HomeMy WebLinkAbout4.12 Zoning Ordinance Amendment to Chapter 8.84 (Sign Regulations) and Chapter 8.104 (Site Development Review) (PLPA-2017-00018)STAFF REPORT
CITY COUNCIL
Page 1 of 3
Agenda Item 4.12
DATE:April 20, 2021
TO:Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM:Linda Smith, City Manager
SUBJECT:Zoning Ordinance Amendment to Chapter 8.84 (Sign Regulations) and
Chapter 8.104 (Site Development Review) (PLPA-2017-00018)
Prepared by: Michael P. Cass, Principal Planner
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The United States Supreme Court determined that content-based sign regulations violate the First
Amendment and are unconstitutional. Staff is proposing amendments to the City’s Sign
Regulations to comply with the Supreme Court ruling, including modifications to replace content-
based regulations and other non-substantive amendments to provide greater clarity, and
companion amendments to ensure internal consistency within the Zoning Ordinance. The first
reading of the Ordinance was held at the April 6, 2021 Regular City Council Meeting. The City
Council is now being asked to waive the second reading and adopt the City-initiated Zoning
Ordinance Amendment to Chapter 8.84 (Sign Regulations) and Chapter 8.104 (Site Development
Review).
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Waive the reading and adopt the Ordinance amending Chapter 8.84 (Sign Regulations) and
Chapter 8.104 (Site Development Review) of the Zoning Ordinance.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
None.
DESCRIPTION:
Background
In Reed v. Town of Gilbert, the United States Supreme Court considered whether local regulations
governing the content of signs in Gilbert, Arizona, violated the First Amendment. The Court found
that the sign regulations were content-based restrictions on free speech and were
unconstitutional. Content-based restrictions are when different types of speech, such as political
or religious speech, are regulated differently from one another. The findings in this case had far
reaching impacts on sign regulations throughout the country. As a result, local jurisdictions have
417
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had to reevaluate their sign regulations to avoid legal challenges. In light of the Court ruling, Staff
evaluated the City’s existing Sign Regulations (DMC Chapter 8.84) and determined that
amendments were necessary to replace content-based regulations.
The proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment includes revisions to Chapter 8.84 (Sign
Regulations) to ensure compliance with the Supreme Court decision. The proposed amendments
replace any content-based regulation with regulations that comply with the Court’s decision. The
proposed amendments seek to retain the intent of existing regulations by replacing content-based
regulations with non-content-based regulations and other non-substantive amendments to
improve the format and organization for clarity and ease of use. The proposed amendments
preserve Dublin’s high-quality-built environment and community appearance while balancing
economic development and aesthetic interests of the community. Staff also proposes minor
amendments to Chapter 8.104 (Site Development Review) to ensure internal consistency within
the Zoning Ordinance.
On April 6, 2021, the City Council waived the first reading and introduced the Ordinance approving
amendments to Chapters 8.84 (Sign Regulations) and Chapter 8.104 (Site Development Review) of
the Zoning Ordinance.
The City Council is being asked to waive the second reading and adopt the Ordinance provided as
Attachment 1.
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION:
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), together with State Guidelines and City of
Dublin CEQA Guidelines and Procedures require that certain projects be reviewed for
environmental impacts and that environmental documents be prepared. Projects seeking to
implement the amended provisions of the Sign Ordinance would be subject to separate review
under CEQA. Staff recommends the amendments to Title 8 of the Dublin Municipal Code (Zoning
Ordinance) are exempt in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) because it can be
seen with certainty that the amendments will not have a significant effect on the environment and
are not subject to CEQA review.
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
None.
NOTICING REQUIREMENTS/PUBLIC OUTREACH:
In accordance with State law, a public notice was published in the East Bay Times and posted at
several locations throughout the City. Staff also presented the proposed amendments to the
Dublin Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Economic Development Committee and
provided an announcement in the Dublin Business Brief, the City’s business community e-
newsletter. Additionally, the City Council Agenda was posted.
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ATTACHMENTS:
1) Ordinance Approving Amendments to Chapter 8.84 (Sign Regulations) and Chapter 8.104 (Site
Development Review) of the Zoning Ordinance
419
Attachment 1
ORDINANCE NO. XX-21
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN
APPROVING AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 8.84 (SIGN REGULATIONS) AND
CHAPTER 8.104 (SITE DEVELOPMENT REVIEW) OF THE ZONING ORDINANCE
EFFECTIVE CITY-WIDE
PLPA-2017-00018
WHEREAS,the City occasionally initiates amendments to the Zoning Ordinance
to clarify, add, or amend certain provisions to ensure that the Zoning Ordinance remains
current with federal and state law, internally consistent, simple to understand and
implement, and relevant to changes occurring in the community; and
WHEREAS,the City of Dublin determined that amendments to the Zoning
Ordinance relating to sign regulations are necessary to ensure, among other things, the
City’s sign standards are consistent with the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Reed v.
Town of Gilbert, 135 S. Ct. 2218 (2015); and
WHEREAS, the proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment includes modifications
to Chapter 8.84 (Sign Regulations) to replace content-based regulations, and other non-
substantive amendments to provide greater clarity, and companion amendments to
Chapter 8.104 (Site Development Review) to ensure internal consistency within in the
Zoning Ordinance; and
WHEREAS,the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on March
9, 2021, during which all interested persons were heard, and adopted Resolution No. 21-
02 recommending City Council adoption of the proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment;
and
WHEREAS,a Staff Report was submitted to the Dublin City Council
recommending approval of the proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment; and
WHEREAS,the City Council held a public hearing on the proposed Zoning
Ordinance Amendment on April 6, 2021, at which time all interested parties had the
opportunity to be heard; and
WHEREAS,proper notice of said hearing was given in all respects as required by
law; and
WHEREAS,the City Council did hear and consider all said reports,
recommendations and testimony herein above set forth and used its independent
judgment to evaluate the project.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Dublin does ordain as follows:
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Ord. No. XX-21, Item X.X, Adopted XX/XX/21 Page 2 of 31
Section 1.Pursuant to Section 8.120.050.B of the Dublin Municipal Code, the
City Council hereby finds that the Zoning Ordinance Amendment are consistent with the
Dublin General Plan and all applicable Specific Plans in that the amendments are
necessary to comply with federal and state laws and are consistent with applicable land
use regulations and development policies. Specifically, General Plan Implementation
Measure 10.7.4.A calls for an “update the City’s Sign Ordinance.”
Section 2.The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), together with
State Guidelines and City of Dublin CEQA Guidelines and Procedures require that certain
projects be reviewed for environmental impacts and that environmental documents be
prepared. Projects seeking to implement the amended provisions of the Sign Ordinance
would be subject to separate review under CEQA. Therefore, the City Council hereby
finds the amendments to Title 8 of the Dublin Municipal Code (Zoning Ordinance) are
exempt in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) because it can be seen
with certainty that the amendments will not have a significant effect on the environment
and are not subject to CEQA review.
Section 3.Section 8.84.010 (Purpose and Intent) of Title 8 of the Dublin
Municipal Code is amended as follows:
The purpose of this Chapter is to provide standards to safeguard the health, safety,and
welfare of the community by regulating and controlling the design, quality of materials,
construction, location, and maintenance of all signs and their supporting members. The
objectives of this Chapter are to:
A. Implement the purposes, policies and programs of the General Plan and Specific
Plans.
B. Provide effective and attractive identification for businesses services and uses.
C. Provide a reasonable system of regulations for signs as a part of the City’s
comprehensive Zoning Ordinance consistent with state and federal laws.
D. Promote reasonable sign standards to limit the aesthetic impact of signs on
properties within the City to prevent clutter and protect streetscapes thereby preserving
property values and protecting traffic safety.
E. Attract and direct the public to available activities, goods,and services.
F. Enhance the economic value of the community through attractive and effective
signage.
G. Provide for vehicular and pedestrian safety by prohibiting or restricting
distracting signs.
H. Comply with state and federal laws and constitutions, including such provisions
requiring the display of specified signs or information.
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Ord. No. XX-21, Item X.X, Adopted XX/XX/21 Page 3 of 31
Section 4. Section 8.84.020 (Definitions) of Title 8 of the Dublin Municipal
Code is amended as follows:
For the purposes of these regulations, certain words and phrases shall be interpreted as
set forth in this Chapter unless it is apparent from the context that a different meaning is
intended. Where any of the definitions in this Chapter may conflict with definitions in
Chapter 8.08, Definitions, the definitions in this Chapter shall prevail for the purposes of
this Chapter.
A. A-Frame Sign (sign type). The term A-Frame Sign shall mean portable,
moveable signs capable of standing without support or attachment. The term A-frame
Sign includes sandwich board signs.
B. Awning. The term Awning shall mean any structure composed of cloth, metal, or
other materials that projects from the exterior wall of a building.
C. Awning Sign (sign type).The term Awning Sign shall mean a sign affixed or
incorporated into an awning.
D. Balloons (sign type).The term Balloon shall mean any inflatable sign or balloon
regardless of size that is designed to be used as a Commercial Message or a Non-
Commercial Sign.
E. Banner Sign (sign type).The term Banner Sign shall mean a
temporary sign composed of lightweight, flexible, non-rigid material either enclosed or not
enclosed in a rigid frame.
F. Billboard Sign.The term Billboard Sign shall mean an Off-Site Advertising Sign.
G. Building Frontage.The term Building Frontage shall mean the linear length of a
building wall measured at the base of the building wall.
H. Bulletin Board Sign (sign type).The term Bulletin Board Sign shall mean
a sign used to display announcements pertaining to a Civic Use Type.
I. Commercial Message.The term Commercial Message shall mean the content of an
advertisement that includes but is not limited to any sign wording, logo, or other
representation or image that directly or indirectly names, advertises, or calls attention to
a product, service, sale or sales event, or other commercial activity, including industrial
activity.
J. Flag (sign type). The term Flag shall mean any piece of cloth, or flexible material of
any size, color, and design, hoisted on a pole permanently affixed to the ground or
displayed via a pole bracket permanently affixed to a building.
K. Freestanding Sign (sign type).The term Freestanding Sign shall mean a sign
supported by one (1) or more uprights, braces, columns, poles, flat base or stand, or other
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Ord. No. XX-21, Item X.X, Adopted XX/XX/21 Page 4 of 31
similar structural components placed on or into the ground, and not attached to a building,
and having no exposed or connecting wires.
L. Identification Sign (sign type).The term Identification Sign shall mean a sign, or
device that designates the name, or the name and use, of a place or premise.
M. Illegal Sign.The term Illegal Sign shall mean signs and their supporting members,
which meet any of the criteria of Section 8.84.220.
N. Illuminated Sign.The term Illuminated Sign shall mean an internally or externally
illuminated sign, which uses a source of light in order to make the message readable.
O. Master Sign Program.The term Master Sign Program shall mean a coordinated
program of all signs, including exempt and temporary signs, if applicable, located on a
developed site.
P. Mural.The term Mural shall mean a painted image or design on a building, which
may or may not include words. The term Mural does not include architectural elements
that are incorporated into a building’s structure or façade.
Q. Non-Conforming Sign.The term Non-Conforming Sign shall mean a sign lawfully
in existence before the enactment of this Chapter, or of any relevant amendment hereto,
but which is inconsistent with the provisions of this Chapter.
R. Non-Commercial Sign.The term Non-Commercial Sign shall mean a sign that does
not include Commercial Messages. The term Non-Commercial Sign includes a sign
referencing incidental and temporary revenue-generating activities conducted by
nonprofit organizations, clubs, groups, or associations.
S. Official Public Sign (sign type).The term Official Public Sign shall mean any
temporary or permanent sign erected by or on the order of a public official or entity or
quasi-public entity at the federal, state, or local government level in the performance of
any duty including, but not limited to, non-commercial signs identifying a government
building, program, or service (including bus or other public transit services), traffic control
signs, street name signs, street address signs, warning signs, safety signs, informational
signs, traffic or directional signs, public notices of government events or actions, proposed
changes of land use, any proposed rezoning, historic and memorial markers, or any other
government sign. The term Official Public Sign includes any sign erected on government
property pursuant to lease, license, concession, or similar agreements requiring or
authorizing such sign.
T. On-Site Sign.The term On-Site Sign shall mean any commercial sign that directs
attention to a commercial or industrial occupancy, establishment, commodity, good,
product, service, or other commercial or industrial activity that is lawfully conducted, sold,
or offered upon the property where the sign is located. The On-Site/Off-Site distinction
applies only to Commercial Message signs. The term On-Site Sign includes all signs that
are not Off-Site Advertising Signs or Off-Site Signs pursuant to this Chapter.
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Ord. No. XX-21, Item X.X, Adopted XX/XX/21 Page 5 of 31
U. Off-Site Advertising Sign (sign type).The term Off-Site Advertising Sign shall
mean any sign containing a Commercial Message related or pertaining to a business
organization, event, good, product, service, or use that is not lawfully available or does
not lawfully occur on the property upon which the sign is located. The term Off-Site
Advertising Sign shall not include any sign advertising or identifying a business within a
shopping center under multiple ownerships regardless of whether the sign is located on
the same property as the business being advertised. The term Off-Site
Advertising Sign does not include a Special Easement Sign, Identification Sign, Real
Estate Sign, Real Estate Directional Sign, and Real Estate Residential Development
Directional Sign.
V. Off-Site Sign.The term Off-Site Sign shall mean any sign that advertises or relates
to a good, product, service, event, or meeting, that is offered, sold, traded, provide, or
conducted at some location, premises, or shopping center other than that upon which the
sign is posted or displayed. Off-Site Signs include all signs posted or displayed in the
public right-of-way. The term Off-Site Sign does not include Off-Site Advertising Signs.
W. Pedestrian/Shingle Sign (sign type).The term Pedestrian/Shingle Sign shall
mean a suspended sign.
X. Pennant (sign type).The term Pennant shall mean any piece of cloth or flexible
material of any size, color, and design that is attached to a string or wire.
Y. Permitting Body.The term Permitting Body shall mean the person or body with the
authority to review and approve permits for signs. This may include the Director of
Community Development, the Zoning Administrator, the Planning Commission,or the City
Council.
Z. Projecting Sign (sign type).The term Projecting Sign shall mean a sign attached
to a wall in such a manner that the face of the sign is not parallel to the wall to which it is
attached. A blade sign is a Projecting Sign.
AA. Real Estate Residential Development Directional Sign (sign type).The term
Real Estate Residential Development Directional Sign shall mean a uniformly
designed sign, which advertises or informs the public about a residential development
where five (5) or more dwelling units are undergoing construction.
BB. Real Estate Directional Sign (sign type).The term Real Estate Directional Sign
shall mean a temporary sign indicating that a property or any portion thereof is available
for sale, lease, rent is available for inspection or directing people to a property pursuant
to Civil Code Section 713. A sign advertising an open house for a property listed for sale,
lease, or rent is a Real Estate Directional Sign.
CC. Real Estate Sign (sign type).The term Real Estate Sign shall mean a temporary
sign indicating that a property or any portion thereof is available for sale, lease, or rent
pursuant to Civil Code Section 713.
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Ord. No. XX-21, Item X.X, Adopted XX/XX/21 Page 6 of 31
DD. Reader Board Sign (sign copy).The term Reader Board Sign shall mean a sign
with copy that can be changed or altered by manual, electric, electromechanical, or
electronic means and without changing or altering the sign frame, sign supports, or
electrical parts. The term Reader Board Sign does not include a Bulletin Board Sign and
Service Station Price Sign.
EE. Roof Line.The term Roof Line shall mean the top edge of the roof or top of the
parapet; whichever forms the top line of the building silhouette.
FF. Searchlight (sign type).The term Searchlight shall mean a device, usually
consisting of a light and reflector, for throwing a beam of light in any direction.
GG. Service Station Display Structure (sign type).The term Service Station Display
Structure shall mean an on-site identification sign that serves to identify the name and
logo of the service station located on the site.
HH. Service Station Price Sign (sign type).The term Service Station Price Sign shall
mean a sign indicating gasoline prices and available services on the site.
II. Sign.The term Sign shall mean any device, display, or structure that is visible from
a public place and that has words, letters, figures, designs, symbols, logos, illumination,
or projected images. The term Sign shall not include the following: architectural elements
incorporated into the structure or façade of a building; devices, displays, or structures that
are visible only from the inside of a building.
JJ. Special Easement Sign (sign type).The term Special Easement Sign shall mean
a sign used in-lieu of a Freestanding Sign located off-site from, but within the immediate
vicinity of, a business; where said business is located on a parcel of land without direct
access or frontage on an improved public right-of-way; and where the two (2) parcels
involved are interconnected by a non-revocable, non-exclusive recorded vehicular access
easement.
KK. Streamer (sign type).The term Streamer shall mean a long, narrow banner, flag,
or pennant.
LL. Temporary Non-Commercial Sign (sign type). The term Temporary Non-
Commercial Sign shall mean a Non-Commercial Sign intended for short-term display.
MM. Temporary Sign.The term Temporary Sign shall mean any sign intended for
short-term display.
NN. Tenant Frontage. The term Tenant Frontage shall mean the linear length of a
building frontage or portion of the building frontage occupied by a tenant.
OO. Tenant Directory Sign (sign type).The term Tenant Directory Sign shall mean a
tenant directory or other exclusively informational listing of tenant names attached to the
exterior wall at the entrances of a building and used for the purpose of displaying the
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Ord. No. XX-21, Item X.X, Adopted XX/XX/21 Page 7 of 31
names and unit identifications of occupants engaged in professions or businesses on the
premises.
PP. Vehicular Sign (sign type).The term Vehicular Sign shall mean
any sign permanently affixed to an operable, or inoperable vehicle currently registered as
a motor vehicle.
QQ. Wall Sign (sign type).The term Wall Sign shall mean a sign attached parallel to
or flat against the exterior wall of a building or structure.
RR. Window Sign (sign type).The term Window Sign shall mean a sign attached to,
suspended behind, or placed or painted upon, the window or glass door of a building that
is visible from the exterior of the building.
Section 5. Matrix A of Section 8.84.030 (Sign Approvals and Decisionmaker
Authority by Zoning District) of Title 8 of the Dublin Municipal Code is amended as follows:
Matrix A, Sign Approvals and Decisionmaker Authority by Zoning District, prescribes the
necessary permits and the decisionmaker authority applicable to the specified signs for
each zoning district:
Matrix A
Sign Approvals and Decisionmaker Authority by Zoning District*
Sign Type A R-1, R-
2, R-M C-N C-O C-1 C-2 DDZD M-P, M-1,
M-2
Awning Σ X ZC ZC ZC ZC ZC ZC
Balloon X ZC***ZC ZC ZC ZC ZC ZC
Banner X ZC***ZC ZC ZC ZC ZC ZC
Bulletin
Board
BP BP BP BP BP BP BP BP
Flags –
Commercial
X X ZC ZC ZC ZC ZC ZC
Freestanding
20' or Less in
Height
Σ ZC*****ZC X BP BP BP BP
Freestanding
Greater than
20' in Height
X X X X SDR SDR SDR SDR
Identification*
*
ZC/SD
R
ZC/SD
R
ZC/SDR ZC/SDR ZC/SDR ZC/SDR ZC/SDR ZC/SDR
Master Sign
Program
SDR SDR SDR SDR SDR SDR SDR SDR
Off-Site
Advertising
X X X X X X X X
MSP/SDR***
*
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Ord. No. XX-21, Item X.X, Adopted XX/XX/21 Page 8 of 31
Sign Type A R-1, R-
2, R-M C-N C-O C-1 C-2 DDZD M-P, M-1,
M-2
Pedestrian /
Shingle
Σ X ZC ZC ZC ZC ZC ZC
Projecting Σ X BP BP BP BP BP BP
Reader
Board,
Electronic
X X CUP(PC
)
CUP(PC
)
CUP(PC
)
CUP(PC
)
CUP(PC
)
CUP(PC)
Reader
Board,
Manual
X X ZC ZC ZC ZC ZC ZC
Real Estate
Residential
Development
Directional
BP BP BP BP BP BP BP BP
Service
Station
Display
Structure
X X ZC X ZC ZC ZC ZC
Service
Station Price
X X ZC X ZC ZC ZC ZC
Special
Easement
Σ X ZC ZC ZC ZC ZC ZC
Tenant
Directory
X X BP BP BP BP BP BP
Wall Σ ZC*****BP BP BP BP BP BP
Notes for Matrix A:
Σ On-Site Signs not exceeding an area of ten (10) square feet per side are permitted
per Section 8.84.090 and subject to Building Permit
BP Permitted and subject to Building Permit
CUP Conditional Use Permit Approval required and subject to Building Permit
SDR Site Development Review Permit by Community Development Director and
subject to Building Permit
PC Planning Commission is decisionmaker authority
ZC Zoning Clearance by Staff Required and subject to Building Permit
X Not Permitted
*Matrix A does not reflect Exempt Signs in Section 8.84.140
**A sign of up to twenty-four (24) square feet on a side is allowed with a Zoning
Clearance and a sign of up to thirty-six (36) square feet on a side is allowed with a
Site Development Review Permit.
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Ord. No. XX-21, Item X.X, Adopted XX/XX/21 Page 9 of 31
***Only Banners, not exceeding twelve (12) square feet, are allowed for Multi-Family
Residences. All other temporary signs are not allowed in this zoning district.
****Permitted in the M-1 zoning district within the Scarlett Court Overlay with approval
of an MSP/SDR. Not permitted in M-P and M-2 zoning districts, nor in the M-1
districts outside of the Scarlett Court Overlay.
*****Not permitted except on property with a Civic Use Type with approval of a Zoning
Clearance.
Planned Development signage is permitted by Section 8.84.100.
A Sign Exception to a regulation in this Chapter may be applied for per Section 8.84.200.
Section 6.Matrix B of Section 8.84.040 (Sign Development Regulations) of
Title 8 of the Dublin Municipal Code is amended by eliminating the “Copy Restrictions”
column and as follows:
Matrix B, Sign Development Regulations, prescribes required development regulations
for permitted signs. The information in Matrix B is subordinate to and supplementary to
the information in Section 8.84.050, Signs Subject to Permits.
Matrix B
Sign Development Regulations**
Sign Type
Section No.
Maximum
Number of
Signs
Maximum
Height
Maximum
Area per Side
in Sq. Ft.
Location
Requirements*
Additional
Regulations*
Awning
Section 8.84
.050.A
1 per
business or
tenant
frontage as
permitted by
Section 8.84.
110B.4.
2 ft. 6 in.1 sq. ft. per
lineal ft. of
tenant
frontage to
maximum of
150 sq. ft.
(with SDR,
1.5/lineal ft. to
max of 250
sq. ft.); 25%
bonus if
tenant space
is 100 ft. from
street.
1 per business or
tenant frontage with
maximum of three
frontages.
May project 36
inches. More
than 36 inches
with SDR. Max.
sign length of 24
ft.
Balloon
Section
8.84.050.O.
1
Per Section
8.84.050.O.1
Per Section
8.84.050.O.
1
Per Section
8.84.050.O.1
Per Section
8.84.050.O.1
Per Section
8.84.050.O.1
Banner
Section
8.84.050.O
Per Section
8.84.050.O
Per Section
8.84.050.O
Per Section
8.84.050.O
Per Section
8.84.050.O
Per Section
8.84.050.O
428
Ord. No. XX-21, Item X.X, Adopted XX/XX/21 Page 10 of 31
Sign Type
Section No.
Maximum
Number of
Signs
Maximum
Height
Maximum
Area per Side
in Sq. Ft.
Location
Requirements*
Additional
Regulations*
Bulletin
Board
Section 8.84
.050.B
1 6 ft.24 sq. ft.10 ft. from front
property line; Must
meet all other yard
requirements.
Flags -
Commercial
Section
8.84.050.C
See
Section 8.84.
050. C
See
Section 8.84
.050.C
See
Section 8.84.0
50.C
See
Section 8.84.050.C
See
Section 8.84.050
.C
Freestandin
g 20' or less
in height;
Freestandin
g greater
than 20' in
height.
Section 8.84
.050.D and
8.84.120.
1 per parcel;
2 or more
with Master
Sign
Program.
10 ft. at
property
line; May be
increased
0.5 ft. for
every 1 ft.
the sign is
set back
from the
nearest
street
frontage
property line
up to a
maximum of
20 ft.; Up to
35 ft. with
SDR.
15 sq. ft. per
side at
property line;
May increase
2.5 sq. feet
per side for
each 1 ft. sign
set back from
nearest street
frontage
property line.
Maximum of
150 sq. ft.
In a planter of
appropriate
dimension; Not
closer than 50 feet
from right-of-way of
Interstate Highway;
Permitted within
required yards; At
one or more main
entrances with
Master Sign
Program.
Must have
minimum
clearance of 14
feet if
overhanging
vehicular way;
Must not project
into a public
right-of-way.
Identification
Section 8.84
.050.E
1 per
property
frontage
6 ft.24 sq. ft. with
Zoning
Clearance; 36
sq. ft. with
SDR.
None.Means of
support shall be
concealed.
Off-Site
Advertising
Sign
Section
8.84.050.F
and
8.84.125
1 per parcel. Per
MSP/SDR.
Per
MSP/SDR.
Section 8.84.030 an
d 8.84.125.B
through E
Section 8.84.125
Pedestrian/
Shingle
Section 8.84
.050.G
1 per
businesses
per building
elevation;
maximum of
2 for corner
suites
N/A 5 sq. ft.Suspended from
canopy over a
sidewalk directly in
front of the door of
the business.
8 ft. vertical
clearance;
Perpendicular to
business building
wall.
429
Ord. No. XX-21, Item X.X, Adopted XX/XX/21 Page 11 of 31
Sign Type
Section No.
Maximum
Number of
Signs
Maximum
Height
Maximum
Area per Side
in Sq. Ft.
Location
Requirements*
Additional
Regulations*
Projecting
Section 8.84
.050.H and
8.84.110.C
1 per
business.
2 ft. 6 in.;
May be
increased
through
SDR.
16 sq. ft.; May
be increased
through SDR.
Middle one-third of
front wall of
building.
Section 8.84.110
.C
Readerboar
d
Section 8.84
.050.I
Per
Section 8.84.
110 if wall
sign; 8.84.12
0 if
freestanding
sign.
Per
Section 8.84
.110 if wall
sign; 8.84.1
20 if
freestanding
sign.
Per
Section 8.84.1
10 if wall
sign; 8.84.120
if
freestanding
sign.
Per
Section 8.84.110 if
wall
sign; 8.84.120 if
freestanding sign.
Per
Section 8.84.110
if wall
sign; 8.84.120 if
freestanding
sign.
Real Estate
Residential
Developmen
t Directional
Section 8.84
.050.J
Determined
by Director of
Community
Development
.
Determined
by Director
of
Community
Developmen
t.
Determined
by Director of
Community
Development.
Determined by
Director of
Community
Development.
Determined by
Director of
Community
Development.
Searchlights
Section
8.84.050.K
4 N/A N/A N/A Maximum of 21
days per
calendar year.
Service
Station
Display
Structure
Section 8.84
.050.L
1 8 ft.16 sq. ft.None.May be
combined with
Service Station
Price Signs;
Placed in
landscape
planter
Service
Station
Price Signs
Section 8.84
.050.M
2 6 ft.16 sq. ft for 3
fuel products;
24 sq. ft for 4
fuel products.
1 per street
frontage.
May be
combined with
Service Station
Display
Structure.
Special
Easement
Section 8.84
.050.N
1 4 ft.24 sq. ft.Within immediate
vicinity of the
business.
In lieu of
Freestanding
Sign; Located on
parcel w/o direct
access or
frontage on
improved ROW;
must be
connected by
roadway/access
easement.
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Ord. No. XX-21, Item X.X, Adopted XX/XX/21 Page 12 of 31
Sign Type
Section No.
Maximum
Number of
Signs
Maximum
Height
Maximum
Area per Side
in Sq. Ft.
Location
Requirements*
Additional
Regulations*
Temporary
Section 8.84
.050.O
Per
Section 8.84.
050.O
Per
Section 8.84
.050.O
Per
Section 8.84.0
50.O
Per
Section 8.84.050.O
Per
Section 8.84.050
.O
Tenant
Directory
Section 8.84
.050.P
1 N/A 12 sq. ft.At entrance of
building on an
exterior wall.
None.
Wall
Section 8.84
.110.Q and
8.84.110.B
1 per
business or
tenant
frontage with
maximum of
three
frontages.
2 ft. 6 in.1 sq. ft. per
lineal ft. of
Tenant
Frontage up
to maximum
of 150 sq. ft.
(with SDR,
1.5/lineal ft. to
max of 250
sq. ft.); 25%
bonus if
tenant space
is 100 ft. from
street.
1 per business or
tenant frontage with
maximum of three
frontages.
May project 12
inches, 30
inches w/SDR.
Max. sign length
24 ft.
Notes for Matrix B:
* Location Requirements and Additional Regulations are in addition to those identified
in Sections 8.84.050, 8.84.110, and 8.84.120.
** Matrix B does not reflect Exempt Signs in Section 8.84.140.
Section 7.Section 8.84.050 (Signs Subject to Permits) of Title 8 of the Dublin
Municipal Code is amended as follows:
The following signs shall be allowed pursuant to the permits required in the Zoning
Districts as indicated in Matrix A (Section 8.84.030) and shall be regulated as shown in
Matrix B, (Section 8.84.040) and as follows:
A. Awning Signs.Awning Signs shall be permitted in the same locations as wall signs
and shall be subject to the requirements of Section 8.84.110.
B. Bulletin Board.Bulletin Board Signs twenty-four (24) square feet maximum area
per side are permitted ten (10) feet or further from the front property line. One Bulletin
Board Sign is permitted on each property with a Civic Use Type. A Bulletin Board Sign
may have a maximum height of six (6) feet.
C. Flags – Commercial.Commercial Flags are subject to the following:
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Ord. No. XX-21, Item X.X, Adopted XX/XX/21 Page 13 of 31
1. Commercial Flags shall be located on the site where the Automobile/Vehicle
Sales use being advertised is conducted.
2. The location of Commercial Flags shall be limited to private property light poles
and shall not extend above the top of the light pole.
3. The number of Commercial Flags shall be limited to one (1) flag per light pole,
up to one-half of all light poles located on the site.
4. Commercial Flags shall be limited to a maximum of twenty (20) square feet and
may be single sided or double sided.
5. Commercial Flags shall have a clearance of eight (8) feet above the ground and
fourteen (14) feet above a driveway, alley, or other vehicular access way. No flag
shall project into a public right-of-way.
6. Commercial Flags shall be maintained in good condition at all times. Any flag
that is faded, torn, or otherwise determined by the Community Development Director
to not be in good condition shall be removed upon request and may be replaced
subject to compliance with this subsection.
D. Freestanding Signs.Freestanding Signs are permitted per Section 8.84.120.
E. Identification Signs.One (1) Identification Sign is permitted per parcel in any
district. Identification Signs with a maximum area of twenty-four (24) square feet per side
may be approved subject to a Zoning Clearance. A maximum of thirty-six (36) square feet
per side may be permitted with Site Development Review Permit. The height of
Identification Signs shall not exceed six (6) feet.
F. Off-Site Advertising Signs.Off-Site Advertising Signs shall be permitted per
Section 8.84.125.
G. Pedestrian/Shingle Signs.Pedestrian/Shingle Signs are permitted subject to the
following provisions:
1. Suspended from a canopy over a sidewalk directly in front of the door of the
business with a minimum of eight (8) foot vertical clearance.
2. Perpendicular to the business building wall.
3. Not more than five (5) square feet in area per side.
4. Limited to one (1) per business per building elevation and a maximum of two
(2) for corner suites.
H. Projecting Signs.Projecting Signs are permitted per Section 8.84.110.C.
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Ord. No. XX-21, Item X.X, Adopted XX/XX/21 Page 14 of 31
I. Reader Board Signs.Reader Board Signs may be permitted as either a Wall Sign
or a Freestanding Sign. Wall-Mounted Reader Board Signs shall comply with Section
8.84.110, Regulations for Wall Signs and Projecting Signs. Freestanding Reader Board
Signs shall comply with Section 8.84.120, Freestanding Sign General Regulations.
J. Real Estate Residential Development Directional Signs.The purpose of this
section is to establish and regulate a standardized program of real estate residential
development directional signs in areas where many developments are being constructed
at the same time. This will provide attractive and effective signage to help the public find
the developments. Real Estate Residential Development Directional Signs, “Signs” for
the purposes of this section, are subject to the Building Permit process. These signs are
permitted subject to the following:
1. Residential developments of five (5) or more dwelling units. Signs shall be
prepared for residential developments where five (5) or more dwelling units are
concurrently undergoing construction or for sale, lease, or rent.
2. On private property with consent of owner, public property, or City right-of-
way. All signs shall be placed on private property with the written consent of the
property owner, public property, or on City right-of-way subject to a City
encroachment permit.
3. Construction and maintenance by one sign company. Signs shall be
constructed and maintained by one sign company and paid for by residential
developers within the City.
4. Design. The design of the signs shall be uniform and shall be to the satisfaction
of the Director of Community Development pursuant to Site Development Review
Permit. A modification to the design shall be pursuant to Site Development Review
Waiver. The City logo shall be placed on top of the signs. Any single-sided signs
shall be painted the same color in the back as in the front side. The signs shall not
be illuminated. The sign shall feature removable linear sign panels with directional
arrows. A typical example of such a sign is as follows:
5. Real Estate Residential Development Directional Sign Plan. A Real Estate
Residential Development Directional Sign Plan shall be prepared to the satisfaction
of the Director of Community Development pursuant to Site Development Review
Permit. A modification to the Plan shall be pursuant to Site Development Review
Waiver. The Plan shall show the location of each sign, preferably at major
intersections, prior to the installation of any signs. No sign shall be located anywhere
other than as shown on the Real Estate Residential Development Directional Sign
Plan.
6. Maintenance. The sign company shall maintain the signs to the satisfaction of
the Director of Community Development. If signs are not maintained to the
satisfaction of the Director of Community Development, the City shall have the right
to remove and confiscate the sign.
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Ord. No. XX-21, Item X.X, Adopted XX/XX/21 Page 15 of 31
7. Each development shall be limited to one (1) panel on an individual sign face.
8. Informing the public. Individual panels on signs shall be used only to inform the
public of residential developments within the City of Dublin.
9. Sight distance. The signs shall not interfere with the sight distance of motorists,
pedestrians, or bicycle riders.
10. Sidewalk circulation. The signs shall not impede pedestrian circulation of
sidewalks.
11. Freeways. The signs shall not be located within 660 feet of I-580 or I-680.
12. Weeds. The site where signs are located shall be kept free of weeds to the
satisfaction of the Director of Community Development to a distance of two (2) feet
around each sign.
13. Devices. Devises shall not be attached to or placed next to signs. Such
devices include but are not limited to: tag signs, streamers, balloons, banners,
pennants, flags, lights or display boards.
14. Prohibited signs. No prohibited signs such as A-Frame Signs, Portable Signs,
pennants, streamers, blinking or flashing lights, or movable signs (whether
mechanical or hand-held) shall be permitted on or adjacent to Signs.
15. Removal of panel. When a given development is completely sold out or
leased, the panel representing that development shall be removed from all signs.
16. Removal of sign. The signs shall be removed at the time the last dwelling unit
of the developments is occupied.
17. Relocation/reduction in size. When a sign has only a few panels in use, it shall
be moved closer to the developments being advertised and/or reduced in size.
18. Bond. The sign company shall post a bond satisfactory to the Director of
Community Development to assure timely removal of the signs.
K. Searchlights.Up to four (4) Searchlights, attached to function as a single unit, are
permitted as a Temporary Sign pursuant to a Zoning Clearance. No permit(s) singularly
or cumulatively shall be issued that allows any Temporary Sign(s) that include
Searchlights for more than twenty-one (21) days per calendar year.
L. Service Station Display Structures.A Service Station Display Structure is
permitted pursuant to a Zoning Clearance. Such structure shall have a maximum height
of eight (8) feet and have a maximum area of sixteen (16) square feet per side and may
incorporate Service Station Price Signs. The area of the Service Station Price Sign may
be added to the area of a Service Station Display Structure. A Service Station Display
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Ord. No. XX-21, Item X.X, Adopted XX/XX/21 Page 16 of 31
Structure shall be placed in a landscape planter, which should be of sufficient width,
length, and height to protect the base of the sign from damage due to vehicular traffic.
M. Service Station Price Signs.Service Station Price Signs are permitted when
accessory to an existing service station, provided:
1. One (1) sign is permitted along each street frontage to a maximum of two (2)
signs.
2. Each price sign shall have a heavy type face or electric reader board style text
and be clearly visible from adjacent streets and may have a maximum area of
sixteen (16) square feet per side for service stations offering three (3) fuel products;
or a maximum area of twenty-four (24) square feet per side for service stations
offering four (4) or more fuel products.
3. The maximum sign height shall not exceed six (6) feet.
4. A price sign may be attached to, combined with, and made part of a Service
Station Sign Display Structure pursuant to Section 8.84.050.L.
5. All signage shall conform to the requirements of Business and Professions
Code Section 13530 et. seq.
N. Special Easement Signs.A Special Easement Sign may be used in-lieu of a
Freestanding Sign. A Special Easement Sign shall be placed within the immediate vicinity
of the parcel upon which the business or center is located. The premises advertised must
be located on a parcel of land without direct access or frontage on an improved public
right-of-way. Said properties must be interconnected by a traversable vehicular roadway,
which is subject to a non-revocable, non-exclusive recorded access easement. A Special
Easement Sign shall be permitted pursuant to a Zoning Clearance. Special Easement
Signs shall not be more than four (4) feet high and six (6) feet long and shall have a
maximum area of twenty-four (24) square feet per side. Special Easement Signs shall be
subject to compliance with Section 8.84.120, Freestanding Signs General Regulations.
O. Temporary Signs.Temporary Signs shall be professionally designed and
fabricated by design professionals (e.g., graphic designers), whose principal business is
the design, manufacture, or sale of signs, or others who are determined by the Director
of Community Development to be capable of producing professional results. Temporary
Signs shall have a professional appearance and be constructed of durable, all-weather
materials and shall be maintained in good condition throughout the display period.
1. Balloons.Any tethered or untethered balloon of greater than fifteen (15) inches
in diameter shall be permitted pursuant to a Zoning Clearance. All balloons shall be
tethered to the ground only with the bottom of the balloon on the ground and shall
not be permitted to be attached to any structure or vehicle. No permit(s) singularly
or cumulatively shall be issued that allows any Temporary Banner that includes
balloons for more than twenty-one (21) days per calendar year.
435
Ord. No. XX-21, Item X.X, Adopted XX/XX/21 Page 17 of 31
2. Banner Signs.Up to two (2) Banner Signs are permitted pursuant to a Zoning
Clearance and may be placed on site for a maximum of twenty-one (21) consecutive
calendar days per permit. A minimum waiting period of forty-two (42) consecutive
calendar days between displays is required. A Banner Sign shall not be larger than
sixty (60) square feet in size and shall not be located so that it is higher than the
eave of the structure in which the business is located. One (1) Banner Sign may be
displayed on a tenant’s building frontage. If there is more than one street frontage,
one (1) Banner Sign may be displayed on each street frontage (in lieu of the building
frontage), up to two (2) street frontages, if the Banner Signs are at least two-hundred
(200) feet apart.
3. Properties with Multifamily Residence.Up to one (1) Banner Sign is permitted
pursuant to a Zoning Clearance and may be placed on-site with a multifamily
residence for a maximum of ten (10) consecutive calendar days per permit. A
minimum waiting period of twenty (20) consecutive calendar days between displays
is required. In addition, the duration in which Banner Signs may be displayed is
limited to a maximum duration of ninety (90) days per calendar year. A Banner Sign
shall not be larger than twelve (12) square feet (see Chapter 8.08 for definition of
multifamily residence).
P. Tenant Directory Signs.A Tenant Directory Sign is permitted provided it is attached
to the exterior wall at the entrances of a building and each sign shall not exceed a
maximum area of twelve (12) square feet.
Q. Wall Signs.Wall Signs are permitted per Section 8.84.110.
Section 8. Section 8.84.060 (Design Criteria) of Title 8 of the Dublin Municipal
Code is amended as follows:
A. The design of all proposed signs shall be reviewed by the permitting body with
consideration given to the following factors:
1. Visibility and legibility (letter height and legibility, contrast-background
relationship, placement, and location).
2. Impact of other immediate signs in terms of visibility, legibility, and scale.
3. Traffic conditions, including but not limited to, traffic safety and circulation,
visibility, road width, curb cuts, or driveway indentations, median, proximity of major
intersections, signals or stops, average traveling speed or any other natural physical
obstruction.
4. Night-time use considerations including intensity of illumination (of a sign being
reviewed, of other immediate signs and of other light sources such as street lights
or canopy lights), competition and interference of light sources and intrusion of light
into residential areas.
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Ord. No. XX-21, Item X.X, Adopted XX/XX/21 Page 18 of 31
B. Each proposed sign shall be reviewed by the permitting body for conformity to the
following criteria:
1. The sign shall relate to the architectural design of the building. An attractive
scale between the sign, the building and the immediate surrounding buildings and
signs shall be maintained.
2. To the extent feasible, a sign shall be graphic with design emphasis on
simplicity, style, trademark, business identification and symbol. Wording shall be an
integral part of the overall design.
3. All light sources shall be adequately diffused or shielded.
4. The sign’s supporting structure shall be as small in density and as simple as is
structurally safe.
5. Multiple signing on a single-faced building shall be reviewed for coordination of
all signs architecturally and aesthetically.
6. Plastic-faced signs with white internally illuminated backgrounds are not
permitted except pursuant to a Zoning Clearance.
7. Neon, bare fluorescent tubes, or incandescent bulbs are not permitted except
pursuant to Site Development Review Permit.
8. The sign shall not obstruct pedestrian circulation.
Section 9. Section 8.84.070 (Illumination) of Title 8 of the Dublin Municipal
Code is amended as follows:
External illumination may be allowed on all signs upon the approval of the Community
Development Director, unless otherwise set forth in this Chapter. External illumination
used for the illumination of any sign shall be permitted only when such lighting is installed
on private property and is hooded or shielded so that the light source is not visible from
public streets, alleys, highways, or adjoining properties.
Section 10. Section 8.84.080 (Landscaping) of Title 8 of the Dublin Municipal
Code is amended as follows:
Landscaping used in commercial areas where a sign is proposed will be of species which
have growth habits which facilitate visibility of sign to the greatest degree possible while
still providing necessary shade and screening and meeting all other requirements of this
Chapter.
Section 11. Section 8.84.090 (A – Agricultural District – Signs Permitted) of
Title 8 of the Dublin Municipal Code is amended as follows:
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Ord. No. XX-21, Item X.X, Adopted XX/XX/21 Page 19 of 31
When located in an A District, and subordinate to a lawful use, On-Site Signs not
exceeding an aggregate area of ten (10) square feet per side are permitted as shown in
Matrix A (Section 8.84.030).
Section 12. Section 8.84.110 (Regulations for Wall Signs and Projecting Signs)
of Title 8 of the Dublin Municipal Code is renamed and amended as follows:
8.84.110 Regulations for Wall Signs, Awning Signs, and Projecting Signs
Wall Signs, Awning Signs, and Projecting Signs are permitted subject to the following
regulations:
A. General
1. Zoning Districts.These regulations shall apply in the C-N, C-O, C-1, C-2, M-
P, M-1, M-2, and comparable PD Zoning Districts.
2. Computation of Sign Area.The area of Wall and Projecting Signs shall be
computed as the entire area within a single, continuous perimeter creating a polygon
of not more than eight (8) straight lines, a circle or an ellipse, or a combination of the
above enclosing the extreme limits of the sign together with any frame or other
material or color forming an integral part of the display or used to differentiate such
sign from the background against which it is placed, provided that in the case of a
sign with more than one (1) exterior surface containing sign copy, the sign area shall
be computed as the sum of all exterior faces. Any structure, or part of a structure,
which departs from standard architectural procedures in an attempt to attract
attention to the premises by reason of color scheme, building shape, or unusual
architectural features shall be considered sign area and is subject to all pertinent
regulations. Those portions of the supports, uprights, base of a sign, or area used
for street address, that do not function as a sign shall not be considered as part of
the sign area.
3. Extension of Sign Above Ridge Roof-Line.No part of any Wall Sign or
Projecting Sign shall extend above the roof-line of the building elevation on which
the sign is displayed.
4. Maximum Sign Height.The height of Wall and Projecting Signs shall not
exceed two (2) feet, six (6) inches. This standard may be increased with Site
Development Review Permit. Exceptions: A single wall sign may be up to four (4)
feet high if it is no more than four (4) feet wide and otherwise conforms to the
requirements of the Sign Regulations. A Wall or Projecting Sign shall not exceed
three (3) feet high if it is on the face of a building at least eighteen (18) feet high.
5. Maximum Sign Length.No Wall Sign shall exceed a length of twenty-four (24)
feet. This standard may be increased pursuant to Site Development Review Permit.
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Ord. No. XX-21, Item X.X, Adopted XX/XX/21 Page 20 of 31
6. Supporting Members of Signs Minimized.Supporting members for Wall
Signs and Projecting Signs shall appear to be an integral architectural part of the
building, and any required bracing shall be minimized.
7. Number of Building Frontages.Each business or tenant space may be
permitted a maximum of three (3) building frontages with maximum of one (1) wall
sign per frontage.
8. Frontage Allocation Not Transferable.In no case shall a sign or sign area
permitted on one (1) frontage be transferred to another frontage.
9. Use of All Legal Existing Sign Cabinets on a Tenant Frontage.All legal
existing sign cabinets on a Tenant Frontage may be used by the tenant occupying
the suites behind the Tenant Frontage.
B. Wall Signs and Awning Signs
1. Area of Wall Signs.The area of Wall Signs for each business or tenant space
shall not exceed one (1) square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of Tenant
Frontage occupied by such business up to a maximum sign size of one hundred fifty
(150) square feet. Pursuant to Site Development Review Permit, this standard may
be increased by one and one-half (1.5) square feet of sign area for each lineal foot
of frontage occupied by such business up to a maximum size of two hundred fifty
(250) square feet.
Additional sign area may be exceeded through approval of a Master Sign Program
pursuant to Section 8.84.130.
2. Wall Signs on Buildings Distant from Street.A tenant space of a building
which is set back at least one hundred (100) feet from any street may increase the
Wall Sign area by twenty-five (25) percent.
3. Wall Signs and Awning Signs Projecting from Face Of Wall.Wall signs shall
project not more than twelve (12) inches from a wall except that Wall Signs
projecting from twelve (12) inches to thirty (30) inches from the wall to which they
are attached are permitted with Site Development Review Permit. Awning Signs
shall not project more than thirty-six (36) inches from a wall except that Awning Signs
projecting more than thirty-six (36) inches from the wall to which they are attached
are permitted with Site Development Review Permit.
C. Projecting Signs
1. Clearance of Projecting Signs.Projecting Signs shall have a clearance of
eight (8) feet above the ground and fourteen (14) feet above a driveway, alley, or
other vehicular access way. No such sign shall project into a public right-of-way.
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Ord. No. XX-21, Item X.X, Adopted XX/XX/21 Page 21 of 31
2. Location of Projecting Signs.Projecting Signs shall only be located on the
middle one-third of the front wall of a building. This requirement may be modified
pursuant to Site Development Review Permit.
3. Number of Projecting Signs.Only one (1) Projecting Sign shall be permitted
for each business located on the site.
4. Projecting Sign Areas.A Projecting Sign shall have a maximum size of sixteen
(16) square feet per side unless increased pursuant to Site Development Review
Permit.
5. Projecting Sign Projection Limit.Projecting Signs shall not extend from the
front wall to which they are attached more than eight (8) feet unless modified
pursuant to Site Development Review Permit.
Section 13.Section 8.84.120 (Regulations for Freestanding Signs) of Title 8 of
the Dublin Municipal Code is amended as follows:
Freestanding Signs are permitted subject to the following regulations:
A. Zoning Districts.Freestanding Signs are permitted in the R-1, R-2, and R-M Zoning
Districts when there is a Civic Use Type, as well as the C-N, C-O, C-1, C-2, DDZD, M-P,
M-1, and M-2 zoning districts.
B. Landscape Planter.Freestanding Signs shall be located in a planter of appropriate
dimension. The design of the landscape planter should be of sufficient width, length, and
height to protect the base of the sign from damage due to vehicular traffic.
C. Interstate Freeway Proximity. The Freestanding Sign shall not be located closer
than fifty (50) feet from the right-of-way of an Interstate Freeway.
D. Main Entrance Proximity.Freestanding Signs shall be permitted at one (1) or more
of the main entrances pursuant to a Master Sign Program.
E. Location.Freestanding Signs shall be permitted within required front, side, or rear
yard setback areas.
F. Copy Restrictions.Freestanding Signs shall indicate the building address or
address range of the building and/or complex it serves.
G. Clearance of Freestanding Signs.Freestanding Signs shall have a minimum
clearance of fourteen (14) feet if the freestanding sign has an overhang extending over a
driveway, alley, or other vehicular access.
H. Not project into a public right-of-way.
I. Height.Freestanding Signs shall have a maximum height of ten (10) feet at the
property line. The height may be increased half (0.5) foot for every foot the sign is set
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Ord. No. XX-21, Item X.X, Adopted XX/XX/21 Page 22 of 31
back from the nearest street frontage property line up to a maximum of twenty (20) feet.
A Freestanding Sign may be permitted to have a height of up to thirty-five (35) feet
pursuant to Site Development Review Permit. Heights above thirty-five (35) feet may be
permitted pursuant to a Master Sign Program.
J. Area of Freestanding Signs.Freestanding Signs shall have a maximum area of
fifteen (15) square feet per side at the property line. The area may be increased two and
one half (2.5) square feet per side for each foot the sign is set back from the nearest
street frontage property line. The maximum size for a Freestanding Sign is one hundred
and fifty (150) square feet per side. A Freestanding Sign may have an area greater than
one hundred and fifty (150) square feet pursuant to a Master Sign Program.
K. Number of Freestanding Signs.Freestanding Signs shall be limited to one (1)
Freestanding Sign per parcel unless more than one (1) Freestanding Sign were allowed
pursuant to a Master Sign Program.
Section 14. Section 8.84.125 (Off-Site Advertising Signs) of Title 8 of the Dublin
Municipal Code is amended as follows:
Off-Site Advertising Signs are subject to the following regulations:
A. Number of Off-Site Advertising Signs.One (1) Off-Site Advertising Sign may be
permitted per parcel.
B. Location.Signs shall be located in the M-1 zoning district within the Scarlett Court
Overlay.
C. Interstate Freeway Proximity.
1. Signs shall be located between fifty (50) and one hundred (100) feet from the
right-of-way of Interstate 580 and located on properties along Scarlett Court and
Interstate 580.
2. Signs shall be visible from the right-of-way of Interstate 580.
3. Signs shall satisfy applicable California Department of Transportation standards
for freeway-oriented signs, as amended from time to time.
D. Public Trail Proximity.Signs shall be located five hundred (500) feet or more from
the centerline of the Iron Horse Trail.
E. Separation Between Signs.Signs shall be located on parcels one thousand (1,000)
feet or more from another parcel with an Off-Site Advertising Sign.
F. Public Safety.Signs shall not significantly impair public safety.
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Ord. No. XX-21, Item X.X, Adopted XX/XX/21 Page 23 of 31
G. Other Regulations.Signs shall satisfy the applicable requirements of the Outdoor
Advertising Act (Business and Professions Code Section 5200 et. seq.), as amended
from time to time.
H. Copy Restrictions.Signs shall not display products, goods, or services related to
tobacco, firearms, or sexually explicit material.
Section 15.Section 8.84.130 (Master Sign Program/Site Development Review
Permit) of Title 8 of the Dublin Municipal Code is amended as follows:
A. Signs for a new retail, office, or industrial complex on four (4) or more acres having
a gross floor area of forty-thousand (40,000) square feet or larger, a new automobile
dealership, or any buildings more than two (2) stories high shall be subject to a Master
Sign Program/Site Development Review Permit pursuant to Chapter 8.104 Site
Development Review.
B. An existing or proposed retail, office, or industrial complex (all of the businesses in
the complex or shopping center, not an individual business in a complex or shopping
center), automobile dealership or building more than two (2) stories high, regardless of
the size of the site on which it is located, may apply for a Master Sign Program/Site
Development Review Permit.
C. A Master Sign Program/Site Development Review Permit shall be granted based on
the following findings based on evidence in the record:
1. That the program’s contribution to effective and attractive identification of
businesses, services, and uses and the design quality of the site and surrounding
area will be superior to the quality that would result under the regulations and
standards of this Chapter; and
2. That all of the proposed signs of the retail, office, or industrial complex, shopping
center, automobile dealership or building are compatible with the style or character
of existing improvements on the site and are well related to each other; and
3. That all of the proposed signage shall generally conform with the Design Criteria
in Section 8.84.060.
D. The Master Sign Program shall include, but not be limited to, indications of the
quantity, locations, dimensions, colors, design, method of illumination, and sign types of
all signs to be installed.
Section 16.Section 8.84.140 (Exempt Signs) of Title 8 of the Dublin Municipal
Code is amended as follows:
The following signs are exempt from obtaining a permit but shall comply with all other
regulations of this Chapter:
A. A-Frame Signs.A-Frame Signs shall be subject to the following:
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1. Quantity.One (1) per business.
2. Size.A maximum of six (6) square feet per side with a maximum of two sides.
3. Height.A maximum height of four (4) feet.
4. Materials.Professional quality materials are required; plywood is prohibited.
5. Location.A-Frame Signs shall be located within five (5) feet of the pedestrian
entrance to the applicable tenant space. A-Frame Signs shall be placed on hardscape
and shall not block accessible paths of travel or inhibit sight distance for ingress or egress.
6. Stabilization.All A-Frame Signs shall be freestanding and able to withstand
wind gusts or must be removed during inclement weather. A-Frame Signs shall not be
attached to structures, trees, benches, or any other landscape features.
7. Sign Copy.A-Frame Signs shall not include Commercial Messages except
as related to commercial or industrial activities on the property on which the A-Frame Sign
is located.
8. Daily Removal.A-Frame Signs shall be removed at the close of business
each day.
B. Direction/Warning Signs.Signs displayed for the direction, warning, or safety of
the public, including pedestrian and vehicular traffic, with eight (8) square feet maximum
sign area per sign, and all Direction/Warning Signs designed as pavement markings
regardless of size.
C. Flags.Flags that do not contain Commercial Messages.
D. House Numbers and Name Plates.House numbers, name plate or identification of
house members (provided sign does not exceed two (2) square feet maximum area),
mailbox identification, street names, “no-trespass” signs, and other warning signs.
E. Lottery Signs.Signs for the California State Lottery approved by the Lottery
Commission for display by Lottery Game Retailers.
F. Murals.Murals that do not contain Commercial Messages.
G. Official Public Signs.All Official Public Signs erected by or on the order of a public
official or agency.
H. Real Estate Signs.Real-Estate Signs are permitted subject to the following
provisions provided they shall:
1. Not exceed a maximum area of sixteen (16) square feet per side;
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2. Be limited to one (1) such sign placed for each one hundred (100) feet of street
frontage, up to a maximum of two (2) signs per parcel;
3. Have a maximum height of eight (8) feet;
4. Be constructed of wood, plywood, metal, or other rigid material; and
5. Not be placed on a private or public right-of-way.
I. Real Estate Directional Signs.Real Estate Directional Signs are permitted subject
to the following special provisions provided they shall:
1. Be limited to a maximum of four (4) open house signs for each property being
advertised for sale.
2. Not be located within the public right-of-way where such signs endanger the
safety of persons or property, disrupts the normal flow of vehicle or pedestrian traffic,
blocks views of such traffic, blocks ingress into or egress from any residence or
place of business, or restricts a sidewalk width to less than thirty-two (32) inches.
Notwithstanding the above, signs may be placed in a landscaping strip between the
roadway and the sidewalk.
3. Not be adhered or attached to any public signpost, traffic signal, or utility pole.
4. Not be placed within a five (5) foot radius of a call box, fire hydrant, or mailbox.
5. Include placement of no more than eight (8) open house signs at any
intersection and no more than one (1) sign per property being advertised may be
placed at an intersection.
6. Not have additional tags, riders, streamers, balloons, or other attachments.
7. Not exceed four (4) square feet per side, and the height shall not exceed three
(3) feet above grade.
8. Be permitted on holidays, Saturdays, Sundays,and one agent tour day each
week from 10:00 a.m. through sunset.
9. Be subject to the City’s authority to assess all necessary costs for the time spent
by City personnel, or its authorized agents, to remove illegally located open house
signs. In cases of repeated violations of requirements dealing with open house
signs, rights to locate new open house signs in the City shall be forfeited.
10. Secure proper authorization by the affected private property owner prior to
placement of signs on private property.
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J. Seasonal Lights and Decorations.Seasonal lights (if lighted) and seasonal
decorations may be displayed for up to sixty (60) consecutive calendar days. Seasonal
balloons used in conjunction with a seasonal event, are exempt from obtaining a permit
when located in a Residential Zoning District.
K. Temporary Non-Commercial Signs.Temporary Non-Commercial Signs provided
they shall:
1. Be displayed for no more than sixty (60) consecutive calendar days.
2. Be placed on private property.
3. Be no more than sixteen (16) square feet per side in area per individual sign
and up to eighty (80) square feet of maximum aggregate area per lot.
4. Not be placed within the public right-of-way or within six hundred and sixty (660)
feet of and visible from the right-of-way of Interstate 580 or Interstate 680.
L. Vehicular Signs.A vehicle with Vehicular Signs less than nine (9) square feet per
panel or side of vehicle parked on the property on which the business is located, and as
close as practical to the business it serves for less than twenty-four (24) hours
continuously or eighty-four (84) hours in a seven (7) day period. The vehicle shall not be
used as a sign platform or for the sole purpose of attracting people to a place of business.
M. Window Signs.Window Signs shall not exceed twenty-five (25) percent of the
contiguous window area from which they are viewed.
Section 17. Section 8.84.150 (Prohibited Signs) of Title 8 of the Dublin
Municipal Code is amended as follows:
The following signs, or signs which contain the following elements, are prohibited:
A. Balloons.Any singular or clustered balloon(s) up to fifteen (15) inches in diameter
and attached to any structure, vehicle, pole, or sign which is located in any Commercial
or Industrial Zone by designated Planned Development or standard Commercial or
Industrial Zone, which is displayed higher than ten (10) feet above the ground.
B. Blinking, Flashing Lights.Any sign having blinking, flashing, or fluttering lights, or
any other illuminating device which has a changing light intensity, brightness, or color.
C. Obscene Signs.Any sign containing any obscene matter, as defined by federal
court precedent.
D. On Public Property.Any sign whether portable, temporary, or permanent in nature
located within the public rights-of-way, or on public property except the following:
1. An Official Public Sign.
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2. An informational sign of a public utility or transit company regarding its poles,
lines, pipes, facilities, or routes.
3. An emergency warning sign erected by the City or other public entity, a public
utility company, or contractor doing authorized or permitted work on public property.
E. Pennants.Either directly or indirectly attached to any structure or pole.
F. Privately-Owned Signs Resembling Traffic Signs.Any privately-owned sign
resembling any public directional sign or traffic control device.
G. Reflective Signs.Signs using colors that contain reflective properties.
H. Rotating, Moving, and Human-Held Signs.Any sign with Commercial Messages
that rotates, moves, contains moving parts, depicts animation in any manner, or any sign
with Commercial Messages that is held by a human being in any manner.
I. Signs Extending Above Roof Ridge.Any sign, which extends above the roof ridge
line or parapet.
J. Streamers.Streamers either directly or indirectly attached to any structure or pole.
K. Signs that are a Traffic Hazard.Any sign, which creates a traffic hazard to
operators of motor vehicles or any sign, which obstructs or interferes with a motorist’s
vision of traffic signals.
N. Signs with Visible Support Brackets.Any sign mounted on a sloping roof with
visible support brackets.
L. Sound or Odor Emitting Signs.Any sign designed for emitting sound, odor, or
visible matter.
M. Vehicular Signs.Any sign that exceeds nine (9) square feet per panel or side of
vehicle on any car, van, truck or other vehicle that is either operable or non-operable, that
is parked in any parking lot or adjacent right-of-way that is visible from a highway, collector
or major street for a period that exceeds either twenty-four (24) hours continuously or
eighty-four (84) hours in any seven (7) day period.
Section 18. Section 8.84.170 (Application - Contents) of Title 8 of the Dublin
Municipal Code is amended as follows:
Application for a permit shall be made in writing upon forms furnished by the Department
of Community Development and shall include the property owner’s signature authorizing
the application, and other information determined by the Community Development
Director.
Section 19.Section 8.84.190 (Application - Approval) of Title 8 of the Dublin
Municipal Code is amended as follows:
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A. The Permitting Body shall approve a permit application only if he or she finds that:
1. The sign and/or proposed location are not prohibited under section 8.84.150,
Prohibited Signs.
2. The sign is permitted under a specified section of this Chapter or under a Master
Sign Program granted pursuant to Section 8.84.130 or an Exception granted
pursuant to Section 8.84.200.
3. The sign is compatible in character and quality of design with the exterior
architecture of the premises and other structures in the immediate area.
4. The sign will not materially reduce the visibility of existing conforming signs in
the area.
5. The sign, as proposed or modified, conforms to the Design Criteria specified in
Section 8.84.060, Design Criteria.
B. Permit applications shown in Section 8.84.030 Matrix A shall be subject to the
regulations, review, procedures, and appeal process set forth in the Zoning Ordinance.
Section 20.Section 8.84.200 (Sign Exemptions) of Title 8 of the Dublin
Municipal Code is amended as follows:
All of the following findings shall be made in order to approve a Sign Exception and shall
be based on evidence in the record:
A. The proposed Sign Exception conforms as closely as practicable to the regulations
pertaining to sign size, height, number and location; and
B. The proposed Sign Exception is consistent with the intent of providing attractive and
effective identification and other purposes of the sign regulations; and
C. Either:
1. Strict adherence to the sign regulations does not allow attractive and effective
identification of the site or practical functioning of the business because of the site’s
location or configuration, or because the proposed business or use is obscured from
view by adjacent buildings and/or vegetation; or
2. The architectural style, materials,or construction elements of the building are
such that a sign placed in conformance with this Chapter would conflict with other
aesthetic considerations.
D. The procedure for processing a Sign Exception shall be as set forth in Chapter 8.112,
Variance.
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Section 21.Section 8.84.220 (Illegal Signs Subject to Summary Removal) of
Title 8 of the Dublin Municipal Code is amended as follows:
Signs and their supporting members, which meet any of the following criteria, shall be
considered illegal signs and shall be subject to summary removal pursuant to this
Chapter:
A. Any signs and their supporting members erected without first complying with all
ordinances and regulations in effect at the time of their construction, erection,or use.
B. Any signs and their supporting members which were lawfully erected, but whose use
has ceased, or the structure upon which the signs are attached has been abandoned by
its owner, for a period of ninety (90) days or more.
C. Any signs and their supporting members which have been more than fifty (50)
percent destroyed, and the destruction is other than facial copy replacement, and the sign
displays are not repaired within thirty (30) days of the date of their destruction.
D. Any signs and their supporting members whose owners, except for a change of copy,
request permission to remodel and then remodel those sign displays, or expand or
enlarge the buildings or land uses upon which the sign displays are located, and the sign
displays are enlarged or otherwise made to be not in conformity with this Chapter by the
construction, enlargement,or remodeling. Remodeled signs where the cost of
construction, enlargement, or remodeling of the sign displays exceeds fifty (50)percent
of the cost of reconstruction of the building.
E. Any signs and their supporting members for which there has been an agreement
between the sign display owners and the City for their removal as of any given date and
said signs have not been removed by said date.
F. Any signs and their supporting members which are temporary and not otherwise
permitted by this Chapter.
G. Any signs and their supporting members which are a danger to the public or are
unsafe.
H. Any signs and their supporting members, which constitute a traffic,hazard not
created by relocation of streets or highways or by acts by the City.
I. Any signs and their supporting members that were legally erected which later became
non-conforming as a result of the adoption of an ordinance, the amortization period for
the display provided by the Ordinance rendering the display non-conforming has expired,
and conformance has not been accomplished.
Section 24.Section 8.84.300 (Substitution of Non-Commercial Speech for
Commercial Speech) of Title 8 of the Dublin Municipal Code is added as follows:
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Notwithstanding anything contained in this Chapter to the contrary, any sign erected
pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter may, at the option of the owner, contain a non-
commercial message in lieu of a commercial message and the non-commercial copy may
be substituted at any time in place of the commercial copy. The non-commercial message
(copy) may occupy the entire sign face or any portion thereof. The sign face may be
changed from commercial to non-commercial messages, or from one non-commercial
message to another non-commercial message, as frequently as desired by the owner of
the sign, provided that the size, height, setback and other dimensional criteria contained
in this Chapter have been satisfied.
Section 23.Section 8.104.040.A.10 (Signage) of Chapter 8.104 (Site
Development Review) of the Dublin Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as
follows:
10. Signs.All Master Sign Programs and other signs which require Site Development
Review Permit pursuant to Chapter 8.84, Sign Regulations
Section 24.The provisions of this Ordinance are severable and if any provision,
clause, sentence, word or part thereof is held illegal, invalid, unconstitutional, or
inapplicable to any person or circumstances, such illegality, invalidity, unconstitutionality,
or inapplicability shall not affect or impair any of the remaining provisions, clauses,
sentences, sections, words or parts thereof of the ordinance or their applicability to other
persons or circumstances.
Section 25. Effective Date.This Ordinance shall take effect and be enforced
thirty (30) days following its final adoption.
Section 26. Posting.The City Clerk of the City of Dublin shall cause this
Ordinance to be posted in at least three (3) public places in the City of Dublin in
accordance with Section 36933 of the Government Code of the State of California.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 20th day of April 2021, by the
following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
______________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
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_________________________________
City Clerk
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