HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 1287 (Sign Ordinance)CLERK'S CERTIFICATE
I, JEANNE M. LEONCINI, City Clerk of the City of
San Rafael, and Ex -officio Clerk of the Council of said
City do hereby certify that the foregoing Charter
Ordinance No. 1 287 entitled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL AMENDING
TITLE 14 - "ZONING" OF THE SAN RAFAEL MUNICIPAL CODE
BY REPEALING AND REENACTING CHAPTER 14.12 THEREIN,
ENTITLED: SIGN ORDINANCE
is a true and correct copy of an ordinance of said City,
and was introduced at a regular meeting of
the City Council of the City of San Rafael, held on the 3rd
day of January 19 78 Published as re-
quired by City Charter in the San Rafael Pointer
a newspaper printed and published in the City of San Rafael
and passed and adopted as an ordinance of said City at a
regular meeting of the City Council of said City
held on the 6th day of February 19 78 by the
following vote, to -wit:
Ayes: Councilmen: Miskimen, Mulryan and Mayor Bettini
Noes: Councilmen: None
Absent: Councilmen: Jensen and Nixon
WITNESS my hand and the official seal of
the City of San Rafael this 9t_ day of
March 19 78 .
J�lE—M. LEONCINI,ty Clerk
PAGE 12 SAN RAFAE ')INTER JANUARY 10, 1978
PUBLIC NOTICE
ORDINANCE NO. 1287
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL
AMENDING TITLE 14. "ZONING" OF THE SAN RAFAEL MUNICIPAL CODE
BY REPEALING AND REENACTING CHAPTER 14.12 THEREIN, ENTITLED:
SIGN ORDINANCE
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CiTY OF SAN RAFAEL DO ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
DIVISION 1. Title 14 of the San Rafael Municipal Code is hereby amended by repealing and
reenacting Chapter 14.12 which shall read in its entirely as follows:
CHAPTER 14-12 - SIGN ORDINANCE
SECTIONS:
14.12.01 PURPOSE
14.12.02 WHAT IS PERMITTED
14.12.03 WHAT IS PROHIBITED
14.12.04 WHAT IS EXEMPT
14.12.05 PERMIT PROCEDURE
14.12.06 ADJUSTMENTS
14.12.07 VARIANCES
14.12.08 CORRECTION OF NONCONFORMING SIGNS
14.12.09 VIOLATIONS AND ENFORCEMENT
14.12. 10 DEFINITIONS
14-12-01
PURPOSE
The regulation and control of the location, size, type and number of signs permitted shall be governed by
the provisions of this Chapter. The purpose of this Chapter shall be to safeguard and enhance property
values; to protect public and private investment in buildings and open spaces; to preserve and improve
the appearance of the City as a place in which to live and to work and as an attraction to non-residents
who come to visit or trade; to encourage sound signing practices as an aid to business and for the in-
formation of the public; and to promote the public health, safety and general welfare.
14.12.02
WHAT IS PERMITTED
Section:
14.12.02A SIGN STANDARDS BY LAND USE OR PURPOSE - BY SPECIFIC USES OR
PURPOSES
14.12.02B SIGN STANDARDS BY LAND USE - GENERAL PROVISIONS
14.12.02C SIGN ALLOWANCE AND AREA DETERMINATION
14.12.02D SPECIFIC STANDARDS FOR CERTAIN TYPES OF SIGNS
14.12.02E ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND LIMITATIONS
I. Unless specifically permitted pursuant to Title 14 of the San Rafael Municipal Code, no sign shall
be lawful (See Section 14.12.05A).
2. All signs require a sign permit from the Planning Department of the Planning Commission (See
Section 14.12.05) unless specifically exempted.
3. The following table is designed to show in a concise way what signing may be permitted for
different uses. (Note: Building permits may also be required.)
4. Be sure to refer to Sections 14.12.02 C, D & E after reading the tables for special limitations not
shown on the tables.
14.12.02A SIGN STANDARDS BY LAND USE OR PURPOSE: SPECIFIC USES OR PURPOSES
USE OR PURPOSE TYPE �LINIINTIOIy LOCATIONS SIZE LIMITATIONS AMn
SPECIAL COMITIOMS
� a
1 VC
Address
.New business -
Grand Opening
Apartment buildings
or residential
projects of 3 or
more units
Auto (new car sales)
• • • • • • Street comber and/or name not exceeding one
square foot in area per sign for sinole
family or duplex and four (4) square feet
per sign for all other uses. NO SIO.N PERMIT
REQUIRED.
Temporary (21 days) • • • • • • • • No stated limitations except those included in
14 12 03A D E F H I J K L M N P of this
•
• • • •
•
Chapter. One time, only, for maximum of twenty-
one (21) consecutive days provided beginning and
ending dates are filed with the Planning Depart-
ment prior thereto.
a • • • Nameplates not exceeding a total of 2D sq, ft .
in area and two 1n number may be placed on
the wall or freestanding. When freestanding,
the maxitnlm height shall not exceed 10 feet.
In addition to the above, one rental and
vacancy information sign up to a maximum of
6 sq. ft. is permitted on the wall.
• • • • • • • • (a) Freeway oriented auto dealership. Lot
frontage 250 or more linear feet; minimum
setback of building 35 feet. .
1. Two (2) freestandlnq sinns.
a. One (1) Primary Identification Sign
Max, area - 72 sq. ft.
Max. height - 21 feet
b. one (1) Secondary Sion for used car
sales or Service Department only:
Max. area - 36 sq. ft.
Max. height - 14 feet
(Square feet not transferable or
combinable.)
2. One ( 1 )
wall sign or mansard roof sign,.
(Maximum allowable signage is ?DO
square feet.)
(b) Freeway oriented dealership. Lot frontage
249 feet or less, see Section 14.12.0213-4
subsection 'f
(c) Nonfreeway,oriented dealership: For sion
standards and limits see Section
14.12.020-4 subsection d(2).
• • Window signs at auto sales agencies in excess
of twenty-five (25J Qercent Of wlnApw area:
Once per year for 88 period not tO exceed
twenty-one (21) consecutive days, providing
the beginninn and endinn dates are filed with
the Planning Department prior thereto. Signs
may be placed on the inside or painted unon
the inside or outside of up to IOD percent of
window area. `-
_ _ _See Sections 14.12.02, B,C
• • • Limited to one (1) window per car and not ex-
ceeding two (2) sq. ft. in area per car. Signs
located on the outside of the window either must
be painted on the window or made of weather
resistant material.
Prohibited (except to announce "New Business -
Grand Opening") _
• • • • Freestanding at entrances, not exceeding a
height of five (5) feet and twelve (12) sq.ft
in area, one (1) in number per entrance.
Christmas Tree Lots - See "Seasonal Sales".
Auto (used car sates),
Auto sale - signs
on vehicle,
`�
camper, travel trailer
mobile home sales not
Y
in a building
Banners
Cemetery
• • • • • • Street comber and/or name not exceeding one
square foot in area per sign for sinole
family or duplex and four (4) square feet
per sign for all other uses. NO SIO.N PERMIT
REQUIRED.
Temporary (21 days) • • • • • • • • No stated limitations except those included in
14 12 03A D E F H I J K L M N P of this
•
• • • •
•
Chapter. One time, only, for maximum of twenty-
one (21) consecutive days provided beginning and
ending dates are filed with the Planning Depart-
ment prior thereto.
a • • • Nameplates not exceeding a total of 2D sq, ft .
in area and two 1n number may be placed on
the wall or freestanding. When freestanding,
the maxitnlm height shall not exceed 10 feet.
In addition to the above, one rental and
vacancy information sign up to a maximum of
6 sq. ft. is permitted on the wall.
• • • • • • • • (a) Freeway oriented auto dealership. Lot
frontage 250 or more linear feet; minimum
setback of building 35 feet. .
1. Two (2) freestandlnq sinns.
a. One (1) Primary Identification Sign
Max, area - 72 sq. ft.
Max. height - 21 feet
b. one (1) Secondary Sion for used car
sales or Service Department only:
Max. area - 36 sq. ft.
Max. height - 14 feet
(Square feet not transferable or
combinable.)
2. One ( 1 )
wall sign or mansard roof sign,.
(Maximum allowable signage is ?DO
square feet.)
(b) Freeway oriented dealership. Lot frontage
249 feet or less, see Section 14.12.0213-4
subsection 'f
(c) Nonfreeway,oriented dealership: For sion
standards and limits see Section
14.12.020-4 subsection d(2).
• • Window signs at auto sales agencies in excess
of twenty-five (25J Qercent Of wlnApw area:
Once per year for 88 period not tO exceed
twenty-one (21) consecutive days, providing
the beginninn and endinn dates are filed with
the Planning Department prior thereto. Signs
may be placed on the inside or painted unon
the inside or outside of up to IOD percent of
window area. `-
_ _ _See Sections 14.12.02, B,C
• • • Limited to one (1) window per car and not ex-
ceeding two (2) sq. ft. in area per car. Signs
located on the outside of the window either must
be painted on the window or made of weather
resistant material.
Prohibited (except to announce "New Business -
Grand Opening") _
• • • • Freestanding at entrances, not exceeding a
height of five (5) feet and twelve (12) sq.ft
in area, one (1) in number per entrance.
Christmas Tree Lots - See "Seasonal Sales".
USE oR F04FOW
Churches
Clocks (on private
property)
Clubs for physical
recreation - golf,
tennis, swimming,
yacht, etc.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Construction site
Credit cards accepted;
trading stamps given;
association memberships
Day care facility
Family care facility
Flags
I roup care facility
` Home occupation
Lodges, fraternal
organizations, social
halls, union halls
Major medical facility
Motion picture
theaters
Office, professional
(Maximum two (2)
professionals in
building.
Office buildings
Public and parochial
schools and institu-
tions of a charitable
or civic nature
Real Estate:
temporary
Real Estate:
temporary
I
I
TEMPORARY
For sale or lease • • a - a •
open House- on site • • • •
IIJI1�- ,
Open House -off site • •
SIZELIMITATIONS ANP
SPECIAL CONOIT1045
Not exceeding twelve (12) square feet per
directory sign nor twenty (20) square feet in
total area for all signs. Freestanding signs
additionally limited to ten (10) feet 1"
height and twelve (12) square feet in area
and requirements set forth in Section 14.12.02D
"Specific Standards Freestanding Signs".
• When clock face contains advertising, entire
clock face is measured as a Sian and counted
in lieu of signina otherwise permitted
Not to exceed twenty (20) square feet in
total area, and two (2) in number.
Not exceeding thirty-six (36) square feet in
area and one (1) in number. Limited to
period of actual construction. there there
is more than one contractor, all siqns shall
be on one panel.
Permanent signs not exceeding one-half (112)
squarefoot per Sion up to a maximum of S;x
(6) 1n number and three (3) square feet in
total area. NO SIGH PERMIT REDUIRED.
Not exceeding twelve (12) square feet in area
and one (1) in number.
Not exceeding two (2) square feet in area and
one (1) in number.
Yrohibited cxce t as listed under 14.12.040)
Not exceeding siz (6j square feet in area and
one (1) in number.
Not exceeding one (1) square foot in area and i
one (1) in number.
Not exceeding twelve (12) square feet in total
area or two (2) in number. Internal I1 ,11 na-
tion not permitted in residential zones.
Not exceedinn two (2) square feet Der one
thousand (1.000) square feet of nross floor
area to a maximum of one hundred (100) square
feet in total area.
• Not exceedinn one (1) square foot per front
foot of buildino for identification and
business signs. Under sinn review additional
square footage in specified areas ray be
permitted for channeable copy cions.
Hot exceedinn four (4) square feet in total
area and two (2) in number.
Nameplates not exceeding a total of 20 sq. ft
in area and two (2) in number may be placed
on the office building wall or freestandina.
As an alternative, there may be one or two
directory scans containing three (3) sq. ft.
in area for each office in the building up to
a maximum total (one sign, or as a combined
total when two Ions) of thirty-six (36)
square feet.
Not exceedinn twenty (20) square feet in
total area and two W in number.
One (1) sign, maximum twenty (20) sq. ft. for 72
hours when immediately preceeding and related to
a charitable or non-profit 4 ecial event.
On site or structure not exceedinn four (4)
square feet for single-family or duplex and
16 square feet for multiple family, business
and industrial sites, and one (1) in numb r
per street frontage.
On site or structure, between hours of 10:00
a.m. and 7:00 p.m. daily only, not exceedinn
four (4) sq. ft. in area per sign and one (1
in number per site or structure.
Ground mounted between the hours of 10:00 a.m.
and 7:Go p.m. on holidays, Saturdays and Sundays
only not exceeding four (4) sq. ft. per sign and one
(1) in number in neighborhood of sales. Not to be
located in any center median of a public road or
sidewalk. Directional arrows with address not
exceeding two (2) in number in neighborhood of
sales.
Residential nameplate
• • • • • a • • Not ex.-eedino two (2) square feet in area ono
one (1) in number. NO SIGN PERMIT REQUIRED.
Rooming and boarding
• • • • • Not exceeding six (6) square feet in area and
houses
one (1) in number.
Seasonal sales
• • Number, size and placement as per use permit;
conducted outdoors
Temporary maximum height roof line of structure; maximum
of twenty-one (21) days per site per calendar year.
Service station
• • • • • • • Not exceeding 100 sq. ft. in total area and
(gasoline sales)
four (a) in total number of which not more
permanent signs
than two (2) may be projecting or freestanding.
Permanent signs announcing that a station is
open 24 hours per day shall be included
within these provisions.
Service station
a. Two outside mer.hardise di spqlay stands may be located no farther than six (6) feet from the
(gasoline sales)
face of the principal buildinq (connected canopy is not considered as part of the principal
temporary signs
bu. ldinq'� providing that each does not exceed five (5) feet in height, three (3) feet in
width nor thirty (30)cubic feet in area. Signs on a stand shall be limited to advertising
the merchandise located on the stand. "A" and "I" frame sign boards shall not be
considered "merchandise stands" within the meaning of this section.
b. On the inside of the office windows: Limited to twenty-four (24) square feet total area,
251 of any individual window and not more than two (2) signs. An application for sign
review may be submitted to request the designation of a specific area on the bulldino face
as an alternative if, due to building design, there are no windows on a street face or if
-
visibility through windows is obscured because the glass is tinted.
Service station,
r. On gasoline pumys: At such times as there are no signs posted in windows (as an alternative
igasoline sales)
to subset titl above), signs may be posted on the face of or inside the glass on each
temporary signs
gasoline pump or mounted on top of the pump. Ilhen on top of the pump, sinn area shall not
exceed eighteen (10) inches in height above the pump or mare than twenty-four (24) inches to
length; the maximum numberof signs that may be at any single pump location isfour. ("Pump
location' is defined to mean the oneor more rows of pumps thatare located under a single
canopy; or where no canopy exists, thatare orcuped and oriented in a manner to primarily
provide service to one street frontage whena station has frontane on more than one street.)
d. Price signs readable from ad 11'acent streets may he located in lieu of other advertising as
set forth in subsections "b'rC'r"C' above. [he contents of these sions shall be in accor-
dance with requirements of the State of California as to wording, size of wnrds, and
numbers. The colors shall be black letters on a white background
e. Alternative— For those service stat ons where the relation between the building/hump
location and the street 's such that alternative sign locations would be more sightly and
effective in an,iearanr. end would not increase the total amount of signnn on the site
(such as or Jr_ column: supporting a nas island aoopr', a 'sign review application"
requesting the pernmnen establishment of -uch alternative locations may be submitted to
' and approved by the P'anrinat 0 rector.
Shopping centers
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Individual standards shall be set for each
Y shopping center.
Cont. on next pauc
PUBLIC NOTICE
Cont, from preceding page
USE OR PURPOSETYPE �LUMIxAT 10� LnCATIONS SIZE LAM ND
I TATIDIIS AND
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
�TjJ "� a ., ��.Ypr• W a� �` �T�a ,c�o � u
Subdivision • • a • • Freestandina sign shall be attached to a
Identification permanent structure designed far the purpose
and located either in the center island or on
one or bath sides of thestreet at ane or
more main entrances to a subd i vi si an; not
exceeding a height of ten (10) feet, twelve
(12) square feet in area per sign, nor two
(21 ,inns per entrance.
Subdivision sales • • • II • On site, nct exceedinn einhty (BO) sq. ft. in
(temporary - on site) + area and c% (1) in number, oermissi bie for
are year with six-month extensinn5 until 907
of ori no nal sales is reached.
Subdivision sales • • • 1 • nff site - not exceedinn forty (40) sq, ft.
(temporary - off site) in area and one (1) in number, to be used
only when subdivision does not abut arterial
and may be located at nearest arterial inter-
section, perm'ssible for one year with six-
month extensions until 9n% of original sales
is reached.
Subdivision model ( • • • On site, not exceedinn two (2) so. ft. per
homes (on site) I I I sign in area and one (1) to number per model
a to
home up to tal of six (5) sions.
14.12.(128 SIGN STANDAAOS Vv .ANO gFfi: i,F I e t l D g 0 V 1 5 1 0 N..�
All other business • • • • • • 1• • • •
commercial, industrial See Section 14.12.02C "Sinn Allowance and
and professional uses I Area Determination".
conducted In a building
which are not listed
in Section 14.12.02A.
(NOTE: This covers most
of the non-residential
and non -institutional
uses.)
• • • • • • • Hot exceeding one-half (1/2) sq. ft. per
Outdoor uses other front foot of lot to a maximum foutane of
than temporary or fifty (i0) sq. ft. (See also 14.12.02C
seasonal - last paragraph.)
C. SIGN ALLOWANCE AND AREA DETERMINATION FOR USES LISTED IN SECTION 14.12.02B
1. Allowance: The maximum number of signs allowable per street frontage is 2. These may be in any
combination except that a business may not have:
a. More than one freestanding sign per lot (exception: see Section 14.12.02A, regarding "Auto
(new car sales)".)
b. More than one projecting sign per business.
c. A combination of one projecting sign and one freestanding sign per business.
2. Determination of Permitted Sign Area:
Building Signs: The maximum sign area is determined by measuring the linear front footage of a
building:
a. For sign area on a building with a linear front footage of less than 101 feet see Section
14.12.02C, Subsection 3 "Chart of Allowables Based on Building Linear Front Footage."
b. A building with a linear front footage of 101 feet and over shall be permitted one square foot
of sign area for each linear front foot of building with a maximum sign area of 200 square feet.
c. if a business has more than one frontage or more than one building, each frontage and each
building shall be considered and applied separately. The total sign area for any business shall not exceed
200 square feet.
d. Multiple Occupancy: When a ground floor frontage of a building is occupied by more than
one tenant, each ground floor tenant shall be entitled to a pro rata square footage based upon the
frontage used by that tenant, with each ground floor tenant being entitled to a minimum of 25 square
feet.
e. Tenants located above first floor: not allocated square footage for signing.
f. For freestanding sign area see Section 14.12.02DA
14.12.02C-3 CHART OF ALLOWABLE SIGN SQUARE FOOTAGE BASED ON BUILDING
LINEAR FRONT FOOTAGE FOR USES LISTED IN SECTION 14.12.02B
Building Allowable Building Allowable Building Allowable
Building
Allowahlc
From Square Front Square Front Square
Front
Square
Footage Foologe(a) FoolaNe Footage(.) Fnotagc Foatage(a)
Footage
Foologe(a)
1 = 25.00 26 = 45.00 51 = 76.00
76
= 94.00
2 = 25.00 27 = 47.00 52 = 77.00
77
= 95.00
3 = 25.00 28 = 48.00 53 = 78.00
78
= 95.00
4 = 25.00 29 = 50.00 54 = 79.00
79
= 96.00
5 = 25.00 30 = 51.00 55 = 80.00
80
= 96.00
6 = 25.00 31 = 52.00 56 = 81.00
81 =
96.00
7 = 25.00 32 = 54.00 57 = 82.00
82
= 97.00
8 = 25.00 33 = 55.00 58 = 82.00
83
= 97.00
9 25.00 34 = 56.00 59 = 83.00
84 -
97.00
10 = 25.00 35 = 58.00 60 - 84.00
85 -
98.00
11 = 25.00 36 = 59.00 61 = 85.00
86 =
98.00
12 = 25.00 37 - 60.00 62 86.00
87 =
98.00
13 = 25.00 38 = 62.00 63 = 86.00
88 =
99.00
14 = 26.00 39 = 63.00 64 = 87.00
89 -
99.00
15 = 28.00 40 = 64.00 65 = 88.00
90 =
99.00
16 = 29.00 41 - 65.00 66 88.00
91 =
99.00
17 = 31.00 42 = 66.00 67 _ 89.00
92 =
99.00
18 = 33.00 43 = 68.00 68 = 90.00
93 -
100.00
19 = 34.00 44 - 69.00 69 = 90.00
94 =
100.00
20 = 36.00 45 _ 70.00 70 = 91.00
95 =
100.00
21 = 38.00 46 - 71.00 71 = 92.00
96 =
100.00
22 = 39.00 47 - 72.00 72 - 92.00
97
= 100.00
23 = 41.00 48 - 73.00 73 - 93.00
98
- 100.00
24 = 42.00 49 = 74.00 74 = 93.00
99
= 100.00
25 = 44.00 50 = 75.00 75 - 94.00
�)Op
= 100.00 `
101+
_ (b)
(a) When there is more than one tenant having ground floor frontage, each shall be
I
entitled to a,
minimum of 25 square feet (also see Section 14.12.02C2a4).
(b) Buildings with front footage measurement of 101 feet and over are calculated at one (1) square
foot per one (1) linear front foot of building to a maximum of 200 square feet.
D. SPECIFIC STANDARDS FOR CERTAIN TYPES OF SIGNS:
1. WallSigns:
a. The total square footage of wall signs shall not exceed 30 percent of the
wall area on
which such
signs are permitted.
b. Wall signs otherwise permitted on street frontages may instead be located on a side wall or rear wall
that abuts and faces on a muniftcal parking lot up to a maximum of 15 percent of
said wall (or as otherwise
permitted under provisions of other sections of this Chapter, whichever controls are
more restrictive).
c. Signs should be placed no closer to either side of a wall than a distance equal
to 10 percent of the
front footage of the respective wall (e.g., if a wall is 70 feet long a sign painted on
or flush mounted on that
PUBLIC NOTICE
wall must be at least 7 feet in from both sides). Signs placed closer shall be subject to a 25 percent loss in
total allowable sign square footage. EXCEPTION: When a building is on a street corner and only one
frontage is to be signed, the above limitation does not apply.
2. W indow Signs:
No more than 25 percent of the area of any one window may be used for a sign. Window signs shall be
permitted only in windows located on the ground floor of a structure. They must be on the inside of the
windows or painted on the windows. The maximum square footage permissible for window signs is 100
square feet per structure. However, there is an exception to these restrictions in Section 14.12.02A "Auto
(New Car Sales)". Permanent window signs shall, in general, be treated as wall signs and shall come within
the area limitations stated for the uses in Sections 14.12.02 A,B,C.
3. Marquee Signs:
a. Under marquee —
(1) Bottom of sign shall maintain a minimum vertical clearance of 8 feet above a sidewalk, public
property, public right-of-way or easement.
(2) Signs shall not project beyond end or sides of marquee.
(3) Signs may be at an angle or parallel to face of marquee.
(4) Signs shall not exceed 2 per store front.
b. Attached to the marquee facing sides or top —
(1) Is subject to subsection a- (3) above if projects 12 inches or more from marquee.
(2) May extend above the top of the marquee not more than /2 the height of the face or side to which
attached Knot more than 1/2 the height of the sign extends above the marquee, and if the top of sign is not
above bottom of roof.
4. Freestanding Signs:
a. The forward most edge of the sign shall not project over a public property, a public right-of-way or
easement.
b. If the Planning Director feels that landscaping should be provided at the base of the supporting
structure, and the applicant does not agree, it shall be referred to and decided by the Planning Commission.
c. Freestanding signs are not permitted in areas zoned for single family or duplex use.
d. There must be a minimum of 75 feet between any two freestanding signs unless approval is secured
from the Planning Commission. The purpose of this provision is to avoid one freestanding sign blocking
the visibility of another freestanding sign on an adjoining site.
e. Calculating sign area for uses that fall under Section 14.12.02 B and C.
(1) Square footage allotted to a building may be transferred to a freestanding sign in lieu of its use on
the building up to the maximum listed below in Section "f".
(2) When there is no building on the lot or when a building does not cover the entire frontage of a lot,
additional square footage for use on the freestanding sign only is allowed at the rate of %2 square foot per
linear front foot of that portion of the lot on which there is no building.
(3) The area of the sign shall be taken as the area of one face.
*(4) The maximum area shall be reduced from that listed in subsection "f" below to 28 square feet,
whenever the height from the surface on which it is mounted to the bottom of the sign is 9 feet or less.
f. STANDARDS
LOT *MAX. MAX. HEIGHT BONJS (b)
(a) FRONT BLDG. SIGN SIGN MAX. SIDE
LOCATION FOOTAGE SETBACK AREA HEIGHT HEIGHT SET IN
FREEWAY 250 + 35 72 21 ADD 1 FOOT 25
HEIGHT PER
ORIENTED 150 + 25 60 21 5 FEET OF 25 25
SIGN SET -
100 -149 25 42 21 BACK 15
75-99 25 36 (0 14 NONE __ 15
OTHER 150 + 25 36 21 NONE -- NONE
100-149 25 36 17 NONE -- NONE
(a) "Freeway Oriented" means those businesses directly facing a frontage road which is both level with and
parallel to Highways 101 or 17.
(b) "Side Set In" means minimum distance required between a freestanding sign and each side property
line.
(c) The freestanding sign may not exceed the highest point of the roof line if that is less than 14 feet.
5. ProjectingSlgns:
a. Measurement:
**(1) If any part of sign projects over public property, public right-of-way, or easement, the total of
both faces will be counted to determine sign area. Maximum is 50 square feet or 25 square feet per face.
(2) If sign is entirely over private property, only one face of sign shall be counted. Maximum is 36
square feet.
**In addition to a sign permit, an encroachment permit must be obtained from the Public Works
Department.
b. Standards:
(1) Frontage requirement: Minimum of 30 feet.
(2) Height: No sign shall extend above eaveline of building.
(3) Clearance: If any part of a sign projects over public property, public right-of-way, or public
easement, the minimum vertical clearance above grade shall be 8 feet.
(4) Projection:
(a) Maximum 6 feet, including any structural members.
(b) No sign shall project within 2 feet of curbline of street or vehicular roadway.
(5) Side set in: A projecting sign must be at least 15 feet from each side property line or the side wall
line of each tenant when more than one tenant.
(6) Projecting signs shall be limited to street level occupancies.
c. Projecting signs not permitted in areas zoned for single family or duplex use.
6. Mansard Roof Signs: Permitted in non-residential zones only and under the following conditions:
a. May be located on the lower 2/i of the steeper portion of a mansard roof providing that they do not
project more than 3 feet from the roof face at any point.
b. May not be located within 200 feet of a residential zone and must be oriented so that they face
streets which on both sides are zoned for general commercial or industrial use.
E. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND LIMITATIINS:
1. Sign location: Each sign shall be located on the front of the building or lot and facing the street
unless otherwise provided for in this section (see I4.12.02DIb; 14.12.02E3) or permitted by adjustment
under Section 14.12.06 "Adjustments". On corner lots signs may be placed on both street frontages, but
the permitted square footage may not be transferred from one street frontage to another.
2. Limitations on Illumination:
a. Direction of Lighting: No artificial light of whatever type or nature used in conjunction with, or for
the purpose of lighting any sign shall be so located or constructed nor shall any substance or material
capable of reflecting light be so placed as to result in directing such artificial light on or into any adjoining
or nearby lots, structures, or public rights of way. When spotlights or Floodlights are used to illuminate a
sign, the reflector shall be provided with proper shields or glass lenses concentrating the illumination upon
the area of the sign so as to prevent glare upon the street or adjacent property.
b. Concealing Light Source: Whenever an illuminated advertising device is permitted, every part of its
light source, except neon tubes and incandescent filament bulbs having a wattage of 15 watts or less, shall
be concealed from view, and the light shall not travel from such light sources straight to the viewer's eye,
but instead shall be visible only from a reflecting or diffusing surface. As used herein, "light source" means
a bulb or tube from which light is emitted when the bulb or tube is activated (electronically or otherwise),
including, but not limited to, incandescent filament bulb, electric discharge bulb, neon tube, and
fluorescent tube.
c. Flashing, Changing Color, Animation, Moving Messages: Prohibited, except as provided for in
Section 14.12.03B Subsection 2. "Prohibited Moving Signs."
d. When Adjacent to a Residence: No sign within 200 feet of and facing a residential area shall be
illuminated to an intensity in excess of /2 of that of public street lights nearest to where the sign is located.
C-1. on nC%l Poke
FUBLIC NOTICE
Cont. from preceding page
3. Lots Not Fronting On Any Street: Sign review by the Planning Commission shall be required for all
such signs. Under Sign Review, approval may be given for the placement of a sign on an access easement to
a lot not having street frontage, at a point where viewable from the adjoining public street. In addition to
any other requirements, the applicant shall submit evidence that he has the permission of the fee holder of
the easement.
4. Measurement of Sign Areas:
a. Wall sign consisting of one or two lines of copy painted on or attached to a building wall where the
portion of the wall behind the sign is the same color as the rest of the wall and does not serve as a frame area
shall be measured by the smallest regular geometric shape not exceeding 8 sides which encompasses each
word, emblem, or symbol composing the sign. Area between words In a line and between lines shall not be
measured.
b. Other wall signs: (Three (3) lines or more of copy of non-linear arrangement) shall be measured as
that area which can be enclosed within the smallest regular geometric shape not exceeding 8 sides which
encompasses the total message including the open space between cutout letters, panels, figures, symbols or
objects.
c. Projecting signs: See Section 14.12.02D, Subsection 5.a "Specific Standards for Projecting Signs".
d. Multiple face signs other than projecting signs: The area of all faces that can be viewed from any
one direction at one time shall be counted.
e. Spherical, conical, cylindrical and nun -geometric three dimensional shapes; shall be measured as the
area of their maximum projection upon a vertical plane.
f. Signs which are framed or have distinguishing color background[ shall be measured by entire area of
sign and background, including the framing surfaces.
g. Tubing or strings of light: Illuminated tubing and strings of lights when outlining portions of
buildings or windows shall be deemed to have a minimum width of at least 6 inches in the calculation of
sign area. Where an area bordered by such lighting is substantially a closed geometric shape, all the area
enclosed shall be considered the sign area. (For directly illuminated signs, see Section 14.12.05 "permit
Procedure").
h. Structural members: When such members are so designed or lighted as to contribute to the
advertising qualities of a sign, the area of such members shall be included in the computation of the sign
area.
5. Compliance with other regulations:
THE ERECTION OR PLACEMENT OF ALL SIGNS MUST MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE
CALIFORNIA PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION, THE UNIFORM BUILDING CODE "VOLUME
V SIGNS" AS ADOPTED BY THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL, THE REGULATIONS OF THE
BUILDING DEPARTMENT OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL AND ALL OTHER RELEVANT
FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS.
14.12.03
W jIAT IS PROHIBITED
A. SIGNS WHICH ARE:
1. Obscene or offensive to morals: Containing statements, words, or pictures of an obscene, indecent
or immoral character which, taken as a whole appeals to the prurient interest in sex, and which sign is
patently offensive and, when taken as a whole, does not have serious literary, artistic, political or scientific
value.
2. Imitative of official signs: Signs (other than when used for traffic direction) which contain or are an
imitation of an official traffic sign or signal, or contain the words stop, go, slow, caution, danger, warning
or similar words; or signs which imitate or may be construed as other public notices such as zoning
violation, building permit, business license, etc.
3. Likely to cause traffic confusion: Any sign or lighting in relationship to a sign which Is of a size,
location, movement, content, coloring, or manner of illumination which may be confused with or
construed as a traffic control device or which will hide from view any traffic or street sign or signal.
4. Hazardous to traffic: Any signs, lighting or illumination which is not effectively shielded to prevent
glare of where the lighting is of an intensity which causes glare or impairs the vision of the driver of any
motor vehicle or interferes with operation of any motor vehicle. See Section 14.12.02F, Subsection 2
"Limitations on Illumination".
5. Fluorescent Colors.
B. MOVING SIGNS HAVING ANY ONE OR COMBINATION OF THE FOLLOWIN12
CHARACTERISTICS:
1. Flashing of lights, changing of color intensity.
2. Any animation (such as by mechanical movement of parts of the sign, projections on or within the
sign or changes on the shape or content of the sign face), except that this is not Intended to exclude "time
and temperature devices". This includes, but is not limited to flashing, blinking, flickering, moving textual i
messages, frames that appear to rotate.
3. Windblown devices and signs whose movement are designed to attract attention, such as banners,
posters, pennants, ribbons, streamers, strings of light bulbs, spinners, balloons or other inflated objects, or
reflective attachments to sign faces with the exception of those that specifically are permitted In Section
14.12.02A "Announcing Opening of a New Business". Banners over public streets or sidewalks may be
permitted with an encroachment permit from the City Council (application must be made through the
Public Works Department).
4. Where there is any production of smoke, sound, or other substances.
C. SIGNS THAT ARE PORTA13LF:
1. Signs built to roll, slide or be moved from one location to another [Except as permitted ]n Septipn
14.12.02A "Service Station Temporary Signs", Subsection a, "Merchandise Display Stands" I;
Real "A" frame and "I" frame ground signs. [Except as permitted In Section 14.12.02A 'Real Estate:
Temporary".]
D. OBSTRUCTIVE TO USE OR VISIBILITY:
1. No sign shall be erected In any manner where a portion of the sign or its supports would interfere
with the free use of any fire escape, exit, or stand pipe, or obstruct any required stairway, door, writilotar
or window.
2. No sign or its supports shall be erected in such manner or location that it will physically impede or
cause hazardous obstruction it) the visibility of vehicles or persons entering or exiting from doorways or
driveways that are In use.
E. OVER ANY PUBLIC STREET, SIDEWALK, PARKING LOT OR RIOUT-OF-WAY unless It shall
maintain a minimum clearance of 8 feet above the adjoining grade level.
F. ROOF SIGNS: Except where specifically permitted in Section 14.12.02D, Subsection 6 "Mansard Roof
Signs" of this Chapter.
G. PRIVILEGE SIGNS: If the manufacturer's name and/or emblems exceed �h of a face of the sign.
H. GENERAL ADVERTISING SIGNS AND OFF-SITE SIGNS except where approved in Section
14.12.06 "Adjustments".
I. SIGNS ON VEHICLES:
No vehicles may be used as a platform or substitute for a billboard, freestanding sign or movable sign
whether on private property or the public right-of-way (see also San Rafaal Municipal Code Section
5.40.040, City Traffic Regulations). At any place of business, vehicles, trucks and tow trucks which have
signs printed on or affixed to them advertising the business or products sold there and which are parked for
a substantial (even though interrupted) time in a parking area conspicuously viewable from off the site shall
be considered movable signs and such parking and usage are prohibited.
J. ABANDONED SIGNS, FRAMES, STRUCTURAL MEMBERS AND f OPPORTING POLES: Signs
advertising an activity, business, product or service no longer conducted o•. the premises on which the sign
Is located; or sign frames, structural members, or supporting poles remak-ing unused for 60 days or more.
Temporary continuation of abandoned signs: The owner of a sign, the purpose of which has been
abandoned, who desires to make subsequent use of the structural portions of said sign in its present
location, may within 60 days of the abandonment make application to the Planning Director for an,
extension of time. Where the sign conforms to all other requirements of the law and where the owner,
submits reasonable evidence that he is endeavoring to secure use for the sign (a new tenant for the structure
or the arrival of a new product line for the existing tenant), the Planning Director may grant extensions of
time up to a maximum of 18 months. He may make as a condition of the granting of such extension that the
owner paint -out, obscure, or remove some or all elements of the message or face portion of the sign in such '
manner as to leave the remaining structure neat and unobtrusive in appearance and in harmony with the
structure to which it is attached, and that that be done within 30 days of the granting of the extension, at
the extension shall be invalidated by such failure. r
K. NONCONFORMING SIGNS
1. Use of any existing nonconforming signs or elements thereof by a new business, new owner of now
lessee shall be prohibited unless revised to meet the requirements of this ordinance.
2. Any modification or alteration of any nonconforming sign or elements thereof shall require
Immediate compliance with the ordinance.
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTE: When the ownership of an existing business changes but the signs or elements thereof remain
unchanged, they shall be brought into compliance under the amortization schedule set forth in Section
14.12.08, "Correction of Nonconforming Signs".
L. DILAPIDATED:
1. Where elements of the surface or background can be seen as viewed from the normal viewing
distance (intended viewing distance), to have portions of the finished material or paint flaked, broken off,
missing, changed in color by staining, or otherwise not in harmony with the rest of the surface area.
2. Where the structural support or frame members are visibly corroded, rusted, discolored, bent,
broken, dented, torn.
3. Where the panel is visibly cracked or in the case of wood and similar products — cracked or
splintered.
4. Where the sign or elements of it are twisted or leaning or at angles other than those at which it was
originally erected (such as may result from being blown or the failure of a structural support).
5. Where the message or wording can no longer be read by a person with normal eyesight under normal
viewing conditions or where the entire face had faded so that it has the appearance of being old and worn.
M. NATURAL DESPOLIATION: No sign shall be cut, burnt, limed, painted or otherwise marked on a
cliff, hillside, field or tree.
N. IN STORAGE: Signs may not be located on a premise so as to be visible from beyond the property line
after removal, prior to erection, or while in storage.
O. MISCELLANEOUS SIGNS AND POSTERS: The tacking, posting or otherwise affixing of signs of a
miscellaneous character, visible from a public way, located on the walls of buildings, barns, sheds, on trees,
poles, posts, fences or other structure is prohibited unless otherwise permitted by this Code.
P. SIGNS ON TELEPHONE POLES, LIGHT STANDARDS AND UTILITY FIXTURES on the public
right-of-way.
14.12.04
WHAT IS EXEMPT
The following signs shall be exempt from regulation under this Chapter.
A. ADDRESS: Street number and/or name not exceeding I square foot in area per sign for
single-family or duplex structure and 4 square feet per sign for all other uses. One (1) sign per frontage
allowed.
B. COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUES: Memorial signs and tablets approved under environment design
review. Building name and/or erection date when cut into a permanent surface or constructed of
noncombustible materials, or religious symbols and similar emblems when submitted with design of
building and approved under the zoning ordinance.
C. CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED; TRADING STAMPS GIVEN; ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP:
When not exceeding %2 square foot per sign and 6 in number.
D. FLAGS: of any nation, political sub -division, fraternal or religious organization, and those flags
determined by the Planning Commission to be of a non-commercial, non-profit civic character providing
that the pole height does not exceed 24 feet and the height of the flag is no more than '/4 the height of the
pole. Weather flags, nautical flags and pennants when displayed on boats, in marinas, or on any land area
within 50 feet of water frontage, primarily intended to be viewed from the water and void of any
commercial message are exempt. To accomplish the intent and purpose of this ordinance a sign application
may be submitted to the Planning Commission for a flagpole higher than 24 feet or a flag that exceeds V4
the height of the pole.
E. INFORMATIONAL SIGNS FOR THE SAFETY AND CONVENIENCE OF THE PUBLIC: Such as
"rest rooms," "telephone," "danger," "impaired clearance," "no smoking," and other signs of a similar
nature ("Parking in rear" and "drive-in window" signs up to 5 square feet in area may be allowed under
this Section.)
F. INTERIOR SIGNS: Signs located within the interior of any building, court, or stadium and not visible
from off the site.
G. NONPROFIT, CULTURAL AND CAMPAIGN POSTERS: Temporary display posters without
independent structural support in connection with political, non-profit civic and cultural events and with
non-commercial health, welfare and safety campaigns (such as Red Cross, United Crusade, TB Seals,
Heart Fund, performing arts, etc.) in "R" zones, all posters shall be located inside of windows and limited
to 1 per site. All such posters in all zones shall be removed within 10 days of the terminatin of the event or
campaign.
H. OFFICIAL SIGNS: Posted pursuant to and in discharge of any governmental function by public
officials in performance of their duties (including traffic and street name signs, as well as notices, emblems
or other forms of identification and signs required by law).
1. RESIDENTIAL NAMEPLATE: Not exceeding 2 square feet in area and I in number.
J. SEASONAL DECORATIONS: Holiday greetings, decorations and displays, such as relate to
Christmas, Thanksgiving, the Fourth of July, etc., excluding advertising signs disguised as seasonal
decorations.
K. SIGNS REQUIRED BY LAW: Signs displayed by private individuals when required by law, or
regulations of any governmental agency or law.
14.12.05
PERMIT PROCEDURE
A. EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE PROVIDED IN TITLE 14 OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL
'MUNICIPAL CODE, IT SHALL BE UNLAWFUL FOR ANY PERSON TO ERECT, ALTER, OR
RELOCATE A SIGN WITHIN THE CITY WITHOUT FIRST OBTAINING A PERMIT OR PERMITS
FROM THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT OR THE PLANNING COMMISSION AS REQUIRED BY
THIS ARTICLE.
B. WHO MAY APPLY: In order to file an application for any action under this Chapter, the applicant
must have a certain legal interest in the real property which is the subject of the application which legal
interest must be one of the following:
1. Owner.
2. Seller or purchtiser under a contract of sale.
3. Lessee, limited to the portion being leased and excluding common access drives and common
parking areas.
4. A verified agent of one of the above (such as a licensed sign contractor).
C. FILING PROCEDURE: Application shall be in the number of copies and on the format designated by
the Planning Director. The application shall be accompanied by the fee set by the City Council and by such
profiles, elevations, plot plans, drawings, photographs, color or material samples and other pertinent
information necessary to show what is requested. The application shall be filed at the office of the Planning
Department.
D. WHO APPROVES SIGN APPLICATION: The Planning Director shall approve or approve with
conditions applications which comply with the standards and requirements of this Chapter. The Director
may, however, withhold action on an application until it is reviewed by the Planning Commission if he feels
there is a potential element of controversy. The Planning Commission shall review all applications where an
adjustment is requested.
E. CRITERIA FOR APPROVAL, MODIFICATION, OR DISAPPROVAL:
In processing sign applications, the following criteria shall be used:
1. Is the sign consistent with the purpose of this Chapter? (See Section 14.12.01 "Purpose".)
2. Is the sign consistent with the standards, exceptions, and prohibitions set forth in this Chapter?
F. EXPI RATION AND TIME EXTENSION OF SIGN PERMITS:
1. Approval of a Sign Permit or Sign Review application shall expire one year from its effective date
unless the sign has been erected or a different expiration date is stipulated at the time of approval. Prior to
the expiration of a Sign Permit or Sign Review approval, the applicant may apply to the Planning Director
for an extension of one year from the date of expiration. The Planning Director may make minor
modifications or may deny further extensions of the approved sign at the time of extension if he finds that
there has been a substantial change in circumstances.
2. The expiration date of the Sign Permit or Sign Review approval automatically shall be extended to
concur with the expiration date of building permits or other permits relating to the installation of the sign.
3. A sign permit shall expire and become void if the circumstances or facts upon which the permit was
granted changes through some subsequent action by the owner or lessees, so that the permit would not be
�ermitted under the new circumstances.
. APPEALS: All decisions of the Planning Director are, pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter,
subject to appeal to the Planning Commission in accordance with the provisions of Section 14.84.020 of the
San Rafael Municipal Code.
Coni. on next puke
Coni. from precedlnN page
PUBLIC NOTICE
14.12.06
ADJUSTMENTS
The Planning Director shall refer to the Planning Commission all sign applications where the applicant
desires one or more deviations from the requirements set forth in this Chapter (deviations from those
regulations listed under Section 14.12.03 "What is Prohibited" shall be processed as variance requests).
The Commission may allow "adjustments" within the limits listed below. Appropriate findings consistent
with this Chapter shall be made a part of the motion to grant an adjustment.
A. ADDITIONAL AREA:
1. To overcome a disadvantage because of an exceptional setback between the street and the sign or
orientation of the sign location.
2. To achieve an effect which is essentially architectural, sculptural or graphic art.
3. To permit more sign area in a single sign than is allowed, but less than the total allowed the site,
where a more orderly and concise pattern of signing will result.
4. To allow a sign to be in proper scale with its building or use.
5. To allow a sign compatible with other conforming signs in the vicinity.
6. To establish the allowable amount and location of signing when no street frontage exists or when
because of an unusual lot shape (e.g., panhandle lot) the street frontage is excessively narrow in proportion
to the average width of the lot.
B. ADDITIONAL NUMBER:
To compensate for inadequate visibility, or to facilitate good design balance.
C. ALTERNATIVE LOCATIONS:
1. On site: To transfer area from one wall to another wall or to a freestanding sign upor the finding
that such alternative location is necessary to overcome a disadvantage caused by an unfavorable orientation
of the front wall to the street or parking lot or an exceptional setback.
2. Lots not fronting on any street: Sign Review by the Planning Commission shall be required for all
such signs. Under Sign Review, approval may be given for the placement of a sign on an access easement to
a lot not having street frontage, at a point where viewable from the adjoining public street. In addition to
any other requirements, the applicant shall submit evidence that he has the permission of the owner of the
land which the easement crosses.
3. Additionally, alternative locations may be granted in order to further the intent and purposes of this
Chapter or where normal placement would conflict with the architectural design of a structure.
D. ALTERNATIVE TYPE OF SIGN:
To facilitate compatibility with the architecture of structures on the site and improve the overall appearance
of the site.
E. EXPIRATION AND TIME EXTENSION FOR ADJUSTMENT made under Section 14.12.06
"Adjustments" shall be the same as those listed for sign permits in Section 14.12.05F "Expiration and
Time Extension of Sign Permits".
14.12.07
VARIANCE
Where something is prohibited or where no provision for adjustment exists, the variance procedure shall
apply. Where a modification can be dealt with by use of the "adjustment procedure" (Section 14.12.06
"Adjustments") that procedure shall be used instead of a variance. Variances to the provisions of this
Chapter shall be in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 80 of Title 14 of the San Rafael Municipal
Code.
14.12.08
CORRECTION OF NONCONFORMING SIGNS
A. DESCRIPTION, GENERAL PROVISIONS AND STANDARDS:
A nonconforming sign is a sign which was validly installed and legally permitted under the laws that were in
effect at the time of its installation but which, due to changes in the laws, no longer conforms to the
provisions of the law. Some nonconforming signs cannot be made to conform (e.g., a portable sign where
signs are prohibited from being movable). In other instances where some element of the sign is
nonconforming, it may be subject to correction (a revolving sign can be made stationary, a flashing sign
can be made to have constant lighting).
A sign which does not conform to the provisions of this ordinance shall be removed or modified to conform
with the provisions of this ordinance. This means that in addition to removing the sign face or message
portion, all frames, structural members, poles, braces and supports, plus all tubes and lights must be
removed or modified to conform with this ordinance. (See Section 14.12.03J "Abandoned Signs, Frames,
Structural Members and Supporting Poles".) A variety of amortization periods are provided and the
correction must take place within the amortization period established herein.
Signs which have been erected since the legally effective date in 1971 of Sign Ordinance No. 1007 and which
have conformed in all respects to the requirements of that ordinance, but which by virtue of the changes
being made by this ordinance are no longer in conformance with the law, shall be considered
nonconforming. These nonconforming signs may be maintained and repaired and may remain so long as
they are not changed. Before any changes (e.g., style, content, color, location, size)ocan be made, such signs
must be brought into conformity with the standards in this ordinance.
B. REMOVAL OR MODIFICATION OF SIGNS:
PERIOD FOR REMOVAL
TYPE OF SIGN From Effective
Date of Ordinance
1. Illegal Sign;
a. Any sign erected in violation of the laws in
Immediate
effect at that time and not in conformity with the
regulations of the San Rafael Municipal Code at the
See Sections 14.12.03,
time of adoption of this Chapter is an illegal sign and
14.12.09.
is subject to the provisions of Section 14.12.09
"Violations and Enforcement."
b. Any sign for which the permit has expired and
Immediate
become void; or because circumstances or facts have
See Sections 14.12.02,
changed from those upon which the permit was
14.12.03], 14.12.01
9.
originally granted, as a result of action by the owners
or lessees.
c. Prohibited Signs:
Immediate. These signs are
(1) Signs offensive to morals.
found to be a hazard and
(2) Signs imitative of official signs.
to constitute a public
(3) Signs which cause traffic confusion.
nuisance.
(4) Signs the illumination of which is
hazardous to traffic.
(5) Signs which constitute an obstruction to
use or visibility.
(6) Signs which project over a public right-of-
way by more than 12 inches and which have a
minimum clearance of less than 8 feet.
2. Any sign for which the purpose has been 90 days
abandoned (as set forth in Section 14.12.03] See Section 14.12.03J.
"Abandoned Signs, Frames, Structural Members and
Supporting Poles."
3. Any sign which is or has been damaged to the 90 days
extent of 50 percent of its current replacement value.
The period for removal or modification begins on the
date on which damage occurs.
PUBLIC NOTICE
PERIOD FOR REMOVAL
TYPE OF SIGN From Effective
Date of Ordinance
4. Any portable signs.
90 days
5. Any flags, pennants, banners, streamers and 6 months
external signs of a non -permanent material unless
otherwise permitted in Sections 14.12.02 "Auto
Dealers," "Banners Over Public Streets," 14.12.04
"Exempt."
6. Any signs which revolve or have visible moving
parts shall be made stationary or removed or any signs 6 months
which have flashing or other nonconforming lights
shall have said light elements disconnected, removed,
replaced or modified to conform.
7. All other nonconforming signs. 3 years
8. Nonconforming signs may not be replaced if
their use is abandoned or if they are moved, removed
or altered other than in compliance with the provisions
of this Chapter. Ordinary maintenance and repairs
may be made providing that such work may not be
used as a consideration in an application for a variance
to extend the time limit for removal or modification.
C. TIME EXTENSION FOR NONCONFORMING SIGNS
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 14.12.08$ "Removal or Modification of Signs", the owner of
any nonconforming sign listed in subsection 7 thereof required to be removed, altered or replaced pursuant
to the provisions hereof, may make application within 6 months of the legal notification that the sign or
signs are nonconforming and must be abated by a specified date, to the San Rafael Planning Commission
for an extension of time. Before granting any such extensions, the Planning Commission must find and
determine that the alteration, removal or replacement of such sign at the time and date herein provided will
result in a substantial economic hardship or loss by the applicant which is totally out of proportion to the
benefit to be gained by the public from the abatement required. No more than one time extension shall be
granted.
In arriving at such determination the Commisssion must take into consideration the replacement cost of the
sign. Any unique or unusual circumstances relative to such sign structure or neighborhood may be taken
into consideration. The extension shall be for such period of time as the Commission determines is
reasonable as based upon the evidence. Any motion granting an extension of time shall contain a statement
of factual findings which the Commission sets forth as the basis and justification for the extension.
Nothing contained herein shall be construed as granting to the Planning Commission or City Council of the
City of San Rafael the power to amend, revoke, change, modify or in any way abrogate the provisions of
the above entitled section after the 6 -month period relating to application for extension of time has expired.
14.12.09
VIOLATIONS AND ENFORCiEMENT
A. It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, place, or display it prohibited sign as defined in Section
14.12.030 "Miscellaneous Signs and Posters".
B. It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, place, or display any sign not specifically permitted pursuant
to the provisions of this Chapter.
C. Enforcement may be by injunctive relief, summary abatement, fine or imprisonment or any
combination thereof, as set forth in the San Rafael Municipal Code Section 14.96 (Zoning Enforcement)
and Section 1.12.010 (Penalty for Violations).
14,12,10
DEFINITIONS
A. AREA: See Section 14.12.02E, Subsection 4 "Measurement of Sign Arcfp".
AWNING: A hood or cover which projects from the wall of a building, of a type as to be able to be
retracted, folded or collapsed against the face of the supporting building, A fixed awning shall be treated as
a marquee.
%BANNER: A sign not made of rigid material and not enclosed in it rigid frame, and which is secured or
mounted so as to allow movement. service, Industry or other
BUSINESS SIGN: A sign which directs attention to a business, commodity,
activity which is sold, offered, or conducted, other than incidentially, on the premises upon which such sign
is located, or to the price thereof. Where a number of commodities with different brand names or symbols
are sold on the premises, up to �/3 of the area of a business sign, or 25 square feet of sign area, whichever is
the lesser, may be devoted to the advertising of one or more of these commodities by brand name or symbol
as an accessory function of the business sign, provided that such advertising is integrated with the
remainder of the business sign.
C.CHANGFABLE COPY SING: A sign which, in part of whole, provides for periodic changes in the
material composing the sign. Signs on which the only change is a periodic price change for the product or
products customarily sold on the premises and on which the location, size and color of the numbers remains
constant are not to be considered changeable copy signs.
COMPOSITE SiGN: A framed or background area within which are grouped two or more signs that arc
not related to each other (such as credit cards and stamps, or signs identifying various contractors
simultaneously working on a job).
CURRENT VALUE:-- The original cost of a sign depreciated in accordance with usual accounting
practices. (See Section 14.12.08 "Correction of Nonconforming Signs",)
D.DIRECTiONAL SiGN: Any sign which is designed and erected solely for the purpose of traffic or
pedestrian direction and which is placed on the property to which or on which the public is directed. Such a
sign contains no advertising copy (examples are: one-way, entrance, exit, parking in rear, 15 miles per hour,
no left turn).
DWCTORY SIGN: An identification sign Iisting the tenants of a building, or the bulletin board of a
public, charitable, religious or fraternal institution used to display announcements relative to meetings and
activities to be held on the premises and/or displaying names of officers of the organization.
E.EXTERNALLY ILLUMINATED; Light source externally located, shielded from direct visibility of
those viewing the sign and casts its rays upon the sign. Illuminated tubing and strings of lights outlining
portions of buildings shall be deemed externally illuminated signs.
F."FACE" OF A BUILDING: The outer surface of the walls of a building, which are visible from any
private or public street, highway or property other than the site on which the building Is located.
FLASHING SIGN: Any sign which is perceived as an intermittent or flashing light. Time and temperature
signs are excluded from the category of flashing signs.
FREESTANDING SIGN: A sign in a fixed location which Is self-supporting on the ground, or on one or
more poles or upright members which are In no part supported by a building.
FRONT OR FRONTAGE: That portion of a lot or building which faces the street. On corner lots or
buildings it Is the portion facing the street with the greatest traffic volume.
G.GENERAL ADVERTISING SIGN: A sign which directs attention to it business, commodity, industry,
service or other activity which is not sold, offered or conducted do the premises upon which such sign is
located or to which it is affixed; or which is sold, offered, conducted or performed on such premises only
incidentally.
pari:on pct: page
PAGE 16 SAN RAFAEL POINTER JANUARY 10, 1978
a
PUBLIC NOTICE
Continued from preceding puke
H.HEIGHT: The vertical distance from the uppermost point used in measuring the area of a sign, as
defined in Section 14.12.02D "Specific Standards for Certain Types of Signs" to the ground immediately
below such point or to the level of the upper surface of the nearest curb of a street or alley (other than a
structurally elevated roadway) upon which such sign fronts, whichever measurement permits the greatest
elevation of the sign.
I.IDENTIFICATION SIGN: A sign which serves to tell only the name, address, and lawful use of the
occupant or building upon which the sign is located, and which may include the emblem or insignia when
used by an organization.
INFORMATIONAL SIGN: Any sign which is designed and erected solely for the purpose of
communicating information for the safety or convenience of the public (such as: no smoking, rest rooms,
telephone, low clearance).
INTERNALLY ILLUMINATED: Light source internally located; the rays go through the face of the sign
from the rear to the front side or light source is internally attached to the face of the sign and is visible as an
element of the sign.
J
K
L
M.MANSARD ROOF SIGN: Any sign attached to or supported by a mansard roof. A "mansard roof" is -a
roof having two slopes, the lower steeper than the upper and having a slope of 60 degrees or greater with the
horizontal plane.
MARQUEE SIGN: Any sign that is on top, attached to the face or suspended below a marquee, canopy,
cantilevered covered walkway or arcade, whether parallel to or at right angles to the face of the building.
MULTIPLE COPY SIGN: A sign which advertises other than the name of the business and the principal
product or service.
N.NAMEPLATE: A sign containing either or both the name of the occupant or building and the address of
the site.
NONCONFORMING SIGN: Any advertising structure or sign which was lawfully erected and maintained
and subsequently came within the requirements of an ordinance or amendments to an ordinance with which
it did not completely comply.
NONILLUMINATED: Neither directly nor indirectly lighted and containing no material that is made for
the purpose of being reflective or fluorescent.
NUMBER: For the purpose of determining the number of signs where the number is limited, a single or
double faced display surface or display device containing elements organized, related and composed to
form a unit shall be considered one sign. Where matter is displayed in a random manner without organized
relationship of elements, or where there is a reasonable doubt about the relationship of elements, each
element shall be considered to be a single sign.
O OFFICIAL SIGN: Signs required by a governmental body to discharge its legally required functions.
PUBLIC NOTICE
P.POLITICAL SIGN: A sign designed for the purpose of advertising support of or opposition to a
candidate, or proposition at a public election.
PORTABLE FREESTANDING SIGN AND/OR "A" OR "I" FRAME TYPE SIGN: Shall be a sign that
is designed to be movable and is not structurally attached to the ground, a building, a structure or any other
sign. Such sign may or may not be in the configuration of an "A", or an "I" and may or may not be
mounted on rollers or slides.
PRIVILEGE SIGN: Standardized sign supplied at nominal cost or free to a retailer wherein a prominent
portion of the sign face by text and/or style identifies the product of the regional or national distributor or
manufacturer and a nominal portion of the sign face is available to identify the local retailer.
PROJECTING SIGN: Any sign with two parallel faces no more than 18 inches apart projecting 12 inches
or more from the wall or eaves of a building. No guy wires, braces, or secondary supports should be visible.
Q
R.REFLECTIVE SIGN: A sign which is not electrically illuminated but which responds to light, such as
from passing auto headlights, by shining or glowing.
RESIDENTIAL NAMEPLATE: A plate of metal, glass, wood, etc., bearing a person's name, such as is
often placed on or near the door of a dwelling or a mailbox.
ROOF SIGNS: Roof signs are any signs erected upon or above a roof or parapet wall of a building or
placed above the apparent flat roof or eaves of a building or the bottom of a mansard roof.
SSALE OR LEASE SIGN: A temporary sign which serves only to indicate with pertinent information the
availability for sale, lease or rental of the lot or building on which it is placed, or some part thereof.
SEASONAL SALE: A sale of property or merchandise held seasonally for a limited interval.
SETBACK: The minimum distance between the frontmost wall of the building and the inside of the curb,
or, if no curb, the property line.
SIGN: A "sign" is any medium for visual communication which is used or intended to be used to attract
attention to a location or subject matter for advertising, instruction or information purposes.
SUBDIVISION SIGN: A sign containing the name, location or directions, to a builder, developer, and
pertinent information about a subdivision for which there is a properly approved and recorded map and in
which homes remain to be constructed or initially sold.
T.TEMPORARY SIGN: Any sign intended to be displayed for a period of up to 60 days unless a longer
period is specified in this Chapter.
TEMPORARY WINDOW SIGN: Any temporary sign painted on a window or constructed of paper, cloth
or other light material and attached to the window, or located within 3 feet of the interior side of the
window, and displayed so as to call to the attention of persons outside the building of a sale of merchandise
or a change in the status of the business.
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V
PUBLIC NOTICE
Coal. from preceding page
Cont. on next page
W.WALL SIGNS: Wall signs are any signs painted on or attached parallel to the wall facing of a building
and projecting not more than 12 inches from the building face.
WINDOW SIGNS: Any sign painted on or attached to a window or located inside within a distance equal
to the greatest dimension of the window (either width or height) and designed to be viewed from the outside
of the building in which the window is located.
W.WIND BLOWN DEVICE: A man-made device which visibly moves when blown by the wind.
X
Y
Z
DIVISION 2. If any Section, Subsection, or portion of this Chapter 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 portion of this Chapter. The City Council hereby declares that it would have
adopted this Chapter and each Section, Subsection, or portion thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one
or more Sections, Subsections, or portion be declared invalid or unconstitutional.
DIVISION 3. This Ordinance shall be published once in full before its final passage in a newspaper of
general circulation, printed, published, and circulated in the City of San Rafael, and shall be in full force
and effect thirty (30) days after its final passage.
Attest: /s/ C. PAUL BETTINI, Mayor
JEANNE M. LEONCINI, City Clerk
The above and foregoing Ordinance No. 1287 was read and introduced at a regular meeting of the City
Council of the City of San Rafael, held on the 3rd day of January, 1978, and ordered passed to print by the
following vote, to -wit:
AYES: COUNCILMEN: Jensen, Miskimen, Mulryan, Nixon and Mayor Bettini
NOES: COUNCILMEN: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEN: None
and will come up for adoption as an Ordinance of the City of San Rafael at a regular meeting of the
Council to be held on the 6th day, of February, 1978.
Legal P-61 January 10, 1978 JEANNE M. LEONCINI, City Clerk
(2/6/78)
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL
SAN RAFAEL, CALIFORNIA
I
I NTER—DEPARTMENTAL. MEMORANDUM i
DATE. February 6, 1978
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM- Herbert G. Hotchner, Planning Director
SUBJECT: Correction to Wording In Sign Ordinance
The staff made an error in form (a reference number to another scetion) that should
be corrected at this time so that the reference number will make sense. In the chart
(14.12.02A ) the following change should be made where indicated;
Delete sub -sections 11(b)" and 11(c)" as shown and substitute new subsection "(011
11(b)
For Freeway Oriented sites of 249 or fewer linear
feet or for
Plonfreeway oriented sites sign standards shall be
as set forth
in Sections 14.12.02C,D,E."
14.12.02A SIGN STANDARDS BY LAND USE OR PURPOSE: SPECIFIC USES OR PURPOSES
4
USE OR PURPOSE M[ �LUMIMTI LOCATIONS EI-[ LInI7A71f•1S AN"
st'[!'IAL CMITIOMS
■■■■
a �r
of 1. 0J t� L ♦ r; � 4t iy'7 M
Address
• • • • • Street nurser end/or nem not ezceedinn or,•
_•
- square foot in area per Sian for srn.,le
faaily or duplex and foe, (a) srvare feet
par sign for all cUcr uses. W. SM..N PUNIT
R.OUSR�O.
business-
a
-- • • • • • • • • No stated 1im1196=3 except tho➢c me'.uded in -
Tmorary (21 days)
-New
Grand Opening
14.12.011, D, E. F. I, 1, J, K. L, M, N. P of 11sas
Chapter. One time, only, fair maz.mum or taerwy.
i or -e (2 1) con%mutire days prov'idcd betrinning and
ending dates are riled wish the Plannintt De;art•
'
ment prior thereto.
Apartment buildings
• • • • 1 • Na.-eplates not exreedlrg a total of 20 sq. ft.
or residential
to area and two In mbar niy bn placed on
projects of; or
- the wall or freestandi.no. When freestanding,
marc units
. the raxim.1 heiaht s':all not exceed i0 feet.
in addition. to the ab-ve_, ens rental v d
Vacancy information s1.n L7 to a maximum of
5 sr,. ft. is permitted on the wall.
. Auto (new car sales)
I
• • • • o • • • • a a 3• (a) freeway oriented auto d_alersh'.p, to! -
jfl fronta-le 250 Or mare ltnaar feet; ninlmra
satLack of building 35 feet.
1. Two (2) freastandtng Sinns.
a. One (1) primary Identiftcsticn Sign
Max. area- 22 •g. ft.
Maz. height - 21 fact
b. Cru (1) Secondary Sinn for used car
sarei or Service Cepirtrxn: only:
Max. area -315 sq. ft.
F4 a. heicht - " feet
-
(square foot not transferable or
ccsabinahle.)
P. One (1) wall sign or rarsard roof %tan.
(M.izimm allowable sianacr is 200
squ3ra feet.)
_(h) Freeway oriented dealership. Lot /reltaae
Y E L F �%
h
2dg lett or lass, see section 14.12.020-4
ss - subsection f ;
n�gtL ii �� �/�'7'�F
r( ( a'T
{ �(c) Konfreewiy dealcrshtp: For st^s
standardt ar.9 11 -its sra Sect:an
"
f�/`-'1.,/ ��� as��,�
I{ 14.12.020-4 suhtectlan d!2j.
'
-