HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrd. 1500-2015 ORDINANCE NO. 1500-2015
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("City") adopted a comprehensive update to the City's zoning ordinance, which repealed the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reformatted many then-existing zoning provisions, eliminated inconsistent and outdated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:
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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
which was continued to April 8, 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. 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.
D. 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.
F. 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.
G. 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").
H. Pole Signs.
I. Portable Signs, as defined by 20.360.015, are prohibited.
J. 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.
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Figure 20.360.004(H)
Roof Signs
Prohtionl Pro Malted
' Parapet sir
Er3In. ROOF SIGN "
,� ' sorgrabit
MEI
1 Liu ! Il.....I
ski.section Roar devotion
Signs on sloped rook,mansard routs.and
parapets are allowed below the roof lint.
K. 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.
L. 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.
M. 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
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4. Taxicabs.
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. 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
[ t � ��;4' ' 74b .,Sat.
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 Va s or Not permitted
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Fossil Fuel None None
Glass Tubes filled with Neon, Argon, or None None
Krypton
Other Sources As approved by the Zoning Administrator.
Notes:
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.
E. 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.
F. 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
,4WN/NC SIGNI
F
z _rx=—""s —3 ►Yaw..„ tom
G. 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.
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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.
H. 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:
1. Illumination. The sign may not be illuminated.
Figure 20.360.006(I)
Shingle Signs
SIGN
Mlninurn t. 20 Mfel�faxl�n
8R
Sidewalk,
L
I. 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
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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.
J. 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:
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.
K. 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.
L. 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
Monument sign "°
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M. 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.
N. 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.
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.
0. 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.
P. 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, 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.
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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.
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 Sign Area Total permitted Maximum mu
Districts, Allowed s . Maximum sign Types Numb
er�► � er
(Frontage) '2' ft.per 1 linear�►� ,rya(�• Sys
frontages - ..
Downtown 1.5 300 Awning and nla 60
Canopy
Marquee 1 per site 1 per linear ft.
of building
frontage
Projecting 1 per building 16; 8 under a
or tenant space canopy or
awning 6
Shingle 1 per building 6
or tenant space
Wall 1 per building 25
or tenant space
Window nla 15%of
window space,
up to 30%of
window space
with MUP
approval
Monument 1 per site 25
Commercial, 1.5 300 Awning and nla 100
Office and Canopy
Mixed Use
Marquee 1 per site 1.5 per linear
ft. of building
frontage
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Projecting 1 per building 16; 8 under a
or tenant space canopy or
awning 6
Area Total Permitted E m Maximum
Districts, ; ► w . sq ,Maximum S Type � ", ber oaf Sign Area per
I '''',,, "'A-'-,',"0-0: fur Sigm.Area(stl. Sign
i M �
;Nz , z a ) s � : ,0:114'7,7-4*-' . '*sq.
Shingle 1 per building 6
or tenant space
Wall 1 per building 100
or tenant space
Window n/a 15%of
window space,
up to 30% of
window space
with MUP
approval
Monument 1 per site 60
High-Rise 2 per building 1 per linear ft.
Building with at least 4 of building
Identification stories frontage
Employment 1.5 300 Awning and n/a 100
Canopy
Marquee 1 per site 1.5 per linear
ft. of building
frontage
Projecting 1 per building 16; 8 under a
or tenant space canopy or
awning 6
Shingle 1 per building 6
or tenant space
Wall 1 per building 100
or tenant space
Monument 1 per site 60
High-Rise 2 per building 1 per linear ft.
Building with at least 4 of building
Identification stories frontage
PQP 1 70 Wall 1 per building 25
or tenant space
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.
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, Master
Sign Program and Special Circumstances sign applications.
C. Design Review Required. All signs 25 square feet or more in size 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:
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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.
* * * * * * *
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Introduced at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of South San Francisco,
held the 8th day of April, 2015.
Adopted as an Ordinance of the City of South San Francisco at a regular meeting of the
City Council held the 13th day of May, 2015 by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Karyl Matsumoto, Pradeep Gupta, and Liza Normandy
Vice Mayor Mark N. Addiego and Mayor Richard A. Garbarino
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
ATT ST:Nefl��� A
rKrist. rti li, City Clerk
As Mayor of the City of South San Francisco, I do hereby approve the foregoing
Ordinance this 13th day of May, 2015.
Richard • . Garbarino, Mayor
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