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HomeMy WebLinkAbout0968 ORDINANCE NO. 968 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA; REGULATING ADVERTISING STRUCTURES, SIGNS AND BILUlOARDS IN SAID CITY. THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS. The following terms, words and their derivatives, as used in this ordinance, are hereby defined as follows: a. PERSON. Is defined to mean and include both singular and plural and shall also mean and include person, individual. firm, corporation, copartnership, association, club, society or any other organization or any combination thereof. b. ADVERTISING STRUCTURE. Is defined as any structure and all parts thereof which is erected or used exclusively for ad- vertising purposes upon which any poster, bill, bulletin, printing, painting, device or other advertising of any kind whatsoever is placed, posted, tacked, or otherwise fastened or affixed. The definition shall also include glass tube outlining for advertising or decorative purposes and electric signs. c. GROUND SIGN. Is defined to be any advertising stl~C- ture supported wholly or in part by uprights or braces placed upon the ground. d. ROOF SIGN. Is defined to be any advertising struc- ture erected upon or above the roof of any building. e. WALL SIGN. Is defined to be any advertising structure attached to any exterior wall of a building, including projecting signs. f. ELECTRIC SIGN, Is defined to be an advertising struc- ture served or energized with electrical current for purposes of illumination or for any other purpose. g. TEMPORARY SIGN. Is defined to mean any sign, not an electrical or roof sign, with an advertising surface of not more -1- INDJ;)(cD 968 than twelve (12) square feet, and which is used to advertise goods, wares or merchandise, or any other business, and such sign shall be located on the premises where such goods, wares or merchandise are sold or such business conducted. Such a sign may not be used for a period exceeding ninety (90) days. h. FREEWAY. Is defined to mean a highway, in respect to which, the owners of abutting lands have no right or easement of access to or from their abutting lands or, in respect to which, the owners have only limited or restricted right or easement of access, and which is declared to be such in compliance with the Streets and Highways Code of the State of California. i. SIGN. Is defined to be any outdoor advertising dis- play or outdoor advertising structure. J. PROJECTING SIGN. Is defined to be any wall sign with its advertising surface other than flat against a wall of a building. k. PAINTED SIGN. Is defined to be any sign painted on the wall or roof of a building, and shall pertain only to the busi- ness or service conducted within such building. 1. BILLBOARD. Is defined to be any ground sign adver- tising any product or service which is not sold or performed on the property on which said sign is located. SECTION 2. ADVERTISING STRUCTURE PROHIBITED. a. No person, as principal, agent or otherwise, shall erect or construct or cause or permit to be erected or constructed any advertising structure except as permitted by the provisions of Zoning Ordinance No. 760, as amended, and applicable setback ordi- nances. b. No person, as principal, agent or otherwise, shall erect or construct or cause or permit to be erected or constructed any advertising structure upon or over any publiC sidewalk, street, alley or other publiC place except as may be permitted herein or required by ordinance or law. c. No person shall erect or maintain any advertising sign which projects over publiC property unless such sign conforms -2- 968 with all the fOllowing conditions: (1) The horizontal clearance between a sign and the curb line shall be not less than two (2) feet. (2) Below a height of ten (10) feet above the side- walk grade such sign may extend over public property not more than six (6) inches. (3) At a height of ten (10) feet or more above the sidewalk grade such sign may extend over public property not more than five (5) feet. (4) On state highways all such signs shall not ex- ceed limits established by the State of California. d. No person shall erect or maintain any advertising structure, any portion of which is less than three (3) feet distant from the immediate adjoining property line, when the property con- tiguous thereto is occupied by a building with openings immediately opposite therein which are within three (3) feet of said adjoining property line; provided, however, that one end of the advertising structure may be nearer than three (3) feet distant from the adja- cent property line if the advertising structure is placed stan angle away from the building so that no openings within six (6) feet dis- tant from the advertising structure are covered; provided, further, that the advertising surface of a structure may be placed against a blank wall co-existent with the.immediate adjoining property line. SECTION 3. DESIGN AND MAINTENANCE OF ADVERTISING STRUC- ; TUIlES. a. It shall be unlawful for any person to erect or main- tain any advertising structure over twelve (12) square feet in area or any sign over public property with an advertising surface of any substance except metal, other non-inflammable material, or approved plas tic. b. It shall be unlawful for any person owning or control- l1ng an advertising structure to fail to keep such structure in a state of good repair at all times with all braces, bolts, clips and supporting frame free from deterioration, termite infestation, rot, -3- 968 rust, loosening, and in such condition that at all times it will with- stand a wind pressure of not less than twenty (20) pounds per square foot of exposed surface. Any advertising structure shall be removed or obliterated within'a period of thirty (30) days after its period of usefulness as an advertising structure has ceased. c. No billboard may be erected any portion of which is more than twenty (20) feet above the curb level of the street upon which the sign faces. d. No billboard m~y be erected the advertising surface of which is less than four (4) feet above the surface of the ground. The area between the sign and the ground shall be open and unob- structed except for the supporting structures. e. No billboard may be erected any part of which is less than five (5) feet from a public street. f. No billboard may be erected any part of which is less than fifteen (15) feet from any property in a residential zone. g. No advertising structure may have a total surface area of more than three hundred thirty (330) square feet. h. No advertising structure may have a total length of more than thirty (30) feet. i. No advertising structure, if located less than one hundred (100) feet from property in a residential zone, shall be floodlighted between the hours of 10:00 P.M. and 6:00 A.M., no flood- lights shall shine on any residential property and there shall not be any flashing or blinking lights. j. No billboard shall be lighted with flashing, blinking or moving lights. SECTION 4. NAME OF OWNERS ON ALL ADVERTISING STRUCTURES. No advertising structure or sign shall be erected unless the name of the person erecting, constructing, owning or controlling the said advertising structure is plainly and permanently marked, painted or outlined above such advertising structure or in a con- spicuous place tre reon. -4- 968 SECTION 5. IMMORAL OR UNLAWFUL ADVERTISING PROHIBITED. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to exhibit, post, or display or to cause or permit to be e~libited, posted, or displayed any obscene, indecent, immoral or unlawful act, suggestion, business or purpose. SECTION 6. SIGNS INTERFERING WITH TRA...?FIC. No person, as principal, agent or otherwise, shall erect or construct or cause or permit to be erected or constructed any advertising structure or sign which simulates or imitates in size, color, lettering or design any traffic sign in a manner as to inter- fere with, mislead or confuse traffic. SECTION 7. TEMPORARY SIGNS. It shall be unlawful for any person to erect or maintain any temporary sign that is not safely secured in place, or to erect or maintain any temporary sign that projects over public property. SECTION 8. ELECTRIC SIGNS. In addition to the requirements of Section 3 and other sections of this ordinance relative to design and maintenance of all advertising structures, no person shall erect or install any elec- tric sign without first submitting an application for a sign permit for an electric sign and an electrical permit together with data, designs and other information to show definitely to the satisfaction of the Building Official that all provisions of any electrical code of the City of Arcadia governing the sale, installation and mainte- nance of electrical equipment are complied with, and obtaining the approval of the installation by the Building Official, provided, however, that no permit for an electric sign may be issued unless the contractor holds an electric sign contractor's license as issued by the State of California. SECTION 9. ROOF SIGNS. a. In addition to the requirements of Section 3 and other sections of this ordinance relative to design and maintenance of -5- 968 advertising structures, no person shall erect any roof sign without first submitting an application for a sign permit for a roof sign, together with data, designs and other information to show definitely to the satisfaction of the Building Official that any sub-structure or supporting surface upon which a roof sign is erected is in good condition, is adequately strong to support the load and that the con- struction and design of such sub-structure will provide a safe and adequate connection to any sills, braces, or framework supporting a roof sign. b. No person shall erect or maintain a roof sign on any roof in a location where any portion of the advertising structure or its supporting framework will interfere with the free use of any stairway, fire escape or other means of exit. or with vente, shafts or standpipes, or in a manner which will obstruct any window, venti- lator or doorway which is required by law or ordinance, and a mini- mum of four (4) feet of clear space except for support uprights shall be maintained between the bottom of the sign and the roof. c. No person shall erect or maintain any temporary sign upon or over any roof. d. No person shall erect or maintain a roof sign which projects beyond the property linej but this provision shall not apply in the case of a projecting sign when such sign returns over the parapet wall and is made a combination of a projecting and a roof sign in accordance with the provisions governing the projection of signs over PUblic property. e. No portion of any roof sign shall exceed a height of more than twenty (20) feet above the roof, or more than fifty (50) feet above the curb level of the street upon which the building ~s. f. All roof signs shall be limited to: (1) The name of the building whereon the sign is located. (2) The name of the person, firm or corporation oc- cupying the building and the type of business conducted therein by such person, firm or corporation. -6- 968 (3) The name of the product manufactured on the premises. (4) Advertising which is strictly incidental to, and subordinate to, a lawful use of the premises on which it is located, including signs advertising services rendered or goods sold on the premises. SECTION 10. WALL SIGNS. a. In addition to requirements of Section 3 and other sections of this ordinance relative to design and maintenance of ad- vertising structures, no person shall erect a wall sign without sub- mitting an.application for a sign permit for a wall sign together with data to prove conclusively to the satisfaction of the Building Official that any supporting wall or portion thereof upon which a wall sign is erected is in good condition and adequately strong to securely and safely support such sign and shall, in addition, pro- vide safe and proper connections to the sign framework. b. No person shall erect or maintain ,any electrical wall sign in which glass or other transparent material forms a part of or is used unless such material conforms to the Board of Fire Under- writer's specifications. SECTION 11. ADVERTISrnG STRUCTURES PROHIBITED ADJACENT TO FREEWAYS. No advertising structure shall be erected. constructed. relocated or maintained, regardless of the district or zone in which it is located if: a. Such structure is designed. to have, or has, the adver- tising thereon maintained primarily to be viewed from a main traveled roadway of a freeway, or b. Such structure, because of its location, size, nature or tyPe, 'constitues, or tends to constitute, a hazard to the safe and efficient operation of vehicles upon a freeway, or creates a condition which endangers the safety of persons or property upon a freeway. -7- 968 c. Exceptions: The provisions of this Section shall not ap- ply to any advertising structure on which the advertising is limited to: (1) The name of the building whereon the sign is located. (2) The name of the person, firm or corporation occupying the building, and the type of business conducted therein by such person, firm or corporation. (3) The name of the product manufactured on the premises. (4) Advertising which is strictly incidental to, and sub- ordinate to. a lawful use of the premises on which it is located, including signs advertising services rendered or goods sold on the premises. SECTION 12. PERMITS. a. No person shall erect, install or construct any adver- tising structure or add to an existing structure or move from one location and erect in another location within the City of Arcadia, or alter, any advertising structure or any part thereof, or cause the same to be done without first obtaining a permit to do so from the Building Department and such permit may be known and referred to as a sign permit. Repainting of an advertising structure. or the changing of advertising copy thereon, shall not be considered an alteration which requires a sign permit unless a structural change is made or exposed area is increased. b. Any person desiring a sign permit as required by this ordinance shall file with the Building Department an application therefor in writing on a blank form to be furnished for that purpose. Every application for a sign permit shall describe the land or the building upon which the proposed advertising structure is to be erected by lot, block, street number or similar general description which will readily identify and definitely locate the proposed ad- vertising structure. Accompanying every application for a sign per- mit, there shall be filed two (2) sets of plans, drawn to scale of such clarity to indicate the location, dimensions and design of such -8- 968 structure. After checking, and if the plans and specifications are found to be in conformity with the requirements of this ordinance, the Building Official shall, upon recipt of the required fee. issue a permit therefor. SECTION 13. FEES. In addition to all license fees the Building Official shall charge and collect the following fees in advance for permits: For each ground sign or, billboard, ten cents per square foot of advertising surface. For each roof sign, twenty cents per square foot of advertising surface. For each wall sign, ten cents per square foot of advertising surface. However, the minimum fee shall be $2.50. SECTION 14. INSPECTION. a. The Building Official may inspect or cause to be in- spected at any time during the erection, construction, enlarging, thereof alteration or moving/of any advertising structure referred to in this ordinance and locate d in the City of Arcadia. b. No person shall continue or proceed with any sign construction work in violation of this ordinance, or of any other ordinance regulating sign construction after receipt of any notice from the Building Official to stop work, until such work has been made to comply with the provisions of this ordinance or such other ordinances, and it shall be unlawful for any person to maintain any unsafe or dangerous sign construction until instructions, given by the Building Official, to make such construction safe have been complied with. SECTION 15. PENALTIES. Every person violating or failing, neglecting or refusing to comply with any of the provisions of this ordinance shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars ($5JO.OO) or by imprisonment for not more than six (6) months; and each such per- son, as principal, agent or otherwise, shall be deemed guilty of a -9- 968 separate offense for each day during any portion of which the viola- tion of, or failure, neglect or refusal to comply with, any of the provisions of this ordinance is committed, continued or permitted by such person, and no such person, as principal, agent or otherwise, shall maintain or use any advertising structure, billboard, sign, signboard, wall or roof sign not constructed or maintained inac- cordance with the provisions of this ordinance for more than ten (10) days after written noti~e from the Building Department, setting forth that such advertising structure, billboard, sign, signboard, wall or roof sign is not constructed or maintained in accordance with the provisions of this ordinance, and specifying the respect or respects in which the same does not comply with the provisions of this ordinance, and directing such person to remove or alter the same to comply with the provisions of this ordinance. SECTION 16. REPEAL OF CONFLICTING ORDINANCES. All ordinances or parts thereof in conflict herew~th are repealed with the passage of this ordinance. SECTION 17. VALIDITY. If any section, sub-section, sentence, clause or phrase of this ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconsti- tutional, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remain- ing portions of this ordinance. The Mayor and City Council of the City of Arcadia hereby declare that it would have passed this ordi- nance, and each section, sub-section, sentence, clause and phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that anyone or more other sec- tions, sub-sections, sentences, clauses, or phrases be declared in- valid or unconstitutional. SECTION 18. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this ordinance and prior to the expiration of fifteen (15) days from the passage thereof shall cause the same to be publiShed once in the Arcadia Tribune, a newspaper of general circulation, pub- lished and circulated in the City of Arcadia. I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Ordinance was adopted -10- 968 at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Arcadia held on the 2nd day of October , 1956, by the affirmative vote of at least three Councilmen, to wit: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Councilmen Jacobi, Phillips and Reibold Councilman Dennis Councilman Camphouse P&;f(i~J}&n~~ SIGNED AND APPROVED this day of October , 1956. -11- 968