HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrd 02-21 Approving Amendments to Chapter 8.84 (Sign Regulations) and Chapter 8.104 (Site Development Review) of the Zoning OrdinanceOrd. No. 02-21, Item 4.12, Adopted 04/20/2021 Page 1 of 29
ORDINANCE NO. 02 - 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:
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.”
Ord. No. 02-21, Item 4.12, Adopted 04/20/2021 Page 2 of 29
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.
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 cont ext 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.
Ord. No. 02-21, Item 4.12, Adopted 04/20/2021 Page 3 of 29
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, sa le 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 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.
Ord. No. 02-21, Item 4.12, Adopted 04/20/2021 Page 4 of 29
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, conc ession, 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.
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 i s posted or
Ord. No. 02-21, Item 4.12, Adopted 04/20/2021 Page 5 of 29
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.
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.
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.
Ord. No. 02-21, Item 4.12, Adopted 04/20/2021 Page 6 of 29
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 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:
Ord. No. 02-21, Item 4.12, Adopted 04/20/2021 Page 7 of 29
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/SDR ZC/SDR 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****
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
Ord. No. 02-21, Item 4.12, Adopted 04/20/2021 Page 8 of 29
Sign Type A R-1, R-
2, R-M C-N C-O C-1 C-2 DDZD M-P, M-1, M-
2
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.
*** 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**
Ord. No. 02-21, Item 4.12, Adopted 04/20/2021 Page 9 of 29
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
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
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.
Ord. No. 02-21, Item 4.12, Adopted 04/20/2021 Page 10 of 29
Sign Type
Section No.
Maximum
Number of
Signs
Maximum
Height
Maximum
Area per Side
in Sq. Ft.
Location
Requirements*
Additional
Regulations*
35 ft. with
SDR.
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.
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
1 8 ft. 16 sq. ft. None. May be
combined with
Service Station
Ord. No. 02-21, Item 4.12, Adopted 04/20/2021 Page 11 of 29
Sign Type
Section No.
Maximum
Number of
Signs
Maximum
Height
Maximum
Area per Side
in Sq. Ft.
Location
Requirements*
Additional
Regulations*
Display
Structure
Section 8.84
.050.L
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.
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.
Ord. No. 02-21, Item 4.12, Adopted 04/20/2021 Page 12 of 29
** 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:
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.
Ord. No. 02-21, Item 4.12, Adopted 04/20/2021 Page 13 of 29
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.
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
Ord. No. 02-21, Item 4.12, Adopted 04/20/2021 Page 14 of 29
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.
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.
Ord. No. 02-21, Item 4.12, Adopted 04/20/2021 Page 15 of 29
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 th an 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 a rea of a Service
Station Display Structure. A Service Station Display 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 pu blic 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.
Ord. No. 02-21, Item 4.12, Adopted 04/20/2021 Page 16 of 29
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.
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 b e 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 front age), 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).
Ord. No. 02-21, Item 4.12, Adopted 04/20/2021 Page 17 of 29
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 illuminat ion (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.
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.
Ord. No. 02-21, Item 4.12, Adopted 04/20/2021 Page 18 of 29
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:
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
Ord. No. 02-21, Item 4.12, Adopted 04/20/2021 Page 19 of 29
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.
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 o f 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
Ord. No. 02-21, Item 4.12, Adopted 04/20/2021 Page 20 of 29
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.
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.
Ord. No. 02-21, Item 4.12, Adopted 04/20/2021 Page 21 of 29
H. Projection. Freestanding Signs shall 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 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.
Ord. No. 02-21, Item 4.12, Adopted 04/20/2021 Page 22 of 29
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 businesse s 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 confo rm 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:
1. Quantity. One (1) per business.
Ord. No. 02-21, Item 4.12, Adopted 04/20/2021 Page 23 of 29
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 maximu m 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;
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;
Ord. No. 02-21, Item 4.12, Adopted 04/20/2021 Page 24 of 29
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, b locks 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.
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:
Ord. No. 02-21, Item 4.12, Adopted 04/20/2021 Page 25 of 29
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.
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.
Ord. No. 02-21, Item 4.12, Adopted 04/20/2021 Page 26 of 29
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 Communit y Development Director.
Section 19. Section 8.84.190 (Application - Approval) of Title 8 of the Dublin Municipal
Code is amended as follows:
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.
Ord. No. 02-21, Item 4.12, Adopted 04/20/2021 Page 27 of 29
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 attr active 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.
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.
Ord. No. 02-21, Item 4.12, Adopted 04/20/2021 Page 28 of 29
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 a greement 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:
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:
Ord. No. 02-21, Item 4.12, Adopted 04/20/2021 Page 29 of 29
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: Councilmembers Hu, Josey, Kumagai, McCorriston and Mayor Hernandez
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
______________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
City Clerk