HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance #1504 ORDINANCE NO . 1504
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
AMENDING THE HUNTINGTON BEACH ORDINANCE CODE
BY REPEALING CHAPTERS 85, 86 AND PORTIONS OF
CHAPTERS 91, 92, 94, 95, 96 AND 97 ; AMENDING
SECTIONS 9519 , 9621. 2 AND 9812 . 2 OF SAID CODE;
AND ADDING THERETO NEW ARTICLE 976 ENTITLED,
"SIGN CODE, " RELATING TO THE ERECTION, MAIN-
TENANCE AND DISPLAY OF SIGNS WITHIN SAID CITY
The City Council of the City of Huntington Beach does
ordain as follows :
SECTION 1. Chapters 85 , 86 and the following sections of
Chapters 91, 92, 94, 95, 96 and 97 of the Huntington Beach Ordi-
nance Code are hereby repealed: 9101 . 2, 9132 . 1, 9161 . 2, 9201. 2,
9231 . 6, 9254 , 9254 . 1, 9254 . 3 , 9254. 4, 9415, 9415 . 1, 9415 .2, 9415 . 3,
9415 . 4, 9436, 9458, 9473 . 1, 9474 , 9519 (c ) , 9601 . 3, 9611(f) and
9710 . 1.
SECTION 2 . The Huntington Beach Ordinance Code is hereby
amended by amending Sections 9519 , 9621. 2 and 9812 . 2 to read as
follows :
9519 . GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
(a) Fencing. No fencing will be permitted along front prop-
erty . Fencing along the side yard within the front setback is
optional . Otherwise the sites shall be completely fenced with a
six (6) foot chain link type fence, or equal, to the front build-
ing line .
(b ) Lighting.
1 . On sites where nighttime operations are anticipated,
adequate lighting shall be provided for all auto-
mobile parking areas , trucking and loading areas,
and all pedestrian and vehicle access points .
2. No yard or sign illumination shall be allowed to
shine directly upon, or to cast a glare upon any
public street or any adjacent property.
1 .
(c) Buildings .
1 . All structures erected within the Ml-A zone shall,
with the exception of trim and minor architectural
features, be constructed of ceramics , masonry ,
concrete, stucco or other materials of a similar
nature, or metal panels approved by the Planning
Commission.
2 . All buildings erected shall conform to the appli-
cable building codes and ordinances .
(d) Standards of Performance .
1. Sound shall be muffled so as not to become objec-
tionable due to intermittence , beat frequency or
shrillness . The measurement of sound shall be
measured to decibles with a sound level meter and
associated octave band filter, manufactured accord-
ing to standards prescribed by the American Stand-
ards Association. Maximum permissible sound pressure
levels shall comply with the following standards :
MAXIMUM SOUND PRESSURE LEVEL IN DECIBLES
0 . 002 Dynes per Square Centimeter
Octave Bank in Adjacent Residential Lot Line of Use
Cycles/Second District Boundaries in the Ml-A Zone
0-75 72 79
75-150 59 74
150-300 52 66
300-600 46 59
600-1200 42 53
1200-2400 39 47
2400-4800 34 41
Above 4800 32 31
2 . Smoke shall not be emitted from any source in a
greater density of grey than that described as No . 1
on the Ringlemann Chart , except that visible grey
smoke of a shade not darker than that described as
No. 2 on the Ringlemann Chart may be emitted for
not more than four (4 ) minutes in any thirty (30)
minutes . These provisions, applicable to visible
grey smoke, shall also apply to visible smoke of a
different color but with an equivalent apparent
opacity .
3 . Dust, dirt , fly ash or airborne solids, from any
2 .
source, shall not be in a density greater than
that described as No . 1 on the Ringlemann Chart .
4 . Odors from gases or other odorous matters shall
not be in such quantities as to be offensive be-
yond the lot line of the use .
5 . Toxic gases or matter shall not be emitted which
can cause any damage to health, to animals or
vegetation, or other forms of property, or which
can cause any excessive soiling beyond the lot
lines of the use .
6 . Vibration from any machine, operation or process
which can cause a displacement of . 003 of one (1)
inch, as measured at the lot lines of the use,
shall be prohibited. Shock absorbers or similar
mountings shall be allowed which will reduce vi-
bration below . 003 of one (1) inch, as measured at
the lot lines .
7 . Glare and heat from any source shall not be pro-
duced beyond the lot lines of the use .
8 . Radioactivity and Electrical Disturbances . Except
with the prior approval of the commission as to
specific additional uses, the use of radioactive ma-
terial within the Ml-A Zone shall be limited to
measuring, gauging and calibration devices; as tracer
elements; in X ray and like apparatus ; and in con-
nection with the processing and preservation of
foods . In no event shall radioactivity, when measured
at each lot line, be in excess of 2 . 7 x 10 to 11
microcuries per milliliter of air at any moment of
time .
Radio and television transmitters shall be operated
at the regularly assigned wave lengths (or within
the authorized tolerances therefor) as assigned
thereto by the appropriate governmental agency . Sub-
ject to such exception and the operation of domestic
household equipment , all electrical and electronic
devices and equipment shall be suitably wired,
shielded and controlled so that in operation they
shall not , beyond the lot lines, emit any electrical
impulses or waves which will adversely affect the
operation and control of any other electrical or
electronic devices and equipment .
1121 . 2 , USES PERMITTED. The following uses only are per-
mitted in the Sp-1 Special Zone (Cemetery) :
3 .
(a) Burial of bodies , ashes , or remains of dead human beings
below the ground, including placement or erection of markers , head-
stones or monuments over such places of burial.
(b ) Entrance features, including gates, fountains, statuary
and the like, provided the main portion of the entrance features
are located at least ten (10) feet from any public street .
(c ) Business or administration offices, flower shops , mor-
tuaries and chapels upon the following conditions :
1. Any such building or structure shall be at least ten
(10) feet from any public street and five (5 ) feet
from any property in any "R" zone .
2 . No such building or structure shall exceed two (2)
stories in height .
3 . All required area between such buildings or struc-
tures and a public street and property in any "R"
zone, except for walkways , parking areas or drive-
ways , shall be landscaped and permanently maintained.
(d) The necessary maintenance facilities including lath
houses, greenhouses, warehouses , repair shops and the like upon
the following conditions :
1 . Any such building or structure shall be at least
twenty (20 ) feet from any public street and five
(5 ) feet from any property in any "R" zone .
2 . No such building or structure shall exceed one (1)
story in height .
3 . All required areas between such buildings or struc-
tures and a public street and property in any "R"
zone, except for walkways , parking spaces or drive-
ways , shall be landscaped and permanently maintained.
(e) Crematory, upon the following conditions :
1. Such building or structure shall be at least fifty
(50) feet from any public street and any property
in any "R" zone .
2 . Such building or structure shall not exceed one (1)
story in height .
(f) Mausoleums , columbariums or other like buildings or
structures for interment of human remains , upon the following con-
ditions :
4 .
1 . Any such building or structure less than twenty
( 20) feet in height shall be at least three (3)
feet from any public street and five (5 ) feet from
any property in any "R" zone.
2 . Any such building or structure from twenty (20)
feet to forty (40) feet in height shall be at
least fifty (50) feet from any public street and
fifty (50) feet from any property in any "R" zone .
3 . No such building or structure shall exceed forty
(40 ) feet in height .
4. All areas between such buildings or structures and a
public street and property in any "R" zone, except
for walkways , parking spaces and driveways, shall
be landscaped and permanently maintained. Provided,
however, if such areas are used for off-street park-
ing of automobiles there shall be a strip of land
not less than five (5 ) feet in width surrounding such
off-street parking areas , except for walkways and
driveways, which shall be landscaped and permanently
maintained.
(g) All property within a cemetery shall be enclosed with a
fence or wall provided:
1 . No solid portion of any wall or fence adjacent to
property in any "R" zone shall exceed six (6 ) feet
in height .
2 . No open mesh type wire fence or ironwork shall ex-
ceed ten (10) feet in height except as may be part
of an entrance feature and within fifty (50) feet of
such entrance .
3: Any space greater than one (1) foot between a public
street and a solid wall or fence shall be landscaped
and permanently maintained.
9812 . 2 . The Board may decline to act on any application. If
the Board declines to act on an application, it shall refer said
application to the Planning Commission for hearing.
SECTION 3 . The Huntington Beach Ordinance Code is hereby
amended by adding Section 9811 . 7, and Article 976 , being Sections
9760 through 9766 . 4, entitled "Sign Code" to read as follows :
5
ARTICLE 976
SIGN CODE
976o . TITLE, SCOPE AND ENFORCEMENT
9760 . 1. TITLE. This article shall be known as "The
City of Huntington Beach Sign Code" and may be cited as such.
9760 . 1. 1. PURPOSE AND INTENT. The purpose of this article
is to provide minimum standards to safeguard life, health, prop-
erty and public welfare by regulating and controlling the size,
type , number, design, quality of materials, construction, loca-
tion, electrification, and maintenance of all signs , sign struc-
tures and advertising devices in the City of Huntington Beach .
It is further intended to limit the type of permitted signs
and advertising devices to those which only carry advertisements
incidental to a lawful use of the premises upon which it is located.
The provisions of this article are not intended to permit
any violation of the provisions of any other lawful ordinance .
9760 . 1. 2 . AUTHORITY. The Director of Building and Safety
or his duly authorized representative is hereby authorized and
directed to enforce all the provisions of this article .
9760 . 1. 3 . INCONSISTENT REGULATIONS . Nothing in this
article is intended to permit any violations of any other pro-
vision of any city, county, state or federal laws and regulations .
Where provisions of this article conflict with or are inconsis-
tent with each other or any federal, state, or county law or
regulation, the most restrictive shall govern.
9760 . 1. 4. ACTS PROHIBITED . It shall be unlawful for any
person or persons to hang, suspend, display, erect , construct ,
enlarge, alter, repair, move , improve, remove , convert , de-
molish, equip, use or maintain any sign, sign structure or ad-
vertising device in this city, or cause or permit same to be done
in violation of any of the provisions of this article .
9760 . 2 . DEFINITIONS
976o . 2 . 1. ADVERTISING COPY shall mean any words , letters ,
numbers , figures, designs, fixtures , or other symbolic represen-
tations incorporated into a sign with the purpose of attracting
attention to the subject matter.
9760 . 2 . 2 . ADVERTISING DEVICE shall mean any sign struc-
6 .
ture , statuary , billboard or attention-getting device maintained
for advertising or identification purposes except , merchandise
displayed in a window to be viewed from outside a building.
9760 . 2 . 3 . ANIMATED SIGN shall mean any sign with action
or motion, flashing, color changes requiring electrical energy,
electronic or manufactured sources of supply, but not including
wind-actuated elements such as flags , banners or specialty items .
9760 . 2 . 4 . APPROVED PLASTIC shall mean those materials
specified in the Uniform Building Code Standard No . 52-1-67
which have a flame-spread rating of 225 or less , and a smoke
density not greater than that obtained from the burning of un-
treated wood under similar conditions when tested in accordance
with Uniform Building Code Standard No . 42-1-67 in the way in-
tended for use . The products of combustion shall be no more
toxic than the burning of untreated wood under similar conditions .
976o . 2 . 5 . ATTACHED SIGNS shall mean any sign which is
permanently affixed to a building such as a wall, roof, canopy,
marquee or projecting sign.
976o . 2 . 6 . BOARD shall mean City of Huntington Beach Board
of Zoning Adjustments .
9760 . 2 . 7 . CANOPY SIGNS shall mean any lighted or unlighted
display attached to the underside of a projecting canopy or mar-
quee protruding over a public or private sidewalk or right of way .
976o . 2 . 8. CHANGEABLE COPY SIGN shall mean any sign which
is characterized by changeable copy whether said sign is free-
standing or a wall sign, or whether said sign projects from or
is supported by a building or a building marquee .
9760 . 2 . 9 . COMBINATION SIGN shall mean any sign incorpor-
ating any combination of the features of pole, projecting wall
and roof signs .
976o . 2 . 10 . CURB LINE shall mean the line at the curb face
nearest to the street or roadway . In the absence of a curb , the
curb line shall be established by the City Engineer.
9760 . 2 . 11 . DIRECTOR shall mean the Director of Building
and Safety of the City of Huntington Beach, or his duly author-
ized representative .
976o . 2 . 12 . DISPLAY SURFACE shall mean the area made avail-
able by the sign structure for the purpose of displaying an adver-
tising message .
976o . 2 . 13 . ELECTRIC SIGN shall mean any sign containing
7 .
electrical wiring but not including signs illuminated by an ex-
terior light source .
9760 . 2 . 14 . FACADE SIGN shall mean any sign attached to the
vertical exterior surface of a building which extends across the
full width of the building and does not project more than six (6)
feet above the roof or parapet or below the door or window header.
9760 . 2 . 15 . FREESTANDING SIGN shall mean any sign which is
wholly supported by a structure other than a building.
9760 . 2 . 16 . FREEWAY SIGN shall mean any sign, sign struc-
ture or advertising device located on property zoned for commer-
cial uses located within two hundred fifty (250) feet of a free- '
way right of way line, where the primary purpose for said sign
is to inform persons traveling such freeway of the existence of
roadside business incidental to travel, such as service stations ,
restaurants , hotels and motels .
9760 . 2 . 17. FRONT OR EXTERIOR SIDE SURFACE shall mean that
portion of a building facing a street or public way (except alley) ,
mall, or parking lot containing at least twenty-five percent
(25%) of the required parking spaces .
9760 . 2 . 18. GROUND SIGN shall mean any sign which is de-
tached from a building and is supported by one or more uprights,
poles or braces in or upon the ground other than a combination
sign or pole sign, as defined by this article .
9760 . 2 . 19 . IDENTIFICATION SIGN shall mean any sign used
for identification purposes which designates the name of, or
symbol for, a business , industry, shopping center, industrial
park, residential subdivision, trailer park, school or institu-
tion it is intended to serve .
9760 . 2 . 20 . ILLUMINATED SIGN shall mean any sign in which
a source of light is used in order to make the message readable ,
including, but not limited to, internally and externally lighted
signs and reflectorized, glowing or radiating signs .
9760 .2 . 21. INCOMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL shall mean any material
which will not ignite at or below a temperature of twelve hundred
(1200 ) degrees Fahrenheit during an exposure of five (5) minutes
and which will not continue to burn or glow at that temperature .
Tests shall be made as specified in the Uniform Building Code
Standard No. 4-1-67 .
9760 . 2 . 22 . LAND DEVELOPMENT PROJECT shall mean a residential
subdivision final map or division of land parcel map duly recorded
since January 1, 1960, identified by a number or signed by the
county surveyor, whether or not developer intends to construct
dwellings thereon. Land development project shall also mean any
8 .
mobile home park or residential development upon which five (5)
or more single-family units are constructed or ten (10) or more
apartment units are constructed, or any commercial or industrial
developments of one (1) acre or more .
9760 . 2 . 23 . LEGAL SETBACK LINE shall mean any line estab-
lished by ordinance beyond which no building may be built .
9760 . 2 . 24 . MARQUEE shall mean any canopy projecting over
a sidewalk or street , or the area immediately in front of an
entrance to a building or property, or attached to and con-
structed over the entrance of the building.
9760 . 2 . 25 . MARQUEE SIGN shall mean any structure erected
upon or attached to any marquee .
9760 . 2 . 26 . NONSTRUCTURAL TRIM shall mean the molding,
battens , caps , nailing strips , latticing, cutouts or letters and
walkways which are attached to the sign structure.
9760 . 2 . 27. OFF-SITE SIGN shall mean any sign other than
an on-site sign.
9760 . 2 . 28. ON-SITE SIGN shall mean any sign which carries
only advertisements strictly incidental to a lawful use of the
premises on which it is located, including signs or sign devices
indicating the business transacted, services rendered, goods sold
or produced on the premises and the name of the business , person,
firm or corporation occupying the premises .
9760 . 2 . 29 . OUTDOOR ADVERTISING shall mean any advertising
done through the use of off-site signs or other advertising de-
vices such as billboards and statuary .
9760 . 2 . 30 . PLASTIC MATERIALS shall mean materials made
wholly or principally from standardized plastics listed and de-
scribed in Uniform Building Code Standard No . 52-1-67 .
9760 . 2 . 31. POLE SIGN shall mean any sign wholly supported
by a sign structure in the ground.
9760 . 2 . 32 . POLITICAL SIGN shall mean a sign designating
candidates for elective office or designed to influence opinion
on an issue to be decided at an election.
9760 . 2 . 33 . PORTABLE DISPLAY SURFACE shall mean any dis-
play surface temporarily fixed to a standardized advertising
structure which is regularly moved from structure to structure
at periodic intervals .
9760 .2 . 34 . PORTABLE SIGN shall mean any sign which can be
9 •
moved from place to place which is not affixed to the ground or
to a building.
9760 . 2 . 35 . PROJECTING SIGN shall mean any sign, other
than a wall sign, which projects from and is supported by the
wall of a building.
9760 . 2 . 36 . PROJECTION shall mean the distance by which a
sign extends over public property or beyond the building line .
9760 . 2 . 37 . REAL ESTATE SIGN shall mean any sign which per-
tains to the use, sale, lease or rental of land or structures ,
or sign which advertises the future construction of industrial,
commercial, professional or residential developments , as well as
the name of the architect , engineer or contractor for such develop-
ment . Excluded from this definition are signs for real estate
land development projects involved in the sale , lease or rental
of industrial, commercial or residential units, including mobile
home parks which offer the sale, lease or rental of dwelling
units on a volume basis , where such signs fall within the def-
inition of temporary directional signs .
9760 . 2 . 38 . ROOF SIGN shall mean a sign erected upon or
above a roof or parapet of a building.
9760 . 2 . 39 . SIGN shall mean any medium for visual communi-
cation including its structure and component parts, which is
used or intended to be used to attract attention to the subject
matter for advertising purposes .
9760 . 2 . 40 . SIGN FACE MATERIAL shall mean any portion of
the sign having a solid backing which does not project beyond
the border of such sign.
976o . 2 . 41. SIGN STRUCTURE shall mean any structure which
supports or is capable of supporting any sign as defined in this
article . A sign structure may be a single pole and may or may
not be an integral part of the building.
9760 . 2 . 42 . STRUCTURE shall mean that which is built or
constructed, an edifice or building of any kind, or any piece
or work artifically built or composed of parts joined together
in some definite manner.
9760 .2 . 43 . TEMPORARY DIRECTIONAL SIGN shall mean any sign
intended to direct people to a land development project which is
engaged in the sale, lease or rental of land or buildings located
within the City of Huntington Beach or abutting cities .
9760 . 2 . 44 . TEMPORARY ON-SITE-FEATURE SIGN shall mean any
sign that advertises features offered in a land development proj-
ect including, but not limited to, features advertised such as
10 .
carpets , drapes , sprinkler systems , planted lawns , ceramic tile,
and forced-air heating.
60 . 2 . 4 . TEMPORARY SIGN shall n s '97 mean 5 a any sign, banner,
>
pennant , valance, stringer, propeller, balloon and similar device
or advertising display constructed of cloth, canvas , light fabric,
wallboard or other light materials, with' or without frames , in-
tended to be displayed other than inside a building for a limited
period of time . The definition of temporary sign shall not in-
clude signs painted on the inside or outside of a window.
9760 . 2 . 46 . UNIFORM BUILDING CODE shall mean the 1967
edition of the Uniform Building Code , Volume I. published by
the International Conference of Building Officials .
9760 . 2 . 47 . UNIFORM BUILDING CODE STANDARDS shall mean the
1967 edition of the Uniform Building Code Standards , Volume III,
published by the International Conference of Building Officials .
9760 . 2 . 48 . "V" SIGN shall mean any sign with two (2) ad-
joining, nonparallel surfaces containing sign copy .
9760 . 2 . 49 . WALL SIGN shall mean any sign which is attached
or erected on the exterior wall of a building with the exposed
face of the sign in a plane parallel to the plane of said wall
and which projects not more than eighteen (18) inches from the
building or canopy wall and which does not have more than fifty
percent (50%) of its surface above the parapet , eaves or building
facade of the building on which it is located.
9761 . PERMITS, FEES, INSPECTIONS
9761. 1. PERMITS REQUIRED. No person, or persons ,
shall hang, suspend, display, erect , construct , enlarge, alter,
repair, move, improve, remove, convert , demolish, equip, use or
maintain any sign, sign structure or advertising device in this
city or cause or allow same to be done without first obtaining
a separate sign permit for each sign, or groups of signs from
the Director, except as otherwise provided in Section 9761. 3 .
9761 . 2 . APPLICATION. To obtain a permit , the appli-
cant shall first file with the Director an application therefor
in writing on a form furnished by the Director for that purpose .
Every such application shall:
(1) Contain the location by street and street number or
by legal description of the proposed sign, sign structure , or
advertising device .
(2) Designate the name and address of :
11 .
(a) The owner of the property on which said sign is
located.
(b ) The person, or persons , for whose benefit said
sign is intended and the nature of the business
of said person or persons .
(c ) The sign contractor or any other person who in-
tends to perform the acts set out in Section
9761. 1.
(3) Identify and describe the work to be covered by the
permit for which application is made, including a sketch of the
copy proposed for such sign.
(4 ) Have attached to such application the standard plans
for the work to be done on said sign, sign structure , or adver-
tising device showing the dimensions and height of said sign,
sign structure, or advertising device .
(5) State the cost of the proposed work and the estimated
market value of said sign, sign structure or advertising device
before and after said work is completed.
(6) Bear the signatures of the owner of the land on which
said sign, sign structure, or advertising device is located, and
the signature of the person for whose benefit the sign, sign
structure, or advertising device is designed, and the signature
of the person, or persons, erecting the sign, sign structure,
or advertising device .
(7) Contain a statement granting to the city the right to
enter upon the land to inspect said sign, sign structure , or ad-
vertising device, or to remove the same upon termination, or rev-
ocation, of the permit , or for violation of this article , or any
of the conditions of approval of the application for said permit
without any liability on the part of the City of Huntington Beach.
(8) Give such other information as reasonably may be re-
quired by the Director.
9761. 3 . ACTIVITIES EXEMPT FROM PERMIT REQUIREMENT. The
following activities shall be governed by the provisions of this
article except that they shall not require a sign permit :
(a) The changing of the advertising copy or message on a
painted or printed sign except on temporary signs , temporary
directional signs, temporary on-site-feature signs , identification
signs, or electrical signs that are not a marquee, or electrical
sign, that are not designed specifically to use replaceable copy .
F 12 .
(b) Maintenance or cleaning of a sign, sign structure,
or advertising device unless a structural change is made .
(c) Real estate signs not exceeding six (6 ) square feet
in area.
(d) Professional nameplates and occupational signs not
exceeding two (2 ) square feet in area, attached to a commercial,
industrial, professional or public institutional building de-
noting only the name and occupation of the occupant ; provided
such sign is not prohibited or further regulated by this article
or other articles of this code .
(e ) Memorial signs or tablets , names of buildings and
historical monuments when such are cut into any masonry surface
or when constructed of bronze or other incombustible material .
(f) Traffic or other municipal signs , legal notices , rail-
road crossings , danger signs , and nonadvertising warning signs .
(g) Trespassing signs having an area of four (4) square
feet or less , posted no closer than one hundred (100) feet apart
on private property .
(h) Bus stop signs erected pursuant to an order of the
Bureau of Franchise and Public Utilities, which order shall con-
tain provisions as to height, size, material and location.
(1) Political signs less than six (6 ) square feet in area.
(j ) On-site signs designed solely to facilitate traffic
where deemed necessary by the traffic engineer of the city .
(k) On-premise directional, locational, or warning signs
which are aids to the safety and convenience of the general
public and do not advertise a product or service .
9761. 4 . FEES . A filing fee of Ten Dollars ($10) for
each sign permit, other than a temporary directional sign per-
mit , or a temporary on-site-feature sign permit , shall be paid
to the Director. A filing and inspection fee of Fifty Dollars
($50) shall be paid to the Director for each temporary directional
sign permit and for each temporary on-site-feature sign permit .
The renewal fee for each temporary directional sign permit , and
for each temporary on-site-feature sign permit , shall be Twenty-
five Dollars ($25 ) . In no case shall the permit fee for temporary
signs other than temporary on-site-feature signs or temporary
directional signs be more than Ten Dollars ($10) for any one
application, regardless of the number of signs covered under said
application.
13 .
9761. 5 . MAINTENANCE. All signs within the city, to-
gether with all of their display surfaces , supports, braces ,
guys and anchors, shall be kept in good repair, neatly painted
and in proper state of preservation regardless of whether a sign
permit is required under this article .
9761. 6 . INSPECTION. All signs for which a permit is
required shall be subject to inspection by the Director.
9761. 7 . DETERMINATION PREREQUISITE TO ISSUING A PERMIT.
Before granting a permit to hang, suspend, display, erect , con-
struct , enlarge , alter, repair, move , improve , remove, convert ,
demolish, equip, use or maintain any sign, sign structure or ad-
vertising device in this city, the Director shall determine that
the design, construction, location and materials of the proposed
sign, sign structure , or advertising device comply with all
applicable provisions of this code .
9761. 7 . 1. APPLICATIONS . ACTION OF DIRECTOR. Within
thirty (30 ) days after receipt of an application for a sign per-
mit , the Director shall either approve said application, con-
ditionally approve said application, or deny said application.
Regardless of the determination made by the Director, the Direc-
tor shall notify the applicant of his determination within thirty
( 30) days after receipt of the application. If the application
is denied, the Director shall set out those grounds on which the
application was so denied. If the application is conditionally
approved, the Director shall include a list of those conditions
in the notice . After receipt of the notice by the applicant ,
the applicant shall have ten (10 ) days within which to comply with
the requirements as set out in that notice .
9761. 8 . RIGHT OF ENTRY . The Director may enter any
and all buildings , structures or premises in the city at reason-
able times and upon presentation of proper credentials , to per-
form any duty required of him under this article .
9761. 9 . BOARD OF ZONING ADJUSTMENTS . APPROVAL. The
Director shall have the authority to grant or deny all applica-
tions for permits, except that all applications for permits for
identification signs , freeway signs , or temporary on-site-feature
signs located within a model homes and sales office complex,
shall be referred to the Board of Zoning Adjustments and approved
by the Board before a permit may be issued.
9761. 9 . 1. CRITERIA. When considering applications for
sign permits pursuant to Section 9761. 9 , the Board of Zoning Ad-
justments shall inspect the property on which said sign is lo-
cated, or is to be located, and shall consider the following
14 .
criteria:
(a) The sign shall not adversely affect other signs located
pursuant to this article :
(b ) The sign shall not be detrimental to property located
in the vicinity of the property on which said sign is located;
(c ) The sign shall be in keeping with the character of the
surrounding neighborhood; and
(d) The sign shall not obstruct pedestrian and vehicular
traffic vision.
9761. 9 . 2 . BOARD OF ZONING ADJUSTMENTS . ACTION. The
Board of Zoning Adjustments may approve, conditionally approve,
or deny the application brought before it under Section 9761. 9 .
The Director shall not issue the permit until the application
has been approved or conditionally approved by the Board .
9761 . 9 . 3 . CRITERIA FOR APPROVAL OF IDENTIFICATION SIGNS .
When considering identification signs , the Board of Zoning Ad-
justments shall consider the following criteria in addition to
the criteria set out in Section 9761 . 9 herein:
(a) The sign shall be located within a landscaped area of
the property on which it is located;
(b ) The sign must be situated on property located in either
a professional, commercial or industrial district ;
(c) The sign shall be situated so that sufficient site
clearance is provided. Site clearance shall be determined by
the Traffic Engineer;
(d) The sign shall display only the name of, or the symbol
for, the building or use it is intended to serve ; and
(e) A minimum separation of one hundred (100 ) feet shall
be provided between identification signs .
9761. 9 . 4 . CRITERIA FOR APPROVAL OF FREEWAY SIGNS . In
granting approval or denial of a freeway sign, the Board of
Zoning Adjustments shall consider the following factors in ad-
dition to those set out in Section 9761. 9 . 1 hereof:
(a) The need for the increased height;
(b ) Site angle and view from the freeway;
(c) Surrounding topography;
15 .
(d) Other signs within the same area;
(e ) Sign copy;
(f) The use of such sign;
(g) Placement of sign on the lot; and
(h) The area of the sign.
9761. 10 . BOND REQUIRED. Any person, or persons , filing
an application for a permit for a temporary, temporary directional,
temporary on-site-feature, or political sign, shall file a bond
with the Director in the manner prescribed and in the amount set
out in Section 9761. 10 . 1 of this article before said permit shall
be issued. Only one bond shall be required for permits issued
for temporary signs other than temporary directional signs or
temporary on-site-feature signs . Only one bond shall be required
for each group of temporary on-site-feature signs to be located
on a land development project .
9761. 10 . 1. AMOUNT OF BOND . All bonds required to be filed
under this article shall be in cash in the amount of One Hundred
Dollars ($100) for the purpose of indemnifying the city for any
and all costs incurred in the removal of any sign, sign structure,
or advertising device, and for the restoration to its original
condition of the site upon which such sign, sign structure or
advertising device is located.
9761. 10 . 2 . FORFEITURE OR REFUND OF BOND. If the sign,
sign structure, or advertising device are not removed and the
site restored to its original condition within five (5) days
after the expiration, termination or revocation of said permit,
the City of Huntington Beach or its agents or employees may enter
on all property on which all said signs , sign structures or adver-
tising devices are located and remove all such signs , and the
cost of such removal shall be deducted from said cash bond and
summarily forfeited and paid over to the City of Huntington Beach,
and the remainder, if any, returned to the person, or persons ,
depositing said bond. If said sign, sign structure or adver-
tising device is removed and the site restored to its original
condition within such five (5 ) day period, then the full amount
of the bond shall be refunded to the person who posted the bond.
9761. 11 . SIGN IDENTIFICATION. The Director shall cause
to be affixed to, and the sign owner shall maintain in a readily
visible location on the sign, the location index number, assigned
permit number, expiration date of the permit , name of the sign
owner and all other information as reasonably may be required by
the Director, for the duration of the sign, sign structure or
advertising device .
16 .
9761.12 . REVOCATION OF PERMIT. The Board of Zoning
Adjustments may revoke or suspend the sign permit of any per
son, or persons, holding same upon receiving satisfactory evi-
dence that the permittee has been convicted of, or has entered
a plea of guilty to any violation of the provisions of this
article, or has failed to comply with any of the conditions of
approval set forth for said permit .
9761. 13 . APPLICATION AFTER REVOCATION OF PERMIT.
Whenever a permit is revoked under the terms of this article,
no other application for a permit under this code shall be con-
sidered for a period of one (1) year from the date of such
revocation.
9761. 14 . NOTICE OF HEARING. No permit shall be re-
voked until a hearing thereon shall have been had by the Board
of Zoning Adjustments , notice of such hearing shall have been
given in writing and served at least ten (10) days prior to
the date of such hearing upon the holder of such permits, his
manager or agent . Such notice shall state the grounds of the
complaint against the holder of such permit , and the time and
place where such hearing will be held. The time of such notice
may be shortened by the City Council with the written consent
of the holder of the permit .
9761. 15 . SERVICE OF NOTICE OF HEARING. Any notice
served under this article, when required to be served upon the
holder of a sign permit , may be served on the holder of such
permit by delivering same to such holder, his manager or agent,
or by leaving such notice at the place of business or residence
of such holder with some adult person, at the address shown on
the application for the sign permit . If the holder of such
permit cannot be found and service of such notice cannot be
made upon him in the manner herein provided, then a copy of such
notice shall be addressed to the address shown on the applica-
tion for the sign permit to the holder of said permit and de-
posited in the United States mail at Huntington Beach, California,
with postage thereon fully prepaid, at least ten (10 ) days prior
to the date of such hearing. The applicant shall notify the
Director of Building and Safety of any change of address subject
to the granting of such permit .
9761. 16 . APPEALS . All appeals under Sections 9760,
9761, 9762, 9763 and 9764 and their subsections shall be governed
by this Section 9761. 16 and its subsections , in lieu of Article
988 . Appeals made under Section 9765 and its subsections shall
be governed by Section 9765 . 13 , in lieu of Article 988 .
9761 . 16 . 1 . APPEAL BY APPLICANT OR INTERESTED PARTY TO THE
PLANNING COMMISSION. The applicant or any interested party may
17 .
appeal a decision or requirement of the Director or the Board.
Any appeal from a decision or requirement of the Director or
Board shall be made to the city Planning Commission.
9761. 16 . 1. 1 . TIME LIMIT. All appeals shall be made within
ten (10 ) days following the Director' s or Board ' s decision.
9761. 16 . 1. 2 . FORM AND CONTENT. Any appeal shall be in
writing and said appeal shall specify, in detail, any error of
decision or requirement by the Director or Board.
9761. 16 . 1. 3 . FILING PLACE AND NOTIFICATION. All appeals
shall be filed in the office of the Planning Department . Upon
receipt of said appeal, the secretary to the Planning Commission
shall set the matter for hearing before the Planning Commission.
Said hearing shall be held at the earliest possible regular
Planning Commission meeting.
9761. 16 . 1. 4 . FILING FEE. Accompanying any appeal shall be
a filing fee of Twenty-five Dollars ($25) .
9761. 16 . 1. 5 . HEARING DATE CONTINUANCE. The Planning Com-
mission may continue the hearing to another date without giving
further notice thereof if such date is announced at the hearing.
9761. 16 . 1. 6 . DECISION BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION. The
Planning Commission may, after hearing, affirm, reverse or modify
the Board's or Director' s decision. Furthermore, the Planning Com-
mission may make any additional determination or requirement it
shall consider appropriate within the limitations imposed by
this article .
9761 . 16 . 1. 7 . FINDING OF FACT AND DECISION TIME LIMIT. In
granting, modifying or denying an appeal , the Planning Commission
shall specify facts relied upon in rendering a decision. Said
decision shall be made within sixty (60) days after the hearing.
9761. 16 . 1. 8 . NOTICE OF PLANNING COMMISSION'S DECISION .
Notice of the Planning Commission ' s decision shall be mailed to
the applicant within five (5) days after such decision is rendered.
9761. 16 . 2 . CHALLENGE BY COMMISSION. The city Planning
Commission or any member thereof may request in writing, within
the ten (10 ) day period of appeal, a hearing before the city
Planning Commission to consider any decision or requirement of
the Director or Board.
9761 . 16 . 2 . 1. NOTIFICATION. Any decision or requirement of
the Board that is challenged by the Planning Commission or any
member thereof shall be set for hearing before the Planning Com-
mission. Said hearing shall be held at the earliest possible
regular Planning Commission meeting.
18 .
9761. 16 . 2 . 2 . HEARING DATE CONTINUANCE. The Planning Com-
mission may continue the hearing to another date without giving
further notice thereof if such date is announced at the hearing.
9761. 16 . 2 . 3 . DECISION BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION. The
Planning Commission may, after hearing, affirm, reverse or modify
the Director' s or Board' s decision. Furthermore , the Planning
Commission may make any additional determination or requirement
it shall consider appropriate within the limitations imposed by
this article .
9761. 16. 2 . 4 . FINDING OF FACT AND DECISION TIME LIMIT. In
granting, modifying or denying a challenge, the Planning Com-
mission shall specify facts relied upon in rendering a decision.
Said decision shall be made within sixty (60) days after the
hearing.
9761. 16 . 2 . 5 . NOTICE OF PLANNING COMMISSION DECISION. Notice
of the Planning Commission' s decision shall be mailed to the appli-
cant within five (5) days after such decision is rendered.
9761 . 16 . 3 . REFERRAL OF APPLICATION TO PLANNING COMMISSION
FOR HEARING. When the Director or Board declines to act on an
application and refers said application to the Planning Commission
for hearing, the secretary to the Planning Commission shall set
said application for hearing before the Planning Commission. Said
hearing shall be held at the earliest possible regular Planning
Commission meeting.
9761. 16 . 3 . 1. HEARING DATE CONTINUANCE. The Planning Com-
mission may continue the hearing to another date without giving
further notice thereof if such date is announced at the hearing.
9761. 16 . 3 . 2 . NOTICE OF PLANNING COMMISSION DECISION. Notice
of the Planning Commission' s decision shall be mailed to the appli-
cant within five (5) days after such decision is rendered.
9761. 16 . 4 . APPEAL BY APPLICANT OR INTERESTED PARTY TO
THE CITY COUNCIL. The applicant or any interested party may ap-
peal a decision or requirement of the Planning Commission. Any
appeal from a decision or requirement of the Planning Commission
shall be made to the City Council.
9761.16 . 4. 1. TIME LIMIT. All appeals shall be made within
ten (10 ) days following the Planning Commission' s decision.
9761. 16 . 4 . 2 . FORM AND CONTENT. Any appeal shall be in
writing and said appeal shall specify, in detail, any error of
decision or requirement of the Planning Commission.
9761. 16 . 4 . 3 . FILING PLACE AND NOTIFICATION. All appeals
to the City Council shall be filed with the City Clerk. Upon
19 .
receipt of said appeal, the City Clerk shall set the matter for
hearing before the City Council at the earliest possible regular
City Council meeting.
9761. 16 . 4 . 4 . FILING FEE. Accompanying any appeal shall be
a filing fee of Twenty-five Dollars ($25) .
9761. 16 . 4 . 5. HEARING DATE CONTINUANCE. The City Council
may continue the hearing to another date without giving further
notice thereof if such date is announced at the hearing.
9761. 16 . 4. 6 . DECISION BY THE CITY COUNCIL. The City
Council may, after hearing, affirm, reverse or modify the Planning
Commission' s decision. Furthermore , the City Council may make
any additional determination or requirement it shall consider
appropriate within the limitations imposed by this article . The
decision of the City Council shall be final .
9761 . 16 . 4 . 7 . FINDING OF FACT AND DECISION TIME LIMIT. In
granting, modifying or denying an appeal, the City Council shall
specify facts relied upon in rendering a decision. Said decision
shall be made within sixty (60) days after the hearing.
9761. 16 . 4. 8 . NOTICE OF CITY COUNCIL DECISION. Notice of
the City Council ' s decision shall be mailed to the applicant
within five (5) days after such decision is rendered.
9761. 16 . 5 . CHALLENGE BY CITY COUNCIL. The City Council
or any member thereof may request in writing, within the ten (10)
days period for appeal, a hearing before the City Council to con-
sider any decision or requirement of the Planning Commission or
Board.
9761. 16. 5. 1. NOTIFICATION. Any decision or requirement of
the Planning Commission or Board that is challenged by the City
Council or any member thereof shall be set for hearing before
the City Council at the earliest possible regular City Council
meeting.
9761. 16 . 5 . 2 . HEARING DATE CONTINUANCE. The City Council
may continue the hearing to another date without giving further
notice thereof if such date is announced at the hearing.
9761. 16 . 5 . 3 . DECISION BY THE CITY COUNCIL. The City
Council may, after hearing, affirm reverse or modify the de-
cision of the Planning Commission or Board. Furthermore , the
City Council may make any additional determination or require-
ment it shall consider appropriate within the limitations imposed
by this article . The decision of the City Council shall be final .
20 .
9761. 16 . 5 . 4 . FINDING OF FACT AND DECISION TIME LIMIT. In
granting, modifying or denying a challenge, the City Council
shall specify facts relied upon in rendering a decision. Said
decision shall be made within sixty (60) days after the hearing.
9761. 16 . 5 . 5 . NOTICE OF CITY COUNCIL DECISION. Notice of
the City Council' s decision shall be mailed to the applicant
within five (5 ) days after such decision is rendered.
9762 . MISCELLANEOUS SIGNS AND ACTIVITIES PROHIBITED
9762 . 1 . USE OF CERTAIN ATTENTION-GETTING DEVICES PRO-
HIBITED. No person, or persons , shall use or operate a loud-
speaker, sound amplifier, stereopticon, or motion picture machine
in connection with any sign, sign structure or advertising de-
vice .
9762 . 2 . USE OF LIVE MODELS OR SEARCH LIGHTS PROHIBITED.
No person, or persons, shall use live animals , human beings or
searchlights except in conjunction with temporary signs .
9762 . 3 . LIGHT BULBS PROHIBITED . No person, or persons ,
shall use light bulbs in conjunction with any advertising sign
or structure except when specifically designed to be used as
sign-face materials . Any illumination so used in conjunction
with the sign or advertising structure , shall be designed so that
it does not fall or reflect onto adjacent property in any resi-
dential zone or onto a public thoroughfare .
9762 . 4 . USE OF FLASHING OR PULSATION PARTS . No per-
son, or persons, shall display any sign, painted on, or attached
to, a bench; any arrow, bull ' s-eye , spotlight , rotating beacon,
spinning or any other novelty signs whatsoever; nor any flash-
ing or pulsating signs which do not contain advertising copy ex-
cept public service signs such as those providing time and tem-
perature information.
9762 . 5 . SIGHT OBSTRUCTION PROHIBITED . No person, or
persons , shall display a sign, sign structure or advertising de-
vice in a manner that may confuse or obstruct the view or inter-
pretation of any official traffic sign, signal or safety device .
9762 . 6 . ERECTION OF SIGNS ON PUBLIC PROPERTY PRO-
HIBITED. No person, or persons shall erect or cause to be erected
any sign, sign structure or advertising device on public property
except where such sign is erected by a public official in the per-
formance of his duty. Any sign erected in violation of this sec-
tion shall be removed without notice by the Department of Public
Works .
9762 . 7 . PORTABLE SIGNS PROHIBITED. No person, or per-
sons , shall display portable signs , including but not limited to,
21.
signs attached to or painted on a vehicle or trailer.
9763 . SIGNS PERMITTED. MISCELLANEOUS .
9763 . 1. TEMPORARY SIGNS .
9763 . 1. 1. PERMITS FOR TEMPORARY SIGNS . The Director
shall not issue a permit for a temporary sign, except as other-
wise provided in this article, unless said sign is located in
either an office-professional, commercial or industrial district ,
and its purpose is to advertise one of the following special
events .
(a) Grand openings or going-out-of-business sales .
(b ) Change of business location.
(c) Change of business ownership or management .
(d) A sales event conducted throughout an entire shopping
center.
(e ) A sales event conducted throughout a business chain.
9763 . 1. 2 . SIZE. No temporary sign shall exceed one
hundred (100 ) square feet in area. Temporary signs of rigid ma-
terial shall not exceed twenty-four (24) square feet in area,
or six (6 ) feet in height , nor shall any such sign be fastened
to the ground.
9763 . 1. 3 . TEMPORARY CLOTH SIGNS. SUPPORT FOR. Every
temporary cloth sign shall be supported and attached with wire
rope of three-eighths (3/8) inch minimum diameter. No strings ,
fiber ropes or wood slats shall be permitted for support or
anchorage purposes . Cloth signs and panels shall be perforated
over at least ten percent (10%) of their area to reduce wind re-
sistance .
Temporary cloth signs over private property not exceeding
sixty (60 ) square feet shall be supported and attached with wire
rope meeting the requirements of this article .
9763 . 1. 3 . 1. TEMPORARY CLOTH SIGNS. CLEARANCE OF . Cloth
signs may extend over public property provided a minimum clear-
ance of twenty (20) feet is maintained.
9763 . 1. 3 . 2 . TEMPORARY CLOTH SIGNS. PROJECTION OF . Cloth
signs may extend across a public street only by permission of
the City Council. Temporary signs , other than cloth, when eight
22 .
( 8) feet or more above the ground may project not more than six
(6 ) inches over public property or beyond the legal setback line .
9763 . 1. 4 . TIME LIMIT. TEMPORARY SIGNS . Except as
otherwise provided in this article, the Board of Zoning Adjust-
ments shall determine the length of time temporary signs shall
be permitted.
9763 . 1. 5 . TEMPORARY DIRECTIONAL SIGNS .
9763 . 1. 5 . 1. TEMPORARY DIRECTIONAL SIGN PERMITS . EXPIRA-
TION OF . Permits issued for temporary directional signs shall
expire one (1) year from the date of issuance or on the date all
individual units of the land development project have been sold,
leased or rented by the developer for the first time for their
intended usage, whichever occurs first . Renewals of permits
for temporary directional signs may be granted upon proper appli-
cation.
9763 .1. 5 . 2 . TEMPORARY DIRECTIONAL SIGNS . STANDARDS AND
SPECIFICATIONS . Temporary directional signs shall meet the
following standards and specifications :
(a) Size of Signs . The sign size shall not be more than
twenty-five (25 ) feet in horizontal length nor more than twelve
(12 ) feet in vertical height , exclusive of ground clearance and
shall not exceed a total area of two hundred (200) square feet .
(b ) Height of Signs . The maximum sign height shall not
exceed thirty-five 35 feet .
(c ) Location of Signs .
(1) Such signs may be established along, but not
within, the right of way of any highway, street
or thoroughfare .
(2 ) No sign is permitted in any developed residential
zone except on-site signs located within the
model home and sales complex for which it is in-
tended.
(3) All signs shall set back two hundred (200) feet
from any lot zoned for residential use where such
lot contains residential dwelling other than
dwellings which are a part of a model home and
sales complex for which the sign is intended.
(d) Distance between Signs . The distance between signs lo-
cated on the same side of the street shall be three hundred (300 )
23,
feet ; except at the intersection of arterial highways , in which
case a sign facing each street may be placed on each corner.
(e) Removal for Highway Widening. Any temporary directional
sign shall be removed by the person to whom the permit was issued,
or the owner of the land upon which the sign is located, without
expense to any public agency, when it conflicts with any street or
highway widening or construction . Written notice shall be given by
mail to the last-known address of the owner of land upon which the
sign is situated and to the person to whom the permit was issued,
stating that the public agency requires such removal . A copy of
said written notice shall be filed with the Director concurrently
with notification to said person and said owner.
(f) Ground Clearance . An unobstructed open space , except
for supports of the sign, shall be maintained to a height of ten
(10) feet from the top of the nearest curb .
(g) Screening. All signs shall be doubled faced and boxed
in on the sides to screen structural members of the display sur-
face from view.
(h) Miscellaneous Requirements for Temporary Directional
Signs .
(1) Such signs shall comply with applicable state laws
regulating outdoor advertising signs and struc-
tures , as they now exist or as hereafter may be
amended.
(2) Two (2) or more signs shall not be situated in
tandem or designed to read as one sign.
(3) When all individual units of a land development
project are sold, leased or rented by the developer
the first time for their intended use, or when one
(1) year has expired from the date of issuance of
the permit , whichever occurs first , all temporary
directional signs shall be removed.
(4) All signs shall conform to the yard requirements
established for each district and all established
building lines .
9763 . 1. 5 . 3 . INSPECTIONS . During construction of each
temporary directional sign, the Director shall inspect the foun-
dation excavation or postholes and supporting members prior to
their placement in the ground.
9763 . 1. 5 . 4. EXISTING NONCONFORMING TEMPORARY DIRECTIONAL
SIGNS . Notwithstanding other provisions of this article , any
temporary directional sign which, on the effective date of this
24 .
article, is lawfully existing pursuant to a sign permit and is
rude nonconforming by the provisions of this article only because
of its size or distance from another sign, may remain for one
(1) year after the effective date hereof. Temporary directional
signs lawfully existing pursuant to a sign permit and made non-
conforming under this article for any reason other than their size
or distance from another sign, shall be removed upon expiration
of their permits or within one (1) year from the effective date
of this article, whichever date is sooner, and no such permit
shall be renewed. Removal of temporary directional signs exist-
ing without a valid permit on the effective date of this article ,
shall be governed by Section 9763 . 4(b ) of this article .
9763 . 1 . 6 . TEMPORARY ON-SITE-FEATURE SIGNS . STANDARDS
AN➢ SPECIFICATIONS . Temporary on-site-feature signs shall
meet the following requirements :
(a) Such signs shall be located only within the blue border
of the subdivision as shown on the final map .
(b) The maximum area for each sign shall not exceed sixteen
(16 ) square feet .
(c) The width and height of the sign shall not exceed a
ratio of two to one .
(d) The minimum distance between signs shall be sixty (60)
feet .
(e) No sign, nor combination of sign and sign structure
shall exceed the maximum height of twelve (12) feet . Signs which
are forty-two (42 ) inches in height or more shall maintain a
minimum ground clearance of seven (7) feet .
9763 . 2 . SIGNS BEHIND SETBACK. The following provisions
shall apply to all signs located behind the setback in office-
professional, commercial and industrial districts :
(a) The sign area shall be computed from the vertical ex-
terior surface of the building of the business , profession or
industry it advertises .
(b ) In no case shall the combined area of attached signs ,
roof signs and freestanding signs exceed the permissible sign
area stated in this article for signs located behind the setback
line
(c) Attached signs , except roof signs , shall be placed toward
the side of the building from which the sign area is computed.
(d) Freestanding signs behind the setback shall be placed in
25 .
i
front of the surface of the building from which the sign area
was computed.
(e ) Signs designed to advertise several businesses shall
have the sign area devoted to each business deducted from the
permissible sign area for such business .
(f) Roof signs shall be entirely supported by no more than
two (2 ) structural supports and shall not rely on secondary sup-
porting members such as guy wires and braces .
(g) Sign height shall not exceed the building height re-
strictions of the district in which said signs are located.
(h) Signs located within a building shall not be included
as a part of the permissible sign area.
9763 . 3 • SIGNS WITHIN THE SETBACK. The following pro-
visions shall apply to signs within the setback in office-
professional, commercial and industrial districts :
(a) Signs shall be set back twenty (20) feet from any
interior property line , or shall be set back one (1) foot for
each two (2 ) square feet of sign area, whichever is the greater,
except as otherwise permitted in this article . However, this
provision shall not prohibit the placement of a sign within the
central ten (10) feet of frontage of any premises .
(b ) The minimum ground clearance for signs exceeding forty-
two (42) inches in height, except identification signs, shall
be ten (10 ) -feet .
9763 . 4 . NONCONFORMING SIGNS AND OTHER ADVERTISING DE-
VICES . Except as otherwise provided in this article , noncon-
forming signs, sign structures or advertising devices shall be
made to conform to the provisions of this article, or shall be
removed in accordance with the following schedule :
(a) Signs , sign structures or advertising devices erected
in violation of the laws in effect at the time of erection shall
be removed within thirty ( 30 ) days subsequent to receipt of
written notice from the Director.
(b ) Temporary signs and other temporary sign structures or
advertising devices other than temporary directional signs or
temporary directional sign structures , not existing pursuant to
a valid sign permit on the date this article takes effect , shall
be removed within sixty (60) days after receipt of written notice
from the Director. The removal of nonconforming, temporary di-
rectional signs , or nonconforming, temporary directional sign
structures , existing pursuant to a valid sign permit on the effec-
26
tive date of this article shall be governed by Section 9763 . 1 . 5 . 4
of this article .
(c) Arrow, bull ' s-eye , spotlight, rotating beacon and
similar novelty signs; flashing signs which do not contain adver-
tising copy; signs painted on a building, bench or structure
other than a sign structure; searchlights; advertising using a
public address system, loudspeakers , sound-amplifying systems ,
animals or human beings , existing at the time this article takes
effect , shall conform to the provisions of this article not later
than ninety (90) days after receipt of written notice from the
Director.
(d) Signs, sign structures or other advertising devices ,
other than those specified in subsections (a) , (b ) and (c) of
this section, existing at the time this article takes effect and
having a current market value less than $100 shall be removed
or altered to comply with the provisions of this article not
later than one (1) year after receipt of written notice from the
Director.
(e) Signs, sign structures or advertising devices other
than those specified in subsections (a) , (b ) and (c ) of this
section, existing at the time this article takes effect , and
having a current market value of $100 or greater, but less than
$300 , shall be removed or altered to comply with the provisions
of this article not later than two (2) years after receipt of
written notice from the Director.
(f) Signs , sign structures or advertising devices other
than those specified in subsections (a) , (b ) and (c) of this
section, existing at the time this article takes effect , and
havinga current market value of 00 or reater, but less than
$3 g �
$1, 000 , shall be removed or altered to comply with the provisions
of this article not later than five (5) years after receipt of
written notice from the Director.
(g) Signs, sign structures or advertising devices other
than those specified in subsections (a) , (b ) and (c) of this
section existing at the time this article takes effect , and
having a current market value of $1, 000 or greater, shall be
made to conform with the provisions of this article or be re-
moved within ten (10) years after receipt of written notice from
the Director.
9763 . 4 . 1. DETERMINATION OF AMORTIZATION PERIOD FOR NON-
CONFORMING SIGNS. All signs made nonconforming by the provisions
set forth in other articles of this code , now existing or hereto-
fore repealed, shall remain nonconforming notwithstanding the pro-
visions of this article , and the five (5) year period for their
amortization shall be determined from the effective date of Ordi-
27 .
nance No . 1105 (January 6, 1965) .
9763 . 4 . 2 . DESTRUCTION OF NONCONFORMING SIGNS . If any
nonconforming sign, sign structure or advertising device is de-
stroyed by fire, explosion, act of God or act of a public enemy
to an extent of fifty percent (50%) of the market value thereof,
then said sign, sign structure or advertising device shall either
be removed and the site on which it stood shall be restored to
its original condition, or it shall be repaired to conform to the
provisions of this article, within thirty (30) days from the date
of such destruction. Market value of the destroyed sign shall
be determined by official records of the Orange County Assessor's
Office for the fiscal year during which said destruction occurred.
9763 . 4 . 3 • APPLICATION TO EXTEND USE OF SIGN. Notwith-
standing the provisions of Section 9763 . 4, the owner of any non-
conforming sign, sign structure or advertising device that is
required to be removed, altered or replaced pursuant to the pro-
visions hereof, may make application to the Planning Commission
for permission to extend the use of such sign. Said written
application shall be filed not less than fifteen (15) days pre-
ceding the dates prescribed in Section 9763 . 4 for the alteration,
removal or replacement of said sign, sign structure or advertising
device . After a hearing, the Planning Commission may grant per-
mission to extend the time for alteration, removal or replacement
of such sign, sign structure or advertising device for a period
determined by the Planning Commission. Before granting any ex-
tension under this section, the Planning Commission must find and
determine the following:
(a) That such alteration, removal or replacement within the
time specified in Section 9763 . 4 will result in a substantial
economic hardship, or that the applicant will suffer great fi-
nancial loss thereby;
(b ) That the sign will not adversely affect other lawfully
erected signs in the same area;
(c) That the sign will not be detrimental to the property
located in the vicinity of the property on which said sign is
located;
(d) That the sign will be in keeping with the character of
the surrounding neighborhood; and
(e ) That the sign shall not obstruct pedestrian or other
vehicular traffic vision.
9763 . 4 . 4 . VARIANCES . Any person filing an application
for a permit for a sign under this code may simultaneously , with
the making of such application, make application for a variance
28 .
from strict compliance with the terms of this code . Such appli-
cation shall be made to the Board of Zoning Adjustments , shall
be considered by the Board of Zoning Adjustments , and no such
application for a variance may be granted unless the Board of
Zoning Adjustments finds and determines the following:
(a) That strict compliance with the terms of this code will
result in a substantial economic hardship to the applicant or
that the applicant will suffer great financial loss thereby; and
(b ) That the sign will not adversely affect other lawfully
erected signs in the same area; and
(c ) That the sign variance applied for will not be detri-
mental to the property located in the vicinity of the property
on which said sign is located; and
(d) That the sign will be in keeping with the character of
the surrounding neighborhood; and
(e ) That the sign shall not obstruct pedestrian or other
vehicular traffic vision.
9763 . 5 . SIGNS ON NONCONFORMING PROPERTY. Signs , sign
structures or advertising devices which are located on property ,
the use of which is nonconforming to the district in which said
property is located, shall conform to those sign requirements
imposed by the district in which said property is located or the
sign requirements of the district where such property use would
otherwise be permitted, whichever district has the most restric-
tive requirements .
9764 . PERMITTED SIGNS . DISTRICT REGULATIONS .
9764 . 1 . RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS . No person, or persons ,
shall hang, suspend, display, erect , construct , use or maintain
any sign, sign structure or advertising device within a residential
district other than an R-5 district except the following:
9764 . 1. 1. IDENTIFICATION SIGNS ON RESIDENTIAL DEVELOP-
MENTS . Signs may be affixed to a masonry wall at the entrance
street, or streets, to a residential tract , identifying the name
of such residential development .
9764 . 1. 2 . IDENTIFICATION SIGNS ON APARTMENT BUILDINGS .
One (1 ) sign only may be affixed to either the wall of an apart-
ment building or to a masonry wall in front of an apartment build-
ing provided that such sign only identifies the name of the apart-
ment building.
9764 . 1 . 3 . IDENTIFICATION SIGNS ON MOBILE HOME PARKS .
29 .
One (1) sign only may be affixed to the masonry wall in front
of mobile home parks identifying the name of such park.
9764. 1. 4 . HEIGHT AND PROJECTION. All signs so erected
under the requirements of Sections 9764 . 1. 1, 9764 . 1 . 2 , and
9764 . 1. 3 shall consist of raised letters not more than eighteen
(18 ) inches in height affixed parallel to said wall or building
and shall not project more than three (3 ) inches from said wall
or building, nor shall they project above the wall or above the
eaves of a building.
9764 . 1. 5 . REAL ESTATE SIGNS may be erected provided
they comply with all other provisions of this article applicable
to such signs .
9764 . 1 . 6 . TEMPORARY DIRECTIONAL SIGNS may be erected pro-
vided they comply with all other provisions of this article appli-
cable to such signs .
9764 . 2 . PERMITTED SIGNS IN OFFICE-PROFESSIONAL AND
C-1 DISTRICTS . No person, or persons , shall hang, suspend, dis-
play, erect , construct , use or maintain any sign, sign structure
or advertising device within an office-professional or C-1 dis-
trict except the following types of signs : canopy, combination,
freestanding, identification, pole , projecting, temporary or
wall .
9764 . 2 . 1. SIGNS WITHIN THE SETBACK. Signs , sign struc-
tures or advertising devices permitted under Section 9764 . 2, lo-
cated within the front or exterior side yard, shall be limited to
one (1) freestanding or combination sign for each abutting street ,
with an area not to exceed one (1) square foot for each foot of
street frontage .
9764 . 2 . 1. 1. MAXIMUM SIGN AREA FOR SIGNS IN OFFICE-PROFES-
SIONAL DISTRICT. Signs in the office-professional district shall
not have a maximum area greater than two hundred (200) square feet .
9764 . 2 . 1. 2 . MAXIMUM AREA FOR SIGNS IN THE C-1 DISTRICT.
Signs in the C-1 district shall not have a maximum area greater
than one hundred (100) square feet .
9764 . 2 . 1. 3 . MAXIMUM HEIGHT IN OFFICE-PROFESSIONAL AND C-1
DISTRICT. Signs in the office-professional and C-1 districts
shall not have a maximum height greater than thirty-five (35)
feet .
9764 . 2 . 1. 4 . MINIMUM SIGN AREA IN OFFICE-PROFESSIONAL AND
C-1 DISTRICT. The minimum sign area in the office-professional
and C-1 districts need not be less than twenty-five (25) square
feet .
30 .
9764 . 2 . 2 . SIGNS BEHIND THE SETBACK. The combined area
of all signs , sign structures or advertising devices in office-
professional and C-1 districts behind the setback shall not ex-
ceed ten percent (10%) in office-professional districts , and
fifteen percent (15%) in C-1 district of each vertical surface
on the front or exterior side of the building to which the sign,
sign structure or advertising device is attached.
9764 . 2 . 3 • ROOF SIGNS PROHIBITED . Roof signs , roof sign
structures , or roof advertising devices are prohibited in office-
professional and C-1 districts .
9764 . 2 . 4 . COMBINATION SIGNS OR FREESTANDING SIGNS . Only
one (1) freestanding sign, freestanding sign structure, free-
standing advertising device , combination sign, combination sign
structure or combination advertising device shall be permitted
for each building in an office-professional or C-1 district .
9764 . 2 . 5 . PLACEMENT OF ATTACHED AND COMBINATION SIGNS .
Attached signs , attached sign structures , attached advertising
devices , combination signs, combination sign structures or com-
bination advertising devices shall not extend more than six (6)
feet above the parapet , eaves or building facade in an office-pro-
fessional or C-1 district .
9764 . 3 . PERMITTED SIGNS IN C-2, C-3 AND C-4 DISTRICTS .
No person, or persons , shall hang, suspend, display, erect ,
construct , use or maintain any sign, sign structure or adver-
tising device within a C-2, C-3 or C-4 district except the fol-
lowing types of signs : canopy, combination, freestanding,
ground sign, identification, marquee, pole, projecting, roof,
temporary or wall.
9764 . 3 . 1. SIGNS WITHIN THE SETBACK. Signs , sign struc-
tures or advertising devices permitted under Section 9764 . 3,
located within the front or exterior side yard shall conform
with the following requirements :
9764 . 3 . 1. 1. SIZE OF SIGNS . The combined total area of
all signs fronting on a street shall not exceed one (1) square
foot for each foot of frontage of the street on which the sign
fronts . However, the minimum sign area need not be less than
twenty-five (25 ) square feet .
9764 . 3 . 1. 2 . DISTANCE BETWEEN SIGNS . Signs within the
setback area other than signs identifying driveway entrances or
exits and similar directional signs, shall conform to the fol-
lowing requirements :
(a) One (1) freestanding or combination sign is permitted
for each detached building. However, the minimum distance be-
31 .
tween said signs shall be forty (40) feet .
(b ) Lots having frontage on two (2 ) or more streets may
have signs which conform to one of the following alternatives :
(1) One (1) pole or combination sign may be permitted
for each street . The size of each sign shall
conform to the provision of Section 9764 . 3 . 1 . 1; or
(2 ) One (1) pole sign may be permitted at the inter-
section of the front and exterior side property
lines . The size of said sign shall be determined
by Section 9764 . 3 . 1. 1 . In addition, two (2)
secondary pole signs are permitted at the front
or exterior side property lines . Said pole signs
shall be set back a minimum of one hundred (100)
feet from the corner pole sign. Said secondary
pole signs shall not exceed fifty (50 ) square feet
in area.
9764 . 3 . 2 . The maximum sign height shall not exceed
fifty (50) feet .
9764 . 3 . 3 . GROUND SIGNS . One (1) ground sign shall be
permitted for each abutting street within the required setback,
subject to the following requirements :
(a) Said sign shall advertise the merchandise or service
offered on the premises .
(b) Said sign shall be entirely supported by no more than
two (2 ) structural supports , permanently affixed to the ground,
and shall not rely on secondary supporting members such as guy
wires and braces .
(c) The total sign area shall not exceed a height of forty-
two (42 ) inches and a width of six (6 ) feet .
(d) The sign shall be situated so that sufficient sight
clearance is provided. Sight clearance shall be determined by
the Traffic Engineer.
(e ) Ground signs and the permitted freestanding sign shall
not be designed to be read as one sign.
(f) The area of said sign shall be deducted from the per-
mitted sign area.
(g) Said sign shall be located to conform to the following
setback requirements :
32 .
(1) Five (5) feet from any interior property line;
(2) Five (5 ) feet from any street or highway right of
way line;
(3) Ten (10) feet from any driveway intersection; and
(4 ) One hundred (100) feet from any street intersection.
9764 . 3 . 4 . SIGNS BEHIND SETBACK LINE. Signs located be-
hind the setback line shall conform to the following requirements :
(a) The total combined area of all signs behind the setback
shall not exceed twenty percent (20%) of each vertical surface
on the front or exterior side of the building to which said sign
is attached.
(b ) Only one (1) freestanding or combination sign shall be
permitted for each building.
(c ) Only one (1 ) roof sign shall be permitted for each
building, except that shell buildings designed to be separated
into individual stores shall be considered as a single building
and only one (1) roof sign shall be permitted.
9764 . 4 . SIGNS PERMITTED IN INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS . No
person, or persons, shall hang, suspend, display, erect , construct ,
use or maintain any sign, sign structure or advertising device
within an industrial district except the following types of signs :
canopy, combination, freestanding, identification, pole , project-
ing, roof, temporary or wall.
9764 . 4 . 1. SIGNS WITHIN THE SETBACK LINE . Signs , sign
structures or advertising devices permitted under Section 9764 . 4,
located within the front or exterior side yard, shall conform to
the following requirements :
9764 . 4 . 1. 1. One (1) freestanding or combination sign is
permitted for each abutting street , subject to the following re-
quirements :
9764 . 4 . 1. 2 . SIZE OF SIGNS . The total area shall not ex-
ceed one (1) square foot for each foot of street frontage of that
abutting street . However, the minimum sign area need not be less
than twenty-five (25 ) square feet .
9764 . 4 . 1. 3 . MAXIMUM HEIGHT. The maximum sign height shall
not exceed fifty (50) feet .
9764 . 4 . 2 . SIGNS BEHIND THE SETBACK. Signs located be-
hind the setback shall conform to the following requirements :
33 .
(a) The total combined area of all signs attached or de-
tached behind the setback shall not exceed ten percent (10% )
of each vertical surface of the front or exterior side surface
of the building to which said sign is attached, or in front
of which it is located.
(b ) Only one (1 ) roof sign shall be permitted for each
building, except that shell buildings designed to be separated
into individual units shall be considered as a single building
and only one (1) roof sign shall be permitted.
(c) Only one (1) freestanding or combination sign shall
be permitted for each building.
9764 . 5 . REAL ESTATE SIGNS
9764 . 5 . 1. REAL ESTATE SIGNS PERMITTED IN R-1, Rl-PD5
AND R-2 DISTRICTS . One (1 ) real estate sign shall be permitted
for each parcel of land abutting a street subject to the follow-
ing requirements :
(a) One (1 ) square foot of sign area is permitted for each
fifteen (15 ) feet of street frontage on the abutting street .
However, the total sign area need not be less than six (6)
square feet and shall not be greater than fifty (50) square feet .
(b ) The height and width of the sign shall not exceed a
ratio of two to one .
9764 . 5 . 2 . REAL ESTATE SIGNS PERMITTED IN R-3 AND R-4
DISTRICTS . One (1) real estate sign shall be permitted for each
parcel of land abutting a street subject to the following con-
ditions :
(a) One (1) square foot of sign area shall be permitted for
each ten (10 ) feet of street frontage on the abutting street .
However, the total sign area need not be less than six (6 ) square
feet and shall not be greater than fifty (50 ) square feet .
(b ) The height and width of the sign shall not exceed a
ratio of two to one .
9764 . 5 . 3 . REAL ESTATE SIGNS PERMITTED IN OFFICE-PROFES-
SIONAL DISTRICT. Real estate signs for residential uses in the
office-professional districts shall be governed by Section
9764 . 5 . 2 . One (1) real estate sign, for uses other than resi-
dential uses in the office-professional district , shall be per-
mitted for each parcel of land abutting a street , subject to
the following conditions :
(a) One (1) square foot of sign area shall be permitted
34 .
for each five (5 ) feet of street frontage on the abutting street .
However, the maximum sign area need not be less than ten (10)
square feet nor shall it exceed fifty (50) square feet .
(b ) The height and width of the sign shall not exceed a
ratio of two to one .
9764. 5 . 4 . REAL ESTATE SIGNS PERMITTED IN COMMERCIAL AND
INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS . One (1 ) real estate sign in commercial
and industrial districts shall be permitted for each street
abutting the parcel of land, subject to the following conditions:
(a) The area of the sign shall not exceed one (1) square
foot for each five (5 ) feet of street frontage on the abutting
street . However, the total sign area need not be less than
twenty-five (25) square feet nor shall it exceed fifty (50)
square feet .
(b ) The height and width of the sign shall not exceed a
ratio of two to one .
9764 . 5 . 5 . REAL ESTATE SIGNS PERMITTED ALL OTHER DIS-
TRICTS . One (1) real estate sign in districts , other than
those set out hereinbefore , shall be permitted for each street
abutting the parcel of land subject to the following conditions :
(a) One (1) square foot of sign area shall be permitted
for each fifteen (15) feet of street frontage on the abutting
street . However, the total sign area need not be less than six
(6) square feet, and shall not be greater than fifty (50)
square feet .
(b ) The height and width of the sign shall not exceed a
ratio of two to one .
9764 . 5 . 6 . OPEN HOUSE SIGNS . In lieu of a real estate
sign, signs advertising "open house , " "open for inspection" or
similar signs may be permitted, subject to the following con-
ditions :
(a) The size of such signs shall not exceed the permissible
sign area for real estate signs .
(b ) The sign shall only be displayed when the property is
open for inspection.
9764 . 5 . 7 . REAL ESTATE SIGNS . All real estate signs
shall be removed immediately after said land or structures are
sold, leased, rented, or immediately after the intended use has
commenced.
35 .
9764 . 6 . OUTDOOR ADVERTISING. No off-site sign, sign
structure , statuary, billboard or other advertising device shall
be maintained for outdoor advertising purposes .
9764 . 7 . POLITICAL SIGNS . No person, or persons , shall
display a political sign within the city until he has first filed
with the Director a $100 cash bond refundable, as hereinafter pro-
vided. One bond shall be required for each candidate posting
signs within the city limits whose candidacy is advertised by such
sign, and for each committee advocating an issue, which issue is
advertised by such sign. Such bonds shall provide that if said
political sign or signs are not completely removed and the site
restored to its original condition within two (2 ) weeks from the
election date, the full amount of such bond shall be forthwith
and summarily forfeited, and paid over to the City of Huntington
Beach. If said sign is completely removed and the site restored
to its original condition within two (2) weeks after the election
date, then the full amount of such bond shall be refunded to the
candidate or to the committee upon written request to the Director.
9764 . 8. COMMUNITY SERVICE SIGNS . No person, or per-
sons , shall display a community service sign until they have first
submitted to the Board of Zoning Adjustments a plan indicating
the type and location of said sign and shall have obtained ap-
proval or conditional approval of said plan from the Board of
Zoning Adjustments . All community service signs shall be removed
within two (2 ) weeks from the day of termination of the event for
which such signs were erected.
9765 . STRUCTURAL DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
9765 . 1. COMPUTATION OF SIGN AREA
9765 . 1. 1. SIGNS HAVING BORDERS OR FRAMES EXCEPT FACADE
SIGNS . The area within the outer perimeter of a sign having a
border or frame shall be computed as sign area.
9765 . 1. 2 . SIGNS NOT HAVING BORDERS OR FRAMES AND FACADE
SIGNS . For signs not having borders or frames and facade signs ,
the sign area shall be the entire area within a single , continuous
perimeter of not more than eight (8) straight lines , a circle or
elipse enclosing the extreme limits of writing, emblems , arrows ,
ornaments or other sign media of similar character, together with
any material or color forming an integral part of the display or
used to differentiate such sign from the background against which
it is placed.
9765 . 1. 3 . THREE-DIMENSIONAL SIGNS . The sign area of
three-dimensional signs, such as cubes , pyramids , spheres and
other quadric surfaces shall be computed from the largest cross
36 .
section through such sign.
9765 . 1. 4 . DOUBLE-FACED SIGNS . The sign area of double-
faced signs shall be computed from the area of the largest face ,
provided the two faces of the sign are parallel and are not
separated by a distance greater than two (2) feet .
9765 . 1. 5 . "V" SIGNS . For the purpose of this article ,
the sign commonly known as a "V" sign, which contains message ma-
terial intended to be read by the public on more than one plane
surface, shall be deemed to be such number of signs as it con-
tains plane surfaces displaying message material intended to be
read by the public . A sign containing two (2) parallel surfaces
supported by common structural members shall be considered one
sign.
9765 . 2 . DESIGN
9765 . 2 . 1 . GENERAL. All bracing systems shall be de-
signed and constructed to transfer lateral forces to the foun-
dations . For signs on buildings , the dead and lateral loads
shall be transmitted through the structural frame of the build-
ing to the ground in such manner as not to overstress any of the
elements thereof.
The overturning moment produced from lateral forces shall
in no case exceed two-thirds (2/3 ) of the dead-load-resisting
moment. Uplift due to overturning shall be adequately resisted
by proper anchorage to the ground or to the structural frame of
the building. The weight of earth superimposed over footings
may be used in determining the dead-load-resisting moment .
9765 . 2 . 2 . WIND LOADS . Signs , sign structures or ad-
vertising devices shall be designed and constructed to resist
wind forces as specified in Chapter 23 of the 1967 edition of
the Uniform Building Code, and any subsequent amendments thereto .
9765 . 2 . 3 . SEISMIC LOADS . Signs, sign structures and
advertising devices shall be designed and constructed to resist
seismic forces as specified in Chapter 23 of the 1967 edition of
the Uniform Building Code, and any subsequent amendments thereto .
9765 . 2 . 4 . COMBINED LOADS . Wind and seismic loads need
not be combined in the design of signs , sign structures or ad-
vertising devices . Only that loading which provides the larger
stresses need be used.
Vertical design loads , except roof live loads , shall be
assumed to be acting simultaneously with the wind or seismic loads .
9765 . 2 . 5 . ALLOWABLE STRESSES . The design of wood, con-
37 .
d
Crete or steel members shall conform to the requirements of
Chapters 25, 26 and 27 of the 1967 edition of the Uniform
Building Code, and any subsequent amendments thereto.
Loads , both vertical and horizontal, exerted on the soil
shall not produce stresses exceeding those specified in Chapter
28 of the 1967 edition of the Uniform Building Code, and any
subsequent amendments thereto .
The working stresses of wire rope and its fastenings shall
not exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of the ultimate strength .
of the rope or fasteners . Working stresses for wind or seismic
loads combined with dead loads may be increased as specified in
Chapter 23 of the Uniform Building Code and any subsequent amend-
ments thereto .
9765 . 3 . CONSTRUCTION
9765 . 3 . 1. GENERAL. The supports for all signs or sign
structures shall be placed in or upon private property and shall
be securely built and erected in conformance with the require-
ments of this article .
9765 . 3 . 2 . MATERIALS . Materials of construction for
signs and sign structures shall be of the quality and grade as
specified for buildings in the 1967 edition of the Uniform Build-
ing Code, and any subsequent amendments thereto .
In all signs and sign structures the materials and details
of construction shall, in the absence of specified requirements ,
conform to the following specifications :
(a) Structural steel shall be of such quality as to con-
form to Uniform Building Code Standard No . 27-1-67, and any
subsequent amendments thereto . Secondary members in contact with,
or directly supporting the display surface may be formed of light
gauge steel, provided such members are designed in accordance
with the specifications of the design of light gauge steel, as
specified in Uniform Building Code Standards Nos . 27-9-67 and
27-10-67, and any subsequent amendments thereto, and in addition,
shall be galvanized. Secondary members , when formed integrally
with the display surface , shall not be less than No . 24 gauge in
thickness . When not formed integrally with the display surface ,
the minimum thickness of the secondary members shall be No . 12
gauge . The minimum thickness of hot-rolled steel members , fur-
nishing structural support for signs , shall be one-fourth (1/4 )
inch except that if galvanized, such members shall be not less
than one-eighth (1/8) inch thick. Steel pipes shall be of such
quality as to conform with Uniform Building Code Standard No .
27-1-67, and any subsequent amendments thereto . Steel members
38 •
may be connected with one (1) galvanized bolt provided the con-
nection is adequate to transfer the stresses in the members .
(b ) Anchors and supports when made of wood and embedded in
the soil, or within six (6) inches of the soil, shall be of all
heartwood of durable species , or shall be pressure treated with
an approved preservative . Such members shall be marked or branded
by an approved agency .
9765 . 3 . 3 • RESTRICTIONS ON COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS . All
signs and sign structures erected in Fire Zone No . 1 shall have
structural members of incombustible materials .
9765 . 3 . 3 . 1. MATERIALS FOR GROUND SIGNS . Ground signs may
be constructed of any material meeting the requirements of this
code, except as provided above .
9765 . 3 . 3 . 2 . NONCOMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS REQUIRED. Pole signs ,
combination signs, roof signs , wall signs , projectin
g signs and
signs on marquees shall be constructed of incombustible materials ,
except as provided in Section 9765 . 3 . 4 . No combustible materials
other than approved plastics shall be used in the construction
of electric signs .
9765 . 3. 4 . NONSTRUCTURAL TRIM. Nonstructural trim and
portable display surfaces may be of wood, metal, approved plastics ,
or any combination thereof.
9765 . 3 . 5 • ANCHORAGE. Members supporting unbraced signs
shall be so proportioned that the bearing loads imposed on the
soil in either direction, horizontal or vertical, shall not ex-
ceed the safe values . Braced ground signs shall be anchored to
resist the specified wind or seismic load acting in any direction.
Anchors and supports shall be designed for safe-bearing loads on
the soil, and for an effective resistance to pull-out amounting
to a force twenty-five percent (25%) greater than the required
resistance to overturning.
9765 . 3 . 5. 1. ANCHORAGE OF PORTABLE GROUND SIGNS . Portable
ground signs supported by frames or posts rigidly attached to
the base shall be so proportioned that the weight and size of
the base will be adequate to resist the wind pressure specified
in Chapter 23 of the 1967 edition of the Uniform Building Code ,
and any subsequent amendments thereto .
9765 . 3 . 5 . 2 . ANCHORAGE OF SIGNS ON MASONRY, CONCRETE OR
STEEL. Signs attached to masonry, concrete or steel shall be
safely and securely fastened thereto by means of metal anchors ,
bolts or approved expansion screws of sufficient size and anchor-
age to support the loads applied safely .
39 .
9765 . 3 . 5 . 3 . WOODEN BLOCKS OR PLUGS PROHIBITED . No wooden
blocks or plugs or anchors with wood used in connection with
screws or nails shall be considered proper anchorage, except in
the case of signs attached to wood framing.
9765 . 3 . 5 . 4 . SIGNS ON PARAPET WALLS . No anchor or support
of any sign shall be connected to, or supported by, an unbraced
parapet wall unless such wall is designed in accordance with the
requirements for parapet walls specified in Section 2314 of the
1967 edition of the Uniform Building Code, and any subsequent
amendments thereto.
9765 . 3 .6 . DISPLAY SURFACES . Display surfaces in all types
of signs may be made of metal, glass or approved plastics .
(a) Glass thickness and area limitations shall be as set
forth in Table A.
(b ) Sections of approved plastics on wall signs shall not
exceed one hundred fifty (150) square feet in area.
(1) In Fire Zone No . 3, the area may be increased by
fifty percent (50%) .
(2 ) Sections of approved plastics on signs other than
wall signs may be of unlimited area if approved
by the Director.
(c) Sections of approved plastics on wall signs shall be
separated three (3) feet laterally and six (6 ) feet vertically
by the required exterior wall construction.
Sections of approved plastics on signs other than wall
signs may not be required to be separated if approved by the
Director.
TABLE A
SIZE, THICKNESS AND TYPE OF GLASS PANELS IN SIGNS
MAXIMUM SIZE OF EXPOSED MINIMUM TYPE OF GLASS
GLASS PANEL THICKNESS
OF GLASS
ANY DIMENSION AREA (in inches )
(in inches ) (in square
inches )
30 500 1/8 Plain, plate or wired
45 700 3/16 Plain, plate or wired
144 3600 1/4 Plain, plate or wired
Over 144 Over 3600 1/4 Wired glass
40 .
9765 . 3 . 7 . APPROVED PLASTICS . The Director shall re-
quire that sufficient technical data be submitted to sub-
stantiate the proposed use of any plastic material, and if it
is determined that the evidence submitted is satisfactory for
the uses intended, he may approve its use .
9765 . 4 . CLEARANCE OF HIGH-VOLTAGE POWER LINES . Signs
shall be located not less than six (6 ) feet horizontally, or
twelve (12 ) feet vertically from overhead electrical conductors
which are energized in excess of seven hundred fifty (750) volts .
The term "overhead conductors" as used in this section, means
electrical conductors , either bare or insulated, above the
ground except such conductors as are enclosed in iron pipe or
other material covering of equal strength.
9765 . 4 . 1 . CLEARANCE FROM FIRE ESCAPES, EXITS OR STAND-
PIPES . No sign or sign structure shall be erected in such a
manner that any portion of its surface or supports will inter-
fere in any way with the free use of any fire escape, exit or
standpipe .
9765 . 4 . 2 . OBSTRUCTION OF OPENINGS . No sign shall ob-
struct any opening to such an extent that light or ventilation
is reduced to a point below that required by the Uniform Build-
ing Code . Signs erected within five (5 ) feet of an exterior wall
in which there are openings within the area of the sign shall
be constructed of incombustible material or approved plastics .
9765 . 4 . 3 . PROJECTION OVER ALLEYS . No sign or sign
structure shall project into any public alley below a height of
fourteen (14 ) feet above grade , nor project more than twelve
(12 ) inches where the sign structure is located fourteen (14 )
feet to sixteen (16) feet above grade .
9765 . 5 . POLE SIGNS . GENERAL REQUIREMENTS . Pole
signs shall be constructed of incombustible material except as
otherwise provided in this section.
9765 . 5 . 1 . DESIGN GENERALLY. All supports of pole
signs shall be placed upon private property and shall be se-
curely built , constructed and erected to conform with require-
ments specified in Section 9765 . 6 et seq . and Section 9765 . 7
et seq.
9765 . 5 . 2 . PROJECTION AND CLEARANCE. Projection of pole
signs shall conform to the requirements of this section. However,
a minimum ground clearance of ten (10) feet shall be provided
within the front yard setback.
9765 . 6 . WALL SIGNS GENERALLY. Wall signs shall be
constructed of incombustible material except as otherwise provided.
41.
g765 . 6 . 1. PROJECTION. No wall sign shall have a pro-
jection over public property or beyond a legal setback line
greater than the distances set forth in Table B, nor shall ex-
tend above any adjacent parapet or roof of the supporting build-
ing. No sign or sign structure shall project into a public alley
below a height of fourteen (14 ) feet above grade, nor more than
six (6) inches when over fourteen (14 ) feet . The thickness of
that portion of a wall sign which projects over public property
or a legal setback line shall not exceed the maximum as set forth
in Table C .
9765 . 7 . PROJECTING SIGNS GENERALLY. Projecting signs
shall be constructed of incombustible materials except as other-
wise provided in this article .
9765 . 7 . 1. PROJECTION. Signs may project over public
property or a legal setback line a distance determined by the
clearance of the bottoms thereof above the level of the sidewalk
or grade immediately below, as set forth in Table B.
(a) No sign shall project within two (2) feet of the curb
line .
(b ) No sign or sign structure shall project into a public
alley below a height of fourteen (14 ) feet above grade, nor more
than six (6) inches when over fourteen (14 ) feet .
(c) Projecting signs may project over public property or
beyond a legal setback line , as set forth in Table B.
9765 . 7 . 2 . THICKNESS OF PROJECTING SIGN . The thickness
of a projecting sign exclusive of letters and trim shall not ex-
tend that set forth in Table C .
TABLE B
PROJECTION OF SIGNS
Clearance Maximum Projection
Less than eight feet Not permitted
Eight feet One foot
Eight feet to sixteen feet One foot plus six inches for
each foot of clearance in
excess of eight feet
Over sixteen feet Five feet
42 .
TABLE C
THICKNESS OF PROJECTING SIGN
Projection Maximum Thickness
5 ' 2 '
4 ' 2 , 6"
3 ' 3 '
2 ' 31611
11 41
9765 . 8. ROOF SIGNS GENERALLY. Roof signs shall be
constructed of incombustible materials except as otherwise
specified.
9765 . 8 . 1. PROJECTION OF ROOF SIGNS . Roof signs may
project over public property or beyond a legal setback line pro-
vided such projection complies with requirement specified in
Section 9765 . 7 . 1.
9765 . 8 . 2. ROOF SIGNS . CLEARANCE AND ACCESS . At parapet
or roof level, a passage clear of all obstructions shall be left
under, around and immediately adjacent to all signs exceeding a
height of four (4) feet .
There shall be one such passage or access opening as follows :
(a) For each roof sign upon a building.
(b ) An access opening for every fifty (50) lineal feet of
horizontal roof sign extension.
(c) Within twenty (20) feet of walls and parapets when
roof signs are at right angles to a face of the building.
9765 . 9 . MARQUEE SIGNS GENERALLY . Signs may be placed
on, attached to or constructed on a marquee . Such signs shall,
for the purpose of determining projection, clearance , height and
material, be considered a part of and shall meet the requirements
specified for a marquee set out in Chapter 45 of the 1967 edition
of the Uniform Building Code , and any subsequent amendments thereto .
However, such signs shall not project higher than two (2) feet
above the face of such marquee .
9765 . 10 . ELECTRIC SIGNS GENERALLY. Electric signs shall
be constructed of incombustible materials except as otherwise pro-
vided in this article .
43 .
The enclosed shell of electric signs shall be watertight
except that service holes fitted with covers shall be provided
into each compartment of such signs .
9765 . 10 . 1. ELECTRIC SIGN INSTALLATION. Electric equip-
ment used in connection with display signs shall be installed in
accordance with the National Code or the state electrical safety
orders , whichever is applicable .
9765 . 10 . 2 . CONTRACTOR' S NAME ON ELECTRIC SIGN . Every
electric sign projecting over any street or alley or public
place shall have painted on the surface of the sign the name
of the sign erector and date of erection. Such name and date shall
be of sufficient size and contrast to be readable from a reason-
able distance .
9765 . 10 . 3 . ELECTRIC SIGN. UNDERWRITER'S APPROVAL.
Every electric sign shall have affixed to its surface the under-
writer' s label .
9765 . 11 . GROUND SIGNS GENERALLY . Ground signs may be
constructed of any material meeting the requirements of this
article except as otherwise provided herein.
9765 . 11 . 1. GROUND SIGNS . PROJECTION OF . Ground signs
shall not project over public property or beyond a legal setback.
9765 . 11. 2. GROUND SIGNS . FIRE RESTRICTIONS . Ground
signs may have display surfaces of combustible materials except
in Fire Zone No. 1 .
9765 . 12 . COMBINATION SIGNS GENERALLY. Combination
signs shall be constructed of incombustible materials except as
specified in this article .
The individual requirements of roof, projecting and pole
signs shall be applied to combination signs incorporating any
or all of the requirements specified in this article .
9765 . 12 . 1. COMBINATION SIGNS . PROJECTION AND CLEARANCE.
(a) Projection. Combination signs may project over public
property or beyond a legal setback line as specified in Section
9765 . 7 . 1.
(b ) Thickness . The thickness of that portion of a com-
bination sign which projects over public property shall not ex-
ceed the maximum as specified in Section 9765 . 7 . 1 .
9765 . 13 . BOARD OF APPEALS . APPEAL OF DESIGN AND CON-
STRUCTION REQUIREMENTS . Any decision by the Director regarding
44 .
the design or construction of any sign, pursuant to Section 9765
of this article, and its subsections , may be appealed to the
Board of Appeals under the procedure set out in the Uniform Build-
ing Code, all other appeals made under this article shall be made
pursuant to Section 9761. 16 of this article and its subsections .
9766 . MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
9766 . 1. UNSIGHTLY CONDITION PROHIBITED . No person, or
persons , erecting, constructing, owning, controlling or maintain-
ing any sign, sign structure or advertising device within this
city shall fail, refuse or neglect to remove, or cause to be re-
moved, any weeds , rubbish or any inflammable waste or material
from the base of any such sign, sign structure or advertising
device .
9766 . 2 . IMPROPER DISPLAY. No person shall exhibit ,
post or display, or cause or permit to be exhibited, posted or
displayed, any representation or depiction of any immoral or
unlawful act , suggestion, business or purpose .
9766 . 3 . PENALTY. Any person or persons violating any
of the provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of a misde-
meanor. Each person, or persons , shall be deemed guilty of a
separate offense for each and every day or portion thereof during
which any violation of any of the provisions of this chapter is
committed, continued or permitted. Upon conviction of any such
violation, such person, or persons , shall be punished by a fine
of not more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500) or by imprisonment
for not more than six (6) months , or by both such fine and im-
prisonment .
9766 . 3 . 1. In addition to the penalties hereinabove pro-
vided, any condition caused or permitted to exist in violation
of any of the provisions of this article shall be deemed a public
nuisance and may be, by this city, summarily abated as such .
9766 . 4 . SEVERABILITY. If any section, subsection, sub-
division, paragraph, sentence , clause or phrase of this chapter or
any part thereof is for any reason held to be unconstitutional,
such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining por-
tions of this chapter or any part thereof. The City Council
hereby declares that it would have passed each section, subsec-
tion, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase thereof
irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections , subsec-
tions , subdivisions , paragraphs , sentences , clauses or phrases
be declared unconstitutional .
9811 . 7 . The Board may hear applications for sign per-
mits pursuant to Article 976 .
45 .
SECTION 4 . The provisions of these sections insofar as
they are substantially the same as existing provisions of the
Huntington Beach Ordinance Code relating to the same subject
matter shall be construed as restatements and continuations and
not as new enactments .
SECTION 5 . All ordinances and parts of ordinances in con-
flict with this ordinance are hereby repealed; provided, however,
that any such repeal shall not affect or prevent the prosecu-
tion and punishment of any person, firm or corporation, for any
act done or committed prior to the effective date hereof, in
violation of the ordinance, or ordinances , which is repealed hereby .
SECTION 6 . This ordinance shall take effect thirty days
from its adoption. The City Clerk shall certify to the passage
of this ordinance and cause same to be published within fifteen
days of its adoption in the Huntington Beach News , a newspaper
of general circulation, printed and published in Huntington Beach,
California.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of
Huntington Beach at a regular meeting thereof held on the 7th day
of July, 1969 .
U' v-
Mayor
ATTEST:
City erk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
City Attorney
46 .
Ord. No. 1504
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF ORANGE ) ss :
CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH )
I , PAUL C. JONES, The duly elected, qualified, and
acting City Clerk of the City of Huntington Beach and- ex-
officio Clerk of the City Council of the said City, do hereby
certify that the whole number of members of the City Council
of the City of Huntington Beach is seven; that the foregoing
ordinance was read to said City Council at a regular
meeting thereof held on the 16th day of June
19 69 , and was again read to said City Council at a regular
meeting thereof held on the 7th day of July ,
1969 , and was passed and adopted by the affirmative vote of
more than a majority of all the members of said City Council.
AYES: Councilmen:
Bartlett, Kaufman, Matney, Coen, Green
NOES: Councilmen:
McCracken
ABSENT: Councilmen:
Shipley
City Clerk and -officio Clerk
of the City Council of the City
i, PAUL C. JONES, CITY CLERK df the CRY of of Huntington Beach, California
Huntington- Warh and ex-effich Clerk of the City
Council, do hereby Certify that this ordinance has
been pub►' Iced in t F{untiagton Beach News en
19___,
In a nce M a City arter of said City.
city
• - • - �mty