Ordinance No. 5071
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ORDINANCE NO. 507
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CYPRESS
AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 497, THE ZONING ORDINANCE, BY
ADDING SECTION 15, ESTABLISHING REGULATIONS FOR THE
CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF SIGNS WITHIN THE CITY
OF CYPRESS.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CYPRESS HEREBY DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 15 of Ordinance No. 497, the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Cypress,
is hereby added to read in full as follows:
SECTION 15.0 PURPOSE
The location, height, size, and illumination of signs are regulated in
order to maintain the attractiveness and orderliness of the City's appearance;
to protect business sites from loss of prominence resulting from excessive
signs on nearby sites; to protect the public safety and welfare.
SECTION 15.1 GENERAL PROVISIONS
A. All sign illumination shall be from the interior or by indirect light-
ing. Signs animated by illumination may be permitted in the CG and CH
Zones subject to the approval of the Planning Commission under Design
Review.
B. No sign shall simulate movement by means of fluttering, spinning,
or reflective devices. Rotating signs shall be permitted in the
CG and CH Zones subject to a maximum of eight (8) revolutions per
minute.
C. Except in the PS, CN, CG and CH Zones, no identification sign shall
be lighted except during the hours when the establishment identified
is open for business.
D. No sign may encroach upon or overhang adjacent property or public
right of way.
E. Canopy signs shall not project above the canopy and signs attached
to a building shall not project above the highest point of the
roof line.
F. The square footage of a sign made up of letters, words, or symbols
within a frame shall be determined from the outside edge of the
frame itself. The square footage of a sign composed of only letters,
words, or symbols shall be determined from imaginary straight lines
drawn around the entire copy or grouping of such letters, words, or
symbols. Only those portions of the construction elements that are
an integral part of the sign itself shall be considered in the allo-
cation of square footage allowed.
G. All signs shall be structurally safe, shall be of rust inhibitive
material, and shall be maintained in good condition in the opinion
of the Planning Director and Building Superintendent. It shall
further be the responsibility of the property owner of the land
and /or improvements to remove any sign or signs on premises where
the use has been discontinued for a period of over ninety (90)
days.
. All signs, together with all of their supports, braces, guys and
anchors shall be kept in repair and in a safe state of preservation.
The display surfaces of all signs shall be kept neatly painted or
posted at all times. Also, all weeds shall be cleaned and removed
periodically. The Building Official may order the removal of any
sign that is not maintained in accordance with the provisions of
Section S -305 of the Uniform Sign Code.
I. No cloth, paper, plastic or similar advertising signs or devices
other than in rigid frames as provided herein shall be permitted,
J. Signs painted on or attached to vehicles which are parked on the
premises for a period in excess of 24 hours shall be considered
signs within the meaning of this ordinance and shall be specifically
prohibited.
K. No roof signs shall be permitted. However, where no building setback
is provided, roof signs may be permitted subject to the approval of
the Planning Commission under Design Review,
L. No person shall exhibit, post or display upon any sign or wall any
statement, symbol or picture of an obscene nature-
M. No person, firm or corporation shall erect, construct, enlarge,
modify or relocate any sign in the City without first obtaining
a building permit for each such sign. Where said sign is electri-
cal or illuminated by electricity, a separate electrical permit
shall be obtained.
N. Signs painted on the sides of buildings shall not be permitted in
any zone in the City.
0. Signs advertising goods or services not available on premises
(e.g.,billboards) shall not be permitted in any zone in the City,
SECTION 15.2 EXEMPT SIGNS
The following signs shall be exempt from the provisions of this section:
A. Official notices authorized by a court, public body, or public
officer.
B. Directional, warning or information signs authorized by federal,
state, or municipal authority.
C. Memorial plaques and building cornerstones when cut or carved into
a masonry surface or when made of incombustible material and made
an integral part of the building or structure,
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D. Commemorative symbols, plaques and historical tablets.
SECTION 15.3 SPECIAL PURPOSE SIGNS
The following special - purpose signs shall be permitted:
A. Directional Signs. In any zone, one parking directional sign not
exceeding ten (10) square feet in area or six (6) feet in height
at each parking area entrance or exit.
B. Political Signs.
1. In all zones, one unlighted sign for each building or business
establishment not exceeding thirty -two (32) square feet. Free-
standing signs shall not exceed six (6) feet in height.
2. No sign shall be located in public right of way or on unoccupied
premises (without consent of the property owner) or be attached
to a tree or utility pole.
3. A political sign shall not be displayed more than sixty (60)
days prior to or more than ten (10) days after the election to
which it pertains.
C. Real Estate and Development Signs.
1. For Sale or Rental Signs - in any zone, one unlighted sign not
exceeding six (6) square feet on each street frontage adjoining
a site plus one "open house" sign. Freestanding signs shall not
exceed six (6) feet in height.
2. Construction signs - on the site of a project actively under
construction, one unlighted sign not exceeding ten (10) square
feet in area, for each contractor, architect or engineer engaged
in the project. Signs may be combined. Freestanding signs shall
not exceed six (6) feet in height.
3. Directional subdivision signs - in any zone, unlighted signs
advertising subdivisions containing only the name of the sub-
division, the name of the developer and /or agent, an identifi-
cation emblem and directional message shall be permitted,
provided:
a. There shall be no more than three such signs located
within the City limits for each subdivision.
b. The total area of each sign shall not exceed fifty (50)
square feet.
c. The total height of each sign shall not exceed fifteen
(15) feet.
d. Directional subdivision signs may be displayed during
the two years following the date of recordation of the
final map or until one hundred percent (100%) of the
lots have been sold or whichever occurs first.
4. On -site subdivision signs shall be permitted provided there shall
be no more than 300 square feet of total sign area for each sub-
division and a total of six (6) signs. Such on -site signs shall
be permitted to remain only as long as a sales office is maintained
in the subdivision and provided that such signs are maintained in
good condition as determined by the Building Official.
5. Subdivision entrance signs - at the major street entrance to a
subdivision or development, not more than two unlighted signs,
each not exceeding twenty (20) square feet in area, attached to
and not extending above a wall or fence, indicating the name
of the subdivision or development. Such signs shall be constructed
of materials and affixed to the wall or fence in such a manner
as to render them not readily susceptible to vandalism.
6. For the purpose of administering this section, apartment or group
housing complexes of thirty (30) units or more =hall be consi-
. dered within the definition of a "Subdivision."
D. Sale Signs.
For retail commercial uses in any zone where such uses are listed as
a permitted or conditional use, sale signs may be permitted while a
sale of goods or services is being conducted, Such signs shall be
displayed only in rigid frame on the wall of the building wherein
the business is conducted and shall not exceed in area 10% of the
wall area of the building.
E. Attraction Signs.
For retail commercial uses in any zone where retail sales or rentals
are listed as a permitted or conditional use, one double -faced at-
traction board not exceeding twelve (12) square feet in area shall be
permitted, Such sign shall be used only for the purpose of indicat-
ing prices on products for sale or rent, Freestanding signs shall
not exceed six (6) feet in height.
F. Other Special. Signs,
Flags, emblems, insignias and posters of any nation, state, inter-
national organization, political subdivision or other governmental
agency; unlighted non- .verbal religious symbols attached to a place
of religious worship; and, empur:ry displays of a patriotic, reli-
gious, char itabia , or 7t:; t.i shall he c.xe npt irom the pro-
visions of this section; however, if the height exceeds thirty -five
(35) feet, such signs shall be reviewed by the Planning Commission.
SECTION 15.4 SIGNS IN R ZONES
Except as prescribed in Section 15.3 (Special Purpose Signs), only the
following signs shall be permitted in an "R" Zone,
A. Residential Uses
1. Single- family dwelling units - one unlighted name plate not
exceeding one square foot in area indicating the name of the
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B.
occupant. On a site with more than one dwelling unit, name
plates shall not be combined.
2. Multi- family dwellings, apartment developments, boarding or
rooming houses, dormitories - one,unlighted identification sign;
not exceeding fifteen (15) square feet in area. Freestanding
signs shall not exceed six (6) feet in height.
Agricultural Uses. One unlighted sign not exceeding six (6) square
in area or six feet (6') in height pertaining to the products
raised on the premises.
C. Public and Semi - Public Uses. One lighted or unlighted sign not to
exceed fifteen (15) square feet in area. Freestanding signs shall
not exceed six feet (6') in height.
SECTION 15.5 SIGNS IN "C" ZONES
Except as prescribed in Section 15.3 (Special Purpose Signs), only.the
following signs shall be permitted in a "C" Zone:
A. Office Uses in the CO Zone
1. For each use, one name plate not exceeding two (2) square feet
in area indicating the name and profession or business of the occu-
pant. Where two or more professional offices occupy the same
building, name plates may be combined in the form of a directory,
provided such combined sign shall not exceed seventy -five (75)
square feet in area; when such sign is freestanding, such sign
shall not exceed twelve (12) feet in height.
2. For buildings containing four or more offices, one single -
faced, lighted, wall or canopy sign not exceeding thirty (30)
square feet in area indicating the name of the building.
B. Commercial Uses in the CN Zone, Except Service Stations
1. One freestanding lighted sign indicating the name of the shop-
ping center not exceeding seventy -five (75) square feet in area.
Freestanding signs shall not exceed thirty feet (30') in height.
2. For each use, one single- faced, lighted wall or canopy sign, not
exceeding one square foot of area for each lineal foot of property
frontage or portion thereof, shall be permitted on each side of
the building fronting on a street, parking lot or mall to a maxi-
mum of seventy -five (75) square feet per sign; provided, however,
there shall be no more than two such signs per use.
C. Commercial Uses in the CG Zone, Except Service Stations
1. For each use, one lighted freestanding identification sign seventy-
five (75) square feet in area for each street frontage; provided,
however, that for each lineal foot of property frontage in excess
of seventy -five (75) feet, an additional one square foot of sign
area shall be permitted to a maximum of one - hundred and fifty
(150) square feet; and further provided, that there be no more than
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one sign per lot or parcel of land. Where more than one business
is being conducted on a single lot or parcel of land, the permitted
sign area for each business shall be combined into one freestanding
sign up to a maximum combined area of one - hundred and fifty (150)
square feet. Freestanding signs shall nat exceed thirty feet (30')
in height.
2. For each use, one single- faced, lighted wall or canopy sign, not
exceeding one square foot of area for each lineal foot of prop-
erty frontage or portion thereof, may be placed on each side of
the building fronting on a street, parking lot or mall to maxi-
mum of one hundred (100) square feet per sign; provided, however,
there shall be no more than two such signs per use.
D. Commercial Uses in the CH Zone, Except Service Stations
1. Commercial uses in the CH Zone except service station signs shall
be permitted in the CH Zone to the same extent as in the CG Zone;
provided, however, additional signing may be approved by the Plan-
ning Commission under Design Review.
E. Service Stations in the CN, CG and CH Zones
1. One lighted, freestanding sign not exceeding fifty (50) square
feet in area. Such sign shall not exceed thirty feet (30') in
height.
2. Not more than two wall or canopy signs, each sign not exceeding
thirty (30) square feet in area.
3. Not more than one price sign not exceeding twelve (12) square
feet in area.
4. Informational or other permanent promotional signs such as those
indicating the availability of State approved services or trading
stamps shall be permitted up to a combined maximum area of six
(6) square feet.
F. Public and Semi - Public Uses: "C" Zones
One lighted sign not exceeding thirty (30) square feet in area. Free-
standing signs shall not exceed six feet (6') in height.
SECTION 15.6 SIGNS IN "M" ZONES
Except as prescribed in Section 15.3 (Special Purpose Signs), only the
following signs shall be permitted in an "M" Zone:
A. Industrial Uses in the MP Zone. For each use, one single- faced, lighted
wall or canopy sign, not exceeding one square foot of area for each
lineal foot of building or portion thereof, may be placed on the side
of the building facing the major street frontage up to a maximum of
one hundred (100) square feet.
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B. Industrial Uses in the M -1 Zone:
1. For each use, one single- faced, lighted wall or canopy sign,
not exceeding one (1) square foot of area for each lineal foot
of building or portion thereof, may be placed on the side of the
building facing the major street frontage up to a maximum of one
hundred (100) square feet.
2. For each use, one lighted, freestanding sign not exceeding seventy-
five (75) square feet in area; provided, however, that there be
no more than one (1) such sign per lot or parcel of land. Where
more than one (1) use is being conducted on a single lot or parcel
of land, the permitted sign area for each use shall be combined into
one (1) freestanding sign up to a maximum of one hundred (100)
square feet. Freestanding signs shall not exceed thirty feet (30')
in height
C. Public and Semi - Public Uses: "M" Zones
One lighted sign not exceeding thirty (30) square feet in area. Free-
standing signs shall not exceed six feet (6') in height.
SECTION 15,7 SIGNS IN SPECIAL PURPOSE ZONES
Except as prescribed in Section 15.3 (Special Purpose Signs), only the
following signs shall be permitted in the following Special Purpose Zones:
SECTION 15.7 -1. SIGNS IN THE "MHP" ZONE
At the major street entrance to the mobile home park, not more than two
(2) lighted signs, each not exceeding twenty (20) square feet in area,
attached to and not extending above a wall or fence, indicating the name
of the mobile home park,
SECTION 15.7 -2. SIGNS IN THE "PRD" ZONE
At the major street entrance to the planned residential development, not
more than two unlighted signs, each not exceeding twenty (20) square
feet in area, attached to and not extending above a wall or fence, identify-
ing the planned residential development.
SECTION 15.7 -3. SIGNS IN THE "PC" ZONE
Signs in the PC Zone shall be as specified in the text which constitutes
the standards of development as approved by the Planning Commission and
the City Council,
SECTION 15 „7 -4, SIGNS IN THE "PS” ZONE
Except as prescribed in Section 15.3 (Special Purpose Signs), only the
following signs shall be permitted in the PS Zone:
A. Agricultural Uses. One unlighted sign not exceeding six (6) square
feet in area or six feet (6') in height pertaining to the products
raised on the premises.
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B. A11 other Uses. Signs shall be as specified in the Conditional Use
Permit required for all uses except agricultural uses,
SECTION 15.7 -5. SIGNS IN THE (CC) COMBINING ZONE
A. Signs in the (CC) Combining Zone shall be as specified in the Condi-
tional Use Permit required for all uses except single- family dwellings.
B. For single - family dwellings, one unlighted name plate not exceeding
one (1) square foot in area indicating the name of the occupant.
SECTION 15.8 ADMINISTRATION: SIGNS
SECTION 15.8 -1. FREESTANDING SIGNS -- COMMISSION REVIEW
A. All freestanding signs except Special Purpose Signs as designated
in Section 15.3 and permitted signs in "R" Zones (Section 15.4)
shall be subject to the review and approval of the Planning
Commission.
B. There shall be no filing fee for the review of freestanding signs
by the Planning Commission.
C. In its review of freestanding signs, the Planning Commission shall
consider the size, shape, scale and location of the proposed sign
as it relates to surrounding land uses in order to insure compati-
bility between signs and other structures and to reduce possible
detrimental effects.
D. Planning Commission review of freestanding signs shall not be re-
quired where such signs have been approved in conjunction with
Commission approval of a Conditional Use Permit or Variance.
E. Following its review of a freestanding sign as prescribed in Para-
graph "C" above, the Planning Commission may approve, conditionally
approve or not approve the proposed sign.
SECTION 15.8 -2. APPEAL OF COMMISSION ACTION - REVIEW OF FREESTANDING SIGNS
If, after reviewing a proposed freestanding sign, the Planning Commission
should not approve the sign as submitted, or, if the applicant does not
agree with the conditions of approval required by the Commission, the
applidant may appeal the decision to the City Council as prescribed in
Section 17.6 -1 (Appeal of Decision of Planning Commission).
SECTION 15.8 -3. CASH DEPOSIT ON CERTAIN SIGNS
A. Directional Subdivision Signs: Applications for permits for direc-
tional subdivision signs shall be accompanied by a cash deposit of
$250.00 for each sign which shall be posted with the Finance Depart-
ment. Such $250.00 cash deposit shall be used to defray the costs
of sign removal by the City in the event the permit holder defaults
upon the agreement to remove same. Before any permit for any such
sign is issued, the applicant and the record owner(s) of the property
shall furnish the Field Services Department written authority grant-
ing the City permission to enter upon the premises to remove such
sign.
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SECTION 15.8 -4. ELIMINATION OF NON - CONFORMING SIGNS
The elimination of non - conforming signs shall be as prescribed in Section
16.8 (Non- Conforming Signs).
SECTION 15.8 -5. CHANGE IN COPY OF NON - CONFORMING SIGNS
Prior to the required date of elimination of a non- conforming sign, a
permit may be issued for a change in copy of such sign provided such
change would not create or increase a discrepancy between the regular
tions of this section (Section 15) and the existing non - conforming sign.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Cypress at a regular
meeting held on the 26th day of March, 1973.
ATTEST:
CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF CYPRESS
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF ORANGE ) SS
I, DARRELL ESSEX, City Clerk of the City of Cypress, DO HEREBY CERTIFY that
the foregoing Ordinance was duly adopted at a regular meeting held on the 26th
day of March, 1973, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: 4 COUNCILMEN: Frankiewich, Harvey, Kanel and Roberts
NOES: 0 COUNCILMEN: None
ABSENT: 1 COUNCILMAN: Lacayo
CIItY CLERK OF THE TY OF CYPRESS