Menifee Zoning Code Ch. 9.220 Sign Regulations

Contents:

9.220.010 Purpose

9.220.020 Applicability

9.220.030 Types of Sign Permits

9.220.040 Prohibited Signs

9.220.050 Signs Exempt from Permit Requirement

9.220.060 Application Process

9.220.070 Appeals

9.220.080 Administrative Relief

9.220.090 Sign Violations and Enforcement

9.220.100 General Regulations

9.220.110 Message Substitution

9.220.120 Sign Measurement Standards

9.220.130 Permanent On-Site Sign Standards

9.220.140 Temporary On-Site Commercial Sign Standards

9.220.150 Off-Site Commercial Signage

9.220.160 Electronic Display Signs

9.220.170 Nonconforming Signs and Abandoned Signs

The City recognizes that signs are an essential element of a community's visual appearance and provide a means to identify and promote businesses and present information to the public. With proper regulation, signs may be displayed in a manner that effectively communicates their message while maintaining an attractive community appearance and ensuring they do not become visual distractions that pose potential safety issues. These regulations are intended to create a comprehensive and balanced system of sign regulation that will facilitate communication and simultaneously serve various public interests, including, but not limited to, safety and community aesthetics.

All signs, both permanent and temporary, require a permit prior to being placed or erected, unless specifically exempt from permitting requirements under this chapter. The permits required under this chapter are in addition to any other permits, licenses, or other approvals required by local, state or federal law or regulation.

1. Temporary sign permits. A temporary sign permit shall be required for all temporary signs prior to erection, relocation, alteration or replacement, unless otherwise exempted by this chapter.
2. Standard sign permit. A standard sign permit shall be required for all permanent signs prior to erection, relocation, alteration or replacement, unless otherwise exempted by this chapter. A standard sign permit shall not be required for general maintenance of existing signs or the replacement of the sign face (including message) when the area of the sign is not being changed and a building permit is not required (e.g., the replacement of a sign face on a can sign). In addition, a standard sign permit shall not be required if a master sign program has been approved for the property on which the sign will be located, and the sign is consistent with the existing master sign program.
3. Master sign program. A master sign program pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 9.65 shall be required for all multi-tenant shopping centers, office parks and other multi-tenant, mixed-use or otherwise integrated developments of three or more separate tenants/uses that share buildings, public spaces, landscape and/or parking facilities. The purpose of a master sign program is to allow for the integration of a project's signs with the design of the structures to achieve a unified architectural statement of high quality, and to allow for deviations from the otherwise applicable standards of Section 9.220.130.

The signs listed in this section are inconsistent with the purposes and requirements of this chapter and as such are prohibited in all zoning districts, unless specifically authorized by another provision of this chapter.

1. Any sign inconsistent with the requirements of this chapter.
2. Roof signs or signs placed above the roofline, except if allowed as part of an approved master sign program.
3. Blinking and flashing signs.
4. Can Signs.
5. Pennants, banners, A-frame ("sandwich board") signs, and flags displaying a commercial message unless allowed through a temporary sign permit.
6. Signs which are mobile, rotate or move, except if allowed as part of an approved master sign program.
7. Signs which block a pedestrian path of travel.
8. Obscene or unlawful advertising.
9. Off-site commercial signs, except as provided in Section 9.220.150 (Allowed Off-Site Signage).
10. Signs placed in the public right-of-way or affixed to an element or structure on the public right-of-way, or located on a tree, fence, utility pole or other item located on public property, except where required by a governmental agency.
11. Inflatable balloon signs, including, but not limited to, individual balloons, balloon strings and other inflatable objects made of a flexible material and inflated so as to be lighter than air, except if approved as part of a temporary sign permit for a property occupied by an auto center. This category also includes air-activated or air-blown signs and "air dancer" signs.
12. Neon-style signs with or without exposed tubing, except as otherwise permitted for commercially zoned property and as part of exempt window signage as described in 9.220.050.
13. Painted signs, such as signs painted on a fence, unless a noncommercial mural or part of a master sign program.
14. Signs affixed to vehicles or trailers that advertise or promote a business that are the primary purpose of the vehicle (e.g., rolling billboard). This prohibition does not apply to signs permanently affixed to the side of a business or commercial vehicle (e.g., vehicle wraps on a delivery or service vehicle) or to signs required by state or federal law (e.g., contractor's license number).
15. Signs attached to light standards unless part of a master sign program or the City's street banner program.
16. Signs affixed to or placed on a structure or property not owned by the person installing the signs without the written consent of the structure or property owner.
17. Signs that are dilapidated, abandoned or in disrepair or dangerous condition.
18. Pole signs.
19. Any sign not expressly authorized pursuant to this chapter.

(2022-351, 09/21/2022)

Effective on: 10/21/2022

The following sign types are expressly exempted from the permit requirements of this chapter so long as they comply with the standards set forth in this section.

1. Official traffic signs or other municipal governmental signs, legal notices, signs required by law and placed by governmental entities, public utility and safety signs required by law, and any notice posted by a governmental officer in the scope of his or her duties.

2. Direction, warning or information signs or structures required or authorized by law, or by federal, state, county or city authority, including, but not limited to, traffic control signs (e.g., stop, yield), highway route number signs and construction zone signs.

3. Noncommercial utility company signs identifying cables, conduits and dangerous situations.

4. Street address signs on buildings and building identification signs consistent with the City-adopted building code, all applicable provisions of the City Municipal Code and standards set by the entity providing fire protection services in the city. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this chapter, street address signs may be illuminated and may contain reflective paint or materials.

5. Signs and advertising for the California state lottery that are authorized by state law.

6. Signs on vehicles or vessels that are any of the following: license plates, license plate frames, registration insignia, noncommercial messages, commercial messages relating to the business for which the vehicle or vessel is an instrument or tool, and messages relating to the proposed sale, lease or exchange of the vehicle or vessel.

7. Noncommercial flags. Flags associated with a model home complex or other leasing or sale of homes shall not be considered noncommercial flags.

8. Interior signs, not including window signs as defined in Section 9.220.050.P.

9. Tombstones and similar identifying objects marking a grave.

10. Signs on property undergoing construction or remodeling. One such sign is permitted per site for the duration of the active construction or remodel. The sign may not exceed 32 square feet in area and 8 feet in height, and it must be set back a minimum of 10 feet from the property line. Such signs shall not be illuminated and shall be removed within 30 days of the earliest of the following events: final building inspection approval, issuance of a valid certificate of occupancy, opening for business to the public or expiration of the building permit. If construction ceases for a period of 180 days, the sign shall be immediately removed, unless the City, in its sole discretion, allows the sign to remain.

11. Signs on property for sale, lease or rent as follows, provided that such signs are removed within 10 days of close of escrow on the property or structure, or portion thereof, being sold, leased or rented:

12. On residential property with 12 dwelling units or less, one sign not exceeding 4 square feet in area and not exceeding a height of 5 feet. On weekends and holidays, up to six signs to direct traffic to the subject property are allowed, provided each sign does not to exceed 8 square feet in area and 3.5 feet in height. All such signs shall be located outside the public right-of-way and shall not be illuminated.

13. On multi-family property with more than 12 dwelling units, one sign (attached to building or freestanding) per street frontage not exceeding 24 square feet in area and not exceeding 5 feet in height. All signs shall be located outside the public right-of-way and shall not be illuminated.

14. On nonresidential and mixed-use property, one sign per street frontage, not exceeding 32 square feet in area and 8 feet in height. The sign shall not be illuminated. One such sign is permitted per 600 feet of frontage along a given street.

15. Internal directional signs, such as exit, entrance or other on-site pedestrian or vehicular traffic directional signs. The maximum height of any internal directional sign shall be 42 inches and the maximum area shall be 4 square feet. No advertising or message other than directional indications shall be displayed.

16. Temporary noncommercial signs consistent with the following requirements:

17. Temporary noncommercial signs on non-residential private property, not exceeding 32 square feet in aggregate area and not exceeding 6 feet in height.

18. Temporary noncommercial signs on residential property, not exceeding 6 square feet in area per sign, not exceeding a height of 6 feet and not exceeding an aggregate area of 12 square feet. Such signs must be set back at least 3 feet from the public right-of-way and shall not project above the roofline of any structure.

19. Temporary noncommercial signs on multi-dwelling-unit residential property, limited to one for each dwelling unit or rentable room on the property, not exceeding 4 square foot in area per sign and which are attached to and parallel with the building.

20. Temporary noncommercial signs related to an event, limited to one per parcel with a maximum size of 4 square feet in area. Such signs may not be located in the public right-of-way. They may be placed no more than 15 days prior to the event to which they relate and must be removed no later than 7 days following the event. The 15-day limitation on advance placement of signs shall not apply to signs related to an election.

21. Certain permanent noncommercial signs not exceeding a height of 3 feet and not exceeding an aggregate area of 9 square feet. Such signs must be set back equal to the minimum building setback of the zone but in no case less than 20 feet from the public right-of-way and shall not project above the roofline of any structure. While such signs are exempt from the permit requirement prior to placing, erecting, moving, reconstruction, changing copy on, altering, or displaying the sign, these signs must be erected in compliance with the General Regulations set forth in Section 9.220.100 and the Permanent On-Site Sign Standards set forth in Section 9.220.130.

22. Signs held by hand or personally attended to that display a noncommercial message, that are located on private property outside of any vehicular traffic lane and that are consistent with the following standards:

23. The maximum aggregate size of all signs held or personally attended by a single person shall be 12 square feet. Apparel and other aspects of personal appearance do not count toward the maximum aggregate sign area.

24. The maximum size of any one sign which is held or personally attended by two or more persons is 32 square feet, measured on one side only.

25. The sign must have no more than two display faces and may not be inflatable or air-activated.

26. Window signs (permanent or temporary) shall not cover more than 30% of the window area for each window of a commercial establishment. A commercial establishment's window signage may include up to two neon-style signs, with a maximum aggregate area of 4 square feet, except as otherwise approved as part of a master sign program pursuant to Chapter 9.65.

1. Method of application. An application for a standard sign permit, temporary sign permit or master sign program shall be made on the form(s) prescribed by the Community Development Department. The application shall be accompanied by a fee in an amount established by resolution of the City Council.

2. Review authority. The Community Development Director, or his/her designee, shall be the review and decision-making authority for all sign permits required by this chapter, unless the sign permit application is accompanied by a variance request and/or is not exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). For sign permit applications accompanied by a variance request and/or that are not exempt from CEQA, the Planning Commission shall be the review and decision-making authority. In addition, the Community Development Director may, on a case-by-case basis, refer an application for a minor master sign program to the Planning Commission, in which case the Planning Commission shall be the review and decision-making authority for that application.

3. Processing of applications.

4. Completeness. The Community Development Director shall determine whether an application contains all the necessary information and items. If it is determined that the application is not complete, the applicant shall be notified personally or in writing.

5. Disqualification. A sign application shall not be approved if:

6. The applicant has installed a sign in violation of the provisions of this chapter and, at the time of submission of the application, each illegal sign has not been legalized, removed or included in the application.

7. There is any other existing code violation on the site of the proposed sign(s) (other than an illegal or nonconforming sign that is not owned or controlled by the applicant and is located at a different business location on the site from that for which the approval is sought) which has not been cured at the time of the application, unless the noncompliance is proposed to be cured as part of the proposed sign(s).

8. The application is substantially the same as an application previously denied, unless (i) 12 months have elapsed since the date of the last application, or (ii) new evidence or proof of changed conditions is furnished in the new application.

9. The applicant has not obtained any applicable required use permit.

10. Multiple sign applications. When an application proposes two or more signs, the application may be granted either in whole or in part, with separate decisions as to each proposed sign.

11. Temporary or standard sign permit issuance. The Community Development Director shall issue a temporary sign permit within 5 calendar days of an application being deemed complete if the Community Development Director determines the proposed signs are in conformance with the requirements of this code. The Community Development Director shall issue a standard sign permit within 30 calendar days of an application being deemed complete if the Community Development Director determines the proposed signs are in conformance with the requirements of this code.

12. Master sign program approval. The Community Development Director shall approve a master sign program, if exempt from CEQA and if no variance is required, if the Community Development Director determines the proposed signs are in conformance with the requirements of this code, and the design, location and scale of proposed signs for the integrated development are in keeping with the architectural character of the development. The Community Development Director may impose conditions in order to ensure compliance with this chapter and to prevent an adverse or detrimental impact on the surrounding neighborhood. Community Development Director may approve deviation from the requirements of this chapter where deemed consistent with the intent of the chapter.

13. Form of decision. The Community Development Director's decision concerning a temporary sign permit, a standard sign permit or a master sign program shall be in writing and delivered to the applicant personally, electronically or via mail at the address provided on the application. The processing time periods set forth in this section may be waived by the applicant.

14. Permits issued in error or in conflict with this chapter. Any approval or permit issued in error may be summarily revoked by the City upon written notice to the holder of the reason for the revocation. Any permit or authorization of any type issued in conflict with the provisions of this chapter shall be null and void.

15. Inspections. Inspection and approval of foundations, as well as a building permit, are required when a sign includes a footing design. The purpose of such inspection is to allow the inspector to verify the size and depth of excavated footing, reinforcement method and the like. All signs subject to this permit requirement require final inspection and approval by both the Community Development Department and the Building and Safety Department.

(2022-351, 09/21/2022)

Effective on: 10/21/2022

1. Right to appeal. Any applicant aggrieved by a decision of the Community Development Director on an application for a temporary sign permit, a standard sign permit and/or a master sign program may appeal such decision to the Planning Commission, and the Planning Commission's decision may be appealed to the City Council. The City Council's decision shall be final.
2. Appeal process. Appeals shall be filed and processed in accordance with Section 9.30.100 of this Title. Except for signs that constitute a significant and immediate threat to public health or safety, the status quo of the subject sign(s) shall be maintained during the time an appeal is pending.

1. Purpose. The administrative relief procedure established by this section is intended to allow for flexibility in regulations when a standard is inapplicable or inappropriate to a specific use or design. Administrative relief approval is required when any deviation is proposed from the sign regulations set forth in this chapter. Administrative relief may not be granted for prohibited signs.

2. Persons eligible. For signs to be located on private property, the property owner or authorized agent of the property owner may initiate a request for administrative relief. For signs to be located on public property, a request may be initiated by the person, business or organization that will be responsible for the sign.

3. Application. The information listed below is required at the time an administrative relief application is submitted to the Community Development Department.

4. A complete and signed application.

5. A letter of justification describing the request, including the specific provisions of this chapter from which relief is being sought. The letter shall also explain how the required findings for administrative relief can be made.

6. A processing fee as set forth by resolution of the City Council.

7. Other information as required by the Community Development Director.

8. Approving authority.

9. The Community Development Director shall have the authority to approve an administrative relief request in accordance with Chapter 9.70 Minor Exceptions.

10. Any request for administrative relief that is accompanied by an application for another land use approval, such as a conditional use permit, shall be acted upon by the approving authority for the other approval.

11. For all other requests, the Planning Commission shall be the approving authority.

12. Hearing and notice. In situations where the Community Development Director is acting as the approving authority, no public hearing or notice shall be required. In situations where the Planning Commission is acting as the approving authority, at least one noticed public hearing shall be held concerning the administrative relief request, and the Planning Commission shall by resolution approve, deny or approve in modified form the administrative relief request based on the findings set forth in division (f) of this section.

13. Findings. In order for the approving authority to approve administrative relief from sign standards, it shall make all of the following findings:

14. The intent of this chapter is being preserved.

15. The proposed sign will enhance and harmonize with other on-site signs and with the site, building and/or use being identified by the sign.

16. The proposed sign will not negatively impact the aesthetics of the subject site or the surrounding properties.

17. In determining whether a sign is compatible, the approving authority may consider the form, proportion, scale, color, materials, surface treatment, overall sign size and the size and style of lettering.

18. Appeal. An action of the Community Development Director with respect to an administrative relief application may be appealed to the Planning Commission, and an action of the Planning Commission may be appealed to the City Council. Appeals shall be filed and processed in accordance Section 9.30.100 of this Title.

19. Enforcement and revocation. Any administrative relief approval may be revoked upon failure to comply with any of the conditions or terms of approval, or if any law or ordinance is violated in connection with the administrative relief approval.

1. Enforcement authority. In addition to any other person authorized to enforce the provisions of this code, the City Manager, or his or her designee, shall be authorized to enforce the provisions of this chapter.

2. Public nuisance. Any sign erected, constructed, altered, enlarged, converted or moved contrary to the provisions of this chapter, and any illegal, abandoned or unmaintained signs, are hereby declared to be public nuisances.

3. Removal of signs.

4. Notice of violation. Where it is determined that a sign has been erected or installed in violation of this chapter, abandoned or improperly maintained, or an applicable permit has terminated or been revoked, or the sign is otherwise in violation of this chapter, written notice of such determination and the grounds therefor shall be sent or delivered to the owner of the sign or, where ownership is not known, to the owner of the property where the sign is posted. The notice shall give the owner 5 calendar days to remove the sign, to bring the sign into conformity with the provisions of this chapter or to appeal the determination, shall include instructions for how such appeal may be made and shall set forth the owner's right to reclaim the sign upon payment of costs. If the sign is not removed within that time period, the violation is not corrected, and an appeal is not received, the sign may be removed and stored by the City. Signs removed by the City that are not retrieved by the sign owner within 5 calendar days shall be considered abandoned and may be disposed of by the City.

5. Emergency removal. When it is determined that the sign in question poses an imminent safety hazard or dangerous condition, such sign may be removed immediately and stored by the City. As soon as possible following removal of a sign, the sign owner, if known, shall be given a notice of violation and the right to a hearing by requesting such hearing within 5 calendar days of receipt of the notice of removal.

6. Appeals. When timely requested, an appeal hearing shall be held within 10 calendar days of receipt of the written request. The hearing shall be presided over by a neutral hearing officer selected by the City, and the owner and the City shall be permitted to present evidence and cross-examine each other's witnesses. At the conclusion of the hearing, the hearing officer shall prepare a written decision which shall be delivered to the appellant within 10 days of the hearing. If the owner establishes the removal to be improper, the owner shall be entitled to a return of the sign without charge. In all other cases, the sign will be returned to the owner only upon payment of removal and storage costs. If the sign is not claimed within 30 days after the decision becomes final, the sign may be destroyed.

7. Removal of temporary signs by unauthorized persons – prohibited. No person other than those authorized by this section shall remove any temporary sign from any property not owned or leased by that person, including any temporary sign within a public right-of-way.

1. Construction requirements. Every sign and all parts, portions and materials thereof shall be manufactured, assembled and erected in compliance with all applicable state, federal and local laws and regulations. In addition, all signs shall comply with the following criteria:

2. All transformers, equipment, programmers and other related items shall be screened and/or painted to match the building or shall be concealed within the sign.

3. All permanent signs shall be constructed of quality, low-maintenance materials such as metal, concrete, natural stone, glass and acrylics. Techniques shall be incorporated during construction to reduce fading and damage caused by exposure to sunlight or degradation due to other elements.

4. All freestanding signs that incorporate lighting shall have underground utility service unless the lighting is solar-powered.

5. All temporary signs and banners shall be made of a material designed to maintain an attractive appearance for as long as the sign is displayed.

6. Signs shall be constructed and located so as to not obstruct line of sight for pedestrians, bicyclists or vehicular drivers, and so as not to pose or create a safety concern.

7. All signs shall be constructed in accordance with all applicable California Building Code and National Electrical Code provisions, as well as in compliance with all legally required clearance from communications and electric facilities.

8. Sign support hardware shall be of a compatible material and design with the sign it supports and shall complement the architecture and design of building to which it is affixed, if any. Sign supports of a permanent sign shall be reviewed as part of the sign permit process.

9. Signs shall be designed and oriented to minimize light or glare upon adjacent residential properties and public rights-of-way.

10. Sign design, scale, color and materials shall be compatible in style with the building served by the sign.

11. Signs shall not be affixed to a fence or a tree, shrub, rock or other natural object.

12. Sign siting, generally.

13. Attached signs. Attached signs may be located along any frontage of a structure or building that faces directly onto a public right-of-way or an internal circulation path on the site. Orientation of signs such that they face directly onto adjacent residential property is to be avoided and is allowed only when there is no practical alternative and the impact of the sign from the residences is minimized.

14. Freestanding signs. The minimum setback distance for freestanding signs shall be 3 feet, measured from the edge of the public right-of-way or side of a driveway. All freestanding signs shall be located outside of any required site visibility area. The minimum spacing distance between permanent freestanding signs, excluding on-site directory signs, shall be 50 feet.

15. Maintenance requirements. Every sign and all parts, portions and materials thereof shall be maintained and kept in proper repair. The display surface of all signs shall be kept clean, neatly painted and free from rust and corrosion. Any cracked, broken surfaces, malfunctioning lights, missing sign copy or other non-maintained or damaged portions of a sign shall be repaired or replaced within 15 calendar days following notification by the City, or within such other extended time period approved by the City. Noncompliance with such a request will constitute a nuisance condition.

16. Sign removal or replacement. When a sign is removed or replaced, all brackets, poles and other structural elements that support the sign shall also be removed. Affected building surfaces shall be restored to match the adjacent portion of the structure. This requirement does not apply to signs undergoing routine maintenance.

Subject to the property owner's consent, a noncommercial message of any type may be substituted in whole or in part for the message displayed on any sign authorized pursuant to this chapter, without consideration of message content. The purpose of this requirement is to prevent any inadvertent favoring of commercial speech over noncommercial speech or favoring of any particular noncommercial message over any other noncommercial message. This provision does not allow for the substitution of an off-site commercial message in the place of an on-site commercial or noncommercial message.

1. Sign area measurement procedures. Sign area shall be computed by including the entire area within a single, continuous, rectilinear perimeter, or a circle or an ellipse, enclosing the extreme limits of the writing, representation, emblem or other display, together with any material or color forming an integral part of the background of the display or used to differentiate the sign from the backdrop of structure against which it is placed, but not including any supporting framework or bracing that is clearly incidental to the display itself. Backing plates shall count as part of the sign area unless they are transparent. In the case of two- sided, multisided, or three-dimensional signs, the area shall be computed as including the maximum single display surface which is visible from any ground position at one time. See Figure 9.220.120-1 (Sign Area Measurement).
2. Sign height measurement. Sign height shall be measured from the base of the sign at finished grade to the top of the highest attached component of the sign. However, if the sign is constructed on an artificial berm, the height of the signs, as measured from the toe of slope or berm, shall not exceed 150% of the maximum height allowed by this chapter.

1. Purpose and intent. All permanent on-site signs, unless specifically exempt from permitting requirements under this chapter, require a sign permit as described in this chapter. Except as provided in divisions (d) through (h) of this section, permanent on-site signs shall be consistent with the standards listed in Table 9.220.130-1 (Signage Standards for Permanent On-Site Signs) as listed by base zoning district.

2. General sign development and design requirements. The following general design requirements shall apply to permanent on-site signs.

3. Design compatibility with building. Signs shall be compatible with the architectural style of the primary building or buildings on the site where the sign is located. Signs located on commercial sites but in a predominantly residential area shall consider compatibility with such residential area. In determining whether a sign is compatible, the Community Development Director may consider the form, proportion, scale, color, materials, surface treatment, overall sign size and the size and style of lettering.

4. Sign illumination. The artificial illumination of signs, either from an internal or external source, shall be designed so as not to cast stray light on surrounding rights-of-way and properties. The following requirements shall apply to all illuminated signs:

5. External light sources shall be directed and shielded to limit direct illumination of an object other than the sign.

6. The light from an illuminated sign shall not be of an intensity or brightness that will create glare or other negative impacts on residential properties in direct line of sight to the sign.

7. Unless otherwise permitted by another requirement of this chapter, signs shall not have blinking, flashing or fluttering lights, or other illumination devices that have a changing light intensity, brightness or color.

8. Colored lights shall not be used at a location or in a manner so as to be confused or constructed as traffic control devices.

9. Light sources shall utilize energy-efficient fixtures to the greatest extent possible and shall comply with Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, as well as with all applicable provisions of this code, including Chapter 6.01 (Dark Sky; Light Pollution).

10. Development and design standards for specific sign types. The following additional requirements shall apply to the specific sign types identified:

11. Awning, canopy and umbrella signs. Awning, canopy and umbrella signs may be permitted only as an integral part of the awning, canopy or umbrella to which they are attached or applied. They shall be considered wall signs for signage area calculation purposes; however, if the sign does not contain any text, it shall not be considered a sign for allowable signage area calculation purposes. Awning signs shall only be allowed for first- and second-story occupancies, and temporary signs shall not be placed on or attached to awnings, canopies or umbrellas unless authorized pursuant to a temporary sign permit.

12. Monument signs. Monument signs shall only be permitted as follows:

13. In an effort to promote full architectural integration of signs, voids between the sign face and the sign structure are prohibited. Either the sign face shall utilize the full width of the sign structure or coverings that are architecturally consistent with the rest of the sign shall be used to fill any voids.

14. Materials and design for freestanding signs shall be complementary to the materials and design of the buildings for the related development. For example, if the facade of the building is made of brick or brick veneer, a complementary monument sign would also include brick.

15. For monument signs in multitenant centers, the name of the center shall not be calculated in the maximum sign area. Rather, the name of the center shall have a separate maximum sign area of 8 square feet. All tenant signs shall have a minimum letter height of 8 inches. The maximum number of tenants is four tenants on each sign face. The two sign faces of a monument sign are not required to be identical in terms of tenant identification.

16. Landscaping shall be provided at the base of the sign. At a minimum, the landscape area shall be equal to the area of the sign. The approval authority may reduce this ratio during formal project review if found necessary and/or appropriate for the overall design of the proposed project. Landscaping shall be complementary to the landscaping for the overall site, shall be appropriately irrigated and shall include floral arrangements that include drought-tolerant annuals and perennials, which are designed to facilitate maintenance as well as to enhance aesthetic quality. The design of the landscaping shall be such that natural growth will not obscure the sign from the public right-of-way.

17. Projecting signs. Projecting signs, including, but not limited to, blade signs, bracket signs and marquee signs, shall be considered wall signs for the purposes of sign area calculations. Projecting signs shall only be permitted as follows:

18. Location. Projecting signs shall be placed only on ground-floor facades, except for businesses located above the ground level with direct exterior pedestrian access and shall be spaced to maximize visibility of the signage.

19. Angle of projection. Projecting signs shall be located either at right angles to the building front along the building facade, or, when located on the corner of a building, at a 45-degree angle to the corner of the building.

20. Height. The lowest point of a projecting sign shall be a minimum of 8 feet above grade.

21. Projection and suspension. The sign may project a maximum of 5.5 feet from the building and shall be suspended with a clear space of at least 6 inches between the sign and the building.

22. Sign structure. Sign supports and brackets shall be compatible with the design and scale of the sign.

23. Encroachment. Blade, bracket or marquee signs may not encroach into the public right-of-way or be located above it, into a designated emergency vehicle/fire access lane or into City-owned property without first obtaining an encroachment permit.

24. Wall signs.

25. Signs should not obscure or cover architectural elements or decorative features of the building. A building’s architectural style and overall proportions should guide the design and placement of signs and the sign types selected for each business. The size and shape of a sign should be proportionate with the scale of the structure and/or architectural feature on which the sign is placed.

26. Wall sign raceways shall be concealed from public view (e.g., within the building wall or otherwise integrated with the design of the sign and building) so as to not detract from the architectural character of the building.

27. Channel letters, reverse channel letters and pushpin letters are required.

28. Signage containing multiple elements (e.g., logo and text) on one facade shall be designed so that the multiple elements are located and scaled with relationship to each other.

29. Wall signs shall not extend more than seventy-five percent of the suite length for multi-tenant buildings or seventy-five percent of the facade/architectural element that the sign is placed on for a single tenant or multi-tenant buildings.

30. Signs shall be placed in a manner that is consistent with the proportion and scale of architectural elements on the building facade.

31. For businesses with more than one permitted wall mounted sign, the second sign shall not exceed eighty percent, third seventy percent, and fourth sixty percent of the maximum allowable sign area for the corresponding frontages.

5. Neon-style signs. Neon-style signs for business identification are only permitted in commercial zoning districts as part of a master sign program, except that up to two signs not exceeding 4 square feet (combined) of neon-style window signage shall be allowed by right in all districts. Neon tubing shall be fully enclosed in a metal frame and covered with Plexiglas. Neon-style banding of buildings for architectural detailing is prohibited.

6. Menu/order board signs for drive-in and drive-through uses. Each drive-in or drive-through use is permitted two menu/order board signs and one clearance bar per drive-through lane. Such menu/order board signs and clearance bars shall not count as signs for purposes of Table 9.220.130-1 (Signage Standards for Permanent On-Site Signs), either in terms of number or area. The maximum height for a menu/order board sign shall be 6 feet and the maximum area allowed for each sign is 75 square feet. No alterations or additions (e.g., rider signs) along the exterior of a menu/order board sign or clearance bar are permitted.

7. Home Occupation and Home-based businesses. Provided the business is properly licensed and in compliance with all other applicable laws and regulations, signage for home occupation and home-based businesses shall comply with Chapter 9.320.050.

8. Regional centers and automobile centers. The maximum number of signs permitted, maximum area and maximum height of signs for regional shopping and automobile centers shall be determined as part of a master sign program. In addition to the allowable signage set forth in Table 9.220.130-1, regional centers and automobile centers are allowed one additional monument sign, with a maximum height of 55 feet, a maximum width of 20 feet, a maximum of two sign faces and a maximum sign area of 480 square feet per sign face (including center identification).

9. Movie theaters. Permissible signage and associated regulations for movie theaters shall be as determined as part of a master sign program.

10. Service stations. Signs for service stations shall be consistent with the standards in Table 9.220.130-2 (Signage Standards for Permanent On-Site Signs for Service Stations).

11. Format and organization of standards. The signage standards listed below are summarized, where applicable, in table format for ease of use and organization. Concepts described in these tables are as follows.

12. Collective sign area. Allowable sign area either is a set square footage per establishment or is based on a ratio of allowable sign area to primary building frontage (e.g., 1 square foot of sign per 1 linear foot of primary building frontage, or 1 sf:1 lf). Where a ratio is described, it applies to the maximum sign area listed in Table 9.220.130-1 (Signage Standards for Permanent On-Site Signs). Sign area is calculated pursuant to Section 9.220.120 (Sign Measurement Standards). The total sign area allowed herein for each sign type may be distributed among the maximum number of signs permitted for that sign type. For commercial, office and mixed-use zoning districts, there are additional wall sign allowances for sub-establishments.

13. Mixed-use zoning districts. In mixed-use zoning districts, signage for residential uses shall be consistent with the standards for residential zoning districts (e.g., as if the development were in a residential zoning district). For nonresidential uses, signs shall be consistent with the standards for commercial and office zoning districts.

Table 9.220.130-1 Signage Standards for Permanent On-Site Signs (1)

Table 9.220.130-2 Signage Standards for Permanent On-Site Signs for Service Stations

(2022-351, 09/21/2022)

Effective on: 10/21/2022

1. Permit required. With the exception of signs exempt from permitting requirements under this chapter, all temporary on-site commercial signs shall require a temporary sign permit prior to their placement. Temporary on-site commercial signs include, but are not limited to, signs for grand openings or for special product, sale or event advertising. Temporary on-site commercial signs must comply with the standards listed in Table 9.220.140-1 (Allowed Temporary On-Site Commercial Sign Standards).

2. Time duration.

3. Generally. Display periods for temporary on-site commercial signs shall be limited to a maximum of 90 days per calendar year, with a maximum of 45 consecutive calendar days at a time. Longer durations may be permitted through issuance of a conditional use permit.

4. Subdivision signs. All temporary on-site commercial signs for subdivisions shall be removed within 10 days after all lots in the subdivision are sold. The subdivider shall provide the City with a deposit in an amount established by resolution of the City Council to ensure compliance with such requirement.

5. Illumination. Temporary signs shall not be illuminated.

Table 9.220.140-1 Temporary On-Site Commercial Sign Standards

1. General prohibition. Generally, all new off-site commercial signage is prohibited within the city. Existing off-site commercial signs (e.g., billboards) are considered nonconforming signs and regulated by Section 9.220.170 (Nonconforming Signs and Abandoned Signs). Notwithstanding the foregoing, off-site subdivision directional signs are allowed as provided in division (B) of this section. In addition, City signs and City-sponsored signs are exempt from the off-site commercial signage prohibition.

2. Off-site subdivision directional signs.

3. Permit required. Off-site subdivision directional signs shall require a temporary sign permit.

4. Standards. Off-site subdivision directional signs shall comply with the standards set forth in this division, in addition to the general standards applicable to all signs.

5. A maximum of six off-site signs may be used to lead customers to the subdivision site.

6. Signs shall be no larger than 60 inches by 10 inches and shall be grouped on a four-sided sign structure as shown in Figure 9.220.150-1 (Subdivision Directional Sign).

7. An off-site subdivision directional sign must be located at least 600 feet from existing or previously approved off-site subdivision directional signs.

8. A sign location plan shall be prepared showing the site of each directional sign and shall be submitted to the Community Development Department prior to the issuance of the temporary sign permit.

9. Any such sign approved for a particular subdivision within the city shall not be changed to advertise another subdivision without prior approval of the Community Development Director.

10. There shall be no additions, tag signs, balloons, streamers, devices, display boards or appurtenances added to the sign as originally approved.

11. All nonconforming subdivision directional signs associated with the subdivision in question must be removed prior to the issuance of a new sign permit.

12. Duration. Off-site subdivision directional signs shall be allowed until all lots in the subdivision are sold out.

13. Building Industry Association kiosk directional sign program. Off-site subdivision directional signs may be installed through the Building Industry Association (BIA) of Southern California's Riverside County Chapter without the subdivider obtaining a separate permit from the City so long as there exists a valid agreement between the City and the BIA concerning placement and regulation of such signs. All off-site subdivision directional signs installed through the BIA shall be regulated and installed per the agreement and approvals between the BIA and the City. The BIA shall not install any new structures without the express written consent of the Community Development Director. If the signs are to be located within the right-of-way, the express written consent of the Director of Public Works and Engineering must be obtained as well.

1. No new electronic display signs shall be established except as provided in this chapter. The City recognizes that as of the effective date of this chapter there are several electronic display signs in Menifee. Such signs, if legal at the time of their erection, are declared legal nonconforming signs and may continue to operate in accordance with Section 9.220.170(A) (Nonconforming and Abandoned Signs).

2. The limitation established by this section shall not apply to the following types of signs.

3. Manually changeable copy signs.

4. Signs providing information on fuel price and grade and fueling stations.

5. Signs located on property occupied by an auto center or a movie theater use and that are approved as part of a master sign program.

6. Signs owned by the City.

7. Signs located on City property.

8. Signs for educational facilities.

1. Nonconforming signs.

2. Except as otherwise provided by this section, all existing signs that were legally erected and which do not meet the requirements of this chapter shall be deemed legal nonconforming signs and shall either be removed or brought into compliance with the City's Municipal Code when a substantial alteration to the sign is made. Change of copy shall not be deemed a substantial alteration. For purposes of this section, a substantial alteration shall be defined as repair or refurbishing of any sign that alters its physical dimensions or height, or replaces any integral component of the sign including, but not limited to, alterations to exterior cabinets, bases or poles. In addition, substantial alteration shall also include any repair or refurbishing of a sign that exceeds 50% of the depreciated value of the sign and structure, excepting customary maintenance. Customary maintenance shall be defined as any activity or work performed for the purpose of actively maintaining the sign in its existing approved physical configuration and size dimensions at the specific location approved by the City and includes the following:

3. Repainting the sign text, cabinet or other component of the sign without changing the advertising message; or

4. Routine replacement of border and trim with substantially the same colors and materials.

5. A legal nonconforming sign may remain in use provided no additions or enlargements are made thereto and no substantial alterations are made thereto, except as permitted for customary maintenance in this section. If said nonconforming sign is destroyed or removed or ceases to be used for the use in existence as of the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter, every future sign at the same location must be in conformance with the requirements of this chapter.

6. Abandoned signs. Abandoned signs may be abated by the City. For regulatory purposes, any factors indicating abandonment shall not begin occurring until 120 days after the effective date of this chapter.