.
A. Number.
1. Not more than two informational signs shall be permitted per ground floor entrance to a building.
2. One directional sign shall be permitted for each vehicular entrance and exit per lot or site.
3. One service station directional sign shall be permitted at each vehicular entrance and exit per service station site.
4. One service station directional sign shall be permitted for each end of a pump island.
B. Area.
1. No informational sign shall have an area greater than four square feet.
2. No directional sign shall have an area greater than four square feet except for directional signs located over a vehicular entrance or exit of a structure designed and used for the parking of twenty or more motor vehicles.
3. No directional sign located over a vehicular entrance or exit of a structure designed and used for the parking of twenty or more motor vehicles shall have an area greater than one square foot for each foot of driveway width and no such sign shall extend beyond the width of such entrance.
4. Directional or informational service station signs shall not exceed an area greater than four square feet or a total of eight square feet per pump island.
C. Zoning Districts.
1. Directional and informational signs shall be permitted in all commercial and industrial zones and for property developed with parking lots or structures in the P parking overlay zone and PS parking structure overlay zone.
2. Directional and informational service station signs shall only be permitted in the C1, C2, C3, M/C and M2 zoning districts.
D. Height.
1. When located on a parking lot the height of a directional sign shall not exceed three feet above the adjacent driveway or parking surface.
2. When located at the vehicular entrance or exit of a structure designed for the parking of motor vehicles a directional sign may be located on the wall or in the entryway immediately above such entrance or exit.
3. All informational signs and all other directional signs shall not extend more than three feet above the ground surface.
4. All directional and informational service station signs shall be limited to a maximum height of nine feet above the ground surface except when located within ten feet of an interior property line where said signs shall not exceed a height of three feet.
E. Lighting. Any lighting of directional or informational signs shall be in compliance with the electrical code and shall not cause disturbing glare onto any adjacent areas due to excessive brightness or method of illumination. Any devices or structures used in conjunction with direct illumination of directional and informational signs shall either be concealed from general view, recessed into a building or structure, appear to be landscape accent lighting, or function as a decorative element in keeping with the character of the sign and any building to which it may be attached. Notwithstanding the above, the lighting of directional and informational signs at service stations shall be by indirect illumination only.
F. Location. Directional and information service station signs shall be located on the pump island or perimeter of the site. (Ord. 5065 º 6, 1994: Ord. 5028 º 28, 1993: prior code º 21-157)
15.08.330 Temporary signs.
A. Except as otherwise authorized by Section 15.08.040, any temporary sign shall be used as an accessory sign only and for no other purposes. Except as otherwise authorized by Section 15.08.040, temporary wall signs shall not extend over or into any public right-of-way, street, alley, sidewalk or other public thoroughfare.
B. Temporary signs shall not be erected so as to prevent free ingress to or egress from any door, window or fire escape and shall not be attached to any standpipe or fire escape. Temporary signs shall be only ground signs or wall signs. The illumination in any manner of a temporary sign is prohibited.
1. Residential Real Estate Signs.
a. Number. One residential real estate sign shall be permitted for each property being advertised for rent, lease or sale.
b. Area. The area of a residential real estate sign, including riders, shall not exceed six square feet. A maximum of two faces, neither having a sign face exceeding four feet in any direction, shall be permitted.
c. Zoning Districts. Residential real estate signs shall be permitted in all zoning districts.
d. Height. The height of a residential real estate sign or residential real estate sign structure shall not exceed six feet above ground level.
e. Miscellaneous. A residential real estate sign shall be permitted to remain on the premises for a time period not to exceed one hundred twenty days, or ten days after the opening of escrow, whichever is longer.
2. Construction, Commercial and Industrial Real Estate Signs.
a. Number. One construction, commercial or industrial real estate sign shall be permitted for each three hundred feet of dedicated street frontage; however, each lot or site shall be permitted at least one such sign, regardless of street frontage.
b. Area. The area of a construction, commercial or industrial real estate sign shall not exceed thirty-two square feet for lots or sites less than five acres in area and shall not exceed sixty-four square feet for other lots or sites.
c. Zoning Districts. Construction signs shall be permitted in all zoning districts. Commercial and industrial real estate signs shall be permitted in all zoning districts except residential zones.
d. Height. The height of a sign or sign structure advertising construction, commercial or industrial real estate shall not exceed twelve feet above grade.
e. Miscellaneous. Construction, commercial and industrial real estate signs shall be permitted to remain on the lot or site until all use and occupancy permits for such lot or site have been issued.
3. Subdivision Signs.
a. Number. One subdivision sign shall be permitted at each street entrance to a subdivision.
b. Area. The area of a subdivision sign shall not exceed sixty-four square feet.
c. Zoning Districts. Subdivision signs shall be permitted in all zoning districts.
d. Location. Subdivision signs shall only be erected in compliance with all setback requirements and established building lines as required by other city ordinances. No other signs shall be permitted within the subdivision except residential real estate signs, directional signs and informational signs.
e. Height. The height of a subdivision sign or subdivision sign structure shall not exceed sixteen feet above grade.
f. Miscellaneous. Subdivision signs shall be removed upon the sale of all of the subdivision lots.
4. Christmas Tree Sales Lot Signs and Pumpkin Sales Lot Signs.
a. Number. One Christmas tree sales lot sign or pumpkin sales lot sign shall be permitted per site.
b. Area. The area of a Christmas tree sales lot sign or pumpkin sales lot sign shall not exceed thirty-two square feet except nothing in this section shall prohibit the use of a double-faced sign so long as the area of each face does not exceed thirty-two square feet.
c. Zoning Districts. Christmas tree sales lot signs and pumpkin sales lot signs shall be permitted only in the C1, C2, C3, CBD, CR, CE, CN, CG, CG-R, M/C, M1 and M2 zoning districts.
d. Height. The height of a Christmas tree sales lot sign or Christmas tree sales lot sign structure and the height of a pumpkin sales lot sign or pumpkin sales lot sign structure shall not exceed twelve feet above grade.
e. Miscellaneous. Christmas tree sales lot signs shall only be displayed between November 1st and December 31st. Pumpkin sales lot signs shall only be displayed between October 15th and November 1st. (Ord. 5065 º 7, 1994: Ord. 5028 º 29, 1993: prior code º 21-158)
15.08.340 Miscellaneous signs.
A. Awning Signs.
1. Number. One awning sign shall be permitted per awning.
2. Area. The area of an awning sign shall not exceed four square feet.
3. Zoning Districts. Awning signs shall be permitted in all zoning districts except residential zones.
4. Height. The height of the face of an awning sign shall not exceed one foot.
5. Miscellaneous.
a. Awning signs may be painted, placed or installed upon the vertically hanging border only of an awning, provided that such signs shall not extend above or below such hanging border.
b. Awning signs shall be of permanent matter.
c. No advertising shall be placed on any awning except the name of the owner and business, logogram and industry or pursuit conducted within the premises.
d. Backlighting of awnings which illuminates only a specific area or part of an awning which contains a sign shall be prohibited.
B. Window Signs.
1. Number. For each ground floor occupancy of a building, one illuminated window sign shall be permitted in each window to a maximum of two which directly faces a dedicated street, dedicated alley, mall or parking lot area. This section shall not permit illuminated advertising signs for alcoholic beverages at service stations which are prohibited by state law. A maximum of two illuminated window signs shall be permitted per establishment. A neon border being placed around the perimeter of a window as a decorative element void of text shall not be construed as sign area. Window signs which are not illuminated shall not be limited in number.
2. Area. The area of an illuminated window sign shall not exceed four square feet. Any signs constructed exclusively of neon tubing shall not exceed twenty-five percent of the window area or a maximum of one hundred square feet, whichever is less. Signs constructed of stained glass shall be permitted to cover the entire area of any window. Signs constructed of any other permitted material which are not illuminated shall be permitted only on the interior surface of the window glass, provided that no combination of any window signs covers more than twenty-five percent of the area of any window.
3. Zoning Districts. Window signs shall be permitted in all zoning districts except residential zones.
C. Church Bulletin Boards. One church bulletin board, not to exceed a total area of eighteen square feet, or a vertical height of five feet above the grade shall be permitted per lot or site used for church purposes. Any lighting shall be by indirect illumination only.
D. Signs for Licensed Vehicle Dealers. As used in this subsection, licensed vehicle dealer means "dealer" as defined by the California Vehicle Code and licensed under the provisions thereof.
1. Accessory Wall Signs.
a. Number. For each ground floor occupancy of a building, one accessory wall sign shall be permitted on each wall which directly faces a dedicated street, dedicated alley, mall or parking area; provided, however, that no more than one accessory wall sign shall be permitted per dedicated street, dedicated alley, mall or parking area.
b. Area. The area of an accessory wall sign on any wall permitted a sign shall not exceed two square feet per foot of length of frontage of each ground floor occupancy which directly faces a dedicated street, dedicated alley, mall or parking area. Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to permit the computation of allowable sign area on the basis of the sum, allocation or duplication of the eligible lengths.
c. Location.
i. Accessory wall signs shall only be attached to building walls having a vertical plane angle less than twenty degrees. No wall sign shall extend more than two feet above any eave line or have more than fifty percent of its height above any eave line.
ii. No wall sign shall cover wholly or partially any required wall opening.
d. Height. The lowest point of any accessory wall sign which projects over a driveway, service drive or any other trafficway more than six inches from the wall to which it is attached shall be a minimum of seventeen feet above grade.
e. Lighting. Any lighting of accessory wall signs shall be by indirect illumination only, in compliance with the electrical code.
f. Miscellaneous. An accessory wall sign shall be erected or constructed so that it is either integrated into the wall, flat against the wall to which it is attached, or projecting not more than ten inches from the wall to which it is attached (as measured from the back surface of the sign).
2. Accessory Ground Signs.
a. Number. One accessory ground sign shall be permitted for each dedicated street frontage of the site. A maximum of two accessory ground signs shall be permitted per lot or site, regardless of the number of street frontages.
b. Area. The area of an accessory ground sign shall not exceed two square feet per linear foot of site frontage as measured along a right-of-way line. The total aggregate area of the signs shall not exceed six hundred forty square feet. Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to permit the computation of allowable sign area of the basis of sum, allocation or duplication of the eligible frontages.
c. Location.
i. No accessory ground sign shall be nearer the street than the building setback line established pursuant to the zoning ordinance of this code or by setback ordinance.
ii. On property at any corner formed by intersecting streets, no accessory ground sign shall be erected within that triangular area between the property lines twenty-five feet from the point of their intersection, or in the case of rounded corners, the triangular area between the tangents to the curve at such corner and a diagonal line joining points on such tangents twenty-five feet from the point of their intersection, if the traffic engineer determines the erection of a sign in such area will obstruct the view of vehicular traffic approaching the intersection of the intersecting streets. The tangents referred to above are those at the beginning and at the end of the curve at the corner.
iii. No portion of an accessory ground sign shall project over or through any portion of the roof, marquee, or canopy of any building.
d. Height. An accessory ground sign shall not exceed fifty-seven feet above grade.
e. Lighting. Any lighting of accessory ground signs shall be in compliance with the electrical code.
f. Miscellaneous.
i. A maximum of two supporting poles, uprights, posts or braces shall be permitted for an accessory ground sign; provided, however, if such ground sign is located in the area described in subsection (2)(c)(ii) of this subsection, only one supporting pole, upright, post or brace shall be permitted.
ii. The lowest point of any accessory ground sign which projects over a driveway, service drive, or any other vehicular trafficway shall be a minimum of seventeen feet above grade.
iii. No accessory ground sign shall be closer than fifteen feet to any other accessory ground sign on the same lot or site.
iv. The width of an accessory ground sign shall not exceed forty feet.
v. All exposed backs or sides shall be suitably covered in order to conceal the structural members and bracing.
E. Signs for Certain Shopping Centers. In addition to signs permitted elsewhere in this code, one accessory ground sign shall be permitted for each shopping center provided such shopping center and such additional sign shall meet all the following criteria:
1. A unified shopping center under single ownership;
2. A minimum of four acres of land area;
3. A minimum of ten contiguous business establishments; and
4. No other ground sign be permitted to remain or be constructed. Such accessory informational sign shall not exceed a maximum of fifty feet above grade; a maximum width of twenty feet; and a maximum display surface area of two hundred sixty square feet.
F. Signs for Certain Industrial Parks. In addition to signs permitted elsewhere in this code, one nonaccessory or accessory ground sign shall be permitted for each industrial park provided such industrial park and such additional sign shall meet all the following criteria:
1. A unified industrial park under single ownership;
2. A minimum of one hundred acres in land area;
3. The height of such additional sign shall not exceed thirty feet above grade;
4. The display surface area of such additional sign shall not exceed one hundred square feet; and
5. The location of such additional sign, if it is nonaccessory, shall not exceed one thousand two hundred feet from the nearest point of the lot line of the industrial park.
G. Signs for Outdoor Vending Machines. All signs located on vending machines shall meet the following criteria:
1. All signs shall be integrated into or onto or attached flush to the surfaces of the machine. No signs shall extend above or beyond the extremities of the vending machine.
2. All signs must relate to the product/use being housed in the machines.
3. These signs shall meet all other requirements contained in this chapter. (Ord. 5088 º 2, 1995: Ord. 5065 º 8, 1994: Ord. 5028 º 30, 1993: prior code º 21-159)
15.08.350 Amortization period.
A. Except as provided in this section, any sign or advertising structure lawfully existing and maintained on or before August 8, 1973, and made nonconforming by the provisions of Ordinance No. 4086, and any sign or advertising structure lawfully existing and maintained at the time this chapter is adopted and made nonconforming by the provisions of Ordinance No. 4241 amending this chapter, may be so continued and maintained, except for signs described under Section 15.08.170, until there occurs a change in the type, kind or nature of the business, profession or other activity conducted at the premises upon which such sign is located, or August 8, 1983, whichever occurs first.
B. Any nonaccessory sign and sign structure shall be removed no later than July 1, 1979, or the end of the amortization period commencing upon such date, if applicable, whichever is later. The amortization period for any sign and sign structure shall be based upon the corresponding adjusted cost for such sign and sign structure according to the following table:
Adjusted Cost Amortization Period
In excess of Not more than Months
$ 0.00 $ 500.00 12
500.00 1,000.00 15
1,000.00 1,500.00 18
1,500.00 2,000.00 21
2,000.00 3,000.00 24
3,000.00 4,000.00 27
4,000.00 5,000.00 30
5,000.00 8,000.00 33
8,000.00 10,000.00 36
10,000.00 15,000.00 39
15,000.00 20,000.00 41
20,000.00 44
C. The adjusted cost shall be the aggregate cost of the sign, the structure and any installation cost reduced by ten percent for each year since construction or installation. The adjusted cost shall be presumed to be that amount indicated on the application for the building permit issued for the construction of the sign and structure unless prior to the removal date based upon the building permit application, the owner or any interested party provides evidence satisfactory to the permit services administrator of a greater adjusted cost.
D. Within one year from June 20, 1959, or within one year from the date a freeway, or portion thereof, is opened to public travel, whichever date is later, all signs which are in conflict with the provisions of Ordinance No. 3113 shall be removed or shall be relocated or altered so as to eliminate any conflict with the provisions of such ordinance. Such signs shall not be altered or moved except as provided in this chapter. (Prior code ºº 21-170, 21-171)
15.08.353 Sign programs for multi-occupancy commercial buildings and/or major projects.
A. Sign programs shall be required for multi-occupancy commercial buildings, other unified group of tenancies, and major projects as defined herein, except as provided in subsection I of this section.
1. Sign programs shall only be allowed in the CBD, CR, C-1, C-2, C-3, M-1, M-2, M/C, CG, CA/O, CA/CG, CS, CG/MS, CN, CG-R and CA/CS zoning districts.
2. Applications for sign program approval shall be submitted for review as provided in this section.
B. Sign Program Approval Process.
1. The owners and tenants of a multi-occupancy commercial building or other unified group of tenancies or major projects shall designate an individual to be responsible for submitting a sign program application for approval.
2. The designated individual shall submit a sign program application for review and approval to the appropriate authority, as provided herein.
3. The sign program application submitted for review and approval shall include the consent of all affected owners of the affected property and a majority of the affected tenancies.
C. Approval Authority. The director of planning shall review and approve sign program applications for proposed sign programs, except as provided in Section 15.08.357.
D. Sign Program Design Standards. In consideration of applications for sign programs, the director of planning shall be guided by the following criteria in evaluating sign program plans submitted for approval:
1. The compatibility of the sign program with the intended location and surroundings such that the sign program and the individual signs, banners, flags and pennants within the program do not unduly compete with or obstruct other business signs, or traffic signals, or detract from the architectural features of the neighborhood, or create visual clutter.
2. The sign program shall exhibit a harmonious design theme for the entire program area, including the use of internally consistent materials, colors and textures.
3. The sign program shall be consistent with this chapter of the code. In redevelopment project areas, the sign program shall also be consistent with the goals of the redevelopment plan.
4. Failure to meet any of the criteria set forth above shall be grounds for denial of a sign program application.
E. Sign Program Design Requirements. Sign program plans submitted for approval shall contain the following information:
1. Elevations;
2. Size and dimensional requirements for all signs, flags, banners and pennants;
3. Materials and finishes for all signs, flags banners and pennants;
4. Description of sign types which will be allowed under the proposed sign program;
5. Colors for sign materials and finishes;
6. Description of mounting hardware to be used for all signs including flags, banners and pennants, in the proposed program;
7. Sign program maintenance standards and requirements;
8. Description of all permitted means of illumination;
9. Description of type face to be permitted and signs.
F. Sign Permits for Signs in an Approved Sign Program. Sign permits for signs located in an approved sign program area shall be issued if the application for the sign permit demonstrates that the sign meets all the requirements set forth in the approved sign program.
G. Banners, Flags and Pennants. Banners, flags and pennants may be approved as an exception to this code as part of an approved sign program.
H. Duration. Approved sign programs shall remain in effect until superseded by a new or revised sign program.
I. Exemption. Where no approved sign program exists, a single tenant of a multi-occupancy commercial building, other unified group of tenancies, or major project shall be exempt from the above requirements relating to sign programs. However, such tenant shall not construct, erect or maintain any banners, flags, pennants, channel lighting, projecting signs, high rise wall signs or second floor wall signs on the premises, unless approved as part of a sign program. (Ord. 5065 º 9, 1994: Ord. 5028 º 32, 1993: prior code º 21-161)
15.08.355 Appeals regarding proposed sign programs.
The decision of the director of planning to approve or deny an application for a sign program is appealable to the board of zoning adjustments as hereinafter prescribed. The decision of the board of zoning adjustments may be further appealed to the city council pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 2.88 of this code relating to the uniform appeal procedure. (Ord. 5028 º 33, 1993: prior code º 21-162)
15.08.357 Sign programs, administrative exceptions and variances for new developments in the Glendale Redevelopment Agency project areas.
A. The Glendale Redevelopment Agency shall review and consider for approval at its Stage III: Final review of the design development phase any applications for variances and administrative exceptions to the requirements of this chapter of the Glendale Municipal Code and applications for sign programs which relate to a new development, as defined herein, in the redevelopment project areas.
B. The Glendale Redevelopment Agency shall be guided by the variance standards set forth in Chapter 30.16, Article IV of this code.
C. The Glendale Redevelopment Agency shall be guided by the standards for administrative exceptions set forth in Chapter 30.16, Article V of this code.
D. The Glendale Redevelopment Agency shall be guided by the sign program design standards provided in Section 15.08.353 in its review and consideration of a sign program. (Ord. 5028 º 34, 1993: prior code 21-163)
15.08.360 Exhibits.
The attached Exhibits, 1 through 7, are presented as examples only and shall not be interpreted as permissible in all situations. All are incorporated by reference and made a part of this chapter as if fully set forth in this chapter. (Prior code º 21-180)
15.08.370 Violation-Penalty.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Chapter 1.20 of this code, whenever in this chapter any act is prohibited or declared unlawful or the doing of any act is required, or the failure to do any act is declared to be unlawful, it shall be a misdemeanor, and any person convicted of such misdemeanor shall be punished by a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars. (Prior code º 21-181)
Exhibit 1Exhibit 2
Area of SignArea of Sign
Exhibit 3
Area of Sign
Exhibit 4Exhibit 5
Area of SignHeight of Sign
Exhibit 6
Wall Area Computations
Exhibit 7
Number of Ground Signs Computations