HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes No 2503PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2503
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING TO CITY COUNCIL
APPROVAL OF A ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT UPDATING
AND REVISING PALM DESERT MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 25.68.
SIGNS.
CASE NO: ZOA 09-104
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of Palm Desert, California, did
on the 5th day of May 2009, hold a duly noticed public hearing, which was continued to
May 19, 2009, to consider the request by the City of Palm Desert for approval of the
above noted; and
WHEREAS, said application has complied with the requirements of the "City of
Palm Desert Procedure for Implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act",
Resolution No. 06-78, the Director of Community Development has determined that the
project will not have a negative impact on the environment and is exempt from CEQA,
and
WHEREAS, at said public hearing, upon hearing and considering all testimony
and arguments, if any, of all interested persons desiring to be heard, said Planning
Commission did find the following facts and reasons to exist to justify the
recommendation to the City Council of said request:
1. That the proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment is consistent with the
Policy 12 of the Palm Desert General Plan Community Design Element.
2. That the proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment will provide the signage
standards, guidelines and regulations that are consistent with the Palm
Desert General Plan Community Design Element.
3. That the proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment will not be detrimental
to the public health, safety or general welfare, or be materially injurious to
properties or improvements in the City of Palm Desert.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Planning Commission of the City of
Palm Desert, California, as follows:
1. That the above recitations are true and correct and constitute the findings of
the Planning Commission in this case.
2. That the Planning Commission does hereby recommend approval of ZOA
09-104.
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2503
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Palm Desert
Planning Commission, held on this 5th day of May 2009, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: CAMPBELL, DELUNA, LIMONT, TANNER
NOES: SCHMIDT
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ATTEST:
LAURI AYLAIAN, Secretary
Palm Desert Planning Commission
VAN G. TANNER, Chairperson
2
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2503
EXHIBIT A
CHAPTER 25.68 - SIGNS
25.68.010 — Intent and Purpose
A. This Chapter is intended to implement the goals and policies of the general plan,
particularly with regard to developing a city that is visually attractive and preserving and
enhancing the visual aspects of the city's streets, highways, vistas and view sheds.
B. The purpose of this Chapter is to:
1. Provide each sign user an opportunity for adequate identification while guarding
against excessive advertising and the confusing proliferation of signs by
regulating the time, place, manner, and design quality under which signs may be
displayed;
2. Ensure signs are in harmony with the building, the neighborhood both existing
commercial and residential or existing or proposed residential communities and,
other signs in the area by eliminating sign clutter and promoting compatibility,
proportion, simplicity, design quality, and sign effectiveness; and
3. Protect the safety of motorists and pedestrians by minimizing the distraction of
excessive, intrusive signs, as well as to protect the life, health, property, and
general welfare of residents and visitors.
25.68.020 — Applicability of Chapter
A. Signs allowed. The sign standards provided in this Chapter are intended to apply to all
types of signs in all zoning districts in the city. Only signs authorized by this Chapter
shall be allowed. Signs erected illegally shall be abated in compliance with Section
25.68.130 (Abatement of Illegal Signs).
B. New zoning district. If a new zoning district is created after the enactment of this
Chapter, no signs shall be allowed until this Chapter is amended to govern the new
zoning district.
C. Sign review criteria. The sign review criteria specified in Section 25.68.030. D (Design
Review Criteria) shall be used by the applicable review authority during the design
review process to ensure that signs are well designed, compatible with their
surroundings, and do not detract from the overall visual quality of the city.
D. Nonconforming signs. An existing legally permitted sign that does not conform to the
requirements of this Chapter shall be deemed a lawful nonconforming sign and shall be
subject to the requirements of Section 25.68.110 (Nonconforming Signs).
E. Official signs. Nothing contained in this Chapter shall prevent the installation,
construction, or maintenance of official traffic, fire, or police signs, temporary traffic -
control signs used during construction and maintenance of utility facilities, and
substructure location and identification signs required to protect these facilities, devices,
and markings of the state Department of Transportation, Director of Community
3
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2503
Development, City Council, or of other competent public authorities, or the posting of the
notices required by law.
25.68.030 — Sign Permit Application and Design Review Required
A. Sign permit application. It is unlawful for any person to place, alter, or to permit the
placement or alteration of a sign, including painted signs upon any property without first
obtaining an approved sign permit application from the Department of Community
Development. Signs that are exempt from this requirement are listed in Section
25.68.040 (Exempt Signs).
B. Application contents. Applications for sign permits shall be made on a form provided
by the Department of Community Development and shall be accompanied by a fee as
established by City Council resolution. The application shall provide the information and
material specified in the Department's handout for a sign permit application.
The applicant shall also provide a signed statement from the property owner or
authorized representative that the owner or representative has reviewed the proposed
sign(s) and approves of the proposed sign(s) and their location prior to submittal of the
sign permit application to the city.
C. Design review required. The following sign types and sign programs shall be submitted
to the Architectural Review Commission for approval prior to approval of a sign permit
application:
Freestanding signs (monument signs);
2. Comprehensive sign programs in compliance with Section 25.68.100;
3. Individual signs for any building with more than 100 lineal feet of building
frontage facing a public or private right of way; and
4. Any sign that the Director of Community Development determines should be
reviewed by the Architectural Review Commission due to the unique design,
context, color, size, shape, location, or circumstance of the sign.
D. Sign review criteria. In approving or rejecting a sign permit application, the reviewing
authority shall consider the design review criteria provided below. The design criteria
shall not be construed or applied in a manner as to violate any legal rights bestowed by
state or federal law. The reviewing authority shall find:
1. That the sign is necessary for the applicant's enjoyment of substantial trade and
property rights;
2. That the sign is consistent with the intent and purpose of this Chapter and Title;
3. That the sign does not constitute a detriment to public health, safety and welfare;
4. That the size, shape, color, height, and placement of the sign is compatible with
and will have a harmonious relationship to the building it identifies, the
surrounding neighborhoods, and other signs in the area;
4
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2503
5. That both the location of the proposed sign and the design of its visual elements
(lettering, words, figures, colors, decorative motifs, spacing, and proportions) are
legible under normal viewing conditions prevailing where the sign is to be
located;
6. That the location, height, and design of the proposed sign does not obscure from
view or unduly detract from existing or adjacent signs;
7 That the location and design of the proposed sign, its size, shape, illumination,
and color are compatible with the visual characteristics of the surrounding area
so as not to detract from or cause depreciation of the value of adjacent
developed properties;
8. That the location and design of a proposed sign in close proximity to a residential
district does not adversely affect the value or character of the adjacent residential
uses;
9. That any neon tubing used in conjunction with an open pan channel sign is
incorporated as an integral part of the sign design with careful attention to color,
intensity of light, and the use of colors that are not overly bright ; and
10. That the quantity of information displayed in the sign does not cause visual
clutter.
25.68.040 - Exempt Signs
The following signs, if not illuminated, shall be allowed in residential, commercial, and industrial
zoning districts without a sign permit application subject to any specific limitations provided
below:
A. Non-residential only; one identification sign not exceeding one square foot in area
displaying only the name and address of the owner or occupant and/or hours of
business operation;
B. Temporary signs in compliance with Section 25.68.090 (Temporary Signs) except
special event banners and new business establishment identification signs in
compliance with Section 25.68.090;
C. Signs inside a building set back five feet or more from a window and not readily visible
from public right of way;
D. Directional or safety signs provided that signs do not exceed three square feet per face;
E. Official emblems or flags of nonprofit organizations;
F Religious, charitable, educational, or cultural posters not exceeding 16 square feet in
area and not displayed for a period greater than 30 days;
G. A no -trespassing or no -dumping sign not exceeding three square feet shall be permitted
for each property in addition to other authorized signs;
5
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2503
H. Governmental or other legally required posters, notices, or signs;
Political signs in compliance with the provisions of Subsection 25.68.090 C;
J. Directional and public convenience signs for public and quasi public uses. The total
number of signs allowed shall be based on the minimum number necessary for
adequate public identification as determined by the Director of Community Development;
K. Utility or telephone pay station signs;
L. Bingo signs, provided that said signs shall not exceed a maximum three square foot in
area; not installed more than 48 hours before the event; and removed immediately
following the event;
M. Lottery signs for a business licensed to sell California State Lottery tickets shall be
entitled to one window or door mounted lottery decal five and one-half inches by five and
one-half inches and no more than one specific identification poster not to exceed 7
square feet; and
N. "Open" signs, either mounted on the inside of a window or on a pedestal near the main
entrance if a window sign is not used. Maximum sign area shall be three square feet.
Signs may be double sided. Pedestal signs shall be located on private property and shall
not interfere with pedestrian movement. Signs shall not flash, move, blink, rotate, or
appear to do any of the foregoing.
25.68.050 — Prohibited Signs
The following signs, displays, and devices, as defined in Section 25.68.150, are prohibited in the
city:
A. Advertising devices;
B. Awnings that are back -lit (internally illuminated) so that the awning radiates light;
C. Business and identification signs that mention more than two goods or services sold or
available on the premises;
D. Cabinet or can signs that are internally illuminated with translucent panels that allow the
entire sign background to be illuminated. Signs with internal illumination are permitted
only if the sign background is opaque and the only portion of the sign that appears
illuminated is the lettering and/or a registered trademark or logo;
E. Electronic changeable copy signs;
F Commercial mascots;
G. Neon signs, except "open" signs placed in windows and neon tubing used in conjunction
with open pan channel signs;
H. Off -site outdoor advertising signs (billboards);
6
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2503
LJ
l
Pole signs;
J. Roof signs;
K. Signs that rotate, move, flash, blink, or appear to do any of the foregoing with the
exception of approved time and temperature displays;
L. Signs on public property, in the public right-of-way, or on public utility poles unless
otherwise authorized by this Chapter. Signs shall include, but not be limited to, realtor,
open house, and garage sale signs. This prohibition shall include all portable signs
including those placed on vehicles with the exception of vehicle identification signs, and
permitted signs on taxicabs;
M. Signs that do not identify a current use on the premises, name of the owner or user, or
that do not promote a product, an interest, service, or entertainment available on the
premise. Signs shall not advertise a business, accommodation, service, or activity not
provided on the premises on which the sign is located;
N. Signs located in a manner that the sign or a portion of the sign or sign supports interfere
with the free use of a fire escape, exit or standpipe, or obstruct a required door, stairway,
ventilator, window, or public way or are otherwise hazardous;
O. Signs that imitate an official traffic sign or signal, or contain the words "stop," "go,"
"slow," "caution," "danger," "warning," or similar words, excepting construction signs and
barricades, and except when the words are incorporated in the permanent name of a
business;
P. Temporary or portable freestanding signs, including A -frame and similar types of
portable signs, except as otherwise provided in this Chapter; and
Q. Vehicle signs.
25.68.060 — General Provisions for all Signs
A. Compliance required. No person shall erect, re -erect, construct, enlarge, alter, change
copy, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, or equip any sign or sign structure in the
city, or cause or permit the same to be done, contrary to or in violation of any of the
provisions of this Chapter.
B. Uncertainty of Chapter provisions. The Architectural Review Commission shall have
the authority to interpret the provisions of this Chapter at the request of the Director of
Community Development, or when an appeal of a decision of the Director is filed with
the Architectural Review Commission.
C. Sign integration requirement. All signs shall be designed as an integral part of the
overall building design and shall be located in a manner consistent with the building's
design.
7
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2503
D. Sign construction. Signs that are not temporary signs shall be constructed of
permanent materials, including but not limited to metal, wood, acrylic, or other
comparable durable weatherproof materials.
E. Sign area computation.
1. The area of a sign shall be measured within a single continuous perimeter of not
more than eight straight lines enclosing the extreme limits of writing,
representation, emblem, or any figure of similar character, together with any
material or color forming an integral part of the display or used to differentiate the
sign from the background against which it is placed.
Joe'sJoe'1.1X � a
m
CIeaner$$ I f
Sign Width
Lettering With No Sign Board Lettering With No Sign Board
I
71
r�J
Sign Width
SIGN
Lettering With Sign Board
2. In the case of a sign designed with more than one exterior surface (e.g., two
sides), the area shall be computed as including only the maximum single display
surface that is visible from any ground position at one time.
3. The supports, uprights, or structure on which any sign is supported shall not be
included in determining the sign area unless the supports, uprights, or structures
are designed in a manner as to form an integral background of the display.
F. Sign height measurement - monument signs. The height of a monument sign shall be
measured from the highest part of the text area of the sign to the grade of the adjacent
street or the surface grade beneath the sign, whichever the Director of Community
Development determines is appropriate given the physical characteristics of the site.
Decorative features of the sign approved by the Architectural Review Commission may
be excluded from the measurement of sign height.
8
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2503
r
I
L
G. Sign height - wall signs. The upper most part of a wall -mounted sign shall not be
higher than the eave line of the building on which it is located as measured from the
underside of the eave and in no event higher than 20 feet.
H. Electrical raceways and conduits. Electrical raceways and conduits shall be placed so
that they are not within public view. Where this is physically impractical, or doing so
would damage significant architectural features or materials, the Architectural Review
Commission may grant a waiver of this requirement provided all raceways, conduits, and
similar devices are designed in a way that they appear to be part of the overall sign or
building design.
Frontage on two or more streets. A business on a lot that has frontage on more than
one street shall be allowed the authorized sign area on each street; provided, that the
permitted sign areas may not be accumulated on one street and shall not exceed the
allowed sign area of any one street.
J. Sign removal or replacement. When a sign is removed all brackets, poles, and other
structural elements that supported the sign shall also be completely removed. All holes
and affected building surfaces shall be restored to match the adjacent portion of the
building.
K. Sign colors. The standards for signs in this Chapter are premised aesthetically on the
use of limited colors per sign so as to minimize excessive contrast and thereby establish
more readable, less confusing signs. Signs for commercial complexes, shopping
centers, other commercial and industrial development, including individual businesses,
shall be limited by the following:
1. Signs shall be limited to a maximum of three colors per sign. If a federally
regulated trademark sign has more than three, then the maximum size allowed
for that sign shall be reduced by 20 percent for each additional color.
2. For purposes of calculating reductions in size where more than three colors are
involved, the maximum sign size resulting from the first 20 percent reduction
shall form the basis for the second 20 percent reduction, and so on for each
subsequent 20 percent reduction. For example, if the maximum size allowed for
a given three -color sign is 10 square feet, then the maximum size allowed for a
five -color sign would be 6.4 square feet: 80% x (10 x 80%).
9
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2503
L. Illuminated signs and lights. The following standards shall apply to all illuminated
signs:
1. All illuminated signs shall be designed with a dimmer system to avoid undue
glare or reflection of light on private property in the surrounding area.
2. External light sources shall be shielded from view and directed to illuminate only
the sign face.
Do this
Don't do this
3. Internal illumination is permitted only if the sign background is opaque and the
only portion of the sign that appears as illuminated is the actual lettering and/or a
registered trademark or logo.
4. Reflective -type bulbs and incandescent lamps shall not be used on the exterior
surface of signs so that the bulb or lamp is exposed to view from any direction.
5. Each new illuminated sign shall be subject to a 30-day review period during
which time the Director of Community Development may determine that a
reduction in illumination is necessary due to negative impacts on surrounding
property or the community in general. In addition, and at any time, the Director
may order the dimming of any illumination found to be excessively bright.
M. Signs to face public or private right-of-way. All signs permitted under this Chapter
shall be placed on the side of property facing a public or private right-of-way.
N. Maintenance of signs.
1. For the public health, safety, and welfare all signs shall be maintained in a safe,
presentable, and good structural condition at all times, including the replacement
of defective parts, wiring, ballast, painting, repainting, cleaning, and other acts
required for the maintenance of the sign. If the sign is not made to comply with
safety standards, the Director of Community Development shall require its
immediate repair or removal in compliance with the Chapter.
2. Signs illuminated either internally or externally shall be capable of being fully
illuminated and legible with the face(s) intact (without holes or other exterior
damage). Any illuminated sign not in compliance with these and other
maintenance standards in this Section shall be cited by the Director of
Community Development and shall be brought into compliance with applicable
standards or proof of a contract for repair and maintenance shall be approved
within 30 days or shall be subject to abatement as a public nuisance. Illuminated
signs that, because of expired or damaged lighting elements, become non -legible
shall be ordered to remain unlighted until repaired.
10
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2503
3. When a sign is removed or replaced, all brackets, poles, and other structural
elements that supported the sign shall also be removed. Affected building
surfaces shall be restored to match the adjacent portion of the structure.
4. In the case of abandoned signs, the identification, name, and copy pertaining to
the abandoned business shall be removed and replaced with a blank panel or
white space within 30 days of vacating the business.
5. When it is determined by the city that a sign may cause imminent danger to the
public safety and contact cannot be made with a sign owner or building owner,
no written notice shall be required. In this situation, the city may correct the
danger. The city shall cause to have removed any sign that endangers the public
safety, including abandoned, materially dangerous, electrically or structurally
defective signs.
6. Notices of violation shall be sent by the Director of Community Development by
certified mail. Time periods provided in this Section shall be deemed to
commence on the date of the mailing. Any person having an interest in the sign
or the property may appeal the citation ordering the removal of compliance by
filing a written notice of appeal with the Director of Community Development
within 30 days after the date of mailing the notice, or 30 days after receipt if the
notice was not mailed.
7. Signs removed by the city shall become the property of the city and may be
disposed of in any matter deemed appropriate by the city. The cost of the
removal of any sign by the city shall be considered a debt owed to the city by the
owner of the sign and the owner of the property and may be recovered in an
appropriate court action by the city or by assessment against the property. The
cost of removal shall include any incidental expenses incurred by the city in
connection with the sign's removal.
25.68.070 — Permanent Signs
The following tables provide regulations for permanent signs in residential and nonresidential
zoning districts. References in the last column provide additional regulations for specific sign
types located elsewhere in this Chapter. In the case of an inconsistency between regulations
provided in the tables and regulations provided for specific sign types, the regulations for
specific sign types shall take precedence.
The number and area of signs as provided in this Chapter are intended to be maximum
standards. However, the standards do not necessarily ensure architectural compatibility.
Therefore, in addition to the enumerated standards, the approving authority shall also give
consideration to a sign's relationship to the overall appearance of the subject property, as well
as the surrounding community with the goal being to minimize visual pollution, excessive
illumination, and excessive contrasting colors. Compatible design, simplicity, and sign
effectiveness are to be used in establishing guidelines for sign approval.
11
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2503
TABLE I
SIGNS ALLOWED IN RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICTS
Additional
Requirements
Name of
occupancy and
address only
Name of complex
only
Name of complex
only
Name of complex
only
Lighting
Allowed
(73
i
- O
76
E
W
To
E
W O
Ws
E
W O
Location
Requirements
Near main
entrance
C_
ca
E
Ick5
a) V
C C
p
QN
At primary
entrances to
residential
community
O E
L' O
(p a) t
E C a)
Q,_ o Y
O
<a Eo.
Maximum Sign
Height
Below eave of roof
or parapet or 4 ft. if
on pole
Below eave of roof
or parapet for wall
sign
c
Maximum Sign
Area
6
V)
CV
10 sq. ft. plus one
additional sq. ft. for
each 10 units.
Max. 50 sq. ft. total
40 sq. ft. total
One sq. ft. of sign
area for each 10
lineal ft. of street
frontage.
Max. 40 sq. ft. total
Maximum
Number
One per single-
family use
One sign per
complex.
Alternative:
2 signs per main
entrance. With
max. 15 sq. ft.
each
Two signs per
primary entrance
One sign per
street frontage
Allowed Sign
Types
c
0)
N
C
a)
O j
_ O
E
Wall or
monument sign
co
cn
t
a)
O =
_ O
E
Sign Class
1. Name plate -
Single-family
uses
2. Identification
sign -
Multi -family or
condominium
complex
3. Identification
sign -
Residential
community
4. Identification
sign -
Mobile home
park
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2503
TABLE I
SIGNS ALLOWED IN RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICTS
Additional
Requirements
Allowed for
churches, day
care centers,
private clubs, and
similar uses.
Only for
commercial uses
allowed with a
CUP (offices) in
the R-3 zone.
Only for hotels
and motels
allowed with a
CUP in the R-3
zone.
8. Temporary signs - See Section 25.68.090 (Temporary Signs)
Lighting
Allowed
To
c
L
x
LLJ
O
To
c
L
X
LLl
O
Standards shall be the same as for uses in commercial and industrial zones. However, the number of
signs, sign area, height, and illumination may be reduced if the use is located in or adjacent to a residential
zone.
Location
Requirements
At primary
entrance
At primary
entrance
Maximum Sign
Height
Below eave of roof
or parapet for wall
sign.
6 ft for monument
sign
Below eave of roof
or parapet for wall
sign.
6 ft for monument
sign
Maximum Sign
Area
20 sq. ft.
20 sq. ft.
Maximum
Number
One sign
One sign
Allowed Sign
Types
Wall or
monument sign
Wall or
monument sign
Sign Class
5. Identification
sign -
Nonresidential
uses
6. Identification
sign -
Commercial uses
(offices)
7. Identification
sign -
Hotels and
motels
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2503
TABLE II
SIGNS ALLOWED IN COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ZONING DISTRICTS
Additional
Requirements
Building wall mounted signs
k
co
6
2
\
Lighting
Allowed
ƒ
Sign Location
Requirements
2 >..
ƒoEtE c
- o 0 0 3 2-
CI: @ = E
7/2•k/k
Maximum Sign
Height
E
a) -c
a)
/11-Ea
m 2 0
m 0
Maximum Sign Area
k
)as
e
@J
k3 ®
5£ as
545 at
0 k
k3 x
/kk /
k
§ 0)
mJ
\5
a £
2 5
0ck
¢/
2kk(c
0-
co
as
as
®/c
x
k
Maximum
Number of Signs
E
2
_o
a) ai
a 9
c c
Ok
Allowed Sign
Types
2
=
o
E.
«5
k
m
0
2
c
E6
�/
k�
E&
■
com§§
&
_
W.
c
CD
'
Ck
�E
�_
m2
�.-
°C
L°
25
2_o
®
@
E
%
»
?R
�±
Eg
_c2
..a
/2
cd
/
/E.
�E
kk
0
1
col
2
2
0
1-
-J
0
W
et
2
0
cn
2
0
U
0
Z
2
2
-J
a
Additional
Requirements
Q.
k
d
\
Q
k
¢
\
Lighting
Allowed
ƒ
ƒ
Sign Location
Requirements
Q / a
2 >,'
m / a
Jo >,•
ƒ��ƒc
ƒ��ƒ�
TABLE II
COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ZONING
u) o Q o> 2\
m@ R 2\
c c E§'
k\: 2 E§ J
7g\�k%f
/2\�k%2
Maximum Sign
Height
a)a)
a)-
§cm
ƒ
/�-
§J cn ƒ
f 05
03
22 a
gS
2�
3?/%
35�q
Maximum Sign Area
k
k4-E 4-E�ƒ
75 sq. ft. of sign area for
first 100 ft. of frontage;
and 0.25 sq. ft. of sign
area for each lineal ft. of
building frontage in
excess of 100 ft.
Max sign area as
approved by ARC.
100 sq. ft. of sign area for
first 100 ft. of frontage;
al& S- a
e ° a§# a
/
\com-0?
.\§: 2
7®"»3
0 (w--_a?
as 0)2 ± -
E a®ca2
7
2
±454555
a • Q
0 0)
@ 513155/
)$
CIS
c
c.„ c/
/ 2
oc
CO
//
2�6§k
N-0)
ƒ
Maximum
Number of Si ns
E
c
/
\
.0
� k
mf ,c-
co
�k
a)f
3k
cn in ■
-o o
k
-
k
b
a)
2Q.�c
0 •
0E
°0
06
2.-c-
Ef
c.
$/
o
—
k — 0.) .a)
\ k
§�
m3> &
m
E&
c
lc. Business
identification sign
Within 100 ft of
public ROW
lc. Business
identification sign
CD
a)
■
_/ CA§
/a
Ek
C
0c
Ck20
0 c6
U)
2/
CO § t
xi "CI)
E
�9 f/2,
c g CL
\ E
k K M
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2503
1— Additional 1
Requirements
,
% 2/
@ q)
u)2.§2£�
:$/�/
k c 2 aas / f
o @ @ — @
c o E c G e 9
/2�'a5E'\
m
/7k.
%/f /
m/'§ f
2 c o
c > 0 @
�cfo \
1 Lighting
Allowed
ƒ
k
I Maximum Sign !Sign Location
Height Requirements
/
a)
a)
TABLE II
COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ZONING
/ ¥:
Ef .5
07R
@
o E
/a/
0 -
0Jc
g3E
k�00
m5Eq
0J)
3-c
"am/
m5cq
Maximum Sign Area
and 0.25 sq. ft. of sign
area for each lineal ft. of
building frontage in
excess of 100 ft.
Max sign area as
approved by ARC.
The total aggregate sign
area of the secondary
sign(s) together with the
primary sign shall not
exceed the maximum
sign area allowed for the
business as determined
by items la, lb, and lc
above.
Single tenant building;
1/2 the sign area allowed
for the front of the
building.
Multi -tenant building;
16 inch high letters
Maximum
Number of Signs
0 c
E
D�a�CO
3 E 2 c
�CO
c
k\/%k
ctl
•7&
2/( 0 0
c Q
wmEas£
Qa
Allowed Sign
1 Types
2 0
\ a
o £
0
c
o
/k EE
c7 §?
.c
c-
\— (@
�.
\—
dk Ea
C�
Sign Class
cont.
More than 100 ft
from public ROW
c
a)
.-
c
CD
ID'
2
0 0
■ o /
$m L.
§$ /
c 0 2
2
C 0 >
. 0
c
V 7
m
csi2 m_a
\
ili§ a
c:2 'I
E
WNW
M
O
N
0
z
z
0
0
cn
W
z
0
U)
co
U
lop
z
z
J
a
cn
1-
co
Z
Z
0
N
J
cc
co
J Q
co
<<
2
2
0
z
W
0
J
- J
V
V)
O
>-
v
a)
c V
• a) c
o c
U
E o a)
C_ E O •
5 2E oa)
m do Zin
N
U
in
O
+05
c
0
a)
0)
c
.N
0)
a)
C
N
Freestanding monument signs
25.68.080 B
Max. sign area 50 sq. ft.
a)
Q
m
co
a)
0
ai
0)
co
c
2
4)
4))
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2503
TABLE II
SIGNS ALLOWED IN COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ZONING DISTRICTS
Additional T,
Requirements
m
o
co
0
co
cri
N
Miscellaneous signs
u.i
0
co
0
co
cri
N
25.68.080 D.
Lighting
Allowed
0)
O
>-
0
Z
0
Z
Sign Location
Requirements
Placed on the
awning or
awning
valance, but
not on both.
On inside of
window
surface.
Maximum Sign
Height
0
c—
u)0���°
u) U a) • _ Y
OL+— a)(BLO
D E () u) N
Z a) L V) a) '-. L a)
a)O a) U LLc U
co 0 O C L a) u) a)
Not allowed
above ground
floor windows.
Maximum Sign Area
10 sq. ft. per acre of
subject site. The sign
area of the monument
sign shall be in addition to
the allowed sign area for
the building.
Max. sign area 100 sq ft.
Letter height shall not
exceed one-third of the
awning height.
25% of total window area
facing a public street or
public parking area
including temporary
window signs.
Maximum
Number of Signs
a)
i 0)
a) co
Q .--
C
C O
u) +.
a) a)
C 0
One sign per
awning.
Allowed in addition
to other signs.
One sign per
individual window.
Allowed in addition
to other signs.
Allowed Sign
Types
i O
O) O)
_ ..
C a)
(6 E
(7O
O
lL E
Permanent
awning sign
Permanent
window sign
c)
C
c
N a C
V) V C 2
O
CO• .m E
_ =L Q)
to :2 2 co
6. Business
identification sign
Awning sign
7. Business
identification sign
Window sign
M
O
N
0
Z
Z
0
H
J
0
W
re
Z
0
co
2
U
C9
Z_
Z
Z
J
a
TABLE II
SIGNS ALLOWED IN COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ZONING DISTRICTS
Additional
Requirements
Allowed only if
the principal sign
cannot be seen
by pedestrian
traffic.
25.68.080 G.
25.68.080 L.
2
0
0
0
co
0
cci
CV
Lighting
Allowed
o
z
cn
O
>-
co
a)
>-
Sign Location
Requirements
C ci)
C ca O C
fa
V
Eo��,
(o C a)
�b a�-o
Zaa))oa
O L
C 'C
C
r� .V O — •�
O z,U
o ccao>,o(7,E
— OL a ca a)
c) 3 nv >
cLpa) ooaE
r Maximum Sign
Height
• E O o
E 2E
X
CO
•oc
0.o w
Below eave line
of building and
not higher than
20 ft.
O
o
o"=
C
cts
c O v
scan
Maximum Sign Area
3 sq. ft.
May be two sided.
25 sq. ft. for flush -
mounted.
15 sq. ft. per side for
projecting.
0•
N
CO
Maximum
Number of Signs
One per
establishment.
Allowed in addition
to other signs.
One per
establishment.
Allowed in addition
to other signs.
C
a)
E
L L
a) 0
a:8-
a) CD
C
Om
Allowed Sign
Types
Building -mounted
Flush -mounted,
projecting, or
hanging.
Building -mounted
Flush -mounted or
projecting.
"0 0
a) �-
c vo) as •
o .N�
E3o:.4-�0
ex 0 0w
3.0u�')asE,c2
m 82 a22a=
Sign Class
8. Business
identification sign
Pedestrian
oriented sign
9. Attraction
boards
Theaters and
nightclubs
10. Menu board
Restaurant menu
board
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2503
Additional
Requirements
25.68.080 K.
12. Gasoline service stations. See Subsection 25.68.080 N. (Gasoline Service Stations)
13. Temporary signs - See Section 25.68.090 (Temporary Signs)
Lighting
Allowed
O
Z
TABLE II
SIGNS ALLOWED IN COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ZONING DISTF
Sign Location
Requirements
Near main
entrance to
courtyard or
plaza and
oriented to
pedestrians.
Maximum Sign
Height
Maximum Sign Area
1.5 sq. ft. of sign area per
tenant, plus an additional
2 sq. ft. to provide
directions to the courtyard
or plaza.
Maximum
Number of Signs
One per courtyard
or plaza.
Allowed in addition
to other signs.
Allowed Sign
Types
Wall or ground
sign
N
N
as
11. Multi -tenant
courtyard or
plaza
Business directory
U
c
co
V)
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2503
25.68.080 — Standards for Specific Types of Permanent Signs
A. Building -mounted wall signs.
1 Signs shall be located only on a building frontage and shall not extend above an
eave or parapet, or above or below a fascia on which they are located.
Appropriate Wall Sign Location
Not Allowed
21
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2503
2. Electrical raceways for signs shall be designed as an integral part of the sign or
building design and shall not be visible.
3. Signs shall be placed flat against the wall and shall not project from the wall more
than required for normal construction purposes and in no case more than 12
inches.
4. Signs shall be located within the middle 50 percent of the building or occupancy's
frontage measured from lease line to lease line.
Appropriate Wall Sign Location
22
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2503
5. Signs located on adjacent walls on the same building shall be separated by a
minimum of 30 feet measured along the exterior walls of the building.
Required Separation for Wall Signs
B. Freestanding monument signs.
1 A single tenant building, commercial or industrial complex, or shopping center
shall be entitled to one freestanding monument sign per frontage on a public or
private street.
2. When a shopping center or industrial park has street frontage on any one street
in excess of 1,600 lineal feet, one additional sign shall be permitted.
Freestanding signs on the same street shall be separated by a minimum distance
of 400 lineal feet.
3. All freestanding monument signs shall be placed within a permanently
landscaped area, be architecturally compatible with the building or complex, and
not encroach in the public right-of-way.
23
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2503
4. When approving any freestanding sign the Architectural Review Commission
shall affirmatively make the finding that the approval shall visually enhance the
aesthetic quality of the property on which the sign is to be located.
5. Freestanding monument signs shall not contain phone numbers.
C. Secondary business signs.
Main Building Sign
Secondary
Signage
1 Secondary business signs shall be clearly ancillary to the main business sign and
in no event shall the aggregate sign area exceed the maximum permitted under
this Chapter.
2. The design of secondary business signs shall be architecturally consistent with
the main business identification sign.
3. The total aggregate sign area of the primary sign together with the secondary
sign shall not exceed the maximum sign area allowed for the business.
4. Where a proposed secondary business sign is a registered federally regulated
trademark sign, the size of the trademark sign may be subject to size reduction
requirements in compliance with Section 25.68.060 (Sign Colors).
5. No more than two secondary signs allowed except as otherwise provided in this
Chapter.
6. Secondary signs shall not contain phone numbers.
7. Slogans, mottos, or sayings may be used instead of secondary business
signage.
24
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2503
D. Window signs - permanent.
Signs shall be allowed only on windows located on the ground floor of a building
frontage.
2. Signs shall be permanently painted, etched, or mounted on the inside of
windows.
3. Signs within five feet of a storefront window shall be counted as a window sign.
4. Window signs shall be allowed in addition to the aggregate sign area allowed for
wall and projecting signs.
E. Signs on awnings, marquees, canopies, arcades, or similar structures.
1 All awnings shall be reviewed and approved by the Architectural Review
Commission. The awning shall be architecturally compatible with the building and
as a result an awning may not be appropriate for every building.
2. Signs on awnings shall be kept in good repair, clean, and not faded.
3. Signs on awnings (lettering and numbers), including lettering style and colors
shall blend aesthetically with the awning and building to which it is attached.
4. When required by the Building Official, street address numbers shall comply with
the requirements of Palm Desert Municipal Code Section 15.15.010 and Table
15.15.020 A.
25
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2503
5. Awnings shall not contain phone numbers.
F. Projecting signs.
Projecting signs shall not extend below eight feet from the sidewalk or the right-
of-way.
G. Pedestrian oriented signs.
1. Where the principal sign for a business is located so that it cannot be seen by
pedestrians on the same side of the street, one business identification sign, in
addition to other signs allowed in this Chapter, shall be permitted subject to the
following standards:
a. Signs shall be no larger than three square feet (on each side);
b. Signs shall be projecting, hanging, or mounted on a pedestal. Signs on
pedestals shall not exceed 54 inches in height;
c. Signs shall not be used as "open" signs; and
d. Signs shall be designed and located so as to not distract from the
appearance of the building or violate the intent of this Chapter.
Businesses in the commercial and industrial districts may place a pedestrian
oriented, pedestal mounted "open" sign in front of their place of business subject
to the following standards:
a. Maximum sign area shall be three square feet;
b. Maximum sign height shall be 54 inches;
c. Signs shall be placed on private property in a location that does not
impede pedestrian traffic flow;
d. Signs shall not include extraneous verbiage advertising the business,
specials, or sales events; and
e. Signs shall be removed when the business is not open for business.
26
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2503
u
3. For businesses on El Paseo between Portola Avenue and Highway 74, the
following additional standards shall apply:
a. Signs permitted under this Subsection shall be limited to the word "open"
and the business name only;
b. Logos are not permitted;
c. Signs shall be in two colors only, excluding florescent colors; black and
white will be considered colors and sign shall not contain extraneous
decoration;
d. Signs shall be mounted on a pedestal using one of the two sign colors;
and
e. Signs shall be professionally manufactured and well -maintained at all
times.
H. Signs facing the freeway. Businesses located in buildings with one side facing the
freeway shall be entitled to one sign on the freeway side of the building in addition to
other allowed signs for the front of the building, provided the freeway facing sign
complies with the following requirements:
1. Signs for single tenant buildings shall be limited to 50% of the total sign area
allowed on the front of the building;
2. Signs for multi -tenant buildings, individual business signs shall be limited to a
maximum of 16-inch high letters;
3. All signs facing the freeway shall use a single color, except for federal trademark
signs, and a clean letter style font; and
4. All signs facing the freeway shall be non -illuminated individual letters or logos.
I. Directional signs for courtyard or plaza businesses. Where commercial buildings or
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 commercial building or complex shall be permitted a pedestrian
directional sign(s). The directional sign shall group the names of businesses and/or
principal services to be found in the courtyard or plaza subject to the following
standards:
1. Signs shall be located at major pedestrian entrances to the plaza or courtyard;
2. Signs shall not encroach into the public right-of-way;
3. Signs shall be properly integrated into the architectural and landscape design of
the building; and
27
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2503
4. Signs including supports shall have a maximum width of four feet whether wall
mounted or freestanding.
J. Attraction boards for theaters and nightclubs. In addition to the principal sign area,
one attraction board to advertise nightclub or theater entertainment shall be allowed. The
information on the attraction board shall be limited to coming and current entertainment
only. Attraction boards shall not be used to advertise rates or prices of attractions.
K. Restaurant menu boards. In addition to the principal sign area, a restaurant may have
one sign on a wall or window displaying the menu and/or daily specials. When a
restaurant is set back more than five feet from the public right-of-way or pedestrian
walkway, a freestanding easel may be set up within the setback to display the menu
board during hours when meals are being served. The sign shall not encroach into the
public right-of-way or obstruct pedestrian movement.
L. Gasoline service stations. Gasoline service stations shall be limited to those signs
approved by the Architectural Review Commission as a part of their action on a
conditional use permit and/or amendment thereto. Service station signs shall not exceed
the following limitations:
1. One double-faced freestanding monument sign not to exceed 24 square feet in
area or not to exceed eight feet in height, and advertising only the name of the
company;
2. One 10 square foot maximum wall sign advertising the company name and/or
operator; and
3. One wall or ground sign, not exceeding eight square feet in area and eight feet in
height for a ground sign, advertising the actual lowest price per gallon including
all taxes at which gasoline are currently being offered. Any special conditions
required for sale at the lowest price shall also be indicated.
25.68.090 — Temporary Signs
The following temporary signs shall be allowed subject to the requirements of this Section.
Temporary signs in violation of this Section shall be treated as illegal signs and shall be subject
to abatement under the requirements of Section 25.68.130 (Abatement of Illegal Signs).
Nothing contained in this Section shall prevent the City Council from granting a special permit
application or otherwise permitting signs, displays, or advertising pertaining to a civic, patriotic,
or special event of general public interest taking place within the city when it can be found that
the signs, displays, or advertising will not be materially detrimental to the public welfare, interest,
or safety, nor injurious to adjacent property or improvements.
A. Number, size, height, and duration. Table III provides standards for temporary signs.
Temporary signs are allowed in addition to the number of permanent signs allowed for
the property.
28
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2503
TABLE III
TEMPORARY SIGNS
Sign Type
Maximum
Number
Maximum
Area
Maximum
Height
Duration
Additional
Standards
Temporary window signs
Commercial
and Industrial
Zones
Lineal feet of
One sign
One sign
One sign
20 sq. ft. (1)
Max. 25% of
total window
area
50 sq. ft. (1)
Max. 25% of
total window
area
75 sq. ft. (1)
Max. 25% of
total window
area
N/A
30 days
Allowed for sales
and promotions.
Placed on inside of
window.
See Notes (1) and
(2) at the end of the
table for additional
information in
certain cases.
window area
50 lineal ft. or
less
50 lineal ft. to
100 lineal ft.
More than 100
ft.
Special signs
Special event
banner
One sign
Building-
mounted or
freestanding.
30 sq. ft
Below eave
line of building.
30 days per
year
25.68.090 D,
New business
establishment
identification
One sign.
See Section
25.68.070 1 a,
1 b or lc.
Below eave
line of building.
60 days
Allowed only while
permanent signs are
being obtained.
29
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2503
TABLE III
TEMPORARY SIGNS
Sign Type
Maximum
Number
Maximum
Area
Maximum
Height
Duration
Additional
Standards
Trade and
construction
project signs
One sign per
street
frontage.
Shall not
obstruct
visibility at
intersections.
16 sq. ft. per
20,000 sq. ft of
site area.
Max.32 sq. ft.
8 ft
During active
building
permit.
Removed
before notice
of completion.
On property where
construction is
taking place. Shall
list only firms
connected with the
development
project.
New residential development
New
subdivision
identification
sign
I double face
sign, or 2
single face
signs per
street
frontage.
48 sq. ft. per
sign face
8 ft.
Until all units
in the project
are sold
New
subdivision
directional
signs
Two signs per
street frontage
15 sq. ft. each
8 ft.
Until all units
in the project
are sold
Sign placement to
direct persons to the
subdivision
entrance.
Realty and lease signs
Realty sign -
Single-family
residential
One sign per
street frontage
3 sq. ft., plus
one rider sign;
5 in. X 16 in.
4 ft.
During time
when realty is
offered for sale
or rent.
25.68.090
Realty sign -
Open house
sign
One sign per
street frontage
3 sq. ft.
4 ft.
While a
salesperson is
physically
present on the
premises
25.68.090
Realty sign -
Other than
single-family in
a residential
zone.
One sign per
street frontage
12 sq. ft.
4 ft.
During time
when realty is
offered for sale
or rent.
25.68.090
30
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2503
TABLE III
TEMPORARY SIGNS
Sign Type
Maximum
Number
Maximum
Area
Maximum
Height
Duration
Additional
Standards
Lease
potential
sign-
Future
development
One two-sided
sign per street
frontage
32 sq. ft.
6 ft.
Displayed after
ARC project
approval.
Removed
before notice
of completion.
May advertise lease
potential for future
development prior to
and during
construction. No
riders outside of the
32 square foot area.
Realty sign -
Nonresidential
zones
One two-sided
sign per street
frontage.
16 sq ft.
6 ft.
During time
when realty is
offered for sale
or rent.
No riders outside of
the 16 square foot
area. Shall not be
illuminated.
Personal
property sale,
block party,
or similar
event
One sign per
street frontage
3 sq. ft
4 ft.
2 days within a
30-day period.
Only on the property
where the event is
being held.
Political signs - See Section 25.68.090 C. (Political Signs)
Notes:
(1) Businesses that are set back more than 250 feet from a public right-of-way
(street) may double the temporary window sign area. Businesses that are set
back more than 600 feet from a public right-of-way (street) may triple their
otherwise entitled temporary window signage.
(2) Does not include signs and decorations painted on or applied to windows
pertaining to holidays and seasonal events when the signs contain no reference
to the goods or services sold or provided by the establishment. All signs and
decorations shall be removed within 10 days following the applicable holiday.
B. Standards for temporary signs. Temporary signs shall be subject to the following
standards and any additional standards for specific types of temporary signs:
1. Signs are allowed on private property only and shall not be placed in public
rights -of -way or at off site locations;
2. Sign shall not be attached to roofs, temporary structures, trees, utility poles, light
standards, and similar items in the public right-of-way;
3. Signs shall not be illuminated;
4. Signs shall not move in any manner;
31
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2503
5. Signs shall be constructed of durable material suitable to their location and
purpose; and
6. Signs and their components shall be promptly removed at the time of expiration.
C. Political sign regulations. Political signs shall comply with the following requirements:
1. Political signs shall not be located in the public right-of-way;
2. No fee or permits shall be required for the right to erect political signs;
3. Where the sign is proposed to be placed on private property, the applicant shall
secure the permission of the property owner;
4. Signs shall not be placed in any manner to create a hazard to public health or
safety; and
5. Signs shall be removed within 30 days following the election.
D. Special event signs.
1. With the approval of the director of community development, a business may
erect one temporary sign, mounted on a wall fascia or freestanding, advertising
special events, promotions or sales. Approval of a sign permit application may
allow up to 30 square feet of sign area depending upon the type of event,
building design, and right-of-way frontage for a period not to exceed 30 days per
year.
2. Signs approved under this Section shall be compatible and harmonious with the
color of the building and adjacent buildings. When improperly used, special event
signs constitute a public nuisance and may be abated. Special event signs for
periods in excess of 30 days may only be permitted in compliance with a
resolution of the City Council, which shall specify the period during which the
banner may be displayed.
E. Open house signs. Off -site open house directional signs shall be permitted for an open
house, subject to the following provisions:
1. No flags or banners shall be used; and
2. Signs shall be located on private property only, unless prior written approval for
unique circumstances is obtained from the Director of Community Development.
25.68.100 — Comprehensive Sign Program
A. Purpose. The purpose of a Comprehensive Sign Program is to integrate all of a non-
residential project's signs with the overall site design and the structures' design into a
unified architectural statement. A Comprehensive Sign Program provides a means for
the flexible application of sign regulations in order to provide incentive and latitude in the
design and display of multiple signs and to achieve, not circumvent, the purpose of this
32
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2503
Chapter. Approval of a Comprehensive Sign Program may modify the standards
provided in this Chapter as to sign number, size, height, illumination, location,
orientation, or other aspects of signs within the limits of this Section.
B. Applicability. The approval of a Comprehensive Sign Program shall be required
whenever any of the following circumstances exist:
1. Whenever 3 or more separate tenant spaces are present on the same site;
2. Whenever 3 or more non-exempt signs are proposed for a single -tenant;
3. Whenever signs are proposed to be located on the second story on a multi -story
building;
4. Whenever an existing multi -tenant development of 3 or more tenants is being
remodeled or rehabilitated to the extent that it requires review and approval by
the Architectural Review Commission; or
5. Whenever the Director of Community Development determines that a
Comprehensive Sign Program is needed because of special project
characteristics (e.g., the size of proposed signs, limited site visibility, the location
of the site relative to other lots, buildings, or streets, etc.).
C. Approval authority and limitation. The Architectural Review Commission shall be the
review authority for a Comprehensive Sign Program.
D. Application requirements. A sign permit application for a Comprehensive Sign
Program shall include all information and materials required by the Director of
Community Development.
E. Standards. A Comprehensive Sign Program shall comply with the following standards:
1. The proposed sign program shall comply with the purpose and intent of this
Chapter;
2. The proposed signs shall enhance the overall development, be in harmony with,
and relate visually to other signs included in the Comprehensive Sign Program,
to the structures and/or developments they identify, and to surrounding
development when applicable;
3. The sign program shall address all signs, including permanent, temporary, and
exempt signs;
4. The sign program shall accommodate future revisions that may be required
because of changes in use or tenants;
5. The sign program shall comply with the standards of this Chapter, except that
deviations are allowed with regard to sign area, total number, location, and/or
height of signs to the extent that the Comprehensive Sign Program will enhance
the overall development and will more fully accomplish the purposes and intent of
this Chapter;
33
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2503
6. Approval of a Comprehensive Sign Program shall not authorize the use of signs
prohibited by this Chapter; and
7 Review and approval of a Comprehensive Sign Program shall not consider the
signs' proposed message content.
F. Findings. In order to approve a Comprehensive Sign Program the following findings
shall be made:
1. The Comprehensive Sign Program complies with the purpose of this Chapter,
including the Design Criteria;
2. Proposed signs enhance the overall development and are in harmony with other
signs included in the plan with the structures they identify and with surrounding
development;
3. The Comprehensive Sign Program contains provisions to accommodate future
revisions that may be required because of changes in use or tenants; and
4. The Comprehensive Sign Program complies with the standards of this Chapter,
except that flexibility is allowed with regard to sign area, number, location, and/or
height to the extent that the signs proposed under the Comprehensive Sign
Program will enhance the overall development, achieve superior quality design,
and will more fully accomplish the purposes of this Chapter.
G. Revisions to Comprehensive Sign Programs. The Director of Community
Development may approve revisions to a Comprehensive Sign Program if the intent of
the original approval is not affected. Revisions that would substantially deviate from the
original approval shall require the approval of a new/revised Comprehensive Sign
Program by the Architectural Review Commission.
25.68.110 — Nonconforming Signs
A. Lawfully permitted nonconforming signs.
1. Lawfully permitted on -premises signs existing at the time of the adoption of the
ordinance codified in this Chapter on that do not comply with the
requirements of this Chapter shall be deemed lawful nonconforming signs. .
2. Nonconforming signs shall not be expanded, extended, rebuilt, altered, or
reconstructed in any way, except for normal maintenance or to protect public
safety.
3. It shall be the express responsibility of the seller of property or a business to
advise the buyer of the provisions of this Section relating to the removal of
nonconforming signs upon the transfer of ownership of a business.
B. Lawful nonconforming signs to be removed. It shall be the responsibility of the
business owner, sign owner, or property owner to ensure compliance with this Section.
34
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2503
Nonconforming signs shall be removed or made to comply with the requirements of this
Chapter as follows:
1. Within 30 days of the issuance of a sign permit application for a sign on a
property on which a nonconforming sign(s) exists. Prior to the issuance for a
property on which a nonconforming sign(s) exists, the applicant or owner shall
file with the city an irrevocable bond in the amount of $10,000 to guarantee the
nonconforming sign(s) shall removed or made to conform with the requirements
of this Chapter within a specified time; or
2. Upon the transfer of ownership of the business; or
3. Upon the altering of the nonconforming sign or sign structure in any way or the
addition of new sign(s) or a new sign structure; or
4. After 90 days of the discontinuance of a business or before a new business
occupies the building, whichever comes first.
C. Nonconforming signs maintenance. Except for normal repair or maintenance not
exceeding 50 percent of the value of the sign, nonconforming signs shall not be
modified, altered, moved, or replaced except in compliance with the requirements of this
Chapter.
D. Lawful nonconforming offsite signs (i.e. billboards). Nothing contained in this
Chapter shall be construed to limit the ability of an owner of a lawful nonconforming off -
site sign (i.e. billboard) to periodically change advertising copy.
25.68.120 — Abandoned Signs
A. Removal of abandoned signs.
1. An abandoned sign or an abandoned nonconforming sign shall be removed
within 30 days by the owner or lessee of the premises upon which the sign is
located or by a person, organization, or other entity that directly or indirectly
receives a benefit from the information contained on the sign. All wording
advertising or relating to the discontinued business shall be removed from all
nonconforming signs.
2. A sign frame or structure that has been abandoned shall be removed within 30
days by the owner or lessee of the premises upon which the sign frame or
structure is located.
B. Presumption that a sign is abandoned. A sign that identifies or advertises a business
that has ceased; is located upon a structure that has been abandoned by its owner; has
not identified a bona fide business, lessor, service, owner, product, or activity available
upon the site, for more than 90 days shall be presumed abandoned.
C. Notice that a sign is presumed abandoned. The Director of Community Development
shall send the person responsible for a sign presumed to be abandoned an Abandoned
Sign Notification. Failure of the person to respond within 30 days to the Abandoned
35
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2503
Sign Notification shall serve as prima facie evidence of intentional permanent
abandonment of the sign.
25.68.130 — Abatement of Illegal Signs
A. Enforcement authority. The Director of Community Development shall be the
enforcement authority for this Chapter.
B. Abatement of illegal signs. The Director of Community Development shall not permit,
and shall abate, any sign within the city that fails to meet the requirements of this
Chapter or other applicable law, including temporary signs. Any illegal permanent signs
shall be abated by the City.
C. Notification and appeal. The Director of Community Development shall notify the
owner or user of a permanent sign that has been installed without a sign permit that the
illegal sign shall be removed within 10 days. Upon receipt of this notice, the owner or
user of a permanent sign that is determined to be illegal does have the right to file an
appeal regarding the decision or notice within 10 days thereafter to the City Council
pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 8.20 of this Title.
25.68.140 - Penalties
A. Violations of any of the provisions of this Chapter are infractions and/or misdemeanors
punishable as provided for in Palm Desert Municipal Code, Section 8.20.020(L).
B. If the installation of a sign is commenced prior to obtaining an approved sign permit
application the applicable fee for a sign permit application shall be doubled.
25.68.150 — Definitions
The following words and phrases shall apply in this Chapter:
"Abandoned sign" means a sign that is advertising a use that has ceased; is located upon a
structure that has been abandoned by its owner; does not identify or advertise a current bona
fide business, lessor, service, owner, or product available upon the site; or that identifies or
advertises an event or activity that has occurred.
"Advertising device" means any balloon, flag, pennant, propeller; oscillating, rotating, pulsating,
light; or other contrivance except a sign used to attract attention for the purpose of promoting
(either directly or indirectly), the sale of products of any person.
"Advertising display" means any device, contrivance, statue or structure other than a sign used
as a display, regardless of size and shape, for the purposes of attracting attention or making
anything known, the origin or place of sale of which is on the property with the advertising
display.
"Awning Sign" means a sign painted on, printed on, or attached to the surface of an awning.
36
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2503
"Back -lit Awning" means an internally illuminated, fixed, space -frame structure with translucent,
flexible, fabric reinforced covering designed in awning form and with graphics or copy applied to
the visible surface of the awning.
"Business sign" means a sign displaying information pertaining to goods or services offered or
produced by the business located on the property, but not including advertising devices or
advertising displays.
"Building frontage" means that building elevation that fronts on a public street, alley, driveway,
parking area, pedestrian plaza, courtyard, or arcade.
"Cabinet sign" means a sign that has one or more plastic, acrylic, or similar material faces
(panels) attached to a metal frame (cabinet). These signs may or may not be internally
illuminated.
"Commercial mascot" means humans or animals used as advertising devices, typically by the
holding or wearing of insignia, masks or costumes associated with or advertising the
commercial establishment. Includes sign twirlers, sign clowns, etc.
"Construction sign" means a temporary sign stating the names of those individuals or firms
directly connected with the construction or development project, their addresses and their
telephone numbers.
"Externally lighted sign" means a sign whose immediate source of illumination is not enclosed
by the surface of the sign structure.
"Face or wall of a building" means the outer surface of any main exterior wall or foundation of a
building, including windows and store fronts.
"Freestanding sign" means a sign supported by upright pedestals or braces placed upon or into
the ground and detached from any building.
"Freeway signage" means any building sign that is visible and has frontage along the Interstate -
10.
"Height of a sign" means the greatest vertical distance measured from the ground level directly
beneath the sign to the top of the sign.
"Identification sign" means a sign limited to the identifying name, symbol or insignia, or any
combination thereof, of a building, use, or persons occupying the premises on which the sign is
located.
"Internally lighted sign" means a sign with an immediate source of illumination that is completely
enclosed by the surface of the sign structure.
"Nameplate" means a sign not exceeding one foot by three feet signifying only the name of the
occupant and his occupation or specialty.
"Outdoor advertising structure or sign" means a sign placed for the purpose of advertising
products or services that are not produced, stored, or sold on the property upon which the sign
is located.
37
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2503
"Political sign" means any sign concerning candidates for political office or involving a ballot
issue.
"Price sign" means a sign limited to the name or identification of items or products offered for
sale on the premises, and the price of the items or products.
"Projecting sign" means a sign other than a wall sign suspended from or supported by a building
or structure and projecting outward there from.
"Real estate sign" means a temporary sign advertising the sale, lease, exchange or rent of the
property upon which it is located, and the identification of the person or firm handling the sale,
lease, or rent.
"Roof sign" means a sign affixed on, above, or over the roof of any building, or any sign affixed
to the wall of a building so that it projects above the eave line of a roof. The lowest point of a
mansard style roof shall be considered the eave line.
"Sign" means anything of visual appearance primarily used for, or having the effect of, attracting
attention from the streets, sidewalks or other outside public areas for identification purposes. A
sign shall not mean displays of merchandise or products for sale on the premises, or signs
inside buildings except when less than five feet behind a window and facing public view, or
ornamentation, design, statuary, architecture, landscaping, pictures, paintings, or other art forms
unless, in the case of any exceptions listed in this Chapter, the attraction, because of location,
size, use, or the nature thereof,- has the effect of attracting attention for identification purposes
when viewed from an outside public area. The basic intent behind this definition is not to
discourage product displays, design or art forms epitomizing simplicity, good taste, and
compatibility with the community's desired image.
"Sign face" means the surface or that portion of a sign that is visible from a single point as a flat
surface or a plane and considered together with the frame and the background.
"Vehicle sign" means any sign that is attached to or painted on a vehicle or trailer that is parked
on or adjacent to any property, the principal purpose of which is to direct people to a business,
or attract attention to a product sold or business located on the same property or nearby. On
street legal vehicles, the following signs or insignia are not considered to be "Vehicle Signs,"
and are not regulated as Vehicle signs:
1. Messages on a vehicle where the primary purpose of which is to be used in the regular
course of business to transport the personnel or products, or to provide the services (not
including general advertising) that are advertised on the vehicle;
2. Commercial messages that do not exceed a total of 3 square feet in size; and
3. Commercial messages on mass transit vehicles that pass through the city.
"Wall sign" means a sign attached to or erected on the exterior wall of the building or structure
or on a canopy marquee or similar overhang with the exposed face of the sign in a plane
approximately parallel to the plane of the exterior wall and not extending above the eave line.
The lowest part of a mansard -style roof shall be considered the eave line.
38
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2503
"Window sign" means a sign posted, painted, placed, or affixed in or on a window exposed to
public view. An interior sign that faces a window exposed to public view that is located within
five feet of the window is considered a window sign for the purpose of calculating the total area
of all window signs.
39