HomeMy WebLinkAboutORD 1397 ORDINANCE NO. 1397
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK,
CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE MUNICIPAL CODE SUBCHAPTER 153.170—SIGN
REGULATIONS
Whereas, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on February
22,2017 to consider recommendation of this Sign Ordinance to the City Council;
Whereas, the Planning Commission voted 4-0 to recommend the Sign Ordinance to the
City Council on February 22, 2017;
Whereas, in accordance with the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA), Section 15061 (b) (3) of Chapter 3, Title 24, it has been determined that the proposed
Code Amendment project will not have an impact upon the environment and is Categorically
Exempt.
NOW,THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Baldwin Park does hereby ordain:
Section 1. subchapter 153.170 — Sign Regulations of the Baldwin Park Municipal Code
is hereby amended as follows:
"SUBCHAPTER 153.170—SIGN REGULATIONS
Section Contents:
§153.170.010 Intent and Purpose
§153.170.020 Applicability
§153.170.030 Permit Requirements
§153.170.040 Exempt Signs
§153.170.050 Prohibited Signs
§153.170.060 Temporary Signs
§153.170.070 General Sign Standards
§153.170.080 Signs Regulations by Zone
§153.170.090 Sign Regulations for Specific Land Uses
§153.170.100 Sign Construction and Maintenance
§153.170.110 Other Applicable Regulations
§ 153.170.010—Intent and Purpose
The intent and purpose of these sign regulations are to:
A. Urban design and safety standards. Implement the city's urban design and safety
standards as set forth in the General Plan.
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B. City appearance. Maintain and enhance the city's appearance by regulating the design,
character, location, number, type, quality of materials, size, illumination and maintenance
of signs.
C. Pedestrian and vehicular traffic safety. Protect and improve pedestrian and vehicular
traffic safety by balancing the need for signs which facilitate the safe and smooth flow of
traffic without an excess of signage which may distract motorists, overload their capacity
to quickly receive information, visually obstruct traffic signs or otherwise create
congestion and safety hazards.
D. Traffic safety hazards. Eliminate traffic safety hazards to pedestrians and motorists
posed by off-site signs.
E. On-site signage. Generally limit private signage to on-site locations to protect the
aesthetic environment from the visual clutter associated with the unrestricted proliferation
of signs, while providing channels of communication to the public.
F. Communication. Allow the communication of information for commercial and
noncommercial purposes without regulating the content of noncommercial messages.
G. Free speech. Respect and protect the right of free speech by sign display, while
reasonably regulating the structure, location and other non-communicative aspects of
signs, generally for the public health, safety, welfare and specifically to serve the public
interests in traffic and pedestrian safety and community aesthetics.
H. Nearby effects. Minimize the possible adverse effects of signs on nearby public and
private property.
I. Visual quality. Serve the city's interests in maintaining and enhancing its visual appeal
by preventing the degradation of visual quality which can result from excess signage.
J. Protect investment and quality of life. Protect investments in property and lifestyle
quality made by persons who choose to live, work or do business in the city.
L. Residential neighborhoods. Defend the peace and tranquility of residential zones and
neighborhoods.
§ 153.170.020—Applicability
A. Compliance. Signs or advertising displays that are erected or maintained within the city
shall comply with the provisions of this subchapter and any other applicable federal, state
and local statues or laws.
B. Additive requirements. The requirements of this subchapter shall be applied in addition
to any other requirements contained in the Zoning Code.
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C. Conflicts. In the event of direct and irreconcilable conflict between any provisions of this
subchapter and any other provisions of the Zoning Code or this code, the more restrictive
requirements shall govern.
§ 153.170.030—Permit Requirements
A. Sign permit required. Unless otherwise exempted by § 153.170.040, a sign permit shall
be required prior to the placement, construction or physical alteration of the size, height
or location of any sign or advertising display in the city. A sign permit may be obtained
from the Planning Division pursuant to the provisions of subchapter 153.210,
Administrative Procedures.
B. Variance. Signs that do not comply with the requirements of this subchapter shall not be
permitted unless a variance has been granted pursuant to the provisions of subchapter
153.210, Administrative Procedures.
§ 153.170.040—Exempt Signs
A. Applicability. Unless otherwise specified, the signs listed in this subchapter are
categorically exempt from the permit requirement. The signs listed in this section are
subject to compliance with all other provisions of this subchapter and other applicable
codes, regulations or rules.
B. Restrictions on illumination. All exempt signs shall be non-illuminated, externally
illuminated,or internally illuminated.
C. Exempt signs. The following categories of signs do not require a sign permit:
1. Non-Residential Signs
On non-residential property of less than 175,000 square feet in lot size: (a) up to 40 flags
or pennants with a combined area of no more than 120 square feet on a staff or pole of no
longer than 20 feet; (b) up to 15 permanent signs with a combined area of no more than
75 square feet and a height of no more than eight feet, however, each individual sign may
not exceed 24 square feet; (c) up to four temporary window signs with a combined area
of no more than 24 square feet, except that no more than 40% of the area of any given
window may be covered by window signs; and (d) up to eight other temporary signs with
a combined area of no more than 30 square feet and a height of no more than four feet.
Size limits for window signs with transparent backgrounds (instead of opaque
backgrounds)placed on glass doors are doubled.
On non-residential property of more than 175,000 square feet in lot size: (a) up to 55
flags or pennants with a combined area of no more than 165 square feet on a staff or pole
of no longer than 20 feet; (b) up to 20 permanent signs with a combined area of no more
than 100 square feet and a height of no more than eight feet, however, each individual
sign may not exceed 30 square feet;; (c) up to eight temporary window signs with a
combined area of no more than 48 square feet, except that no more than 40% of the area
of any given window may be covered by window signs; and (d) up to 12 other temporary
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signs with a combined area of no more than 50 square feet and a height of no more than
five feet. Size limits for window signs with transparent backgrounds (instead of opaque
backgrounds) placed on glass doors are doubled.
Where properties include multiple tenants, each tenant may display one flag of no more
than six square feet, and temporary or permanent signs with a combined area of no more
than nine square feet, in addition to the non-residential exemption provided above.
2. Residential Signs
On residential property: (a)up to three flags or pennants with a combined area of no more
than 18 square feet on a staff or pole of no longer than eight feet; (b) up to three
permanent signs with a combined area of no more than 12 square feet and a height of no
more than four feet; (c) up to six temporary window signs with a combined area of no
more than nine square feet, except that no more than 50% of the area of any given
window may be covered by window signs; and (d) up to four other temporary signs with
a combined area of no more than ten square feet and a height of no more than three feet.
Where residential properties include multiple dwelling units, each dwelling unit is may
display one flag of no more than six square feet, and temporary or permanent signs with a
combined area of no more than six square feet, in addition to the basic residential
exemption provided above.
Potential Discretionary Additions:
(3)Flags near Holidays
An additional flag of up to 12 square feet may be displayed during the three days before,
the day of, and the three days after the following holidays: Memorial Day, Independence
Day and Veterans Day.
(4) Signs near Elections
An additional 5 signs of up to 12 square feet combined and up to 4 feet tall may be
displayed starting 45 days before, on the day of and for 14 days after any election for
which there are polling places operating within the City.
§ 153.170.050—Prohibited Signs
The following signs are prohibited on any property within the city:
A. Abandoned Signs.
B. Animated Signs.
C. Inflatable/Balloon Signs.
D. Roof Signs.
E. Murals.
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F. Can (Box) Signs.
G. Off-Site Signs (billboards).
H. Off-Site Signs. Off-site identification signs, except government and civic signs as
provided in this subchapter.
I. Portable Signs, including A-frame, sandwich board signs, and vehicle-mounted
signs.
J. Cross-visibility area. Any sign located within a required clear cross-visibility area.
K. Permission not granted. Signs erected without the permission of the owner of the
property on which the sign is located.
L. Signs in the public right-of-way. Signs within or projecting over a public right-of-way.
M. Imitation traffic signs. Signs which purport to be, are an imitation of, or resemble
official traffic warning devices or signs,that by color, location or lighting may confuse or
disorient vehicular or pedestrian traffic, impede the flow of traffic or create a traffic
hazard, excluding authorized on-site directional signs.
N. Painted signs. Signs painted directly on an exterior wall, fence, fascia or parapet.
O. Signs attached to utility poles. Signs attached to utility poles, unless specifically
approved by the utility company in writing.
P. Signs attached other features. Signs attached to trees, fences, bridges or light poles.
Q. Vehicle signs. Vehicle signs, where the primary purpose or use of the vehicle is the
display of advertising material. This does not apply to signs maintained on vehicles when
such advertising is incidental to the primary purpose for which the vehicle is being used.
R. Disrepair. Any sign that is in disrepair.
§ 153.170.060—Temporary Signs
A Permitted Temporary Signs. In addition to exempt temporary signs pursuant to
§153.170.040(C), temporary signs may be permitted on the site of any business holding a
grand opening or promoting a special product, sale, or event. The following types of
temporary signs are permitted under such circumstances, provided they comply with the
applicable standards provided in subsection B below:
1. Banners not exceeding 50 square feet per banner.
2. Inflatable signs not exceeding 50 feet in height.
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3. Pennants, with the area on which the pennants are located not permitted to exceed
15 percent of the square footage of the lot upon which they are located.
B. Standard for Temporary Signs: Such temporary signs shall comply with the following
standards:
1. Maximum number. A maximum of 1 temporary sign may be displayed for each
business at any given time.
2. Maximum duration. Each temporary sign may be displayed for a maximum of
30 consecutive days. Temporary signs may be displayed up to 4 nonconsecutive
times within a 12-month period.
3. Maximum sign area. The combined maximum sign area of all temporary signs
on site shall not exceed 50 square feet.
4. Location and attachment. Temporary signs shall be attached to the main
building wall or fence and shall not extend above the roofline or height of the wall
or fence on which they are located.
5. Balloons. Balloons shall not be used in conjunction with any temporary sign.
6. Attachment and illumination. Temporary signs shall not be freestanding or
illuminated.
7. Safety and maintenance. Temporary signs shall be kept in a safe and presentable
condition.
C. Temporary signage for a newly established business. The following additional
standards apply to newly established businesses within the city. A newly established business
refers to any business that has filed a complete business license application (accepted by the
city), for the first time, provided there are no records of the business operating in the city prior to
said filing.
(1) Permitted signs. The following types of temporary signs are permitted under
such circumstances, provided they comply with the applicable standards provided in divisions
(B)or(C):
(a) All sign types listed as permitted temporary signs in division(A).
(b) Banners not exceeding 60 square feet per banner.
(c) Single-pole flags with ground spikes up to 35 square feet maximum.
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(2) Maximum number. Up to three signs of any combination of permitted temporary
sign types (e.g., banners, pennants, window signs, and the like) are permitted provided that the
combined sign area of all said signage does not exceed 60 square feet.
(3) Maximum duration. Each temporary sign for a newly established business may be
displayed for a maximum of 60 days from the time its business license application is filed and
accepted by the city. An extension of up to 60 additional days may be approved provided that a
completed extension request (through submittal of an additional sign permit application) is
received and accepted by the city prior to the expiration of the initial 60 day display period.
(4) Maximum sign area. The combined maximum sign area of all permitted signage
under this division shall not exceed 60 square feet.
§ 153.170.070—General Sign Standards
All signs, including exempt and temporary signs, located within all zones shall comply with the
following regulations:
A. Sign Lettering and Numbering.
1. To facilitate emergency response by public safety personnel, the sign nearest to
the public entrance of a business which utilizes any non-Roman alphabet letters,
characters and/or symbols shall also contain a general description of the business
and other entities occupying the building written in English. The English
language portion of the sign shall be readable from the public right-of-way.
2. In all cases where a sign or other zoning permit is required by this chapter or other
law, the applicant shall submit to the city a certification, issued under penalty of
perjury under the laws of the State of California, containing an English language
translation of all non-Roman alphabet letters, characters and symbols proposed to
be displayed on the sign. An application for such permit shall not be deemed
complete until the applicant has provided such certification.
B. Sign Lighting and Illumination.
1. Unless otherwise specified for exempt and temporary signs, signs may be non-
illuminated or internally illuminated. If internally illuminated, illumination of
individual letters and logos is preferred. The Approving Authority of the sign
permit may authorize external illumination.
2. All signs shall be arranged, operated, shielded and maintained to prevent any
glare, reflection, nuisance, inconvenience or hazardous interference of any kind to
abutting or adjacent properties, streets and walkways.
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C. Sign Location.
No internally illuminated sign placed on any commercial or industrially zoned property
shall be located within 50 feet of the lot line, if such line is shared with any residentially
zoned lot, and if the sign face area is oriented toward the residentially zoned lot.
D. Sign Aesthetics.
1. All newly erected signs shall comply with the Sign Design Guidelines Manual.
2. All permanent signs located within any zone shall be compatible to the associated
structure's architecture and design features.
3. All permanent signs located on commercial and industrial structures shall be
integrated within structure's architecture.
§ 153.170.080—Signs Regulations by Zone
Table 153.170.080 identifies the types of signs permitted by zone district and the development
standards applicable to such signs. In addition to the requirements set forth in Table 153.170.080,
the following criteria shall apply:
A. Freestanding Signs.
1. As indicated in Table 153.170.080, freestanding signs shall be permitted only in
the FC, C-2 and I-C zones that have freeway frontage.
2. The base of all freestanding signs shall be landscaped at the time of sign
installation such that the base is fully obscured by landscaping to a minimum
height of 6 feet within 3 years of landscape installation. Such landscaping shall be
maintained in a neat and healthy condition at all times.
B. Monument Signs.
Monument signs may be located in planter medians abutting a driveway or within the
project driveway.
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Table 153.1
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Sign!Regulations by Zone
Maximum Maximum- Maximum
Zone Sign Type Number Sign Area Height Notes
R-G and Monument 1 24 sf 4 ft
R-3 Wall 1 36 sf 4 ft
Monument 1 per frontage 32 sf 6 ft
C-1
Wall 1 or more 50 sf 4 ft
Monument 1 per frontage 64 sf 12 ft
C-2, Wall 1 or more 2 sf of sign area per 6 ft
F-C, linear foot of primary
I-C,
without building frontage
freeway Secondary 1 or more 1 sf of sign area per 4 ft
frontage Wall linear foot of primary
building frontage
Freestanding 1 1 sf of sign area per 1 80 ft 1.A maximum of 1
linear foot of street freestanding sign is
frontage permitted for lots with less
than 800 linear feet of
street frontage.One
additional freestanding
sign is permitted for lots
with more than 800 linear
C-2, F- feet of street frontage.For
C, I-C,
with this purpose,a commercial
center is considered a
freeway
single lot.
frontage
2.Additional sign face
area for monument signs
may be granted in lieu of
use of freestanding signs,
per criteria established by
the Director of
Community Development.
Monument 1 40 sf 8 ft
Wall 1 or more 1 sf of sign area for 6 ft
I each linear foot of
primary building
frontage
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C. Wall Signs.
1. A maximum of 3 wall signs shall be permitted for each wall of a commercial unit
that contains a main entrance or is adjacent to a street.
2. A maximum of 1 wall sign shall be permitted for each wall of a commercial unit
that does not contain a main entrance.
3. Wall signs shall not project more than 18 inches from the building wall.
4. Sign height shall be measured from the bottom to the top of the sign.
§ 153.170.090—Sign Regulations for Specific Land Uses
In addition to other standards set forth in this subchapter, the following land uses are subject to
the following regulations:
A. Service Stations.
1. Each service station may maintain a maximum of 4 canopy signs, each having no
more than 50 square feet of sign face area.
2. Each service station may maintain 1 permanently installed sign not to exceed 40
square feet in area.
3. Each service station may maintain a maximum of 2 permanently installed or
portable signs not exceed 20 square feet in area.
B. Automobile Dealerships.
1. Each automobile dealership may display banners and pennants with a total area
not to exceed 15 percent of the square footage of the lot upon which they are
located.
2. Each automobile dealership may display a maximum of 20 banners attached to
freestanding light standards. Each banner shall not exceed 50 square feet of area.
3. Each automobile dealership may display one pennant for every 2,500 square feet
of lot area, up to a maximum of 12 such pennants. Each pennant shall not exceed
20 square feet in area.
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§ 153.170.100—Sign Construction and Maintenance
A. Compliance with codes and development standards. All signs shall comply with the
appropriate provisions of the State Building Code, as adopted by the city, relative to
design, construction, structural integrity, connections and safety. Signs shall also comply
with the provisions of the applicable electrical code and the development standards.
B. Maintenance. All signs shall be maintained in a good structural condition at all times
and be kept neatly painted, including all metal parts and supports that are not made of a
rust resistant material. Any crack, broken surface, malfunction, missing sign copy or
other damaged portion shall be repaired or replaced.
§ 153.170.110—Other Applicable Regulations
In addition to the requirements contained this subchapter, regulations contained of this chapter
may apply to signage in the following subchapters:
§ 153.210.090—General Application Processing Procedures
(A) Application reviewed for completeness. All applications filed with the Planning Division
shall be initially reviewed for application completeness. The City Planner shall determine
whether or not the application is complete and shall notify the applicant in writing of the
determination that: a) all the submittal requirements have been satisfied and that the application
has been accepted as complete; or b) specific information is still necessary to complete the
application. For administrative permits and actions, and for sign permits, the applicant shall be
notified within seven days and for all other permits and actions, the applicant shall be notified
within 30 days.
§ 153.210.265—Time for Determination
(A) Temporary Signs
Permit applications for temporary signs shall be determined within 21 days of application
submission unless the City Planner designates the application as one of extraordinary complexity
or difficulty, in which case notification of such designation shall be mailed to the applicant
within 14 days of application submission. All applications shall be determined within 42 days of
application submission. Notice of any determination shall be mailed within two business days
after the determination is made (excluding Fridays when City offices are closed).
(B)Permanent Signs
Permit applications for permanent signs shall be determined within 63 days unless the City
Planner designates the application as one of extraordinary complexity or difficulty, in which case
notification of such designation shall be mailed to the applicant within 35 days of application
submission. All applications shall be determined within 91 days of application submission.
Notice of any determination shall be mailed within two business days after the determination is
made (excluding Fridays when City offices are closed).
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(C)Mixed Applications
Applications seeking a permit for both temporary and permanent signs will be treated as
applications for permanent sign permits; but the City Planner shall have discretion to make a
partial determination as to the portion of an application concerning temporary signs at any time
before a final determination is made for the whole application.
§ 153.220.200—S Definitions
SIGN. Any device for visual communication, including, without limitation, any announcement,
declaration, demonstration, display, illustration or insignia, which is used to advertise or promote
the views, products or services of any person, business group or enterprise, and is readily visible
from outside any building or structure containing or supporting it.
TEMPORARY SIGN. Any sign constructed of paper, cloth, canvas or other similar lightweight
material, with or without frames; or erected by driving a stake or other support into the ground
(e.g., common"For Sale" signs)."
Section 2. The Mayor or presiding officer of the City of Baldwin Park City Council
is hereby authorized to affix his/her signature to this Ordinance signifying its adoption by the
City Council of the City of Baldwin Park.
Section 3. The City Clerk of the City of Baldwin Park shall certify to the adoption of
this Ordinance and cause the same to be posted and/or published as required by law.
Section 4. This Ordinance shall go into effect and be in full force and operation from
and after thirty(30) days from the date of its final passage and adoption.
Section 5. If any chapter, section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or
phrase, or portion of this Ordinance, or the application thereof to any person, is for any reason
held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such
decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance or its application
to other persons. The City Council hereby declares that it would have adopted this Ordinance
and each chapter, section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion
thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, subdivisions,
sentences, clauses, phrases, or portions of the application thereof to any person, be declared
invalid or unconstitutional.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Baldwin Park this
5th day of April, 2017.
„ , iso-
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ATTEST:
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) ss.
CITY OF BALDWIN PARK )
I, Alejandra Avila, City Clerk, of the City of Baldwin Park, do hereby certify that the foregoing
Ordinance No. 1397 was introduced for first reading at a regular meeting of the City Council
held March 15, 2017 and was adopted by the City Council at its regular meeting and adopted this
5th day of April, 2017 by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Baca, Garcia, Lozano, Pacheco, Rubio
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
Alejandr. Avila
City Clerk
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