HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-03-11 e-packet
PEOPLE OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
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The City Clerk will read successively the items of business appearing on the Agenda. As she completes
reading an item, it will be ready for Council action.
RICHARD A. GARBARINO
Mayor
MARK ADDIEGO
Vice Mayor
KARYL MATSUMOTO
Councilwoman
PRADEEP GUPTA
Councilman
LIZA NORMANDY
Councilwoman
FRANK RISSO
City Treasurer
KRISTA MARTINELLI
City Clerk
MIKE FUTRELL
City Manager
STEVEN T. MATTAS
City Attorney
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AGENDA
CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
REGULAR MEETING
MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUILDING
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
33 ARROYO DRIVE
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, CA
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2015
7:00 P.M.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 11, 2015
AGENDA PAGE 2
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
AGENDA REVIEW
PRESENTATIONS
Introduction of Youth Government Day Participants. (Sharon Ranals, Director of Parks and
Recreation)
Recognition of Kishiwada Marathon Runner, Alyssa Mathers. (Rosa Acosta, City Manager's
Office Management Analyst)
Presentation regarding proposed July 4th Half Marathon, 5K, and Kid’s Events, presented
by Ryan Coelho, USA Productions. (Police Department)
Certificate of Recognition to Jay Oca, 49ers Coach of the Week to be presented by
Councilwoman Karyl Matsumoto.
Certificate of Recognition to Terrell Townsend - one of 27 athletes to sign with the San Jose
State Football Team to be presented by Councilwoman Karyl Matsumoto.
Proclamation honoring American Red Cross Month, presented to Jose Valle, Red Cross
Leadership Council Member.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
For those wishing to address the City Council on any Agenda or non-agendized item, please complete a Speaker Card
located at the entrance to the Council Chamber’s and submit it to the City Clerk. Please be sure to indicate the Agenda
Item # you wish to address or the topic of your public comment. California law prevents the City Council from taking
action on any item not on the Agenda (except in emergency circumstances). Your question or problem may be referred
to staff for investigation and/or action where appropriate or the matter may be placed on a future Agenda for more
comprehensive action or a report. When your name is called, please come to the podium, state your name and address
(optional) for the Minutes. COMMENTS ARE LIMITED TO THREE (3) MINUTES PER SPEAKER. Thank you for
your cooperation.
COUNCIL COMMENTS/REQUESTS
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Motion approving the Minutes of February 25, 2015.
2. Motion confirming payment registers for March 11, 2015.
3. Motion to set a public hearing on April 8, 2015 to consider the appeal of the Planning
Commission’s denial of use permit and design review to allow the substitution of a legally
established nonconforming use (auto repair) with another nonconforming use (service
station convenience market) within an existing service station at 221 Airport Blvd in the
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 11, 2015
AGENDA PAGE 3
Downtown Core (DC) Zoning District in accordance with SSFMC Chapter 20.570.004.
(Billy Gross, Senior Planner).
ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
4. Motion to waive reading and adopt an ordinance amending Chapter 11.24 of the South San
Francisco Municipal Code to prohibit the intentional obstruction of pedestrian traffic upon
sidewalks. (Steve Mattas, City Attorney).
PUBLIC HEARING
5. Zoning Text Amendment to SSFMC Chapter 20.360 to revise regulations and permitting for
signs citywide in accordance with South San Francisco Municipal Code Chapter 20.550.
(Billy Gross, Senior Planner).
6. City’s Housing, Community, and Economic Development Needs for the 2015-2016 One
Year Action Plan and provision of direction to the Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) Subcommittee regarding funding priorities. (Alin Lancaster, Community
Development Coordinator).
ITEMS FROM COUNCIL – COMMITTEE REPORTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
7. Motion to establish the Standing Committee of the City Council as Liaison with the Harbor
District.
ADJOURNMENT
Staff Report
DATE: March 11, 2015
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Alex Greenwood, Director of Economic and Community Development
SUBJECT: AN ORDINANCE MAKING MODIFICATIONS TO THE SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 20.360 (SIGNS) TO REVISE REGULATIONS AND
PERMITTING FOR SIGNS CITYWIDE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SSFMC CHAPTER
20.550.
Case Nos.: P07-0136: ZA15-0002
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council follow the Planning Commission’s recommendation and
introduce an Ordinance making modifications to the South San Francisco Municipal Code related to
regulations and permitting for signs, and waive further reading.
BACKGROUND/ DISCUSSION
The City’s regulations related to signs (Chapter 20.360) were last revised and updated in 2010 as part of the
overall Zoning Ordinance Update. Since adoption of these regulations, it has become apparent that there is
not sufficient flexibility in Chapter 20.360 to allow for unusual or unique signs that are otherwise consistent
with the Chapter’s purposes and design principles. To address these concerns, staff is proposing to re-
establish “Special Circumstances” standards that were part of the Zoning Ordinance in effect prior to the
2010 Zoning Ordinance Update. Staff is also proposing additional modifications to provide greater
flexibility in the maximum allowable sign area for awnings and wall signs, to allow sandwich board signs
within select downtown zoning districts, and miscellaneous minor revisions to other sections of the Signs
chapter. The proposed changes included in the attachments are done using a strikethrough and double
underline format, where text that is struck out is removed and text that is double underlined is added.
Special Circumstances Signs Revisions
In the course of processing signage applications under the existing ordinance, staff has discovered that
there is limited ability to allow unique signs. Currently, only Master Sign Programs are allowed to deviate
from the signage development standards. However, Master Sign Programs are only applicable to
nonresidential developments of two or more separate tenants, multi-family residential developments of 100
or more units, or whenever five or more signs are proposed for a building with one or more tenants.
Therefore, smaller projects or businesses with less than five signs do not have a process to allow unique
signage solutions.
Staff Report
Subject: Zoning Code Amendments - Signage
Date: March 11, 2015
Page 2 of 6
The Zoning Ordinance in effect prior to 2010 included a “Special Circumstances” section that stipulated a
process to allow unique signs that may not otherwise be permitted by the existing Sign regulations. Staff is
proposing that this language be incorporated into the current Zoning Ordinance as follows:
20.360.011 Special Circumstances
Unusual site conditions, locations, particular unique signing requirements, or other design
factors may warrant types, heights, and sizes of signs not otherwise permitted by the regulations of
this chapter. Such signs, including but not limited to the following, shall require a type “C” permit
and shall be processed in accordance with Section 20.360.009.
A. Roof signs which extend above the highest point on the roof or of the type not allowed by
Section 20.360.006.Q Temporary Signs.
B. Any individual sign, or combination of all signs on any one property, which exceeds the
height or area limitations prescribed in this chapter.
E. Signs in the Grand Avenue Core (GAC) Zone District which are of a classic design style,
consistent with those designed and erected in the 1940s and 1950s.
F. Signs in the Airport/South Airport Boulevard, and Highway 101 corridor areas which have
special sign needs due to the regional nature of the use, the traveler-oriented nature of the
use, or other special requirements.
G. Employee-oriented signs for multi-building campus-like facilities in the east of 101 area,
of which at least four hundred thousand total square feet of development is occupied by a
single tenant. Signs approved pursuant to this subsection shall
1. Be architecturally integrated with the buildings to which they are attached;
2. Be oriented toward the interior of the campus and not a public area, including public
rights-of-way and public open space;
3. Hide from view or disguise any separate structure or apparatus required to attach the
signs to buildings; and
4. Only contain copy that is directly associated with the entity for which the sign permit
is issued.
Type C sign permits issued pursuant to this subsection shall expire immediately if the
facility is no longer owned or primarily occupied by the entity for which the permit is
issued.
Application to the Planning Commission shall include reasons or exceptional circumstances which
warrant consideration for exceeding the prescribed standards (e.g., nonconforming structures, visual
obstruction,
Special Circumstances signage applications will be processed in the same way as a Type C Sign Permit,
with the Design Review Board providing a recommendation on the application and the Planning
Staff Report
Subject: Zoning Code Amendments - Signage
Date: March 11, 2015
Page 3 of 6
Commission acting as the approval body. Both the Design Review Board and the Planning Commission
will continue to consider how the proposed signage complies with Section 20.360.003 “Design Principles”,
which include principles related to architectural compatibility, consistency with area character, legibility,
readability, finish and visibility.
Revisions to the Allowable Area for Specific Sign-types
Table 20.360.008 “Sign Standards for Non-Residential Zoning Districts” includes sign area standards for
zoning districts and specific sign types. The basic allowance is 1.5 square feet of sign area for every 1 foot
of linear building frontage; based on this, a building with 50 feet of street frontage would be allowed 75
square feet of total sign area. The table further stipulates the allowable sign area for specific sign types. As
an example, businesses are allowed one wall sign with a maximum sign area of 25 square feet in the
Downtown Zoning Districts. The total area of all of the specific sign types cannot be greater than the
maximum sign area allowed by the calculation above.
The primary sign types for commercial businesses within the City are wall signs and awnings. Currently,
wall signage in all zoning districts is restricted to no more than 25 square feet in total area. This is often
adequate for businesses on smaller lots, but is too restrictive for larger buildings and parcels. To allow
greater flexibility for businesses and property owners, staff is proposing that the total sign area allowed for
both awnings and wall signs be increased in all zoning districts, as follows:
Table 20.360.008
Sign Standards for Non-Residential Zoning Districts
Zoning Districts
(Frontage) Sign Area Allowed
(sq. ft. per 1 linear ft.
of building frontage)
Total Maximum Sign
Area (sq. ft.) Permitted Sign Types Maximum Number
of Signs Maximum Sign Area
per Sign
(sq. ft.)
Downtown 1.5 300 Awning and Canopy n/a 25 60
Wall 1 per building or
tenant space 25 60
Commercial, Office
and Mixed Use 1.5 300 Awning and Canopy n/a 60 100
Wall 1 per building or
tenant space 25 100
Employment 1.5 300 Awning and Canopy n/a 60 100
Wall 1 per building or
tenant space 25 100
Under these revised standards, any signage proposed at the maximum sign area allowed for awnings and
wall signs would be subject to a Type B Sign Permit, which requires review by the Design Review Board
and approval by the Chief Planner. As discussed above in the Special Circumstances section, all signage is
reviewed in conjunction with Section 20.360.003 “Design Principles”, and therefore the allowance for
additional sign area will be balanced by the need for such signs to be architecturally compatible and in
scale with the building on which the sign is to be installed.
Sandwich Board Signs
The Sign ordinance currently prohibits all portable signs throughout the City. During the process to adopt
the Downtown Station Area Specific Plan, an interest in allowing sandwich board or A-frame signs was
introduced by some downtown merchants. To accommodate this request, staff is proposing to add
regulations that would allow sandwich board signs only within the Grand Avenue Core (GAC) and
Downtown Transit Core (DTC) zoning districts, subject to very specific requirements, including:
Staff Report
Subject: Zoning Code Amendments - Signage
Date: March 11, 2015
Page 4 of 6
Businesses would be limited to no more than one sandwich board sign.
The allowable location would be limited to directly in front of the associated business and with a
requirement that a minimum four foot passage be maintained from all other obstructions.
Maximum size allowed would be 30 inches in width and 42 inches in height, with a maximum area of
seven square feet.
Materials that meet the City’s design guidelines and are high-quality in appearance would be required,
and the sign must be constructed so as not to fall into the public way.
No illumination is allowed.
Signs are only allowed to be on the sidewalk during business hours.
A type B sign permit would be required as well as an encroachment permit and
indemnification/insurance.
During the Planning Commission public hearing on February 19, 2015, the Commission was supportive of
the proposed standards regulating sign materials and placement, but requested that the language be
modified to encourage that multiple sandwich board signs on a single block be located in similar locations
(either closer to the building façade or closer to the street). As shown in Figure 1 below, the area between
the building frontages and the street tree grates is open to allow for circulation. A 3-foot wide zone nearest
the street curb contains street tree grates, parking meters, sign poles, and similar installations. Staff is
recommending that sandwich board sign locations be restricted to this zone as well.
Figure 1 – Allowable Location Zone of Sandwich Board Signs
Staff Report
Subject: Zoning Code Amendments - Signage
Date: March 11, 2015
Page 5 of 6
All sandwich board signs would be subject to a Type-B sign permit, which requires review by the Design
Review Board and approval by the Chief Planner. In addition to complying with the conditions of the Type
B sign permit, the Director of Public Works would retain the right to temporarily suspend the encroachment
permit of a sandwich board if specific conflicts arise within the public right-of-way, such as an emergency,
necessary repairs, or a parade or festival.
Other Miscellaneous Revisions regarding Signs
The following miscellaneous revisions are discussed in the order they are included in the Ordinance.
Exempt Signs (20.360.002.B)
Add “Real Estate Sales and Rental Signs” as a sign type that is exempt from the sign regulations.
Prohibited Signs (20.360.004)
Language in Chapter 20.360.006 “General Standards” currently states that exposed raceway signs and
internally illuminated signs and bare bulbs are prohibited; this language will be moved into the appropriate
“Prohibited Signs” section.
Window Signs Visibility (20.360.006.K)
Add language requiring that permanent window signs installed on the ground floor/street level allow
visibility into the inside of a building, so as to provide views into work areas, sales areas, lobbies or similar
active spaces.
Changeable Copy for Service Station Fueling Signs (20.360.006.O)
Add language allowing gas station fuel pricing displays to be changed or altered via electronic displays.
Revise language in Temporary Signs (20.360.006.P)
Remove “real estate sales and rental” language from the Temporary Signs section, as that type of signage
will now be considered exempt.
High-Rise Building Identification in Employment Districts (Table 20.360.008)
Revise the allowable number of high-rise building identification signs allowed within Employment districts
from 1 to 2 per building with at least 4 stories, in keeping with the allowance for Commercial, Office and
Mixed Use districts.
PLANNING COMMISSION
At the February 19, 2015 Planning Commission public hearing, the Planning Commission reviewed the
proposed zoning amendment and had moderate concerns with the allowance of sandwich board signs in the
downtown, requesting that the location of sandwich board signs be more uniformly regulated. Subject to
this modification, the Planning Commission unanimously recommended that the City Council adopt the
proposed legislation. The Planning Commission resolution and draft minutes of the Commission meeting
are attached to this staff report.
ORDINANCE NO. ________
CITY COUNCIL, CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
AN ORDINANCE MAKING MODIFICATIONS TO THE
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO ZONING CODE RELATED TO
SIGNAGE CITYWIDE
WHEREAS, in July of 2010, the City Council for the City of South San Francisco
(“City”) adopted a comprehensive update to the City’s zoning ordinance, which repealed the
then-existing Title 20 of the South San Francisco Municipal Code, and replaced it with an
entirely new Title 20 that, among other actions, established new zoning districts, revised and
reformatted many then-existing zoning provisions, eliminated inconsistent and outdated
provisions, and codified entirely new zoning provisions, including new land use regulations and
development standards (“Zoning Ordinance”); and,
WHEREAS, since adoption of the Zoning Ordinance in July 2010, the City has identified
areas of the Zoning Ordinance that require refinement, clarification, and/or correction, including
revisions to the City’s Chapter 20.360 regulating signs in order to provide added flexibility to
accommodate signs that may not otherwise be allowed and other minor modifications; and,
WHEREAS, the Zoning Ordinance was adopted after preparation, circulation,
consideration, and adoption of an Initial Study/Negative Declaration (“IS/ND”) in accordance
with the California Environmental Quality Act, Public Resources Code Sections 21000, et seq.
(“CEQA”), which IS/ND analyzed the environmental impacts of adopting the Zoning Ordinance
and concluded that adoption of the Zoning Ordinance could not have a significant effect on the
environment because none of the impacts required to be analyzed under CEQA would exceed
established thresholds of significance; and
WHEREAS, the refinements, clarifications, and/or corrections to the Zoning Ordinance
as they relate to signage are minor in nature, the adoption of which would not result in any new
significant environmental effects or a substantial increase in the severity of any previously
identified effects beyond those disclosed and analyzed in the IS/ND prepared and circulated for
the Zoning Ordinance, nor do the refinements, clarifications, and/or corrections constitute a
change in the project or change in circumstances that would require additional environmental
review.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED that based on the entirety of the Record before
it, as described below, the City Council of the City of South San Francisco does hereby
ORDAIN as follows:
SECTION I. FINDINGS.
Based on the entirety of the record as described above, the City Council for the City of
South San Francisco hereby makes the following findings:
1
A. General Findings.
1. The foregoing recitals are true and correct and made a part of this Ordinance.
2. The Record for these proceedings, and upon which this Ordinance is based,
includes without limitation, Federal and State law; the California Environmental Quality Act
(Public Resources Code §§ 21000, et seq. (“CEQA”)) and the CEQA Guidelines (14 California
Code of Regulations § 15000, et seq.); the South San Francisco 1999 General Plan and General
Plan Environmental Impact Report, including the 2001 updates to the General Plan and 2001
Supplemental Environmental Impact Report; the South San Francisco Municipal Code; the
Initial Study and Negative Declaration prepared for the Zoning Ordinance Update, including all
written comments received; all reports, minutes, and public testimony submitted as part of the
Planning Commission's duly noticed meeting on February 19, 2015; all reports, minutes, and
public testimony submitted as part of the City Council's duly noticed meeting on March 11,
2015; and any other evidence (within the meaning of Public Resources Code §21080(e) and
§21082.2).
3. The documents and other material constituting the record for these proceedings
are located at the Planning Division for the City of South San Francisco, 315 Maple Avenue,
South San Francisco, CA 94080, and in the custody of Chief Planner, Susy Kalkin.
B. Zoning Amendment Findings
1. The proposed zoning amendments are consistent with the adopted General Plan
because they strengthen and promote economic development objectives related to business
identification. The proposed text amendments related to the regulation of signs will remain
consistent with the City’s General Plan vision for community and economic development and
will not impede achievement of any of the goals, policies, or land use designations established in
the General Plan.
2. The proposed zoning amendments related to Signs wound not affect any
particular subject property. The proposed standards would generally be suitable in terms of
architectural compatibility, consistency with area character, legibility, readability, finish and
visibility, and other considerations deemed relevant by the Planning Commission and City
Council because appropriate performance standards for signs have been included and would be
applied to projects on a case-by-case basis to minimize visual impacts.
3. The proposed zoning amendments related to Signs would not result in any change
of zoning districts and therefore would not be detrimental to the use of land in any adjacent zone.
SECTION II. AMENDMENTS.
The City Council hereby amends the following sections of the South San Francisco Municipal
Code to read as follows (with text in strikeout indicating deletion and double underline indicating
addition). Sections and subsections that are not amended by this Ordinance are not included
below, and shall remain in full force and effect.
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A. Amend Section 20.360.002(B) to add real estate sales and rentals signs to the list of
signs exempt from requiring a permit, as follows:
B. Exempt Signs. The following on-premises signs are exempt from the permit
requirements of this chapter, and they do not count toward the total sign area limit
for a site, provided that they conform to the specified standards:
1. Bulletin Boards. One bulletin board not exceeding 20 square feet in area or
five feet above existing grade, for a public, or quasi-public agency,
community facility or institution, if located on the premises of the institution.
2. Flags. Flags may be erected and located in accordance with the following
standards:
a. Location. Flagpoles shall not be located within any required yard
setbacks.
b. Height. Flagpole heights shall be limited to 30 feet.
c. Number. No more than two flags per lot in residential districts, no more
than three flags per lot in all other districts.
d. Size. Maximum flag size is 24 square feet in residential districts, 35
square feet in all other districts.
3. Information Sign. Information signs not more than four square feet in sign
area. Information signs include wall or window signs that identify the name
and occupation of an occupant in a non-residential building or provide
information to patrons of an enterprise such as credit cards accepted, menus,
redemption stamps or directories and signs incorporated into displays,
machinery or equipment by a manufacturer, distributor or vendor and
identifying or advertising only the product or service dispensed by the
machine or equipment, such as signs customarily fixed to automated teller
machines (ATMs), gasoline pumps, vending machines.
4. Memorial Signs. Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings or date of
building erection, when cut into any masonry surface.
5. Official Government Signs, Plaques, and Legal Notices. Official notices
issued by a court, public body or office and posted in the performance of a
public duty; notices posted by a utility or other quasi-public agent in the
performance of a public duty or by any person given due legal notice;
historical markers erected by a governmental body; or other signs required or
authorized by law.
6. Traffic, Directional, Informational, and Warning Signs. On-site traffic,
directional, informational or warning signs required or authorized by a public
utility, common carrier, or public agency and not exceeding one square foot in
area erected for the convenience of the public, such as signs identifying
restrooms, public telephones, walkways and similar features or facilities or
indicating danger and aids to service or safety. (Ord. 1445 § 2, 2011; Ord.
1432 § 2, 2010)
7. Real Estate Sales and Rental Signs. A sign, no larger than 24 square feet, that
is attached or affixed to a property or premises in a semi-permanent manner
offering property or premises for sale or lease. Temporary A-frame signs
advertising open houses are not included in this subsection.
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B. Revise Section 20.360.004 “Prohibited Signs” as follows:
20.360.004 Prohibited Signs
The following signs shall not be permitted, erected or maintained within the City of
South San Francisco.
A. Animated, Flashing, or Moving Signs. Any sign with lights or illuminations which
flash, move, rotate, scintillate, blink, flicker, reflect, vary in intensity, vary in color, or
use intermittent electrical pulsations.
B. Emissions. Signs that produce noise in excess of 40 decibels and signs that emit odor
or visible smoke, vapor or particles.
C. Exposed Raceway. Exposed sign raceway is prohibited.
CD. Fences Signs. Signs attached or painted on fences or freestanding walls that are not
part of a building.
E. Internally Illuminated Signs and Bare Bulbs.
DF. Obstruction of Ingress and Egress or Ventilation. Signs shall not obstruct any
door, window, or fire escape. No sign shall be attached to a standpipe, gutter drain,
handicap access or fire escape. Signs shall not interfere with any opening required for
ventilation.
EG. Off-Premises Signs. To the extent allowed by law, with the exception of off-
premises signs legally in existence at the time of adoption of this chapter, off-premises
signs are prohibited. Messages placed on transit benches or shelters sponsored or
contracted by the transit agency pursuant to contract and with its consent are exempted
from this prohibition. Legally established off-premise signs are subject to the
nonconforming sign provisions of Section 20.360.012 (“Nonconforming Signs”).
FH. Pole Signs.
GI. Portable Signs, as defined by 20.360.015, are prohibited except sandwich board
signs, as allowed pursuant to 20.360.006(Q).
HJ. Roof Signs. Signs shall not be erected or painted upon, over or above the roof of a
building or structure, or affixed to the wall of a building so that it projects above the eave
line of a roof, except as allowed in this chapter.
Figure 20.360.004(H)
Roof Signs
4
IK. Signs Creating Traffic Hazards. Signs that simulate in color, size or design any traffic
control sign, signal or device, or that make use of words, symbols or characters in a manner that
interferes with, misleads or confuses pedestrian or vehicular traffic. No sign, light or advertising
structure shall be located in such a manner as to constitute a hazard to pedestrian or vehicular
traffic, or in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision, at any location where, by reason
of the position, shape, color or movement may interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be
confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device.
JL. Signs on Public Property. No person shall paint, mark, or write on, or post or otherwise
affix any handbill or sign to or upon any sidewalk, crosswalk, curb, curbstone, street lamp post,
hydrant, tree, shrub, tree stake or guard, post, railroad crossing, electric light or power or
telephone or telegraph pole, or wire appurtenance thereof, or upon any fixture of the fire alarm or
police communications system, or upon any lighting system, public bridge, public building or
wall, drinking fountain, street sign, or traffic sign or any other public place, except:
1. Signs or handbills posted by a public officer or public employee in the performance of a
public duty;
2. Legal notices that are authorized by law;
3. Messages placed on transit shelters sponsored or contracted by the applicable transit
agency pursuant to a contract with the transit agency and with its consent; and
4. Signs, banners, or similar authorized by the City Manager to be posted by a public or non-
profit agency within the Downtown area for special events.
5. Sandwich board signs, as allowed pursuant to 20.360.006(Q).
KM. Vehicle Display Signs. Vehicle display signs as defined in Subsection 20.360.015(JJ)
(“Vehicle Display Signs”), except the following:
1. Vehicle for sale signs in locations where the sale of vehicles is permitted;
2. Any vehicle which displays advertising or business identification of its owner, so long as
such vehicle is engaged in the usual business of regular work, or personal use, of the owner and
not used merely, mainly, or primarily to display advertising;
3. Buses; or
4. Taxicabs.
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C. Revise Section 20.360.006 “General Standards” as follows:
20.360.006 General Standards
This section establishes general physical standards and requirements. More detailed
standards applicable to specific zoning districts are in Section 20.360.007 (“Sign Standards for
Residential Uses and Districts”) and Section 20.360.008 (“Sign Standards for Non-Residential
Districts”). In addition to these general standards, all signs shall conform to all applicable the
specifications and standards of the Uniform Sign Code, National Electric Code, and California
Building Code.
A. Materials. Signs shall be made of sturdy, durable materials. Paper, cardboard and
other materials subject to rapid deterioration shall be limited to temporary signs
displayed for no more than 90 days.
B. Clearance from Utilities. Signs and their supporting structures shall maintain
clearance from and not interfere with electrical conductors, communications
equipment or lines, surface and underground facilities and conduits for water, sewage,
gas, electricity and communications equipment or lines. Signs shall not be placed in
public utility easements unless express written permission from the affected public
utility is obtained. Signs shall maintain clearance from energized electric power lines
as prescribed by the California Public Utilities Code, the regulations of the California
Public Utilities Commission, and the orders of the California Division of Industrial
Safety, as now in force and as hereafter amended.
C. Intersection and Driveway Visibility. Notwithstanding other provisions of this
section, signs and related structures must comply with Section 20.300.017 (“Visibility
at Intersections and Driveways”).
D. Exposed Raceway. Exposed sign raceway is prohibited.
DE. Illumination. Illuminated channel letters and neon signs are allowed. However,
internally illuminated signs and bare bulbs are prohibited. Lighting fixtures used to
illuminate an outdoor sign shall be mounted on the top of the sign structure, unless
approved with a Minor Use Permit, and shall be shielded according to the following
table. All sign illumination shall adhere to the performance standards for lighting and
glare in Section 20.300.010 (“Performance Standards”).
Table 20.360.006
Requirements for Shielding and Filtering
Fixture Lamp Type Shielding Required Filtering Required
Low Pressure Sodium (1) None None
High Pressure Sodium Fully None
Metal Halide Fully Yes (4)
Fluorescent Fully (5) Yes (2)
Quartz(3) Fully None
Incandescent greater than 100W Fully None
Incandescent 100W or less None None
Mercury Vapor Not permitted
Fossil Fuel None None
Glass Tubes filled with Neon, Argon, or Krypton None None
Other Sources As approved by the Zoning Administrator.
Notes:
6
1. This is the preferred light source to minimize undesirable light into the night sky affecting astronomical observations.
2. Warm white natural lamps are preferred to minimize detrimental effects.
3. For the purposes of this article, quartz lamps shall not be considered an incandescent light source.
4. Most glass, acrylic, or translucent enclosures satisfy these filter requirements.
5. Outdoor signs constructed of translucent materials and wholly illuminated from within do not require shielding.
EF. Substitution of Sign Message. The owner of a permitted sign may substitute a non-
commercial message for a commercial message or a commercial message for a non-
commercial message.
FG. Awning and Canopy Signs. Awning and canopy signs may be attached to or painted
on the vertical edges of awnings, canopies, arcades, or similar features or structures
Awning and canopy signs are also subject to the specific zoning district standards in
Section 20.360.007 (“Sign Standards for Residential Uses and Districts”) and Section
20.360.008 (“Sign Standards for Non-Residential Districts”) and the following
standards:
1. Sign Height. Maximum of 25 feet.
2. Sign Clearance. Minimum of eight feet.
Figure 20.360.006(G)
Awning and Canopy Signs
GH. Projecting Signs. A sign may project horizontally from the exterior wall of a
building provided that such projection conforms to the specific zoning district
standards in Section 20.360.007 (“Sign Standards for Residential Uses and Districts”)
and Section 20.360.008 (“Sign Standards for Non-Residential Districts”) and the
following standards:
1. Sign Height. Maximum of 20 feet above the surface of the sidewalk or street or
no higher than the eave line or parapet wall, whichever is lower.
2. Sign Clearance. Minimum of eight feet.
3. Width. A projecting sign shall be no more than one foot thick.
4. Projection. A projecting sign cannot extend more than three feet from the
building to which it is attached and shall be designed and located so as to cause
no harm to street trees. Signs projecting into the public right-of-way are subject
to an encroachment permit.
HI. Shingle Signs. Signs suspended beneath a marquee, covered walkway, or canopy in
conjunction with pedestrian walkways, are allowed, subject to the specific zoning
district standards in Section 20.360.007 (“Sign Standards for Residential Uses and
Districts”) and Section 20.360.008 (“Sign Standards for Non-Residential Districts”),
the requirements for projecting signs in subsection G above, and the following
standard:
7
1. Illumination. The sign may not be illuminated.
Figure 20.360.006(I)
Shingle Signs
IJ. Marquee Signs. Marquee signs are subject to the specific zoning district standards in
Section 20.360.007 (“Sign Standards for Residential Uses and Districts”) and Section
20.360.008 (“Sign Standards for Non-Residential Districts”) and the following
standards:
1. Sign Height. No portion of a marquee sign shall be higher than the eave line or
parapet wall of a building.
2. Sign Clearance. Minimum of eight feet.
3. Projections. A marquee sign may extend from the building to which it is
attached subject to approval from the City Engineer. All signs that project into
the public right-of-way shall be designed and located so as to cause no harm to
street trees. Signs projecting into the public right-of-way are subject to an
encroachment permit.
4. Changeable Copy. Changeable copy may occupy up to 75 percent of the area of
a marquee sign.
JK. Wall Signs. Wall signs include any sign attached to, erected against or painted upon
the wall of a building or structure, the face of which is in a single plane parallel to the
plane of the wall. Wall signs also include signs on a false or mansard roof. No wall
sign may cover wholly or partially any required wall opening. Wall signs are also
subject to the specific zoning district standards in Section 20.360.007 (“Sign
Standards for Residential Uses and Districts”) and Section 20.360.008 (“Sign
Standards for Non-Residential Districts”) and the following standards:
8
1. Height. Wall signs shall not be mounted or placed higher than the second story
and shall not extend higher than the building wall upon which they are attached
except on a peaked, mansard, or shed roof where the sign may be placed in such
a manner that the highest point on the sign shall be no higher than the lowest
two-thirds of the roof height and providing that the vertical dimension of the
sign shall be no greater than one-third the vertical dimension of the roof.
2. Coverage. Wall sign copy shall not occupy more than 75 percent of the length
of the wall to which the sign is attached.
3. Projection. Wall signs cannot extend more than 12 inches beyond the face of
the wall to which they are attached.
KL. Window Signs. Permanent window signs painted or otherwise adhered directly onto
a window are subject to the specific zoning district standards in Section 20.360.007
(“Sign Standards for Residential Uses and Districts”) and Section 20.360.008 (“Sign
Standards for Non-Residential Districts”) and the following standards:
1. Height. Window signs shall not be mounted or placed on windows higher than
the second story.
2. Visibility. Window signs shall allow visibility into inside of building.
LM. Monument Signs. Freestanding signs erected on the ground or on a monument base
designed as an architectural unit are allowed, subject to the specific zoning district
standards in Section 20.360.007 (“Sign Standards for Residential Uses and Districts”)
and Section 20.360.008 (“Sign Standards for Non-Residential Districts”) and the
following standards:
1. Height. A maximum of 10 feet.
2. Landscape. All monument signs shall require automatic irrigated landscape at
the base equivalent to two times the area of the sign copy.
Figure 20.360.006(M)
Monument Signs
MN. High-Rise Building Identification Signs. High-rise building identification signs
shall be limited to buildings of at least four stories located in the Commercial and
Employment districts.
1. Location. Signs shall be located on the upper-most story of the building.
2. Sign Type. Signs shall be composed of individual, internally illuminated
channel letters.
3. Sign Copy. Sign copy shall be limited to one.
NO. Center Identification Signs. Center identification signs may be erected in all
districts, subject to the following limitations:
1. Identifiable Area. The signs must be for a development containing a minimum
of 20,000 square feet with an integrated site and design plan creating a single
unified development with one or more uses.
9
2. Non-Residential Districts. The maximum sign area in nonresidential districts
may be no more than one foot for each linear foot of street frontage, but in no
case shall the total sign area exceed 200 square feet. If more than one entrance
to the lot exists, the maximum sign area permitted will be divided among the
number of entryways and signs requested.
3. Residential Districts and Subdivisions. For subdivisions and other residential
area entry signs, the maximum sign area permitted is 20 square feet. Signs shall
be mounted on a fence, wall or other similar entry feature. If more than one
entrance exists, the sign area permitted will be divided between the number of
entryways and signs requested.
4. Sign Base. The sign base is to be located within a planter box or planting area,
the design and location of which is to be approved by the Chief Planner.
5. Area Not Counted. The area of the sign shall not count towards the permissible
sign area of the individual lot.
OP. Changeable Copy.
1. Changeable copy shall cover no more than 25 percent of the total sign area,
except as otherwise provided in this chapter.
2. Automatic changeable copy in which copy can be changed or altered by electric,
electro-mechanical, electronic, or any other artificial energy means is
prohibited, except for Automobile Service Station fuel pricing displays or signs
granted a Type C sign permit pursuant to the Special Circumstances Section
20.360.011.
3. Changeable copy signs shall not contain animation, rolling or running letters or
message, flashing lights or displays as part of the display.
PQ. Temporary Signs. Any temporary sign, banner, balloon, pennant, valance or
advertising display constructed of cloth, canvas, light fabric, cardboard, wallboard or
other light materials, with or without frames for any event of limited duration
including, but not limited to, entertainment, sporting events, elections, construction,
and sales of goods, and real estate sales and rental may be erected and located in
accordance with the following standards:
1. Maximum Total Temporary Sign Area.
a. Residential. Six square feet, no portion of which may be higher than seven
feet above existing grade.
b. Nonresidential. 24 square feet, no portion of which may be higher than 10
feet above existing grade.
2. Distance between Signs. Minimum two feet.
3. Time Limits. Temporary signs shall be removed within 30 days after they are
placed, erected or installed, or 15 calendar days after the conclusion of the event
to which they relate occurs, whichever is later. The Chief Planner may, for good
reason, grant an extension of up to 45 days based on the sign owner’s written
application. In no case shall a temporary sign remain in place for more than 90
days or be allowed more than twice per year.
Q. Sandwich Board Signs. Sandwich board signs are a freestanding temporary sign set
on the ground in an ‘A’ frame configuration with two panels hinged at the top.
1. Zoning Districts Allowed. Sandwich board signs are only allowed in the Grand
Avenue Core and Downtown Transit Core Zoning Districts.
2. Number. Each business shall be permitted no more than one sandwich board
sign.
10
3. Location. Signs may be placed on a sidewalk directly in front of the associated
business. The sign shall also be placed so as to be located within a three foot
area at least six inches from the street curb and no more than three feet, six
inches from the curb. The sign must be placed so as not to interfere with or
obstruct pedestrian or vehicular traffic; in any event, a minimum of four feet of
passage must be maintained on the sidewalk between the sign and any other
obstructions (i.e., street, lighting, benches, trees, etc.). Signs may not be
anchored to the sidewalk, or attached or chained to poles, newspaper vending
boxes, or other structures or appurtenances.
4. Maximum Size. Any sandwich board sign shall not exceed 30 inches in width
or 42 inches in height, with a maximum area of seven square feet. Sandwich
board sign area shall not count toward allowable sign area.
5. Materials. The sign frame shall be of professional appearance and constructed
of durable weather resistant materials such as painted or stained wood or
anodized aluminum or metal; plastic framed signs are prohibited. Stenciled or
spray painted signs are prohibited. Windblown devices, including balloons,
may not be attached or otherwise made part of the sign. Decorative sandwich
board signs which complement the business type or building architecture are
encouraged. Signs must be weighted in order to ensure that they do not fall into
the public way.
6. Lighting and Display Hours. Signs may not be illuminated. The sign shall be
removed at the end of the business day and may only be displayed during
regular business hours. Failure to remove the signs after regular business hours
are subject to removal by the City, at permitee’s expense.
7. Permits Required. Any Sandwich Board sign must apply for and obtain a Type
B permit, consistent with Section 20.360.009. The permit may include
reasonable conditions to ensure consistency with this Section and the Purposes
of this Chapter, including but not limited to the requirement that the permittee
shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless the City and its officers and
employees from and against all claims, losses, damage, injury and liability for
damages arising from the permittee’s use of the public right-of-way. The
permittee shall provide to the City, in a form and in amounts acceptable to the
City Attorney, certificates of insurance substantiating the existence of a general
liability policy covering the area subject to the permit. Additionally, sandwich
board signs located in the public right-of-way are subject to an encroachment
permit.
8. Temporary Suspension of Permit. The Director of Public Works shall have the
right to suspend or prohibit use of a sandwich board sign at any time because of
anticipated or actual conflicts in the use of the sidewalk area. Such conflicts
may arise from, but are not limited to, scheduled festivals, parades, marches and
similar special events; repairs to the street, sidewalk or other public facility; or
from demonstrations or emergencies occurring in the area. To the extent
possible, the City will give prior notice of any time period during which the sign
permit must be suspended and any sandwich boards not displayed.
11
D. Revise Table 20.360.008 “Sign Standards for Non-Residential Districts” as follows:
Table 20.360.008
Sign Standards for Non-Residential Zoning Districts
Zoning Districts
(Frontage) Sign Area Allowed
(sq. ft. per 1 linear
ft. of building
frontage)
Total Maximum
Sign Area (sq. ft.) Permitted Sign
Types Maximum Number
of Signs Maximum Sign
Area per Sign
(sq. ft.)
Downtown 1.5 300 Awning and Canopy n/a 25 60
Marquee 1 per site 1 per linear ft. of
building frontage
Projecting 1 per building or
tenant space 16; 8 under a
canopy or awning 6
Shingle 1 per building or
tenant space 6
Wall 1 per building or
tenant space 25
Window n/a 15% of window
space, up to 30% of
window space with
MUP approval
Monument 1 per site 25
Commercial, Office
and Mixed Use 1.5 300 Awning and Canopy n/a 60 100
Marquee 1 per site 1.5 per linear ft. of
building frontage
Projecting 1 per building or
tenant space 16; 8 under a
canopy or awning 6
Zoning Districts
(Frontage) Sign Area Allowed
(sq. ft. per 1 linear
ft. of building
frontage)
Total Maximum
Sign Area (sq. ft.) Permitted Sign
Types Maximum Number
of Signs Maximum Sign
Area per Sign
(sq. ft.)
Shingle 1 per building or
tenant space 6
Wall 1 per building or
tenant space 25 100
Window n/a 15% of window
space, up to 30% of
window space with
MUP approval
Monument 1 per site 60
High-Rise Building
Identification 2 per building with
at least 4 stories 1 per linear ft. of
building frontage
Employment 1.5 300 Awning and Canopy n/a 60 100
Marquee 1 per site 1.5 per linear ft. of
building frontage
Projecting 1 per building or
tenant space 16; 8 under a
canopy or awning 6
Shingle 1 per building or
tenant space 6
Wall 1 per building or
tenant space 25 100
Monument 1 per site 60
High-Rise Building
Identification 12 per building with
at least 4 stories 1 per linear ft. of
building frontage
PQP 1 70 Wall 1 per building or
tenant space 25
Monument 1 per site 60
12
E. Amend Section 20.360.009 “Permits Required; Review Process” as follows:
20.360.009 Permits Required; Review Process
A. Sign Permit Type. The physical classification of signs and the review criteria are as
follows:
1. Type A. Temporary and permanent signs that are used by individual business
establishment and have a maximum freestanding height of six feet or less and
have a maximum surface area of 25 square feet or less.
2. Type B. Signs that are used by individual or multi-tenant businesses and have a
freestanding height of more than six feet and less than 10 feet and have a
maximum surface area of more than 25 square feet and less than 100 square
feet. Sandwich Board signs are also subject to Type B sign permits.
3. Type C. Signs that are used by individual or multitenant businesses and have a
freestanding height of 10 feet or more, and less than 20 feet and have a
maximum surface area of 100 square feet or more and less than 300 square feet.
Special Circumstance signs are also subject to Type C sign permits.
4. Master Sign Program. See Section 20.360.010 (“Master Sign Program”).
B. Authority. The Chief Planner shall review and approve all Type A and Type B sign
applications. The Planning Commission shall review and approve all Type C, and
Master Sign PermitProgram and Special Circumstances sign applications.
C. Design Review Required. All signs 25 square feet or more in size and sandwich
board signs are subject to the design review provisions of Chapter 20.480 (“Design
Review”).
F. Amend Chapter 20.360 to add new Section 20.360.011 “Special Circumstances” as
follows, and renumber existing Sections 20.360.011 through 20.360.014 accordingly.
20.360.011 Special Circumstances
A. Purpose. Unusual site conditions, locations, particular unique signing requirements,
or other design factors may warrant types, heights, and sizes of signs not otherwise
permitted by the regulations of this chapter. Such signs, including but not limited to
the following, shall require a type “C” permit and shall be processed in accordance
with Section 20.360.009.
1. Roof signs which extend above the highest point on the roof or of the type not
allowed by Section 20.360.006.Q Temporary Signs.
2. Any individual sign, or combination of all signs on any one property, which
exceeds the height or area limitations prescribed in this chapter.
3. Signs in the Grand Avenue Core (GAC) Zone District which are of a classic
design style, consistent with those designed and erected in the 1940s and 1950s.
4. Signs in the Airport/South Airport Boulevard and Highway 101 corridor areas
which have special sign needs due to the regional nature of the use, the traveler-
oriented nature of the use, or other special requirements.
5. Employee-oriented signs for multibuilding campus-like facilities in the east of
101 area, of which at least four hundred thousand total square feet of
development is occupied by a single tenant. Signs approved pursuant to this
subsection shall:
13
a. Be architecturally integrated with the buildings to which they are attached;
b. Be oriented toward the interior of the campus and not a public area,
including public rights-of-way and public open space;
c. Hide from view or disguise any separate structure or apparatus required to
attach the signs to buildings; and
d. Only contain copy that is directly associated with the entity for which the
sign permit is issued.
B. Review Authority. All Special Circumstances signs are subject to review and
approval of the Review Authority for the project with which the signs are associated,
but at a minimum require approval by the Planning Commission as set forth in
Section 20.360.009. A Special Circumstances sign may be submitted as part of the
Use Permit application for the project.
C. Required Findings. In order to approve a Special Circumstances sign, the Review
Authority must find that all of the following are met, in addition to other applicable
regulations in this section.
1. The proposed signs are compatible in style and character with any building to
which the signs are to be attached, any surrounding structures and any adjoining
signage on the site.
2. Special circumstances exist that warrant consideration for exceeding the
prescribed standards.
SECTION III. SEVERABILITY.
If any provision of this Ordinance or the application thereof to any person or
circumstance is held invalid or unconstitutional, the remainder of this Ordinance, including the
application of such part or provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected
thereby and shall continue in full force and effect. To this end, provisions of this Ordinance are
severable. The City Council of the City of South San Francisco hereby declares that it would
have passed each section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase hereof
irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs,
sentences, clauses, or phrases be held unconstitutional, invalid, or unenforceable.
SECTION IV. PUBLICATION AND EFFECTIVE DATE.
Pursuant to the provisions of Government Code Section 36933, a summary of this
Ordinance shall be prepared by the City Attorney. At least five (5) days prior to the Council
meeting at which this Ordinance is scheduled to be adopted, the City Clerk shall (1) publish the
Summary, and (2) post in the City Clerk’s Office a certified copy of this Ordinance. Within
fifteen (15) days after the adoption of this Ordinance, the City Clerk shall (1) publish the
summary, and (2) post in the City Clerk ’s Office a certified copy of the full text of this
Ordinance along with the names of those City Council members voting for and against this
Ordinance or otherwise voting. This Ordinance shall become effective thirty (30) days from and
after its adoption.
* * * * * * *
Introduced at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of South San Francisco,
held the 11th day of March, 2015.
14
Adopted as an Ordinance of the City of South San Francisco at a regular meeting of the
City Council held the _____ day of _____________, 2015 by the following vote:
AYES:_______________________________________________________________________
NOES:_______________________________________________________________________
ABSTENTIONS:_______________________________________________________________
ABSENT:_____________________________________________________________________
Attest:__________________________________
Krista Martinelli, City Clerk
As Mayor of the City of South San Francisco, I do hereby approve the foregoing
Ordinance this _____ day of _____________, 2015.
Mayor
2401407.1
15
EXCERPT FROM 02-19-15 PC MINUTES – SIGN REGULATIONS
Sign Regulations
City of South San Francisco/Owner/Applicant
Citywide
P07-0136: ZA15-0002
Zoning Text Amendment to SSFMC Chapter 20.360 to revise regulations and permitting
for signs citywide in accordance with South San Francisco Municipal Code Chapter
20.550.
Chairperson Wong opened the public hearing and called for the staff report. Senior
Planner Gross presented the proposed changes to the Sign Regulations and informed
the Commission of two documents he handed out to them. One was a letter of support
from the San Mateo County Association of Realtors and the other was a revised draft
Ordinance with minor corrections. The proposed revisions to the Sign Regulations
include an allowance for unique/special circumstance signs, a revision to the allowable
area for awnings and wall signs in specific districts, and an allowance for sandwich
board/a-frame signs in the Downtown.
There being no speakers the public hearing closed.
Commission comments/questions:
Commission expressed concern with sandwich board signs since they will be
handled as a Type B sign, not subject to Planning Commission review, and
asked about recourse if they become problematic. Senior Planner Gross stated
that there are different types of enforcement, including rescinding an
encroachment permit for signs within the right-of-way, and Code Enforcement
processes.
Commission expressed concern with sandwich board signs potentially blocking
the pedestrian walkway. Senior Planner Gross explained that a site plan would
be required for such signs, similar to what is required for outdoor seating
applications.
Commission inquired whether the permit would state exactly where the sign is to
be placed. Assistant City Attorney Rosenberg responded that there are
suggested performance requirements in the sandwich board sign section,
including standards related to allowable locations. He further explained the
permit may include reasonable conditions to insure consistency with the sign
section. He advised the Commission that they could require more specific
conditions if they desired. As currently proposed, these signs would be subject
16
to Design Review and approval by the Chief Planner, subject to these standard
performances and conditions of approval.
Commission stated the signs will add character to the Downtown.
Commission inquired whether the staff could encourage the sandwich board
signs to have uniformity of sign location.
Commission asked for clarification regarding the size increase being proposed
for awning and wall signs. Senior Planner Gross explained that the change in
size would allow more flexibility; however, signs that are greater than 25 square
feet would be subject to Design Review Board review, ensuring additional review
for larger signs allowed under the modifications.
Senior Planner Gross advised the Commission before they make a motion that staff is
recommending an additional change to the language in Section 20.360.002(B)(7) to
clarify size limitations for proposed exempt real estate signs as follows: “A sign no larger
than 24 square feet that is attached or affixed to a property or premises in a semi-
permanent manner offering property or premises for sale or lease”. The additional
language stipulating the maximum size of Real Estate Sales and Rental Signs would be
in keeping with the sign area allowed for temporary signs.
Commission asked for clarification whether the property reference is for public or
private. Senior Planner Gross responded it referred to private property.
Motion--Commissioner Faria/Second--Commissioner Martin: to adopt a Resolution
recommending that the City Council adopt an Ordinance revising the Sign Ordinance as
indicated consistent with the direction provided by Planning Commission and including
the amendments as indicated by staff. Approved by unanimous roll call vote (6-0).
17
RESOLUTION NO. 2758-2015
PLANNING COMMISSION, CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
A RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY
COUNCIL ADOPT AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO ZONING CODE RELATED TO
SIGNS
WHEREAS, in July of 2010, the City Council for the City of South San Francisco
(“City”) adopted a comprehensive update to the City’s zoning ordinance, which repealed the
then-existing Title 20 of the South San Francisco Municipal Code, and replaced it with an
entirely new Title that, among other actions, established new zoning districts, revised and
reformatted many then-existing zoning provisions, eliminated inconsistent and outdated
provisions, and codified entirely new zoning provisions, including new land use regulations and
development standards (“Zoning Ordinance”); and,
WHEREAS, since adoption of the Zoning Ordinance in July 2010, the City has identified
areas of the Zoning Ordinance that require refinement, clarification, and/or correction, including
revisions to the City’s Chapter 20.360 regulating signs in order to provide added flexibility to
accommodate signs that may not otherwise be allowed and other minor modifications, as further
set forth in the Ordinance attached hereto as Exhibit A; and,
WHEREAS, the Zoning Ordinance was adopted after preparation, circulation,
consideration, and adoption of an Initial Study/Negative Declaration (“IS/ND”) in accordance
with the California Environmental Quality Act, Public Resources Code Sections 21000, et seq.
(“CEQA”), which IS/ND analyzed the environmental impacts of adopting the Zoning Ordinance
and concluded that adoption of the Zoning Ordinance could not have a significant effect on the
environment because none of the impacts required to be analyzed under CEQA would exceed
established thresholds of significance; and
WHEREAS, the refinements, clarifications, and/or corrections to the Zoning Ordinance
as they relate to signage, set forth in the Ordinance attached as Exhibit A, are minor in nature,
the adoption of which would not result in any new significant environmental effects or a
substantial increase in the severity of any previously identified effects beyond those disclosed
and analyzed in the IS/ND prepared and circulated for the Zoning Ordinance, nor do the
refinements, clarifications, and/or corrections constitute a change in the project or change in
circumstances that would require additional environmental review; and
WHEREAS, on February 19, 2015 the Planning Commission for the City of South San
Francisco held a lawfully noticed public hearing to solicit public comment and consider the
CEQA finding and the proposed zoning ordinance amendments, take public testimony, and make
a recommendation to the City Council on the project.
18
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that based on the entirety of the record before
it, which includes without limitation, the California Environmental Quality Act, Public
Resources Code §21000, et seq. (“CEQA”) and the CEQA Guidelines, 14 California Code of
Regulations §15000, et seq.; the South San Francisco General Plan and General Plan EIR; the
South San Francisco Municipal Code; the Zoning Ordinance Text Amendments; and all reports,
minutes, and public testimony submitted as part of the Planning Commission’s duly noticed
February 19, 2015 meeting; and any other evidence (within the meaning of Public Resources
Code §21080(e) and §21082.2), the Planning Commission of the City of South San Francisco
hereby finds as follows:
SECTION I FINDINGS
A. General Findings
1. The foregoing recitals are true and correct and made a part of this Resolution.
2. Exhibit A attached to this Resolution, is incorporated by reference and made a
part of this Resolution, as if set forth fully herein.
3. The documents and other material constituting the record for these proceedings
are located at the Planning Division for the City of South San Francisco, 315 Maple Avenue,
South San Francisco, CA 94080, and in the custody of Chief Planner, Susy Kalkin.
B. Zoning Amendment Findings
1. The proposed zoning amendments are consistent with the adopted General Plan
because they strengthen and promote economic development objectives related to business
identification. The proposed text amendments related to regulation of signs will remain
consistent with the City’s General Plan vision for community and economic development and
will not impede achievement of any of the goals, policies, or land use designations established in
the General Plan.
2. The proposed zoning amendments related to Signs wound not affect any
particular subject property. The proposed standards would generally be suitable in terms of
architectural compatibility, consistency with area character, legibility, readability, finish and
visibility, and other considerations deemed relevant by the Planning Commission and City
Council because appropriate performance standards for signs have been included and would be
applied to projects on a case-by-case basis to minimize visual impacts.
3. The proposed zoning amendments related to Signs would not result in any change
of zoning districts and therefore would not be detrimental to the use of land in any adjacent zone.
SECTION II RECOMMENDATION
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Planning Commission of
the City of South San Francisco hereby makes the findings contained in this Resolution, and
19
recommends that the City Council adopt an ordinance making the refinements, clarifications, and
corrections to the zoning ordinance as related to signs as set forth in Exhibit A.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution shall become effective immediately
upon its passage and adoption.
* * * * * * *
I hereby certify that the foregoing resolution was adopted by the Planning Commission
of the City of South San Francisco at the regular meeting held on the 19th day of February, 2015
by the following vote:
AYES: Chairperson Wong, Vice Chairperson Khalfin, Commissioner Faria, Commission Lujan,
Commissioner Martin and Commissioner Nagales
NOES:
ABSTENTIONS:
ABSENT: Commissioner Ruiz
Attest: Susy Kalkin
Susy Kalkin
Secretary to the Planning Commission
20
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Staff Report
DATE: March 11, 2015
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Alex Greenwood, Director of Economic and Community Development
SUBJECT: AN ORDINANCE MAKING MODIFICATIONS TO THE SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 20.360 (SIGNS) TO REVISE REGULATIONS AND
PERMITTING FOR SIGNS CITYWIDE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SSFMC CHAPTER
20.550.
Case Nos.: P07-0136: ZA15-0002
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council follow the Planning Commission’s recommendation and
introduce an Ordinance making modifications to the South San Francisco Municipal Code related to
regulations and permitting for signs, and waive further reading.
BACKGROUND/ DISCUSSION
The City’s regulations related to signs (Chapter 20.360) were last revised and updated in 2010 as part of the
overall Zoning Ordinance Update. Since adoption of these regulations, it has become apparent that there is
not sufficient flexibility in Chapter 20.360 to allow for unusual or unique signs that are otherwise consistent
with the Chapter’s purposes and design principles. To address these concerns, staff is proposing to re-
establish “Special Circumstances” standards that were part of the Zoning Ordinance in effect prior to the
2010 Zoning Ordinance Update. Staff is also proposing additional modifications to provide greater
flexibility in the maximum allowable sign area for awnings and wall signs, to allow sandwich board signs
within select downtown zoning districts, and miscellaneous minor revisions to other sections of the Signs
chapter. The proposed changes included in the attachments are done using a strikethrough and double
underline format, where text that is struck out is removed and text that is double underlined is added.
Special Circumstances Signs Revisions
In the course of processing signage applications under the existing ordinance, staff has discovered that
there is limited ability to allow unique signs. Currently, only Master Sign Programs are allowed to deviate
from the signage development standards. However, Master Sign Programs are only applicable to
nonresidential developments of two or more separate tenants, multi-family residential developments of 100
or more units, or whenever five or more signs are proposed for a building with one or more tenants.
Therefore, smaller projects or businesses with less than five signs do not have a process to allow unique
signage solutions.
Staff Report
Subject: Zoning Code Amendments - Signage
Date: March 11, 2015
Page 2 of 6
The Zoning Ordinance in effect prior to 2010 included a “Special Circumstances” section that stipulated a
process to allow unique signs that may not otherwise be permitted by the existing Sign regulations. Staff is
proposing that this language be incorporated into the current Zoning Ordinance as follows:
20.360.011 Special Circumstances
Unusual site conditions, locations, particular unique signing requirements, or other design
factors may warrant types, heights, and sizes of signs not otherwise permitted by the regulations of
this chapter. Such signs, including but not limited to the following, shall require a type “C” permit
and shall be processed in accordance with Section 20.360.009.
A. Roof signs which extend above the highest point on the roof or of the type not allowed by
Section 20.360.006.Q Temporary Signs.
B. Any individual sign, or combination of all signs on any one property, which exceeds the
height or area limitations prescribed in this chapter.
E. Signs in the Grand Avenue Core (GAC) Zone District which are of a classic design style,
consistent with those designed and erected in the 1940s and 1950s.
F. Signs in the Airport/South Airport Boulevard, and Highway 101 corridor areas which have
special sign needs due to the regional nature of the use, the traveler-oriented nature of the
use, or other special requirements.
G. Employee-oriented signs for multi-building campus-like facilities in the east of 101 area,
of which at least four hundred thousand total square feet of development is occupied by a
single tenant. Signs approved pursuant to this subsection shall
1. Be architecturally integrated with the buildings to which they are attached;
2. Be oriented toward the interior of the campus and not a public area, including public
rights-of-way and public open space;
3. Hide from view or disguise any separate structure or apparatus required to attach the
signs to buildings; and
4. Only contain copy that is directly associated with the entity for which the sign permit
is issued.
Type C sign permits issued pursuant to this subsection shall expire immediately if the
facility is no longer owned or primarily occupied by the entity for which the permit is
issued.
Application to the Planning Commission shall include reasons or exceptional circumstances which
warrant consideration for exceeding the prescribed standards (e.g., nonconforming structures, visual
obstruction,
Special Circumstances signage applications will be processed in the same way as a Type C Sign Permit,
with the Design Review Board providing a recommendation on the application and the Planning
Staff Report
Subject: Zoning Code Amendments - Signage
Date: March 11, 2015
Page 3 of 6
Commission acting as the approval body. Both the Design Review Board and the Planning Commission
will continue to consider how the proposed signage complies with Section 20.360.003 “Design Principles”,
which include principles related to architectural compatibility, consistency with area character, legibility,
readability, finish and visibility.
Revisions to the Allowable Area for Specific Sign-types
Table 20.360.008 “Sign Standards for Non-Residential Zoning Districts” includes sign area standards for
zoning districts and specific sign types. The basic allowance is 1.5 square feet of sign area for every 1 foot
of linear building frontage; based on this, a building with 50 feet of street frontage would be allowed 75
square feet of total sign area. The table further stipulates the allowable sign area for specific sign types. As
an example, businesses are allowed one wall sign with a maximum sign area of 25 square feet in the
Downtown Zoning Districts. The total area of all of the specific sign types cannot be greater than the
maximum sign area allowed by the calculation above.
The primary sign types for commercial businesses within the City are wall signs and awnings. Currently,
wall signage in all zoning districts is restricted to no more than 25 square feet in total area. This is often
adequate for businesses on smaller lots, but is too restrictive for larger buildings and parcels. To allow
greater flexibility for businesses and property owners, staff is proposing that the total sign area allowed for
both awnings and wall signs be increased in all zoning districts, as follows:
Table 20.360.008
Sign Standards for Non-Residential Zoning Districts
Zoning Districts
(Frontage) Sign Area Allowed
(sq. ft. per 1 linear ft.
of building frontage)
Total Maximum Sign
Area (sq. ft.) Permitted Sign Types Maximum Number
of Signs Maximum Sign Area
per Sign
(sq. ft.)
Downtown 1.5 300 Awning and Canopy n/a 25 60
Wall 1 per building or
tenant space 25 60
Commercial, Office
and Mixed Use 1.5 300 Awning and Canopy n/a 60 100
Wall 1 per building or
tenant space 25 100
Employment 1.5 300 Awning and Canopy n/a 60 100
Wall 1 per building or
tenant space 25 100
Under these revised standards, any signage proposed at the maximum sign area allowed for awnings and
wall signs would be subject to a Type B Sign Permit, which requires review by the Design Review Board
and approval by the Chief Planner. As discussed above in the Special Circumstances section, all signage is
reviewed in conjunction with Section 20.360.003 “Design Principles”, and therefore the allowance for
additional sign area will be balanced by the need for such signs to be architecturally compatible and in
scale with the building on which the sign is to be installed.
Sandwich Board Signs
The Sign ordinance currently prohibits all portable signs throughout the City. During the process to adopt
the Downtown Station Area Specific Plan, an interest in allowing sandwich board or A-frame signs was
introduced by some downtown merchants. To accommodate this request, staff is proposing to add
regulations that would allow sandwich board signs only within the Grand Avenue Core (GAC) and
Downtown Transit Core (DTC) zoning districts, subject to very specific requirements, including:
Staff Report
Subject: Zoning Code Amendments - Signage
Date: March 11, 2015
Page 4 of 6
Businesses would be limited to no more than one sandwich board sign.
The allowable location would be limited to directly in front of the associated business and with a
requirement that a minimum four foot passage be maintained from all other obstructions.
Maximum size allowed would be 30 inches in width and 42 inches in height, with a maximum area of
seven square feet.
Materials that meet the City’s design guidelines and are high-quality in appearance would be required,
and the sign must be constructed so as not to fall into the public way.
No illumination is allowed.
Signs are only allowed to be on the sidewalk during business hours.
A type B sign permit would be required as well as an encroachment permit and
indemnification/insurance.
During the Planning Commission public hearing on February 19, 2015, the Commission was supportive of
the proposed standards regulating sign materials and placement, but requested that the language be
modified to encourage that multiple sandwich board signs on a single block be located in similar locations
(either closer to the building façade or closer to the street). As shown in Figure 1 below, the area between
the building frontages and the street tree grates is open to allow for circulation. A 3-foot wide zone nearest
the street curb contains street tree grates, parking meters, sign poles, and similar installations. Staff is
recommending that sandwich board sign locations be restricted to this zone as well.
Figure 1 – Allowable Location Zone of Sandwich Board Signs
Staff Report
Subject: Zoning Code Amendments - Signage
Date: March 11, 2015
Page 5 of 6
All sandwich board signs would be subject to a Type-B sign permit, which requires review by the Design
Review Board and approval by the Chief Planner. In addition to complying with the conditions of the Type
B sign permit, the Director of Public Works would retain the right to temporarily suspend the encroachment
permit of a sandwich board if specific conflicts arise within the public right-of-way, such as an emergency,
necessary repairs, or a parade or festival.
Other Miscellaneous Revisions regarding Signs
The following miscellaneous revisions are discussed in the order they are included in the Ordinance.
Exempt Signs (20.360.002.B)
Add “Real Estate Sales and Rental Signs” as a sign type that is exempt from the sign regulations.
Prohibited Signs (20.360.004)
Language in Chapter 20.360.006 “General Standards” currently states that exposed raceway signs and
internally illuminated signs and bare bulbs are prohibited; this language will be moved into the appropriate
“Prohibited Signs” section.
Window Signs Visibility (20.360.006.K)
Add language requiring that permanent window signs installed on the ground floor/street level allow
visibility into the inside of a building, so as to provide views into work areas, sales areas, lobbies or similar
active spaces.
Changeable Copy for Service Station Fueling Signs (20.360.006.O)
Add language allowing gas station fuel pricing displays to be changed or altered via electronic displays.
Revise language in Temporary Signs (20.360.006.P)
Remove “real estate sales and rental” language from the Temporary Signs section, as that type of signage
will now be considered exempt.
High-Rise Building Identification in Employment Districts (Table 20.360.008)
Revise the allowable number of high-rise building identification signs allowed within Employment districts
from 1 to 2 per building with at least 4 stories, in keeping with the allowance for Commercial, Office and
Mixed Use districts.
PLANNING COMMISSION
At the February 19, 2015 Planning Commission public hearing, the Planning Commission reviewed the
proposed zoning amendment and had moderate concerns with the allowance of sandwich board signs in the
downtown, requesting that the location of sandwich board signs be more uniformly regulated. Subject to
this modification, the Planning Commission unanimously recommended that the City Council adopt the
proposed legislation. The Planning Commission resolution and draft minutes of the Commission meeting
are attached to this staff report.
ORDINANCE NO. ________
CITY COUNCIL, CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
AN ORDINANCE MAKING MODIFICATIONS TO THE
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO ZONING CODE RELATED TO
SIGNAGE CITYWIDE
WHEREAS, in July of 2010, the City Council for the City of South San Francisco
(“City”) adopted a comprehensive update to the City’s zoning ordinance, which repealed the
then-existing Title 20 of the South San Francisco Municipal Code, and replaced it with an
entirely new Title 20 that, among other actions, established new zoning districts, revised and
reformatted many then-existing zoning provisions, eliminated inconsistent and outdated
provisions, and codified entirely new zoning provisions, including new land use regulations and
development standards (“Zoning Ordinance”); and,
WHEREAS, since adoption of the Zoning Ordinance in July 2010, the City has identified
areas of the Zoning Ordinance that require refinement, clarification, and/or correction, including
revisions to the City’s Chapter 20.360 regulating signs in order to provide added flexibility to
accommodate signs that may not otherwise be allowed and other minor modifications; and,
WHEREAS, the Zoning Ordinance was adopted after preparation, circulation,
consideration, and adoption of an Initial Study/Negative Declaration (“IS/ND”) in accordance
with the California Environmental Quality Act, Public Resources Code Sections 21000, et seq.
(“CEQA”), which IS/ND analyzed the environmental impacts of adopting the Zoning Ordinance
and concluded that adoption of the Zoning Ordinance could not have a significant effect on the
environment because none of the impacts required to be analyzed under CEQA would exceed
established thresholds of significance; and
WHEREAS, the refinements, clarifications, and/or corrections to the Zoning Ordinance
as they relate to signage are minor in nature, the adoption of which would not result in any new
significant environmental effects or a substantial increase in the severity of any previously
identified effects beyond those disclosed and analyzed in the IS/ND prepared and circulated for
the Zoning Ordinance, nor do the refinements, clarifications, and/or corrections constitute a
change in the project or change in circumstances that would require additional environmental
review.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED that based on the entirety of the Record before
it, as described below, the City Council of the City of South San Francisco does hereby
ORDAIN as follows:
SECTION I. FINDINGS.
Based on the entirety of the record as described above, the City Council for the City of
South San Francisco hereby makes the following findings:
1
A. General Findings.
1. The foregoing recitals are true and correct and made a part of this Ordinance.
2. The Record for these proceedings, and upon which this Ordinance is based,
includes without limitation, Federal and State law; the California Environmental Quality Act
(Public Resources Code §§ 21000, et seq. (“CEQA”)) and the CEQA Guidelines (14 California
Code of Regulations § 15000, et seq.); the South San Francisco 1999 General Plan and General
Plan Environmental Impact Report, including the 2001 updates to the General Plan and 2001
Supplemental Environmental Impact Report; the South San Francisco Municipal Code; the
Initial Study and Negative Declaration prepared for the Zoning Ordinance Update, including all
written comments received; all reports, minutes, and public testimony submitted as part of the
Planning Commission's duly noticed meeting on February 19, 2015; all reports, minutes, and
public testimony submitted as part of the City Council's duly noticed meeting on March 11,
2015; and any other evidence (within the meaning of Public Resources Code §21080(e) and
§21082.2).
3. The documents and other material constituting the record for these proceedings
are located at the Planning Division for the City of South San Francisco, 315 Maple Avenue,
South San Francisco, CA 94080, and in the custody of Chief Planner, Susy Kalkin.
B. Zoning Amendment Findings
1. The proposed zoning amendments are consistent with the adopted General Plan
because they strengthen and promote economic development objectives related to business
identification. The proposed text amendments related to the regulation of signs will remain
consistent with the City’s General Plan vision for community and economic development and
will not impede achievement of any of the goals, policies, or land use designations established in
the General Plan.
2. The proposed zoning amendments related to Signs wound not affect any
particular subject property. The proposed standards would generally be suitable in terms of
architectural compatibility, consistency with area character, legibility, readability, finish and
visibility, and other considerations deemed relevant by the Planning Commission and City
Council because appropriate performance standards for signs have been included and would be
applied to projects on a case-by-case basis to minimize visual impacts.
3. The proposed zoning amendments related to Signs would not result in any change
of zoning districts and therefore would not be detrimental to the use of land in any adjacent zone.
SECTION II. AMENDMENTS.
The City Council hereby amends the following sections of the South San Francisco Municipal
Code to read as follows (with text in strikeout indicating deletion and double underline indicating
addition). Sections and subsections that are not amended by this Ordinance are not included
below, and shall remain in full force and effect.
2
A. Amend Section 20.360.002(B) to add real estate sales and rentals signs to the list of
signs exempt from requiring a permit, as follows:
B. Exempt Signs. The following on-premises signs are exempt from the permit
requirements of this chapter, and they do not count toward the total sign area limit
for a site, provided that they conform to the specified standards:
1. Bulletin Boards. One bulletin board not exceeding 20 square feet in area or
five feet above existing grade, for a public, or quasi-public agency,
community facility or institution, if located on the premises of the institution.
2. Flags. Flags may be erected and located in accordance with the following
standards:
a. Location. Flagpoles shall not be located within any required yard
setbacks.
b. Height. Flagpole heights shall be limited to 30 feet.
c. Number. No more than two flags per lot in residential districts, no more
than three flags per lot in all other districts.
d. Size. Maximum flag size is 24 square feet in residential districts, 35
square feet in all other districts.
3. Information Sign. Information signs not more than four square feet in sign
area. Information signs include wall or window signs that identify the name
and occupation of an occupant in a non-residential building or provide
information to patrons of an enterprise such as credit cards accepted, menus,
redemption stamps or directories and signs incorporated into displays,
machinery or equipment by a manufacturer, distributor or vendor and
identifying or advertising only the product or service dispensed by the
machine or equipment, such as signs customarily fixed to automated teller
machines (ATMs), gasoline pumps, vending machines.
4. Memorial Signs. Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings or date of
building erection, when cut into any masonry surface.
5. Official Government Signs, Plaques, and Legal Notices. Official notices
issued by a court, public body or office and posted in the performance of a
public duty; notices posted by a utility or other quasi-public agent in the
performance of a public duty or by any person given due legal notice;
historical markers erected by a governmental body; or other signs required or
authorized by law.
6. Traffic, Directional, Informational, and Warning Signs. On-site traffic,
directional, informational or warning signs required or authorized by a public
utility, common carrier, or public agency and not exceeding one square foot in
area erected for the convenience of the public, such as signs identifying
restrooms, public telephones, walkways and similar features or facilities or
indicating danger and aids to service or safety. (Ord. 1445 § 2, 2011; Ord.
1432 § 2, 2010)
7. Real Estate Sales and Rental Signs. A sign, no larger than 24 square feet, that
is attached or affixed to a property or premises in a semi-permanent manner
offering property or premises for sale or lease. Temporary A-frame signs
advertising open houses are not included in this subsection.
3
B. Revise Section 20.360.004 “Prohibited Signs” as follows:
20.360.004 Prohibited Signs
The following signs shall not be permitted, erected or maintained within the City of
South San Francisco.
A. Animated, Flashing, or Moving Signs. Any sign with lights or illuminations which
flash, move, rotate, scintillate, blink, flicker, reflect, vary in intensity, vary in color, or
use intermittent electrical pulsations.
B. Emissions. Signs that produce noise in excess of 40 decibels and signs that emit odor
or visible smoke, vapor or particles.
C. Exposed Raceway. Exposed sign raceway is prohibited.
CD. Fences Signs. Signs attached or painted on fences or freestanding walls that are not
part of a building.
E. Internally Illuminated Signs and Bare Bulbs.
DF. Obstruction of Ingress and Egress or Ventilation. Signs shall not obstruct any
door, window, or fire escape. No sign shall be attached to a standpipe, gutter drain,
handicap access or fire escape. Signs shall not interfere with any opening required for
ventilation.
EG. Off-Premises Signs. To the extent allowed by law, with the exception of off-
premises signs legally in existence at the time of adoption of this chapter, off-premises
signs are prohibited. Messages placed on transit benches or shelters sponsored or
contracted by the transit agency pursuant to contract and with its consent are exempted
from this prohibition. Legally established off-premise signs are subject to the
nonconforming sign provisions of Section 20.360.012 (“Nonconforming Signs”).
FH. Pole Signs.
GI. Portable Signs, as defined by 20.360.015, are prohibited except sandwich board
signs, as allowed pursuant to 20.360.006(Q).
HJ. Roof Signs. Signs shall not be erected or painted upon, over or above the roof of a
building or structure, or affixed to the wall of a building so that it projects above the eave
line of a roof, except as allowed in this chapter.
Figure 20.360.004(H)
Roof Signs
4
IK. Signs Creating Traffic Hazards. Signs that simulate in color, size or design any traffic
control sign, signal or device, or that make use of words, symbols or characters in a manner that
interferes with, misleads or confuses pedestrian or vehicular traffic. No sign, light or advertising
structure shall be located in such a manner as to constitute a hazard to pedestrian or vehicular
traffic, or in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision, at any location where, by reason
of the position, shape, color or movement may interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be
confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device.
JL. Signs on Public Property. No person shall paint, mark, or write on, or post or otherwise
affix any handbill or sign to or upon any sidewalk, crosswalk, curb, curbstone, street lamp post,
hydrant, tree, shrub, tree stake or guard, post, railroad crossing, electric light or power or
telephone or telegraph pole, or wire appurtenance thereof, or upon any fixture of the fire alarm or
police communications system, or upon any lighting system, public bridge, public building or
wall, drinking fountain, street sign, or traffic sign or any other public place, except:
1. Signs or handbills posted by a public officer or public employee in the performance of a
public duty;
2. Legal notices that are authorized by law;
3. Messages placed on transit shelters sponsored or contracted by the applicable transit
agency pursuant to a contract with the transit agency and with its consent; and
4. Signs, banners, or similar authorized by the City Manager to be posted by a public or non-
profit agency within the Downtown area for special events.
5. Sandwich board signs, as allowed pursuant to 20.360.006(Q).
KM. Vehicle Display Signs. Vehicle display signs as defined in Subsection 20.360.015(JJ)
(“Vehicle Display Signs”), except the following:
1. Vehicle for sale signs in locations where the sale of vehicles is permitted;
2. Any vehicle which displays advertising or business identification of its owner, so long as
such vehicle is engaged in the usual business of regular work, or personal use, of the owner and
not used merely, mainly, or primarily to display advertising;
3. Buses; or
4. Taxicabs.
5
C. Revise Section 20.360.006 “General Standards” as follows:
20.360.006 General Standards
This section establishes general physical standards and requirements. More detailed
standards applicable to specific zoning districts are in Section 20.360.007 (“Sign Standards for
Residential Uses and Districts”) and Section 20.360.008 (“Sign Standards for Non-Residential
Districts”). In addition to these general standards, all signs shall conform to all applicable the
specifications and standards of the Uniform Sign Code, National Electric Code, and California
Building Code.
A. Materials. Signs shall be made of sturdy, durable materials. Paper, cardboard and
other materials subject to rapid deterioration shall be limited to temporary signs
displayed for no more than 90 days.
B. Clearance from Utilities. Signs and their supporting structures shall maintain
clearance from and not interfere with electrical conductors, communications
equipment or lines, surface and underground facilities and conduits for water, sewage,
gas, electricity and communications equipment or lines. Signs shall not be placed in
public utility easements unless express written permission from the affected public
utility is obtained. Signs shall maintain clearance from energized electric power lines
as prescribed by the California Public Utilities Code, the regulations of the California
Public Utilities Commission, and the orders of the California Division of Industrial
Safety, as now in force and as hereafter amended.
C. Intersection and Driveway Visibility. Notwithstanding other provisions of this
section, signs and related structures must comply with Section 20.300.017 (“Visibility
at Intersections and Driveways”).
D. Exposed Raceway. Exposed sign raceway is prohibited.
DE. Illumination. Illuminated channel letters and neon signs are allowed. However,
internally illuminated signs and bare bulbs are prohibited. Lighting fixtures used to
illuminate an outdoor sign shall be mounted on the top of the sign structure, unless
approved with a Minor Use Permit, and shall be shielded according to the following
table. All sign illumination shall adhere to the performance standards for lighting and
glare in Section 20.300.010 (“Performance Standards”).
Table 20.360.006
Requirements for Shielding and Filtering
Fixture Lamp Type Shielding Required Filtering Required
Low Pressure Sodium (1) None None
High Pressure Sodium Fully None
Metal Halide Fully Yes (4)
Fluorescent Fully (5) Yes (2)
Quartz(3) Fully None
Incandescent greater than 100W Fully None
Incandescent 100W or less None None
Mercury Vapor Not permitted
Fossil Fuel None None
Glass Tubes filled with Neon, Argon, or Krypton None None
Other Sources As approved by the Zoning Administrator.
Notes:
6
1. This is the preferred light source to minimize undesirable light into the night sky affecting astronomical observations.
2. Warm white natural lamps are preferred to minimize detrimental effects.
3. For the purposes of this article, quartz lamps shall not be considered an incandescent light source.
4. Most glass, acrylic, or translucent enclosures satisfy these filter requirements.
5. Outdoor signs constructed of translucent materials and wholly illuminated from within do not require shielding.
EF. Substitution of Sign Message. The owner of a permitted sign may substitute a non-
commercial message for a commercial message or a commercial message for a non-
commercial message.
FG. Awning and Canopy Signs. Awning and canopy signs may be attached to or painted
on the vertical edges of awnings, canopies, arcades, or similar features or structures
Awning and canopy signs are also subject to the specific zoning district standards in
Section 20.360.007 (“Sign Standards for Residential Uses and Districts”) and Section
20.360.008 (“Sign Standards for Non-Residential Districts”) and the following
standards:
1. Sign Height. Maximum of 25 feet.
2. Sign Clearance. Minimum of eight feet.
Figure 20.360.006(G)
Awning and Canopy Signs
GH. Projecting Signs. A sign may project horizontally from the exterior wall of a
building provided that such projection conforms to the specific zoning district
standards in Section 20.360.007 (“Sign Standards for Residential Uses and Districts”)
and Section 20.360.008 (“Sign Standards for Non-Residential Districts”) and the
following standards:
1. Sign Height. Maximum of 20 feet above the surface of the sidewalk or street or
no higher than the eave line or parapet wall, whichever is lower.
2. Sign Clearance. Minimum of eight feet.
3. Width. A projecting sign shall be no more than one foot thick.
4. Projection. A projecting sign cannot extend more than three feet from the
building to which it is attached and shall be designed and located so as to cause
no harm to street trees. Signs projecting into the public right-of-way are subject
to an encroachment permit.
HI. Shingle Signs. Signs suspended beneath a marquee, covered walkway, or canopy in
conjunction with pedestrian walkways, are allowed, subject to the specific zoning
district standards in Section 20.360.007 (“Sign Standards for Residential Uses and
Districts”) and Section 20.360.008 (“Sign Standards for Non-Residential Districts”),
the requirements for projecting signs in subsection G above, and the following
standard:
7
1. Illumination. The sign may not be illuminated.
Figure 20.360.006(I)
Shingle Signs
IJ. Marquee Signs. Marquee signs are subject to the specific zoning district standards in
Section 20.360.007 (“Sign Standards for Residential Uses and Districts”) and Section
20.360.008 (“Sign Standards for Non-Residential Districts”) and the following
standards:
1. Sign Height. No portion of a marquee sign shall be higher than the eave line or
parapet wall of a building.
2. Sign Clearance. Minimum of eight feet.
3. Projections. A marquee sign may extend from the building to which it is
attached subject to approval from the City Engineer. All signs that project into
the public right-of-way shall be designed and located so as to cause no harm to
street trees. Signs projecting into the public right-of-way are subject to an
encroachment permit.
4. Changeable Copy. Changeable copy may occupy up to 75 percent of the area of
a marquee sign.
JK. Wall Signs. Wall signs include any sign attached to, erected against or painted upon
the wall of a building or structure, the face of which is in a single plane parallel to the
plane of the wall. Wall signs also include signs on a false or mansard roof. No wall
sign may cover wholly or partially any required wall opening. Wall signs are also
subject to the specific zoning district standards in Section 20.360.007 (“Sign
Standards for Residential Uses and Districts”) and Section 20.360.008 (“Sign
Standards for Non-Residential Districts”) and the following standards:
8
1. Height. Wall signs shall not be mounted or placed higher than the second story
and shall not extend higher than the building wall upon which they are attached
except on a peaked, mansard, or shed roof where the sign may be placed in such
a manner that the highest point on the sign shall be no higher than the lowest
two-thirds of the roof height and providing that the vertical dimension of the
sign shall be no greater than one-third the vertical dimension of the roof.
2. Coverage. Wall sign copy shall not occupy more than 75 percent of the length
of the wall to which the sign is attached.
3. Projection. Wall signs cannot extend more than 12 inches beyond the face of
the wall to which they are attached.
KL. Window Signs. Permanent window signs painted or otherwise adhered directly onto
a window are subject to the specific zoning district standards in Section 20.360.007
(“Sign Standards for Residential Uses and Districts”) and Section 20.360.008 (“Sign
Standards for Non-Residential Districts”) and the following standards:
1. Height. Window signs shall not be mounted or placed on windows higher than
the second story.
2. Visibility. Window signs shall allow visibility into inside of building.
LM. Monument Signs. Freestanding signs erected on the ground or on a monument base
designed as an architectural unit are allowed, subject to the specific zoning district
standards in Section 20.360.007 (“Sign Standards for Residential Uses and Districts”)
and Section 20.360.008 (“Sign Standards for Non-Residential Districts”) and the
following standards:
1. Height. A maximum of 10 feet.
2. Landscape. All monument signs shall require automatic irrigated landscape at
the base equivalent to two times the area of the sign copy.
Figure 20.360.006(M)
Monument Signs
MN. High-Rise Building Identification Signs. High-rise building identification signs
shall be limited to buildings of at least four stories located in the Commercial and
Employment districts.
1. Location. Signs shall be located on the upper-most story of the building.
2. Sign Type. Signs shall be composed of individual, internally illuminated
channel letters.
3. Sign Copy. Sign copy shall be limited to one.
NO. Center Identification Signs. Center identification signs may be erected in all
districts, subject to the following limitations:
1. Identifiable Area. The signs must be for a development containing a minimum
of 20,000 square feet with an integrated site and design plan creating a single
unified development with one or more uses.
9
2. Non-Residential Districts. The maximum sign area in nonresidential districts
may be no more than one foot for each linear foot of street frontage, but in no
case shall the total sign area exceed 200 square feet. If more than one entrance
to the lot exists, the maximum sign area permitted will be divided among the
number of entryways and signs requested.
3. Residential Districts and Subdivisions. For subdivisions and other residential
area entry signs, the maximum sign area permitted is 20 square feet. Signs shall
be mounted on a fence, wall or other similar entry feature. If more than one
entrance exists, the sign area permitted will be divided between the number of
entryways and signs requested.
4. Sign Base. The sign base is to be located within a planter box or planting area,
the design and location of which is to be approved by the Chief Planner.
5. Area Not Counted. The area of the sign shall not count towards the permissible
sign area of the individual lot.
OP. Changeable Copy.
1. Changeable copy shall cover no more than 25 percent of the total sign area,
except as otherwise provided in this chapter.
2. Automatic changeable copy in which copy can be changed or altered by electric,
electro-mechanical, electronic, or any other artificial energy means is
prohibited, except for Automobile Service Station fuel pricing displays or signs
granted a Type C sign permit pursuant to the Special Circumstances Section
20.360.011.
3. Changeable copy signs shall not contain animation, rolling or running letters or
message, flashing lights or displays as part of the display.
PQ. Temporary Signs. Any temporary sign, banner, balloon, pennant, valance or
advertising display constructed of cloth, canvas, light fabric, cardboard, wallboard or
other light materials, with or without frames for any event of limited duration
including, but not limited to, entertainment, sporting events, elections, construction,
and sales of goods, and real estate sales and rental may be erected and located in
accordance with the following standards:
1. Maximum Total Temporary Sign Area.
a. Residential. Six square feet, no portion of which may be higher than seven
feet above existing grade.
b. Nonresidential. 24 square feet, no portion of which may be higher than 10
feet above existing grade.
2. Distance between Signs. Minimum two feet.
3. Time Limits. Temporary signs shall be removed within 30 days after they are
placed, erected or installed, or 15 calendar days after the conclusion of the event
to which they relate occurs, whichever is later. The Chief Planner may, for good
reason, grant an extension of up to 45 days based on the sign owner’s written
application. In no case shall a temporary sign remain in place for more than 90
days or be allowed more than twice per year.
Q. Sandwich Board Signs. Sandwich board signs are a freestanding temporary sign set
on the ground in an ‘A’ frame configuration with two panels hinged at the top.
1. Zoning Districts Allowed. Sandwich board signs are only allowed in the Grand
Avenue Core and Downtown Transit Core Zoning Districts.
2. Number. Each business shall be permitted no more than one sandwich board
sign.
10
3. Location. Signs may be placed on a sidewalk directly in front of the associated
business. The sign shall also be placed so as to be located within a three foot
area at least six inches from the street curb and no more than three feet, six
inches from the curb. The sign must be placed so as not to interfere with or
obstruct pedestrian or vehicular traffic; in any event, a minimum of four feet of
passage must be maintained on the sidewalk between the sign and any other
obstructions (i.e., street, lighting, benches, trees, etc.). Signs may not be
anchored to the sidewalk, or attached or chained to poles, newspaper vending
boxes, or other structures or appurtenances.
4. Maximum Size. Any sandwich board sign shall not exceed 30 inches in width
or 42 inches in height, with a maximum area of seven square feet. Sandwich
board sign area shall not count toward allowable sign area.
5. Materials. The sign frame shall be of professional appearance and constructed
of durable weather resistant materials such as painted or stained wood or
anodized aluminum or metal; plastic framed signs are prohibited. Stenciled or
spray painted signs are prohibited. Windblown devices, including balloons,
may not be attached or otherwise made part of the sign. Decorative sandwich
board signs which complement the business type or building architecture are
encouraged. Signs must be weighted in order to ensure that they do not fall into
the public way.
6. Lighting and Display Hours. Signs may not be illuminated. The sign shall be
removed at the end of the business day and may only be displayed during
regular business hours. Failure to remove the signs after regular business hours
are subject to removal by the City, at permitee’s expense.
7. Permits Required. Any Sandwich Board sign must apply for and obtain a Type
B permit, consistent with Section 20.360.009. The permit may include
reasonable conditions to ensure consistency with this Section and the Purposes
of this Chapter, including but not limited to the requirement that the permittee
shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless the City and its officers and
employees from and against all claims, losses, damage, injury and liability for
damages arising from the permittee’s use of the public right-of-way. The
permittee shall provide to the City, in a form and in amounts acceptable to the
City Attorney, certificates of insurance substantiating the existence of a general
liability policy covering the area subject to the permit. Additionally, sandwich
board signs located in the public right-of-way are subject to an encroachment
permit.
8. Temporary Suspension of Permit. The Director of Public Works shall have the
right to suspend or prohibit use of a sandwich board sign at any time because of
anticipated or actual conflicts in the use of the sidewalk area. Such conflicts
may arise from, but are not limited to, scheduled festivals, parades, marches and
similar special events; repairs to the street, sidewalk or other public facility; or
from demonstrations or emergencies occurring in the area. To the extent
possible, the City will give prior notice of any time period during which the sign
permit must be suspended and any sandwich boards not displayed.
11
D. Revise Table 20.360.008 “Sign Standards for Non-Residential Districts” as follows:
Table 20.360.008
Sign Standards for Non-Residential Zoning Districts
Zoning Districts
(Frontage) Sign Area Allowed
(sq. ft. per 1 linear
ft. of building
frontage)
Total Maximum
Sign Area (sq. ft.) Permitted Sign
Types Maximum Number
of Signs Maximum Sign
Area per Sign
(sq. ft.)
Downtown 1.5 300 Awning and Canopy n/a 25 60
Marquee 1 per site 1 per linear ft. of
building frontage
Projecting 1 per building or
tenant space 16; 8 under a
canopy or awning 6
Shingle 1 per building or
tenant space 6
Wall 1 per building or
tenant space 25
Window n/a 15% of window
space, up to 30% of
window space with
MUP approval
Monument 1 per site 25
Commercial, Office
and Mixed Use 1.5 300 Awning and Canopy n/a 60 100
Marquee 1 per site 1.5 per linear ft. of
building frontage
Projecting 1 per building or
tenant space 16; 8 under a
canopy or awning 6
Zoning Districts
(Frontage) Sign Area Allowed
(sq. ft. per 1 linear
ft. of building
frontage)
Total Maximum
Sign Area (sq. ft.) Permitted Sign
Types Maximum Number
of Signs Maximum Sign
Area per Sign
(sq. ft.)
Shingle 1 per building or
tenant space 6
Wall 1 per building or
tenant space 25 100
Window n/a 15% of window
space, up to 30% of
window space with
MUP approval
Monument 1 per site 60
High-Rise Building
Identification 2 per building with
at least 4 stories 1 per linear ft. of
building frontage
Employment 1.5 300 Awning and Canopy n/a 60 100
Marquee 1 per site 1.5 per linear ft. of
building frontage
Projecting 1 per building or
tenant space 16; 8 under a
canopy or awning 6
Shingle 1 per building or
tenant space 6
Wall 1 per building or
tenant space 25 100
Monument 1 per site 60
High-Rise Building
Identification 12 per building with
at least 4 stories 1 per linear ft. of
building frontage
PQP 1 70 Wall 1 per building or
tenant space 25
Monument 1 per site 60
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E. Amend Section 20.360.009 “Permits Required; Review Process” as follows:
20.360.009 Permits Required; Review Process
A. Sign Permit Type. The physical classification of signs and the review criteria are as
follows:
1. Type A. Temporary and permanent signs that are used by individual business
establishment and have a maximum freestanding height of six feet or less and
have a maximum surface area of 25 square feet or less.
2. Type B. Signs that are used by individual or multi-tenant businesses and have a
freestanding height of more than six feet and less than 10 feet and have a
maximum surface area of more than 25 square feet and less than 100 square
feet. Sandwich Board signs are also subject to Type B sign permits.
3. Type C. Signs that are used by individual or multitenant businesses and have a
freestanding height of 10 feet or more, and less than 20 feet and have a
maximum surface area of 100 square feet or more and less than 300 square feet.
Special Circumstance signs are also subject to Type C sign permits.
4. Master Sign Program. See Section 20.360.010 (“Master Sign Program”).
B. Authority. The Chief Planner shall review and approve all Type A and Type B sign
applications. The Planning Commission shall review and approve all Type C, and
Master Sign PermitProgram and Special Circumstances sign applications.
C. Design Review Required. All signs 25 square feet or more in size and sandwich
board signs are subject to the design review provisions of Chapter 20.480 (“Design
Review”).
F. Amend Chapter 20.360 to add new Section 20.360.011 “Special Circumstances” as
follows, and renumber existing Sections 20.360.011 through 20.360.014 accordingly.
20.360.011 Special Circumstances
A. Purpose. Unusual site conditions, locations, particular unique signing requirements,
or other design factors may warrant types, heights, and sizes of signs not otherwise
permitted by the regulations of this chapter. Such signs, including but not limited to
the following, shall require a type “C” permit and shall be processed in accordance
with Section 20.360.009.
1. Roof signs which extend above the highest point on the roof or of the type not
allowed by Section 20.360.006.Q Temporary Signs.
2. Any individual sign, or combination of all signs on any one property, which
exceeds the height or area limitations prescribed in this chapter.
3. Signs in the Grand Avenue Core (GAC) Zone District which are of a classic
design style, consistent with those designed and erected in the 1940s and 1950s.
4. Signs in the Airport/South Airport Boulevard and Highway 101 corridor areas
which have special sign needs due to the regional nature of the use, the traveler-
oriented nature of the use, or other special requirements.
5. Employee-oriented signs for multibuilding campus-like facilities in the east of
101 area, of which at least four hundred thousand total square feet of
development is occupied by a single tenant. Signs approved pursuant to this
subsection shall:
13
a. Be architecturally integrated with the buildings to which they are attached;
b. Be oriented toward the interior of the campus and not a public area,
including public rights-of-way and public open space;
c. Hide from view or disguise any separate structure or apparatus required to
attach the signs to buildings; and
d. Only contain copy that is directly associated with the entity for which the
sign permit is issued.
B. Review Authority. All Special Circumstances signs are subject to review and
approval of the Review Authority for the project with which the signs are associated,
but at a minimum require approval by the Planning Commission as set forth in
Section 20.360.009. A Special Circumstances sign may be submitted as part of the
Use Permit application for the project.
C. Required Findings. In order to approve a Special Circumstances sign, the Review
Authority must find that all of the following are met, in addition to other applicable
regulations in this section.
1. The proposed signs are compatible in style and character with any building to
which the signs are to be attached, any surrounding structures and any adjoining
signage on the site.
2. Special circumstances exist that warrant consideration for exceeding the
prescribed standards.
SECTION III. SEVERABILITY.
If any provision of this Ordinance or the application thereof to any person or
circumstance is held invalid or unconstitutional, the remainder of this Ordinance, including the
application of such part or provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected
thereby and shall continue in full force and effect. To this end, provisions of this Ordinance are
severable. The City Council of the City of South San Francisco hereby declares that it would
have passed each section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase hereof
irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs,
sentences, clauses, or phrases be held unconstitutional, invalid, or unenforceable.
SECTION IV. PUBLICATION AND EFFECTIVE DATE.
Pursuant to the provisions of Government Code Section 36933, a summary of this
Ordinance shall be prepared by the City Attorney. At least five (5) days prior to the Council
meeting at which this Ordinance is scheduled to be adopted, the City Clerk shall (1) publish the
Summary, and (2) post in the City Clerk’s Office a certified copy of this Ordinance. Within
fifteen (15) days after the adoption of this Ordinance, the City Clerk shall (1) publish the
summary, and (2) post in the City Clerk ’s Office a certified copy of the full text of this
Ordinance along with the names of those City Council members voting for and against this
Ordinance or otherwise voting. This Ordinance shall become effective thirty (30) days from and
after its adoption.
* * * * * * *
Introduced at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of South San Francisco,
held the 11th day of March, 2015.
14
Adopted as an Ordinance of the City of South San Francisco at a regular meeting of the
City Council held the _____ day of _____________, 2015 by the following vote:
AYES:_______________________________________________________________________
NOES:_______________________________________________________________________
ABSTENTIONS:_______________________________________________________________
ABSENT:_____________________________________________________________________
Attest:__________________________________
Krista Martinelli, City Clerk
As Mayor of the City of South San Francisco, I do hereby approve the foregoing
Ordinance this _____ day of _____________, 2015.
Mayor
2401407.1
15
EXCERPT FROM 02-19-15 PC MINUTES – SIGN REGULATIONS
Sign Regulations
City of South San Francisco/Owner/Applicant
Citywide
P07-0136: ZA15-0002
Zoning Text Amendment to SSFMC Chapter 20.360 to revise regulations and permitting
for signs citywide in accordance with South San Francisco Municipal Code Chapter
20.550.
Chairperson Wong opened the public hearing and called for the staff report. Senior
Planner Gross presented the proposed changes to the Sign Regulations and informed
the Commission of two documents he handed out to them. One was a letter of support
from the San Mateo County Association of Realtors and the other was a revised draft
Ordinance with minor corrections. The proposed revisions to the Sign Regulations
include an allowance for unique/special circumstance signs, a revision to the allowable
area for awnings and wall signs in specific districts, and an allowance for sandwich
board/a-frame signs in the Downtown.
There being no speakers the public hearing closed.
Commission comments/questions:
Commission expressed concern with sandwich board signs since they will be
handled as a Type B sign, not subject to Planning Commission review, and
asked about recourse if they become problematic. Senior Planner Gross stated
that there are different types of enforcement, including rescinding an
encroachment permit for signs within the right-of-way, and Code Enforcement
processes.
Commission expressed concern with sandwich board signs potentially blocking
the pedestrian walkway. Senior Planner Gross explained that a site plan would
be required for such signs, similar to what is required for outdoor seating
applications.
Commission inquired whether the permit would state exactly where the sign is to
be placed. Assistant City Attorney Rosenberg responded that there are
suggested performance requirements in the sandwich board sign section,
including standards related to allowable locations. He further explained the
permit may include reasonable conditions to insure consistency with the sign
section. He advised the Commission that they could require more specific
conditions if they desired. As currently proposed, these signs would be subject
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to Design Review and approval by the Chief Planner, subject to these standard
performances and conditions of approval.
Commission stated the signs will add character to the Downtown.
Commission inquired whether the staff could encourage the sandwich board
signs to have uniformity of sign location.
Commission asked for clarification regarding the size increase being proposed
for awning and wall signs. Senior Planner Gross explained that the change in
size would allow more flexibility; however, signs that are greater than 25 square
feet would be subject to Design Review Board review, ensuring additional review
for larger signs allowed under the modifications.
Senior Planner Gross advised the Commission before they make a motion that staff is
recommending an additional change to the language in Section 20.360.002(B)(7) to
clarify size limitations for proposed exempt real estate signs as follows: “A sign no larger
than 24 square feet that is attached or affixed to a property or premises in a semi-
permanent manner offering property or premises for sale or lease”. The additional
language stipulating the maximum size of Real Estate Sales and Rental Signs would be
in keeping with the sign area allowed for temporary signs.
Commission asked for clarification whether the property reference is for public or
private. Senior Planner Gross responded it referred to private property.
Motion--Commissioner Faria/Second--Commissioner Martin: to adopt a Resolution
recommending that the City Council adopt an Ordinance revising the Sign Ordinance as
indicated consistent with the direction provided by Planning Commission and including
the amendments as indicated by staff. Approved by unanimous roll call vote (6-0).
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RESOLUTION NO. 2758-2015
PLANNING COMMISSION, CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
A RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY
COUNCIL ADOPT AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO ZONING CODE RELATED TO
SIGNS
WHEREAS, in July of 2010, the City Council for the City of South San Francisco
(“City”) adopted a comprehensive update to the City’s zoning ordinance, which repealed the
then-existing Title 20 of the South San Francisco Municipal Code, and replaced it with an
entirely new Title that, among other actions, established new zoning districts, revised and
reformatted many then-existing zoning provisions, eliminated inconsistent and outdated
provisions, and codified entirely new zoning provisions, including new land use regulations and
development standards (“Zoning Ordinance”); and,
WHEREAS, since adoption of the Zoning Ordinance in July 2010, the City has identified
areas of the Zoning Ordinance that require refinement, clarification, and/or correction, including
revisions to the City’s Chapter 20.360 regulating signs in order to provide added flexibility to
accommodate signs that may not otherwise be allowed and other minor modifications, as further
set forth in the Ordinance attached hereto as Exhibit A; and,
WHEREAS, the Zoning Ordinance was adopted after preparation, circulation,
consideration, and adoption of an Initial Study/Negative Declaration (“IS/ND”) in accordance
with the California Environmental Quality Act, Public Resources Code Sections 21000, et seq.
(“CEQA”), which IS/ND analyzed the environmental impacts of adopting the Zoning Ordinance
and concluded that adoption of the Zoning Ordinance could not have a significant effect on the
environment because none of the impacts required to be analyzed under CEQA would exceed
established thresholds of significance; and
WHEREAS, the refinements, clarifications, and/or corrections to the Zoning Ordinance
as they relate to signage, set forth in the Ordinance attached as Exhibit A, are minor in nature,
the adoption of which would not result in any new significant environmental effects or a
substantial increase in the severity of any previously identified effects beyond those disclosed
and analyzed in the IS/ND prepared and circulated for the Zoning Ordinance, nor do the
refinements, clarifications, and/or corrections constitute a change in the project or change in
circumstances that would require additional environmental review; and
WHEREAS, on February 19, 2015 the Planning Commission for the City of South San
Francisco held a lawfully noticed public hearing to solicit public comment and consider the
CEQA finding and the proposed zoning ordinance amendments, take public testimony, and make
a recommendation to the City Council on the project.
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that based on the entirety of the record before
it, which includes without limitation, the California Environmental Quality Act, Public
Resources Code §21000, et seq. (“CEQA”) and the CEQA Guidelines, 14 California Code of
Regulations §15000, et seq.; the South San Francisco General Plan and General Plan EIR; the
South San Francisco Municipal Code; the Zoning Ordinance Text Amendments; and all reports,
minutes, and public testimony submitted as part of the Planning Commission’s duly noticed
February 19, 2015 meeting; and any other evidence (within the meaning of Public Resources
Code §21080(e) and §21082.2), the Planning Commission of the City of South San Francisco
hereby finds as follows:
SECTION I FINDINGS
A. General Findings
1. The foregoing recitals are true and correct and made a part of this Resolution.
2. Exhibit A attached to this Resolution, is incorporated by reference and made a
part of this Resolution, as if set forth fully herein.
3. The documents and other material constituting the record for these proceedings
are located at the Planning Division for the City of South San Francisco, 315 Maple Avenue,
South San Francisco, CA 94080, and in the custody of Chief Planner, Susy Kalkin.
B. Zoning Amendment Findings
1. The proposed zoning amendments are consistent with the adopted General Plan
because they strengthen and promote economic development objectives related to business
identification. The proposed text amendments related to regulation of signs will remain
consistent with the City’s General Plan vision for community and economic development and
will not impede achievement of any of the goals, policies, or land use designations established in
the General Plan.
2. The proposed zoning amendments related to Signs wound not affect any
particular subject property. The proposed standards would generally be suitable in terms of
architectural compatibility, consistency with area character, legibility, readability, finish and
visibility, and other considerations deemed relevant by the Planning Commission and City
Council because appropriate performance standards for signs have been included and would be
applied to projects on a case-by-case basis to minimize visual impacts.
3. The proposed zoning amendments related to Signs would not result in any change
of zoning districts and therefore would not be detrimental to the use of land in any adjacent zone.
SECTION II RECOMMENDATION
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Planning Commission of
the City of South San Francisco hereby makes the findings contained in this Resolution, and
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recommends that the City Council adopt an ordinance making the refinements, clarifications, and
corrections to the zoning ordinance as related to signs as set forth in Exhibit A.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution shall become effective immediately
upon its passage and adoption.
* * * * * * *
I hereby certify that the foregoing resolution was adopted by the Planning Commission
of the City of South San Francisco at the regular meeting held on the 19th day of February, 2015
by the following vote:
AYES: Chairperson Wong, Vice Chairperson Khalfin, Commissioner Faria, Commission Lujan,
Commissioner Martin and Commissioner Nagales
NOES:
ABSTENTIONS:
ABSENT: Commissioner Ruiz
Attest: Susy Kalkin
Susy Kalkin
Secretary to the Planning Commission
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