The purpose of this Chapter is to regulate signs located on private property within the City and on property owned by public agencies other than the City and over which the City has zoning and land use regulatory power.
(Ord. 92-19, eff. 12/31/92; Ord. 2005-09, eff. 9/2/05)
Signs can have either a positive or negative impact on the character and quality of the City. As a prominent part of the scenery, they attract or repel the viewing public, affect the safety of vehicular traffic, and set the tone of a neighborhood and the City. The objectives of this Chapter include the following:
(a) 
To implement the City's community design and safety standards as set forth in the City's General Plan, specific plans, and Municipal Code.
(b) 
To maintain and enhance the City's appearance by regulating the design, character, location, number, type, size, illumination, and maintenance of signs.
(c) 
To serve the City's interests in maintaining and enhancing its visual appeal for residents, tourists, and other visitors, by preventing the degradation of visual quality which can result from excessive and poorly designed, located, or maintained signage.
(d) 
To generally limit commercial signage to on-site locations in order to protect the aesthetic environment from the visual clutter associated with the unrestricted proliferation of signs, while providing channels of communication to the public.
(e) 
To limit the size, number, and construction of signs to levels that reasonably allow for the free communication of ideas, consistent with the other purposes of this ordinance.
(f) 
To encourage signs that are appropriate to the zoning district in which they are located and consistent with the permitted and conditional uses applied to the subject property.
(g) 
To establish sizes of signs in relationship to the scale of the lot and building on which the signs are to be placed or to which they pertain.
(h) 
To minimize the possible adverse effects of signs on nearby public and private property, including streets, sidewalks, roads, and highways.
(i) 
To protect and improve pedestrian and vehicular safety by balancing the need for signs that facilitate the safe and smooth flow of traffic (e.g., directional signs and on-site signs) without an excess of signage which may distract drivers or overload the mental capacity to quickly receive and interpret information.
(j) 
To reduce hazardous situations, confusion, and visual clutter caused by the proliferation, placement, illumination, animation and excessive height, and area and bulk of signs which compete for the attention of pedestrians and motorists.
(k) 
To respect and protect the right of free speech by sign display, while reasonably regulating the structural, locational, and other non-communicative aspects of signs, generally for the public health, safety, and welfare, and specifically to serve the public interests in community aesthetics, traffic, and pedestrian safety.
(l) 
To enable the fair, consistent, and effective enforcement of the sign regulations of the City.
(Ord. 92-19, eff. 12/31/92; Ord. 2005-09, eff. 9/2/05)
The definitions listed below supplement Chapter 12-2:
Balloon or Blimp:
An airtight bag, possibly rigid or semi-rigid, which will rise and float above the earth when filled with hot air or gas.
Banner:
A type of temporary sign made of paper, cloth, flexible plastic or similar material.
Bow/Feather Sign:
Any variety of fabric signs as shown in Illustration A, commonly called but not limited to bow, feather, tear drop, etc. that display a message, supported by a horizontal or vertical pole of various lengths.
Bulletin Board:
A permanently constructed sign containing a surface area that may have interchangeable letters, words, or numerals.
Building Face:
The exterior surface of any building, regardless of frontage.
Building Occupancy Frontage:
The length of that portion of a building occupied exclusively by an individual tenant or owner which faces the public right-of-way.
Building Official:
A title recognized by the City of Santa Maria and the International Code Council (ICC) responsible for interpretation, effectuation and enforcement of the California Building Codes, including, but not limited to, the International Building Code (IBC).
Canopy/Awning Sign:
A sign mounted or painted on a canopy or awning.
Commercial Sign:
Any sign, wording, logo, picture, transparency, mechanical device, or other representation that is intended to attract attention to a commercial or industrial business, occupancy, product, goods, service, or other commercial or industrial activity for a commercial or industrial purpose.
Construction Project or Subdivision Sign:
A sign erected in conjunction with a construction project.
Directional Structure:
A noncommercial, on-site structure, the purpose of which is to facilitate safe vehicular or pedestrian travel by directing pedestrians or vehicles to specific on-site locations, such as parking spaces, special drive-up or walk-up services, exits, and public restrooms.
Director:
The Director of Community Development.
Directory Sign:
A wall or monument sign that may list the names of businesses in an office or retail complex and the corresponding building, suite or room number/letter.
Freestanding (Pole) Sign:
A sign not attached to a building that is constructed upon, or affixed to, the ground by means of columns, poles, or similar structural components. Freestanding (pole) signs are prohibited pursuant to Section 12-34.11(i) of this chapter.
Height of Sign, Maximum:
The distance from the lowest adjacent finish grade within three feet of the base of the sign to the top of its highest element.
Illuminated Sign - External:
A sign which is illuminated by use of lighting from a source outside of the sign.
Illuminated Sign - Internal:
A sign which is illuminated by use of lighting installed inside the sign.
Institution:
All governmental, religious, and charitable organizations.
Master Sign Plan:
A plan outlining the design, location, size, number, materials, and construction of sign structures for any multi-tenant site in order to ensure continuity of design within the project and to provide for equitable distribution between tenants of allowable sign area. Previously approved Uniform Sign Programs shall constitute a Master Sign Plan under this chapter.
Memorial Signs or Tablets:
Signs or tablets cut into masonry surfaces or constructed of bronze or other incombustible materials mounted on a solid base or on one or more uprights.
Monument Sign:
A sign affixed to a solid base and installed on a landscaped, concrete or other solid surface on the project site.
Noncommercial Sign:
A sign that does not name, advertise, or call attention to a commercial or industrial business, commodity, product, goods, service, or other commercial or industrial activity for a commercial or industrial purpose.
Off-Site Sign:
A commercial sign not located on the site of the business or entity indicated or advertised by the sign, or a commercial sign advertising a commodity, good, product, service or other commercial or industrial activity which originates on a site other than where the sign is maintained.
On-Site Sign:
A commercial sign which directs attention to a commercial or industrial occupancy, business, commodity, product, goods, service, or other commercial or industrial activity conducted, sold, or offered upon the site where the sign is maintained. For purposes of this chapter, all signs with noncommercial speech messages shall be deemed to be on-site, regardless of location.
Parcel Frontage:
The length of the property line abutting the public right-of-way for the parcel of land measured in linear feet.
Painted Sign:
A sign that is painted directly on a wall or other surface, and does not project from the surface to which it is applied.
Parking Lot Light Banner:
A banner sign attached to the vertical portion of a privately-owned parking lot light standard, suspended between horizontal supports. For the purpose of this chapter, a parking lot light is defined as a vertical pole of varying height supporting a luminaire or mast arm.
Permanent Sign:
Any sign which is constructed to be lasting and enduring, remaining unchanged in character, condition (beyond normal wear and tear) and position and in a permanent manner affixed to the ground, wall, or building.
Projecting Sign:
A sign attached to, and projecting from, the face of the roof of a structure, canopy, or marquee.
Roof Sign:
A sign erected upon a roof or eave of a roof, or erected upon an awning of a structure, which is wholly or partially supported by said structure and includes a sign projecting above the eave or parapet of a roof.
Sandwich Board Structure:
A small, single or multi-sided type of sign placed on the ground.
Sign:
Any device, fixture, placard, or structure, including its component parts, which draws attention to an object, product, place, activity, opinion, person, institution, organization, or place of business, or which identifies or promotes the interests of any person and which can be viewed from any public street, road, highway, right-of-way, parking area or public space.
The following are not within the definition of sign for the regulatory purposes of this chapter:
(1)
Any public or legal notice required by a court or public agency;
(2)
City approved directional signage for new home construction;
(3)
Decorative or architectural features of building, except letters, trademarks, or moving parts;
(4)
Time and temperature devices;
(5)
Signs on street legal vehicles, license plates, license plate frames, registration insignia, including noncommercial messages, messages relating to the business or service of which the vehicle is an instrument or tool (not including general advertising), and messages relating to the proposed sale, lease, or exchange of the vehicle;
(6)
Traffic, directional, emergency, warning or informational signs required or authorized by a governmental agency having jurisdiction;
(7)
Permanent memorial or historical signs, plaques, or markers that comply with Section 12-34.03(u);
(8)
Public utility signs;
(9)
Newsracks; and
(10)
City approved "Adopt-a-Road" signs.
Vacant Lot:
For the purpose of this chapter, vacant lot will be defined as a parcel that does not contain a structure used for calculating temporary/banner sign area under Section 12-34.05(d)(2).
Valet Sign:
A moveable support structure which contains a single support element or post used to display signage not permanently affixed to the ground.
Nonconforming Sign:
A sign which existed as a legal sign prior to the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter which is in conflict with the provisions of this chapter.
Sign Structure:
A structure which supports a sign.
Sign Tower:
An architecturally designed structure not exceeding 25 feet in height that can be permitted in the C-1 and C-2 zoning districts subject to a Planned Development Permit or Conditional Use Permit.
Temporary Sign:
A sign constructed of expendable material such as paper, plastic, cloth, or wood intended to be displayed for a short period of time. Pennants, banners, and similar devices are also included in this category. Temporary signs may serve many functions such as grand opening signs or political signs.
Wall Sign:
A sign which is attached directly to, and parallel with, the building face or painted upon the wall or marquee of a building or structural part thereof.
Window Sign:
A sign painted, printed, attached, glued, hung or otherwise affixed to a window so that it is visible. A window sign is a type of wall sign and may be located inside or outside of a building and either shall constitute a sign and is subject to the provisions of this chapter.
(Ord. 2017-01 § 83, eff. 3/9/17; Ord. 2015-12 § 3, eff. 12/3/15; Ord. 2015-10 § 1, eff. 11/20/15; Ord. 2010-14, eff. 1/6/11; Ord. 2008-2008, eff. 7/3/08; Ord. 2005-09, eff. 9/2/05; Ord. 92-19, eff. 12/31/92)
(a) 
Applicability. This chapter regulates signs located on private property within all zoning districts of the City and on property owned by public agencies other than the City and over which the City has zoning and land use regulatory power. Except where otherwise expressly provided in this chapter, all signs located in such areas of the City shall receive design review and shall be erected and maintained in conformity with this chapter. The consent of the property owner is necessary before any sign may be erected on any private property or public sidewalk within the City.
(b) 
Sign Permit Required. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, it is unlawful for any person to place, erect, structurally or electrically alter (not including a change in sign copy of sign face), move or display or maintain any temporary or permanent sign without first obtaining a sign permit from the Zoning Administrator in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. No sign permit is required for cleaning or other normal maintenance of a properly approved sign, unless a structural or electrical change is made.
(c) 
Sign Plan Required. On a multi-tenant building or multi-building site, a master sign plan shall be prepared by the owner for review and approval by the Zoning Administrator in accordance with Section 12-34.07. The purpose of the master sign plan is to ensure compliance with this chapter, promote continuity of sign design and to spread the amount of sign area permitted among the buildings and businesses within a multi-tenant building or multi-building site. Temporary signage may be allowed in accordance with Section 12-34.05(d) upon the approval of a complete master sign plan.
(d) 
Noncommercial Signs. Noncommercial signs are allowed whenever commercial signage is permitted and are subject to the same standards and total maximum allowances per site or building of each sign type specified in this chapter. For purposes of this chapter, all noncommercial free speech messages are deemed to be on-site, regardless of location.
(e) 
Substitution of Noncommercial Message. Subject to the consent of the property owner, a noncommercial message of any type may be substituted for all or part of the commercial or noncommercial message on any sign allowed under this chapter. No special or additional approval is required to substitute a noncommercial message for any other message on an allowable sign, provided the sign structure is already approved or exempt from the approval requirement and no structural or electrical change is made. When a noncommercial message is substituted for any other message, however, the sign is still subject to the same design, size, locational, and structural regulations (e.g., color, materials, height, size, illumination, maintenance, duration of display, etc.) as well as all building and electrical code requirements, as would apply if the sign were used to display a commercial message. In the event of any perceived or actual conflict between the general provisions of this subsection and any other specific provisions in this chapter, the provisions of this subsection shall prevail.
(f) 
Substitution of Commercial Messages. Substitution of a commercial message is not automatically allowed in a place where only a noncommercial message is allowed. In addition, no off-site commercial messages may be substituted for on-site commercial messages.
(g) 
Construction Materials. All permanent signs shall be constructed of wood, metal, plastic, ceramic tile, glass or like material (or paint on a building such as a painted wall sign) as approved by the Director of Community Development.
(h) 
Area of Signs.
(1) 
A "double-face sign" with parallel planes, back-to-back, not more than 24 inches apart, shall count as a single sign and only one side shall be counted for the total sign area.
(2) 
In the case of a multi-face sign other than a double-faced sign, the outer dimensions of all the sign faces shall be combined. The sign area shall be the total area of all the faces.
(3) 
In the event a sign falls under more than one sign definition, the more restrictive sign regulations found in this chapter shall apply.
(4) 
Sign face changes to a legally established sign which do not structurally alter the sign (including sign area and configuration) shall not require a sign permit.
(5) 
The total sign area allowed on a parcel shall be calculated as the sum of the sign areas of all signs on the parcel except directional structures and temporary signs.
(6) 
The total sign area allowed on a parcel shall be up to one square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of building occupancy frontage or parcel frontage, whichever is greater, except that all properties are allowed a minimum of 25 square feet of sign area regardless of the building or parcel width. The Zoning Administrator, through the sign permit process, shall determine whether proposed sign area is compatible with the proposed architecture of the building and with other properties in the vicinity. Sites with multiple tenants shall be required to submit a sign program, for approval by the Zoning Administrator, to determine the share of total sign area for each tenant space.
i. 
Parcels adjacent to more than one public street, public alley, or freeway may be allowed to count each frontage toward the total sign area for the parcel. As part of the sign permit review process, the Zoning Administrator shall ensure that the sign area is appropriately distributed among said frontages in order to avoid signs that are visually out of proportion with each particular building face.
ii. 
Bonus Sign Area: The total sign area may be increased by 25% for that portion of a building that has a height of 20 feet or more of habitable interior space. As part of the sign permit review process, the Zoning Administrator shall ensure that the amount of the bonus sign area allowed does not result in signage that is out of proportion with the building.
(7) 
The area of a sign shall be calculated by forming a box to enclose the entire sign. The box must be a continuous line consisting of not more than eight straight lines that form right angles. The area within the box shall be the sign area.
(8) 
The supporting structure of any sign, including monument base or masonry veneer, shall not be included in determining the sign area.
(i) 
Location. All sign structures shall comply with sight distance requirements for corner visibility of pedestrians and vehicles (Sec. 12-27.03).
(j) 
Freeway Tower Signs. Refer to Section 12-25.03(b)(5).
(k) 
Architecturally Designed Sign Towers Along Primary and Secondary Arterial Streets. The Planning Commission, through a Planned Development Permit or Conditional Use Permit (ref. Chapter 35 of Title 12) may permit, or conditionally permit, sign towers in the C-1 and C-2 zoning districts along primary and secondary arterial streets as defined in the Circulation Element of the General Plan. The sign towers shall not exceed a height of 25 feet above finished grade. The total sign area shall not be greater than 200 square feet per tower. The design of the sign towers must be consistent with the adopted General Plan. The sign tower must make a positive design statement for the City of Santa Maria, be architecturally compatible with the architecture of the adjoining buildings, and must include substantial adjacent landscaping.
(l) 
Illumination. Illumination shall be allowed on all signs upon the approval of a sign permit. Illuminated signs may be lighted either by exterior or interior means. Illuminated signs shall be designed in such a manner as to avoid glare or reflection of light on private property in the surrounding area or onto public rights-of-way. Illumination of signs shall comply with all adopted model building codes of the City of Santa Maria.
(m) 
Limitation on Number of Signs Affixed to a Building. Up to four signs may be permitted on any building face for a single tenant, subject to a determination by the Zoning Administrator that the proposed signage does not clutter the building face.
(n) 
Maintenance. All signs shall be maintained in a neat and orderly appearance, including, but not limited to, repairing all holes, tears, fading, chipping, structural defects, and partial or full loss of illumination.
(Ord. 92-19, eff. 12/31/92; Ord. 98-11, eff. 12/3/98; Ord. 2005-09, eff. 9/2/05; Ord. 2008-10, eff. 7/3/08; Ord. 2015-10 § 2, eff. 11/20/15; Ord. 2015-12 § 4, eff. 12/3/15)
(a) 
Wall Sign.
(1) 
Maximum Height: Not to exceed the eave or parapet of the roof.
(2) 
Permitted Zones: C-1, C-2, CPO, CC, HC, FS, CM, M-1, M-2, SP (subject to specific plan), PF, AS I, II and III, and in residential zoning districts.
(3) 
Sign Permit Needed: Yes.
(4) 
A wall sign may encumber no greater than 80% of the building street frontage width.
(5) 
Window signs may not exceed 25% of an overall window area per building face. When displayed in excess of 30 days per calendar quarter, a window sign is a permanent sign and shall be counted against the total allowed sign area.
(6) 
A wall sign may not exceed 25% of an overall window area per building face.
(b) 
Monument Sign.
(1) 
Maximum Height: Six feet in residential zones; eight feet in commercial or industrial zones, as measured from adjacent finished grade.
(2) 
Monument signs may be placed on landscaped mounds. All landscaped mounds shall comply with the development standards of Chapter 12-44 (landscaping) providing that mound slopes may not be steeper than 2 to 1 and no higher than three feet.
(3) 
Monument Base: A monument sign must be supported by a solid base equal to or greater than 60% of the sign width obscuring one or more upright supports.
(4) 
Permitted Zones: C-1, C-2, CPO, CC, HC, FS, CM, M-1, M-2, SP (subject to specific plan), PF, AS I, II and III zones, and in residential zoning districts.
(5) 
Sign Permit Needed: Yes.
(6) 
All monument signs shall comply with sight distance requirements (Section 12-27.03).
(7) 
The maximum monument sign area shall be 50 square feet in all commercial (C-1, C-2, CPO, CC, HC, FS), industrial (M-1, M-2, CM), open space, public facilities and airport (I, II, III) zoning districts. The maximum monument sign area shall be 35 square feet in all residential (RA, R-1, RSL-1, R-2, R-3 and RMH) zoning districts.
(8) 
Number of monument signs permitted shall be limited to one monument sign for each 125 linear feet of parcel frontage along a public street except that, upon the request of the applicant, monument signs closer to each other than an aggregate of 125 linear feet of parcel frontage along a public street shall be permitted when within 50 feet of the main entrances/exits of developments, such as a shopping center or office complex. Through the sign permit review process, the Zoning Administrator will ensure the location of monument signs do not create an appearance of clutter along the street.
(c) 
Directional Structures.
(1) 
Maximum Height: Four feet for ground-mounted structures.
(2) 
Maximum Area: Four square feet for ground-mounted structures; six square feet for wall-mounted structures.
(3) 
Special Limitation: Directional structures shall only contain the information stated in Section 12-34.03(j).
(4) 
Permitted Zones: C-1, C-2, CPO, CC, FS, HC, CM, M-1, M-2, SP (subject to specific plan), PF, AS I, II and III zoning districts.
(5) 
Permit Needed: Yes (no fee permit).
(d) 
Temporary Sign/Banner.
(1) 
Maximum Height: Not to exceed roof eave line of nearest building or building to which it is affixed.
(2) 
Maximum Area: A banner or temporary sign may be installed at a ratio of 32 square feet of sign area (in commercially or industrially zoned properties), or six square feet of sign area (in residentially zoned properties) for each 75 feet of width of the side(s) of a building facing a public street. For instance:
Building Width (feet)
Sign Area (square feet) Commercial/Industrial Zones
Sign Area (square feet) Residential Zones
75
32
6
150
64
12
225
96
18
300
128
24
(3) 
Permitted Zones: R-1, RSL-1, R-2, R-3, RMH, C-1, C-2, CPO, CC, FS, HC, CM, M-1, M-2, SP (subject to specific plan), PF, AS I, II and III zoning districts.
(4) 
Sign Permit Needed: Yes.
(5) 
Permitted Time: Temporary signs may be displayed for up to two 30-consecutive-day periods during a six-month time frame, not exceeding 120 display days within 12 months. The applicant shall specify the desired dates of display, any consecutive period(s) for display, and the 12 months within which the display will occur on the application for temporary sign permit. A temporary sign permit may be renewed upon expiration of the 12 months specified in a temporary sign application.
(6) 
Banners shall be made of flexible, non-rigid material that cannot support itself.
(7) 
Temporary signs shall not be subtracted from the total allowable permanent sign area.
(8) 
A maximum of two temporary signs may be permitted as long as the total allowable temporary sign area is not exceeded.
(9) 
Temporary signs are permitted on vacant lots and are subject to all other applicable provisions of Section 12-34.05.
(e) 
Projecting Sign.
(1) 
Maximum Height: Not to exceed eave or parapet line of wall or structure to which projecting sign is attached (Note: Bottom of sign shall be a minimum of eight feet from ground to provide proper clearance.)
(2) 
Permitted Zones: C-1, C-2, CPO, CC and CM zoning districts in the four-square-mile area.
(3) 
Sign Permit Needed: Yes.
(4) 
Location: Projecting signs may extend over public rights-of-way including public sidewalks not to exceed one-half of the distance from the building face to which the sign is attached to the curb face of said sidewalk.
(f) 
Canopy/Awning Sign.
(1) 
Maximum Height: Not to exceed the height of the underside of a canopy, awning or marquee. The bottom of the sign shall be a minimum of eight feet from the ground to provide proper clearance.
(2) 
Permitted Zones: C-1, C-2, CPO, CC, FS, HC, CM, M-1, M-2, SP (subject to specific plan), PF, AS I, II and III.
(3) 
Sign Permit Needed: Yes.
(4) 
Location: Canopy/awning signs may locate over rights-of-way including sidewalks except that no part of the sign may extend beyond the canopy.
(g) 
Temporary Flags in Developing Residential Areas.
(1) 
Maximum Height: Not to exceed 15 feet.
(2) 
Maximum Area: Ten square feet per flag, not to be less than two feet wide.
(3) 
Permitted Zones: R-1, RSL-1, R-2, R-3, and any other zones that include an approved mixed use housing project.
(4) 
Permitted Time: Temporary flags may be displayed for up to one year plus one additional year if a sign permit extension has been obtained. Flags shall only be installed onsite and cannot be installed prior to issuance of Certificate of Occupancy for the model unit(s).
(5) 
Special Limitation: One flag for each 50 feet of exterior public street frontage, not to exceed 20 flags for each approved project in a developing residential area. Flags shall be replaced when they become torn, frayed, or have holes.
(6) 
Sign permit needed; sign permit extension needed: Yes.
(h) 
Parking Lot Light Banners.
(1) 
Maximum Area: Eight square feet each, not to exceed two banners per pole.
(2) 
Minimum Height: Bottom horizontal support shall not be affixed to the vertical light pole less than eight feet above the ground.
(3) 
Permitted Zones: All commercial zones and the Gateway and Town Center Districts of the Downtown Specific Plan.
(4) 
Permitted Time: May be utilized for an indefinite period of time when in full compliance with applicable provisions of Chapter 34. Banners shall be replaced when they become frayed, torn, or have holes.
(5) 
Number of Banners: No more than 25% of the parking lot lights shall be utilized for banners.
(6) 
Sign Permit Needed: Yes.
(Ord. 92-19, eff. 12/31/92; Ord. 2005-09, eff. 9/2/05; Ord. 2008-10, eff. 7/3/08; Ord. 2010-14, eff. 1/6/11; Ord. 2015-10 § 3, eff. 11/20/15)
Construction or subdivision project signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in area, or eight feet in overall height, unless legally required by governmental contract to be larger. A construction or subdivision project sign shall require a sign permit and may exist no longer than the period of construction. One sign is permitted per street frontage.
(Ord. 92-19, eff. 12/31/92; Ord. 2005-09, eff. 9/2/05; Ord. 2015-10 § 4, eff. 11/20/15)
(a) 
Application and Processing.
(1) 
Purpose. The purpose of a sign permit is to help ensure compliance with the provisions of this title and chapter, in particular, the provisions regulating the design, illumination, location, materials, number, size, and type of sign, including structural and electrical provisions of the state building codes.
(2) 
General Sign Permit Application Process. Unless otherwise specified by this chapter, the application for a sign permit must be made in writing on the form provided by the Community Development Department and accompanied by the required fee established by City Council resolution. The application shall include the following information and items:
(i) 
The completed application form.
(ii) 
Plans drawn to scale showing the design of the sign, including dimensions, sign size, colors, materials, method of attachment, source of illumination, and showing the relationship to any building, parcel, or structure to which it is proposed to be installed or affixed or to which it relates. Compliance with applicable state building codes including structural analysis, wind load calculations, and footing details shall be shown on the plans and signed by a structural engineer when applicable.
(iii) 
A site plan, including all dimensions, drawn to scale indicating the location of the sign relative to the property line, rights-of-way, streets, sidewalks, vehicular access points, and existing or planned buildings or structures and off-street parking areas located on the premises.
(iv) 
The number, size, type, and location of all existing signs on the same building, site, or premises.
(v) 
Proof of the consent of the property owner or other person in control or in possession of the property.
(vi) 
If a proposed sign would be an advertising display under the Outdoor Advertising Act (Business and Professions Code Sections 5200 and following), the applicant shall submit reasonable evidence demonstrating compliance with or exemption from the Act.
(vii) 
Such other information as the Director may reasonably request in order to establish that the proposed application is in full compliance with the provisions of the chapter, the municipal code, and any other applicable law.
(3) 
Processing Applications. The Director, or his/her designee, shall determine whether the application contains all of the information and items required by the provisions of this chapter. If the Director or his/her designee determines that the application is not complete, the applicant must be notified in writing within 30 calendar days of the date of receipt of the application that the application is not complete and the reasons for such determination, including any additional information necessary to render the application complete. The applicant will then have 30 calendar days from receipt of comments to submit additional information to render the application complete. Failure to do so within this 30-day period renders the application void. Within 30 calendar days following receipt of an amended application or supplemental information, the Director or his/her designee must again determine whether the application is complete in accordance with the procedures set forth in this subsection. Evaluation and notification is to occur as provided above until such time as the application is found to be complete. All notices required by this chapter are deemed given upon the date any such notice is either deposited in the United States mail or the date upon which a personal service of such notice is provided.
(4) 
Findings for Approval. After reviewing a complete sign permit application, the Director or his/her designee, shall render a written decision to approve or deny the application within 30 calendar days of the complete application date. The Director's determination shall be based on the following findings:
(i) 
The proposed sign(s) comply with all development standards in Chapter 12-34;
(ii) 
The placement and design of the sign(s) is compatible with the building or structure the signage is placed on;
(iii) 
The proposed sign(s) is consistent with the City's community design and safety standards as set forth in the City's General Plan, specific plans, and municipal code;
(iv) 
The proposed design, character, location, number, type, size, illumination and maintenance of the proposed sign(s) maintain and enhance the City's appearance.
Decisions made on sign permits shall not be based on the content of the signage.
(b) 
Appeals.
(1) 
Any person seeking to appeal a decision of the Zoning Administrator granting or denying an application for issuance of a sign permit, revoking a permit, or ordering the remediation or removal of a sign, shall appeal in writing consistent with Chapter 12-41.
(2) 
Any person dissatisfied with the final action by the City Council may seek prompt judicial review of the action pursuant to the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 1094.8.
(Ord. 92-19, eff. 12/31/92; Ord. 98-11, eff. 12/03/98; Ord. 2005-2005, eff. 9/2/05; Ord. 2015-10 § 5, eff. 11/20/15)
Signs shall conform to the following provisions of the California Vehicle Code.
(a) 
No person shall place, maintain or display upon or in view of any highway, any unofficial sign, signal or device, or any sign, signal or device which purports to be or is an imitation of, or resembles an official traffic sign or signal, or which attempts to direct the movement of traffic, or which hides from view any official sign or signal.
(b) 
No person shall place, maintain or display upon or in view of any highway, any light of any color of such brilliance as to blind or dazzle the vision of drivers upon said highway nor shall any light be placed in such position as to prevent the driver of a vehicle from readily recognizing any traffic sign or signal.
(c) 
The State Department of Public Works, members of the California Highway Patrol and local authorities are hereby authorized and empowered without notice to remove every prohibited sign, signal, device or light which is a public nuisance or cause the same to be removed or the director of said department, the chief of said patrol or local authorities may bring any action as provided by law to abate such nuisance.
(Ord. 92-19, eff. 12/31/92; Ord. 98-11, eff. 12/03/98; Ord. 2005-09, eff. 9/2/05)
(a) 
No portion of any sign nor its supports shall be placed in a manner that it will in any way obstruct any fire escape, stairway, or fire sprinkler stand pipe, nor shall any such sign or any of its supports be attached to or supported by any fire escape.
(b) 
No portion of any sign or its supports shall be so placed that it will interfere with human exit through any window of any room of any building.
(c) 
No portion of any sign or its supports shall be placed so that it will obstruct any exterior door or required exit of any building.
(d) 
No sign shall be placed that will obstruct any legally required light and ventilation.
(e) 
No sign or portion of a sign shall be placed on any public right-of-way in such a manner which obstructs such public right-of-way. Any such sign is hereby declared a public nuisance and may be removed by the Director, Building Official or any other designated official in Chapter 7 of Title 1 of this Code.
(Ord. 92-19, eff. 12/31/92; Ord. 98-11, eff. 12/03/98; Ord. 2005-09, eff. 9/2/05; Ord. 2010-14, eff. 1/6/11)
(a) 
General Requirements: A nonconforming sign structure shall not be:
(1) 
Changed to another nonconforming sign structure or increased in area unless the height or area of the sign structure is made less nonconforming;
(2) 
Structurally altered to extend its useful life; or
(3) 
Moved from its location to a new location.
(b) 
Face Changes: Sign copy and face changes within the existing boundaries of the nonconforming sign structure are permitted without obtaining a sign permit.
(c) 
Modifications and Maintenance: Non-structural modifications or non-structural maintenance (i.e., painting, rust removal) are allowed without a sign permit up to a maximum of 50 percent of the existing total area of the sign. Nonstructural modifications or maintenance exceeding 50 percent of the existing total area of the sign, and all structural changes, shall comply with all applicable standards of this chapter.
(d) 
Discontinued Use: If the use of a building or land associated with a legal nonconforming sign structure is discontinued for a period of six months or more, any sign structure shall thereafter conform to the provisions of this chapter.
(e) 
Public Nuisances: Any nonconforming sign structure which is found to present danger to the public may be declared a public nuisance and abated as set forth in Chapter 42 of Title 12 (Administration and Enforcement).
(f) 
Destroyed Signs: If, at any time, any nonconforming sign structure in existence or maintained on the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter is destroyed by fire, accident, explosion or act of nature to the extent of more than 50 percent of the value thereof, without further action of the City, such sign shall, from and after the date of such destruction, be subject to all the provisions of this chapter. For the purposes of this chapter, the value of any sign shall be the estimated cost of replacement of the sign in kind as determined by the Building Official.
(g) 
Administration of this section is not intended to conflict with the provisions of the Outdoor Advertising Act (Chapters 2 and 2.5, Sections 5200 – 5499.30 of the Business and Professions Code).
(Ord. 92-19, eff. 12/31/92; Ord. 98-11, eff. 12/03/98; Ord. 2005-09, eff. 9/2/05)
Prohibited signs are as follows:
(a) 
Any sign designed for emitting sound.
(b) 
Any sign or sign structure which has become a public nuisance due to inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, or abandonment.
(c) 
Any sign which obstructs in any manner the ingress to, or egress from, a door, window, fire escape, or other access way required by building codes adopted by the City of Santa Maria.
(d) 
Any sign unlawfully installed, erected, or maintained.
(e) 
Any sign that encroaches into any City right-of-way and/or easement, except under-canopy, projecting and sandwich board signs.
(f) 
Any sign that flashes, blinks, moves, changes color, appears to change color, changes intensity, or contains any part of attachment which does the same.
(g) 
Any sign that is inconsistent with the traffic safety sight area, pursuant to Santa Maria Municipal Code Section 12-27.03.
(h) 
Any sign structure located so that it interferes with visibility at an intersection, public right-of-way, driveway, or other ingress/egress.
(i) 
Any freestanding pole sign.
(j) 
Any sign located or displayed on or over public property except as expressly permitted in this chapter.
(k) 
Any sign attached to a tree.
(l) 
Any sign structure erected or maintained which has less horizontal or vertical clearance from communication lines and energized electrical power lines than that prescribed by the state, or rules and regulations duly promulgated by agencies thereof.
(m) 
Any sign structure adversely affecting traffic control or safety.
(n) 
Balloons and blimps.
(o) 
Roof signs.
(p) 
Any sign on public property or property in which the City holds an interest unless otherwise authorized by this chapter. A public utility easement (PUE) is an example of property in which the City holds an interest.
(q) 
Off-Site Signs—Exception. Signs on property owned or controlled by the City, whose design is compatible with the objectives of this chapter as determined by the Zoning Administrator or designee through a sign permit.
(r) 
Bow/feather signs.
(s) 
Sandwich board signs.
(Ord. 92-19, eff. 12/31/92; Ord. 98-11, eff. 12/03/98; Ord. 2005-09, eff. 9/2/05; Ord. 2008-10, eff. 7/3/08; Ord. 2009-16, eff. 9/2/09; Ord. 2010-14, eff. 1/6/11; Ord. 2015-10 § 6, eff. 11/20/15)
The Director, Building Official or other designated official in Chapter 7 of Title 1 of this Code shall immediately cause the removal of any sign which, in the judgment of the Director, Building Official or other designated official, is found to be within the public right-of-way and/or easements and are found to place citizens in immediate peril. Said removal shall be by any or a combination of the following methods using sound judgment under the circumstances:
(a) 
Removal or modification of said sign by City staff with business owner (or property owner if business has ceased operations) to be billed for time and materials related to the cost of said removal.
(b) 
Notification orally or in writing to the business owner causing the removal of said signs within a 24 hour period or later period of time, as prescribed by the Director, Building Official or other designated official.
(c) 
Immediate citation of the business owner (or property owner if business has ceased operations) or party responsible for said sign.
(Ord. 92-19, eff. 12/31/92; Ord. 98-11, eff. 12/03/98; Ord. 2005-09, eff. 9/2/05; Ord. 2010-14, eff. 1/6/11)
If any provision or clause of the chapter or the application thereof is held unconstitutional or otherwise invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions, clauses, or applications of this chapter which can be implemented without the invalid provision, clause, or application, it is hereby expressly declared that this ordinance, and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, and phrase hereof would have been prepared, proposed, approved, adopted, and/or ratified irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences clauses, and/or phrases be declared invalid or unconstitutional.
(Ord. 92-19, eff. 12/31/92; Ord. 98-11, eff. 12/03/98; Ord. 2005-09, eff. 9/2/05; Ord. 2010-14, eff. 1/6/11)
Repealed by Ordinance No. 2005-09.
Appendix
Illustration A (Bow/Feather Sign).
Former Illustrations A through J were repealed by Ordinance No. 2005-09.
-Image-6.tif
(Ord. 92-19, eff. 12/31/92; Ord. 98-11, eff. 12/03/98; Ord. 2005-09, eff. 9/2/05; Ord. 2010-14, eff. 1/6/11)