HomeMy WebLinkAbout65 - Ordinances ORDINANCE NO. 65
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO
CUCAMONGA, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING A COMPREHENSIVE SIGN ORDINANCE
AND REPEALING CERTAIN SECTIONS OF THE SAN BENARDINO COUNTY
CODE PERTAINING TO SIGN REGULATIONS
The City Council of the City of Pancho Cucamonga, California,
does ordain as follows:
ARTICLE I
SECTION 1.0 The City of Rancho Cucamonga recognizes the need for
signs as a means to identify businesses within the community.
However, the City also recognizes that signing becomes an
important design element of the physical environment.
Provisions consistent with the goals and objectives of
the community are necessary to insure that the special
character and image, the community is striving for, can
be attained. The City of Rancho Cucamonga is striving to
provide an economically stable and visually attractive
community through high quality site planning, building
design, landscaping and signing. As a planned architectural
feature, a sign can be pleasing and can harmonize with
the physical character of its environment. Proper controls
can achieve this goal and will make the City of Rancho
Cucamonga a more attractive place to live, work and shop.
It is the purpose of this Ordinance to make our citv
attractive to residents, visitors and commercial, industrial
and professional businesses while maintaining economic
stability through an attractive signing program.
SECTION 1.l Objectives and Basis. The objectives and basis for the
various sign regulations contained in this Ordinance are:
(1) to direct persons to various activities and enterprises,
in order to provide for the maximum public convenience;
(2) to provide a reasonable system of controls for signs,
to insure the development of a high quality visual environment;
(3) to encourage signs which are well designed and pleasing
in appearance and to provide incentive and latitude for
variety, good design relationship, and spacing; (4) to
encourage a desirable urban character which has a minimum
of overhead clutter; (5) to enhance the economic valL~e of
the community and each area thereof through the regulation
of such things as size, number, location, design and
illumination of signs; (6) to encourage signs which are
compatible with adjacent land uses; (7) to reduce possible
traffic and safety hazards through good signing; and (8)
to protect the general public health, safety and welfare
of the community.
SECTION 1.2 Definitions: The following are definitions of terms contained in this Ordinance.
1. Advertising Structure: An on or off-site structure
of any kind or character other than the main business
identification signs, erected or maintained for
outdoor advertising purposes, upon which any poster,
bill, printing, painting, or other advertisement of
any kind whatsoever may be placed, including statuary
for advertising purposes.
2. Area of Signs: The area of a sign shall include the
entire area within any type of perimeter or border
which may enclose the outer limits of any writing,
representation, emblem, figure or character, together
~)rdinai~ct~ No. 65
Page 2
with any other material or color forming a integral
part of the display or used to differentiate such
sign from the backgound which it is placed. The
area of a sign having no such perimeter shall be
computed by enclosing the entire area within parallelagrams,
triangles or circles in a size sufficient to cover
the entire area and computing the size of such area.
In the case of a two sided sign, the area shall be
computed as including only the maximum single display
surface which is visible from any ground position at
one (1) time. The supports or uprights on which any
sign is supported should 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 sign. In the case of any cylindrical
sign the total area shall be computed on the total
area of' the surface of the sign.
3. Banner, Flag, Pennant or Balloon: Any cloth, bunting,
plastic, paper of similar material used for advertising
purposes attached to or pinned on or from any structure,
staff, pole, line, framing, or vehicle.
4. Building Fact: The area of the front building
elevation in which the business is located. If more
than one business is located in a single building,
than such area shall be limited to that por~io~
which is occupied by each individual business.
5. Business Directory Sig~: A sign located in a multi-
tenant complex which lists each business and address
located therein.
6. Business Identification: An on-site sign which
identifies the business located thereon.
7. Construction or Contractor Sign: A temporary sign
which states the names of the individuals and/or
firms connected with the construction of a project.
Such sign may include the name of the project, the
address of the business, and the emergency telephone
number.
8. Convenience Si~n~ A sign not larger than ~, (2)
square feet which convevs information such as "restrooms",
"no parking", "entrance", and the like bnt does not
contain land, trade, advertising or business identification
and is designed to be viewed on site by pedestrians
and/or motorists.
9. Copy: Any words, letters, numbers, figures, designs
or other symbolic representations incorporated into
a sign.
10. Directional Signs: A sign which contains words such
as "entrance", "enter", "exit", "in", "out" or other
similar words or a sign containing arrows or characters
indicating traffic directions and used either in
conjunction with such words or separately. No
directional sign shall contain any advertising or
trade name information. A subdivision directional
sign shall not be included in this category.
11. Director of Community Development: Shall mean the
Director of ~h~ Community Development of the City of
Rancho Cucamon~a.
Ordinance No. 65
page 3
12. Director Review: A method of review by the Director
of Community Development as stipulated in Ordi~~ ~e
No. 19 to determine conformance with applicabl~
ordinances.
13. Flashing Sign: Any sign which contains or is illuminated
by lights which are intermittently on and off, which
change intensity, or which create the illusion of
motion in any manner.
14. Freestanding Sign: A sign which is permanently
supported by one (1) or more uprights, braces,
poles, or other similar structural components when
utilizing earth, rock, the ground or any foundation
set in the ground as a primary supportive base,
which does not exceed 20 feet in height.
15. Future Tenant Identification Si~n: A temporary sign
which identifies a future use of a site or building.
16. Grand Opening: That promotional activity used bv
newly established businesses, within thirty (30)
days after occupancy, to inform the public of their
location and contribution to the community. Grand
Opening does not mean an annual or occasional promotion
of retail sales by a business.
17. Height of a Sign: The greatest vertical distance
measured from the grade at the point the sign supports
intersect the ground and any accompanying architectural
features of the sign. However, if the sign is
constructed upon an artificial berm, the heigt~t of
the sign, as measured from the toe of slope or berm,
shall not exceed 150 per cent of the maximum height
allowed by this ordinance.
18. Inoperative Activity: A business or activity that
has ceased operation at any given location for a
period of at least 30 days.
19. Interior Sign: A sign inside of any business that
can not be seen from outside the building in which
the business is located.
20. Monument Sign: A low profile less than 8 ft. in
height, freestanding sign incorporating the design
and building materials accenting the architectural
theme of the buildings on the same property.
21. Nonconforming Sign: A sign that does not comply
with the provisions of this ordinance.
22. Off-site Sign: A sign which advertises or directs
attention to products or activities that are not
provided on the site upon which the sign is located.
23. Off-site Subdivision Sign: A sign in accordance
with this ordinance, which directs traffic to a
subdivision within the City of Rancho Cucamonga.
24. On-Site Subdivision Sign: A sign which identifies
the subdivision upon which the sign is located.
25. Pedestrian Traffic Sign: A sign subject to the size
limitations listed in this ordinance which is other
than the main business identification sign and which
is oriented to pedestrian traffic. Such sign shall
not include any advertising information.
Ordinance No. 65
Page 4
26. Political Si~n A sign erected prior to an election
to advertise or identify a candidate, campaign issue,
election proposition, or other related matters.
27. Portable Sign: A sign not designed to be
permanently attached to a structure or to the
ground.
28. Real Estate Sign: A temporary sign advertising
the sale or lease of the property upon which it
is located, and the identification of the firm
handling such sale, lease, or rent.
29. Revolving Sign: A sign, which all or a portion
of, may rotate either on an intermittent or
constant basis.
30. Roof Sign: A sign erected, constructed, or
placed upon or over a roof or parapet wall of a
building and which is wholly or partly supported
by such buildings.
31. Roof: The external upper covering of a building
or structure.
32. Sign: Any card, cloth, paper, metal, or painted
character visible from outside of a structure
for advertising purposes, mounted to the ground
or any tree, wall, bush, rock, fence, or structure,
either privately or publicly owned. Sign shall
mean any graphic announcement, declaration,
demonstration, display, illustration, or insignia,
used to advertise or promote the interest of
any person when the same is placed out of doors
in view of the general public. This definition
shall not include the display of the American
flag or the flag of the State of California.
33. Special Event Signs: A temporary sign which
advertises special events and activities such
as grand openings, charitable events, Christmas
trees, and fireworks. Such signs are limited
to the provisions listed in this ordinance.
34. Temporary Signs: A sign erected for a temporary
purpose attracting attention to an activity as
provided for within this ordinance.
35. Wall Sign: A sign attached to or erected
against the wall of a building or structure
with the exposed face of the sign parallel to
the plane of said wall.
36 Window Sign: A sign painted, attached, glued,
or otherwise affixed to a window, or otherwise
easily visible from the exterior of the building.
37. Vehicle Sign: A sign which is attached to a
vehicle and placed on any property so as to
attract attention to a product, activity, or
business which is in addition to the main
business identification sign.
ARTICLE II
ADMINISTRATION
SECTION 2.0 Director Review Required: Director review shall
be required prior to the placing, erecting, moving,
~)rdinance No. 65
Page 5
or reconstructing of any sign in the city,
unless expressly exempted by this Ordinance. Signs
requiring Director Review shall comply with the
provisions of this Ordinance and all other applicable
laws and ordinances.
SECTION 2.1 Method of Application: An application for Director
Review shall be made on forms as prescribed by the Director
of Community Development. Such an application shall be
filed with the Planning Division with applicable plans
set forth by the Planning Division. Said application
shall be accompanied by any fees or bonds as specified by
City Council Resolution.
SECTION 2.2 Method of Review: The purpose of Director Review is to
help insure compliance with the provisions'of this Ordinance.
After receipt of a sign application, the Director of
Community Development or a designated representative
shall render a decision to approve, approve with modification,
or deny such sign request within 15 working days. Such a
review shall insure that any sign proposal is in conformance
with this Ordinance and is consistent with its intent and
purpose.
ARTICLE III
ADMINISTRATION
SECTION 3.0 Director of Community Development: It shall be the duty
of the Director of Community Development to enforce all
provisions of this Ordinance. The Director of Community
Development has the authority under this Ordinance to
designate a representative of the Department to implement
the provisions of this Sign Ordinance. Further, the
Director of Community Development has the option of
referring any sign request to the Planning Commission for
their review and approval.
SECTION 3.1 Interpretation: The provisions of this Ordinance are not
intended to abrogate any easements, covenants, or other
existing agreements which are more restrictive than the
provisions of this Ordinance.
Whenever the application of this Ordinance is uncertain
due to ambiguity of its provisions, the question shall be
referred to the Planning Commission for determination.
The Planning Commission shall then authorize signing
which best fulfills the intent of this Ordinance.
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or
portion of this Ordinance is for any reason held invalid
or unconstitutional by any court of proper jurisdiction,
such portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct and
independent provision and such holdings shall not affect
the validity of the remaining portions hereof.
SECTION 3.2 Variances: Applications for a variance from the terms of
this Ordinance shall be reviewed by the Planning Commission
according to the variance procedures as set forth in the
Zoning Ordinance.
SECTION 3.3 Appeal: A decision of the Director of Community Development
may be appealed within ten (10) days of such decision to
the Planning Commission. Such appeal shall be made on
the forms prescribed by the Division of Community Development
and fees paid in accordance with the fee resolution. The
submission of the application and fees shall constitute
the filing of the appeal. The Planning Commission shall
review such appeal at a regularly scheduled meeting
t~rd/n{]lacL' No. 65
Page 6
according tc the schedule of meetings and deadlines for submission
of applications. The Commission shall either uphold,
reverse, or modify the Director's decision. If anyone is
aggrieved or affected by the decision of the Planning
Cormnission, then they may appeal such decision to the
City Council within ten (10) days from the decision of
the Planning Commission. The appeal shall be submitted
in accordance with the above appeal provisions. The City
Council shall review such appeal and either uphold,
reverse, or modify the Commission decision.
ARTICLE IV
GENERAL PROVISIONS
SECTION 4.0 Exempt Sisns: The following signs shall be exempt from
the application, permit, and fee requirements of this
Ordinance. An electrical or building permit may, however,
be required:
1. Permanent window signs not exceeding three (3)
square feet and limited to business identification,
hours of operation, address and emergency information
only.
2. Real estate signs for residential sales not exceeding
four (4) square feet in area or five (5) feet in
height, provided it is unlit and is removed within
fifteen (15) days after the close of escrow or the
rental or lease has been accompl±shed.
3. Contractor of Construction Signs: One (1) directory
sign shall be permitted on the construction site for
all contractors (may include bank, realtors, subcontractors,
etc.) not exceeding thirty-two (32) square feet
unless legally required by government contracts to
be larger. No sign shall exceed 8 feet in overall
height and shall be located no less than ten (10)
feet from any property line. Such sign shall be
removed upon the completion of the project.
4. Future Tenant Identification Sign: Future tenant
identification signs may be placed on vacant or
developing property to advertise the future use of
the property and where this information may be
obtained. Such sign shall be limited to one (1) per
parcel and to a maximum of thirty-two (32) square
feet in area and eight (8) feet in overall height.
Further, such signs shall be placed no less than ten
(10) feet from any property line. Any such sign
shall be removed upon completion of such project.
5. Real Estate Signs for Sale of Industrial or Commercial
Property: One (1) sign per street frontage not to
exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area to advertise
the sale, lease, or rent of such property. No such
sign shall exceed eight (8) feet in overall height
and shall not be located closer than ten (10) feet
from any property line. Where a property has in
excess of 600 lineal feet of frontage, an additional
sign for every 600 lineal feet is allowed.
6. Interior signs within a structure not visible from
offsite or from outside of building.
7. Memorial tablets, plaques, or directional signs for
community historical resources, installed by a
recognized Historical Society or civic organization.
8. Convenience signs not exceeding three (3) square
feet in area.
Ordinance No. 60
Page 7
9. Residential building identification signs used to
identify individual residences and not exceeding two
(2) square feet.
10. Official and legal notices issued by the court,
public body, person, or officer in performance of
his public duty or in giving any legal notice.
11. Directional, warning, or informational signs or
structures required or authorized by law or by
Federal, State, County, or City authority.
12. Official flags of the United States of America, the
State of California, and other states of the United
States, Counties, Municipalities and official flags
for nations, and flags of internationally, and nationally
recognized organizations.
13. Signs of public utility companies, indicating danger
or which serve as an aid to public safety or which
show locations of underground facilities or public
telephones.
14. Safety signs on construction sites.
15. Time and Temperature signs that convey time and
temperature only and not exceeding 12 square feet
nor 8 feet in height.
SECTION 4.1 Prohibited Signs: All signs not expressly permitted are
prohibited in all zones, including but not limited to the
following:
1. Roof Signs.
2. Flashing signs (except in time and temperature
signs.)
3. Animated signs.
4. Revolving signs.
5. Vehicle signs (when used on property to identify a
business).
6. Portable s~gns (except where permitted in this
Ordinance).
7. Off-site signs (except temporary subdivision directional
signs as provided for in this ordinance).
8. Signs on the public right-of-way (except where
required by a governmental agency).
9. Signs blocking doors or fire escapes.
10. Light bulb strings and exposed tubing (except for
temporary uses such as Christmas tree lots).
11. Banners, flags, pennants and balloons (except for
special events as provided for in this Ordinance).
12. Advertising structures (except as otherwise permitted
in this Ordinance).
SECTION 4.2 Signs Relating to Inoperative Activities: Signs pertaining
to activities or businesses which are no longer in operation,
shall be removed from the premises or the sign copy shall
be removed or obliterated within sixty (60) days after
the premises has been vacated. Any such sign not removed
within the specified time shall constitute a nuisance and
shall be subject to removal under the provisions of this
Ordinance.
Ordinance No. 65
Page 8
SECTION 4.3 Enforcement, Legal Procedures, and Penalties:
Enforcement, legal procedures and penalties shall be in
accordance with the enforcement procedures established by
the Zoning Ordinance. Additionally, illegal signs within
the public right-of-way may be summarily abated by the
City and held, pending notification of the owner bv the
City. The owner may obtain said sign from the City upon
payment to the City of any storage and removal charge
that may have been incurred by the City.
SECTION 4.4 Construction and Maintenance:
1. Construction: Every sign and all parts, portions,
and materials shall be manufactured, assembled, and
erected in compliance with all applicable State,
Federal and City regulations and the Uniform Building
Code.
2. Maintenance: Every sign and all parts, portions,
and materials shall be maintained and kept in proper
repair. The display surface of all signs shall be
kept clean, neatly painted and free from rust and
corrosion. Any cracked, broken surfaces, malfunctioning
lights, missing sign copy or other unmaintained or
damaged portion of a sign will be repaired or replaced
within thirty (30) days following notification by
the City. Noncompliance with such a request will
constitute a zoning violation and will be enforced
as such.
ARTICLE V
SIGN REGULATIONS
Sign permits may be issued for signs included under this
section provided the signs are in compliance to all other
applicable laws and ordinances.
SECTION 5.0 Signs Permitted in all Zoning District~: The followin~
signs may be permitted in any zoning district subject to
the provisions listed:
1. Convenience Signs: On-site signs which are necessary
for public convenience or safety but which are not
exempt, may be approved by the Director of Communitv
Development or his designee. Signs containing
information such as "entrance", "exit", or directional
arrows shall be designed to be viewed from on-site
or from an area adjacent to the site by pedestrians
or motorists while parking their automobile. Signs that
convey advertising, products, or business identification
shall not be considered a convenience sign.
2. Political Signs: Political signs having to do with
any issue, ballot measure, or candidate in any
municipal, state or federal election or political
statements and expressions shall be permitted subject
to the following provisions and any other applicable
provisions within this Ordinance.
a. Any person, party or group posting political
signs in the City shall abide by the provisions
herein setforth.
b. All political signs shall be placed no earlier
than 30 days prior to the election and shall be
removed not later than 10 days following the
date of the election.
Ordinance N~>. 65
Page 9
c. A political sign shall not exceed 32 square
feet in total area for one side. No signs
shall be placed in a manner that would obstruct
visability of pedestrian or ,'~,hicle traffic.
d. Ail political signs shall not exceed an overall
height of 6 feet from the finished grade.
Signs used for identification of political
headquarters shall comply with the provisions
of Section V-E of this Ordinance.
e. No political signs shall be lighted either
directly or indirectly.
f. No political sign shall be placed or fixed to a
tree, fence, or utility pole, and shall not be
posted on any public property or in the public
right-of-way.
g. No political sign shall be posted in violation
of any provisions of this ordinance. Further,
the Director of Community Development or his
designee shall have the right to remove all
signs placed contrary to the provisions of this
section.
3. Special Event Signs: Special event signs may be
approved for a limited period of time as a means of
publicizing special events such as grand opening,
new management, inventory sales for public or charitable
events, Christmas tree lots, and fireworks stands.
To apply for approval of special event signs, the
applicant shall submit a letter to the Director of
Community Development which describes the proposed
sign by means of a sketch and the display dates. The
Director of Community Development shall review the
request within 15 working days after receipt and
shall make a determination to approve, approve with
modification or deny the request. Such special
event signs shall be limited to the following provisions:
a. No more than one special event sign shall be
permitted per activity and shall be either a
wall, window or ground sign, and use of flags,
banners and pennants.
b. All special event signs shall be a maximum of
32 square feet and shall be posted below the
roof or shall be no higher than 8 feet in the
case of a ground sign.
c. Special event signs shall be limited to 45 days
per calendar year.
4. On-site Subdivision Signs
a. One (1) temporary on-site subdivision sign not
to exceed 64 square feet total for two (2)
sides or 32 square feet for one (1) side and a
total overall height of fifteen (15) feet may
be permitted on each main street frontage of
the property being subdivided not to exceed two
(2) such signs for all phases of any subdivision
(interior streets of the subdivision are not
recognized as main street frontage).
b. Such sign shall be for the identification of a
subdivision, price information and the developers
name, address, and telephone number.
Ordinance No. 65
Page 10
c. Such signs shall be removed within ten (10)
days from the date of the final sale of the
land and/or residepces or within twelve (12)
months, whichever comes first. Extensions
of the twelve (12) months time limit can be
approved by the Director of Community Development
in cases of hardship.
d. Signs shall be maintained in good repair at all
times.
e. A cash deposit of $500 per sign shall be deposited
with the sign application to ensure compliance
with the Ordinance and removal of such sign.
Said deposit shall be refunded to the applicant
upon sign removal by the applicant. If the
City is forced to remove any signs, then the
cost of removal shall be deducted from deposit.
5. Off-Site Subdivision Directional Sign:
a. A maximum of six (6) signs may be used to lead
customers to the site.
b. Signs shall be no larger than 60" x 9" and
shall be grouped on a four sided sign structure
as shown in Exhibit "A". Such structure shall
contain no more than seven (7) tract identifications.
c. A sign structure shall be located not less than
600' from an existing or previously approved
sign site. Further, each sign may only contain
the name of the subdivision, and a directional
arrow as shown on Exhibit "B".
d. The placement of each sign structure shall be
reviewed and approved by the Director of Community
Development.
EXHIBIT "A"
e. Ail signs are to be placed on private property
with written consent of the property owner
obtained and filed with the Department of
Community Development prior to issuance of
permit.
f. A sign location plan shall be prepared showing
the site of each directional sign and shall be
submitted to the Department of Community Development
prior to the issuance of a sign permit.
g. Any such s~gn approved for a particular subdivision
within the City shall not be changed to advertise
another subdivision without prior approval of
the Director of Community Development.
h. %here shall be no additions, tag signs, streamers,
devices, display boards, or appurtenances added
to the sign as originally approved. Further,
no other directional signing may be used such
as posters, or trailer signs.
i. All non-conforming subdivision directional
signs associated with the subdivision in question
must be removed prior to the issuance of a new
sign permit.
j. A ~500 cash deposit shall be placed with the
City to ensure compliance with this ordinance.
Any sign placed contrary to the provisions of
this ordinance may be removed by the City and
the cost of removal shall be deducted from said
deposit. Additional costs incurred by the City
resulting from the removal of illegal signs
shall be charged to the developer.
k. Said sign shall be allowed until subdivision is
sold out, or for a period of twelve (12) months
whichever comes first. Extensions of this
twelve (12) month time limit can be approved by
the Director of Community Development in cases
of hardships.
Pa~,e I 3
Ordinance No. 65
Page 18
ARTICLE VI
DESIGN STANDARDS
The following Design Standards shall be adhered to for all
signing:
SECTION 6.0 Architectural style: That each sign is designed with the
intent and purpose to relate to the architectural style
of the main building or buildings upon the site, and to
the extent not inconsistent with such style, that the
sign will be compatible with the style or character of
existing improvements upon lots adjacent to the site.
Signs located on commercial sites but in a predominatly
residential area, shall consider compatibility with such
residential area.
SECTION 6.1 Relationship to buildings: Signs located upon a lot with
only one main building housing the enterprise which the
sign identifies, shall be designed to incorporate at
least one of the predominantly ~'i~ual elements of such
building, such as type of const~ -ion materials, color,
or other design detail. Each szzn located upon a lot
with more than one main building, such as a shopping
center or other commercial or industrial area developed
in accordance with a common development plan, shall be
designed to incorporate at least one of such predominantly
visual design elements common or similar to all such
buildings or the buildings occupied by the 'main tenants'
or principal enterprises. The Community Development
Director may condition its approval of a sign to require
more than one such visual elements to be incorporated
into the design of the sign where such element or elements
is necessary to achieve a significant visual relationship
between the sign and building or buildings.
SECTION 6.2 Relationship to other signs: ~ere there is more than
one monument sign located upon a lot, ail such signs
shall have designs which are well rei z~ed to each other
by the similar treatment or incorporation of not less
than four ~!~ the following six design elements: (1) type
of construction materials as used in the several sign
components (such as cabinet, sign copy, supports); (2)
letter style of sign copy; (3) illumination; (~) type or
method used for supports, uprights or structure on which
sign is supported; (5) sign cabinet or other config~ration
of sign area; (6) shape of entire sign and its several
components.
SECTION 6.3 Sign dimensions: The dimensions of the sign cabinet, if
any, or other configuration of the dimensions of the sign
area of each sign shall be proportional to and visually
balanced with the size of the building.
SECTION 6.4 Landscaping: Each monument sign shall be located in a
planted landscaped area which is of a shape, design and
size (equal to at least the sign area) that will provide
a compatible setting and ground definition to the sign.
The planted landscaped area shall be maintained on a
reasonable and regular basis.
SECTION 6.5 Illumination and motion: Monument signs shall be non-
moving stationary structures (in all components) and
illumination, if any, shall be maintained by artificial
light which is stationary and constant in intensity and
color at all times (non-flashing).
Ordinance
Page 19
SECTION 6.6 Sign copy: Sign copy shall include minimal information
only. The use of subordinate information such as telephone
numbers, lists of products, pictures of products, etc.
are discouraged. The name of the use or business shall be
the dominant message on the sign.
ARTICLE VII
NONCONFORMING SIGNS
SECTION 7.0 Intent: It is the intent of this section to recognize
that the eventual elimination of existing signs that are
not in conformity with the provisions of this Ordinance,
is as important as is the prohibition of new signs that
would violate these regulations.
SECTION 7.1 General Requirements:
1. A nonconforming sign may not be:
a. Changed to another nonconforming sign nor have
its copy changed or altered. (except billboards)
b. Structurally altered to extend its useful life.
c. Expanded.
d. Reestablished after a business discontinued for
60 days.
e. Reestablished after damage or destruction of
more than 50% of its value, as determined by
the Building Official.
2. No new sign shall be approved for a site, structure,
building or u~¢ ~ha~ contains nonconforming signs
unless said nonconforming signs are removed or
modified to conform with the provisions of this
Ordinance.
SECTION 7.2 Amortization Requirements: Every sign or advertising
structure which does not comply with the provisions of
this Ordinance, shall be amortized in accordance with the
following schedule:
Value Time Period
Signs under $250 180 Days
$250 - $500 1~ year
$500 - $1,000 2 years
Over $1,000 5 years
The value of a nonconforming sign shall be determined by
the Building Official in accordance with the latest
material valuation schedules.
Time periods for amortization of nonconforming signs
shall begin from the effective date of the Ordinance. Any
sign which becomes nonconforming either by reason of
amendment to this Ordinance or by annexation to the City,
shall also be subject to the provisions of this Ordinance.
The period of time within such sign must be abated shall
commence upon the effective date of such amendment or
annexation.
SECTION 7.3 Historical Signs: Signs which have historical significance
to community but do not conform to the provisions of this
Ordinance may be allowed to remain provided that the
Planning Commission makes the following findings:
1. The sign has historical significance for the community.
2. The sign does not create nor cause a traffic hazard.
3. The sign does not create a visual nuisance to the
character of the community.
4. The sign is properly maintained and structurally
sound.
5. The sign does not adversely affect adjacent properties.
ARTICLE VIII
SECTION 8.0 The following sections of the San Bernardino County Code
dealing specifically with sign regulations and which were
adopted by the City Council of the City of Rancho Cucamonga,
California by reference under Ordinance no. 17, are
hereby repealed:
61.022, 61.024A(a)(5)(L), 61.024A(b)(7), 61.024D(a)(3)(B),
61.024E(a)(a)(H), 61.024E(d), 61.074F(d), 61.02SA(b)(17)
61.025B(b)(ll), 61.026(f), 61.026A(c)(3), 61.027A(1)(1)(E),
61.027B(b)(2)(I), 61.027C(b)(2)(A,K), 61.027C(M),
61.028(b)(3), 61.029B(c)(5), 61.029C(1), 61.0214A(d)
and 61.0219(j)
ARTICLE IX
SECTION 9.0 Publication: The Mayor shall sign this ordinance and the
City Clerk shall attest to the same, and the City Clerk
shall cause the same to published within fifteen (15)
days after its passage, least once in The Daily Report,
a newspaper of general circulation, published in the City
of Ontario, California, and circulated in the City of
Rancho Cucamonga, California.
ARTICLE X
SECTION 10.0 Effective Date: This ordiannce shall be in force and
effect on and after the 31st day follow, lng the final
passage.
PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED this 4th day of April, 1979.
AYES: Mikels, Schlosser, Palombo, Fro~t
NOES: None
ABSENT: Wes t
Mayor
ATTEST