Division 4 — DESIGN REVIEW SIGN REQUIREMENTS

Sec. 30-725. - Reviewing bodies.

The following reviewing bodies shall make decisions on the design review sign applications provided for in this article. All reviewing bodies shall be responsible for the design review sign applications indicated in Table No. 30-725.A.

DCD—Director of Community Development—Approval Body

PC—Planning Commission—Approval Body

CC—City Council—Approval Body

X—Indicates the reviewing and/or the Approval Body

Table No. 30-725.A.

Responsible Reviewing Bodies

(Ord. No. 1868, § 9(Att. 2), 5-25-21; Ord. No. 1974, § 4(Exh. A), 9-9-25)

Sec. 30-726. - Application and process requirements.

(a)

Application required. All design review sign applications shall be filed on the forms provided by the Community Development Department, together with all required fees and all other information and materials specified by the application requirements list provided by the Community Development Department. It is the applicant's responsibility to provide evidence in support of the findings required by this division for the applicable design review sign approval.

(b)

Business license required. Where a commercial sign is affiliated with a business, that business shall have a valid business license prior to issuance of design review sign approval.

(c)

Hearing notification and appeals. Hearing notification, posting, and appeals shall comply with requirements for Planning Commission hearings as outlined in Sections 30-23 through 30-30.

(d)

Expiration and extension of design review sign approval.

(1)

Design review sign approval expires 12 months after the date of approval unless the sign has been installed or a different expiration date is stipulated in the approval. Notwithstanding these dates, the expiration date of the design review sign approval shall be automatically extended to concur with the latest expiration date of the companion building permit or other applicable permits.

(2)

Prior to the expiration of a design review sign approval, the applicant may apply to the Director of Community Development for one extension of up to an additional 12 months from the original date of expiration. In response to an extension request, the Director may make minor modifications to the original approval or deny further extensions.

(e)

Revisions to design review sign approval. The Director of Community Development may approve minor modifications to an approved application for design review sign if the intent of the original approval is not affected. Revisions that would substantially deviate from the original approval shall require the approval of a new/revised application by the responsible reviewing body.

(f)

Permit Streamlining Act. The reviewing bodies shall make decisions on design review sign applications in compliance with the Permit Streamlining Act as referenced in California Government Code Section 65920.

(Ord. No. 1868, § 9(Att. 2), 5-25-21)

Sec. 30-727. - Design principles.

The following sign design principles shall be used as criteria for review and approval of design review sign applications by the responsible reviewing body:

(1)

Architectural compatibility. A sign (including its supporting structures, if any) shall be designed as an integral design element of a building's architecture and shall be architecturally compatible, including in terms of color and scale, with any building to which the sign is to be attached and with surrounding structures. Where more than one sign is provided, all signs shall be complementary to each other.

(2)

Character context. A sign shall be sensitive in context to nearby uses in terms of height, sign type, quality, and type of illumination, as well as other factors that may be defined by the Director of Planning.

(3)

Downtown character. Where a sign is located within the boundaries of downtown, new signs shall contribute to an integrated appearance of the district. Character-defining treatments shall include:

a.

Use of pedestrian-oriented projecting and suspended signs.

b.

Use of floor inlay signs or graphic projection signs, which are allowed only in downtown.

c.

Use of sign colors and materials that are coordinated with building architecture.

(4)

Route 66 character. As part of the design review or administrative site plan entitlement for development of properties located on the historic Route 66 (Foothill Boulevard), Route 66 themed signage shall be incorporated for one sign per property in the following locations:

• Southeast Corner of Ilex Street and Foothill Boulevard.

• Properties at the intersection of Cherry Avenue and Foothill Boulevard.

• Properties north of the intersection of Beech Avenue and Foothill Boulevard.

• Properties at the intersection of Citrus Avenue and Foothill Boulevard.

• Properties at the intersection of Sierra Avenue and Foothill Boulevard.

• Properties at the intersection of Alder Avenue and Foothill Boulevard

• Properties at the intersection of Maple Avenue and Foothill Boulevard.

Character-defining treatments shall include:

a.

Sign design that is consistent with and reminiscent of historic Route 66 signage.

b.

Use of approved Route 66 logo on signs of at least 24 inches in height.

c.

Use of sign colors and materials that are coordinated with building architecture.

d.

Character-defining treatments can include Route 66 theme signage exceeding the maximum sign area, including height, with Planning Commission approval.

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(5)

Legibility. Signs shall be designed to provide clear, legible information that indicates the proposed sign's purpose. The size and proportion of the elements of the sign's message—including logos, letters, icons and other graphic images—shall be selected based on the average distance and average travel speed of the viewer. Sign messages oriented toward pedestrians shall be smaller than those oriented toward motor vehicle drivers.

(6)

Readability. A sign message shall be easily recognized and designed in a clear, unambiguous, and concise manner so that a viewer can understand or make sense of what appears on the sign. Colors chosen for the sign text and/or graphics shall have sufficient contrast with the sign background to be easily read during both day and night.

(7)

Visibility. A sign shall be readily distinguishable from its surroundings so a viewer can easily see the information it communicates.

(8)

Graphic interest. Sign colors and materials shall be selected to contribute to legibility and design integrity.

(Ord. No. 1868, § 9(Att. 2), 5-25-21; Ord. No. 1969, § 4(Exh. A), 5-27-25)

Sec. 30-728. - Design review permanent sign.

(a)

Applicability and exempt activities. A design review permanent sign approval is required to erect, move, alter, replace, suspend, display, or attach a permanent sign (general sign, freeway sign, and electronic message sign), unless otherwise specified in this article. The following sign activities are allowed without a design review permanent sign approval; however, any required building permit shall be obtained prior to the installation or modification of a sign:

(1)

The normal maintenance of a sign, including cleaning, repainting, or repairing, except when prohibited for a nonconforming sign by Section 30-776; and

(2)

Changes to the face or copy of a sign with changeable copy.

(b)

Compliance with standards. The following standards are required to be found in compliance in order for the responsible reviewing body to approve a design review permanent sign application, with or without conditions:

(1)

The sign complies with the standards of this article and any applicable specific plan or precise development plan;

(2)

The sign is in substantial compliance with the design principles outlined in Section 30-727;

(3)

The sign will not impair pedestrian and vehicular safety from right-of-way; and

(4)

The sign's design or proposed construction will not threaten the public health, safety, or welfare.

(Ord. No. 1868, § 9(Att. 2), 5-25-21)

Sec. 30-729. - Design review temporary sign.

(a)

Applicability and exempt activities. A design review temporary sign approval is required to erect, move, alter, replace, suspend, display, or attach a temporary sign, unless otherwise specified in this article.

(b)

Compliance with standards. The following standards are required to be found in compliance in order for the responsible reviewing body to approve a design review temporary sign application, with or without conditions:

(1)

The sign complies with the standards listed in Division 7 of this article;

(2)

The sign was reviewed and approved through an associated temporary use permit;

(3)

The sign is in substantial compliance with the design principles outlined in Section 30-727;

(4)

The sign does not impair pedestrian and vehicular safety; and

(5)

The sign's design or proposed construction will not threaten the public health, safety, or welfare.

(Ord. No. 1868, § 9(Att. 2), 5-25-21)

Sec. 30-730. - Design review creative sign (minor).

(a)

Purpose. The purpose of design review creative sign (minor) approvals is to encourage permanent signs that exhibit extraordinary aesthetic quality, creativity, and/or innovation through a minor increase to the maximum allowed sign area.

(b)

Applicability.

(1)

Location. An applicant may submit a design review creative sign (minor) request in the following areas:

a.

Within the downtown boundary;

b.

General commercial (C-2) designated properties; or

c.

On properties with frontage on Baseline Avenue, Foothill Boulevard, Sierra Avenue, or Valley Boulevard.

(2)

Requirements. An applicant may request design review creative sign (minor) approval to employ standards that differ from the standards applicable to signs established in this article but comply with the specific provisions of this section, consistent with the following:

a.

Permanent signs may deviate no more than ten percent from the applicable maximum sign area standard established in this article.

b.

A modification permitted by this subsection shall not allow a general advertising sign where it is not otherwise allowed.

c.

A modification permitted by this subsection shall not be additive to any other modification allowance permitted by this article.

d.

A design review creative sign (minor) approval shall not authorize any prohibited sign type or feature set forth in Section 30-722 except where specifically authorized.

Figure No. 30-730.1

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Example of possible design review creative sign (minor) application

(c)

Findings and decision. The following findings are required to be made by the responsible reviewing body for approval of a design review creative sign (minor) application, with or without conditions:

(1)

The proposed creative sign complies with the design principles set forth in Section 30-727;

(2)

The proposed creative sign will provide strong graphic character through the effective use of color, graphics, proportion, quality materials, scale, and texture;

(3)

The proposed creative sign contributes a substantial aesthetic improvement to the site and has a positive visual impact on the surrounding area;

(4)

The proposed creative sign is located and designed so as not to cause light and glare impacts on surrounding uses, especially residential uses; and

(5)

The proposed creative sign utilizes or enhances the architectural elements of the building and is placed in an appropriate location in relation to the overall composition of the building's façade.

(Ord. No. 1868, § 9(Att. 2), 5-25-21)

Sec. 30-731. - Design review creative sign (PC).

(a)

Purpose. The purposes of design review creative sign (PC) approvals are to:

(1)

Encourage signs of unique design and signs that exhibit a high degree of thoughtfulness, imagination, and inventiveness;

(2)

Provide a process for the application of sign regulations in ways that will allow creatively designed signs that make a positive visual contribution to the overall image of Fontana, while mitigating the impacts of large or unusually designed signs; and

(3)

Provide a process for the approval of commercial murals and other emerging sign types that portray Fontana in a positive light and enhance the local aesthetic.

Figure No. 30-731.1

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Examples of possible design review creative sign (PC) applications

(b)

Applicability.

(1)

Location. An applicant may request design review creative sign (PC) approval to authorize one on-site permanent creative sign in the following areas:

a.

Within the downtown boundary. For creative signs in the downtown core, Section 30-371.1 shall apply; or

b.

On properties with frontage on Baseline Avenue, Foothill Boulevard, Sierra Avenue, or Valley Boulevard.

(2)

Requirements. An applicant may request design review creative sign (PC) approval to employ standards that differ from the standards applicable to signs established in this article but comply with the specific provisions of this section, consistent with the following:

a.

A design review creative sign Planning Commission approval may deviate from the applicable standards established in this article, when approved by the Planning Commission.

b.

A modification permitted by this subsection shall not allow a general advertising sign where it is not otherwise allowed.

c.

A design review creative sign approval shall not authorize any prohibited sign type or feature set forth in Section 30-722 except where specifically authorized.

(c)

Findings and decision. The following findings are required to be made by the responsible reviewing body for approval of a design review creative sign (PC) application, with or without conditions:

(1)

Design criteria. The proposed creative sign:

a.

Complies with the design principles set forth in Section 30-727;

b.

Has a unique design and exhibits a high degree of imagination, inventiveness, spirit, and thoughtfulness through the imaginative use of color, graphics, proportion, quality materials, scale, and texture;

c.

Contributes a substantial aesthetic improvement to the site and has a positive visual impact on the surrounding area; and

d.

Utilizes or enhances the architectural elements of the building and is placed in an appropriate location in relation to the overall composition of the building's façade.

(2)

Contextual criteria. The creative sign shall be located and designed not to cause light and glare impacts on surrounding uses, especially residential uses. The sign shall also contain at least one of the following elements:

a.

Creative image reflecting current or historic character of Fontana; or

b.

Inventive representation of the logo, name, or use of the structure or business.

(Ord. No. 1868, § 9(Att. 2), 5-25-21; Ord. No. 1974, § 4(Exh. A), 9-9-25)

Sec. 30-731.1. - Downtown core creative sign.

(a)

Purpose. The purpose of this section is to:

(1)

Encourage distinctive signage that demonstrates unique design and exhibits a high degree of thoughtfulness, imagination, and inventiveness thereby creating a dynamic and attractive downtown core;

(2)

Establish a process for implementing sign regulations that facilitate the approval of creatively designed signs that shall make a positive visual contribution to the overall image of the downtown core, while mitigating the impacts of large or unusually designed signs; and

(3)

Provide a process for the approval of commercial or residential murals and other novel sign types that positively represent Fontana and enhance the local aesthetic.

(b)

Applicability.

(1)

Location. An applicant may seek approval to authorize the installation of one on-site permanent creative sign within the downtown core.

(2)

Requirements. An applicant may request approval to utilize standards that deviate from the requirements applicable to signs established in this article, provided such deviation complies with the specific provisions of this section, subject to the following conditions:

a.

A downtown core creative sign may deviate from the applicable standards established in this article with façade modifications, when approved by the Director of Planning through a design review sign application.

Only one downtown core creative sign may be requested per design review sign application.

b.

This subsection shall not authorize general advertising where it is not otherwise allowed.

c.

A downtown core creative sign approval shall not authorize any prohibited sign type or feature set forth in Section 30-722 except where specifically authorized.

d.

Electronic message signs are only permitted to promote live events and screenings. The site must have a business associated with live events and/or screenings. In addition, the electronic message sign must comply with Section 30-734(c).

e.

Applicants proposing an electronic message sign must have the approval of a minor use permit to ensure compliance with the findings below.

(c)

Findings. The following findings are required to be made by the responsible reviewing body for the approval of a downtown core creative sign application:

(1)

Design criteria. The proposed creative sign shall meet the following design criteria:

a.

The sign complies with the design principles set forth in Section 30-727;

b.

The sign exhibits a unique design and a high degree of imagination, inventiveness, spirit, and thoughtfulness through the use of color, graphics, proportion, quality materials, scale, and texture;

c.

The sign contributes a substantial aesthetic improvement to the site and has a positive visual impact on the surrounding area;

d.

The sign utilizes or enhances the architectural elements of the building and is placed in an appropriate location in relation to the overall composition of the building's façade;

e.

Any proposed façade modifications are demonstrably necessary for the structural integration of the sign or are located in the immediate vicinity of the sign to enhance its visual interest;

f.

Any proposed commercial mural must depict imagery directly connected with the business and project a positive impression; and

g.

Electronic message signs may only be used for businesses to promote live events and screenings and must comply with Section 30-734.

(2)

Contextual criteria. The creative sign shall be located and designed not to cause light and glare impacts on surrounding uses, especially residential uses. The sign shall also contain at least one of the following elements:

a.

Creative image reflecting current or historic character of Fontana; or

b.

Inventive representation of the logo, name, or use of the structure or business.

(Ord. No. 1974, § 4(Exh. A), 9-9-25)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 1974, § 4(Exh. A), adopted Sept. 9, 2025, renumbered the former § 30-731.1 as § 30-731.2 and enacted a new § 30-731.1 as set out herein. The historical notation has been retained with the amended provisions for reference purposes.

Sec. 30-731.2. - Sign programs.

(a)

Purpose. The purpose of the sign programs are to:

(1)

Provide coordinated signage within a development project;

(2)

Create common design elements;

(3)

Provide customed tailored site-specific standards; and

(4)

Integrate the design of signs with the overall building and landscape design to form an architectural statement.

(b)

Applicability.

(1)

Location. An applicant may submit a comprehensive sign program application (design review sign program) if they meet the following criteria:

a.

A new or existing shopping center with a site area of six acres or more;

b.

Mixed-use or commercially zoned properties;

c.

On properties with frontage on Baseline Avenue, Foothill Boulevard, Sierra Avenue, or Valley Boulevard.; and

d.

For sign programs within the downtown core, Section 30-732.1 shall apply.

(2)

Requirements. An applicant may request Planning Commission approval of a sign program, consistent with the following:

a.

A site plan showing the location of buildings, parking lots, driveways, and landscaped area;

b.

The maximum total sign area, the maximum area for individual signs, the height of signs and the number of signs allowed;

c.

An accurate indication on the site plan of the proposed location of each proposed sign and existing sign which is to remain;

d.

Lighting and sign construction materials; and

e.

Sign dimensions (if tenants are not known, generic dimensions may be presented).

f.

Where proposed signage does not meet the requirements of existing sign regulations, the sign program shall provide enhanced design or other elements.

(Ord. No. 1898, § 13, 7-26-22; Ord. No. 1974, § 4(Exh. A), 9-9-25)

Editor's note— See editor's note, § 30-731.1.

Sec. 30-731.3. - Downtown core sign program.

(a)

Purpose. The purpose of downtown core sign program is to:

(1)

Provide coordinated signage within a downtown core site;

(2)

Create common design elements;

(3)

Provide custom tailored site-specific standards;

(4)

Integrate the design of signs with the overall building and landscape design to form an architectural statement; and

(5)

Allow façade improvements in direct vicinity of proposed signage.

(b)

Applicability and eligibility.

(1)

Location. The downtown core sign program must pertain to sites situated within the downtown core.

(2)

Eligibility. In addition to the general location requirement above, the site for which a downtown core sign program application is submitted must satisfy at least one of the following criteria:

a.

The site is a commercial or mixed-use property with commercial or office space measuring one acre or larger, excluding any stand-alone single-family residences (including ADU's); or

b.

The site is a commercial, mixed-use, or residential property that is two stories or higher.

(3)

Requirements. An applicant may request Director's approval of a downtown core sign program through a design review sign application, consistent with the following:

a.

A site plan showing the location of buildings, parking lots, driveways, lot size, building height, and landscaped area;

b.

The maximum total sign area, the maximum area for individual signs, the height of signs and the number of signs allowed;

c.

An accurate indication on the site plan of the proposed location of each proposed sign and existing sign which is to remain;

d.

Show areas of all façade changes including color and material which must be architecturally compatible with the proposed signage and close proximity to proposed signage;

e.

Lighting and sign construction materials;

f.

Sign dimensions (if tenants are not known, generic dimensions may be presented);

g.

Where proposed signage does not meet the requirements of existing sign regulations, the sign program shall provide enhanced design or other elements;

h.

Sites along Route 66 must meet the requirements of Section 30-727; and

i.

Electronic message signs are only permitted to promote live events and screenings. The site must have a business associated with live events and/or screenings. In addition, the electronic massage sign must comply with Section 30-734(c).

1.

Applicants proposing an electronic message sign must have the approval of a minor use permit to ensure compliance with this section.

(Ord. No. 1974, § 4(Exh. A), 9-9-25)

DIVISION 5. - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL SIGNS