Petaluma Municipal Code § 4.90 Commercial Signage Standards

The purpose of this section is to establish regulations for commercial signage. These regulations are intended to

help reinforce the vibrant, mixed-use pedestrian environment.

A. These sign regulations apply to all signs within the Transect Zones, except those listed in regulations apply to

all signs within the Transect Zones, except those listed in 4.90.030 (Exempt Signs).

B. The provisions of this Section do not regulate the message content of a sign (sign copy), regardless of

whether the message content is commercial or non commercial.

C. Sign installation within Transect Zones shall require sign permit approval in compliance with this Code and

per Zoning Code Requirements.

The following signs are exempt from regulation under this section:

A. A public notice or warning required by a federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance.

B. Public signage within the right-of-way including

1. Public signs erected by or on behalf of a governmental agency to convey public information, identify

public property, post legal notices, or direct or regulate pedestrian or vehicular traVc;

2. Bus stop signs installed by a public transit company;

3. Informational signs of a public utility regarding its lines, pipes, poles or other facilities; or

4. Emergency warning signs erected by a governmental agency, a public utility company, or a contractor

doing authorized work within the public right-of-way.

C. A nonelectrical nameplate, displaying only the name and/or address of the occupant, and which is one square

foot or less.

D. A traVc control or directional sign on private property which does not exceed four square feet.

E. A clock, thermometer, barbershop pole, or similar device where not part of a permanent sign.

F. A Uag of any nation, state or city if displayed in a manner conforming to the Flag Code (36 USCA, Section 173

et seq.).

G. A display behind a shopfront window.

H. A sculpture, statue, relief, mosaic or mural which is a work of art or otherwise decorative and does not

contain a commercial message or symbol.

I. A property address number consisting of numerals or letters 12 inches or less in height.

J. Temporary open house signs provided that they are limited in number to a maximum of four per event,

limited in size to a maximum of 12 square feet in area and located at least 12 feet from the edge of the

thoroughfare pavement. An open house sign may only be installed the day before the open house and shall be

removed the same day of the open house after its conclusion. In no case shall an open house sign be installed for

more than 48 continuous hours.

K. Real Estate Signs.

1. Only one such sign is allowed per site per street frontage, and is limited in size to a maximum total sign

face area of 24 square feet and 12 square feet for any single sign face.

2. The sign may be a ground sign, a window sign, or a wall sign.

3. All signs shall be removed within 14 days after the sale, lease, or rental has occurred. These signs may

only be installed on the property to which they refer.

L. Noncommercial signs as regulated by the Zoning Code.

A. The signs allowed in the Transect Zones are regulated by Table A.

B. The maximum number or area of signs per lot shall be regulated as follows:

1. T1

a. 1 ground sign per property max.

2. T2 and T3

a. 1 building sign per building max.

b. 1 ground sign per lot max.

3. T4 and T5

a. 0.5 square foot of sign area per linear foot of building frontage per frontage a. 1 square foot of sign area per linear foot of building frontage per frontage

C. The area of Wall Mural Signs may exceed the maximum area in Sub-section B if permitted by the Director.

D. Allowed signs shall be designed per the standards in this Chapter

Table 4.90.040A. Sign Types Overview

Transect
SpeciDc Sign Type Number
Zones

Building Signs

Awning Sign. This Sign Type is a 1 per awning T1 T2 T3

traditional shopfront Ttting and can T4 T5 T6

be used to protect merchants' wares

and keep shopfront interiors shaded

and cool in hot weather.

Blade Sign. This Sign Type is mounted 1 per entry T1 T2 T3

perpendicular to a building's facade. door T4 T5 T6

These signs are small, pedestrian

scaled, and easily read from both

sides.

Marquee Sign. This Sign Type is a 1 per building T1 T2 T3

vertical sign that is located either T4 T5 T6

along the face where they project

perpendicular to the facade or at the

corner of the building where they

project at 45 degree angles.

Wall Sign. This Sign Type is Uat against 1 per tenant T1 T2 T3

the facade consisting of individual cut T4 T5 T6

letters applied directly to the building,

or painted directly on the surface of

the building.

Wall Mural Sign. This Sign Type is Uat 1 per building T1 T2 T3

against a secondary facade, typically T4 T5 T6

along a side street, alley, or paseo.

These signs are typically painted

directly on the building and contain a

combination of text and graphic

elements.

Key

# Allowed # Minor Use Permit Required # Not

Allowed

Table 4.90.040A. Sign Types Overview

Transect
SpeciDc Sign Type Number
Zones

Window Sign. This Sign Type is 1 per window T1 T2 T3

professionally painted consisting of bay T4 T5 T6

individual letters and designs or gold

leaf individual letters and designs,

applied directly on the inside of a

window.

Ground Signs

Yard Sign. This Sign Type is mounted 1 per building T1 T2 T3

on a porch or in a yard between the T4 T5 T6

public ROW and the building facade.

Other Signs

Sidewalk Sign. This Sign Type provides 1 per tenant T1 T2 T3

secondary signage and may be used T4 T5 T6

to announce daily specials, sales, or

point to shops oW the sidewalk (i.e. a

shop located along a paseo).

Key

# Allowed # Minor Use Permit Required # Not

Allowed

A. The area of a sign shall be measured by enclosing the shape in the simplest regularly shaped geometric

Tgure, such as a circle, triangle, diamond, square, rectangle, or other Tgure having not more than six sides. Where

one or more messages consist of letters, panels, or symbols attached to a surface, then the sign area shall be the

sum of the areas of each message. The area of a sphere shall be computed as 50 percent of its surface.

B. The area of a multi-sided sign shall be the total of each exposed sign face, except where signs are parallel

back-to-back and attached to opposite sides of a supporting structure. The area of a motor fuel price sign shall be

the total of each exposed face, regardless of the orientation of each face.

C. The overall height and clear height of a sign shall be measured from the top of the curb of the nearest street.

A. Each sign shall be located on the same site as the subject of the sign, except for roof, alley/ passage, and

media tower signs used for oW-premise signage in a location approved by the Director per the requirements of

this Code.

B. Each sign shall comply with the allowed encroachments of the transect zone in which the sign is located.

C. No sign shall be placed so as to interfere with the operation of a door or window.

D. No sign shall be placed so that they cover prominent architectural features of the building.

E. Any sign installed or placed within the public right-of-way other than in compliance with this Section may be

forfeited to the public and be subject to conTscation.

The following criteria shall be used by the Director in reviewing the design of individual sings. Compliance with

each of the following design criteria shall be required before a sign permit can be approved.

A. Colors on signs and structural members should be harmonious with one another and relate to the dominant

colors of the buildings on the site. Contrasting colors may be utilized if the overall eWect of the sign is still

compatible with the building colors.

B. The design and construction of signs shall adhere to the following criteria:

1. Except for banners, Uags, temporary signs, and temporary window signs conforming with the

requirements of this Code, each sign shall be constructed of permanent materials and shall be permanently

attached to the ground, building or another structure by direct attachment to a rigid wall, frame, or structure.

2. Each permanent sign shall be designed by a professional (e.g. architect, building designer, landscape

architect, interior designer, or others whose principal business is the design, manufacture, or sale of signs), or

who are capable of producing professional results.

3. Each permanent sign shall be constructed by persons whose principal business is building construction

or a related trade including sign manufacturing and installation, or others capable of producing professional

results. The intent is to ensure public safety, achieve signs of careful construction, have neat and readable

copy, and have durability, to reduce maintenance and prevent dilapidation.

4. Vinyl banner signs may not be used as permanent signage.

C. The materials and structure of signs shall adhere to the following criteria:

1. Sign materials (including framing and supports) shall be representative of the type and scale of materials

used on the site where the sign is located. Sign materials shall match those used on the buildings on the site

and any other signs on the site.

2. No sign shall include reUective material.

3. Materials for permanent signs shall be durable and capable of withstanding weathering over the life of

the sign with reasonable maintenance.

4. The size of the structural members (e.g. columns, crossbeams, and braces) shall be proportional to the

sign panel they are supporting.

5. The use of individual letters incorporated into the building design is encouraged, rather than a sign with

background and framing other than the structure of the wall.

D. The City does not regulate the message content (copy) of signs; however, the following are principles of copy

design and layout that can enhance the readability and attractiveness of signs. Copy design and layout consistent

with these principles is encouraged, but not required.

1. Sign copy should relate only to the name and/or nature of the business or building.

2. Permanent signs that advertise information such as continuous sales, special prices, or include phone

   numbers should be avoided. Information should be conveyed brieUy or by logo, symbol or other graphic

   manner. The intent should be to increase the readability of the sign and thereby enhance the identity of the

   business.

   3. Sign lighting shall be designed to minimize light and glare on surrounding right-of- ways and properties

   and adhere to the following criteria:

   a. External light sources shall be directed and shielded so that they do not produce glare oW the site,

   or on any object other than the sign.

   b. Signs that blink, Uash, Uutter, or change light intensity, brightness, or color are not allowed.

   c. Neither the direct nor reUected light from primary light sources shall create hazards for pedestrians

   or operators of motor vehicles.

   d. For energy conservation, light sources shall be hard-wired Uuorescent or compact Uuorescent

   lamps, or other lighting technology that is of equal or greater energy eVciency. Incandescent lamps are

   prohibited.

Temporary Signs, such as banners or posters placed along a commercial frontage or displayed within a shopfront

are allowed provided they are in compliance with the following design criteria:

A. Temporary signs may only be used to announce an upcoming or occurring event/sale and must be removed

upon the conclusion of the event.

B. Temporary banners may be displayed for a maximum of 30 days.

C. Temporary posters may be displayed for a maximum of 60 days.

D. The combined area of any signage within a shopfront (temporary and permanent) may not exceed 20% of

total shopfront area.

E. A Temporary banner placed within the public ROW must provide a minimum clear height of eight feet.

F. Temporary signage must be in clean and good repair.

G. Political campaign signs must comply with Zoning and Municipal Code Requirements.

H. Shall meet the standards found in Table A (Allowed Temporary Signs)

Table 4.90.080.A. Allowed Temporary Signs

Construction Sign

Number of Signs 1 per site max.

Types Allowed Ground or Wall

Total Sign Face Area 16 sf per sign face max.

Duration/Frequency Installed no sooner than one week prior to the commencement of construction

and shall be removed within 24 hours of completion of construction or if the

project ceases construction for 12 months or longer.

Construction Site Wrap Sign

Number of Signs 1 per street frontage max.

Sign Height 8' max.

Duration/Frequency Installed no sooner than one week prior to the commencement of construction

and shall be removed within 24 hours of completion of construction or if the

project ceases construction for 12 months or longer.

Special Event Banner

Table 4.90.080.A. Allowed Temporary Signs

Size 12' max. along any length

Duration/Frequency Display shall not exceed 30 days with a minimum of 30 days between

installation periods with a maximum of four display times per calendar year.

Special Event Sign

Total Sign Face Area 12 sf per sign face max.

Duration/Frequency Display shall not exceed 30 days with a minimum of 30 days between

installation periods with a maximum of four display times per calendar year.

Special Event Decoration

Duration/Frequency Display shall not exceed 30 days with a minimum of 30 days between

installation periods with a maximum of four display times per calendar year.

Residential Subdivisions with Multiple Lots for Sale, Lease, or Rent

Number of Signs 1 per perimeter street frontage, max., in addition to any allowed real estate

sign(s)

Types Allowed Ground

Total Sign Face Area 10 sf per lot up to 250 sf max.

Location Along perimeter street or right-of-way

Setback from R.O.W. 50' min.

Spacing between 200' min.

Signs

Duration Installed after Development Permit is issued and removed when 75% of lots in

the subdivision have received a CertiTcate of Occupancy

Commercial On-Site

Number of Signs 1 per site max.

Number of Faces 2 max.

Total Sign Face Area 36 sf per sign face max.

Sign Height 5' max.

Table 4.90.080.A. Allowed Temporary Signs

Duration/Frequency Display shall not exceed 30 days with a minimum of 30 days between

installation periods with a maximum of four display times per calendar year.

A. Description. Yard Signs: This sign type is mounted on a porch or in a yard between the public ROW and the

building facade. Yard signs mounted on a porch are placed parallel to the building's facade. Yard signs mounted in

a yard are placed parallel or perpendicular to the ROW.

B. Size.

Width 36" max. ?

Height 36" max. ?

C. Location.

Clear Height ?

Mounted on Porch 6'8” min.

Mounted in Yard 12" min.

Overall Height 5' max ?

Signs per Building

Mounted on Porch 1 max.

Mounted in Yard 1 max.

D. Miscellaneous.

Yard signs may not be located within a public ROW.

Yard mounted signs shall be parallel or perpendicular to the ROW.

Yard Sign mounted on porch.

A simple yard sign advertising a small neighborhood

cafe.

Yard sign mounted perpendicular to the ROW in a

Yard Sign in front of a cottage located parallel to the residential neighborhood. ROW.

A. Description. Window Signs: This sign type is professionally painted consisting of individual letters and designs

applied directly on the inside of a window. Window signs oWer a high level of craftsmanship and visibility, and are

often used for small professional oVces. Window signs are often repeated on storefronts with several divided

openings, however, repetition should be done with great care to ensure that the entrance to the business is clearly

marked.

B. Size.

Sign Area ?

Per Shopfront Bay 25% max.

Per Shopfront 15% max.

Width 5' max ?

Height 36" max. ?

C. Location.

Window signs shall be placed at or above eye level.

Window signs shall be applied directly to the inside of the glass.

D. Miscellaneous.

Applied plastic or vinyl cut letters are discouraged.

Window signs must have a clear background.

Window sign example. Window sign example.

Window sign example. Window sign example.

Window sign example. Window sign example.

A. Description. Wall Signs: This sign type is Uat against the facade consisting of individual cut letters applied

directly to the building, or painted directly on the surface of the building. Wall signs are placed directly above the

main entrance and often run horizontally along the “expression line” or entablature of traditional buildings. Other

buildings may have signage locations integrated into a decorative cornice or sign band at the top of the building,

as some of the photographs illustrate. Wall signs do not protrude beyond the roof line or cornice of a building.

Wall signs are typically intended to be seen from a distance and are often accompanied by additional pedestrian-

scaled signage.

B. Size.

Signable Area

Area 1 square foot per ?
linear foot of

shopfront, max.

Width Storefront width, ?
max.

Signable Area

Height 12" min.; 5' max. ?

Lettering

Width 75% of signable ?
width, max.

Height 75% of signable ?
height, max.; 36"

max.

C. Location.

Projection from 8" max.

Facade

Signs per Building 1 per shopfront max.

Wall sign located in entablature frieze. Metal wall sign.

Painted wall sign with neon lettering. Raised wall sign.

Painted wall sign applied to facade. Metal wall sign, oWset from building facade.

A. Description. Wall Mural Signs: This sign type is Uat against the facade and is located on a secondary facade,

typically along a side street, alley, or paseo. Wall Mural signs are typically painted directly on the building and

contain a combination of text and graphic elements. These signs are intended to be visible from a greater distance

and must be accompanied by additional signage on the primary facade at the business entrance. Wall Mural signs

that provide oW-site signage for a business or do not provide signage for a speciTc business (artistic wall mural)

are subject to approval by the Director. Billboards are not considered wall mural signs.

B. Size.

Sign Area 1000 sf max. ?

Width 200' max. ?

Height 50' max. ?

C. Location.

Height above Ground 3' min. ?

Projection 8" max.

Signs per Building 1 max.

Painted wall mural.

Painted wall mural.

Painted wall mural.

Painted wall mural.

Painted wall mural.

A. Description. Blade Signs: This sign type is mounted perpendicular to a building’s facade. Blade signs are

typically hung from decorative cast or wrought iron brackets in a manner that permits them to swing slightly.

These signs are small, pedestrian-scaled, and easily read from both sides. Often, a projecting sign oWers the

opportunity for a more creative or “playful” sign. Blade signs should be hung well out of reach of pedestrians and

all exposed edges of the sign should be Tnished.

B. Size.

Sign Area 6 sf max. ?

Width 48" max. ?

Height 36" max. ?

Thickness 4" max.1 ?

1
Special and creative signs that have a three

dimensional quality may have a greater thickness

subject to approval by the review authority.

C. Location.

Clear Height 8' min. ?

Projection 5' max. ?

Signs per Building 1 per storefront max.

Wood blade sign with a wrought iron hanger. Wrought iron blade sign. Wood blade sign with a wrought

iron hanger.

Examples of blade signs.

Examples of streetscapes with blade signs.

A. Description. Sidewalk Signs: This sign type provides secondary signage and may be used to announce daily

specials, sales, or point to shops oW the sidewalk (i.e. a shop located along a paseo). They may be painted wood

panels or cut wood shapes. Traditional slate boards are highly recommended. Chaser lights or illuminated signs

may not be used.

B. Size.

Sign Area 6 sf max. ?

Width 30" max. ?

Height 42" max. ?

C. Location.

Signs per Building 1 per storefront max.

Sidewalk signs must not interfere with pedestrian

travel or encroach upon the required accessible

path.

Sidewalk signs may only be displayed during

business hours and must be removed when the

business is closed.

Ornamental wood stand and slate

Wood and slate sidewalk sign. Painted wood sidewalk sign. sign.

Painted sidewalk sign. Sidewalk sign compliments primary signage.

Sidewalk sign located to maintain accessible route. Slate sidewalk sign located on corner of

intersection.

A. Description. Awning Signs: Awnings are a traditional storefront Ttting and can be used to protect merchants’

wares and keep storefront interiors shaded and cool in hot weather. Retadil tenant signs may be painted, screen

printed, or appliquéed on the awnings.

B. Size.

Projecting

Sign Area 1 square foot per ?
linear foot of

shopfront, max.

Lettering Height 16" max. ?

Lettering Thickness 6" max. ?

Sloping Plane

Sign Area 25% coverage max. ?

Lettering Height 18" max. ?

Valance

Sign Area 75% coverage max. ?

Width Storefront width, ?
max.

Height 8" min.; 16" max. ?

Lettering Height 8" max. ?

C. Location.

Clear Height 8' min. ?

Signs per Awning 1 projecting; or 1 valance

and 1 sloping plane max.

D. Miscellaneous.

Only the tenant’s store name, logo, and/or address should be applied to the awning. Additional information is

prohibited.

Open-ended awnings are strongly encouraged.

Vinyl or plastic awnings are strongly discouraged.

Awning with valance and sloping pane signage. Projecting signage on a metal awning.

Awning with decorative supports and open end. Sloping panel signage on awning.

Retractable awning. Series of awnings along a frontage.

A. Description. Marquee Signs: This sign type is a vertical sign that is located either along the face where they

project perpendicular to the facade; or at the corner of the building where they project at 45 degree angle.

Marquee signs often extend beyond the parapet of the building, but may also terminate below the cornice or

eave. Marquee signs often have neon lettering used in conjunction with painted lettering.

B. Size.

Width 6 max. ?

Height 24" max. ?

Lettering Width 75% of sign width ?
max.

C. Location.

Clear Height 12' min. ?

Extension 10' max.1 ?

Signs per Building 1 max.

1
Marquee signs may not extend beyond the eave

of a pitched roof D. Miscellaneous

D. Miscellaneous.

Neon lettering may only be used in conjunction with painted lettering; signs consisting only of neon lettering

are not permitted.

This signage type should be used sparingly and should not be repeated along a frontage.

Marquee sign projecting above

Marquee sign combining text and Marquee sign. parapet. graphics.

Marquee sign at corner terminating at eave. Lit marquee sign; neon lettering used in conjunction

with painted lettering.

The Petaluma SmartCode is current through Ordinance 2864, passed October 2, 2023.

Disclaimer: The city clerk’s oVce has the oVcial version of the Petaluma SmartCode. Users should contact the city

clerk’s oVce for ordinances passed subsequent to the ordinance cited above.

City Website: cityofpetaluma.net

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