18-21.030 Permit Application Process.
a. All sign permit applications shall be consistent with the provisions of this article. All signs that are not expressly exempted from the sign permit requirements may be installed, erected or displayed only pursuant to a sign permit. There are three (3) types of sign processes that require City review, including: (1) review of some exempt signs that do not require permits; (2) sign installation permits; and (3) comprehensive sign package permits. The following addresses sign installation and comprehensive sign package permits:
1. Sign Installation Permit and Fee. Application for a sign installation permit may be filed with the City upon forms furnished by the City. The application shall include working drawings and details as described in the City’s sign application checklist as provided and maintained by the Director. Fees commensurate with the costs of processing and reviewing applications and administering this article shall be collected at the time the application is filed in accordance with Article 18-37.
2. Comprehensive Sign Package and Fees. Buildings or building complexes containing three (3) or more uses or separately leasable spaces shall be required to submit a comprehensive sign package to the City on forms furnished by the City prior to the issuance of the first sign permit for the building complex. Such sign package shall include a sign program and other information as described in the City’s comprehensive sign package application checklist as provided and maintained by the Director. Fees commensurate with the costs of processing and reviewing applications and administering this article shall be collected at the time the application is filed in accordance with Article 18-37.
b. Approving Authority. The following persons, departments, advisory or legislative bodies are entitled to approve or deny sign requests as follows:
1. Sign Installation Permit. The Director, or his/her authorized representative, is authorized to issue a sign installation permit if said application complies with the provisions of this article and all other applicable laws, rules, regulations, procedures, design guidelines and standards and policies, including all applicable health and safety codes. In accordance with the City’s design review procedures, the sign installation permit may also be subject to review by the Design Review Committee and/or the Planning Commission. The Director or authorized representative may also refer sign installation permit to the Planning Commission if he/she finds that the proposal may conflict with the purposes and criteria set forth in this article. The Design Review Committee, Planning Commission or Director or authorized representative, as the case may be, may approve a sign installation permit if, on the basis of the application, plans, materials and testimony submitted, it finds:
(a) The proposed sign(s) conform to the criteria set forth in this article;
(b) The proposed sign(s) is/are compatible with other signs on the site and in the vicinity;
(c) The proposed sign(s) will not adversely impact traffic circulation in adjacent right-of-way or create a hazard to vehicular or pedestrian traffic;
(d) The proposed sign(s) will not have an adverse visual impact on adjoining land uses; and
(e) The proposed sign(s) is consistent with the Design Review Manual in accordance with Article 18-33.
The Director or authorized representative may approve a sign installation permit application subject to such conditions, modifications or limitations as the Committee and/or Commission deems appropriate to carry out the purposes and goals of this article.
2. Comprehensive Sign Package. The Director or authorized representative shall consider and either approve or deny comprehensive sign packages according to the provisions of this article and all other applicable laws, rules, regulations and policies, including all applicable health and safety codes. The Director or authorized representative may approve a comprehensive sign package application subject to such conditions, modifications or limitations as the Director or authorized representative deems appropriate to carry out the purposes and goals of this article. In accordance with the City’s design review procedures, the comprehensive sign package may be subject to review by the Design Review Committee and/or the Planning Commission. The Director or authorized representative may also refer comprehensive sign packages to the Design Review Committee and/or Planning Commission if he/she finds that the proposal may conflict with the purposes and criteria set forth in this article. The Design Review Committee, Planning Commission or Director or authorized representative, as the case may be, may approve a comprehensive sign package if, on the basis of the application, plans, materials and testimony submitted, it finds:
(a) The proposed sign(s) conform with the criteria set forth in this article;
(b) The proposed sign(s) is/are compatible with other signs on the site and in the vicinity;
(c) The proposed sign(s) will not adversely impact traffic circulation in adjacent right-of-way or create a hazard to vehicular or pedestrian traffic;
(d) The proposed sign(s) will not have an adverse visual impact on adjoining land uses; and
(e) The proposed sign(s) is/are consistent with the Design Review Manual in accordance with Article 18-39.
3. Time Required Between Substantially Similar Applications. In accordance with Article 18-35, the City shall not accept any application that is substantially similar to an application that was denied within the six (6) months from the date the application is denied.
4. Public Hearing Process. Any application for a sign installation permit or comprehensive sign package which was denied is appealable in accordance with the provisions in Section 18-36.
5. Installation and Expiration. Signs shall be installed substantially consistent with the plans approved by the approval authority within six (6) months of the approval or the sign approval will be deemed to have expired and become null and void. Prior to sign installation, a sign building permit shall be obtained as required by the Uniform Sign Code and/or related City’s regulations. (Ord. #248-2020, S2 (Exh. A))