CITY OF

HERMOSA BEACH

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MUNICIPAL CODE 
ON-LINE

ZONING

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Chapter 17.50

SIGNS

 

	17.50.010	Purpose, intent and scope.
	17.50.020	Enforcement
	17.50.030	Definitions.
	17.50.040	Permits required.
	17.50.050	Maintenance.
	17.50.060	Inspections.
	17.50.070	Design and construction.
	17.50.080	Prohibited signs.
	17.50.090	Sign requirements and regulations in residential zones and for residential uses.
	17.50.100	Sign requirements and regulations in R-P zone (residential-professional).
	17.50.110	Sign requirements and regulations in the OS (open space) and OS-1 (restricted open space) zone.
	17.50.120	Sign requirements and regulations, C-1 zone (neighborhood commercial).
	17.50.130	Sign requirements and regulations in C-2 zone (restricted commercial).
	17.50.140	Sign requirements and regulations in C-3 zone (general and highway commercial).
	17.50.150	Sign requirements and regulations in M zone (manufacturing).
	17.50.160	Political signs.
	17.50.170	Nonconforming signs in all zones.
	17.50.180	Conditional approval.
	17.50.190	Variances.
	17.50.200	Sign review.
	17.50.210	Temporary signs.

 

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17.50. 010   Purpose, intent and scope.

1. The purpose of this chapter is to provide minimum standards to safeguard life, health, property and public welfare by regulating and enhancing the design, quality of materials, construction, illumination, location, identification and maintenance of all signs and sign structures not located within a building. The intent of this chapter is to promote and maintain the attractiveness, orderliness and dignity of the city's appearance, to preserve property values, and to protect the welfare of citizens through the regulation of signs without impairing the ability of its citizens and businesses to carry out their normal functions. It is further intended that the necessary regulations control and enforcement be carried out expeditiously, yet without planning under burdens upon any citizens of business.
2. No sign shall be erected in such a manner as to confuse or obstruct the view or interpretation of any official traffic sign, signal or device. No scenic values or other public interests should be harmed as a result of signing.
3. The regulations of this chapter are not intended to permit any violation of the provisions of any other lawful ordinance. (Prior code Appx. A, § 13.5-1)
4. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Code, any noncommercial copy may be substituted for any commercial copy on any sign permitted by this Code. If noncommercial sign copy is substituted, the resulting sign will continue to be treated as the original commercial sign under this Code and will not be deemed or treated as an off-premises sign. The content of any noncommercial copy on any sign otherwise permitted by this Code may be changed without complying with any provisions of this Code normally required for sign copy or design approval. (Ord. 05-1248, §4,5/2005)

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17.50. 020   Enforcement.

1. Authority. The building official is authorized and directed to enforce all the provisions of this chapter.
2. Right of Entry. Whenever necessary to make an inspection to enforce any of the provisions of this chapter, or whenever the building official or his authorized representative has reasonable cause to believe that there exists any sign or any condition which makes such sign unsafe, the building official or his authorized representative may enter the premises or building on which such sign is located at all reasonable times to inspect the sign or to perform any duty imposed upon the building official by this chapter; provided, that if such building or premises on which the sign is located is occupied, he shall first present proper credentials and demand entry; and if such building or premises is unoccupied, he shall first make a reasonable effort to locate the owner or other persons having charge or control of the building or premises and demand entry. If such entry is refused, the building official or his authorized representative shall have recourse to every remedy provided by law to secure entry.
       No owner or occupant or any other person having charge, care or control of any building or premises shall fail or neglect, after proper demand is made as herein provided, promptly to permit entry therein by the building official or his authorized representative for the purpose of inspection and examination pursuant to this chapter. Any person violating this subsection shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
3. Violations and Penalties. It is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, demolish, equip, use or maintain any sign or structure in the city or cause or permit the same to be done, contrary to or in violation of any of the provisions of this chapter.
       Any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of an infraction.
   1. Each violation is punishable as follows:

   1. A fine of fifty dollars ($50.00) for the first violation;
   2. A fine of one hundred dollars ($100.00) for a second violation of the same condition within one year;
   3. A fine of one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00) for a third violation of the same condition within one year; and
   4. A fine of three hundred dollars ($300.00) for each additional violation of the same condition within one year.

   2. Each person, firm or corporation found guilty of an infraction shall be guilty of a separate offense for each and every day during any portion of which any violation is committed, continued or permitted by such person, and shall be punishable accordingly. (Prior code Appx. A, § 13.5-2)

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17.50. 030   Definitions.

    For the purpose of this chapter, certain abbreviations, terms, phrases, words and their derivatives shall be construed as specified in this section. Words used in the singular include the plural, and the plural the singular. Words used in the masculine gender include the feminine, and the feminine the masculine.
    "Approved plastic materials" shall be those which have a flame-spread rating of 225 or less when tested in accordance with U.B.C. Standard No. 42-1 in the way intended for use; and a smoke density rating no greater than 450 when tested in accordance with U.B.C. Standard No. 42-1 in the intended for use; or a smoke density rating no greater than 75 when tested in the thickness intended for use by the chamber method of test under U.B.C. Standard No. 52-2.
    "Awning" means a temporary shelter supported entirely from the exterior wall of a building.
    "Awning sign" means any sign painted on, attached to or supported by an awning with the sign copy parallel or almost parallel to the plane of the supporting building wall.
    "Banner" means a temporary sign constructed of cloth, canvas or a light fabric.
    "Billboard" means any off-premises sign erected for the purpose of identifying a product, event person or subject not entirely related to the premises on which said sign is located.
    "Building" means any structure built for the support, shelter or enclosure of persons, animals, chattels or property of any kind.
    "Building frontage" means the exterior building wall of a ground floor business on the side or sides of the building fronting on or oriented toward a street or highway, which is used exclusively for pedestrian or vehicular traffic. Building frontage is measured continuously along the wall for the entire length of the building. In cases where the exterior walls of a business are oriented to more than one street or highway, the primary building frontage shall be the frontage which is associated with the street identified with the street address of the business. Secondary frontage must have a building entrance/exit which is open to the public during business hours for customer/pedestrian use, which entrance is fronting on a street or highway.
    "Building line" is a line established by the outer walls creating the perimeter of the structure. A building line may also be a property line.
    "Building official" is the officer or other person charged with the administration and enforcement of this chapter or his duly authorized deputy.
    "Building identification sign" is any sign containing the name or address of the building which may include hours of operation and emergency information located on the same site as the building.
    "Bulletin board" means a structure containing a surface upon which is displayed the name of a park, church, school, library, community center or similar institution and the announcement of the services or activities thereof.
    "Business sign" means a sign which identifies only the name, address and general nature of the business or businesses conducted from or upon the premises upon which the sign is located.
    "Clock" means any timepiece erected on the exterior of any building or structure for the convenience of the public.
    "Commission" means the Hermosa Beach planning commission.
    "Commodity identification sign" is any sign which advertises a product or service which is available on the premises on which the sign is located, using a brand name, symbol, logo or trade name as part of the sign. If a business name includes a brand name, symbol, logo, or trade name, signs using that business name shall not be considered to be commodity identification signs.
     "Construction sign" means a temporary sign stating the name of individuals or businesses directly connected with the construction project, their addresses, and/or their telephone numbers.
    "Curbline" is the line at the face of the curb nearest to the street or roadway. In the absence of a curb, the curbline shall be established by the city engineer (see "Legal setback line").
     "Directional sign" means entrance and exit signs, operating instructions, and such like signs.
     "District" means any zoning district designated in the zoning ordinance of the city of Hermosa Beach.
    "Double-face sign" means a sign which has two or more display surfaces backed against each other, or against the same background, one face of which is designed to be seen from one direction and the other from the other direction.
    "Electric sign" is any sign containing electric wiring, but not including signs illuminated by an exterior light source.
    "Entity" means any person who is the lessee, owner or who has a proprietary interest in the business for which the sign is proposed. Each business shall be considered a separate entity.
    "Fascia" means the flat outside horizontal member of a building having the form of a flat band or broad fillet.
    "Flag" means a piece of fabric, plastic, canvas or any other soft material, in any geometric form, that is attached to a structure, pole or wire. Included in this definition are pennants and streamers. "Flag" shall not include any support, frame or standard used exclusively for the display of the flag of the United Stated of America, the state or the city, nor shall it include these flags.
    "Grade (adjacent ground elevation)" is the lowest point of elevation of the finished surface of the ground, paving or sidewalk within the area between the building and the property line, or when the property line is more than five feet from the building, between the building and a line five feet from the building.
    "Ground sign" is a sign which is supported by one or more uprights, poles or braces in or upon the ground, other than a pole sign, as defined by this section.
    "Illuminated sign" or "lighted sign" means a lighted sign which has the source of light on the surface of the sign or in the interior of the sign itself, or which has a source of light located such that the beam of the light falls upon the surface of the sign.
     "Legal setback line" is an established line beyond which no building may be built. A legal setback line may be a property line.
    "Lot frontage" means the linear distance of a lot line, separating the lot from the street or highway which is used for pedestrian or vehicular access to the business being conducted on said lot. In cases where a lot is contiguous to more than one street, the lot frontage associated with the street identified with the address of the business.
     "Marquee sign" means a sign painted on, attached to, or supported by a marquee with the exposed face of the sign in a plane parallel to the building wall which supports the marquee.
    "Mobile sign" is any portable display surface mounted on any non-motorized or inoperative vehicle or device for the purpose of advertising or identifying businesses services or products.
    "Moving sign" means a sign which has any actual or apparent moving, revolving, scintillating, flashing or rotating parts activated by electric, electronic, kinetic or mechanical devices, or by wind current, and shall include, but not be limited to, balloons, time or temperature recording devices (except clocks), signs which are constructed of or faced with reflective tape or other similar materials, signs which change color, and signs where the intensity of lighting changes or appears to change.
     "Mural" is a pictorial representation not specifically identifying goods or services offered by the business on the premises.
     "Neon sign" means a sign utilizing electric energy combined with glass tubing and gaseous substance to create light source.
    "Noncombustible," as applied to building construction material, means a material which, in the form in which it is used, is either one of the following:

1. Material of which no part will ignite and burn when subjected to fire. Any material conforming to U.B.C. Standard No. 4-1 shall be considered noncombustible within the meaning of this subsection.
2. Material having a structural base of noncombustible material as defined in subdivision 1 above, with a surfacing material not over one-eighth-inch thick which has a flame spread rating of fifty (50) or less.

    "Noncombustible" does not apply to surface finish materials. Material required to be noncombustible for reduced clearance to flues, heating appliances, or other sources of high temperature shall refer to material conforming to subdivision 1 above. No material shall be classed as noncombustible which is subject to increase in combustibility or flame-spread rating beyond the limits herein established, through the effects of age, moisture or other atmospheric condition.
        Flame-spread rating, as used herein, refers to rating obtained according to tests conducted as specified in U.B.C. Standard No. 42-1.
    "Nonconforming sign" is a sign which was validly installed under laws or ordinances in effect at the time of its installation, but which is in conflict with the provisions of the Hermosa Beach sign code.
    "Nonstructural trim" is the molding, battens, caps, nailing strips, latticing, cutouts or letters which are attached to the sign structure.
    "Off-premises sign" is a sign which is not located on the property which it directs attention to.
    "Permanent sign" means any sign which is not classed as a temporary sign.
     "Person" means a person who is, and includes, every person, firm, partnership, association or corporation, whether acting as principal, agent, employee or otherwise.
     "Pole sign" is a sign wholly supported by a single member in the ground.
    "Political sign" means a temporary, commercial sign identifying any person or proposition appearing on the ballot for any election scheduled to be held in the city.
     "Premises" means a lot or parcel of real property, or any portion thereof which is used separately from other portions thereof, any building located thereon, or any portion of such building which has a separate street address.
    "Projecting sign" is a sign, other than a wall sign, which projects from and is supported by a wall of a building structure with the exposed face of the sign not parallel to the plane of said wall.
    "Projection" is the distance by which a sign extends over public property or beyond the building line.
    "Real estate sign" (such as a "For Sale" sign, a "For Lease" sign, or a "For Rent" sign) means a temporary sign indicating property for sale, lease or rent and the name, address, and telephone number of the owner, broker or other person offering the same for sale, lease or rent, located on the premises for sale, lease or rent or on property owned by another, with that persons consent. In addition, the works "Sold," "Leased," "In Escrow" or "Rented" may be added to a previously posted sign. The area of the sign shall include the area of any and all riders. All riders shall be attached to the face of the basic sign.
    "Rental sign" means a permanent or temporary sign which is used for giving information on availability of rentals on multiple dwellings, hotels, clubs, lodges and similar permitted uses.
    "Roof sign" is a sign erected upon, above or extending above a roof line of a building or structure. Architectural projections above the roof line which function as background for a sign shall be considered a sign structure. A sign on such structure shall be considered a roof sign.
    "Roof Line" for the purposes of this section, the roof line is considered the apparent uppermost edge of the roof or the top of a parapet, whichever forms the top line of the building silhouette or facade.
    "Sign" is any medium including representational art with its structure and component parts which is intended to be used to attract attention to goods and/or services offered by the business on the premises.
     "Sign area" means the area included within the outer dimensions of a sign. In the case of a sign placed or painted on a wall or other building surface, without any border and with its background the same color as the wall of the building, the area shall be computed by enclosing the entire sign within one or more pairs of horizontally parallel and one or more pairs of vertical parallel lines and determining the area thus enclosed.
     "Sign structure," for identification purposes only, is any structure which supports or is capable of supporting any sign as defined in this chapter. A sign structure may be a single pole or poles and may or may not be an integral part of the building.
     "Site" means any separate parcel of property as shown on the latest available assessor's maps; provided, however, when a shopping center has been divided into separate parcels, it shall continue to be considered as one parcel of record; and provided, further, where one tenant, business or enterprise occupies two or more contiguous parcels, it shall be considered as one parcel of record.
    "Street frontage" means the linear distance of a lot line, separating the lot from the street or highway which is used exclusively for pedestrian or vehicular traffic, excluding alleys. Where such site is abutted by more than one street, each street will qualify as frontage if the following condition exists: There are building entrances or exits opening onto the street which are open to the public during business hours.
    "Structure" means that which is built or constructed, an edifice or building of any kind, or any piece of work artificially built up or composed of parts jointed together in some definite manner.
     "Temporary sign" is any sign, banner, valance or identification display constructed of cloth, canvas, fabric, cardboard, wallboard or other materials, with or without frames, intended to be displayed for a limited period of time only.
    "Uniform Building Code" is the edition of the Uniform Building Code published by the International Conference of Building Officials and which has been adopted by the city, subject to the particular additions, deletions and amendments set forth therein.
     "U.B.C. Standards" is the edition of the Uniform Building Code Standards published by the International Conference of Building Officials and which has been adopted by the city, subject to the particular additions, deletions and amendments set forth therein.
    "Wall sign" is any sign attached to or erected against the wall of a building or structure, with the exposed face of the sign in a plane parallel to the plane of said wall and not extending above the wall to which it is attached.
     "Wind sign" means any cloth or plastic or other flexible light material made in strips, triangles or other shapes which are fastened together at intervals by wire, rope, cord, string or other means in such manner as to move by wind pressure and which are used or displayed to attract attention to a business, product, service or entertainment.
    "Window signs" are permanent and/or temporary signs inside or outside of and attached to the surface of windows. (Ord. 96-1156, § 1, Amended, 05/14/96; Prior code Appx. A, § 13.5-3)

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17.50. 040   Permits required.

1. No sign shall be erected, re-erected, constructed, altered or maintained, except as provided by this chapter and until a permit for the same has been issued by the building official. A separate permit shall be required for a sign or signs for each business entity, and/or separate permit shall be required for each group of signs on a single supporting structure. In addition, electrical permits shall be obtained for electric signs.
2. Application for a sign permit shall be made in writing upon forms furnished by the building official. Such application shall contain the location by street and number of the proposed sign structure, as well as the name and address of the owner and the sign contractor or erector, and shall be accompanied by the written consent of the record owner of the property on which the sign is to be erected. Every application for such permit shall set forth in detail by use of diagrams, drawings, plans or written description of the proposed method of compliance. The diagrams, drawings, plans or written description shall contain all of the electrical and other work which is to be installed as part of the sign, shall include elevations and sections of the sign drawn to scale, and shall show the precise location of the sign on the building, parcel or structure.
3. Comprehensive Sign Plan to be Required on Proposed Commercial Developments. The applicant shall submit a sign plan for the development showing the location, size, color and, if possible, copy for all signs proposed for the site; the sign plan shall include a rendered elevation, showing all signs in relation to the structure. The theme of such signing shall be approved as a part of plans for new multi-tenant commercial or industrial developments, and shall be an integral part of the development.
4. Exceptions. The following signs shall not require a sign permit. These exemptions shall not be construed as relieving the owner of the sign from the responsibility of its erection and maintenance, and its compliance with the provision of this chapter or any other law or ordinance relating the same.

1. The changing of the identifying copy or message on theater marquees and similar signs specifically designed for the use of replaceable copy;
2. Repainting or cleaning of a sign shall not be considered an erection or alteration which requires a sign permit unless a structural, copy or color change is made;
3. Nonilluminated construction signs, not to exceed twenty-five (25) square feet per site and not more than six feet in height above grade; provided the sign shall not be erected, installed or maintained on any premises until the required permits for the construction have been obtained and are removed prior to final inspection;
4. One nonilluminated real estate sign per site provided the sign complies with the regulations for real estate signs set forth in each zoning district;
5. Political signs;
6. Building identification signs not to exceed two square feet in area.

    A sign permit fee and a plan-checking fee shall be paid in accordance with an amount fixed by resolution of the city council. (Ord. 98-1179, §4 (2), 01-27-98; Prior code Appx. A, § 13.5-4)

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17.50. 050   Maintenance.

    All signs, together with all of their supports, braces, guys and anchors, shall be kept in repair and in proper state of preservation. The display surfaces of all signs shall be kept neatly painted or posted at all times.

1. Any location where business goods are no longer sold or produced or where services are no longer provided or where sign copy has been removed from the sign structure shall have one hundred twenty (120) days to remove any remaining nonconforming or derelict on-premises signs or sign structures following notification by the city, and at the expense of the owner of said property. Where due written notification has been given by the city and compliance has not been made within the required one hundred twenty (120) day period the city may cause removal of such signs with the cost for such removal to be attached to the property.
2. On-premises signs shall be refinished, repaired or removed as necessary to correct problems of rust, corrosion, cracks, broken faces, malfunction lamps, missing letters or characters, peeling, warping, facing or unsafe conditions within thirty (30) days following notification by the city. (Prior code Appx. A, § 13.5-5)

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17.50. 060   Inspections.

• All signs for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection by the building official.
• Footing inspections may be required by the building official for all signs having footings.
• All signs containing electrical wiring shall be subject to the provisions of the governing electrical code and the electrical components used shall bear the label of an approved testing agency.
• The building official may order the removal of any sign that is not maintained in accordance with provisions of Section 17.50.050 .
• All signs may be reinspected at the discretion of the building official. (Prior code Appx. A, § 13.5-6)

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17.50. 070   Design and construction.

A. Design.

1. General. Signs and their supporting members shall be designed in accordance with recognized engineering principles and the provisions of the Uniform Building Code.
2. Materials. Materials for the construction of signs and their supporting members shall conform to applicable Uniform Building Code Standards.
3. Display Surfaces. Display surfaces in all types of signs may be made of metal, glass, approved plastics or wood:
   • a. Glass thickness and area limitations shall be as set forth in Table No. 7-A.
   • b. Sections of approved plastics on wall signs shall not exceed one hundred fifty (150) square feet in area.
   • c. Sections of approved plastics on wall signs shall be separated three feet laterally and six feet vertically by the required exterior wall construction.
   • d. Exception. Sections of approved plastics on signs other than wall signs may not be required to be separated if approved by the building official.
4. Restrictions on Combustible Material. Combustible materials shall not be used where prohibited by the provisions of the Uniform Building Code. No combustible materials other than approved plastics shall be used in the construction of electric signs.
5. Illuminated Signs. The approval of any illuminated sign is not final until thirty (30) days after installation, during which period the building official may order the dimming of any illumination found to be excessively brilliant. Illumination is considered excessive if it prevents normal perception of objects beyond or in vicinity of the sign.

B. Projections and Clearance.

1. General. Signs shall conform to the clearance and projection requirements of this section and Table Nos. 7-B and 7-C.
2. Clearance from high-voltage power lines. Signs shall be located not less that six feet horizontally or twelve (12) feet vertical from overhead electrical conductors which are energized in excess of seven hundred fifty (750) volts. The term "overhead conductors" as used in this section means any electrical conductor, either bare or insulated, installed above the ground except such conductors as are enclosed in iron pipe or other material covering of equal strength.
3. Clearance From Fire Escapes, Exits or Standpipes. No sign or sign structure shall be erected in such a manner that any portion of its surface or supports will interfere in any way with the free use of any fire escape, exit or standpipe.
4. Obstruction of Openings. No sign shall obstruct any openings to such an extent that light or ventilation is reduced to a point below that required by the Uniform Building Code.
5. Projection Over Alleys. No sign or sign structure shall project into any public alley below a height of fourteen (14) feet above grade, nor project more than twelve (12) inches where the sign structure is located fourteen (14) feet to sixteen (16) feet above grade. The sign or sign structure may project not more than thirty-six (36) inches into the public alley where the sign or sign structure is located more than sixteen (16) feet above grade.
6. Clearance From Streets. Signs shall not project within two (2) feet of the curbline.

 

TABLE NO. 7-A, SIZE, THICKNESS AND TYPE OF GLASS PANELS IN SIGNS

Minimum Size of Exposed Glass Panel			Minimum Thickness of Glass
	Any Dimension	Area
	(in inches)	(in square inches)	(in inches)	Type of Glass
	30	500	1/8	plain, plate, wired
	45	700	3/16	plain, plate, wired
	144	3600	1/4	plain, plate, wired
	Over 144	Over 3600	1/4	wired glass

 

TABLE NO. 7-B PROJECTION OF SIGNS

	Clearance		Maximum Projection
	Less than 8 feet		Not permitted
	8 feet		1 foot
	Over 8 feet		1 foot plus 6 inches for each foot of clearance
			in excess of 8 feet, not to exceed 36 inches

 

TABLE NO. 7-C THICKNESS OF PROJECTING SIGN

	Projection		Maximum Thickness
	3 feet		3 feet
	2 feet		3 feet 6 inches
	1 foot		4 feet

(Prior code Appx. A, § 13.5-7)

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17.50. 080   Prohibited signs.

1. The following signs are prohibited in all zones:

   1. Contain or are an imitation of an official traffic sign or signal or contain the words "stop," "go slow," "caution," "danger," "warning," or similar words for advertisement purposes that simulate traffic devices and tend to confuse the motorists or pedestrians;

   2. Are of a size, location, movement, content, coloring or manner of illumination which may be confused with or constructed as a traffic control device or which hide form view by motorists or pedestrians;

   3. Advertise any activity, business, product or service no longer conducted on the premises upon which the sign is located, including off-site signs;

   4. Contain or consist of banners, posters, pennants, ribbons, streamers, lines of flashing light bulbs, spinners, rotating signs, gas-fired torches or other similar devices that move in any manner or have a moving part. These devices, when not a part of any sign, are similarly prohibited unless they are permitted specifically by this chapter or other provision of this code;

   5. Are of flashing, rotating, scintillating nature and of such design as to give the appearance of movement. This section shall not apply to signs which indicate time or temperature.

   6. Lewd, obscene or offensive signs containing statements, words, pictures or graphic representations of an obscene or indecent character that are offensive to the public morals and do not have serious literary, artistic, or scientific value.

   7. Signs that display a message or graphic representation that discriminates against persons based on race, gender, age, national origin, or any other characteristic protected by federal or State laws.

2. In addition, the following signs are prohibited:

   1. Billboards;
   2. Mobile signs, including portable signs, A-frame signs or sidewalk signs;
   3. Moving signs;
   4. Off-premises signs (except real estate signs);
   5. Projecting signs (except for business identification signs in C-1 and C-2 zones);
   6. Roof signs (with the following exceptions):
   1. Signs located on pre-existing architectural projections extending above roof line that have historically been used for sign purposes.
   2. Signs located on projections above the roof line that are deemed by the Planning Commission to be architectural projections that are part of the architecture of the building and not solely for purposes of sign background.;
   7. Wind signs;
   8. Signs other than those which are permitted in the zone as set forth in this chapter. (Prior code Appx. A, § 13.5-8)

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17.50. 090   Sign requirements and regulations in residential zones and for residential uses.

A. Permitted Signs. In all residential zones and on any property being exclusively used for residential purposes in any zone, only the following signs shall be permitted per site, subject to the provisions and regulations hereinafter set forth:

1. One unlighted wall real estate sign not to exceed six square feet, or one single-faced real estate sign not to exceed six square feet, or one double-faced real estate sign not to exceed ten square feet in sign area. The area of the sign shall include the area of any and all riders. All riders shall be attached to the face of the basic sign;
2. One wall identification sign not exceeding two square feet in sign area, containing name, and address of occupant of premises. This sign may be illuminated provided the source thereof is indirect and shielded, and the illumination is not intermittent.
3. Exception. Where such site is abutted by more than one street, the above signs may be erected, installed or maintained on each street frontage;
4. Construction signs (see Section 17.50.040(D)(3));
5. For multiple dwelling units (three or more units, attached), one unlighted wall or ground rental sign, single-faced, twelve (12) square feet, or double-faced not to exceed sixteen (16) square feet in sign area, giving information on availability of rental on multiple dwellings. Such signs shall be removed upon renting all units with the building.

B. Location and Height.

1. Such signs shall be located entirely on private property.
2. Ground signs shall not be over four feet high above finished grade.
3. Wall signs shall not be over eight feet high above finished grade.
4. No moving sign, wind sign, projecting sign, combination sign, construction sign, roof sign, mobile sign, commodity identification sign, or any other sign having a device, symbol, design or figure used as identification, other than numbers or letters, shall be permitted. (Prior code Appx. A, § 13.5-9)

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17.50. 100   Sign requirements and regulations in R-P zone (residential-professional).

    In the R-P zone, only the following signs shall be permitted per site, subject to the provisions and regulations hereinafter set forth:

1. Permitted signs for residential dwellings permitted in the R-P zone are the same as those set forth in the Section 17.50.090 for residential zones and dwellings.
2. Permitted signs for businesses permitted in the R-P zone are the same as those set forth in Section 17.50.120, C-1 zone. (Prior code Appx. A, § 13.5-10)

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17.50. 110   Sign requirements and regulations in the OS (open space) and OS-1 (restricted open space) zone.

    All new signs shall require approval by the planning commission and are limited to wall signs and ground signs, which should be constructed of appropriate natural appearing materials such as wood, shall not be illuminated except where necessary for safety purposes, and shall blend in with the natural setting of the open space area. (Prior code Appx. A, § 13.5-11)

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17.50. 120   Sign requirements and regulations, C-1 zone (neighborhood commercial).

    Intent: to regulate signs recognizing the unique characteristics of neighborhood commercial districts, namely their proximity to residential uses and their orientation to pedestrian users.

A. Permitted Signs. In the C-1 zone, only the following signs shall be permitted per site, subject to the provisions and regulations hereinafter set forth:

1. Business signs;
2. Building identification signs;
3. One real estate sign;
4. One construction sign;
5. Temporary sign(s);
6. Commodity identifications signs for commodities which are integral to the business per the following schedule:
   • Percent of allowable sign area which may be used for commodity identification:
   • Commodity equal to less than 10 percent of business...10 percent
   • Commodity equal to 10 percent to 50 percent of business...25 percent
   • Commodity equal to more than 50 percent of business...75 percent
   • Commodity identification for beverages sold by restaurants and markets...10 percent

B. Styles of Signs. Only the following styles of signs shall be permitted:

1. One wall sign;
2. One awning sign;
3. One ground sign;
4. One projecting sign (for business identification only);
5. Window sign(s);
6. Mural. (Murals approved by the commission may be permitted. In its review the commission may waive specific provisions of this chapter relating to total sign area, coverage, height, type and style.)

    These signs may be electrical, illuminated or neon.

C. Projection, height and location.

1. A single, nonilluminated projecting business identification sign for each business is permitted and may be hung from a wall projection or marquee over an entry way, provided the sign does not exceed a total area of four square feet per face and provided it shall be at least eight feet above the sidewalk and may not project outward more than three feet.
2. Wall signs shall not project more than six inches from the wall of the building or structure. Ends of the sign may not be used for sign purposes.
3. No sign shall be located on or attached to a parapet wall, roof, or ridge line of a building two stories or higher.
4. All ground signs shall be located entirely on private property and cannot project over public property. No ground sign shall be allowed in the C-1 zone that is greater than eight feet in height, measured from grade to the highest point of said sign.

D. Allowable Sign Area.

1. Total permanent sign area allowable shall not exceed two square feet for each lineal foot of building frontage; provided however, that minimum of twenty (20) square feet shall be allowed. Both sides of a double-face sign shall be calculated when determining allowable sign area.
2. Where more than one separate business or entity is located on any one site, the sign area shall be calculated separately for each entity or business according to its amount of building frontage.
3. Where a business or entity is abutted by more than street, the building frontage for said business or entity shall be the sum of the primary building frontage, plus one-half of any secondary building frontage, provided the secondary building frontage has a building entrance/exit which is open to the public during business hours for customer/pedestrian use, which entrance is fronting on a street or highway. Sign area granted by virtue of qualified secondary frontage may be used on the secondary frontage only.
4. No sign shall cover more than twenty-five percent of the wall or facia it occupies or is placed upon.
5. Businesses fronting only on a public/private parking lot, alley open mall, landscaped open space or other public way may use the building side facing such public way as the building frontage. Only one such building side may be considered building frontage.

    Exception. On each street frontage one real estate sign not exceeding twenty-five (25) square feet in sign area and one construction sign not exceeding twenty-five (25) square feet in sign area may be erected in addition to the allowable sign area on any one site or entity.

E. Window Signs. Window signs shall be allowed in this zone and shall be counted in the total allowable sign area, and shall not obscure more than twenty (20) percent of the glass surface area of the window(s).

F. Residential Uses. When the property is being used solely for residential purposes, the sign permitted on the premises and the requirements and regulations shall be as set forth in Section 17.50.090 multiple-family residential.

G. Signs Above the First Story.  Signs for businesses located above the first story may be provided, but shall be part of the total sign area allocation for the corresponding building frontage. The maximum height for upper story signs shall be twenty-eight (28) feet above the adjacent street grade, or the uppermost portion of the second story, whichever is higher.  (Ord. 01-1212, §4, 02-13-01)

H. Pole Signs. Pole signs shall not be permitted in a C-1 zone. (Prior code Appx. A, § 13.5-12)

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17.50. 130   Sign requirements and regulations in C-2 zone (restricted commercial).

    Intent: to regulate signs recognizing the characteristics of restricted commercial zone as a pedestrian-oriented shopping and entertainment district, and as the city's downtown district.

A. Permitted Signs. In the C-2 zone, only the following signs shall be permitted per site, subject to the provisions and regulations hereinafter set forth:

1. Business signs;
2. Building identification signs;
3. One real estate sign;
4. One construction sign;
5. Temporary signs;
6. Percent of allowable sign are which may be used for commodity identification:
   • Commodity equal to less than 10 percent of business...10 percent
   • Commodity equal to 10 percent to 50 percent of business...25 percent
   • Commodity equal to more than 50 percent of business...75 percent
   • Commodity identification for beverages sold by restaurants and markets...10 percent

B. Styles of Signs. Only the following styles of signs shall permitted per business:

1. One wall sign;
2. One ground sign per site;
3. One awning sign;
4. Projecting sign (business identification only);
5. One marquee sign;
6. Window sign(s);
7. Banners;
8. Mural. (Murals approved by the commission may be permitted. In its review the commission may waive specific provisions of this chapter relating to total sign area, coverage, height, type and style.

    These signs may be electrical, illuminated or neon.

C. Projection, Height and Location.

1. A single, nonilluminated projecting business identification sign for each business is permitted and may be hung from a wall projection or marquee over an entry way, provided the sign does not exceed a total area of four square feet per face and provided it shall be at least eight feet above the sidewalk and may not project outward more than three feet.
2. Walls signs shall not project more than six inches from the wall of the building or structure. Ends of the sign may not be used for sign purposes.
3. All ground signs shall be located entirely on private property and cannot project over public property, and shall not exceed ten feet from grade to the highest portion of the sign body.

    No ground sign shall be allowed in the C-2 zone that is greater than eight feet in height, measured from the grade to the highest point of said sign.

D. Allowable Sign Area.

1. Total permanent sign area shall not exceed two square feet for each foot of lineal building frontage; provided however, that a minimum of twenty (20) square feet shall be allowed. Double-faced sign area shall be calculated by counting one side and one-half of the other side.
2. Where there is more than one business or entity located on any one site, the sign area shall be calculated separately for each entity or business according to its amount of building frontage.
3. Where a business or entity is abutted by more than one street, the building frontage for said business or entity shall be the sum of the primary building frontage, plus one-half of any secondary building frontage, provided the secondary building frontage has a building entrance/exit which is open to the public during business hours for customer/ pedestrian use, which entrance is fronting on a street or highway. Sign area granted by virtue of qualified secondary frontage may be used on the secondary frontage only.
4. No sign shall cover more than twenty-five (25) percent of the wall or facia it occupies or is placed upon.
5. Businesses fronting only on a public/private parking lot, alley open mall, landscaped open space or other public way may use the building side facing such public way as the building frontage. Only one such building side may be considered building frontage.

    Exception. On each street frontage one real estate sign not exceeding twenty-five (25) square feet in sign area and one construction sign not exceeding twenty-five (25) square feet in sign area may be erected in addition to the allowable sign area on any one site or entity.

E. Window Signs. Window signs shall be allowed in this zone and shall be counted in the total allowable sign area, and shall not obscure more than twenty (20) percent of the glass surface area of the window(s).

F. Signs Above the First Story. Signs for businesses located above the first story may be provided, but shall be part of the total sign area allocation for the corresponding building frontage. The maximum height for upper story signs shall be twenty-eight (28) feet above the adjacent street grade, or the uppermost portion of the second story, whichever is higher.  (Ord. 01-1212, §4, 02-13-01)

G. Pole signs. Pole signs shall not be permitted in a C-2 zone. (Prior code Appx. A, § 13.5-13)

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17.50. 140   Sign requirements and regulations in C-3 zone (general and highway commercial).

    Intent: to regulate signs recognizing the characteristics of the general commercial zone as an automobile oriented strip commercial district.

A. Permitted Signs. In the C-3 zone, only the following signs shall be permitted per site, subject to the provisions and regulations hereinafter set forth:

1. Business signs;
2. Building identification signs;
3. One real estate sign;
4. One construction sign;
5. Temporary sign(s);
6. Percent of allowable sign area which may be used for commodity identification:
   • Commodity equal to less than 10 percent of business...10 percent
   • Commodity equal to 10 percent to 50 percent of business...25 percent
   • Commodity equal to more than 50 percent of business...75 percent
   • Commodity identification for beverages sold by restaurants and markets...10 percent

B. Styles of Signs. Only the following styles of signs shall be permitted per business.

1. One wall sign;
2. One ground sign, or one pole sign per site;
3. One awning sign;
4. One marquee sign;
5. Window sign(s);
6. Banners;
7. Mural. (Murals approved by the commission may be permitted. In its review the commission may waive specific provisions of this chapter relating to total sign area, coverage, height, type and style.)

    These signs may be electrical, illuminated or neon.

C. Projection and Height.

1. Wall signs shall not project more than six inches from the wall of the building or structure. Ends of the sign may not be used for sign purposes.
2. All ground signs shall be located entirely on private property and cannot project over public property, and shall not exceed ten feet from grade to the highest portion of the sign body.

D. Allowable Sign Area.

1. Total permanent sign area shall not exceed three square feet for each foot of lineal building frontage. Both sides of a double-face sign shall be calculated when determining sign area.
2. Where there is more than one business or entity located on any one site, the sign area shall be calculated separately for each entity or business according to its amount of building frontage.
3. Where a business or entity is abutted by more than one street, the building frontage for said business or entity shall be the sum of the primary building frontage, plus one-half of any secondary building frontage, provided the secondary building frontage has a building entrance/exit which is open to the public during business hours for customer/ pedestrian use, which entrance is fronting on a street or highway. Sign area granted by virtue of qualified secondary frontage may be used on the secondary frontage only.
4. No sign shall cover more than twenty-five (25) percent of the wall or facia it occupies or is placed upon.
5. Businesses fronting only on a public/private parking lot, alley open mall, landscaped open space or other public way may use the building side facing such public way as the building frontage. Only one such building side may be considered building frontage.

E. Window Signs. Window signs shall be allowed in this zone and shall be counted in the total allowable sign area, and shall not obscure more than twenty (20) percent of the glass surface area of the window(s).

F. Signs Above the First Story. Signs for businesses located above the first story may be provided, but shall be part of the total sign area allocation for the corresponding building frontage. The maximum height for upper story signs shall be twenty-eight (28) feet above the adjacent street grade, or the uppermost portion of the second story, whichever is higher.  (Ord. 01-1212, §4, 02-13-01)

G. Pole Signs. pole signs are permitted but shall not exceed the height of the building on the same lot, or twenty (20) feet in height measured from existing grade, whichever is lesser, and no part of the sign shall encroach or project within five feet of any adjacent private property, or, encroach or project into the public right-of-way. To qualify for a pole sign, the site must have at least forty (40) feet of street frontage. No pole sign may have more than one sign can attached to it and all pole signs shall incorporate a raised landscaped planter. (Prior code Appx. A, § 13.5-14)

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17.50. 150   Sign requirements and regulations in M zone (manufacturing).

    Sign requirements and regulations for business permitted in the M zone are the same as those set forth in Section 17.50.140. (Prior code Appx. A, § 13.5-15)

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17.50. 160   Political signs.

    Any political sign shall be permitted on private property only, with the consent of the property owner, in any zone, for a reasonable period of time preceding an election. No political signs shall be posted on public property or utility poles. All political signs shall be removed within fifteen (15) days following the date of the subject election. (Prior code Appx. A, § 13.5-16)

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17.50. 170   Nonconforming signs in all zones.

A. Signs lawfully existing at the time of the adoption of this section which do not comply with the sign ordinance shall be deemed legal nonconforming structures and shall be removed or made to comply whenever the following conditions occur.

1. The sign is damaged or destroyed to more than fifty (50) percent of its replacement cost and the destruction cannot be repaired within thirty (30) days of its destruction;
2. The sign is altered, enlarged, remodeled, reconstructed or relocated, other than facial copy replacement;
3. The building or land use upon which the sign is located is expanded or enlarged and the sign is effected by the construction enlargement or remodeling, or the cost of construction, enlargement, or remodeling, exceeds fifty (50) percent of the replacement cost of the building;
4. A sign for which there has been an agreement between the sign owner and the city for compliance or removal on any give date;
5. The use of the sign has ceased, or the structure upon which the sign is located has been abandoned by its owner, for a period of not less than ninety (90) days;
6. The sign is or may become a danger to the public or is unsafe;
7. If the sign constitutes a traffic hazard not created by relocation of streets or highways or by acts of the city.

B. Exception. The above provisions may be waived by the planning commission for a sign or signs found to be of historic value. The commission shall base its determination on a consideration of the following criteria:

1. Age of sign - is it more than twenty-five (25) years old; and
2. Business it advertised - did the business or activity being advertised have some prominent place in the history of Hermosa Beach; and
3. Appearance: does the sign have any attractive or memorable features? Do the sign features demonstrate any significant trend or period in the arts and/or architectural history?

    An exception may be granted by the procedure set forth in Section 17.50.200(B) and (C).
    If an exception is granted, additional signs may be allowed by the planning commission, not to exceed total allowable sign area. (Ord. 94-1106 § 1, 1994; prior code Appx. A, § 13.5-17)

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17.50. 180   Conditional approval.

    The planning commission or the city council, on appeal, may attach appropriate and reasonable conditions to the approval of sign or signs in conjunction with the review of a precise development plan. Conditional use permit or other discretionary land use, including but not limited to allowable projection and height, allowable sign area, location of sign or signs upon the lot or building, and other design modifications. In granting its conditioned approval, the commission shall find that:

1. The sign is permitted in the particular zone; and
2. The modifications and conditions are reasonably compatible in character and quality of design with the exterior architecture of the premises and other structures and signing in the immediate area; and
3. The modifications and conditions will not materially reduce the visibility of existing conforming signs in the area. (Prior code Appx. A, § 13.5-18)

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17.50. 190   Variances.

    The planning commission or the city council, on appeal, may grant a variance to the specific requirements of this chapter, provided a demonstrated hardship exists and the proposed sign will not adversely affect public safety or the design and appearance of the surrounding neighborhood and the following conditions are found to exist:

1. A variance authorized is not a grant of a special privilege inconsistent with the limitations on other properties in the vicinity; and
2. Special conditions and extraordinary circumstances apply to the property and do not apply to the other properties in the vicinity so that the strict application of this chapter works a demonstrated hardship on the particular property; and
3. The variance will not adversely affect public safety and the design and appearance of the signing and structures of the surrounding area. (Prior code Appx. A, § 13.5-19)

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17.50. 200   Sign review.

1. The department of building and safety shall be the sign reviewing agency and shall make final determinations on all signs. Provided that any determination may be brought before the planning commission on appeal.
2. On appeal to the planning commission, or further appeal to the city council, the city shall post a notice for sign appeal hearing at least sixteen (16) inches by twenty (20) inches, posted in a prominent place on the subject premises, clearly visible from the street, for at least one week prior to the review, stating the type, number and size of signs proposed, the date and place of hearings, and the telephone number of the department of building and safety for further information.
3. A fee for a sign review shall be paid in accordance with an amount fixed by resolution of the city council. (Prior code Appx. A, § 13.5-20)

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17.50. 210   Temporary signs.

    Temporary signs are allowed in addition to permanent signs subject to the following criteria:

1. Allowable Area. The allowable area for one or more temporary signs shall not exceed forty (40) percent of the allowable area for permanent signs; provided, that in any case a temporary sign of twenty (20) square feet in area shall be allowed, and one hundred (100) square feet shall be the maximum area.
2. Duration of Display. The total duration of display for all temporary signs for any business shall not exceed ninety (90) days during any calendar year.
3. Applications. An application for a temporary sign shall be made in writing on forms furnished by the building official. Such application shall contain the location of the proposed temporary sign, as well as the name and address of the business owner.
       The building official shall obtain written permission from the applicant to enter the subject property for the purpose of removing any temporary signs which remain displayed after their expiration date.
4. Exception to Regulations. The requirements of this section shall not apply to temporary political signs, or to temporary real estate signs, or temporary construction signs.
5. Exception for Temporary Window Signs. The requirements of subsection C of this section regarding applications shall not apply to temporary window signs of less than ten square feet.
6. Exception for Grand Openings. The requirements of subsection A of this section regarding the allowable area for temporary signs, shall not apply to one-time grand opening promotional events. Further, signs otherwise not allowed by this chapter such as flags, pennants and balloons may be permitted in conjunction with a promotional grand opening, but shall be subject to subsection B and C of this section. (Ord. 98-1178 § 4, 01-27-98; Ord. 94-1106 § 2, 1994; prior code Appx. A, § 13.5-21)

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