HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-03-06; City Council; NS-569; CMC 18.20/21.40 amends - Sign Ordinance Amendments...1
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ORDINANCENO. NS”56g
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA AMENDING THE
SIGN ORDINANCE, TITLE 21, CHAPTER 21.41, AND
THE SIGN CODE, TITLE 18, CHAPTER 18.20 OF THE
CITY OF CARLSBAD MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADD A
PURPOSE AND INTENT SECTION, ADD/REVISE
SIGN RELATED DEFINITIONS AND CREATE CLEAR
AND COMPREHENSIVE SIGN STANDARDS FOR
THE C-M, M AND P-M ZONES.
CASE NAME: SIGN ORDINANCE AMENDMENT
CASE NO.: ZCA 99-09
The City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California does ordain as follows:
SECTION 1: That Title 21, Chapter 21.41 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code is amended
by the addition of Section 21.41.005 to read as follows:
21.41.005 Purpose and Intent
The purpose and intent of the Sign Ordinance Amendment is to:
A. Implement the City’s community design and safety standards as set forth in the
General Plan; and
B. Maintain and enhance the City’s appearance by regulating the design, character,
location, number, type, quality of materials, size, color, illumination and maintenance of signs;
and
C. Protect and improve pedestrian and vehicular traffic safety by balancing the need for
signs which facilitate the safe and smooth flow of traffic without an excess of signage which may
distract motorists, overload their capacity to quickly receive information, visually obstruct traffic
signs or otherwise create congestion and safety hazards; and
D. Equitably distribute the privilege to communicate information for commercial and
non-commercial purposes without regulating the content of the message conveyed; and
E. Limit commercial signage to on-site locations in order to protect the aesthetic
environment from the visual clutter associated with the unrestricted proliferation of such signs,
while providing channels of communication to the public; and
F. Minimize the possible adverse effects of signs on nearby public and private property;
and
G. Enable the fair, consistent, and efficient enforcement of these sign regulations.
Non-commercial signage is permitted wherever other signage is permitted within Chapter 2 1.41
and is subject to the same standards and total maximum allowances for a site of each sign type
specified in this Chapter.
SECTION 2: That Title 21, Chapter 21.41 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code is amended
by the addition of Subsection 2 1.41.010(c) to read as follows:
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21.41.010(c). No person shall display, construct, erect, alter or relocate any sign without first
obtaining a sign permit pursuant to this Chapter and Chapter 18.20 of the Carlsbad Municipal
Code.
SECTION 3: That Title 21, Chapter 21.41 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code is amended
by the addition of Subsection 21.41.030(5) to read as follows:
21.41.030(5) “Average Grade” - means the average level of the finished surface of the ground
beneath a monument sign.
SECTION 4: That Title 2 1, Chapter 2 1.41 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code is amended
by the addition of Subsection 21.41.030(8) to read as follows:
21.41.030(8) “Commercial Signage” - means any sign with wording, logo, or other
representation that, directly or indirectly names, advertises or calls attention to a business,
product, service, or other commercial activity.
SECTION 5: That Title 21, Chapter 21.41 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code is amended
by the addition of Subsection 21.41.030(g) to read as follows:
21.41.030(9) “Directional Sign” - means a sign which contains words such as “entrance,”
“enter, )) “exit,” “in, ” “out,” or other direction commands without business identification, or a
sign containing arrows or characters indicating traffic directions and used either in conjunction
with such words or separately. Directional signs shall not contain advertising.
SECTION 6: That Title 21, Chapter 21.41 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code is amended
by the addition of Subsection 21.41.030(11) to read as follows:
21.41.030(11) “Fascia Sign” - means a sign fastened to or engraved in the band or board at the
edge of a roof overhang.
SECTION 7: That Title 21, Chapter 21.41 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code is amended
by the addition of Subsection 21.41.030( 16) to read as follows:
21.41.030(16) “Monument Sign” - means a freestanding sign, which is supported by a base
which rests upon the ground and is an integral part of the design.
SECTION 8: That Title 21, Chapter 21.41 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code is amended
by the addition of Subsection 21.41.030( 17) to read as follows:
2 1.4 1.030( 17) ‘Non-Commercial Signage” - means any sign which is intended to convey a non-
commercial message of social, political, educational, religious or charitable commentary.
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SECTION 9: That Title 21, Chapter 21.41 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code is amended
by the addition of Subsection 2 1.41.030(20) to read as follows:
2 1.41.030(20) “Pole Sign” - means a freestanding sign supported by one or more metal or wood
posts, pipes or other vertical supports.
SECTION 10: That Title 21, Chapter 21.41 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code is amended
by the amendment and renumbering of Subsection 21.41.030( 18) to read as follows:
2 1.41.030(23) “Sign Area” - is computed as follows:
A. Wall, Fascia, Awning and Window Signs - Sign area shall be computed by measuring
the smallest square, rectangle, triangle, circle or combination thereof, that will encompass the
extreme limits of the writing, representation, emblem or other display, together with any material
or color forming an integral part of the background of the message or display or otherwise used
to differentiate the sign from the backdrop or structure against which it is placed but not
including any supporting framework or bracing.
B. Monument, and Suspended Signs - Sign area shall be computed by measuring the
entire area contained within the frame, cabinet, monument, monument base or fixture, including
all ornamentation or decoration used to attract attention.
C. Pole Signs - Sign area shall be computed as the area of the surface(s) upon which the
sign message is placed provided that the supporting column is not decorated or displayed with
advertising.
D. Multifaced Signs - The sign area for a two sided or multifaced sign shall be computed
by adding together the area of all sign faces, as described above.
SECTION 11: That Title 21, Chapter 21.41 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code is amended
by the amendment and renumbering of Subsection 21.41.030(11) to read as follows:
2 1.4 1.030(24) “Sign Height” means the following:
A. Wall, Fascia, Awning, Suspended, Monument, Pole and Window Signs - is specified
as the greatest vertical measurement from the top of the sign cabinet, including all
ornamentation and supports, to the average grade beneath the sign.
SECTION 12: That Title 21, Chapter 21.41 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code is amended
by the addition of Subsection 21.41.030(26) to read as follows:
21.41.030(26) “Suspended Sign” means a sign hung from the underside of marquees, pedestrian
arcades or covered walkways at 90 degrees to the building wall or storefront. A sign suspended
under a pedestrian walkway or fascia which is parallel to the building wall shall be considered as
a wall or fascia sign.
SECTION 13 : That Title 2 1, Chapter 2 1.4 1 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code is amended
by the addition of Section 21.41.065 to read as follow:
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21.41.065 General Sign Standards
The following sign standards shall apply to all signage within the City.
A. Sign Area
1. Wall, Fascia, Awning and Window Signs - Sign area shall be computed
by measuring the smallest square, rectangle, triangle, circle or combination thereof, that will
encompass the extreme limits of the writing, representation, emblem or other display, together
with any material or color forming an integral part of the background of the message or display
or otherwise used to differentiate the sign from the backdrop or structure against which it is
placed but not including any supporting framework or bracing.
2. Monument, and Suspended Signs - Sign area shall be computed by
measuring the entire area contained within the frame, cabinet, monument, monument base or
fixture, including all ornamentation or decoration used to attract attention.
3. Pole Signs - Sign area shall be computed as the area of the surface(s) upon
which the sign message is placed provided that the supporting column is not decorated or
displayed with advertising.
4. Multi-faced Sims - The sign area for a two sided or multi-faced sign shall
be computed by adding together the area of all sign faces, as described above.
B. Sign Height
1. Wall, Fascia, Awning, Suspended, Monument, Pole and Window Signs -
The height of wall, fascia, awning, suspended, monument, pole and window signs is specified
as the greatest vertical measurement from the top of the sign cabinet, including all
ornamentation and supports, to the average grade beneath the sign.
C. Placement of Signs - Commercial signs, except where specifically allowed elsewhere
in this Chapter, shall be placed on the lot of the use which the sign is intended to identify. Signs
shall not be placed or overhang on public property nor within the public right-of-way unless
provided for elsewhere herein.
D.Non-commercial signage is permitted wherever commercial signage is permitted
within Chapter 21.41 and is subject to the same standards and total maximum allowances per lot
or building of each sign type specified in this Chapter.
SECTION 14: That Title 2 1, Chapter 2 1.41 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code is amended
by the amendment of Subsection 21.41.070(2) to read as follows:
2 1.41.070(2). Except for signs at freeway service facilities and real estate signs, the total area of
all signs on any one lot or building shall not exceed the following:
TABLE 1 - AREA OF SIGNS
TOTAL AREA OF ALL SIGNS
Two square feet
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ZONE OF LOT
R-l, R-2, R-W, P-C
with densities corre-
sponding to R-A
through R-2
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R-3, R-P (Residential),
R-T, R-D-M, P-C with
Densities less restric-
Tive than R-2 (except
hotels and motels) Twenty square feet
One square foot per lineal
foot of building frontage
located on the lot. The
total area of all signs shall
not exceed one hundred
square feet except that the
planning commission may
approve up to one hun-
dred fifty square feet of
sign area as part of a site
development plan pro-
cessed pursuant to Chap-
ter 2 1.06.
C-M, M and P-M Per Sections 21.41.070(4) and 21.41.070(13) ofthis Chapter.
All other zones One and five-tenths
square feet per lineal foot
of building frontage located
on the lot.
SECTION 15: That Title 21, Chapter 21.41 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code is amended
by the amendment of Subsection 21.41.070(4)(C) to read as follows:
21.41.070(4)(C)
C. Except for signs advertising new subdivisions, as mentioned in subparagraph (D) of
this subsection, the total area of any real estate sign on a lot shall not exceed the areas mentioned
in Table 3 below:
TABLE 3
MAXIMUM REAL
ESTATE SIGN
ZONE OF LOT AREA PER LOT
R-l, R-2, R-W, P-C
with densities corre-
sponding to R-A
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Through R-2 Three (3) square feet
R-3, R-P, R-T, P-C
with densities less
restrictive than R-2 Twelve (12) square feet
C-M, M and P-M Fifteen (15) square feet
Freeway service faci-
lities regardless of zone
and all other property Twenty-five (25) square feet
SECTION 16: That Title 2 1, Chapter 2 1.41 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code is amended
by the addition of Subsection 2 1.41.070( 13) to read as follows:
21.41.070( 13) Signs permitted for industrial, office and commercial uses in the C-M, M and P-M
Zones.
A. The sign standards codified in this Subsection supersede the following:
1. The sign and graphic requirements of all Specific Plans within the C-M
and P-M zones;
2. Sign programs approved pursuant to the sign and graphic requirements of
all Specific Plans within the C-M and P-M zones; and
3. The sign provisions for the C-M, M and P-M zoned properties that are
located within Area 4 of the El Camino Corridor Development Standards.
B. Freestanding Monument Signs
Maximum Number
of Monument Signs
Per Lot 1*
Maximum Sign 35 square feet
Area Per Sign Face
1. Other Standards:
a. Freestanding Monument Signs shall be located near primary project
entrances or at other strategic locations and shall include applicable
building address (number and street) which are plainly visible from
the street that the building or sign fronts on.
b. Freestanding Monument Signs may be single or double-faced.
c. *No monument sign shall be located within 100 feet of another
monument sign for the same project. However, if more than one
building shares a common driveway, then a maximum of two
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monument signs can be located along the common driveway, provided
that the signs are located on the opposite sides of the driveway.
d. Monument signs shall be designed to be compatible with other project
signage through the use of similar materials, colors and type styles.
e. Monument signs shall be compatible with the visual elements of the
building, including but not limited to construction materials, color,
scale, or other design features.
C. Wall Signs
Building Area I Buildings less than ) Buildings between
Maximum Wall
Sign Area Per Sign
Maximum Number
of Wall Signs Per
Building /
Maximum Letter
Height
Maximum Number
of Wall Signs Per
Building Elevation
35,000 square feet
in area.
35,000 square feet
and 60,000 square
feet in area.
50 square feet
one/ 24 inches
50 square feet
one / 36 inches or
two / 24 inches
1 1
Maximum Logo 1 24/36 inches 1 36/36 inches 36/36 inches
Height/Width
Maximum Lines of
Text Per Sign *
2 2
Buildings greater
than 60,000 square
feet in area.
50 square feet
one / 36 inches or
two / 24 inches or
three / 24 inches
2*
2
a. Building elevations which front along or are within 500 feet of the
right-of-way and visible from Interstate 5, Palomar Airport Road, or El
Camino Real shall not have more than one (1) wall sign along those
elevations.
b. A building elevation must have a minimum of 150 lineal feet in order
to have more than one (1) wall sign along that elevation.
c. The minimum spacing between wall signs along an elevation shall not
be less than 75 feet.
d. The cumulative length of all wall sign(s) along any building elevation
shall not exceed one-third (l/3) of the length of that same elevation.
(i) Other Standards
(a) Wall signs shall be designed to be compatible with other
project signage through the use of similar materials, colors and
typestyles.
(b) Wall signs shall be compatible with the visual elements of
the building, including but not limited to construction materials,
color, scale, or other design features.
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(c) Illuminated wall signs shall be prohibited on building
elevations which face and are within 500 feet of any property line
which adjoins residentially zoned property.
(d) No wall signage shall be allowed on any architectural
projection, parapet or equipment enclosure and no wall signage
shall be allowed above the permitted building height for usable
floor area on any building.
(D) Minor Identification Signs
1. In addition to building wall sign(s) permitted pursuant to Section
21.41.070(13)(c), each industrial/office business that has a separate building
entrance within an industrial/office building may be permitted a minor
identification wall sign as follows:
Minor Identification Wall Signs - Industrial/Office Businesses
Maximum
Number of
Wall Signs Per
Business
Maximum Sign
Area Per Sign
Maximum Letter
He&&t
1
Permitted Sign Directly above the
Location business entrance.
2. In addition to building wall sign(s) permitted pursuant to Section
21.41.070(13)(C), each retail business that has a separate building entrance within
a commercial building may be permitted minor identification signs as follows:
Minor Identification Wall or Fascia Signs - Retail Businesses
Maximum Number
of Wall or Fascia
Signs Per Ground
Floor Retail
Business*
Maximum Sign
Area Per Sien
Maximum Letter
Height
Wall Sign Location
Permitted Fascia
Sign Location
1 4 20 square feet
18 inches
the ceiling height
elevation of the
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Sign Orientation Oriented towards
the parking area.
* Minor Identification Wall or Fascia Signs are only permitted for ground floor retai 1 businesses.
3. Minor Identification Suspended Signs - Retail Businesses
Maximum Number
of Minor
Identification
Suspended Signs 1
Per Retail Business*
Maximum Sign
Area Per Sign Face 5 square feet
Maximum Letter
Height 8 inches
Underside of
Permitted Sign walkway overhang
Location at 90 degrees to the
1 1 retail business
* Minor Identification Suspended Signs are permitted for ground floor, second floor and third
floor retail businesses.
4. Other Standards
(a) Minor Identification Wall/Fascia/Suspended signs shall be compatible with
the visual elements of the building, including but not limited to construction
materials, color, scale, or other design features.
(b) Minor Identification Wall/Fascia/Suspended signs shall not be illuminated.
E. Directional Signs - The City has an interest in ensuring traffic safety. To directly
advance that interest, the following directional sign standards shall apply.
Maximum Number
of Directional Signs
Per Driveway 3
Entrance from a
PubliAPrivate Street
Maximum Sign 6 square feet
Area Per Sian Face 1 zizg;o Hei; ) ~i2~~~~~~““’
1. Other Standards:
(a) Directional signs shall be allowed as required for the facilitation of traffic
internal to the site.
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(b) Directional signs shall be designed to be compatible with other project
signage through the use of similar materials, colors and type styles. s
SECTION 17: That Title 21, Chapter 2 1.41 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code is amended
by the addition of Subsection 21.41.070( 1 l)(F) to read as follows:
2 1.41.070( 1 l)(F) Notwithstanding the above, industrial, office and commercial uses
located in the C-M, M and P-M Zones are subject to the sign provisions of Subsection
2 1.41.070( 13) of this chapter
SECTION 18: That Title 18, Chapter 18.20 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code is amended
by the amendment of Subsection 18.20.025(4) to read as follows:
18.20.025(4) “Sign Area” - is computed as follows:
A. Wall, Fascia, Awning and Window Signs - Sign area shall be computed by measuring
the smallest square, rectangle, triangle, circle or combination thereof, that will encompass the
extreme limits of the writing, representation, emblem or other display, together with any material
or color forming an integral part of the background of the message or display or otherwise used
to differentiate the sign from the backdrop or structure against which it is placed but not
including any supporting framework or bracing.
B. Monument, and Suspended Signs - Sign area shall be computed by measuring the
entire area contained within the frame, cabinet, monument, monument base or fixture, including
all ornamentation or decoration used to attract attention.
C. Pole Signs - Sign area shall be computed as the area of the surface(s) upon which the
sign message is placed provided that the supporting column is not decorated or displayed with
advertising.
D. Multifaced Signs - The sign area for a two sided or multifaced sign shall be computed
by adding together the area of all sign faces, as described above.
SECTION 19: That Title 18, Chapter 18.20 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code is amended
by the addition of Subsection 18.20.025(5) to read as follows :
18.20.025(5) “Sign Height” means the following:
B. Wall, Fascia, Awning, Suspended, Monument, Pole and Window Signs - is specified
as the greatest vertical measurement from the top of the sign cabinet, including all
ornamentation and supports, to the average grade beneath the sign.
EFFECTIVE DATE: This ordinance shall be effective thirty days after its adoption,
and the City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this ordinance and cause it to be published at
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least once in a publication of general circulation in the City of Carlsbad within fifteen days after
its adoption, except in the Coastal Zone where it becomes effective upon certification by the
California Coastal Commission.
Council held on the 13th dayof February ,200 1, and thereafter
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of said City Council held on the
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6th dayof March ,2001, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: Council Members Lewis, Kulchin, Finnila, Nygaard and
Hall.
NOES: None.
/I ATTEST:
INTRODUCED AND FIRST READ at a regular meeting of the Carlsbad City
ABSENT: None.
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