CC 2018-05-08_10a Introduce Ord_Temporary Noncommercial Signs
MEMORANDUM
TO: CITY COUNCIL
FROM: TERESA McCLISH, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
BY: MATTHEW DOWNING, PLANNING MANAGER
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT 17-004;
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 16 OF THE ARROYO GRANDE MUNICIPAL
CODE REGARDING EXEMPT SIGNS; LOCATION – CITYWIDE;
APPLICANT – CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE
DATE: MAY 8, 2018
SUMMARY OF ACTION:
Introduction and future adoption of the Ordinance will modify the City’s current sign
ordinance to replace regulations governing “Political and Religious Signs” as
“Temporary Noncommercial Signs,” maintaining consistency with the City’s
longstanding policy of regulating signage in a constitutional manner.
IMPACT ON FINANCIAL AND PERSONNEL RESOURCES:
No financial impact is projected as a result of adopting the Ordinance. Enforcement of
the new sign regulations will continue to be on complaint basis and therefore impacts
associated with enforcement are anticipated to be limited.
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council introduce an Ordinance amending portions of
Title 16 of the Arroyo Grande Municipal Code regarding temporary noncommercial
signs.
BACKGROUND:
The City has rules in place in order to regulate the display of signage throughout Arroyo
Grande. These rules are largely contained in Arroyo Grande Municipal Code (AGMC)
Chapter 16.60. The purpose of these regulations is to protect the character, quality of
life, and economic health of the City by maintaining the suitability and appropriateness
of allowed signs in a manner that benefits the public and minimizes visual clutter. For
many years, the City has provided opportunities for temporary political and religious
signs on private property and held that these types of signs are exempt from sign
permitting requirements but subject to certain size limitations (Attachment 1). This
method of regulation is consistent with the United States Supreme Court’s decision in
City of LaDue v. Gilleo (1994).
Item 10.a. - Page 1
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT 17-004
MAY 8, 2018
PAGE 2
In the 2015 case of Reed v. Town of Gilbert, the Supreme Court held that absent a
compelling reason, a City may not provide preferential treatment in providing
opportunities for posting noncommercial messages on signs based on the sign’s
content. This decision has necessitated changes to the regulations specific to AGMC
Subsection 16.60.050.I. for consistency with the Court’s decision. Although a full sign
code update has not been prioritized by Council in recent years, work continues on the
remaining regulations as time and personnel resources permit. However, due to the
upcoming 2018 elections, it was determined that revising the current regulations to
ensure consistency with the Court’s ruling is necessary.
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission reviewed the proposed Ordinance at the April 17, 2018
meeting. The Commission was supportive of the proposed Ordinance and made minor
modifications to ensure message substitutions do not impact originally approved sign
designs and allowing for temporary noncommercial signs to be affixed to permanent
structures in the instances that windows are unavailable. These recommendations have
been included in the prepared Ordinance.
ANALYSIS OF ISSUES:
The prepared Ordinance proposes modifications to three (3) areas of the Development
Code (Title 16 of the AGMC). These modifications include the addition of a definition of
“Noncommercial Sign,” a statement allowing for the substitution of noncommercial
messages where commercial messages have previously been approved, and the
specific modification of regulations pertaining to political and religious signs.
Definitions
The prepared Ordinance proposes to add the following definition of “Noncommercial
Sign”:
“Noncommercial Sign” means a sign, or portion of a sign, which displays
noncommercial speech, e.g., commentary or advocacy on topics of public debate
and concern. This definition shall be construed and interpreted in light of relevant
court decisions. Noncommercial messages do not have a location factor, such as
on-site or off-site.
This definition has been developed in coordination with the City Attorney in order to
clearly identify what constitutes noncommercial signage from commercial signage,
which is a distinction recognized by the courts. Importantly, the definition includes the
fact that noncommercial messages do not have a location factor, as the City has further
regulation of on-site and off-site signage.
Message Substitution Clause
A message substitution clause has been included in the prepared Ordinance as a
means to prevent any inadvertent favoring of commercial speech over noncommercial
speech, which is legally not permissible. The message substitution clause does not
Item 10.a. - Page 2
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT 17-004
MAY 8, 2018
PAGE 3
allow for the increase in the total number or size of permanent signage, nor does it
exempt an individual from being required to seek appropriate permits for the installation
of such signage. In other words, if a property owner or business tenant, with property
owner permission, desires to replace a previously permitted commercial message with a
noncommercial message, they would be permitted to do so if the sign area remains at
or below that previously approved and a permit is obtained.
Temporary Noncommercial Signs
The primary focus of the proposed Ordinance centers on the change of political and
religious signs to temporary noncommercial signs. These types of signs are currently
identified as exempt from further permitting requirements if they meet certain design
criteria. Current regulations allow for political and religious signs to be displayed if:
Signs are no larger than sixteen (16) square feet;
Are placed on private property with consent of the property owner; and
Are displayed no sooner than sixty (60) days prior to an election if they are for an
upcoming election.
In general, the majority of issues that arise from these regulations are a result of signs
being placed in the public right-of-way. This is prohibited to protect public health and
safety and limit City liability resulting from improperly located or mounted signage. In
order to continue to allow for noncommercial speech to be displayed, and to not have
content based restrictions on speech due to the categorization of temporary signage
(i.e. “political” and “religious”), this Subsection of the AGMC is proposed to be retitled to
regulate “Temporary Noncommercial Signs.” Properties in Arroyo Grande would be
allowed to display, without obtaining a permit, noncommercial signs limited to the
following regulations:
One (1) sign is allowed per property;
Size can be no larger than six (6) square feet;
Signs can be no taller than four feet (4’) in height as measured from the ground
underneath the sign; and
Signs must be affixed to the ground or located in the window of a permanent
structure.
The requirements for signs to be placed on private property with property owner
permission remains unchanged from the current regulations. However, during certain
times of the year additional signage may be desired to adequately allow for the display
of noncommercial messages. In order to accommodate this, the proposed Ordinance
allows for the display of an unlimited number of temporary, noncommercial signs per
property and increases in sign size to the previously established sixteen (16) square
feet. The proposed Ordinance allows for two (2) of these increases per year, lasting
sixty (60) days each. Although a recent non-binding court opinion in a preliminary ruling
in a case that subsequently settled found that specifically allowing these increases at
elections creates a de facto preference for political speech, the prepared Ordinance
does suggest that these time periods be typically during an election period in which City
electors may vote. However, the Ordinance does not make this a requirement. The City
Item 10.a. - Page 3
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT 17-004
MAY 8, 2018
PAGE 4
Attorney agrees that while this suggestion will help steer residents and businesses to
the intent of additional allowances, it remains content neutral in accordance with the
recent court opinions following Reed. It is important to note that sign regulation is a
constantly evolving topic, particularly following the Supreme Court’s decision in Reed,
and will be closely monitored by the City in case additional modifications are deemed
necessary.
The allowance for increased display periods does raise enforcement issues on tracking
the different display periods of properties in the City. However, violations will be handled
and tracked on a complaint basis, consistent with the City’s Code Enforcement
priorities, in order to address this issue.
Public Education
The Planning Commission discussed the need to provide education to the public
regarding the City’s temporary sign regulations. It is anticipated that the Planning
Division’s webpage will be modified to add a separate page informing those interested
of the City’s regulations. Additionally, a draft brochure has been created and will also be
available on the City’s website and at City Hall (Attachment 2). The Council should feel
free to provide feedback on the brochure if deemed necessary.
ALTERNATIVES:
The following alternatives are provided for the Council’s consideration:
1. Introduce the attached Ordinance approving Development Code Amendment 17-
004;
2. Modify and introduce the attached Ordinance approving Development Code
Amendment 17-004; or
3. Do not introduce the attached Ordinance and provide direction to staff.
ADVANTAGES:
The City will continue to regulate temporary, noncommercial signage in a manner that is
consistent with the United States Constitution, recent court cases decided by the
Supreme Court, and in a manner that protects the character, quality of life, and
economic health of the City.
DISADVANTAGES:
The proposed modifications will allow properties to temporarily display noncommercial
signs in a manner that is previously unfamiliar to residents. This specifically includes the
display of an unlimited number of noncommercial signs on properties for up to 120 days
per year. Over time, however, to remain consistent with the United States Constitution,
these changes will become more familiar and commonplace, leading to better
understanding and compliance by the community.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the State CEQA
Guidelines, and the Arroyo Grande Procedures for the Implementation of CEQA, the
Item 10.a. - Page 4
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT 17-004
MAY 8, 2018
PAGE 5
proposed project has been determined to be categorically exempt per Section 15308 of
the Guidelines regarding actions by regulatory agencies for protection of the
environment.
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION AND COMMENTS:
A notice of public hearing was published in The Tribune and posted at City Hall and on
the City’s website on Friday, April 27, 2018. The Agenda was posted at City Hall and on
the City’s website in accordance with Government Code Section 54954.2. At the time of
report publication, no comments have been received.
Attachment:
1. Arroyo Grande Municipal Code Subsection 16.60.050.I.
2. Draft public education brochure regarding temporary noncommercial sign
regulations
Item 10.a. - Page 5
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF ARROYO GRANDE AMENDING PORTIONS OF TITLE
16 OF THE ARROYO GRANDE MUNICIPAL CODE
REGARDING TEMPORARY NONCOMMERCIAL SIGNS
WHEREAS, the purpose of the City’s sign regulations is to protect the character, quality
of life, and economic health of the City by maintaining the suitability and
appropriateness of allowed signs in a manner that benefits the public and minimizes
visual clutter; and
WHEREAS, the City has for many years provided opportunities for temporary political
and religious signs on private property, exempt from sign permitting requirements but
subject to certain size limitations and requirements, consistent with the United States
Supreme Court’s decision in City of LaDue v. Gilleo (1994) 114 S.Ct. 2038; and
WHEREAS, in the case of Reed v. Town of Gilbert (2015) 135 S. Ct. 2218, the United
States Supreme Court held that absent a compelling reason, a city may not provide
preferential treatment in providing opportunities for posting noncommercial messages
on signs based on the sign’s content; and
WHEREAS, the proposed amendments contained in this ordinance are intended to
further the City’s longstanding policy of regulating signage in a constitutional manner;
and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of Arroyo Grande has reviewed the
proposed amendments to the City’s sign regulations and recommended adoption of the
regulations; and
WHEREAS, after consideration of all testimony and all relevant evidence, the City
Council has determined that the following Development Code Amendment findings can
be made in an affirmative manner:
A. The proposed changes to Title 16 of the Municipal Code will allow for temporary
noncommercial signage to be located in a manner that is appropriate and
suitable to protect the character, quality of life and economic health of the City
while being consistent with the United States Constitution and rulings of the
Supreme Court regarding signage issues.
B. The proposed revisions to Title 16 will not adversely affect the public health,
safety, and welfare or result in an illogical land use pattern.
Item 10.a. - Page 6
ORDINANCE NO.
PAGE 2
C. The proposed revisions to Title 16 are consistent with the purpose and intent of
Title 16, satisfy the intent of Chapter 16.60 of the Municipal Code, and provide for
internal consistency.
The proposed revisions to Title 16 are exempt from review under the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per 14 CCR § 15308.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Arroyo Grande
as follows:
SECTION 1. The above recitals are true and correct and incorporated herein by this
reference.
SECTION 2. The following definition of “noncommercial sign” is hereby added to Arroyo
Grande Municipal Code Subsection 16.04.070.C to read as follows:
“Noncommercial Sign” means a sign, or portion of a sign, which displays
noncommercial speech, e.g., commentary or advocacy on topics of public debate and
concern. This definition shall be construed and interpreted in light of relevant court
decisions. Noncommercial messages do not have a location factor, such as on-site or
off-site.
SECTION 3. Arroyo Grande Municipal Code Section 16.60.030 is hereby amended to
add Subsection H in its entirety as follows:
H. Message Substitution. Subject to the property owner’s consent, a noncommercial
message of any type may be substituted, in whole or in part, for any duly permitted
or authorized commercial message or any duly permitted or allowed noncommercial
message, provided that the sign structure or mounting device is legal without
consideration of message content. Such substitution of message, if in conformance
with the originally approved sign design, may be made without any additional
approval or permitting. In addition, on non-residential uses, any display area for
permanent signs, which is unused, may be used for display of noncommercial
messages on temporary signs for a maximum of sixty (60) days in any one (1)
calendar year. The purpose of this provision is to prevent any inadvertent favoring of
commercial speech over noncommercial speech, or favoring of any particular
noncommercial message over any other noncommercial message. This provision:
1. Does not create a right to increase the total amount of permanent signage on a
parcel, lot or land use;
2. Does not affect the requirement that a sign structure or mounting device be
properly permitted;
3. Does not allow a change in the physical structure of a sign or its mounting
device;
4. Does not allow the substitution of an off-site commercial message in place of an
on-site commercial message or noncommercial message.
Item 10.a. - Page 7
ORDINANCE NO.
PAGE 3
However, simple face changes not involving off-site commercial advertising or
changes to the physical structure or mounting device of the sign may be made
without further permitting when the sign structure has already been permitted and is
in full compliance with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
SECTION 4. Arroyo Grande Municipal Code Subsection 16.60.050.I. is hereby replaced
in its entirety as follows:
I. Temporary Noncommercial Signs.
1. Limited to a maximum of one (1) sign per property, no larger than six (6) square
feet, four feet (4’) in height as measured from the ground underneath the sign,
placed on private property with the express consent of the property owner, and
directly affixed to the ground, located on, or located in the window of a
permanent structure, and which comply with all other applicable provisions of this
chapter.
2. Up to two (2) times per year, additional temporary noncommercial signs are
permitted, with increases in sign size of no larger than sixteen (16) square feet,
limited to sixty (60) days in duration. These times are typically, but not required to
be, during any “election period”, which shall mean the period before any national,
state, or local election in which city electors may vote, up through the date of the
election.
SECTION 5. If any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, or clause of
this Ordinance or any part thereof is for any reason held to be unlawful, such decision shall
not affect the validity of the remaining portion of this Ordinance or any part thereof. The
City Council hereby declares that it would have passed each section, subsection,
subdivision, paragraph, sentence, or clause thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or
more section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, or clause be declared
unconstitutional.
SECTION 6. Upon adoption of this Ordinance, the City Clerk shall file a Notice of
Exemption pursuant to Section 15062 of the State CEQA Guidelines.
SECTION 7. A summary of this Ordinance shall be published in a newspaper published
and circulated in the City of Arroyo Grande at least five (5) days prior to the City Council
meeting at which the proposed Ordinance is to be adopted. A certified copy of the full
text of the proposed Ordinance shall be posted in the office of the City Clerk. Within
fifteen (15) days after adoption of the Ordinance, the summary with the names of those
City Council Members voting for and against the Ordinance shall be published again,
and the City Clerk shall post a certified copy of the full text of such adopted Ordinance.
SECTION 8. This Ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days after its adoption.
Item 10.a. - Page 8
ORDINANCE NO.
PAGE 4
On motion of Council Member , seconded by Council Member , and on the
following roll call vote to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
The foregoing Ordinance was adopted this ____ day of ______________, 2018.
Item 10.a. - Page 9
ORDINANCE NO.
PAGE 5
___________________________________
JIM HILL, MAYOR
ATTEST:
___________________________________
KELLY WETMORE, CITY CLERK
APPROVED AS TO CONTENT:
___________________________________
JAMES A. BERGMAN, CITY MANAGER
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_____________________________________
HEATHER K. WHITHAM, CITY ATTORNEY
Item 10.a. - Page 10
ATTACHMENT 1
16.60.050 ‐ Exempt signs.
The following signs shall be exempt from the administrative sign permit, administrative sign program,
and planned sign program requirements, and shall be permitted subject to the limitations contained in this
section. A greater number of signs or signs of larger size than specified below shall be prohibited, unless
elsewhere specifically permitted by, and an appropriate permit obtained consistent with, the provisions of
this chapter.
A. Temporary banners, decorations and searchlights in accordance with the following provisions:
1. Banners.
a. Shall not exceed twenty-four (24) square-feet.
b. Shall be professionally printed on vinyl or plastic.
c. Shall be firmly attached to the building, below the roofline.
d. Shall be registered with the community development department prior to display.
e. Shall not be displayed for more than thirty (30) days in any ninety-day period.
2. Pennants, Balloons and Flags.
a. Shall not contain any text or other advertising message.
b. Shall not be displayed for more than three days in any thirty-day period.
3. Searchlights.
a. Shall be directed upwards into the sky and not at any point on land.
b. Shall not be displayed for more than three (3) days in any thirty-day period.
B. Permanent window signs provided that all of the following are met:
1. The total area of such signs does not exceed twenty (20) percent of the window area.
2. The sign is no greater than twenty-four (24) square-feet.
3. Signage is limited to street-facing windows.
C. Real estate signs for sales, rental or lease subject to the following regulations:
1. Residential dwellings offered for sale, rent or lease on an individual basis not in association
with a subdivision or apartment complex, one sign per separate street frontage not
exceeding six square feet each and six feet in height. Such signs shall be removed within
ten (10) calendar days after the sale has been closed or the property has been rented or
leased. Signs shall not create sight distance hazards.
2. One sign per street frontage to advertise the sale, lease or rent of commercial or industrial
property, provided all of the following are met:
a. Such signs shall have a maximum area of thirty-two (32) square feet each, and be no
greater than eight feet in height.
b. Signs shall not create sight distance hazards for pedestrians or vehicles.
c. Such signs shall be removed within ten (10) calendar days of the close of the sale or
termination of the lease or rental agreement.
d. Where a project has in excess of six hundred (600) lineal feet of street frontage, one
additional sign shall be permitted for each full six hundred (600) lineal feet of street
frontage.
D. Subdivision signs subject to the following regulations:
Item 10.a. - Page 11
1. Off-site unlighted signs advertising subdivisions within the city, containing only the name of
the subdivision, the name of the developer and/or agent, an identification emblem and a
directional arrow shall be permitted, provided:
a. There shall be no more than three such signs located within the city limits for each
subdivision. Signs must be located on private property.
b. The total area of each sign shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet.
c. The total height of each sign shall not exceed eight feet.
d. Directional subdivision signs may be displayed during the two years following the date
of recordation of the final map or until ninety (90) percent of the lots have been sold,
whichever is earlier.
2. One on-site subdivision sign per subdivision entrance shall be permitted provided the total
area per sign is not greater than thirty-two (32) square feet and sign height does not
exceed eight feet. Such on-site signs shall be permitted to remain only as long as a sales
office is maintained in the subdivision or until ninety (90) percent of the lots have been sold
and provided that such signs are maintained in good condition as determined by the
building official.
E. Architect, contractor or construction signs, providing the name of architect(s) and/or
contractor(s) working on the site, subject to the following:
1. For residential projects greater than four dwelling units, up to two signs may be placed on
the construction site; provided, that the total area of each sign shall not exceed twelve (12)
square feet, maximum height shall be six feet, and the sign is located no closer than ten
(10) feet to any property line.
2. For commercial and industrial projects, up to two signs may be placed on the construction
site; provided, that the total area of each sign shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet,
maximum height shall be six feet, and the sign is located no closer than ten (10) feet to any
property line.
3. For all other projects, a total of two signs may be placed on the construction site, provided
that the total area of each sign shall not exceed eight square feet, maximum height six feet,
and the sign is located no closer than five feet to any property line.
F. Future tenant identification sign to advertise the future use of an approved project on the
property may be placed on vacant or developing property to give the location where information
may be obtained, subject to the following:
1. Only one future tenant identification sign per parcel may be permitted.
2. Future tenant identification signs shall be limited to a maximum of thirty-two (32) square
feet and four feet in height.
3. The sign shall be placed no closer than ten (10) feet to any property line.
4. Such signs shall not be erected until a building permit is issued for the development and
shall be removed within one year from the date of the building permit.
5. Where a project has in excess of six hundred (600) lineal feet of street frontage, one
additional future tenant identification sign shall be permitted for each full six hundred (600)
lineal feet of street frontage.
G. Residential Signs.
1. Multiple-family residential building identification signs limited to address and building
number or letter. One wall sign per building frontage located below the roof line, limited to a
maximum area of two square feet and a maximum letter height of four inches.
Item 10.a. - Page 12
2. Residential name plate: one name plate per parcel for single-family residential or
agricultural uses, limited to a maximum area of two square feet and a maximum letter
height of four inches.
H. Agricultural signs identifying agricultural products grown or raised on the premises subject to the
following:
1. The number of such signs shall be limited to one per street frontage.
2. If wall mounted, the sign shall be located below the roof line.
3. Freestanding signs shall be no higher than six feet.
4. Each sign shall have an area no greater than sixteen (16) square feet and shall be erected
only during the growing and harvest season.
I. Exempt Signs. Political and religious signs which are no larger than sixteen (16) square feet,
placed on private property with the express consent of the property owner and which comply
with all other applicable provisions of this chapter. If the political sign pertains to an upcoming
election, the sign cannot be posted sooner than sixty (60) days prior to the election and must be
removed no later than seven days after the election.
J. Government and noncommercial flags: an official flag, except when displayed in connection with
commercial promotion; provided, that such flags are no greater in size than ten (10) feet by
fifteen (15) feet or as approved with a recommendation from the architectural review committee.
K. Miscellaneous Signs.
1. Interior signs completely within a building when not visible or readable or intended to be
read from off-site or outside of the building or structure;
2. Memorial tablets, plaques, or directional signs for community historical and cultural
resources installed by the city or by a city-recognized historical society or civic
organization;
3. Official and legal notices issued by any court, public body or officer, or in furtherance of
any nonjudicial process by federal, state or local laws;
4. Public utility signs indicating danger or that serve as an aid to public safety, or that show
locations of underground facilities or public telephones;
5. Safety signs on construction sites;
6. Public transportation vehicle signs, including, but not limited to, buses and taxi cabs;
7. Signs on licensed commercial vehicles that are not used or intended for use as portable
signs and that are not specifically prohibited by the provisions of this chapter;
8. Change of copy within an approved planned sign program or administrative sign program
that conforms to the provisions of the approved sign program;
9. Holiday decorations to celebrate nationally recognized holidays and local celebrations;
10. Vehicle-oriented convenience and directional signs solely for the purpose of guiding traffic
and parking on private property, and not bearing advertising material, limited to a maximum
area of two square feet and a maximum letter height of four inches;
11. Directional, warning or informational signs as required or authorized by law or by any
federal, state, county special district or city authority and "No Trespassing," "No Parking,"
"Neighborhood Watch" and similar warning signs, limited to a maximum area of two square
feet and a maximum letter height of four inches;
12. Incidental signs for auto-related uses, motels and hotels that show notices of services
provided or required by law, trade affiliations, and credit cards accepted, provided such
Item 10.a. - Page 13
signs are attached to an otherwise approved ground sign, structure or building and limited
to a maximum area of eight square feet and a maximum letter height of four inches;
13. "Open" and "Closed" signs: one sign per entrance no larger than one square foot in area;
14. Automobile service stations are permitted to have the following additional signs, provided
they conform to the height and setback requirements of the district in which they are
located:
a. State-authorized testing centers. Four square feet per sign, wall mounted only,
b. Price signs: one single- or double-faced sign per street frontage, twenty (20) square
feet maximum per face. This exception is intended to allow for full compliance with
state law for posting of gasoline prices. Portable price signs are not permitted,
c. Pump signs: one sign for each gas pump unit not to exceed two square feet per pump
face or one sign per bank of pumps, not to exceed eight square feet per face,
identifying the gasoline brand and rating only.
15. City-sponsored civic signs for community entrance, identification, direction or information.
L. Banners in accordance with the provisions of the design guidelines and standards for design overlay
district (D-2.11)—Traffic Way and Station Way.
M. Any sign as determined by the community development director to be similar in use and size to the
signs listed above.
(Ord. 590 § 2, Exh. A (part), 2007)
(Ord. No. 634, §§ 2, 3, 6-28-2011; Ord. No. 645, § 6, 8-28-2012)
Item 10.a. - Page 14
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NON-COMMERCIAL
SIGNS
TEMPORARYQUESTIONS
Thank you for your interest in the City’s Temporary
Sign Regulations and for your continued consider-
ation in honoring the spirit of the rules during the
proposed ordinance consideration and implementa-
tion. We hope this information is helpful to you when
making plans to display temporary non-commercial
signs. Please refer to the City’s website for a copy of
the proposed ordinance. E BRANCH STOLOHAN ALLEYS MASON STNELSON STLE POINT STPOOLE STALLEN STN MASON STBRIDGE STTRAFFIC WAYE CHERRY AVEWHITELEY STIDE STCITY OF ARROYO GRANDE
FOR MORE INFORMATION: (805) 473-5420
EFFECTIVE JUNE 21, 2018
MUNICPAL CODE CHAPTER .
P: (805) 473-5420
E: MDOWNING@ARROYOGRANDE.ORG
WWW.ARROYOGRANDE.ORG
CITY HALL
300 E BRANCH ST
ARROYO GRANDE, CA
93420
The City has rules in place in order to regulate the
display of signage in Arroyo Grande Municipal Code
Chapter 16.60.
The purpose of these regulations is to protect the
character, quality of life, and economic health of the
City by maintaining the suitability and appropriate-
ness of allowed signs in a manner that benefits the
public and minimizes visual clutter.
Current regulations allow for “political and
religious signs” to be displayed if:
• Signs are no larger than sixteen () square feet;
• Are placed on private property with consent of
the property owner; and
• Are displayed no sooner than sixty () days
prior to an election if they are for an upcoming
election.
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1Back2
ATTACHMENT 2
Item 10.a. - Page 15
REGULATIONS
Regulations allow for temporary non-commercial
signs (including political and religious signs) to be
displayed if:
1. Limited to a maximum of one (1) sign
per property, no larger than six (6)
square feet, four feet (4’) in height as
measured from the ground underneath
the sign, placed on private property
with the express consent of the property
owner, and directly aixed to the ground,
on, or located in the window of a perma
nent structure, and which comply with
all other applicable provisions of this
chapter.
2. Up to two (2) times per year, additional
temporary non-commercial signs are
permitted, with increases in sign size of
no larger than sixteen (16) square feet,
limited to sixty (60) days in duration. These
times are typically, but not required to be,
during any “election period”, which shall
mean the period before any national, state,
or local election in which city electors may
vote, up through the date of the election.
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HISTORY
For many years, the City has provided oppor-
tunities for temporary political and religious
signs on private property and held that these
types of signs are exempt from sign permit-
ting requirements but subject to certain
limitations. Due to recent changes in case
law pertaining to temporary non-commercial
signs, the City is proposing to clarify current
temporary sign regulations, since as written,
they are not considered enforceable.
DO I NEED A PERMIT?
Not at this time. You simply need to have your
temporary sign conform to the City’s sign
ordinance.
PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY
The public right-of-way includes public
streets, sidewalks, City owned property, or
public easements. It also includes landscap-
ing that is parallel to the street and sidewalk.
Business, advertising/promotional and non-
commercial signs are not permitted within the
public right-of-way.
TEMPORARY SIGNS
FT MAX HEIGHT
SQ FT. MAX SIZE
PUBLIC ROW
GRASS/SIDEWALK
STREET
PRIVATE PROPERTY
543
Item 10.a. - Page 16