ORD 112ORDINANCE NO. 112
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA,
PROVIDING FOR A COMPREHENSIVE AMENDMENT
TO THE CITY SIGN REGULATIONS.
The City Council of the City of La Quinta, California, does
ordain as follows:
SECTION 1: Chapter 9.212 of the La Quinta Municipal Code is
hereby amended to read as contained in Exhibit A, attached hereto.
SECTION 2: EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordinance shall be in full
force and effect 30 days after passage.
SECTION 3: POSTING. The City Clerk shall, within 15 days
after passage of this Ordinance, cause it to be posted in at least
three (3) public places designated by resolution of the City Council;
and shall certify to the adoption and posting of this Ordinance; and
shall cause this Ordinance and its certification, together with proof
of person posting, to be entered in the book of Ordinances of this
City.
The foregoing Ordinance was approved and adopted at a
meeting of the City Council held on this 1st day of Sept., 1987.
AYES: Councilmen Pena, Sniff, Mayor Hoyle
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmen Bohnenberger, Cox
ABSTAIN: None
APPROVED AS TO CONTENT:
CITY CLERK
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MA OR
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
MR/ORDDRFT.004
CHAPTER 9.212
SIGN REGULATIONS
9.212.010
INTENT
9.212.020
PERMIT REQUIREMENTS AND REVIEW PROCEDURES
9.212.030
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS AND PROCESS
9.212.040
DISPOSITION OF PLANS
9.212.050
EXPIRATION AND TIME EXTENSIONS
9.212.070
APPEALS
9.212.080
GENERAL PROVISIONS
9.212.090
EXEMPTIONS
9.212.100
PROHIBITED SIGNS
9.212.110
TEMPORARY SIGNS
9.212.120
SIGN REGULATIONS
9.212.130
EXISTING SIGNS
9.212.140
DEFINITIONS
EXHIBIT "A"
CHAPTER 9.212
SIGN REGULATIONS
9.212.010 INTENT - This Chapter is intended to implement the goals
and policies of the General Plan; to provide minimum
standards 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 nonresidents who come to visit or trade; to
encourage sound signing practices as an aid to business and
for the information of the public; to prevent excessive and
confusing signing displays and to promote the public
health, safety, and general welfare, as to signs which are
allowed on private property.
9.212.020 PERMIT REOUIREMENTS AND REVIEW PROCEDURES - SIGNS ON
PRIVATE PROPERTY - PERMIT REQUIRED - Sign permit approval
from the Planning and Development Department is required
prior to obtaining a building permit for the placing,
erecting, moving, reconstructing, altering, or displaying
any sign on private property within the City, unless the
review procedure is exempt under Section 9.212.090 or other
provisions of this Chapter. Signs requiring approval shall
comply with the provisions of this Chapter and all other
applicable laws and ordinances. Signs legally existing
prior to the effective date of this Chapter shall not
require approval until such time as the sign is moved,
structurally altered, changed or relocated; at which time,
the review and approval provisions of this Chapter shall
apply before a building permit is issued.
9.212.030 APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS AND PROCESS
A. The following shall be submitted by the Applicant to
the Planning and Development Department at the time of
permit application unless otherwise modified by the
Planning Director:
1. Completed sign application obtained from the City.
2. Appropriate sign plans with number of copies and
exhibits as required in the application.
3. Appropriate fees as established by Council
resolution.
MR/ORDDRFT.002 -2-
4. Letter of consent or authorization from the
property owner, or lessor, or authorized agent of the
building or premises upon which the sign is to be
erected.
B. Plans Required - Information required - the
following information must be shown on the sign plan:
1. Sign elevation drawing indicating overall and
letter/figure/design dimensions, colors, materials,
proposed copy and illumination method.
2. Site plan indicating the location of all main and
accessory signs existing or proposed for the site with
dimensions, color, material, copy, and method of
illumination indicated for each.
3. Building elevations with signs depicted (for
non -freestanding signs).
C. Review - Sign applications shall be reviewed for
compliance with the provisions of this chapter under either
the standard application or planned sign program
application.
D. Standard Sign Program
1. The Standard Sign Program is used by the Planning
and Development Department to process the following
sign applications using the standards and provisions
contained within this chapter:
a. Two or less permanent signs;
b. The modification of signs within a
previously approved planned sign program;
C. Temporary signs.
2. The Planning Director or other authorized staff
member shall review standard sign applications and
shall make a determination to either approve, approve
with modification, or deny the application. The review
shall consider the size, design, colors, character and
location of the proposed signs.
3. A standard sign application shall only be
approved after a finding that the proposed sign is
consistent with the intent and provisions of this
chapter.
MR/ORDDRFT.002 -3-
E.
Planned Sign Programs
1. Planned sign program review is required when the
site will have more than two (2) permanent signs, or
development projects requiring review by the Planning
Commission, or when sign adjustments are requested.
2. The Planning Commission will make a determination
to either approve, approve with modification, or deny
planned sign program applications.
3. The Planning Commission, upon completion of their
review, may attach appropriate conditions. In order
to approve a planned sign program application, the
Commission must find that:
a. The proposed sign or signs satisfy the
intent of this chapter.
b. The proposed sign or signs are in harmony
with and visually related to:
(1) Other signs included in the planned
sign program. This shall be accomplished by
incorporating several common design elements
such as materials, letter style, colors,
illumination, sign type or sign shape.
(2) The buildings they identify. This may
be accomplished by utilizing materials,
colors, or design motif included in the
building being identified.
(3) Surrounding development. Approval of a
planned sign program shall not adversely
affect surrounding land uses or obscure,
adjacent, conforming signs.
4. Modification of signs within a previously
approved planned sign program. Modification of signs
shall be made in the following manner:
a. The Planning Director may approve the
following modifications using the provisions of
the Standard Sign Program. However, at the
discretion of the Planning Director, modification
requests may be referred directly to the Planning
Commission for action.
(1) Up to a 25 percent increase in the sign
area and/or dimensions;
MR/ORDDRFT.002 -4-
(2) Relocation of sign(s) to a new position
on the same building elevation or street
frontage;
(3) Minor change in colors and materials;
(4) Change in method of permitted
illumination or the lighting of signs.
b. All other modification requests will be
reviewed and approved by the Planning Commission
using the provisions of the Planned Sign Program.
C. For purposes of this subsection, exempted
signs shall not be included in the above
calculations.
F. Adjustments - Adjustments to permit additional sign
area, additional numbers of signs, an alternative sign
location, an alternative type of signage or additional
height may be granted by the Planning Commission. The
Applicant for a planned sign program application must
request the adjustment in writing on forms provided by the
Planning and Development Department. The Planning
Commission must find that one or more of the following
facts exist when an adjustment is made:
1. Additional Area:
a. To overcome a disadvantage as a result of an
exceptional setback between the street and the
sign or orientation of the sign location.
b. To achieve an effect which is essentially
architectural, sculptural, or graphic art.
C. 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.
d. To allow a sign to be in proper scale with
its building or use.
e. To allow a sign compatible with other
conforming signs in the vicinity.
f. To establish the allowable amount and
location of signing when no street frontage
exists or when, due to an unusual lot shape
(e.g., flag lot), the street frontage is
excessively narrow in proportion to the average
width of the lot.
MR/ORDDRFT.002 -5-
2. Additional Number - To compensate for inadequate
visibility, or to facilitate good design balance.
3. Alternative Locations:
a. On Site: To transfer area from one wall
to another wall or to a freestanding sign upon
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.
b. Lots Not Fronting On A Street: To permit
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 of the legal
right to establish and maintain a sign within the
access easement.
C. Additionally, alternative on -site 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.
4. Alternative Type of Sign - To facilitate
compatibility with the architecture of structure(s) on
the site and improve the overall appearance of the
site.
5. Additional Height - To permit additional height
to overcome a visibility disadvantage.
9.212.040 DISPOSITION OF PLANS
A. When revisions to the sign plans are required as a
condition of approval, the applicant shall submit the
required number of copies of the revised plans to the
Planning and Development Department to be stamped
approved. The Department will retain copies and a set will
be returned to the applicant
B. After approval is granted, it shall be the
responsibility of the applicant to submit all required
applications, plans, bonds, and fees to the Building
Division of the Planning and Development Department for
issuance of a building permit.
MR/ORDDRFT.002 -6-
9.212.050 EXPIRATION AND TIME EXTENSION OF SIGN PERMITS
A. Approval of a standard application or planned program
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 the approval, the applicant may apply to the
Planning Director for an extension of up to one year from
the date of expiration. The Planning Director may make
minor modifications or may deny further extensions of the
approved sign or signs at the time of extension if it is
found that there has been a substantial change in
circumstances.
B. The expiration date of the sign(s) approval shall
automatically be extended to concur with the expiration
date of building permits or other permits relating to the
installation of the sign.
C. A sign approval shall expire and become void if the
circumstances or facts upon which the approval was granted
changes through some subsequent action by the owner or
lessees, so that the sign would not be permitted under the
new circumstances.
9.212.070 APPEALS - Decisions of the Planning Director may be
appealed to the Planning Commission and decisions of the
Planning Commission may be appealed to the City Council.
The appeal must be made within 15 calendar days of the
decision date, in accordance with Section 9.180.060 of the
Municipal Code.
9.212.080 GENERAL PROVISIONS - Sign Requirements: All signs must
conform with the following, when applicable:
A. Illumination- Illumination from or upon any sign
shall be shaded, shielded, directed, or reduced so as to
avoid undue brightness, glare, or reflection of light on
private or public property in the surrounding area, and so
as to avoid unreasonably distracting pedestrians or
motorists. "Undue brightness" is illumination in excess of
that which is reasonably necessary to make the sign
reasonably visible to the average person on an adjacent
street. Illuminated signs which face or are adjacent to
residentially zoned property shall be restricted so that
the illumination, glare or reflection of light is not
visible from the residentially zoned property.
B. Maintenance- All signs, including signs heretofore
installed, shall be constantly maintained in a state of
security, safety and repair. If any sign is found not to
be so maintained, or is not securely fastened or otherwise
dangerous, it shall be the duty of the owner and/or
MR/ORDDRFT.002 -7-
occupant of the premises on which the sign is fastened to
repair or remove the sign after receiving notice from the
City. The premises surrounding a freestanding sign shall
be free and clear of rubbish and any landscaping area
maintained in a tidy manner.
C. Landscaping for Freestanding Signs- All freestanding
signs shall include, as part of their design, landscaping
about their base so as to prevent vehicles from hitting the
sign and to improve the overall appearance of the
installation. All landscape areas shall be maintained in a
healthy and viable condition.
D. Inspection - All sign users shall permit the
periodic inspection of their signs by the City.
E. Buildings Facing on Two Parallel Streets - Single or
multiple occupancy buildings whose premises extend through
a block to face on two parallel streets with customer
entrances on each street are permitted one (1) freestanding
sign per street frontage. Provided, however, that each
freestanding sign is located on different street frontages
and are separated more than one -hundred (100) feet measured
in a straight line between the signs.
F. More Restrictive Provision to Apply - Whenever two
(2) provisions of this code overlap or conflict with regard
to the size or placement of a sign, the more restrictive
provision shall apply.
G. Special Design Area Criteria - Signs to be located
within the boundaries of a Specific Plan or other special
design approval area, shall comply with the criteria
established by such plan or area.
9.212.090 EXEMPTIONS - The following signs do not require sign
approval, nor shall the area and number be included in the
area or number of signs permitted for any site or use.
This shall not be construed as relieving the sign owner
from the responsibility of obtaining a building permit for
the sign, the sign's erection, maintenance and compliance
with the provisions of this chapter or any other laws or
ordinances:
A. Official notices issued by any court or public body or
officer;
B. Notices posted by any public officer in performance of
a public duty or by any person in giving legal notice;
MR/ORDDRFT.002
C. The flag, emblem, or insignia of any nation, political
subdivision, fraternal, or religious organization, and
those flags determined to be of a noncommercial, nonprofit
civic character. The flag is subject to the guidelines
concerning their use as set forth by the government or
organization which is represented. All flags, emblems or
insignias are limited to a pole height of 18 feet and the
height of the flag at no more than one-fourth (1/4) the
height of the pole in residential zones. Except, the
Planning Commission shall review all flagpole requests on
any commercial property and may approve, modify or deny the
request.
D. Flush -mounted attached signs, used to identify the
name and address of the occupant for each dwelling provided
the sign does not exceed two (2) square feet in sign area.
E. Signs located in the interior of any building or
within an enclosed lobby or court of any building or group
of buildings, which signs are designed and located to be
viewed exclusively by patrons of such use or uses.
F. Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings, stained
glass windows and dates of erection when cut into the
surface or the facade of the building or when projecting
not more than two (2) inches.
G. Directional, warning, or informational structures
required by or authorized by law or by Federal, State or
County authority; including signs necessary for the
operation and safety of public utility uses.
H. Credit Cards Accepted; Trading Stamps Given;
Open/Closed; Association Membership; when not exceeding
one-half (1/2) square foot per sign and six (6) in number,
provided the signs are attached to the face or wall of a
building.
I. Decorations: Such signs in the nature of decoration,
clearly incidental and customary and commonly associated
with any national, local or religious holiday.
J. Painting, repainting, cleaning of an advertising
structure, or the changing of the advertising copy thereon
shall not be considered an erection or alteration which
requires sign approval unless a structural change is made.
K. Sculptures, fountains, mosaics, and design features
which do not incorporate advertising or identification.
MR/ORDDRFT.002 -9-
L. "No Trespassing", "No Dumping", "No Parking",
"Private", signs identifying essential public needs (i.e.,
restrooms, entrance, exit, telephone, etc.) and other
informational warning signs, which shall not exceed three
(3) square feet in sign area.
M. Directional signs: Non -advertising, freestanding signs
used to identify street entrance and exit. Said signs may
have three (3) square feet of sign area and be three (3)
feet in height.
N. Newspaper stand identification - provided the sign
area does not exceed two square feet.
9.212.100 PROHIBITED SIGNS - Prohibited signs are subject to
removal by the City at the owner's or user's expense. The
following signs or displays are prohibited:
A. Any sign not in accordance with the provisions of this
chapter.
B. Abandoned sign.
C. Animated signs.
D. Advertising vehicles.
E. Banners and flags not otherwise permitted.
F. Flashing signs.
G. Portable signs.
H. Off -premise signs not otherwise permitted.
I. Immoral or unlawful advertising signs.
J. Roof signs.
K. Signs which purport to be, or are an imitation of, or
resemble an official traffic sign or signal, or which bear
the words "stop", "caution", "danger", "warning", or
similar words.
L. Signs which, by reason of their size, location,
movement, content, coloring, or manner of illumination may
be confused with or construed as a traffic control sign,
signal, or device, or the light of an emergency or radio
equipment vehicle; or which obstruct the visibility of
traffic or street sign or signal device.
M. Signs which are located upon or projecting over public
streets, sidewalks, or right-of-ways (unless specific
approval has been granted).
MR/ORDDRFT.002 -10-
N. Signs attached to utility poles, stop signs or other
municipal signage.
9.212.110 TEMPORARY SIGNS
A. The following signs are classified as temporary
(nonpermanent) and are reviewed by the Planning and
Development Department using the standard sign review
process unless otherwise noted. The sign area and number
shall not be included in the area or number of permitted
permanent signs for any site or use.
B. Signs not requiring approval shall not be construed as
relieving the sign owner from the responsibility of
obtaining a building permit for the sign, the sign's
erection, maintenance, and compliance with the provisions
of this chapter and the following provisions:
1. Model Home Complex Identification Sign - Said
signs may be displayed only after a building permit is
obtained and must be removed after new homes sales are
completed. Said sign may have a maximum of 50 square
feet of sign area, a maximum height of five (5) feet
for freestanding signs and must be located below the
roof line when attached to wall. Two (2) signs may be
permitted; one (1) at the major access street and the
other adjacent to the model complex.
2. Future Facility Construction Sign - Said sign may
be displayed for a maximum period of one (1) year
without any construction activity on the site. The
sign shall be removed upon the expiration of the one
(1) year limit unless a building permit has been
issued. After issuance of a building permit, said
sign may remain for 60 calendar days following the
issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy. Said sign may
have a maximum sign area of 40 square feet and a
maximum height limit of 12 feet. Only one (1) sign is
permitted per street frontage.
3. Garage Sale Signs - A sign permit is not required
on residential property. The maximum number of signs
is limited to three (3). One sign may be located on
the subject property and two additional directional
signs may be placed on private property with the
permission of the property owner. Signs may have a
maximum sign area of four (4) square feet and a
maximum height of four (4) feet; signs must be removed
one calendar day after the sale has concluded.
4. Seasonal Sales Signs - Said sign is limited to 16
square feet of sign area and 8 feet in height. Only
one (1) sign is permitted per activity for a maximum
21 calendar day period per site per calendar year.
MR/ORDDRFT.002 -11-
5. Special Event Signs - The signs may be placed
upon private property with owner consent. The signs
may have four (4) square feet of sign area and a
maximum height of four (4) feet. The signs may be
displayed 30 calendar days prior to the event and must
be removed within seven (7) calendar days after the
event's conclusion.
6. Grand Opening Signs - Such signs are permitted
for a period of 30 calendar days to announce the
opening of a completely new enterprise or the opening
of an enterprise under new management. All such
materials shall be removed immediately upon the
expiration of 30 calendar days. Such displays are
permitted only in districts where the enterprise so
advertised is allowed under district zoning
regulations.
7. Political Signs - Political signs having to do
with any issue, ballot measure, ballot proposition,
candidate, or group of candidates in any district,
municipality, community, state or federal election
does not require sign review, but shall be subject to
the following:
a. Any person, party, or group posting
political signs in the City shall first post a
bond or cash deposit with the City Clerk as
established by the City Council guaranteeing
compliance with the provisions of this
ordinance. The City Manager may accept the
personal written guarantee of the candidate or
the measure sponsor in lieu of such bond or cash
deposit. All political signs shall be placed no
earlier than 60 calendar days prior to the
election and shall be removed within seven (7)
calendar days after the election in which the
candidate or issue advertised on a sign has been
determined. For a successful candidate in a
primary election, the signs may remain until the
final election, but must be removed within seven
(7) calendar days after that election. In the
event all signs are not removed within the
specified time or are posted prior to the
specified time period, the bond or cash deposit
shall be forfeited in its entirety and the City
shall have the right to remove and dispose of
same.
b. The signs may be placed upon private
property only with written permission of the
owner. The signs shall not be placed, posted, or
attached to telephone poles, power poles, or
MR/ORDDRFT.002
-12-
other public utility facilities or within any
street right-of-way (unless otherwise
authorized).
C. Each sign is limited to a maximum of 10
square feet of sign area.
8. Real Estate For Sale, Lease, or Rent Signs - A
sign permit is not required for signs under six (6)
square feet of sign area. All signs must be
constructed of wood, metal or plastic or other durable
material and pertain only to the sale, lease, or rent
of the particular building, property, or premises upon
which displayed. The signs may be attached to a
building wall or freestanding, only one per public or
private street frontage and non -illuminated. The sign
area size and height is as follows:
RESIDENTIALLY ZONED PROPERTY:
Under
1
acre
- 6
square
feet,
4
feet
high
1 to
10
acres
- 16
square
feet,
8
feet
high
Over
10
acres
- 24
square
feet,
8
feet,
high
COMMERCIALLY
ZONED
PROPERTY:
Under
1
acre
- 16
square
feet,
8
feet
high
1 to
10
acres
- 24
square
feet,
8
feet
high
Over
10
acres
- 32
square
feet,
8
feet
high
9. Real Estate Directional "Open House" Signs - A
sign permit is not required for "open house" signs.
All exterior open house signs must be constructed of
metal, wood, plastic or other durable material and
have a maximum sign area of four (4) square feet and
four (4) feet in height. Said signs are permitted
only during daylight hours and when a realtor or
seller or an agent is in attendance at the property
for sale, rent, or lease. Flags or banners shall not
be used. The maximum number of signs is limited to
two (2) at the following locations:
a. One (1) at the closest street intersection;
on private property with the written consent of
the property owner; and
b. One (1) on the subject property.
10. Window Signs - A maximum of 10 percent of the
aggregate window display area of each building
elevation may be used for temporary signage without
obtaining a permit.
MR/ORDDRFT.002 -13-
9.212.120 SIGN REGULATIONS - The following regulations pertain to
the size, location, number and illumination of permanent
signs for use within the City. The standard sign program
review process will be used by the Planning and Development
Department. All requests which are made that exceed the
following limits shall be processed using the planned sign
program review by the Planning Commission. At the
discretion of the Planning Director, decisions regarding
Standard Sign Program submittals may be referred directly
to the Planning Commission for action.
A. Specified Uses
1.
Conta
permi
of 12
Apartments
ining 3 Units
tted one attac
square feet.
lex
or Less - Each complex is
hed sign having a maximum sign
Illumination is permitted.
2. Apartments & Multi-Familv Building Complex
area
Containing More Than 3 Units - Each complex is
permitted signage which identifies the complex,
building and/or unit number, street address, and
provides an area to identify units for rent or lease.
The total signage is limited to one (1) freestanding
sign per entrance from an access street to the
property, having a maximum sign area of 24 square feet
and a height of 5 feet; and one attached sign having a
maximum sign area of 12 square feet. The signs may be
indirectly lighted or internally illuminated.
3.
Residential Subdivisions, Condominiums
Townhomes.Mobile Home Parks and Subdivisions - Each
development is permitted a sign which identifies the
development name at major entrances determined during
project review. The identification sign(s) may have a
maximum sign area of 32 square feet and a height of 8
feet. Ilumination is not permitted.
4. Public Uses. Institutional Uses, Schools,
Non -Profit Foundations, Churches - Each use, when
not otherwise located with other unrelated uses within
a multiple -building complex or a multiple -tenant
building, is permitted attached and/or freestanding
signage. The total aggregate area of all signs shall
be fifty (50) square feet. From the total sign area,
only one freestanding sign is permitted with a maximum
sign area of 25 square feet and a height of 8 feet.
Only two (2) separate attached signs are permitted.
5. Day Care Facilities - A facility licensed to
care for 10 or more children located in a residential
zone is permitted one non -illuminated wall sign having
a maximum sign area of 12 square feet.
MR/ORDDRFT.002 -14-
l�
6. Hotels/Motels - Each use when not located
within a multiple building complex or multiple -tenant
building is permitted illuminated wall and/or
freestanding signage. The total signage may have a
maximum sign area of 100 square feet. From the total
signage only one freestanding sign is permitted with a
maximum sign area of 50 square feet and a height of 15
feet. Only two separate attached signs are permitted.
7. Restaurant Menu Boards - In addition to those
signs permitted by this chapter, a restaurant may
attach a sign on a wall or window, not to exceed three
square feet, displaying the menu and/or daily specials.
8. Gasoline Service Stations - Freestanding Use -
Each service station use, not ancillary to the
principal use of the site, is permitted signage as
follows:
a. One double-faced freestanding monument sign
not to exceed 24 square feet in area or not to
exceed 8 feet in height, and advertising only the
name of the company;
b. One 10-square-foot wall sign advertising the
company name and/or operator;
C. One wall or ground sign, not exceeding 8
square feet in area or 8 feet in height or a
ground sign, advertising the actual lowest price
per gallon, including all taxes, at which
regular, premium, and unleaded gasoline are
currently being offered. Any special conditions
required for sale at such lowest price shall also
be indicated.
B. General
Establishments and Other Commercial Uses
1. Freestanding Signs
a. Each commercial complex containing a
multiple -tenant building or multiple buildings is
permitted one complex identification sign per
street frontage. The area of any one sign shall
not exceed one -quarter (1/4) of a square foot of
sign area per lineal foot of street frontage, or
fifty (50) square feet, whichever is less. The
aggregate area of all such signs shall not exceed
one hundred (100) square feet and sign area may
not be combined among street frontages.
MR/ORDDRFT.002 -15-
b. Individual commercial uses, with a minimum
of two hundred feet of street frontage and not a
part of a larger complex, are permitted one
freestanding business identification sign of up
to one-half of the area permitted for attached
signs, not to exceed fifty (50) square feet.
Freestanding sign area shall be subtracted from
the total allowable attached sign area.
C. The maximum height of any freestanding sign
shall be twelve (12) feet.
2. Attached Signs
a. Each tenant within a multiple -tenant
commercial complex may have one attached
identification sign not to exceed one (1) square
foot of sign area per lineal foot of tenant space
frontage along a street, or frontage along a
common -use parking lot where no direct street
frontage is provided, not exceeding fifty (50)
square feet. Corner, end, or separate tenant
spaces may split the allowable frontage sign area
among two (2) signs.
b. Individual commercial uses not a part of a
larger complex are permitted two attached signs
not to exceed an aggregate area of one square
foot of sign area per lineal foot of building
frontage along a street not to exceed a maximum
aggregate area of fifty (50) square feet.
3. Directional Signs for Second -story Businesses -
Businesses maintained exclusively on the second floor
of a two- or more story building may be identified as
part of a directory sign attached to the wall adjacent
to the secondary entrance. The total or aggregate
area of the attached sign identifying the business
shall not exceed 20 square feet of sign area.
4. Sign for Pedestrian Traffic - Where the
principal sign for a business is located so that it
cannot be seen by pedestrian traffic, an
identification sign, in addition to that otherwise
allowed in this chapter, shall be permitted. Such a
sign shall be no larger than three square feet (three
feet on each side) and it shall be designed and
located so as to not distract from the appearance of
the building or violate the intent of this chapter.
MR/ORDDRFT.002
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5. Directional Signs for Courtyard or Plaza
Businesses - Where multi -tenant buildings or
multiple -building complexes are designed to contain
tenant spaces oriented to an interior courtyard or
plaza and where the principal business identification
sign is located on that courtyard or plaza frontage,
the multi -tenant building or multiple -building complex
may be permitted a pedestrian directional sign(s),
which groups the names of businesses and/or principal
services to be found in the courtyard or plaza,
located at major pedestrian entrances to the plaza or
courtyard, as follows:
a. Permitted signs shall not encroach into the
public right-of-way.
b. Permitted signs may be allowed up to a
maximum of one and one-half square feet of sign
area for the identification of each individual
tenant space. This area may be utilized by
individual sign panels grouped together or by one
panel containing the aggregate area of all
courtyard or plaza tenants. In addition to the
sign area permitted for individual tenants, a
permitted sign may be allowed up to a maximum of
two square feet of sign area for purposes of
directing pedestrians to the courtyard or plaza,
by means of graphic symbols and/or lettering.
C. Permitted signs may either be attached or
freestanding, if properly integrated into the
architectural and landscape design of the
building.
d. Permitted signs shall have a maximum height
of seven feet above the pedestrian walkway,
whether wall mounted or freestanding.
e. Permitted signs, including supports, shall
have a maximum width of four feet whether wall
mounted or freestanding.
C. Sign Locations
1. All attached signs, unless otherwise noted, must
be located below the roof line of the building or the
finished floor line of the second story on a
multiple -story building.
2. Freestanding signs may be located anywhere on the
premises; exception: within 5 feet of a public or
private street right-of-way or located within the
corner cutoff area, as identified in Chapter 9.204 of
the La Quinta Municipal Code.
MR/ORDDRFT.002
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9.212.130 EXISTING SIGNS
A. Continuance: Any legal sign existing at the time of
adoption of this chapter may be continued to be in
operation and be maintained provided:
1. The Planning Director determines that such
sign(s) are properly maintained and do not in any way
endanger the public.
2. The sign was covered by a valid permit or
variance or complied with all applicable laws on the
date of adoption of this chapter.
3. No such sign shall be changed in any manner that
increases the noncompliance of such sign with the
provisions of the regulations relating to the sign
use. This does not preclude changing of an
advertising message.
4. The burden of establishing a sign to be legally
existing under this section rests upon the person or
persons, firm or corporation claiming legal status for
a sign.
B. Termination: An existing sign must be brought into
compliance with this Chapter when:
1. Abandoned. A sign is abandoned when the sign
does not pertain to the business/activity established
within the building, or on the property.
2. The structure or size of the sign is altered in
any way except towards compliance with this Chapter.
This does not refer to change of copy or normal
maintenance.
3. The sign is damaged or destroyed beyond 50
percent: The determination whether a sign is damaged
or destroyed beyond 50 percent shall rest with the
Planning Director and shall be based upon the actual
cost of replacing said sign; and/or,
4. The sign(s) are structurally substandard under
any applicable ordinance of the City to the extent
that the sign becomes a hazard or a danger.
5. A temporary sign exceeds the time limit as
indicated within this chapter.
MR/ORDDRFT.002 -18-
I
C.
Sign Removal:
1. The removal of any terminated and/or unlawful
sign shall be by using one or a combination of the
following methods:
a. Immediate Removal: Any sign which does not
comply with this chapter must be removed
immediately by the business owner, property
owner, or may be removed by the City. No prior
written notice needs to be given by the City;
except, a written notice shall be provided for
legally permitted temporary signs which have
expired. Any sign removed by the City may be
retained for 15 calendar days and the owner
notified, and if not claimed, may be destroyed.
The City may use any means available to recoup
enforcement costs associated with the sign
removal.
b. Public Nuisance: The City may use the
public nuisance procedures as contained in
Chapter 11.72 of the La Quinta Municipal Code.
C. Notification Method: The City may send an
official Termination Notice by certified mail to
the owner of property upon which a terminated or
unlawful sign is located. The Notice shall
identify why the sign is to be removed and
indicate the removal period to be within 30
calendar days from the date the Notice is sent.
Should the sign not be removed within the time
period specified, the City may remove or have the
sign removed and the costs charged to the
property owner. If the removal costs have not
been paid and the sign reclaimed within 30
calendar days of the removal by the City, the
City may sell or otherwise dispose of the sign
and apply the proceeds towards the original
removal costs. Any proceeds in excess of the
cost of removal shall be paid to the property
owner. As an alternative method of recouping
costs, the City may lien the property as provided
in the California Government Code.
2. Neither the City nor any of its agents shall be
liable for any damage to the sign when removed under
this section.
MR/ORDDRFT.002
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9.212.140 DEFINITIONS
A. ABANDONED SIGN means any sign which is located on
property which becomes vacant and unoccupied or any sign
which relates to any occupant or business unrelated to the
present occupant or his business, or any sign which
pertains to a time, event or purpose which no longer
applies.
B. ADVERTISING VEHICLES means any vehicle or trailer on
a public right-of-way or public property or on private
property so as to be visible from a public right-of-way
which has attached thereto, or located thereon, any sign or
advertising device for the basic purpose of providing
advertisement of products or directing people to a business
or activity located on the same or nearby property or any
other premises. This provision is not be construed as
prohibiting the identification of a firm or its principal
products on a vehicle operating during normal course of
business. Public buses or taxis are exempt from this
chapter.
C. ANIMATED SIGN means any sign which includes action
or motion or the optical illusion of action or motion, or
color changes of all or any part of the sign facing,
requiring electrical energy, or set in motion by movement
of the atmosphere. Excluded from the definition are public
service message center signs and flags.
D. ATTACHED SIGN means any sign attached to or painted
directly on a wall, or erected against the wall of a
building. Attached signs include canopy signs, fascia
signs, mansard roof signs, and projecting signs.
E. BANNER means a sign not made of rigid material and
not enclosed in a rigid frame, and which is secured or
mounted so as to allow movement.
F. CANOPY means a fixed structure of any material and
any length, projecting from and connected to a building
and/or columns and posts from the ground, or supported by a
frame extending from the building and/or posts from the
ground.
G. CANOPY SIGN means any sign attached to the underside
or constructed upon a canopy which maintains an eight -foot
ground clearance.
H. DIRECTIONAL SIGN means 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).
MR/ORDDRFT.002 -20-
I. FACE OR BUILDING WALL means the outer surface of any
main exterior wall or foundation of a building, including
windows and store fronts.
J. FASCIA means a parapet -type wall used as part of the
fascia of a flat -roofed building and projecting not more
than six (6) feet from the building face immediately
adjacent thereto. Such a wall shall enclose at least three
(3) sides of the projecting flat roof and return to a
parapet wall or the building.
K. FLASHING SIGN means any sign which contains an
intermittent or flashing light source or which includes the
illusion of intermittent or flashing light by means of
animation or an externally mounted intermittent light
source. Excluded from the definition are public service
message center signs.
L. FREESTANDING SIGN means a sign supported by one or
more uprights, poles, posts or braces placed in or upon the
ground which are not a part of or attached to a building.
This definition includes monument signs, pylon signs,
ground signs and pole signs.
M. FUTURE FACILITY CONSTRUCTION SIGN means any sign
used to identify the architects, engineers, contractors,
lending institutions or other individuals or firms involved
with the construction of a building and announce the
character of the building or the purpose for which the
building is intended.
N. GARAGE SALE SIGN (i.e., yard sales, moving sales,
patio sales) means a sign used to announce a sale of used
items.
O. GRAND OPENING SIGN means posters, banners, strings
of lights, clusters of flags, balloons and searchlights
used to announce the opening of a completely new enterprise
or the opening of an enterprise under new management (also
see chapter 5.64 of the La Quinta Municipal Code).
P. HEIGHT OR HEIGHT OF SIGN means the vertical distance
from the average adjacent ground level within five feet of
the base of the sign to the highest point of a sign or any
vertical projection thereof, including its supporting
columns and any design element.
Q. LANDSCAPING means any material used as a decorative
feature, such as shrubbery or planting materials within
planter boxes or concrete bases, used in conjunction with a
f sign which expresses the theme of the sign and related
structure but does not contain advertising copy. All
landscape areas shall be maintained in a healthy a viable
condition for the life of the sign.
MR/ORDDRFT.002 -21-
R. MANSARD ROOF SIGN means
supported by a mansard roof.
having two slopes, the lower
having a slope of 60 degrees
plane.
any sign attached to or
A "mansard roof" is a roof
steeper than the upper and
or greater with the horizontal
S. MULTIPLE -BUILDING COMPLEX means more than one
structure on a parcel of land housing commercial uses in
which there are appurtenant shared facilities (such as
parking or pedestrian mall), and which is designed to
provide an area in which the public can obtain varied
products and services. Distinguishing characteristics of a
multiple -building complex may, but need not, include common
ownership of the real property upon which the center is
located, common -wall construction, and multiple -tenant
commercial use of a single structure or structures in
multiple buildings.
T. MULTIPLE -TENANT (COMMERCIAL) BUILDING means a
commercial development in which there exists a number of
separate commercial activities, in which there are
appurtenant shared facilities (such as parking or
pedestrian mall ), and which is designed to provide a
single area in which the public can obtain varied products
and services. Distinguishing characteristics of a
multiple -tenant commercial building may, but need not,
include common ownership of the real property upon which
the center is located, common -wall construction, and
multiple -occupant commercial use of a single structure.
U. OFF -PREMISE SIGN means a structure which bears a
sign which is not appurtenant to the use of the property
where the sign is located, or a product sold or a service
offered upon the property where the sign is located, and
which does not identify the place of business where the
sign is located as a purveyor of the merchandise or
services advertised upon the sign. Some temporary signs
are not defined as off -premise signs as used within this
chapter.
V. PARAPET WALL means a wall extending above the plate
line of a building.
W. PERMANENT SIGN means any sign which is intended to
be and is so constructed as to be a lasting and enduring
condition, remaining unchanged in character, condition
(beyond normal wear) and position, and in a permanent
manner affixed to the ground, wall or building, provided
the sign is listed as a permanent sign in the ordinance.
MR/ORDDRFT.002
-22-
X. POLITICAL CAMPAIGN SIGN means a sign indicating the
name and/or picture of an individual seeking election to a
public office, or relating to a forthcoming public election
or referendum, initiative, or pertaining to the advocating
by persons, groups or parties of the political views or
policies.
Y. PORTABLE (MOBILE) SIGN means a sign made of any
material, which, by its design, is readily movable and is
equipped with wheels, casters or rollers or which is not
permanently affixed to the ground, structure of building.
(Also includes sidewalks or sandwich board signs.)
Z. PROJECTING SIGN means 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.
AA. PUBLIC SERVICE MESSAGE CENTER SIGN means an
electronically- or electrically -controlled sign or
portion of a larger sign which conveys only information
such as time, date, temperature, atmospheric condition or
general news information where different alternating copy
changes are shown on the same lamp bank matrix.
,- BB. REAL ESTATE SIGN means a sign advertising the sale,
lease or rent of the property upon which it is located, and
the identification of the person or firm handling such
sale, lease or rent.
CC. ROOF SIGN means any sign erected upon or above a
roof or parapet wall of a building or placed above the
apparent flat roof or eaves of a building.
DD. SEASONAL SALES SIGN means a sign used to advertise a
business or merchandise held seasonally for a limited
interval, all or most of whose business is conducted, or
items displayed, in an open area.
EE. SIGN means 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.
FF. SIGN AREA means the entire area within a single
continuous perimeter composed of squares or rectangles
which enclose the extreme limits of writing,
representation, emblem, or any figure of similar character,
together with any frame, background area of sign,
structural trim, or other material or color forming an
integral part of the display or used to differentiate such
sign from the background against which it is placed. In
the case of a sign designed with more than one exterior
MR/ORDDRFT.002 -23-
surface, the area shall be computed as including only the
maximum single display surface for a two-sided sign which
is visible from any ground position at one time. Any sign
with more than two sides - the permitted sign area is
divided by the total number of sides. The supports or
uprights on which any such sign is supported shall not be
included in determining the sign area unless such supports
or uprights are designed in such a manner as to form an
integral background of the display.
GG. SIGN PROGRAM means the method of review and
approval of signs by one of the following two procedures:
1. STANDARD SIGN PROGRAM: The review and approval
of applications for signs under this program are
conducted by the Planning and Development Department
consistent with the regulations and standards as
identified for various signs.
2. PLANNED SIGN PROGRAM: The review and approval
of applications for signs under this program are
conducted by the Planning Commission. The Planning
Commission may exercise discretion to provide
additional flexibility in the application of the
regulations of this chapter.
HH. SPECIAL EVENT SIGN means a sign used to announce a
circus, a carnival, festivals or other similar events.
II. SUBDIVISION SIGN means 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.
JJ. TEMPORARY SIGN means any sign, banner, pennant,
valance, flags (not intended to include flags of any
nation, state, city, or other governmental agency, or
nonprofit organization), searchlights, balloons or other
air- or gas -filled figures or advertising display
constructed of wood, cloth, canvas, light fabric,
cardboard, wallboard or other light materials, with or
without frame, intended to be displayed for a limited
period of time only.
KK. WINDOW SIGN means 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.
MR/ORDDRFT.002
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STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE ) ss
CITY OF LA QUINTA )
I, SAUNDRA L. JUHOLA, City Clerk of the City of La Quinta,
do hereby certify the foregoing to be a full, true and
correct copy of Ordinance No. 112 which was introduced by
the La Quinta City Council at a regular meeting held on
the 4th day of August 1987 and was adopted at a
regular meeting held on the ist day of September
1987, not being less than five days following date of
introduction. I further certify that the foregoing
ordinance was posted in three (3) places within the City of
La Quinta.
SAUNDRA L. JUHCSLA, City Clerk
City of La Quinta, California