HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem No. 10 - First Reading of Ordinance No. MC-1531 for Sign Regulations
Page 1
Public Hearing
City of San Bernardino
Request for Council Action
Date: March 18, 2020
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
From: Teri Ledoux, City Manager
By:Michael Huntley, Community & Economic Development Director
Subject: First Reading of Ordinance No. MC-1531 for Sign Regulations
Update
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino,
California:
1) Introduce for first reading, Ordinance No. MC-1531 of the Mayor and City
Council of the City of San Bernardino, California, adopting the Negative
Declaration and approving Development Code Amendment 19-04 updating
Chapter 19.22 (Sign Regulations) and amending Chapter 19.20 (Property
Development Standards) of the City of San Berna rdino Development Code
(Attachment 1);
2) Schedule the second reading of the above Ordinance to the regularly
scheduled meeting of the Mayor and City Council on April 1, 2020.
Background
The last comprehensive update to the City's Development Code was in May 1991.
Since that time, business needs have evolved, sign technologies have advanced, and
legal rulings [most recently and significantly, the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Reed
v. Town of Gilbert (U.S. Supreme Court No. 135 S.CT.2218, 2015)] have affected how
cities can and should regulate signs.
On January 14, 2020, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution No. 2020 -006
forwarding a recommendation that the Mayor and City Council adopt the Negative
Declaration and approve Development Code Amendmen t 19-04, based on the Findings
of Fact (Attachment 3).
Discussion
Signs allow businesses to inform the public of their location and basic services or products
they provide. Sign Codes give municipalities the authority to regulate signage to minimize
visual clutter by creating standards for size, location, and number of allowable signs on a
property or within a designated area. Properly constructed and enforced signage regulations
can provide a sense of place and identity within a community, but too much or improperly
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imposed regulations can create legal challenges for cities.
The current Sign Code contained within the City of San Bernardino Development Code
contains key issues that constrain the Code's ability to achieve desired outcomes, including
implementation of General Plan policies and provision of a user-friendly, modern, and legally
defensible Sign Code.
Staff is hoping to achieve efficiencies by updating the sign regulations, and looks to achieve
the following objectives:
Develop clear and enforceable regulations for temporary and permanent signs,
including illustrations of sign regulations to supplement the text and provide examples
of the sign quality San Bernardino looks to achieve.
Comply with legal requirements and address emerging issues regarding portable and
temporary signs (with the Reed v. Town of Gilbert decision providing guidance for the
latter).
Address City staff's "fix-it-list" of issues in the Sign Regulations.
Address emerging issues particular to San Bernardino.
Ensure consistency with the General Plan.
Analysis
The updated sign regulations will ensure that the vision of the City, its businesses, and
its residents are maintained, and will reduce the number of code amendments,
variances and interpretations. The sign regulations will continue to address regulations
for the various land use districts of the community, and will also address emergent
issues that include the regulation of portable and temporary signs (including political
signs), animated/electronic message centers, murals and graphic signs, and creation of
regulations for shopping centers and multi-tenant centers. The new sign regulations will
also be user-friendly with a judicious use of graphics.
Staff is working to achieve these goals by implementing som e of the following changes
to the Sign Code and Property Development Standards:
Language in the Sign Code will reflect an emphasis on content neutrality
focusing on time, manner, and placement of signs. Particular emphasis is given
to the Sign Permit Exemptions section, and a content neutrality clause has been
included.
The Inventory and Abatement Clause has been eliminated to ensure the City is
not out of compliance with the Code requirements. Other sections of the Code
address nuisances created by illegal or abandoned signs.
References to specific sections of the General Plan have been included for
clarification.
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The definition section has been updated to reflect new technologies, case law,
and industry standards.
The graphics have been updated for a more comprehensive understanding of
sign types and regulations, and calculating sign area, including three dimensional
and oddly shaped signs.
References to signs that appear in other sections of the Development Code have
been included for simplification and ease of use.
New standards for sign illumination and digital signs have been addressed,
including regulations for measuring brightness, so digital signs can be approved
at Staff level rather than at Planning Commission.
Established provisions for minor deviations from the Signs Code through the use
of Comprehensive Sign Programs, Creative Sign Permits, and Iconic Sign
Permits, which would require staff to make findings and implement a more
rigorous level of review. Creative Signs and Iconic Signs will also require
Planning Commission review.
A procedure for Director Interpretations has been included.
Restructuring of the regulations to make them easier to follow.
A graphic has been created and a detailed explanation for the "Tr affic Safety
Sight Area" to be included in Chapter 19.20 (Property Development Standards),
which is then referenced in the updated Sign Code regulations.
General Plan Goals and Policies
The City of San Bernardino General Plan includes goals and policies t o guide future
development and signage regulations within the City, including the following:
General Plan Land Use Element Goal 2.2: Promote development that integrates
with and minimizes impacts on surrounding land uses.
General Plan Land Use Element Goal 2.3: Create and enhance dynamic,
recognizable places for San Bernardino's residents, employees, and visitors.
General Plan Land Use Element Goal 2.5: Enhance the aesthetic quality of land
uses and structures in San Bernardino.
General Plan Economic Development Element Goal 4.15: Expand on historic and
natural assets to attract recreational visitors.
General Plan Community Design Element Goal 5.1: Create conspicuous
gateways at key points in the community to identify and distinguish San
Bernardino.
General Plan Community Design Element Policy 5.1.1: Provide improvements
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along streets at the City boundary that clearly identify major entries to the City.
Such improvements may include signage, landscaping, vertical pylons, and/or
other distinctive treatments.
General Plan Community Design Element Policy 5.2.6: Ensure implementation of
sign regulations, which address issues of scale, type, design, materials,
placement, compatibility, and maintenance.
General Plan Community Design Element Policy 5 .7.4: The size, colors, type,
materials, and design of signs shall be related the scale of the building or
development and its relation to the street.
General Plan Historical and Archeological Resources Element Policy 11.1.8:
Continue to develop design standards for commercial areas, similar to those in
the Main Street Overlay District, which promotes the removal of tacked -on
facades and inappropriate signage, the restoration of original facades, and
designs that complement the historic pattern.
The purpose of the Comprehensive Sign Code Update is to protect the general public
health, safety, welfare, and aesthetics of the community, and to promote the goals and
policies of the General Plan addressing issues of scale, type, design, materials,
placement, and compatibility of signs, as well as the relationship of signs to both the
scale of the buildings and to the street. Additionally, the amendment to Chapter 19.20
(Property Development Standards) proposes to include a more clear and concise
definition and graphic for the "Traffic Safety Sight Area" to ensure that new signage will
not create traffic safety impacts.
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
In accordance with Section 15063 (Initial Study) of the California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA), the Planning Division prepared an Initial Study/Negative Declaration in
connection with the Development Code Amendment 19 -04. Accordingly, pursuant to
Section 15072 of CEQA, a Notice of Intent to Adopt a Negative Declaration was posted
on December 19, 2019 for the CEQA-mandated twenty (20) day public review period.
During the twenty (20) day public review period, there were no comments received in
response to the Initial Study/Negative Declaration.
2020-2025 Key Strategic Targets and Goals
Development Code Amendment 19-04 aligns with Key Target No. 3: Improved Quality
of Life. The Comprehensive Sign Code Update will ensure clear regulations that are
easy to understand and enforce, are compliant with current laws and emergent
technology. The new regulations will also allow for enough flexibility to encourage
creative design, and the preservation of iconic signage throughout the City that will
preserve and enhance the aesthetics of the City's built environment.
Fiscal Impact
No fiscal impact related to the adoption of the proposed Code Amendment by the Mayor
and City Council.
Conclusion
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It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino,
California:
1. Introduce for first reading, Ordinance No. MC-1531 of the Mayor and City
Council of the City of San Bernardino, California, adopting the Negative
Declaration and approving Development Code Amendment 19-04 updating
Chapter 19.22 (Sign Regulations) and amending Chapter 19.20 (Property
Development Standards) of the City of San Bern ardino Development Code
(Attachment 1); and
2. Schedule the second reading of the above Ordinance to the regularly
scheduled meeting of the Mayor and City Council on April 1, 2020.
Attachments
Attachment 1 Ordinance No. MC-1531; Exhibit “A” Sign Regulations; Exhibit “B”
Property Development Standards
Attachment 2 Initial Study / Negative Declaration
Attachment 3 Planning Commission Resolution No. 2020-006
Attachment 4 PowerPoint Presentation by MIG
ORDINANCE NO. MC-1531
1
ORDINANCE NO. MC-1531
ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO, CALIFORNIA,
ADOPTING THE NEGATIVE DECLARATION AND
APPROVING DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT 19-04
UPDATING CHAPTER 19.22 (SIGN REGULATIONS) AND
AMENDING CHAPTER 19.20 (PROPERTY
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS) OF THE CITY OF SAN
BERNARDINO DEVELOPMENT CODE
WHEREAS, Development Code Amendment 19-04 is a city-initiated request to update
Chapter 19.22 (Sign Regulations) and amend Chapter 19.20 (Property Development Standards)
of the City of San Bernardino Development Code (SBMC Title 19); and
WHEREAS, the Planning Division of the Community and Economic Development
Department of the City of San Bernardino has prepared Development Code Amendment 19-04 in
compliance with the California Government Code, consistency with the City of San Bernardino
General Plan, and compliance with the City of San Bernardino Development Code; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”; Public
Resources Code, § 21000 et seq.), Section 21067, and State CEQA Guidelines (California Code
of Regulations, § 15000 et seq.), Section 15367, the City of San Bernardino is the lead agency
for the Project; and
WHEREAS, City staff determined that pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section
15074, preparation of a Negative Declaration was the appropriate environmental review
procedure under CEQA, because there are no potential significant impacts of the Project; and
WHEREAS, a Mitigated Negative Declaration (“ND”) was prepared for the Project; and
WHEREAS, on December 19, 2019, in accordance with State CEQA Guidelines Section
15072(d), the NOI was also posted by the Clerk for the County of San Bernardino Board of
Supervisors to begin the 20-day public review period; and
WHEREAS, on January 14, 2020, the Planning Commission of the City of San
Bernardino held a duly-noticed public hearing to consider public testimony and the staff report,
and adopted Resolution No. 2020-006 recommending the adoption of the Negative Declaration,
and the approval of Development Code Amendment 19-04 to the Mayor and City Council; and
WHEREAS, notice of the March 18, 2020 public hearing for the Mayor and City
Council's consideration of this proposed Ordinance was published in The Sun newspaper on
March 7, 2020, in accordance with Development Code Chapter 19.52 (Hearings and Appeals);
and
WHEREAS, no comments made in the public hearing conducted by the Mayor and City
Council, and no additional information submitted to the City Council, has produced substantial
ORDINANCE NO. MC-1531
2
new information requiring substantial revisions that would trigger recirculation of the ND or
additional environmental review under State CEQA Guidelines Section 15073.5; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the requirements of Chapters 19.52 (Hearing and Appeals) and
Chapter 19.42 (Development Code Amendments) of the City of San Bernardino Development
Code, the Mayor and City Council have the authority to take action on Development Code
Amendment 19-04; and
NOW THEREFORE, THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SAN BERNARDINO, CALIFORNIA, DO ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The above recitals are true and correct and are incorporated herein by this
reference.
SECTION 2. Compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act. The City
Council having independently reviewed and analyzed the record before it, including the adopted
Negative Declaration, and written and oral testimony, and having exercised their independent
judgment, finds that there is no substantial evidence supporting a fair argument that approval of
the Project will result in a significant effect on the environment.
SECTION 3. Adoption of the Negative Declaration. Based upon the findings made
herein and their independent judgment and analysis, the Mayor and City Council hereby adopt
the Negative Declaration for the Project.
SECTION 4. Finding of Facts – Development Code Amendment 19-04
Finding No. 1: The proposed amendment is consistent with the General Plan.
Finding of Fact: The proposed amendment is consistent with the General Plan goals and
policies including the following:
General Plan Land Use Element Goal 2.2: Promote
development that integrates with and minimizes impacts on
surrounding land uses.
General Plan Land Use Element Goal 2.3: Create and
enhance dynamic, recognizable places for San
Bernardino’s, residents, employees, and visitors.
General Plan Land Use Element Goal 2.5: Enhance the
aesthetic quality of land uses and structures in San
Bernardino.
General Plan Economic Development Element Goal 4.15:
Expand on historic and natural assets to attract
recreational visitors.
ORDINANCE NO. MC-1531
3
General Plan Community Design Element Goal 5.1: Create
conspicuous gateways at key points in the community to
identify and distinguish San Bernardino.
General Plan Community Design Element Policy 5.1.1:
Provide improvements along streets at the City boundary
that clearly identify major entries to the City. Such
improvements may include signage, landscaping, vertical
pylons, and/or other distinctive treatments.
General Plan Community Design Element Policy 5.2.6:
Ensure implementation of sign regulations, which address
issues of scale, type, design, materials, placement,
compatibility, and maintenance.
General Plan Community Design Element Policy 5.7.4:
The size, colors, type, materials, and design of signs shall
be related the scale of the building or development and its
relation to the street.
General Plan Historical and Archeological Resources
Element Policy 11.1.8: Continue to develop design
standards for commercial areas, similar to those in the
Main Street Overlay District, which promotes the removal
of tacked-on facades and inappropriate signage, the
restoration of original facades, and designs that
complement the historic pattern.
The purpose of the Comprehensive Sign Code Update is to protect the
general public health, safety, welfare, and aesthetics of the community,
and to promote the goals and policies of the General Plan addressing
issues of scale, type, design, materials, placement, and compatibility of
signs, as well as the relationship of signs to both the scale of the buildings
and to the street. Additionally, the amendment to Chapter 19.20 (Property
Development Standards) proposes to include a more clear and concise
definition and graphic for the "Traffic Safety Sight Area" to ensure that
new signage will not create traffic safety impacts.
Finding No. 2: The proposed amendment would not be detrimental to the public interest,
health, safety, convenience, or welfare of the City.
Finding of Fact: Development Code Amendment 19-04 proposes to update Chapter 19.22
(Sign Regulations) and amend Chapter 19.20 (Property Development
Standards) in order to establish clear regulations for the review process,
permitting, installation, maintenance and operation of signs in compliance
with all local, state, and federal regulations to ensure the protection of the
public health, safety, convenience, welfare and aesthetics of the City.
ORDINANCE NO. MC-1531
4
SECTION 5. Development Code Amendment 19-04 to update Chapter 19.22 (Sign
Regulations) and amend Chapter 19.20 (Property Development Standards), attached hereto and
incorporated herein by reference as Exhibits “A” and “B”, is hereby approved.
SECTION 6. Notice of Determination: The Planning Division of the Community and
Economic Development Department is hereby directed to file a Notice of Determination with the
County Clerk of the County of San Bernardino within five (5) working days of final project
approval certifying the City’s compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act in
approving the Project.
SECTION 7. Severability: If any section, subsection, subdivision, sentence, or clause or
phrase in this Ordinance or any part thereof is for any reason held to be unconstitutional, invalid
or ineffective by any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity or
effectiveness of the remaining portions of this Ordinance or any part thereof. The City Council
hereby declares that it would have adopted each section irrespective of the fact that any one or
more subsections, subdivisions, sentences, clauses, or phrases be declared unconstitutional,
invalid, or ineffective.
SECTION 8. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall become effective thirty (30) days
after the date of its adoption.
SECTION 9. Notice of Adoption. The City Clerk of the City of San Bernardino shall
certify to the adoption of this Ordinance and cause publication to occur in a newspaper of general
circulation and published and circulated in the City in a manner permitted under Section 36933
of the Government Code of the State of California.
APPROVED and ADOPTED by the City Council and signed by the Mayor and attested by the
City Clerk this ___ day of _________, 2020.
John Valdivia, Mayor
City of San Bernardino
Attest:
___________________________________
Genoveva Rocha, CMC, Acting City Clerk
Approved as to form:
Sonia Carvalho, City Attorney
ORDINANCE NO. MC-1531
5
CERTIFICATION
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO ) ss
CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO )
I, Genoveva Rocha, CMC, Acting City Clerk, hereby certify that the attached is a true
copy of Ordinance No. MC-1531, introduced by the City Council of the City of San Bernardino,
California, at a regular meeting held at the ___ day of _________, 2020 and adopted by the City
Council of the City of San Bernardino, California, at a regular meeting held at the ___ day of
_________, 2020 by the following vote:
Council Members: AYES NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT
SANCHEZ
IBARRA
FIGUEROA
SHORETT
NICKEL
RICHARD
MULVIHILL
WITNESS my hand and official seal of the City of San Bernardino this ___ day of _________,
2020.
Genoveva Rocha, CMC, Acting City Clerk
SIGN REGULATIONS – 19.22
III-19.22-1 Mar. 2020
CHAPTER 19.22
SIGN REGULATIONS
Section Page
19.22.010 Purpose ........................................................................................................... III-19.22-1
19.22.020 Applicability .................................................................................................. III-19.22-2
19.22.030 General Requirements for All Signs ............................................................ III-19.22-6
19.22.040 Prohibited Signs ........................................................................................... III-19.22-11
19.22.050 Design Principles ......................................................................................... III-19.22-12
19.22.060 Sign Permit and Sign Program Requirements ........................................... III-19.22-13
19.22.070 Permanent Signs .......................................................................................... III-19.22-21
19.22.080 Temporary Signs ......................................................................................... III-19.22-33
19.22.090 General Advertising Signs (Billboards) ..................................................... III-19.22-37
19.22.100 Nonconforming Signs ................................................................................. III-19.22-39
19.22.110 Enforcement ................................................................................................. III-19.22-40
19.22.120 Signs on Public Property ............................................................................. III-19.22-41
19.22.130 Definitions .................................................................................................... III-19.22-42
Tables
22.01 Exempt Signs with Limitations (Do Not Require Permit) .......................... III-19.22-4
22.02 Responsible Review Authority ................................................................... III-19.22-13
22.03 Residential Zones ........................................................................................ III-19.22-21
22.04 Commercial Zones ...................................................................................... III-19.22-22
22.05 Industrial Zones ........................................................................................... III-19.22-23
22.06 Public and Quasi-Public Zones .................................................................. III-19.22-24
22.07 Temporary Sign Standards for Non-Residential Zones ............................ III-19.22-34
19.22.010 PURPOSE
This Chapter provides a comprehensive system of reasonable, effective, consistent, and content-
neutral sign standards and requirements to:
A.Protect the general public health, safety, welfare, and aesthetics of the community.
B.Promote and accomplish the goals, policies, and measures of the General Plan, including, but
not limited to, addressing issues of scale, type, design, materials, placement, compatibility, and
maintenance of signs (Community Design Policy 5.2.6) and the relationship of signs to both
the scale of the buildings and to the street (Community Design Policy 5.7.4).
C.Allow businesses, institutions, and individuals to exercise their right to free speech by
displaying a message or image on a sign, and to allow audiences to receive such information.
EXHIBIT A
SIGN REGULATIONS – 19.22
III-19.22-2 Mar. 2020
D. Preserve and improve the appearance of and property values in the City of San Bernardino, and
protect the City from the visual clutter and blight, and promote attractive and harmonious
structures and environments by regulating the design, character, location, type, quality of
materials, scale, color, illumination, and maintenance of signs.
E. Encourage the use of signs that provide direction and aid orientation for businesses and
activities to enhance their economic value to the community and local businesses.
F. Require that signs are designed, constructed, installed, and maintained in a manner that
promotes public safety and traffic safety.
G. Comply with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and keep public
rights-of-way clear and open to all.
H. Comply with the requirements of the Federal Highway Beautification Act (Section 23 of USC
Title 131 [Highways Code]) and the Outdoor Advertising Act (Chapter 2 in the California
Business and Professions Code).
I. Encourage signs that are well designed and pleasing in appearance, and provide incentive and
latitude for variety, good design relationship, spacing, and location.
J. Promote signs that identify businesses and premises without confusion through clear and
unambiguous sign standards that enable fair and consistent enforcement.
19.22.020 APPLICABILITY
A. Applicability.
1. This Chapter 19.22 applies to all signs within the City of San Bernardino unless
specifically exempted herein.
2. The number and area of signs set forth in this Chapter are intended to be the base
standards. In addition to the enumerated standards, consideration shall be given to a sign's
relationship to the overall appearance of the subject property, as well as the surrounding
community.
3. Nothing in this Chapter shall be construed to prohibit a person from holding a sign while
picketing or protesting on City of San Bernardino property that is open to the public, as
long as the person holding the sign does not block ingress and egress from buildings;
create a safety hazard by impeding travel on sidewalks, in bike or vehicle lanes, or on
trails; or violate any other reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions adopted by the
City of San Bernardino.
B. Severability. If any part, section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, phrase,
clause, term, or word in this Chapter is held to be invalid, unconstitutional, or unenforceable by
a court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity or enforceability of
the remaining portions of this Chapter.
SIGN REGULATIONS – 19.22
III-19.22-3 Mar. 2020
C. Exemptions. The following sign types are expressly exempted from the Sign Permit
requirements of this Chapter and shall not count toward cumulative allowable sign area, but
must satisfy all other permit requirements when applicable (e.g., Building, Electrical,
Plumbing, Grading, Encroachment, etc.):
1. Exempt Signs without Limitations. The following signs are exempt from the provisions
of this Chapter so long as they do not constitute a General Advertising Sign:
a. Non-signs. All devices that are excluded from the definition of a "Sign."
b. Message Substitution. Conforming signs on which the message is changed, but
such message substitution does not alter the sign size, height, location, or
illumination. This provision does not authorize the conversion of an existing legal
sign to a General Advertising Sign (Billboard) or to a digital display.
c. Interior Graphics or Signage. Signs or displays within a structure and not visible
(meaning capable of being seen, regardless of actually being read) by the public
from any public right-of-way or publicly accessible area.
d. Plaques. Tablets and plaques installed by the City of San Bernardino, or by a State,
Federal, or County recognized historical organization exempt from Federal taxation
under Section 501 of USC Title 26 (IRS Code) that are no larger than six square
feet, or signs authorized and installed by City, County, State, or Federal agencies on
public owned lands.
e. Equipment Signs. Signs incorporated into permitted displays, machinery, or
equipment by a manufacturer, distributor, or vendor and identifying or advertising
only the product or service dispensed by the machine or equipment, such as signs
customarily fixed to automated teller machines (ATMs), vending machines, and
gasoline pumps.
f. Official Notices. Any sign, posting, notice, or similar sign issued, installed, placed,
or required by law by the City of San Bernardino, County of San Bernardino, or a
Federal or State governmental agency in carrying out its responsibility to protect
the public health, safety, and welfare, including but not limited to the following:
(1) Emergency and warning signs necessary for public safety or civil defense;
(2) Legal notices posted pursuant to law or court order;
(3) Traffic, railroad, utility, and parking signs erected and maintained by an
authorized public agency or approved by an authorized public agency;
(4) Direction, warning, or information signs required or authorized to be
displayed by law;
(5) Numerals and lettering identifying the address from the street to facilitate
emergency response and compliant with City of San Bernardino requirements;
SIGN REGULATIONS – 19.22
III-19.22-4 Mar. 2020
(6) Signs erected by a government agency directing the public to points of
interest;
(7) Signs and advertising for the California State Lottery as authorized by
California Government Code, Section 8880 et seq.; and
(8) Motor vehicle fuel pricing signs, as required by State law, which identify the
brand, types, octane rating, etc., of motor vehicle fuel for sale (Sections
13470 and 13530 of the Business and Professional Code). While exempt, the
City of San Bernardino may review and approve motor vehicle fuel pricing
signs to confirm design requirements for permanent or temporary placement
and approval provisions listed herein.
g. Flags. Flags, as defined herein, located on poles up to 75 feet in height and not
subject to the Temporary Signs standards. Pennants, Banner Signs, Feather Signs,
strings of ornamental fringes and streamers are not included in this exemption and
are regulated under Section 19.22.080.
2. Exempt Signs with Limitations. The following Signs are exempt from Sign Permit
requirements if they meet the size, height, duration, maximum number limitations, and
any additional requirements set forth in Table 22.01, so long as they do not constitute a
General Advertising Sign:
Table 22.01
Exempt Signs with Limitations (do not require permit)
Sign Type Maximum
Number
Maximum Sign
Area
Maximum Sign
Height Additional Requirements
a. Window Signs
N/A 25% of the
total window
glass area of
the building
frontage
N/A See Section 19.22.070(B)(9).
b. Yard Signs on property
undergoing construction
or remodeling (on sites
less than 5 acres in size)
1 sign per street
frontage
32 sf 8 ft Such signs shall be removed prior
to issuance of a Certificate of
Occupancy or within 7 days after
the sale/rental of the last unit in
the project/subdivision, as
applicable.
See Section 19.22.080(B) and
(D).
c. Yard Signs on property
undergoing construction
or remodeling (on sites 5
acres or more in size)
1 sign per street
frontage
76 sf 12 ft
d. Yard Signs on residential
property that is offered for
sale, lease, or rental
1 sign per street
frontage
8 sf 5 ft Such on-site signs shall be
removed within 7 days after the
close of escrow, rental, or lease
of the property.
Each dwelling may place up to 6
off-site Temporary Signs on
private property for the purpose
of directing the public to a
residential activity (e.g., real
estate open house). Said signs
may be posted for no more than
48 hours and shall be removed
within 6 hours of the end of the
event.
See Section 19.22.080(B) and
(D).
SIGN REGULATIONS – 19.22
III-19.22-5 Mar. 2020
Sign Type Maximum
Number
Maximum Sign
Area
Maximum Sign
Height Additional Requirements
e. Signs on non-residential
property that is offered for
sale, lease, or rental
1 per street
frontage
32 sf 8 ft Such signs may be freestanding
(located in a yard) or mounted
in a window or on a wall.
Such signs shall be removed
within 7 days after the close of
escrow, rental, or lease of the
property.
See Section 19.22.080(B) and
(D).
f. Yard Signs on private
property where there is a
garage, yard, estate sale,
or community
garden/agricultural
produce sale taking place
1 per street
frontage
6 sf 5 ft Such on-site signs shall be
removed within 7 days after the
close of the sale.
Each dwelling may place up to 6
off-site Temporary Signs on
private property for the purpose
of directing the public to a
residential activity (e.g.
garage/yard sale, estate sale).
Said signs may be posted for no
more than 48 hours and shall be
removed within 6 hours of the
end of the event.
See Section 19.22.080(B) and
(D).
g. Wall Signs at Entrances to
Non-Residential
Businesses
N/A 4 sf (total
aggregate)
N/A Such signs shall not be
illuminated unless located within
the Main Street Overlay Zone
and shall be placed on a window
or wall near the primary and/or
secondary business entrance.
See Section 19.22.070(B)(8).
h. Commercial Mascots N/A N/A N/A Commercial Mascots shall
not impede pedestrian or
vehicular access.
Commercial Mascots shall be
located on the property for
which the service or product
that is being advertised is
located.
i. Suspended Signs One per entrance 6 sf N/A See Section 19.22.070(B)(7).
j. Temporary signs
displaying
noncommercial messages
N/A 24 sf Such signs shall
not project above
the roofline of
any structure.
Signs erected for and
associated with particular
events shall be removed
within 7 days following the
event.
Up to 6 off-site Temporary
Signs may be placed on private
property for the purpose of
directing the public to a
noncommercial activity. Said
signs may be posted for no more
than 48 hours and shall be
removed within 6 hours of the
end of the event.
See Section 19.22.080(B) and
(D).
SIGN REGULATIONS – 19.22
III-19.22-6 Mar. 2020
19.22.030 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL SIGNS
Except as otherwise indicated, the following requirements shall apply to all signs in the City of San
Bernardino:
A. Sign Message and Substitution. Any sign may contain commercial and/or noncommercial
message. Subject to the property owner's consent, a constitutionally protected noncommercial
message of any type may be substituted in whole or in part for the message displayed on any
sign for which the sign structure or mounting device is authorized in compliance with this
Chapter, without consideration of message content. This substitution of copy may be made
without any additional approval or permitting. The purpose of this provision is to prevent any
inadvertent favoring of commercial speech over noncommercial speech or favoring of any
particular noncommercial message over any other noncommercial message. This provision
prevails over any more specific provision to the contrary. In addition, any on-site commercial
message may be substituted, in whole or in part, for any other on-site commercial message,
provided that the sign structure or mounting device is authorized in compliance with this
Chapter, as determined by the Community and Economic Development Director, without
consideration of message content.
This provision does not create a right to increase the total number of signs on a parcel, lot, or
land use; does not affect the requirement that a sign structure or mounting device be properly
permitted; does not allow a change in the physical structure of a sign or its mounting device or
location; and does not authorize the conversion of an existing sign to a General Advertising
Sign.
B. Interpretations by Community and Economic Development Director.
1. Authority of Director to Interpret; Referral to Commission. Whenever the
Community and Economic Development Director determines that the meaning or
applicability of any of the requirements of this Chapter is subject to interpretation
generally, or as applied to a specific case, the Community and Economic Development
Director may issue an official interpretation or refer the question to the Planning
Commission for determination.
2. Request for Interpretation. Any party may file a request for an interpretation or
determination of this Chapter with the Community and Economic Development Director
and shall include with such request the specific provisions in question and any other
information necessary to assist the Community and Economic Development Director in
the review.
3. Record of Interpretation. All interpretations and determinations by the Community and
Economic Development Director and Planning Commission shall be made in writing,
and a permanent record of such interpretations and determinations shall be kept.
4. Appeals. Any interpretation of this Chapter by the Community and Economic
Development Director or Planning Commission may be appealed in compliance with
Chapter 9.94.
SIGN REGULATIONS – 19.22
III-19.22-7 Mar. 2020
5. Content Neutrality. Interpretations of the requirements of this Chapter shall be exercised
in light of the City of San Bernardino’s content neutrality policy.
6. Sign Type. Where a particular type of sign is proposed in a permit application, and the
type is neither expressly allowed nor prohibited by this Chapter, or whenever a sign does
not qualify as a “structure” as defined in the California Building Code, then the
Community and Economic Development Director shall approve, conditionally approve,
or deny the application based on the most similar sign type that is expressly regulated by
this Chapter.
C. Content Neutrality. It is the City of San Bernardino’s policy to regulate signs in a
constitutional manner that is content neutral with respect to both noncommercial and
commercial messages. For the purposes of this Chapter, a content-neutral regulation is a so-
called “time, place, or manner” regulation, which, as the name suggests, does no more than
place limits on when, where, and how a message may be displayed or conveyed.
D. Vehicle Visibility Triangle: No sign, permanent or temporary, flag, flagpole, etc. shall be
erected within the Traffic Safety Sight Area, as indicated in Section 19.20.030.29.
E. Sign Removal or Replacement. When a sign is removed, all brackets, poles, and other
structural elements that supported the sign shall also be removed, and any electrical
components shall be removed and/or capped and any resulting holes filled. Affected building
surfaces shall be restored to match the adjacent portion of the building.
F. Materials and Mounting Required.
1. Materials. Signs shall be made of sturdy, durable materials capable of withstanding
weathering over the life of the sign with reasonable maintenance. Paper, fabric, plywood,
and other materials subject to rapid deterioration may only be used for Temporary Signs
or as permitted Awning Signs.
2. Mounting Required. All Permanent Signs shall be firmly anchored, shall comply with
all requirements for public safety, and shall satisfy all applicable safety codes and all
other applicable governmental enactments, rules, regulations, or policies.
3. Quality Design. All Permanent Signs shall be designed by professionals (e.g., architects,
building designers, landscape architects, interior designers, or those whose principal
business is the design, manufacture, or sale of signs) or others who are capable of
producing professional results.
4. Quality Construction. All Permanent Signs shall be constructed by persons whose
principal business is building construction or a related trade including sign manufacturing
and installation businesses, or others capable of producing professional results. The intent
is to ensure public safety, achieve signs with neat and readable copy, and provide for sign
durability so as to reduce maintenance costs and to prevent dilapidation.
5. Hand-Painted Signs. All hand-painted signs shall be professionally applied by a sign
manufacturer, artist, or similarly qualified entity or person.
SIGN REGULATIONS – 19.22
III-19.22-8 Mar. 2020
G. Sign Illumination: The following standards shall apply to all illuminated signs:
1. Shielding. Sign illumination shall not interfere with the use and enjoyment of adjacent
properties, create a public nuisance, or create public safety hazards. Exterior light sources
shall be shielded from view and directed to illuminate only the sign face.
2. Illumination. Signs may be internally or externally illuminated.
3. Residential Properties in Direct Line of Sight. The light from an illuminated sign shall
not be of an intensity or brightness or directed in a manner that will negatively impact
residential properties in direct line of sight to the sign.
4. Colored Lights. Colored lights shall not be used at a location or in a manner to be
confused or construed as traffic control devices.
5. Bulb Face Exposure. Reflective-type bulbs and incandescent lamps that exceed 15 watts
shall not be used on the exterior surface of signs so that the face of the bulb or lamp is
exposed to a public right-of-way or adjacent property. This provision does not apply to
light-emitting diodes associated with Digital Signs.
6. Energy Efficiency. Light sources shall utilize energy-efficient fixtures to the greatest
extent possible.
7. No Flashing. Lights illuminating signs shall not flash, blink, flutter, include intermittent
or chasing lights, or provide any illumination that is in motion or appears to be in motion.
See Section 19.22.070(B)(3) for standards pertaining to that sign type.
8. Digital Signs. Digital Signs shall comply with Section 19.22.070(B)(3).
H. Sign Maintenance. All parts, portions, units, and materials composing a sign, together with the
frame, background, surface, support, or enclosure, shall be maintained in a good and safe
condition, painted, and adequately protected from weathering with all braces, bolts, and
structural parts, supporting frames, and fastenings reasonably free from deterioration, rot, rust,
rips, tears, loosening, and similar damage so that they do not create a hazard to persons or
property or constitute a nuisance.
I. Deteriorated Signs. Any sign or sign structure that is sagging, leaning, fallen, decayed,
broken, deteriorated, has missing or inoperative lights, or is in an otherwise dilapidated
condition shall be promptly repaired, to the satisfaction of the Community and Economic
Development Director, or removed.
J. Graffiti. Graffiti on a sign shall be removed within 48 hours of notice of its placement on such sign.
K. Repairs. An unmaintained sign shall be repaired or replaced within 30 calendar days following
notification via a Notice of Violation from the Code Enforcement Division. Noncompliance
with such a request shall constitute a nuisance, and penalties may be assessed in compliance
with the provisions of Chapter 19.46. Within the 15 days after a Notice of Violation is mailed,
the property owner may request a hearing before the Hearing Officer on the unmaintained sign
determination in compliance with the provisions of Chapter 9.94.
SIGN REGULATIONS – 19.22
III-19.22-9 Mar. 2020
L. Rules for Sign Measurement.
1. Measuring Sign Height. The height of a sign shall be measured from the highest part of
the sign, including any decorative features, to the height of the adjoining finished grade
directly beneath the sign.
2. Measuring Sign Clearance. Sign clearance shall be measured as the smallest vertical
distance between finished grade and the lowest point of the sign, including any
framework or other embellishments.
3. Measuring Building Frontage. Building frontage is the building façade width that
directly abuts a public street, private street, parking lot driveway, or parking spaces.
4. Calculating Sign Area: General. Supporting structures such as sign bases and columns
are not included in the sign area, provided that they contain no lettering or graphics
except for addresses or required tags. See Figure 22.01.
Figure 22.01: Calculation of Freestanding Sign Area
5. Calculating Sign Area: Single-Faced Signs (Four Sides or Fewer). For sign faces with
four or fewer sides, sign area shall include the entire area within a single continuous
perimeter composed of one triangle, square, or rectangle (consisting of no more than four
corners) that enclose the extreme limits of all sign elements, including, but not limited to,
sign structures or borders, written copy, logos, symbols, illustrations, and color. See
Figure 22.02.
Figure 22.02: Calculation of Sign Area on Single-Faced Signs
(Four Sides or Fewer)
SIGN REGULATIONS – 19.22
III-19.22-10 Mar. 2020
6. Calculating Sign Area: Single-Faced Signs (Five Sides or More). For sign faces with
five or more sides, sign area shall include the entire area within a single continuous
perimeter composed of squares or rectangles (consisting of horizontal and vertical lines
and no more than 12 corners) that enclose the extreme limits of all sign elements,
including, but not limited to, sign structures or borders, written copy, logos, symbols,
illustrations, and color. See Figure 22.03.
Figure 22.03: Calculation of Sign Area on Single-Faced Signs
(Five Sides or More)
7. Calculating Sign Area: Double-Faced Signs. Only one face of a double-faced sign shall
be counted in computing the permitted area of the sign. Double-faced (back-to-back)
signs shall be regarded as a single sign when the sign is mounted on a single structure.
Where the two faces are not equal in size, the larger sign face shall be used.
8. Calculating Sign Area: Multi-Faced Signs. On a three-faced sign, the combined sum of
the area of two faces (the largest and smallest face) shall be counted in computing the
permitted area of the sign.
9. Calculating Sign Area: Three-Dimensional Signs. On spherical, free-form, sculptural,
or other non-planar signs, sign area equivalent to 50 percent of the sum of the areas using
only the four vertical sides of the smallest cube that will encompass the sign structure, as
shown in Figure 22.04, shall be counted in computing the permitted area of the sign.
Figure 22.04: Calculation of Sign Area on Three-Dimensional
Signs
SIGN REGULATIONS – 19.22
III-19.22-11 Mar. 2020
19.22.040 PROHIBITED SIGNS
The following signs are inconsistent with the sign standards set forth in this Chapter and are therefore
prohibited.
A. Prohibited Signs. The following signs are prohibited except where specifically authorized:
1. Abandoned Signs.
2. Banner Signs, Flags, Pennants, Feather Signs, and other paraphernalia composed of
paper, cardboard, cloth, or other flexible material, except as permitted by Section
19.22.080.
3. General Advertising Signs (Billboards), except as permitted by Section 19.22.090.
4. Chalkboards or blackboards.
5. Illegal Signs.
6. Pole Signs.
7. Portable Signs or A-Frame Signs, except as permitted per Table 22.01(D) or in the Main
Street Overlay Zone per Table 22.07(D) and Section 19.22.080(D)(5).
8. Signs on fences.
9. Roof Signs, with the exception of signs on mansard roofs where, in the opinion of the
Community and Economic Development Director, no other useable sign area is available,
10. Iconic Signs and as otherwise allowed by an approved Creative Sign Permit.
11. Any Mobile General Advertising Sign as defined in this Chapter.
12. Signs deemed to be a public nuisance as defined in Section 19.22.130 and regulated by
Chapter 8.30.
B. Location Restrictions. Signs may not be placed in the following locations except where
specifically authorized:
1. Signs on public property, except as required or authorized by a governmental agency, and
except as permitted by Section 19.22.090 and Section 19.22.120.
2. Signs painted on fences or roofs.
3. Bench Signs, except as permitted by Design Review or on approved transit amenities.
SIGN REGULATIONS – 19.22
III-19.22-12 Mar. 2020
C. Display Restrictions. Signs with the following display features are prohibited:
1. Animated, moving, flashing, blinking, reflecting, revolving, scrolling, digital or video
screen signs where the message is displayed for fewer than eight seconds (dwell time)
before changing to another message, or any other similar sign, except as otherwise
allowed by Section 19.22.070(B)(3) and Section 19.22.060(D).
2. Inflatable Signs, except as allowed per Section 19.22.080.
3. Signs which simulate in color or design a traffic sign or signal, or which make use of
words, symbols, or characters in such a manner to interfere with, mislead, or confuse
pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
4. Signs which emit sound, odor, or smoke.
5. Digital Signs that are located in windows (digital Window Sign), but not including neon
signs.
19.22.050 DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Signage shall be used as a positive means of identifying a business, create an image, and also to
brand an identity. The following sign design principles shall be used as criteria for review and
approval of Sign Permits and Sign Programs in the City of San Bernardino.
A. Architectural Compatibility. The sign shall be compatible with the building and the site upon
which it is located. A sign (including its supporting structure, if any) shall be designed as an
integral design element of a building’s architecture and shall be architecturally compatible,
including in terms of color and scale, with any building to which the sign is to be attached and
with surrounding structures. Where more than one sign is provided, all signs shall be
complementary to each other.
B. Context Character. A sign shall be sensitive in context to nearby uses. Where a sign is located
in a district with historic buildings and landmark signs, new signs shall contribute to an
integrated appearance to such district. Where a sign is located in close proximity to a residential
area, the sign shall be designed and located so it has little or no impact on adjacent residential
neighborhoods.
C. Legibility. Signage shall be designed to provide clear, legible information that indicates the
proposed sign’s purpose. The size and proportion of the elements of the sign’s message—
including logos, letters, icons and other graphic images—shall be selected based on the average
distance and average travel speed of the viewer. Sign messages oriented toward pedestrians
may be smaller than those oriented toward vehicle drivers.
D. Readability. A sign message shall be easily recognized and designed in a clear, unambiguous,
and concise manner so that a viewer can understand or make sense of what appears on the sign.
Colors chosen for the sign text and/or graphics shall have sufficient contrast with the sign
background to be easily read during both day and night.
SIGN REGULATIONS – 19.22
III-19.22-13 Mar. 2020
E. Visibility. A sign shall be conspicuous and readily distinguishable from its surroundings so a
viewer can easily see the information it communicates.
F. Graphic Interest. Sign colors and materials shall be selected to contribute to legibility and
design integrity. Signage that is creative and visually interesting is encouraged.
19.22.060 SIGN PERMIT AND SIGN PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
A. Review Authority. Table 22.02 identifies the responsible review authority for sign permit and
sign program approvals. At the Community and Economic Development Director’s discretion,
any sign permit or sign program submitted for review by the Community and Economic
Development Director may be referred to the Planning Commission for Design Review.
Procedures for review, appeal and notification shall be conducted as indicated in Chapter
19.52.
Table 22.02
Responsible Review Authority
Permit Type Community and Economic
Development Director
Planning
Commission
Mayor and
City Council
Sign Permit
Temporary Sign Decision Appeal Appeal
Permanent Sign (General) Decision Appeal Appeal
Creative Sign Recommend Decision Appeal
Digital Sign Decision Appeal Appeal
Iconic Sign Recommend Decision Appeal
Nonconforming Sign Modification Decision Appeal Appeal
Minor Sign Area Modification Decision Appeal Appeal
Sign Program Decision Appeal Appeal
Billboard Modification/Replacement Recommend Decision Appeal
B. Sign Permits.
1. Permit Required. To ensure compliance with the regulations contained in this Chapter, a
Sign Permit is required to erect, move, alter, replace, or reconstruct a sign, whether
permanent or temporary. Each sign requires a separate Sign Permit, except those
specifically exempted under Section 19.22.020(C). The following sign maintenance
activities are permitted without issuance of a Sign Permit, so long as any other required
building permit is obtained prior to the modification of a sign:
a. Painting, repainting, or cleaning of a sign; and
b. Changes to the face or copy of a sign with changeable copy.
2. Identification Decal. Every sign for which a permit is issued shall be plainly marked
with the corresponding permit number issued for the sign. Tags may be displayed on sign
faces or at the base of a sign structure in a visible location. Tags for Freestanding Signs or
Monument Signs shall be located on the structure no higher than six feet above grade.
SIGN REGULATIONS – 19.22
III-19.22-14 Mar. 2020
3. Findings and Decision. The following findings are required to be made by the
responsible review authority for approval of a specifically called-out Sign Permit
application, with or without conditions:
a. The sign complies with the standards of this Chapter, any applicable specific plan
or precise development plan, and any applicable Comprehensive Sign Program;
b. The sign is in substantial compliance with any applicable design guidelines and the
design principles listed in Section 19.22.050;
c. The sign will not impair pedestrian and vehicular safety;
d. The sign’s design or proposed construction will not threaten the public health,
safety, or welfare; and
e. Where a commercial sign is affiliated with a business, that business shall have a
valid Business License prior to issuance of Sign Permit.
4. Expiration and Extension of Sign Permit. An approved Sign Permit shall expire 12
months from the date of approval unless the sign has been installed in accordance with
the approved Sign Permit and all applicable building codes or unless a different
expiration date is stipulated at the time of approval. Notwithstanding these dates, the
expiration date of the Sign Permit shall be automatically extended to concur with the
expiration date of the companion Building Permit or other applicable permits.
Prior to the expiration of a Sign Permit, the applicant may apply to the Community and
Economic Development Director for one extension of up to an additional 12 months from
the original date of expiration. In response to an extension request, the Community and
Economic Development Director may make minor modifications to the original approval
or deny further extensions.
5. Revisions to Sign Permit. The Community and Economic Development Director may
approve minor changes to an approved Sign Permit if the intent of the original approval is not
affected. Revisions that would substantially deviate from the original approval shall require
the approval of a new/revised Sign Permit by the responsible review authority.
C. Comprehensive Sign Program.
1. Purpose. The purpose of a Comprehensive Sign Program is to integrate all signs
proposed for a single development project with the overall site and structure design to
present a unified architectural statement. A Comprehensive Sign Program provides a
means for the flexible application of sign regulations for projects that require multiple
signs and/or unique signs and to achieve, not circumvent, the purpose of this Section. A
sign program shall not be used to circumvent the City of San Bernardino’s prohibition on
new billboards or any other prohibited sign.
2. When Required. The approval of a Comprehensive Sign Program shall be required
whenever any of the following circumstances exist. A Comprehensive Sign Program may
be requested in circumstances other than those outlined in Subsections a. through e.,
below, but is not required.
SIGN REGULATIONS – 19.22
III-19.22-15 Mar. 2020
a. Whenever four or more separate tenant spaces are present on the same parcel or on
multiple parcels that are part of a unified shopping center or similar business center,
regardless of whether the tenant spaces are occupied;
b. Whenever five or more non-exempt signs are proposed for a single-tenant
development;
c. Wherever two or more Digital Signs are proposed;
d. For any off-site temporary signs provided in conjunction with a residential
subdivision pursuant to Section 19.22.080(D)(6); and
e. Whenever the Community and Economic Development Director determines that a
Comprehensive Sign Program is needed because of special project characteristics
(e.g., the size of site, the size and/or number of proposed signs, limited site
visibility, a business within another business, the location of the site relative to
major transportation routes, etc.)
3. Standards. A Comprehensive Sign Program shall comply with the following standards:
a. The proposed Comprehensive Sign Program shall comply with the purpose and
intent of this Chapter, any adopted sign design guidelines, and the overall purpose
and intent of this Section.
b. The proposed signs shall enhance the overall development and relate visually to
other signs included in the Comprehensive Sign Program, to the structures and
developments they identify, and to surrounding development, when applicable.
c. The Comprehensive Sign Program shall include all signs, including permanent,
temporary, and exempt signs.
d. The Comprehensive Sign Program shall accommodate future revisions that may be
required because of changes in use or tenants.
e. The Comprehensive Sign Program shall comply with the standards of this Chapter,
except:
(1) The transfer of sign area limits from underutilized sign areas to areas that are
more practical, through the use of a Sign Budget are permitted. The Sign
Budget would equal the total allowable sign area of all signs in the
development (inclusive of awning/canopy, driveway, monument/pylon,
projecting, and wall signs, but excluding exempt and temporary signs). A sign
area transfer shall not exceed 50 percent of the total allowable sign area for
any particular sign type.
(2) Deviations of up to 20 percent are permitted with regard to individual sign
area, total number, location, and height of signs to the extent that the
Comprehensive Sign Program will enhance the overall development and will
more fully accomplish the purposes and intent of this Chapter.
SIGN REGULATIONS – 19.22
III-19.22-16 Mar. 2020
(3) Deviations associated with Sections 19.22.060(B)(3)(e)(1) and (2) shall not
be allowed in conjunction with deviations associated with Section
19.22.060(G).
f. Approval of a Comprehensive Sign Program shall not authorize the use of signs
listed as prohibited by Section 19.22.040.
4. Findings and Decision. The following findings are required to be made by the
responsible review authority for the approval of a Comprehensive Sign Program
application, with or without conditions:
a. The Comprehensive Sign Program complies with the purpose and intent of this
Chapter 19.22 and with all standards listed in Section 19.22.060(C)(3);
b. The Comprehensive Sign Program does not allow any sign that is prohibited by
Section 19.22.040;
c. The Comprehensive Sign Program is in substantial compliance with any applicable
design guidelines and the design principles listed in Section 19.22.050;
d. The Comprehensive Sign Program standards will result in signs that are visually
related or complementary to each other and to the buildings and/or developments
they identify through the integration of predominant architectural materials,
elements, or details of such buildings or developments;
e. The Comprehensive Sign Program will not result in signs that would impair
pedestrian and vehicular safety; and
f. Light and glare associated with the signs will not negatively affect nearby
residential uses.
5. Post-Approval Procedures. After approval of a Comprehensive Sign Program, no signs
shall be erected, placed, painted, or maintained, except in conformance with such
program, and such program may be enforced in the same way as any provision of this
Section.
a. Lease Agreements. The Comprehensive Sign Program and all conditions of approval
shall be attached to the lease agreements for all leasable space within a project.
b. Individual Signs. Any sign that conforms to an approved Comprehensive Sign
Program may be approved by the Community and Economic Development
Director; however, individual signs proposed under an approved Comprehensive
Sign Program require a Sign Permit.
c. Amendments. The Community and Economic Development Director may approve
minor amendments to a Comprehensive Sign Program that are in substantial
conformance with the original approval. Minor amendments include revisions to sign
location, sign type, and sign orientation. All other amendments, including amendments
to total sign area and/or conditions of approval, shall be processed as a new application.
SIGN REGULATIONS – 19.22
III-19.22-17 Mar. 2020
D. Creative Sign Permits.
1. Purpose. The purposes of the Creative Sign Permit are to:
a. Encourage signs of unique design that exhibit a high degree of thoughtfulness,
imagination, inventiveness, and spirit; and
b. Provide a process for the application of sign regulations in ways that will allow
creatively designed signs to make a positive visual contribution to the overall image
of the city, while mitigating the impacts of large or unusually designed signs.
2. When Required. An applicant may request approval of Creative Sign Permit to
authorize one on-site sign that employs standards that differ from the standards applicable
to signs established in this Chapter but comply with the specific provisions of this
Section. However, the Creative Sign Permit process shall not be used to allow any
prohibited sign type or feature set forth in Section 19.22.040.
3. Findings and Decision. The following findings are required to be made by the
responsible review authority in the approval of a Creative Sign Permit application, with
or without conditions:
a. Design quality. The proposed creative sign will:
(1) Comply with the design principles set forth in Section 19.22.050;
(2) Contribute a substantial aesthetic improvement to the site and have a positive
visual impact on the surrounding area;
(3) Have a unique design and exhibit a high degree of imagination,
inventiveness, spirit, and thoughtfulness through the use of color, graphics,
proportion, quality materials, scale, and/or texture;
(4) Utilize or enhance the architectural elements of the building; and
(5) Be located and designed not to cause light and glare impacts on surrounding
uses, especially residential uses.
b. Contextual criteria. The sign will also contain at least one of the following
elements:
(1) Classic historic design style;
(2) Creative image reflecting current or historic character of the City of San
Bernardino; or
(3) Inventive representation of the logo, name, or use of the structure or business.
4. Expiration, Extension, and Amendment of Creative Sign Permit. Procedures for
expiration, extension, and amendments of Creative Sign Permits shall comply with
Section 19.22.060(B)(4) and Section 19.22.060(B)(5).
SIGN REGULATIONS – 19.22
III-19.22-18 Mar. 2020
E. Iconic Sign Permits.
1. Purpose. The purpose of the Iconic Sign Permit is to:
a. Preserve signs that, through design and artistic expression unrelated to their
message, are culturally significant and represent unique character, history, and
identity; and
b. Protect the community from inappropriate reuse of nonconforming and/or illegal
signs.
2. Application. An application for an Iconic Sign Permit may be made by a business
owner, property owner, or the City of San Bernardino for consideration by the
responsible review authority.
3. Findings and Decision. In granting an Iconic Sign Permit, the responsible review
authority shall be required to make the following findings:
a. Technical Criteria. Iconic Signs shall meet the following technical criteria:
(1) The sign uses materials, technology, or sign-making technique representative
of its period of construction;
(2) The sign is structurally safe or can be made safe without substantially altering
its original appearance; and
(3) The sign retains the majority of its character-defining features. If character-
defining features have been altered or removed, the majority are potentially
restorable to their original function and appearance.
b. Design Criteria. Iconic Signs shall meet two or more of the following cultural or
vernacular design features:
(1) The sign exemplifies the cultural, economic, or period heritage of the City of
San Bernardino.
(2) The sign exhibits extraordinary aesthetic quality, creativity, or innovation;
(3) The sign represents an entity that is an important part of San Bernardino
history; or the sign is obsolete sign copy that is originally associated with a
chain or franchise business that it either local or regional chain or franchise
only found in the City of San Bernardino or the southwestern United States;
or the sign is associated with a significant historical event; or there is
scholarly documentation to support its preservation; or it is a rare surviving
example of a once common type; or
(4) The sign is at least 50 years old.
SIGN REGULATIONS – 19.22
III-19.22-19 Mar. 2020
4. Standards and Allowances for Iconic Signs.
a. Structural Improvements. Iconic Signs may have structural improvements
completed to extend the life of the sign, provided such improvements do not affect
the integrity of the iconic nature of the sign.
b. Damage Repairs. If the sign is damaged, it may be repaired and/or replaced with
the original sign area and original height, even if the sign does not conform to the
standards of this Chapter, provided such repairs do not affect the integrity of the
iconic nature of the sign.
c. Sign Area Bonus. The area of an Iconic Sign shall not be counted toward the
maximum sign area for a premise.
d. Relocation. Relocation of an Iconic Sign shall be permitted through an approved
Sign Permit, provided the following requirements are met:
(1) Relocation shall be to a location within the original premises or to a location
within the specific neighborhood in which the sign was originally located; and
(2) If relocated to another premise, the sign shall display a conspicuous text or a
plaque, using a template provided by the City of San Bernardino, that
indicates that the sign has been relocated, the date of relocation, and the
original location.
e. Change in Sign Copy.
(1) Changes in sign copy shall be permitted, provided such changes do not result
in changes to character-defining text, as determined by the Community and
Economic Development Director.
(2) Changes in sign copy shall match or be compatible with existing text in
material(s), letter size, font/ typography, and color, as determined by the
Community and Economic Development Director.
5. Expiration, Extension, and Amendment of Iconic Sign Permit. Procedures for
expiration, extension, and amendments of Iconic Sign Permits shall comply with Section
19.22.060(B)(4) and Section 19.22.060(B)(5).
F. Nonconforming Sign Modifications via a Nonconforming Sign Permit.
1. Purpose. The purpose of the Nonconforming Sign Permit is to allow signs that are legally
nonconforming only by virtue of the zone in which they are located (meaning that the zone
does not permit the sign) to have minor modifications and improvements made to them.
2. When Required. A Nonconforming Sign Permit is required whenever the owner of a
sign located on a property which has been rezoned and where the rezoning has resulted in
the sign becoming nonconforming proposes to modify an existing Nonconforming Sign’s
pole structure or relocate a sign on the same site.
SIGN REGULATIONS – 19.22
III-19.22-20 Mar. 2020
3. Permitted Modifications.
a. Relocation. Such sign may be relocated on the subject site to a location that
reduces impacts on surrounding residential uses, improves onsite circulation, or
improves the visibility of the sign without impacting surrounding uses.
b. Replacement. A Nonconforming Sign may be replaced with an Awning Sign or
Wall Sign, of a size not to exceed the existing sign.
c. Improvements to Pole Signs. The structure of a Pole Sign may be modified to
improve the physical appearance of the pole structure, as determined by the
responsible review authority.
4. Findings and Decision. In granting a Nonconforming Sign Permit, the responsible
review authority shall be required to make the following findings:
a. The Nonconforming Sign Modification is in substantial compliance with any
applicable design guidelines and the design principles set forth in Section
19.22.050;
b. The Nonconforming Sign Modification will result in a sign or signs that are
visually related or complementary to each other and to the buildings and/or
developments they identify through the integration of predominant architectural
materials, elements, or details of such buildings or developments;
c. The size, height, and sign type of the nonconforming sign are permitted in a zone in
the City of San Bernardino that allows the type of use the sign identifies;
d. The Nonconforming Sign Modification does not include a digital sign; and
e. The Nonconforming Sign Modification will not result in signs that would impair
pedestrian and vehicular safety nor create light and glare that would negatively
affect nearby residential uses.
5. Expiration, Extension, and Amendment of Nonconforming Sign Modification
Permit. Procedures for expiration, extension, and amendments of Nonconforming Sign
Permits shall comply with Section 19.22.060(B)(4) and Section 19.22.060(B)(5).
G. Minor Sign Area Modification.
1. Purpose. The purpose of the Minor Sign Area Modification Permit is to encourage
Permanent Signs that exhibit extraordinary aesthetic quality, creativity, and/or innovation
through a minor increase to the maximum allowed sign area.
2. Application. An application for a Minor Sign Area Modification Permit may be made by
a business owner, property owner, or the City of San Bernardino for consideration by the
responsible review authority.
SIGN REGULATIONS – 19.22
III-19.22-21 Mar. 2020
3. Permitted Modification. Permanent Signs may deviate no more than 10 percent from
the applicable maximum sign area standard established in this Chapter. A modification
permitted by this Subsection shall not be additive to any modification allowance
permitted by this Chapter, including a Comprehensive Sign Program.
4. Findings and Decision. In granting a Permanent Sign Area Modification Permit, the
responsible review authority shall be required to make the following findings:
a. The Permanent Sign complies with the design principles set forth in Section
19.22.050;
b. The Permanent Sign will contribute a substantial aesthetic improvement to the site
and have a positive visual impact on the surrounding area; and
c. The Permanent Sign will provide strong graphic character through the effective use
of color, graphics, proportion, quality materials, scale, and texture.
5. Expiration, Extension, and Amendment of Permanent Sign Area Modification
Permit. Procedures for expiration, extension, and amendments of Permanent Sign Area
Modification Permits shall comply with Section 19.22.060(B)(4) and Section
19.22.060(B)(5).
19.22.070 PERMANENT SIGNS
A. Permanent Sign Standards by Zone. All Permanent Signs shall comply with the standards
set forth in this Section. Additional Permitted Signs are included under Section 19.22.020(C).
Tables 22.03, 22.04, 22.05, and 22.06 identify the sign type, number, location, area, and height
allowed within each zone, along with any applicable additional regulations. The standards
contained in Tables 22.03, 22.04, 22.05, and 22.06 are maximums, unless otherwise stated.
Table 22.03
Residential Zones
Sign Type Maximum
Number
Maximum Sign
Area
Maximum Sign
Height
Illumination
Allowed Additional Requirements
1. Single-Family Residential Subdivision Development in Residential Zones
a. Monument 2 per major
neighborhood
entrance
30 sf per sign 6 ft External
illumination
only
Permitted only at
major entrances to
projects or
neighborhoods
Maintenance
responsibility shall be
assigned to community
association
Digital Signs
not permitted
Section 19.22.070(B)(4)
2. Public/Quasi-Public Use in Residential Zones
a. Monument 2 per major
entrance
30 sf per sign 6 ft Permitted Section
19.22.070(B)(4)
b. Wall 1 per street
frontage
24 sf per sign 3 Must
be
below
eave
line
Permitted Section 19.22.070(B)(8)
SIGN REGULATIONS – 19.22
III-19.22-22 Mar. 2020
Sign Type Maximum
Number
Maximum Sign
Area
Maximum Sign
Height
Illumination
Allowed
Additional
Requirements
3. Multiple-Unit Residential Zones
a. Wall 1 per street
frontage
24 sf per sign 4 Must
be
below
eave
line
Permitted Digital Signs
not permitted
Section 19.22.070(B)(8)
b. Monument 1 per street
frontage with
entrance
30 sf per sign 5 6 ft Permitted Section 19.22.070(B)(4)
This allowed sign area
may be substituted for
permanent
sign area applied to a
perimeter wall
Note: Signs not listed in this table, such as awning signs, suspended signs, pylon signs, etc. are not permitted in residential zones.
Table 22.04
Commercial Zones
Sign Type Maximum
Number
Maximum Sign
Area
Maximum Sign
Height
Illumination
Allowed Additional Requirements
a. Awning N/A 25% of the
surface area of
the awning
N/A; awning
shall not extend
above eave line
Permitted Section 19.22.070(B)(1)
b. Canopy Single
Tenant: 1 per
building
façade
Multiple Tenant:
1 per tenant
space
25% of the
surface area of
the canopy
24 inches, as
measured from
the lowest point
on the sign
Permitted Section 19.22.070(B)(2)
Section
19.22.070(C)(2)(c)
c. Driveway/
Onsite Traffic
Directional
1 per driveway
or drive-
through lane,
plus 1 for every
200 parking
spaces on
multiple tenant
sites and 1 for
every 300
parking spaces
on single tenant
sites, or as
otherwise
permitted
through a
Comprehensive
Sign
Program
8 sf per sign face 8 ft Permitted May be in the form of
Monument Sign, Pylon
Sign, or Wall Sign
d. Monument Lots with less
than 600 feet
of street
frontage: 1 per
street frontage
Lots with more
than 600 feet of
street frontage: 1
per each 600 feet
of street frontage
Single
Tenant: 75 sf
per sign face
Multiple
Tenant: 125 sf
per sign face
8 ft in all zones
except Main
Street Overlay
Zone
Main Street
Overlay
Zone: 5 ft
Permitted Section 19.22.070(B)(4)
SIGN REGULATIONS – 19.22
III-19.22-23 Mar. 2020
Sign Type Maximum
Number
Maximum Sign
Area
Maximum Sign
Height
Illumination
Allowed
Additional
Requirements
e. Projecting Single
Tenant: 1 per
street
frontage
Multiple Tenant:
1 per tenant
space
25 sf per sign
face
Must be below
eave line
Permitted Section
19.22.070(B)(5)
f. Pylon Lots with less
than 600 feet
of street
frontage: 1 per
street frontage
Lots with more
than 600 feet of
street frontage: 1
per each 600 feet
of street frontage
Single
Tenant: 75 sf
per sign face
Multiple Tenant:
125 sf per sign
face
Single
Tenant: 25 ft
Multiple Tenant:
35 ft
Permitted Section
19.22.070(B)(6)
g. Wall N/A 2 sf of sign area
per lineal foot
of primary
building
frontage, and
1.5 sf of
sign area per
lineal foot of a
secondary
building frontage
Shall not extend
above the eave
line
Permitted Section 19.22.070(B)(8)
Note: See Section 19.22.070(B)(4)(f) and 19.22.070(B)(6)(f) for additional restrictions on pylon and monument signs.
Figure 22.05: Primary and Secondary Building Frontages
Table 22.05
Industrial Zones
Sign Type Maximum
Number
Maximum Sign
Area
Maximum Sign
Height
Illumination
Allowed
Additional
Requirements
a. Awning N/A 25% of the
surface area of
the awning
Must be below
the eave line
Internal
prohibited
Section
19.22.070(B)(1)
b. Canopy 1 per street
frontage
25% of the
surface area of
the canopy
2 ft Permitted Section
19.22.070(B)(2)
SIGN REGULATIONS – 19.22
III-19.22-24 Mar. 2020
Sign Type Maximum
Number
Maximum Sign
Area
Maximum Sign
Height
Illumination
Allowed
Additional
Requirements
c. Driveway/
Onsite Traffic
Directional
1 per driveway
or drive-
through lane,
plus 1 for every
100 parking
spaces, or as
otherwise
permitted
through a
Comprehensive
Sign Program
12 sf per sign
face
8 ft Internal
prohibited
May be in the form of
Monument Sign, Pylon
Sign, or Wall Sign
d. Monument Lots with less
than 600 feet
of street
frontage: 1 per
street frontage
Lots with
more than 600
feet of street
frontage: 1 per
each 600 feet
of street
frontage
1 sf of sign area
per 1 lineal foot
of primary
building frontage
and 0.75 sf of
sign area per 1
lineal foot of
secondary
building
frontage; not to
exceed 300 sf
8 f
t
Permitted Section
19.22.070(B)(4)
e. Projecting 1 per street
frontage
25 sf per sign
face
Must be below
eave line
Permitted Section 19.22.070(B)(5)
f. Pylon Lots with less
than 600 feet of
street
1 sf of sign area
per 1 lineal foot
of
25 t Permitted Section 19.22.070(B)(6)
g. Wall: Street
Facing
2 on each
occupant
building frontage
oriented toward a
parking lot,
street, alley,
driveway, or
freeway
2 sf of sign area
per lineal foot
of primary
building
frontage, and 1
sf of sign area
per lineal foot
of a secondary
building
frontage
Must be below
eave line
Permitted Section 19.22.070(B)(8)
h. Wall: Service
and Delivery
i. Entrances
1 for each service
or delivery
entrance
10 sf 6 ft Permitted Section 19.22.070(B)(8)
Shall be located within
10 ft of associated
entrance
Note: See Section 19.22.070(B)(4)(f) and 19.22.070(B)(6)(f) for additional restrictions on pylon and monument signs.
Table 22.06
Public and Quasi-Public Zones
Sign Type Maximum
Number
Maximum Sign
Area
Maximum Sign
Height
Illumination
Allowed
Additional
Requirements
a. Wall 1 per street or
parking lot
frontage
30 sf per sign Must be below
eave line
Yes Section
19.22.070(B)(8)
b. Monument 1 per street or
parking lot
frontage
30 sf per sign
face
7 ft Yes Section 19.22.070(B)(4)
Shall be set back at
least 1 foot from any
property line
SIGN REGULATIONS – 19.22
III-19.22-25 Mar. 2020
B. Standards by Sign Type. As listed in, and in addition to the standards in Tables 22.03, 22.04,
22.05, and 22.06, signs shall comply with the following standards applicable to the specific
sign type. Each sign shall also comply with the requirements of Section 19.22.030 and all other
applicable provisions of this Chapter.
1. Awning Signs. Awning Signs are permitted pursuant to Section 19.22.070(A) Tables
22.04 and 22.05.
a. Location. Awnings that display signage shall be limited to building frontages on
the ground floor of buildings.
b. Combined Sign Area. Combinations of signs on awnings, canopies, and walls are
permitted but shall not exceed the maximum allowable sign area for Wall Signs per
building elevation.
c. Vertical clearance. A minimum vertical clearance of at least eight feet from
bottom of the awning, including valance, to finished grade shall be maintained.
Figure 22.07: Vertical Clearance
d. Setback and projection into public right-of-way. A minimum of two feet
between the edge of the awning and the outer curb face shall be maintained. Any
encroachment into City right-of-way is subject to City Engineer approval and
requires a City Encroachment Permit.
2. Canopy Signs. Canopy Signs are permitted pursuant to Section 19.22.070(A) Tables
22.04 and 22.05.
a. Location. Canopies that display signage shall be limited to building frontages on
the ground floor of buildings.
b. Height. Canopy Signs shall not project more than 24 inches above the highest point
of any canopy, and not above the roofline of the structure for attached canopies.
c. Combined Sign Area. Combinations of signs on awnings, canopies, and walls are
permitted but shall not exceed the maximum allowable sign area for Wall Signs per
building elevation.
SIGN REGULATIONS – 19.22
III-19.22-26 Mar. 2020
d. Setback and Projection into public right-of-way. A minimum of two feet
between the edge of the canopy and the outer curb face shall be maintained. Any
encroachment into City right-of-way is subject to City Engineer approval and
requires a City Encroachment Permit.
Figure 22.08: Canopy Signs
3. Digital Signs.
a. No Flashing. Digital Signs shall not flash, blink, flutter, include intermittent or
chasing lights, or display video messages (i.e., any illumination or message that is
in motion or appears to be in motion).
b. Display Change. Digital Signs may display changing messages, provided that each
message is displayed for no fewer than eight consecutive seconds, unless otherwise
permitted by an approved agreement with the City, and in no case shall a message
be displayed fewer than four seconds. The transition or blank screen time between
one display message and the next shall not exceed one second.
c. Night-time brightness.
(1) Night-time brightness shall be measured with an illuminance meter set to
measure foot-candles accurate to at least two decimals. Illuminance shall be
measured with the electronic message off, and again with the electronic
message displaying a white image for a full color-capable electronic message
or a solid message for a single-color electronic message.
(2) All measurements shall be taken perpendicular to the face of the electronic
message at the following distance:
(3) The difference between the off and solid message measurements shall not
exceed 0.3 foot-candles at night.
SIGN REGULATIONS – 19.22
III-19.22-27 Mar. 2020
d. Ambient Light Sensor. Digital Signs shall be equipped with a sensor or other
device that automatically determines the ambient illumination and programmed to
automatically dim according to ambient light conditions (e.g., photocell
technology), or that can be adjusted to comply with the 0.3 foot-candle
requirement.
e. Turn Off. Digital Signs located within 500 feet and in a direct line of sight of a
residentially zoned property shall be turned off daily at the close of business, or at
such a time as specified by the Community and Economic Development Director,
and in no case shall be permitted to be turned on between the hours of 2:00 A.M.
and 6:00 A.M.
f. Prohibited Digital Signs. Awning Signs, Canopy Signs, Window Signs, and
Driveway/Onsite Traffic Directional Signs shall not include digital copy.
g. Certification of Compliance. The owner of any Digital Sign shall arrange for
certification by an independent contractor showing compliance with brightness
standards.
4. Monument Signs. Monument Signs are permitted pursuant to Section 19.22.070(A)
Tables 22.03, 22.04, 22.05, and 22.06.
a. Minimum Street Frontage. A minimum street frontage of 100 feet is required for
establishment of a monument sign.
b. Minimum Separation. Monument Signs shall have a minimum separation of 50
feet from any other Monument Sign on an adjacent property.
c. Digital Sign Minimum Separation. Where a Monument Sign includes a digital
sign, the minimum radial distance to any other Digital Sign shall be 200 feet.
d. Digital Sign Copy. Digital sign copy is permitted to occupy up to 75 percent of
maximum allowable monument sign area, subject to an approved Sign Permit or
Comprehensive Sign Program.
e. Setback. Monument Signs shall be set back a minimum of five feet from any
property line, unless otherwise specified in this Chapter.
f. Either Monument or Pylon as Primary Sign Type. Properties with less than 600
feet of street frontage shall be permitted to have either one Monument Sign or one
Pylon Sign as the primary signage, but not both. Properties with more than 600 feet
of street frontage shall be permitted to have one Pylon or Monument sign per 600
feet of street frontage.
g. Landscaping Required. All Monument Signs shall be located within the required
landscaped setback or a landscaped planting bed, unless this requirement is waived
through review by the Community and Economic Development Director based on
site-specific conditions.
SIGN REGULATIONS – 19.22
III-19.22-28 Mar. 2020
5. Projecting Signs. Projecting Signs are permitted pursuant to Section 19.22.070(A)
Tables 22.04 and 22.05.
a. Projection from Wall. Projecting Signs shall project no more than four feet from
the face of the building wall upon which the sign is mounted.
b. Projection into Public Right-of-way. Any encroachment into City right-of-way is
subject to City Engineer approval and requires a City Encroachment Permit.
c. Vertical clearance. A minimum vertical clearance of eight feet from the bottom of
the Suspended Sign to finished grade shall be maintained.
6. Pylon Signs. Pylon Signs are permitted pursuant to Section 19.22.070(A) Tables 22.04
and 22.05.
a. Minimum Street Frontage. A minimum street front of 100 feet is required for
establishment of a pylon sign.
b. Minimum Separation. Pylon Signs shall have a minimum separation of 50 feet
from any other Pylon Sign on an adjacent property.
c. Digital Sign Minimum Separation. Where a Pylon Sign includes a Digital Sign,
the minimum radial distance to any other Digital Sign shall be 200 feet.
d. Digital Sign Copy. Digital sign copy is permitted to occupy up to 75 percent of
maximum allowable pylon sign area, subject to an approved Sign Permit or
Comprehensive Sign Program.
e. Setback. Pylon Signs shall be set back a minimum of 5 feet from any property line,
unless otherwise specified in this Chapter.
f. Either Monument or Pylon as Primary Sign Type. Properties with less than 600
feet of street frontage shall be permitted to have either one Monument Sign or one
Pylon Sign as the primary signage, but not both. Properties with more than 600 feet
of street frontage shall be permitted to have one Pylon or Monument sign per 600
feet of street frontage.
g. Landscaping Required. All Pylon Signs shall be located within the required
landscaped setback or a landscaped planting bed, unless this requirement is waived
through review by the Community and Economic Development Director based on
site-specific conditions.
h. Vertical Clearance. A minimum vertical clearance of 14 feet is required for Pylon
Signs projecting over vehicular passageways. A minimum vertical clearance of
eight feet is required for Pylon Signs projecting over pedestrian passageways.
SIGN REGULATIONS – 19.22
III-19.22-29 Mar. 2020
i. Multiple Tenants. A Pylon Sign for a multiple tenant site shall have no more than
eight separate sign areas.
Figure 22.09: Multiple Tenant Pylon Signs
7. Suspended Signs. Suspended Signs are permitted pursuant to Section 19.22.020(C)(2)
Table 22.01.
a. Location. Suspended Signs shall be limited to building frontages on the ground
floor of non-residential buildings.
b. Illumination. Suspended Signs may be externally or internally illuminated but
shall not be Digital Signs.
c. Vertical clearance. A minimum vertical clearance of eight feet from the bottom of
the Suspended Sign to finished grade shall be maintained.
d. Projection into Public Right-of-way. Any encroachment into City right-of-way is
subject to City Engineer approval and requires a City Encroachment Permit.
8. Wall Signs. Wall Signs are permitted pursuant to Section 19.22.070(A) Tables 22.03,
22.04, 22.05, and 22.06.
a. Placement.
(1) No Wall Sign shall cover, wholly or partially, any wall opening.
(2) Unless a different orientation is specifically authorized, each wall-mounted
sign shall be placed flat against the wall of the building.
b. Cumulative Wall Sign Area. In Commercial Zones, there is no limit on the
number of Wall Signs. However, the combined area of all Wall Signs shall
cumulatively comply with maximum size requirements.
SIGN REGULATIONS – 19.22
III-19.22-30 Mar. 2020
c. Roof Signs in Lieu of Wall Signs. Where a Roof Sign is permitted due to a lack of
available building mansard for a sign, such Roof Sign’s allowable area shall be
equivalent to the allowed sign area for Wall Signs.
9. Window Signs. Window Signs are permitted pursuant to Section 19.22.020(C)(2) Table
22.01.
a. Location. Window Signs shall not be allowed on windows located above the
second story.
b. Window Sign Location. Signs shall be placed so that law enforcement and public
safety personnel have a clear and unobstructed view of the interior of the
establishment, including cash registers. Signage inside the building shall not be
allowed within three feet of the window.
c. Perforated and/or Transparent Window Signs. Perforated and/or transparent
Window Signs may be excluded from window sign size calculations subject to
review and approval by the Community and Economic Development Director and
the determination that such signs are placed so that law enforcement and public
safety personnel have a clear and unobstructed view of the interior of the
establishment, including cash registers.
d. Digital Window Signs Prohibited. Digital Window Signs are not permitted,
including any such signs placed within 10 feet of the window.
C. Signage Allowances for Specific Uses. This Section establishes signage allowances for
specific uses.
1. Drive-Through Establishments. In addition to the signs allowed in Section
19.22.070(A), businesses with drive-through(s) shall be allowed the following signs,
subject to the issuance of a Sign Permit or approval of a Comprehensive Sign Program.
a. Number and Size. Two additional freestanding Menu Board signs are permitted
for each establishment with a drive-through, not exceeding 32 square feet apiece (or
not to exceed a combined 64 square feet).
b. Height. Freestanding menu board signs shall not exceed eight feet in height. The
freestanding menu board sign structure may extend above the sign height limit if:
(1) The sign structure is separately constructed from the cabinet or face of the
sign;
(2) The portion above the cabinet or face does not contain any copy; and
(3) The extension adds architectural embellishments to the sign.
2. Service Stations. In addition to the signs allowed in Section 19.22.070(A), service
stations shall be allowed the following sign area and sign types subject to the issuance of
a Sign Permit or approval of a Comprehensive Sign Program.
SIGN REGULATIONS – 19.22
III-19.22-31 Mar. 2020
a. Service Island Signs. Additional incidental signs are allowed up to a maximum of
two per each service island, with each such sign not exceeding three square feet.
b. Service Station Canopy Signs. Signs on service station canopies shall not exceed
50 square feet on each side.
Figure 22.10: Service Station Canopy Signs
3. Theaters. In addition to the signs allowed in Section 19.22.070(A), theaters shall be
allowed the following additional signs subject to the issuance of a Sign Permit or
approval of a Comprehensive Sign Program.
a. Sign Type and Number. Developments containing theaters are allowed one
additional Pylon Sign or Monument Sign with changeable copy (digital or manual)
with a maximum size of 80 square feet. Such sign shall comply with height
requirements for Pylon Signs and Monument Signs as listed in Table 22.04.
b. Special Advertisements. Glass encasements for special advertisements shall be
allowed to be affixed to the primary building. Encasements shall not exceed a width
of three feet or a height of four feet, the number of which shall be approved by the
Community and Economic Development Director via the Sign Permit or
Comprehensive Sign Program process.
4. Non-Residential Uses within Freeway Corridor Overlay Zone. In addition to the
signs allowed in Section 19.22.070(A), non-residential uses located within the Freeway
Corridor Overlay (FC) zone shall be allowed the following additional sign area or sign
types subject to the issuance of a Sign Permit or approval of a Comprehensive Sign
Program.
a. Freeway Frontage of more than 100 feet - Maximum Sign Area.
(1) For single tenant sites with at least 100 feet of freeway frontage, one
Freeway- Oriented Sign of up to 200 square feet is permitted.
(2) For multiple tenant sites with at least 100 feet of freeway frontage, one
Freeway-Oriented Sign of up to 100 square feet per anchor tenant is
permitted.
SIGN REGULATIONS – 19.22
III-19.22-32 Mar. 2020
b. Freeway Frontage of more than 1,000 feet - Maximum Sign Area. For sites
over five acres in size with more than 1,000 feet of freeway frontage, two Freeway-
Oriented Signs of up to 100 square feet per anchor tenant with up to eight sign areas
each are permitted. These signs shall not be placed closer than 600 feet of each
other.
c. Sign Type. Freeway-Oriented Signs may be Pylon Signs or Wall Signs. Freeway-
Oriented Wall Signs are permitted only on buildings fronting the freeway.
d. Height. Sign height shall not exceed 50 feet above freeway grade. Sign height may
be allowed to exceed this height limit if a flag test approved by the City of San
Bernardino determines that a sign of lower height would be partially or wholly
obscured but shall in no case shall sign height exceed 75 feet above freeway grade.
e. Setback. Freeway-Oriented Pylon Signs shall be set back at least five feet from any
property line.
f. Orientation. Freeway-Oriented Signs shall be oriented toward the adjacent
freeway. A Freeway-Oriented Sign shall be considered oriented to a freeway where
the sign face makes an interior angle of more than 30 degrees to the freeway.
g. Tree Replacement. Any tree that is removed to accommodate the installation of
any sign shall be replaced with a minimum 48-inch box tree at a location approved
by the Community and Economic Development Director.
h. General Advertising Prohibited. Freeway-Oriented Signs shall not be used for
general advertising (billboards).
i. California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Compliance. All Freeway-
Oriented Signs shall comply with the California Outdoor Advertising Act, Business
and Professions Code Section 5200, or as subsequently revised, and shall be
referred to Caltrans as appropriate for comment prior to Community and Economic
Development Director review of the application for a Sign Permit or
Comprehensive Sign Program.
D. General Standards for Permanent Signs in all Zones.
1. Properties with Limited or No Street Frontage. In any circumstance where a property
has no street frontage or less than 20 feet of street frontage (for example, as a flag lot),
signage shall be allowed on an adjacent property with the same zone as the subject
property, subject to approval of a Comprehensive Sign Program and with the written
permission of the property owner on whose property the sign is to be erected.
2. Signage Allowed for Each Establishment. Each establishment in a non-residential zone
may have at least one Wall Sign for each frontage, one Window Sign or door sign for
each entrance, and one Suspended Sign, subject to compliance with the requirements of
this Chapter.
SIGN REGULATIONS – 19.22
III-19.22-33 Mar. 2020
19.22.080 TEMPORARY SIGNS
All Temporary Signs shall comply with the standards provided in this Section. A Temporary Sign
Permit shall be obtained from the Community and Economic Development Department prior to the
display of Temporary Signs, unless specified in Section 19.22.020(C).
A. Purpose. In addition to Section 19.22.010, the purpose of this Section is to ensure that
Temporary Signs do not create a distraction to the traveling public by limiting the proliferation
of Temporary Signs and eliminating aesthetic blight and litter that are detrimental to the
public’s health, safety, and welfare.
B. General Standards for All Temporary Signs.
1. Temporary Sign Content Neutrality. All regulations and standards in this Section are
to be exercised in light of the City’s content neutrality policy. These provisions are not
intended to limit, censor, or restrict free speech.
2. Number. The maximum number of Temporary Signs that may be displayed at the same
time is subject to compliance with the applicable requirements of this Section. The
number and area of Temporary Signs shall not be included in the calculation of aggregate
permanent sign area.
3. Materials and Maintenance.
a. Temporary exterior signs shall be made of durable, weather-resistant material. Only
interior window signs may be made of nonrigid (e.g., paper) material.
b. Temporary Signs shall be well maintained consistent with Section 19.22.030(H).
4. Illumination Prohibited. Temporary signs shall not be illuminated.
5. Sign Placement.
a. Temporary Signs are allowed on private property only subject to permission of the
property owner.
b. Temporary Signs shall not be placed in any public right-of-way except in
compliance with Section 19.22.120.
c. Temporary Signs shall only be placed where Permanent Signs are allowed.
6. Removal of Signs. Temporary Signs and their components shall be promptly removed at
the expiration of the Temporary Sign Permit.
C. Temporary Sign Standards for Non-Residential Zones. Temporary Signs in non-residential
zones (including Commercial, Downtown, Industrial, Public, and Quasi-Public Zones) are
allowed as provided in Table 22.07. The signs in Table 22.07 are allowed in any combination
unless otherwise noted in this Section; however, businesses shall not display more than three
Temporary Signs (excluding window signs) at any one time.
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III-19.22-34 Mar. 2020
Table 22.07
Temporary Sign Standards for Non-Residential Zones
Sign Type Maximum
Number
Maximum Sign
Area
Maximum Sign
Height Additional Requirements
b. Banner Signs 1 per business
frontage
30 sf or 10% of
business
frontage on
which banner
is placed,
whichever is
greater
N/A Section 19.22.080(D)(1)
For the purposes of calculating
allowed banner sign area, the
height of a business frontage shall
be eight feet regardless of existing
conditions
c. Yard Signs 1 per business
frontage
12 sf (lots < 1
acre)
6 ft (lots < 1
acre)
Section 19.22.080(D)(2)
1 sign per street
frontage
32 sf (lots ≥ 1
acre)
8 ft (lots ≥ 1
acre)
d. Inflatable Signs 1 per business
frontage
Per temporary
event permit
Per temporary
event permit
Section 19.22.080(D)(3)
e. Feather Signs and
Pennants
One flag per 20
linear feet of
street frontage
12 sf 10 ft Section 19.22.080(D)(4)
f. Portable Temporary Signs 1 per business
frontage
6 sf 6 ft Section 19.22.080(D)(5)
Permitted only in the Main Street
Overlay Zone
D. Standards by Temporary Sign Type.
1. Banner Signs and Pennants. Businesses and institutions may exhibit Banner Signs and/or
Pennants related to an activity or event having a specific duration, or the end of which is
related to a specific action.
a. Installation. Banner Signs and Pennants shall be affixed to a permanent structure or
fence (i.e., cannot be freestanding, such as mounted on temporary posts or affixed to
trees).
b. Duration. A Banner Sign or Pennant may be displayed for no longer than 90
consecutive days, twice per calendar year. A minimum of 30 days is required
between the two 90-day display periods.
c. Projection. Banner Signs and Pennants shall not project above the edge of the roof
of a structure.
d. Materials and Maintenance. Banner Signs and Pennants shall be professionally
crafted and well-maintained (not torn, bent, faded, or dirty). Banner Signs shall be
securely affixed at all corners.
2. Yard Signs. Businesses and institutions may exhibit Yard Signs related to an activity or
event having a specific duration, or the end of which is related to a specific action.
a. Setback. Yard Signs shall maintain a minimum one-foot setback from any property
line.
b. Location. Yard Signs shall be located outside of public rights-of-way, within a
landscaped area.
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c. Installation. Yard Signs shall be installed securely in the ground.
d. Duration. A Yard Sign may be displayed for no longer than 90 consecutive days,
twice per calendar year. A minimum of 30 days is required between the two 90-day
display periods.
3. Inflatable Signs. Businesses and institutions may exhibit Inflatable Signs related to a
temporary activity or event only for which a temporary event permit was approved.
a. Setback. Inflatable Signs shall maintain a minimum five-foot setback from any
property line.
b. Location. Inflatable Signs shall not be placed in the public right-of-way. Inflatable
Signs may be located on within required setbacks or elsewhere on the property.
c. Installation. Inflatable Signs shall be installed securely in the ground or affixed to a
structure.
d. Duration. Inflatable Signs may be displayed for no longer than 30 consecutive days,
no more than twice per rolling calendar year, and may not be displayed within 30
days following the prior activity or event for which an Inflatable Sign was displayed.
4. Feather Signs. Businesses and institutions may exhibit Feather Signs related to an activity
or event having a specific duration, or the end of which is related to a specific action.
a. Materials. Acceptable materials for Feather Signs include vinyl, nylon reinforced
vinyl, polyethylene or polyester-like materials, durable fabric or similar materials.
b. Location. Feather Signs shall not interfere with either pedestrian or vehicular sight
distance, any view corridor or obstruct views to any existing business or existing
permanent sign.
c. Duration. Feather Signs are permitted during the hours a business is open for
business and one-half hour before opening and one-half hour after closing. Feather
Signs shall be removed during hours when the establishment is not open to the public.
5. Portable Temporary Signs in Main Street Overlay Zone.
a. Location. A Portable Sign may be located on private property or in the public right-
of-way with an approved encroachment permit. Portable Signs are allowed in the
City right-of-way in the Main Street Overlay Zone with an Encroachment Permit,
provided the sign does not interfere with vehicular or pedestrian movement or
wheelchair access to, through, and around the parcel on which the sign is located, or
create traffic hazards. A minimum access width of four feet shall be maintained along
all sidewalks and building entrances accessible to the public.
b. Duration. Portable Signs are permitted during the hours a business is open for
business and one-half hour before opening and one-half hour after closing. Portable
Signs shall be removed during hours when the establishment is not open to the public.
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c. Materials and Maintenance. Portable Temporary Signs shall be professionally
crafted and constructed of durable, weather-resistant materials (not subject to damage
or fading from weather), and be of sufficient weight and durability to withstand wind
gusts, storms, etc.
d. Indemnification. The placement of a Portable Sign in the City right-of-way requires
the business, person, or entity responsible for placing the sign to indemnify and hold
harmless the City from any action or expense that may occur as a result of a Portable
Sign being located on any sidewalk or City right-of-way, satisfactory to the City
Attorney. The Encroachment Permit shall not be issued until the City Attorney has
determined that this requirement has been complied with. Portable Signs for any
business that fails to indemnify the City shall be deemed illegal, nonconforming, and
shall be removed.
6. Temporary Residential Subdivision Signs. Temporary Residential Subdivision Signs are
permitted in single-family residential zoning districts for each builder in a recorded
subdivision plat only in conjunction with a valid building permit. For the purposes of this
Subsection, a residential subdivision is defined as a housing project within a recorded tract
where five or more structures or dwelling units are concurrently undergoing construction.
a. Size. Temporary residential subdivision signs shall not exceed 100 square feet or two
square feet of sign area for each lot with a dwelling unit to a maximum of 200 square
feet. No single sign may be larger than 100 square feet and eight feet in height and
shall be set back at least 10 feet from any property line (or five feet if the sign area is
less than 32 square feet).
b. Separation. No temporary residential subdivision sign structure shall be located less
than 300 feet from an existing or previously approved temporary residential
subdivision sign structure, except in the case of signs on different corners of an
intersection.
c. Location. All temporary residential subdivision signs shall be placed on private
property with written consent of the property owner or on City right-of-way pursuant
to a City encroachment permit.
d. Location Plan. A temporary residential subdivision sign location plan shall be
prepared, showing the site of each sign, including any secondary signage, and shall
be approved by the Community and Economic Development Director prior to the
issuance of a Sign Permit. The placement of each temporary residential subdivision
sign structure shall be reviewed and approved by the Community and Economic
Development Director.
e. Additions. There shall be no additions, tag signs, streamers, devices, display boards,
or appurtenances, added to the temporary residential subdivision signs as originally
approved, and no other non-permitted signs, such as posters or trailer signs, may be
used.
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f. Removal. Temporary residential subdivision signs shall be removed when the
subdivision is sold out. The entity administering the program will be responsible for
removal of panels and structures no longer needed.
7. Temporary Signs during Elections and on Residential Property. See Section
19.22.020(C)(2) for regulations pertaining to Temporary Signs located on residential
property during elections and during times when a residential activity is occurring, such
as a yard sale or a property is advertised for sale, rent, or lease.
19.22.090 GENERAL ADVERTISING SIGNS (BILLBOARDS)
A. General Prohibition. General Advertising Signs (billboards) are prohibited in all zones unless
authorized by this Section in connection with the relocation of an existing legally established
nonconforming billboard or in connection with the conversion of an existing static (non-digital)
General Advertising Sign to digital General Advertising Sign.
B. Applicability. Any legal nonconforming General Advertising Sign may be considered as a
candidate for relocation approval. Such General Advertising Signs may be relocated to a new
site or relocated on the present site only in accordance with this Section.
C. Required Permits and Agreements.
1. Billboard Relocation/Conversion Agreement and Conditional Use Permit Required.
The relocation or conversion of existing static General Advertising Signs to digital
General Advertising Signs, or any modification to an existing General Advertising Sign,
shall be subject to an approved Billboard Relocation/Conversion Agreement and
Conditional Use Permit.
2. Billboard Relocation/Conversion Agreement Parameters. The Billboard
Relocation/Conversion Agreement shall include, but is not limited to, standards to
regulate the following: sign size, “air time” for public service announcements, and any
relocation or replacement provisions, and may include a revenue-sharing provision.
3. Lease or License Agreement. Construction and installation of General Advertising
Signs on property owned by the City of San Bernardino or its related agencies may be
accomplished by lease or license in lieu of a Billboard Relocation/Conversion
Agreement, and any reference to a development agreement in this Chapter shall include
leases or licenses on such properties.
D. Removal Requirement. In exchange for the right to locate one new replacement General
Advertising Sign at a new site, or to modify characteristics of an existing legally established
General Advertising Sign, such as sign area, height, and/or type, the following removal
requirements apply:
1. Existing Sign Removal Prior to New Sign Installation. Any existing legally
established General Advertising Sign shall be removed prior to the installation of an
authorized replacement General Advertising Sign.
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2. Number of Signs Required for Removal. Upon agreement between the sign owner and
the City, the sign owner shall abandon a minimum of six legally nonconforming static
General Advertising Sign faces and replace them with one new digital General
Advertising Sign face, subject to the provisions of this Chapter.
E. Replacement of General Advertising Signs on the Same Site Without Modifications. An
existing legally established General Advertising Sign may be replaced on the same site with
another General Advertising Sign as a “like-for-like” replacement (i.e., same size, height,
number of faces, and type).
F. Development Standards.
1. Location. A replacement or relocated General Advertising Sign shall be located on
either:
a. City-owned property; or
b. Property in the CG, CR, IL, or IH zones that is within 200 feet of the outer edge of
the I-10 freeway, I-215 freeway, and SR-210 freeway rights-of-way.
2. Size. The replacement sign area shall not exceed the sign area of the existing sign to be
replaced, and in no event shall a replacement sign contain greater than 672 square feet of
advertising sign area.
3. Static-Display Spacing Requirements. Spacing between static-display General
Advertising Signs shall be:
a. Up to 100 square feet of sign face: 300 linear feet
b. Up to 300 square feet of sign face: 400 linear feet
c. Up to 672 square feet of sign face: 600 linear feet
4. Digital Sign Spacing Requirements. Digital General Advertising Signs shall be placed
no closer than 1,000 feet from another Digital Sign (either general advertising or on-site)
on the same side of the freeway or street.
5. Height. The height of each digital General Advertising Sign shall be limited to 50 feet
above the grade of the adjacent street or freeway grade, as applicable, unless the applicant
can demonstrate by a flag test or other means approved by the Community and Economic
Development Director that clearly demonstrates greater height is needed for visibility.
6. Brightness. Digital General Advertising Signs shall comply with Section
19.22.070(B)(3).
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19.22.100 NONCONFORMING SIGNS
Any nonconforming sign in the City of San Bernardino is subject to the provisions of Chapter 19.62,
and the following:
A. Continuance and Maintenance. Nonconforming Signs that were legal when first installed,
and which have not been modified so as to become illegal, may be continued, except as
otherwise provided in this Section.
1. Nonconformity. Nonconforming Signs may be continued and shall be maintained in
good condition as required by Section 19.22.030(H), including reasonable and routine
maintenance and repairs, provided there is no expansion of any nonconformity with the
current requirements of this Chapter.
2. No Change to Physical Structure. Sign copy and face changes, nonstructural
modifications, and nonstructural maintenance (e.g., painting and rust removal) are
allowed so long as there is no alteration to the physical structure or support elements of
the sign.
3. Illegal Signs. A sign that did not conform to law existing at the time of its erection shall
be deemed an Illegal Sign and shall not be a Nonconforming Sign. The passage of time
does not cure illegality from the outset.
B. Alterations and Additions to Nonconforming Signs. No Nonconforming Sign shall be
moved, altered, or enlarged unless required by law or unless the moving, alteration, or
enlargement will result in the elimination or substantial reduction of the sign’s nonconforming
features, unless otherwise allowed by an approved Iconic Sign Permit.
C. Abandonment of Nonconforming Sign. Whenever a Nonconforming Sign has been
abandoned or the use of the property on which the sign is located has been discontinued for a
continuous period of 24 months, the Nonconforming Sign shall be removed as provided for in
State law and Section 19.22.110 of this Chapter.
D. Restoration of a Damaged Nonconforming Sign. Whenever a Nonconforming Sign that is
not an approved Iconic Sign is destroyed by any cause other than intentional vandalism, such
sign may be only be restored, reconstructed, altered, or repaired in conformance with the
provisions of this Chapter. Whenever a Nonconforming Sign that is an approved Iconic Sign is
destroyed by any cause, the Iconic Sign may be restored to display the pre-existing sign area,
and the nonconforming use of the sign may be resumed, provided that restoration is started
within one year of the date that the damage occurred, restoration is diligently pursued to
completion, and the height of the restored sign conforms to the standards of this Chapter.
E. Building Façade Modification. If a Development Permit is issued for modifications to the
exterior of a building façade, any nonconforming building signs on the façade undergoing
modification shall be brought into full conformance with the provisions of this Chapter prior to
approval for final occupancy.
F. Building Demolition. All Nonconforming Freestanding Signs shall be demolished or removed
when the building on which they are located or associated with is demolished.
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G. Iconic Signs. Signs with an approved Iconic Sign Permit are not subject to the requirements of
this Section 19.22.100, but shall comply with Section 19.22.060(E)(4).
H. Exceptions.
1. Business and Professions Code. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section,
this Section shall not apply to any sign that may not be removed pursuant to the
provisions of Business and Professions Code Section 5412.5 but only during the period
of time that Business and Professions Code Section 5412.5 remains in force and effect.
2. Nonconforming Sign Modification Permits. Notwithstanding any other provision of
this Section, any Nonconforming Sign that has not been abandoned and is
nonconforming only because of the zone in which it is located may apply for a
Nonconforming Sign Modification Permit.
19.22.110 ENFORCEMENT
A. General Enforcement Procedures. It shall be unlawful to erect, construct, enlarge, alter,
repair, display, or use a sign within the City of San Bernardino that is contrary to, or in
violation of, any provision of this Chapter. The requirements of this Chapter shall be enforced
in compliance with the applicable provisions of Chapter 19.46. In addition to any
administrative, criminal, nuisance, or other enforcement procedure, the City of San Bernardino
may withhold the issuance of Business Licenses, Building Permits, Grading Permits,
Certificates of Occupancy, and other land use entitlements and may issue stop work orders for
a development project failing to comply with the provisions of this Chapter.
B. Removal of Illegal Signs. Any Illegal Sign shall be removed by the property owner within 15 days
after notice via a Notice of Violation from the Community and Economic Development Department.
C. Abandoned Signs.
1. Public Nuisance. Any Abandoned Sign or Illegal Sign is hereby declared to be a danger to
the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of San Bernardino. Any sign which is partially
or wholly obscured by the growth of dry vegetation or weeds or by the presence of debris
or litter also presents a danger to the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of San
Bernardino. Any such sign as set forth herein is hereby deemed to be a public nuisance.
2. Removal. Any Abandoned Sign deemed to be a public nuisance shall be removed by the
property owner within 30 days after notice via a Notice of Violation from the Community
and Economic Development Department.
D. Illegal and Abandoned Sign Appeals. Within the 15 days after a Notice of Violation from the
Community and Economic Development Department is mailed, the property owner may
request a hearing before the Hearing Officer on the illegal sign determination in compliance
with the provisions of Chapter 9.94. The appeal shall be granted or the decision modified if
facts or circumstances disprove the existence of an Illegal Sign. If no hearing is requested, if
the appeal has been denied, and/or there is no correction to the violation, the Community and
Economic Development Department will abate the violation. Costs of such abatement may be
assessed against the property, using the procedures established in Chapter 8.30.
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19.22.120 SIGNS ON PUBLIC PROPERTY
A. Intent as to Public Forum. As it relates to the placing of signage on public property, the City
declares its intent that all public property in the City shall not function as a designated public
forum, unless some specific portion of public property is designated herein as a public forum of
one particular type. In such case, the declaration as to public forum type shall apply strictly and
only to the specified area and the specified time period, if any.
B. Private Party Signs Generally Banned. Except as expressly allowed by a provision of this
Chapter, or another provision of law, private parties may not display or post signs on public
property or in the public right-of-way.
C. Signs That Are Exempt from the General Ban. The following signs are exempted from the
general ban:
1. Traffic control and traffic directional signs erected by a governmental unit
2. Official notices required by law
3. Signs placed by the City
4. Signs that have received an encroachment permit and are located in the Main Street
Overlay Zone
D. Authorized Signs on Public Properties and Structures. Private advertising signs may be
placed on structures in the public right-of-way, such as bus shelters, if there is a licensing
agreement approved by the Mayor and City Council authorizing such General Advertising
Signs on public property. An application for a Sign Permit must be approved prior to the
construction of General Advertising Signs on public property, and the applicant and the owner
of the sign shall comply with the provisions of Section 19.22.030(F) and Section 19.22.030(H).
E. Temporary Political, Religious, Labor Protest and Other Noncommercial Signs in
Traditional Public Forum Areas. In areas qualifying as traditional public forums, such as
streets, parks and sidewalks, persons may display noncommercial message signs thereon,
provided that their sign displayed on public property conforms to all of the following:
1. Personally Attended. The signs must be personally held by a person or personally
attended by one or more persons. "Personally attended" means that a person is physically
present within 15 feet of the sign at all times.
2. Size.
a. The maximum aggregate size of all signs held by a single person is 12 square feet.
b. The maximum size of any one sign which is personally attended by two or more
persons is 50 square feet.
3. Balloons. The displayed signs may not be inflatable or air activated.
SIGN REGULATIONS – 19.22
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4. Pedestrian and Vehicle Clearance. In order to serve the City’s interests in traffic flow
and safety, persons displaying signs under this Section may not stand in any vehicular
traffic lane when a roadway is open for use by vehicles, and persons displaying signs on
public sidewalks must give clearance for pedestrians to pass by.
F. Enforcement. Any sign posted on public property or the public right-of-way in violation of the
provisions of this Chapter is declared to be a trespass and a public nuisance, may be summarily
removed by the City of San Bernardino without notice, and the persons or parties responsible
for such unauthorized posting may be charged with the City of San Bernardino’s actual costs of
removal. In addition, any violation of this Chapter may be enforced or punished in any manner
prescribed by law, including the applicable provisions of Chapter 19.46.
G. Encroachment. Any sign proposed to project into the public right-of-way, or into public
property, shall require an encroachment permit.
H. Street Banner Permit. Refer to Chapter 16.16.
19.22.130 DEFINITIONS
For purposes of this Chapter, the following definitions shall apply:
A-Frame Sign: A Freestanding Portable Sign usually hinged at the top, or attached in a similar
manner, and widening at the bottom to form a shape similar to the letter “A”, and which is readily
movable and not permanently attached to the ground or any structure. May also be referred to as a
sandwich board sign. Other variations of such signage may also be in the shape of the letter T
(inverted) or the letter H.
Abandoned Sign: Any lawfully erected sign, sign structure, advertising structure, or display that is
not operated or maintained for a period of two years or longer. The following conditions shall be
considered as the failure to operate or maintain a sign: (1) the sign displays advertising for a product
of service that is no longer available; (2) the sign displays advertising for a business that is no longer
licensed; (3) the sign advertises a business that is no longer doing business on the parcel where the
sign is located; (4) the sign has a purpose for which the purpose has lapsed; or (3) the sign is blank.
An Abandoned Sign is deemed to be a public nuisance.
Alter; Alteration: Any change in the weight, depth, height, area, thickness, materials, location, or
type of display of an existing sign but shall not be construed to prevent normal or periodic
maintenance, upkeep, or repair of a sign or change of copy (e.g., repainting).
Awning Sign: Any sign that is painted or
applied to the face, valance, or side panel
of a projecting structure consisting of a
frame and a material covering, attached to
and wholly supported by a building wall
and installed over and partially in front of
doors, windows, or other openings in a
building.
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Balloon: See “Inflatable Sign.”
Banner Sign or Banner: A
temporary sign composed of cloth,
canvas, plastic, fabric, or similar
lightweight, non-rigid material that
can be mounted to a structure with
cord, rope, cable, or a similar method.
This sign type does not include flags
(see “Flags”).
Bench Sign: A temporary sign message located on the seat or backrest of a bench or seat placed on
or adjacent to a public right-of-way.
Billboard: See “General Advertising Sign.”
Blade Sign: See “Projecting Sign.”
Building Façade: An exterior side of a building, generally set facing a street. Refers to the side of a
building to which a sign is attached.
Building-Mounted Sign: A sign that is applied or attached to a building. See “Wall Sign.”
Business Frontage: See “Frontage, Business.”
Cabinet Sign: A type of sign that contains all the text and/or logo symbols within a single enclosed
cabinet that is mounted to a wall or other surface. Such sign structures typically use slide-in panels to
display the message to the public.
Canopy: A permanent roof-like structure of rigid materials extending from the main entrance of a
structure and is typically supported by posts at the corners farthest from where the canopy attaches to
the structure. See also “Awning.”
Canopy, Service Station: A roof-like structure, typically consisting of supporting columns, at a
service station that covers the service islands and surrounding fueling area.
Canopy Sign: A sign that meets any one or more of these criteria: (1) a sign mounted on a
permanent canopy; (2) a traditional industry term for the variable message portion of a Canopy Sign;
and/or (3) an integral sign and permanent canopy. See Figure 22.08.
Change of Copy: Changing of the face or letters on a sign.
Changeable Copy: Sign copy designed to be used with removable graphics which will allow
changing of copy.
Channel Letters. Three-dimensional individual letters or figures, with an open back or front,
illuminated or non-illuminated, that are affixed to a building or to a Freestanding Sign structure.
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Commercial Message: Message concerning primarily a proposed economic transaction or the
economic interests of the sign sponsor or audience.
Commercial Mascot: A person or animal attired or decorated with commercial insignia, images,
costumes, masks or symbols, and/or holding signs displaying commercial messages, when the
principal purpose is to draw attention to or advertise a commercial enterprise. This definition
includes “sign twirlers,” “sign clowns,” “sign spinners,” “sign twirlers” and “human sandwich
board” signs. Also known as “living signs” and “human signs.” “Scarecrow” like devices, which
simulate living persons or animals, are also included in this definition.
Conforming Sign: A sign that is legally installed in accordance with federal, state, and local permit
requirements and laws.
Content Neutral Time, Place, and Manner Regulations: Consistently applicable, non-
discriminatory sign regulations that specify—without reference to the content of the message—
when, how, and where a sign can be displayed, with physical standards such as but not limited to
height, size, and location, that allow the sign to be readable.
Contrast: The difference or degree of difference between things having similar or comparable
natures, such as light and dark areas, colors, or typefaces.
Copy: The message or content of a sign, which may include letters, numbers, figures, and/or images.
Digital Sign: A variable message sign that utilizes computer-generated messages or some other
electronic means of changing copy. These signs generally include displays using LEDs (light
emitting diodes), CCDs (charge coupled devices), plasma, or functionally equivalent technologies to
display a series of still images or full motion, usually remotely programmable and changeable. Also
known as “electronic message centers.”
Display Area: See “Sign Area.”
Display, Digital: The sign area portion of a Digital Sign, as defined in this Chapter.
Display, Static: The sign area portion of a non-digital sign, where there is no electronic means of
changing copy.
Double-Sided Sign: A sign constructed to display its message on two parallel opposing (back-to-
back) faces.
Driveway/Onsite Traffic Directional Sign: A sign located adjacent to a pedestrian or vehicle travel
way that is internal to a site or complex, intended to provide orientation and safety assistance.
Electronic Message Center: See “Digital Sign.”
Electric Sign: Any sign containing or using electrical wiring.
Externally Illuminated Sign: A sign that is illuminated by a light source that is located on the
exterior of the sign or nearby and directed toward, and shines on the face of a sign.
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Eave Line: The bottom of the roof eave or parapet.
Face: The surface area on a sign where advertising copy is displayed.
Feather Sign: A Temporary Sign constructed of cloth,
canvas, plastic fabric, or similar lightweight, non-rigid
material, typically taller than it is longer, and supported by
a single vertical pole mounted into the ground or on a
portable structure. This sign type does not include flags
(see “Flags”).
Flag: A fabric sheet of square, rectangular, or triangular shape that is mounted on a pole. This sign
type includes official flags of national, state, or local governments. This sign type does not include
feather signs (see “Feather Sign”), Banners (see “Banners”), or Pennants (see “Pennants”).
Flashing Sign: A sign that contains an intermittent or sequential flashing light source. Generally, the
sign’s message is constantly repeated, and the sign is most often used as a primary attention-getting
device.
Freestanding Sign: A sign that is supported by one or more uprights, braces, poles, or other similar
structural components that is not attached to a building or buildings.
Freeway: The Interstate 10 (I-10), Interstate 215 (I-215), Interstate 210 (I-210), State Route 330
(SR- 330), and State Route 259 (SR-259) rights-of-way within the boundaries of the City of San
Bernardino.
Freeway-Oriented Sign: Any sign either freestanding or mounted to the primary wall(s) or façade
of a building facing the freeway with no other building located in the visibility window between the
subject building and the freeway.
Frontage, Building. That portion of a face of a building or length of a lot that is parallel to, or is at a
near parallel angle to a public street or public parking area. For a building on a corner lot, the
combined lengths of the sides of the building abutting or generally parallel to the front and corner
side lot lines. See Also “Frontage, Primary” and “Frontage, Secondary.”
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Frontage, Primary. That face of a building that is the longest elevation if user is facing the street,
and/or the elevation where the principal entrance is located. See Figure 22.05.
Frontage, Secondary. Where a property has two or more street frontages, that face of a building that
is not the longest elevation if user is facing the street, and/or the elevation parallel to a public street or
parking lot where secondary entrance(s) are located. See Figure 22.05.
Frontage, Business: The width of a building occupied by a single business tenant that fronts on a
public street or faces a plaza, courtyard, pedestrian corridor or walkway, parking lot, or alley, where
customer access to the building is available. Width is measured as the widest point on an
architectural elevation.
Frontage, Lot. That part of a lot or parcel abutting a street.
Frontage, Street. The total length of all lot lines abutting streets.
Ft. Abbreviation of feet.
General Advertising: The enterprise of advertising or promoting other businesses or causes, in
contrast to self-promotion or on-site advertising; also known as “advertising for hire.” See “General
Advertising Sign.”
General Advertising Sign: A Permanent Sign in a fixed position that meets any one or more of
these criteria: 1) the sign is routinely used for general advertising for hire; 2) the sign is used to
display commercial advertising for a business not located on the same premises as the sign; 3) the
sign is a separate economic unit, not an accessory or auxiliary use serving the principal use on the
land; and/or 4) the message display area is made available to message sponsors other than the owner.
“General Advertising Sign” does not include “Freeway Signs.” “General Advertising Sign” may also
be referred to as “Billboard” or “Outdoor Advertising Sign” in other Sections of the Municipal Code.
See also “Digital Sign.”
General Advertising Sign, Mobile: Any sign or device placed on, mounted on, or affixed to a
motor vehicle, freight, flatbed or storage trailer, or other conveyance. Mobile General Advertising
Signs shall not include signs wrapped on a vehicle actively being used to load, transport or unload
persons, goods, or services in the normal course of business.
Height, Sign: The greatest vertical distance measured from the existing grade at the mid-point of the
sign support(s) that intersect the ground to the highest element of the sign as described in Section
19.22.030(L)(1), unless otherwise specified in this Chapter.
Iconic Sign: Any sign that has been officially designated as an Iconic Sign pursuant to Section
19.22.060(E), due to its historic or cultural significance.
Illegal Sign: A sign that meets any one or more of these criteria: 1) a sign erected without first
complying with all ordinances and regulations in effect at the time of its construction and erection or
use; 2) a sign which is a danger to the public or is unsafe; 3) a sign which is a traffic hazard not
created by relocation of streets or highways or by acts of the City or County; and/or 4) a sign that is a
public nuisance as defined under Chapter 8.30.
SIGN REGULATIONS – 19.22
III-19.22-47 Mar. 2020
Illuminated: Signs or individual letters in which an artificial source of light is used to make the
message readable and includes both internally and externally lit signs.
In: Abbreviation of inches.
Inflatable Sign: A sign that is an air-inflated object such as a balloon, which may be of various
shapes, made of flexible fabric, resting on the ground or a structure, and either filled with or helium
gas or equipped with a portable blower motor that provides a constant flow of air into the device.
Internally Illuminated Sign: A sign that is illuminated by a light source contained inside the sign.
LED: Light Emitting Diode.
Legal Nonconforming Sign: A legally established sign which fails to conform to the regulations of
this Chapter.
Legibility: The characteristics of letters, numbers, graphics, or symbols that make it possible to
differentiate one from the other.
Lifestyle Graphic: An advertising display applied directly onto the exterior surface or window of a
building which does not include words but does advertise the products or services located on
premise. Painting directly onto the surface is the most common application method; however, a
painted or printed vinyl substrate can also be applied to a wall surface, depending on the location.
Logo: An established identifying symbol or mark associated with a business or business entity.
Luminance: The perceived brightness of an illuminated sign, measured in foot-candles above the
ambient light level.
Major Neighborhood Entrance: An area proximate to the intersection of two streets, which creates
the primary entryway(s) into a neighborhood officially recognized by the City of San Bernardino.
Major Tenant: A shopping center key tenant(s), which serves to attract customers to the center
through its size, product line, name, and/or reputation as determined by the center property
owner/authorized property management. The term anchor tenant is interchangeable with the term
major tenant.
Mansard: A decorative fascia used to hide
equipment or articles on the roof or to enhance
the storefront appearance.
Marquee: See “Canopy.”
Marquee Sign: See “Canopy Sign.”
SIGN REGULATIONS – 19.22
III-19.22-48 Mar. 2020
Menu Board: A permanently installed sign with changeable copy (digital or manual) for the purpose
of providing product and/or service information for drive-through service at a business where
customers remain seated in a vehicle occupying a drive-through service lane.
Message: See “Copy.”
Mobile General Advertising Sign: An advertising display that is attached to a vehicle or any other
mobile, non-motorized device, conveyance, or bicycle that carries, pulls, or transports a sign or
billboard and traverses the public streets or is located in a parking area and is for the primary purpose
of advertising or attracting attention.
Monument Sign: A freestanding ground sign with low overall height and
the appearance of having a solid base. See “Freestanding Sign.”
Mural: A picture or decoration that is applied directly to a wall, does not contain a commercial
message (e.g., business logo or images of items for sale), and does not have any electrical or
mechanical components. A mural is distinguishable from graffiti (see Chapter 8.69) based on the
property owner’s permission to paint or affix the mural onto the property.
Neon Sign: A sign illuminated by or utilizing neon tubing, and/or related inert gases, or products that
produce the same or similar effect as neon, such as flexible light-emitting diode (LED) neon-like
tubing which is visible to the viewer.
Non-commercial Message: Debate or commentary on topics of public concern, for example,
politics, religion, philosophy, science, art.
Nonconforming Sign: Any Permanent Sign or Temporary Sign, including its physical structure and
supporting elements, which was lawfully erected and maintained in compliance with all applicable
laws in effect at the time of original installation, but which does not now comply with the provisions
of this Chapter 19.22.
Off-Premise Sign: Any sign which advertises or informs in any manner businesses, services, or
events at some location other than that upon which the sign is located, including Commercial
Mascots.
On-Premise Sign: A communication device whose message and design relates to a business, an
event, goods, profession or service being conducted, sold or offered at the location where the sign is
erected. All non-commercial signs are considered on-premise signs.
Painted Wall Sign: A sign painted directly on a building surface.
Parapet: A wall-like barrier at the edge of a roof or structure.
Pedestal Sign. See “Pylon Sign.”
SIGN REGULATIONS – 19.22
III-19.22-49 Mar. 2020
Pennant: A triangular or irregular piece of fabric or other material, whether or not containing a
message of any kind, commonly attached by strings or strands intended to flap in the wind. This sign
type does not include flags (see “Flag”).
People Sign: See “Commercial Mascot.”
Permanent Sign: A sign constructed of durable materials and attached to a building, structure or the
ground in a manner that will resist environmental loads such as wind, and precludes ready removal or
movement of the sign, and intended to exist for the duration of time that the use or occupant is
located on the premises.
Placed: Erected, constructed, posted, painted, printed, tacked, glued, carved, or otherwise fastened,
affixed or made visible in any manner.
Planning Commission: The Planning Commission of the City of San Bernardino.
Pole Sign: An elevated Freestanding Sign that is supported by one or more exposed
poles that are permanently attached directly into or upon the ground.
Portable Sign: A sign that is not permanently affixed to a structure or the ground.
Portable Signs generally include A-Frame structures or similar low profile signs. This
definition does not include Feather Signs.
Projecting Sign: A building-mounted sign with faces projecting
from and perpendicular to the building fascia.
Public Property: An area that is accessible to any member of the
public. Includes land or other property in which the City of San
Bernardino holds a present right of possession and control, city
road easements, and all public rights-of-way, regardless of
ownership.
Public Nuisance: A sign, sign structure or advertising structure that meets any one or more of these
criteria: 1) an attractive nuisance as defined under Municipal Code Section 8.30.015 or a nuisance
declared under Section 8.30.020; 2) an abandoned sign as defined in Section 19.22.130; and/or 3) an
illegal sign as defined in Section 19.22.130.
Pylon Sign: A Freestanding Sign that is supported and in direct contact with the ground or one or
more solid, monumental structures or pylons and which typically has a sign face with a vertical
dimension that is greater than its horizontal dimension. See Figure 22.09.
Regional Shopping Center: A shopping center with a gross site area of 20 acres or more.
Commercial areas of a regional nature and auto malls may also be considered a regional shopping
center for the purposes of this Chapter, subject to approval of a Sign Program.
SIGN REGULATIONS – 19.22
III-19.22-50 Mar. 2020
Responsible Party. The person liable for placement of a sign. The following is a non-exclusive list
of facts which when found to exist, shall constitute prima facie evidence that a person is a responsible
party:
A. Based on information contained on the sign, and information from other sources, the
person is identified as the owner or lessee of property used for the activity or event,
and/or is the sponsor or promoter of the activity or event described on the sign.
B. Based on information that appears on the sign, and information from other sources,
including but not limited to information establishing the individual or corporate identity
of the owner of the sign, it is found that the person placed the sign or caused the sign to
be placed.
Review Authority: The individual or official City body (e.g., Economic and Community and
Economic Development Director, Planning Commission, City Council) identified by this Chapter as
having the responsibility and authority to review, approve, and deny a permit application. May also
be referred to as “Responsible Review Authority.”
Roof Sign: A sign erected, constructed, or placed upon or over a roof of a building, including a
mansard roof, and which is wholly or partly supported by such buildings.
Sign: A structure, device, figure, display, message placard or other contrivance, or any part thereof,
situated outdoors or indoors, which is designed, constructed, intended, or used to advertise, provide
information in the nature of advertising, provide historical, cultural, archaeological, or social
information, or direct or attract attention to an object, person, institution, business, product, service,
event, policy, or location by any means, including words, letters, figures, designs, symbols, fixtures,
colors, illumination, or projected images. The following do not fall within the definition of a sign for
the purposes of this Chapter.
A. Architectural or decorative features of buildings (not including lettering, trademarks, or
moving parts).
B. Graphic images that are visible only from above, such as those visible only from
airplanes or helicopters, but only if not visible from the street surface or public right-of-
way.
C. Gravestones and grave markers.
D. Holiday and cultural observance decorations that are on display for not more than 45
calendar days per year (per parcel or use) and which do not include commercial
advertising messages.
E. Manufacturers' marks on tangible products that identify the maker, seller, provider, or
product and which customarily remain attached to the product even after sale.
F. Murals, painted or otherwise attached or adhered, with images or representation on the
exterior of a structure that are visible from a public right-of-way or neighboring property;
do not contain commercial advertisement (is noncommercial in nature); and are designed
in a manner so as to serve as public art, enhance public space, and provide inspiration.
SIGN REGULATIONS – 19.22
III-19.22-51 Mar. 2020
G. Colored or illuminated elements that contain no lettering, numbers, trademarks, or logos,
and are located on a wall or canopy.
H. News racks and newsstands.
I. Merchandise on display and available for immediate purchase.
J. Shopping carts.
K. Symbols embedded in architecture such as symbols of noncommercial organizations or
concepts including, but not limited to, religious or political symbols, when such are
permanently integrated into the structure of a building; the definition also includes
foundation stones and cornerstones.
L. Vehicle and vessel insignia as shown on street-legal vehicles and properly licensed
watercraft including, but not limited to, license plates, license plate frames, registration
insignia, noncommercial messages, messages relating to the business of which the
vehicle or vessel is an instrument or tool (not including general advertising for hire), and
messages relating to the proposed sale, lease, or exchange of the vehicle or vessel.
M. Vending machines that do not display off-site commercial messages or general
advertising messages.
Sign Area: See Section 19.22.030(L) (Rules for Sign Measurement), for specific rules for measuring
the area of different sign types.
Sign Band: A horizontal area above the entrances to a multiple tenant building, architecturally
designed to accommodate signage in a sign-centric manner.
Sign Budget: The total allowable sign area of all signs, including awning/canopy, driveway,
monument/pylon, projecting, and wall signs, in a development using a Comprehensive Sign
Program. Exempt and temporary signs are not included in the calculation of total allowable sign area.
Sign Copy: All portions of a sign displaying a message, including text and symbols, but not
including the supporting structure or base of a sign.
Sign Face: The area of a sign on which copy is intended to be placed.
Sign Program: A coordinated design plan of one or more signs for an individual business, a multiple
tenant business center, or other site that specifies the number, size, description, and location of all
signs located or to be located on the parcel or business site.
Sign Twirler: See “Commercial Mascot.”
Sf: Abbreviation of square feet.
Single Face Sign: A sign with only one face plane.
SIGN REGULATIONS – 19.22
III-19.22-52 Mar. 2020
Statuary Sign: Any sign which is a three-dimensional, sculptured, or molded representation of an
animate or inanimate object that identifies, advertises, or otherwise directs attention to a product or
business, but not including a three-dimensional sign that is affixed to a building.
Street Banner: A street banner is defined as a banner extended over a public street or other public
property, either on an established bridge or independently suspended.
Street Frontage: The portion of the building or property which faces or abuts a street(s).
Support Structure: The structural portion of a sign securing the sign to the ground, a building, or to
another structure.
Suspended Sign: A sign that is suspended from the underside of an
eave, canopy, awning, arcade, or other covered walkway.
Temporary Sign: A sign that is intended to be displayed for a
definite and limited period of time and which is not permanently
installed, affixed or maintained on a building or structure.
Trademark: A word or name which, with a distinctive type or letter
style, is associated with a business or business entity in the conduct of
business.
Visibility: The quality of a letter, number, graphic, or symbol which
enables the observer to distinguish it from its surrounds or
background.
Wall Sign: A sign painted on or attached to the exterior wall of a building or structure with the
display surface of the sign approximately parallel to the building or structure wall.
Wayfinding: Signage that enables a person to find his or her way to a given destination through the
use of effective signage.
Width, Sign: The measurement of a sign or base of a sign at its full extent from side to side.
Window Area: The area within the perimeter window frames and glass doors located on a business
frontage or street frontage.
Window Sign: Any sign that is applied or attached to a window or located in such a manner that it
can be seen from the exterior of the structure.
Yard Sign: Any temporary sign placed in
the ground or attached to a supporting
structure, posts, or poles, that is not
attached to any building, not including
banners.
PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS – 19.20
III-19.20-1 Mar. 2020
ARTICLE III – GENERAL
CHAPTER 19.20
PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
Section Page
19.20.010 Purpose ............................................................................................................. III-19.20-1
19.20.020 Applicability .................................................................................................... III-19.20-1
19.20.030 General Standards ............................................................................................ III-19.20-1
Tables
20.01 Fences, Walls, Hedges Height and Type Limits ........................................... III-19.20-8
19.20.010 PURPOSE
These standards shall ensure that new or modified uses and development will produce an urban
environment of stable, desirable character which is harmonious with the existing and future
development, consistent with the General Plan.
19.20.020 APPLICABILITY
Any permit which authorizes new construction or modifications to an existing structure in excess of
25% of the structure floor area shall be subject to the standards set forth in this Chapter.
19.20.030 GENERAL STANDARDS
No permit shall be approved unless it conforms to all of the following standards set forth in this Chapter:
1.Access 16.Odor
2.Additional Height Restrictions 17.Projections into Setbacks
3.Antennae, Satellite Dish and 18.Public Street Improvements
Telecommunications Facilities 19.Radioactivity or Electrical Disturbance
4.Design Considerations 20.Refuse Storage/Disposal
5.Dust and Dirt 21.Screening
6.Environmental Resources/Constraints 22.Signs, Off-Street Parking, Off-Street
7.Exterior Building/Structure Walls Loading, and Landscaping
8.Fences and Walls 23.Solar Energy Design Standards
9.Fire Protection 24.Storage
10.Fumes, Vapor, and Gases 25.Toxic Substances and Wastes
11.Glare 26.Traffic Safety Sight Area
12.Hazardous Materials 27.Transportation Control Measures (TCM)
13.Height Determination (Buildings and Structures) 28. Undergrounding of Utilities
14.Lighting 29.Vibration
15.Noise
(MC 890 1/20/94; MC 1056 10/8/99)
EXHIBIT B
PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS – 19.20
III-19.20-2 Mar. 2020
These standards apply to more than one zone, and therefore, are combined in this Chapter. Also,
these standards are to be considered in conjunction with those standards and design guidelines
located in the specific land use district chapters.
1. ACCESS
Every structure or use shall have frontage upon a public street or permanent means of access to
a public street by way of a public or private easement, or recorded reciprocal access agreement.
2. ADDITIONAL HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS
Where the maximum permitted height of a new structure exceeds 35 feet, the following
provisions shall apply:
A. Enhanced buffering to surround properties and the appropriateness of understructure
parking shall be evaluated.
B. A visual analysis relating structure proportions, massing, height and setback shall be
conducted to preserve and enhance the scenic viewshed.
C. The need and appropriateness of the additional height shall be demonstrated.
D. Compatibility and harmony with surrounding development, and land use designations
shall be demonstrated.
E. Above 35 feet, additional structural setbacks (step back) may be required.
3. ANTENNAS, SATELLITE DISHES AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES
All antennas, telecommunications facilities, (monopoles) and satellite dishes shall be installed in
the following manner, subject to the appropriate entitlement: (MC 1090 11/20/00; MC 1237 1/8/07)
A. EXEMPTIONS
The following installations in residential districts are exempt from the provisions of this
section:
1. The installation of one (1) ground mounted satellite dish antenna in the rear yard
which is less than 10.5 feet in diameter and less than 12 feet in height;
2. One (1) satellite dish antenna which is less than 24 inches in diameter may be
installed on a building provided that such antenna does not extend above the
eaveline of said building;
3. Residential single-pole or tower roof or ground mounted television, or amateur
radio antennas where the boom of any active element of the array is 30 feet or less
and the height does not exceed 75 feet.
PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS – 19.20
III-19.20-3 Mar. 2020
B. DIRECTOR REVIEW
The following shall be reviewed by the Director, subject to a Development Permit:
1. Antennas up to a maximum of 15 feet in height that are mounted on a building or
rooftop and that are screened from view from all adjacent public rights-of-way.
2. Antennas that are architecturally integrated with a building or structure so as not to
be recognized as an antenna, such as clock towers, carillon towers and signs.
3. Antennas mounted on other existing structures including, but not limited to, water
tanks, pump stations, utility poles, ball field lighting where antenna height does not
exceed structure height.
4. Co-location of existing equipment on an existing City-approved support structure.
5. Modification of existing telecommunications facilities where the physical area of the
reconfigured or altered antenna shall not exceed 15 percent of the original approval:
a. Three (3) or more additional whip antenna (15 feet maximum height);
b. The reconfiguration or alteration of existing antenna on a single support
structure;
c. Additional dishes up to 4 feet in diameter;
d. Increased height of an existing antenna up to 75 feet.
6. Stand-alone monopoles camouflaged as palm trees, pine trees or other natural
objects, within a grouping of similar natural objects.
C. PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW
The following shall be reviewed by the Planning Commission, subject to a Conditional
Use Permit:
1. Increased height of an existing, approved antenna that exceeds 75 feet in height.
2. New stand-alone monopoles that exceed 75 feet in height.
3. New ground mounted, uncamouflaged monopoles up to 75 feet in height.
4. All other wireless communication facilities, including lattice towers.
5. Placement of an antenna on any building not screened from public view.
6. On residentially designated property that is developed with a legal non-residential
use (e.g., school, church, etc.).
7. Placement of a monopole or antenna (except as provided above) located within 75
feet from a property designated residential, or within 75 feet from an existing
residence. (MC 1237 1/8/07)
PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS – 19.20
III-19.20-4 Mar. 2020
D. DEVELOPMENT AND DESIGN STANDARDS
1. The antenna, support structure and associated equipment shall not be located within
any residential land use district except as provided by Section 19.20.030(3)(A) and
19.20.030(3)(C)(6).
2. A maximum of one (1) satellite dish antenna shall be permitted per lot except retail
locations selling and displaying satellite dish antennas and/or televisions may have
more than one (1) such antenna.
3. No part of any satellite dish antenna shall be located within a required front yard,
side yard, or on the street side of a corner lot.
4. No part of any satellite dish antenna shall be located within three (3) feet of any
property line.
5. No part of any monopole shall be located within ten (10) feet of any property line.
(MC 1237 1/8/07)
6. Associated equipment shall be located within a completely enclosed structure or
otherwise screened from view. Equipment shelter buildings shall be architecturally
compatible with existing buildings on the site, as well as the surrounding properties,
and shall be subject to the architectural Design Guidelines of the Development
Code. Design features include, but are not limited to, split-face concrete block,
slump stone, faux roof with pitch, etc. (MC 1237 1/8/07)
7. Fencing shall be wrought iron or similar decorative material and shall be consistent
with the provisions of Section 19.20.030(8). Prohibited fencing includes chain link,
razor wire and barbed wire. (MC 1237 1/8/07)
8. The antennae shall be sited to assure compatibility with surrounding development
and not adversely impact the neighborhood.
9. Antennas and support equipment shall be sited to minimize views from the public
rights-of-way. Landscaping may be required to screen the tower, equipment
buildings or support structures from view. (MC 1237 1/8/07)
10. If an antenna is attached or integrated into a building, it shall be painted to match
the color of the building and/or covered with similar materials, subject to approval
of the Director.
11. If not camouflaged, antenna and monopoles shall be a single, non-glossy color
(e.g., off-white, cream, beige, green, black, or gray).
12. Antenna structures shall conform to Federal Aviation Administration regulation
AC70/7460 latest edition. This may include beacons, sidelights and/or strobes.
PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS – 19.20
III-19.20-5 Mar. 2020
13. The operation of the antennae shall not cause interference with any electrical
equipment in the surrounding neighborhoods (e.g., television, radio, telephone,
computer, inclusive of the City’s trunked 800MHz public safety radio system, etc.)
unless exempted by Federal regulation.
14. A support structure may be required to be adequately designed for a co-location on
another company’s equipment, of no more than two companies. If co-location is
proposed, the application shall be reviewed by the Director, subject to a
Development Permit.
15. Camouflaged monopoles shall have heavy-density branch coverage per the
manufacturer’s specifications (e.g., a minimum of 60 palm fronds or a minimum of
100 pine branches). Antennae shall be painted to match the structure or
camouflaged with an approved concealment. A minimum of one-half of the length
of the monopole shall be covered with a simulated bark cladding.
(MC 1237 1/8/07)
4. DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
The following standards are in addition to the specific design guidelines contained in the
individual zones:
A. The proposed development shall be of a quality and character which is consistent with
the community design goals and policies including but not limited to scale, height, bulk,
materials, cohesiveness, colors, roof pitch, roof eaves and the preservation of privacy.
B. The design shall improve community appearance by avoiding excessive variety and
monotonous repetition.
C. Proposed signage and landscaping shall be an integral architectural feature which does
not overwhelm or dominate the structure or property.
D. Lighting shall be stationary and deflected away from all adjacent properties and public
streets and rights-of-way.
E. Mechanical equipment, storage, trash areas, and utilities shall be architecturally screened
from public view.
F. With the intent of protecting sensitive land uses, the proposed design shall promote a
harmonious and compatible transition in terms of scale and character between areas of
different land uses.
G. Parking structures shall be architecturally compatible with the primary and surrounding
structures.
H. Nearly vertical roofs (A-frames) and piecemeal mansard roofs (used on a portion of the
structure perimeter only) are prohibited. Mansard roofs, if utilized on commercial
structures, shall wrap around the entire structure perimeter.
PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS – 19.20
III-19.20-6 Mar. 2020
5. DUST AND DIRT
In addition to the provisions of Section 19.30.040 (Grading), all land use activities (e.g.
construction, grading, and agriculture) shall be conducted so as not to create any measurable
amount of dust or dirt emission beyond any boundary line of the parcel. To ensure a dust free
environment, appropriate grading procedures shall include, but are not limited to, the
following:
A. Schedule all grading activities to ensure that repeated grading will not be required, and
that implementation of the desired land use (e.g. planting, paving or construction) will
occur as soon as possible after grading.
B. Disturb as little native vegetation as possible.
C. Water graded areas as often as necessary to prevent blowing dust or dirt, hydroseeding
with temporary irrigation, adding a dust palliative, and/or building wind fences.
D. Revegetate graded areas as soon as possible.
E. Construct appropriate walls or fences to contain the dust and dirt within the parcel subject
to the approval of the City Engineer.
6. ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES/CONSTRAINTS
All development proposals shall be evaluated in compliance with the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA) and all General Plan environmental policies including, but not limited to,
biological resource management areas, riparian corridors; rare, threatened and/or endangered
species; air quality; mineral resources; archaeological resources; high wind areas; and, geologic
hazards. Development within 50 feet of a riparian corridor may be prohibited or restricted, and
structures within 50 feet of an active or potentially active fault shall be prohibited.
Development within these areas shall be subject to the submittal of appropriate report(s)
prepared by qualified professionals which address the impacts of the proposed project; the
identification of mitigation measures necessary to eliminate the significant adverse impacts;
and, the provision of a program for monitoring, evaluating the effectiveness of, and insuring the
adequacy of the specified mitigation measures.
7. EXTERIOR BUILDING/STRUCTURE WALLS
The following standards shall apply to all exterior building/structure wall construction:
A. Since walls will always be a main architectural and visual feature in any major
development, restraint must be exercised in the number of permissible finish materials.
The harmony of materials and particularly color treatment is essential to achieve unity in
the project.
B. The following designs are deemed unacceptable in any development and therefore shall
be prohibited:
1. Nonanodized and unpainted aluminum finished window frames.
PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS – 19.20
III-19.20-7 Mar. 2020
2. Metal grills and facades. However, grills and facades of unique design and in
keeping with the general decor of the development and neighborhood may be
permitted subject to prior approval by the Director.
3. Aluminum or other metal panels are not permitted on the street elevation, unless it
can be demonstrated that they are consistent with a structure's overall design
character, and do not adversely affect the pedestrian environment.
8. FENCES AND WALLS
The following standards shall apply to the installation of all fences and walls:
A. HEIGHT AND TYPE LIMITS
Fences and walls shall conform to the limitations outlined in Table 20.01. (MC 1056 10/8/99)
B. TRAFFIC SAFETY SITE AREA
On a corner lot, no fence, wall, hedge, sign or other structure, shrubbery, mounds of earth
or other visual obstruction over 30 inches in height above the nearest street curb elevation
shall be erected or placed within a Traffic Safety Sight Area. The foregoing provision
shall not apply to public utility poles; trees trimmed (to the trunk) to a line at least six feet
above the level of the intersection; supporting members of appurtenances to permanent
structures existing on the date this Development Code becomes effective; and official
warning signs or signals. (MC 1056 10/8/99)
C.B. PROHIBITED FENCE MATERIALS/CHAIN LINK FENCING
1. The use of barbed wire, razor wire, or concertina wire fencing in conjunction with
any other fence, wall, roof, or by itself within any land use district, is prohibited
except as shown in Table 20.01, or unless required by any law or regulation of the
City, the State of California, Federal Government, or agency thereof.
PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS – 19.20
III-19.20-8 Mar. 2020
TABLE 20.01
FENCES AND WALLS
HEIGHT AND TYPE LIMITS
Zones Maximum Permitted Height1
1. Residential
Front yard or side of street yard
(not including the rear yard) 2 & 3
Other yard area
Outside of required yard area
Abutting a non-residential district
3’
4’
6’
8’
6’
Solid structures
Open work structures
(must permit the passage of
(a minimum of 90% of light)
Solid, decorative masonry wall
2.
Commercial, Industrial and Institutional
Front yard or side of street yard
Abutting residential zone
Other yard area
Outdoor storage areas visible
from public rights-of-way
(located behind required yards)
Electric fences
(located behind a primary fence)
Within a setback area
Outside the setback area
2’6”
6’
8’
8’
10’
16’
10’
16’
Solid structures
Open work structures
Solid, decorative masonry wall
Commercial
Industrial
Commercial/Industrial
Industrial
3.
All Zones – Traffic Safety Site Area
2’6”
4.
Public Right-of-Way
8’
5.
Hillside Management Overlay –
Retaining Walls
Uphill slope
Down slope
Lots sloping with the street
Adjacent to driveways
Facing streets
8’
3’6”
3’6”
8’
5’
Constructed with natural, indigenous
materials
6. Foothill Fire Zones Overlay –
Fences and Walls
Constructed with non-combustible
materials only
1 The limitations shall not apply in the following instances:
Where a greater height is required by any other provision of the Municipal Code; or
Where a greater height or type of fence or wall is required by a condition of approval.
2 Rear yard defined for the purposes of this section shall be from the rear property line to the rear plane(s) of the structure.
(MC 888 1/6/94)
3 Except for school uses (including pre-schools) which were legally established prior to November 1, 2004, which may
have a 6’ decorative security fence (wrought iron) in the front yard area and street-side side yard areas.
(MC 1212 8/15/05)
PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS – 19.20
III-19.20-9 Mar. 2020
2. Six-foot high chain link fencing is permitted at all property lines for vacant
commercial/industrial lots or buildings. The chain link fence shall be removed
from the front yard and any other location adjacent to a public street by the
owner/applicant at the time of development or occupancy.
3. Chain link fencing with neutral colored slats may be used for outdoor storage areas
located in the CH, IL, IH, and IE zones within required yards, if the fence would
not be adjacent to a public street. Landscaped planting of sufficient density and
height may be used to screen the fence from public view. Additionally, chain link
fencing may be used with tennis courts, private and commercial, temporarily at
construction sites, and where it is required by any law or regulation of the City, the
State of California, Federal Government, or agency thereof.
4. The above limitations shall not apply where the prohibited fence material is
required as a condition of approval. (MC 889 1/6/94; MC 1384 1/16/13)
B. WALL DESIGN STANDARDS
Perimeter tract or commercial/industrial development walls which are adjacent to a
public street shall have articulated planes by providing at a minimum for every 100 feet
of continuous wall an 18-inch deep by eight-foot long landscaped recession.
(MC 888 1/6/94)
Walls shall be constructed with pilasters provided at every change in direction, every five
feet difference in elevation and at a minimum of every 25 feet of continuous wall.
C. RESIDENTIAL FENCING/WALL REQUIREMENT
Fencing or walls are required between individual residential units, and residential
developments if adjacent to parks, open spaces, and/or major rights-of-way. All fencing
and walls are to be provided by each developer at the time of construction.
D. ELECTRIC FENCES
1. Permit Required. No electric fences shall be installed or used unless a Fence
Permit has been applied for and obtained from the Community Development
Department.
2. Type of Electric Fences Allowed. The construction and use of electric fences
shall be allowed in the City only as provided in this section and subject to the
following standards:
a. IEC Standards 60335-2-76: Unless otherwise specified herein, electric fences
shall be constructed or installed in conformance with the specifications set
forth in International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Standard No.
60335-2-76.
PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS – 19.20
III-19.20-10 Mar. 2020
b. Electrification:
(1) The energizer for electric fences must be driven by a commercial
storage battery not to exceed 12 volts DC.
(2) The electric charge produced by the fence upon contact shall not exceed
energizer characteristics set forth in paragraph 22.108 and depicted in
Figure 102 of IEC Standard No. 60335-2-76.
3. Conditions for Installation.
a. Perimeter Fence or Wall: No electric fence shall be installed or used unless it
is completely surrounded by a non-electrical fence or wall that is not less than
six feet high.
b. Location: Electric fences shall be permitted only in non-residential zones and
only in locations approved by the Community Development Department.
c. Height: Electric fences shall not have a height in excess of 10 feet in
commercial and industrial setback areas and shall not have a height in excess
of 16 feet outside of the setback areas on industrial properties.
d. Warning Signs: Electric fences shall be clearly identified with warning signs
prepared in English and Spanish that read: “Warning-Electric Fence” at
intervals of not less than 60 feet.
e. “Knox Box”: A “Knox Box Electrical Shunt Switch” and a “Knox Box” or
other similar approved device shall be installed for emergency access of
Police and Fire Departments.
4. Indemnification. All applicants issued permits to install or use an electric fence as
provided in this Chapter shall agree, as a condition of permit issuance, to defend,
indemnify and hold harmless the City of San Bernardino and its agents, officers,
consultants, independent contractors and employees from any and all claims,
actions or proceedings arising out of any personal injury, including death, or
property damage caused by the electric fence.
5. Emergency Access. In the event that access by the City of San Bernardino Fire
Department and/or Police Department personnel to a property where a permitted
electric fence has been installed and is operating required due to an emergency or
urgent circumstances, and the Knox Box or other similar approved device referred
to in this Chapter is absent or non-functional, and an owner, manager, employee,
custodian or any other person with control over the property is not present to
disable the electric fence, the fire or police personnel shall be authorized to disable
the electric fence in order to gain access to the property. As a condition of permit
issuance, all applicants issued permits to install or use an electric fence as provided
in this Chapter will agree to waive any and all claims for damages to the electric
fence against the City of San Bernardino and/or its personnel under such
circumstances.
PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS – 19.20
III-19.20-11 Mar. 2020
6. Violation; Misdemeanor. It shall be unlawful, and a misdemeanor, for any person
to install, maintain or operate an electric fence in violation of this section.
E. BARBED WIRE, RAZOR WIRE AND CONCERTINA WIRE FENCES
1. Permit Required. No barbed wire, razor wire, or concertina wire fences shall be
installed or used unless a Fence Permit has been applied for and obtained from the
Community Development Department.
2. Conditions for Installation.
a. Location: Barbed wire, razor wire, or concertina wire fences shall be
permitted only in non-residential zones and only in locations approved by the
Community Development Department.
b. Height: Barbed wire, razor wire, or concertina wire fences shall not have a
height in excess of 10 feet in commercial and industrial setback areas and
shall not have a height in excess of 16 feet outside of the setback areas on
industrial properties.
9. FIRE PROTECTION
All structures shall meet the requirements of the City Fire Department.
10. FUMES, VAPOR, AND GASES
No emission which can cause damage to human health, animals, vegetation or other forms of
property shall be discharged into the atmosphere. No other forms of emission shall be
measurable at any point beyond the boundary line of the parcel. Emissions shall be in
compliance with Air Quality Management District and Regional Water Quality Control Board
permits.
11. GLARE
No glare incidental to any use shall be visible beyond any boundary line of the parcel.
12. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
The following standards are intended to ensure that the use, handling, storage and
transportation of hazardous materials comply with all applicable requirements of Government
Code 65850.2 and Health and Safety Code 25505, Article 80-Uniform Fire Code, et. al. It is
not the intent of these regulations to impose additional restrictions on the management of
hazardous wastes, which would be contrary to State Law, but only to require reporting of
information to the City that must be provided to other public agencies.
For the purposes of this Section, hazardous materials shall include all substances on the
comprehensive master list of hazardous materials compiled and maintained by the California
Department of Health Services.
PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS – 19.20
III-19.20-12 Mar. 2020
A. A Conditional Use Permit shall be required for any new commercial, industrial, or
institutional or accessory use, or major addition to an existing use, that involves the
manufacture, storage, handling, or processing of hazardous materials in sufficient
quantities that would require permits as hazardous chemicals under the Uniform Fire
Code, with the following exceptions:
1. Underground storage of bulk flammable and combustible liquids; and
2. Hazardous materials in container sizes of 10 gallons or less that are stored or
maintained for the purposes of retail or wholesale sales.
B. All businesses required by Chapter 6.95 of the California Health and Safety Code to
prepare hazardous materials release response plans shall submit copies of these plans,
including revisions to the Director at the same time these plans are submitted to the
administrating agency which is responsible for administering these provisions.
C. Underground storage of hazardous materials shall comply with all applicable
requirements of Chapter 6.7 of the California Health and Safety Code, and Article 79 of
the Uniform Fire Code. Any business that uses underground storage tanks shall comply
with the following:
1. Notify the City Fire Department of any unauthorized release of hazardous materials
immediately, after the release has been detected and the steps taken to control the
release; and
2. Notify the City Fire Department and the Director of any proposed abandoning,
closing or ceasing operation of an underground storage tank and the actions to be
taken to dispose of any hazardous substances.
D. Above-ground storage tanks for any flammable liquids shall meet all standards of the
City Fire Department.
E. All structures subject to the provisions of this Development Code and all newly created
lots shall be designed to accommodate a setback of at least 100 feet from a pipeline. This
setback may be reduced, where the Director finds that:
1. The structure would be protected from the radiant heat of an explosion by berming
or other physical barriers;
2. A 100-foot setback would be impractical or unnecessary because of existing
topography, streets, lot lines, or easements; and,
3. There shall be construction of hazardous liquid containment system or other
mitigating facility where the City Engineer finds that a leak would accumulate
within the reduced setback area. The design shall be approved by the City Engineer
and a surety instrument shall be approved by the City Attorney to ensure the
construction of the system.
PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS – 19.20
III-19.20-13 Mar. 2020
A proposed structure (including a residence) on an undeveloped existing lot of record that
cannot be constructed only because of this restriction, shall be allowed to be constructed
if the structure is located so as to comply with the setback regulation as closely as
possible. The Director may require a hazardous liquid containment system, to be
approved by the City Engineer.
A pipeline is defined as follows:
1. A pipe with a nominal diameter of 6 inches or more, that is used to transport
hazardous liquids, but does not include a pipe used to transport a hazardous liquid
by gravity and a pipe used to transport or store a hazardous liquid within a refinery,
storage, or manufacturing facility; or,
2. A pipe with a nominal diameter of six inches or more operated at a pressure of
more than 275 pounds per square inch that carries gas.
A subdivider of a development within 500 feet of a pipeline shall notify a new owner at
the time of purchase agreement and at the close of escrow of the location, size, and type
of pipeline.
13. HEIGHT DETERMINATION (BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES)
All structures shall meet the following standards relating to height:
A. The structure's height shall not exceed the standard for the land use district in which it is
located. The structure height shall be determined from the finished grade to the highest
point of the structure, excluding chimneys and vents.
B. Pad elevations shall be determined by the Director and the City Engineer based on the
following criteria.
1. Flood control;
2. Site drainage;
3. Viewshed protection from both public and private property;
4. Protection of privacy of surrounding properties including consideration of the
location of windows, doors, balconies, and decks;
5. Structure setback in relationship to structure height and property lines;
6. Sightline and structure envelope analysis;
7. Sewer line grade and location; and
8. Necessary slopes and retaining walls.
PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS – 19.20
III-19.20-14 Mar. 2020
C. Perimeter fences, or walls, shall not exceed six feet in height, unless as otherwise
provided in this Development Code. The height shall be measured from the finished
grade of the property.
D. Architectural walls integral to the structure design, attached to the structure may exceed 6
feet in height, subject to review by the Director.
E. To protect safety sight-distance for vehicular movement, sight obscuring fences, or walls,
or other obstructions shall not exceed 36 inches in height when located in a front setback.
(MC 888 1/6/94)
F. Free-standing flagpoles and radio and television antennas may not exceed the structure
height restrictions of the land use district in which they are located, except as otherwise
provided in this Development Code.
14. LIGHTING
Exterior lighting shall be energy-efficient and shielded or recessed so that direct glare and
reflections are contained within the boundaries of the parcel, and shall be directed downward
and away from adjoining properties and public rights-of-way. No lighting shall blink, flash, or
be of unusually high intensity or brightness. All lighting fixtures shall be appropriate in scale,
intensity, and height to the use it is serving. Security lighting shall be provided at all
entrances/exits.
15. NOISE
No loudspeaker, bells, gongs, buzzers, mechanical equipment or other sounds, attention-
attracting, or communication device associated with any use shall be discernible beyond any
boundary line of the parcel, except fire protection devices, burglar alarms and church bells.
The following provisions shall apply:
A. In residential areas, no exterior noise level shall exceed 65dBA and no interior noise level
shall exceed 45dBA.
PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS – 19.20
III-19.20-15 Mar. 2020
B. All residential developments shall incorporate the following standards to mitigate noise
levels:
1. Increase the distance between the noise source and receiver.
2. Locate land uses not sensitive to noise (i.e., parking lots, garages, maintenance
facilities, utility areas, etc.) between the noise source and the receiver.
3. Bedrooms should be located on the side of the structure away from major rights-of-
way.
4. Quiet outdoor spaces may be provided next to a noisy right-of-way by creating a U-
shaped development which faces away from the right-of-way.
C. The minimum acceptable surface weight for a noise barrier is four pounds per square foot
(equivalent to ¾-inch plywood). The barrier shall be of a continuous material which is
resistant to sound including:
1. Masonry block
2. Precast concrete
3. Earth berm or a combination of earth berm with block concrete.
D. Noise barriers shall interrupt the line-of-sight between noise source and receiver.
16. ODOR
No use shall emit any obnoxious odor or fumes.
17. PROJECTIONS INTO SETBACKS
The following list represents the only projections, construction, or equipment that shall be
permitted within the required setbacks:
A. Front Setback: Roof overhangs, fireplace chimney, awnings & canopies
B. Rear Setback: Roof overhangs, pools, patio covers, tennis courts, gazebos, and awnings
& canopies, provided there is no projection within 10 feet of the property line. Accessory
structures may be built to the interior side or rear property lines provided that such
structures are not closer than 10 feet to any other structures. (MC 876 7/8/93)
C. Side Setback: Roof overhangs, fireplace chimney, awnings & canopies
Building Code requirements may further restrict the distance required to be maintained from
the property lines and other structures.
PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS – 19.20
III-19.20-16 Mar. 2020
18. PUBLIC STREET IMPROVEMENTS
A. Any new construction or construction of 2,500 square feet or more of the structure floor
area of the primary structure shall require the dedication of public right-of-way for public
street purposes. In addition, the property owner shall be required to irrevocably agree to
participate in any future assessment district that may be formed to construct public street
improvements in accordance with the policies, procedures and standards of the Director
of Public Works/City Engineer.
B. Whenever street improvements are required along a parcel as a condition of approval,
and the off-site drainage pattern requires it, the entire street section may be required to be
improved in accordance with the policies, procedures and standards of the Director of
Public Works/City Engineer.
C. Special Fee areas may be designated by the Mayor and Common Council to provide
funding for required improvements or to refund monies advanced by the City for
designated improvements. Whenever such fee areas are established by Resolution of the
Mayor and Common Council, all new construction or construction of 2,500 square feet or
more of structure floor area of the primary structures shall pay such fees.
(MC 816 2/6/92; MC 1373 6/20/12)
19. RADIOACTIVITY OR ELECTRIC DISTURBANCE
No activity shall be permitted which emits radioactivity or electrical disturbance.
20. REFUSE STORAGE/DISPOSAL
Every parcel with a multi-family, commercial or industrial structure shall have a trash
receptacle on the premises. The trash receptacle shall be of sufficient size to accommodate the
trash generated. The receptacle shall be screened from public view on at least three sides by a
solid wall six feet in height and on the fourth side by a solid gate not less than five feet in
height, in compliance with adopted Public Works Department Standards. The gate shall be
maintained in good working order and shall remain closed except when in use. The wall and
gate shall be architecturally compatible with the surrounding structures. Trash receptacles for
single family homes should be stored within the enclosed garage or behind a fence.
21. SCREENING
Any equipment, whether on the roof, side of structure, or ground, shall be screened. The
method of screening shall be architecturally compatible in terms of materials, color, shape, and
size. The screening design shall blend with the building design and include landscaping when
on the ground.
22. SIGNS, OFF-STREET PARKING, OFF-STREET LOADING AND LANDSCAPING
All development shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 19.22 (Sign Standards); Chapter
19.24 (Off-Street Parking Standards); Chapter 19.26 (Off-Street Loading Standards) and
Chapter 19.28 (Landscaping).
PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS – 19.20
III-19.20-17 Mar. 2020
23. SOLAR ENERGY DESIGN STANDARDS (MC 1381 12/19/12)
Passive heating and cooling opportunities shall be incorporated in all developments in the
following manner:
A. Future structures should be oriented to maximize solar access opportunities.
B. Streets, lot sizes, and lot configurations should be designed to maximize the number of
structures oriented so that the south wall and roof area face within 45 of due south.
C. The proposed lot size and configuration should permit structures to receive cooling
benefits from both prevailing breezes and existing and proposed shading.
D. Any pool or spa facilities owned and maintained by a homeowners association shall be
equipped with a solar cover and solar water heating system.
E. No structure (building, wall or fence) shall be constructed or vegetation placed so as to
obstruct solar access on an adjoining parcel.
24. STORAGE
There shall be no visible storage of motor vehicles, trailers, airplanes, boats, or their composite
parts; loose rubbish, garbage, junk, or their receptacles; tents; or building or manufacturing
materials in any portion of a lot, except as allowed under the provisions of this Development
Code. No storage shall occur on any vacant parcel.
No vehicles may be stored or displayed for sale on any vacant lot or at any vacant business
location.
Building materials for use on the same premises may be stored on the parcel during the time
that a valid building permit is in effect for construction.
25. TOXIC SUBSTANCES AND WASTES
No use may operate that utilizes toxic substances or produces toxic waste without the approval
of a Conditional Use Permit pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 19.36 (Conditional Use
Permits). Prior to consideration of a Conditional Use Permit, the operator must prepare a toxic
substance and waste management plan which will provide for the safe use and disposal of these
substances.
26. TRAFFIC SAFETY SIGHT AREA
No fence, wall, hedge, sign or other structure, shrubbery, mounds of earth, or other visual
obstruction over 36 inches in height above the nearest street curb elevation shall be erected or
placed within a Traffic Safety Sight Area. A Traffic Safety Sight Area is a triangular portion of
a lot formed by three distances measured along and/or perpendicular to property lines at the
intersection of two street rights-of-way or at intersections of driveways, parking entrances, and
alleys with a street right-of-way.
PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS – 19.20
III-19.20-18 Mar. 2020
A. Distances Used to Measure Traffic Safety Sight Areas
The following distances, as seen in Figure 19.20 (29)-A (Traffic Safety Sight Area
Distances) shall be used to measure Traffic Safety Sight Areas. Upon review by the City
Traffic Engineer, the distances specified in this Section may be increased if he/she
determines that a greater distance is required to maintain public health and safety or
reduced if he/she determines that the reduced distance would not create a public health
and safety hazard.
1. For Traffic Safety Sight Areas at the intersection of two street rights-of-way, two
sides of the triangle extend along the intersecting property lines for 20 feet and the
third side is a diagonal line that connects the two other sides.
2. For Traffic Safety Sight Areas at the intersection of a street right-of-way and alley,
two sides of the triangle extend along the intersecting property lines for 10 feet and
the third side is a diagonal line that connects the two other sides.
3. For Traffic Safety Sight Areas at the intersection of a street right-of-way and
driveway or parking entrance, one side of the triangle extends from the intersection
of the street right-of-way and the driveway or parking entrance for 10 feet along the
property line. The second side extends from the intersection of the street right-of-
way and driveway or parking entrance for 10 feet perpendicular to the property
line. The third side of the triangle connects the two other sides.
Figure 19.20 26-A: Traffic Safety Sight Area Distances
B. EXEMPTIONS
Traffic Safety Sight Areas shall not apply to the following:
1. Public utility poles;
PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS – 19.20
III-19.20-19 Mar. 2020
2. Trees trimmed (to the trunk) to a line at least six feet above the level of the
intersection;
3. Supporting members of appurtenances to permanent structures existing on the date
this Development Code becomes effective; or
4. Official warning signs or signals.
26.27. TRANSPORTATION CONTROL MEASURES (TCM)
The purpose of this section is to reduce vehicle trips thereby reducing air pollutants and
improving air quality, to comply with State Law, and to promote an improved quality of life.
All new development is subject to the following Transportation Control Measures:
A. Bicycle parking facilities or secured bicycle lockers shall be provided for all new non-
residential developments and multi-family (of 10 or more units) developments when
discretionary review is required. Parking racks or secured lockers shall be provided at a
rate of 1 per 30 parking spaces with a minimum of a three-bike rack.
B. All new non-residential developments, meeting CMP thresholds of 250 or more peak
hour trips, shall provide a minimum of one shower for persons bicycling or walking to
work. The shower shall be made so as to be accessible to both men and women.
C. On-site pedestrian walkways and bicycle facilities shall be provided connecting each
building in a development to public streets for all new non-residential and multi-family
(of 10 or more units).
D. Passenger loading areas, suitable to the proposed land use shall be provided for all new
non-residential and multi-family (of 10 or more units) developments (of 100 or more
parking spaces). The loading areas shall be placed in locations close to building
entrances but so as not to interfere with vehicle circulation.
E. Preferred parking facilities shall be provided for vanpools at a rate of 1 van parking space
per 100 standard parking spaces for all new non-residential development. A minimum of
one such space shall be required. A vertical clearance of no less than 9 feet shall be
provided.
F. Transit improvements such as bus pullouts, bus pads, and bus shelters shall be provided
for new residential and non-residential development along existing or planned transit
routes. The need for and nature of those improvements shall be defined in cooperation
with Omnitrans.
G. New non-residential developments exceeding the following thresholds may be required
to designate on-site parking areas to be used by commuters as park-and-ride lots or
contribute exaction fees to develop off-site park-and-ride lots:
Retail 250,000 Square Feet GFA
Industrial 325,000 Square Feet GFA
Office 125,000 Square Feet GFA
PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS – 19.20
III-19.20-20 Mar. 2020
The determination of whether an on-site park-and-ride facility or contribution of exaction
fees is required will be based upon a Traffic Impact Analysis Report (TIA Report),
prepared by a qualified traffic engineer in a manner consistent with the Congestion
Management Program (CMP) for San Bernardino County.
H. Parking space requirements for new non-residential development shall be reduced when
linked to other actions that reduce trips to account for increased ridesharing and other
modes of transportation. Analysis shall be provided estimating the trip reductions. The
City Traffic Engineer shall review the analysis and make a recommendation to the
Planning Division on the number of parking spaces that may be eliminated.
I. A telecommuting center or contributions toward such a center shall be required for all
new residential developments of 500 units or more.
J. On-site video conferencing facilities shall be provided for all office park developments
with 1,000 or more employees. (MC 890 1/20/94)
27.28. UNDERGROUNDING OF UTILITIES
Utilities shall be placed underground pursuant to Section 19.30.110. In the event an above
ground electrical transformer is located outdoors on any site, it shall be screened from view
with a solid wall and landscaping and not located in any setback area. If it cannot be screened,
it shall be located in an underground vault. Exceptions to the undergrounding of utilities
requirements are as follows:
A. Transformers, pedestal-mounted terminal boxes, meter cabinets and concealed ducts may
be placed above ground, if they are used solely in connection with the underground
transmission or distribution lines;
B. Poles supporting street lights, and the electrical lines within the poles, may be situated
above the surface of the ground;
C. The Council may waive any requirement of this section if topographical, soil or similar
physical conditions make such underground installation unreasonable or impractical;
D. Any Parcel Map with a maximum of four residential parcels, no parcel of which has
previously been exempted from this section; and where at least 50% of the surrounding
area within a radius of 500 feet has been previously developed without undergrounding
utilities;
E. That portion of a previously developed non-residential Parcel Map;
F. The requirement to underground shall apply to all utility lines traversing a subdivision, or
installed along either side of the streets and alleys adjoining the subdivision, except for
electrical lines of 33 KVA or more. Where one line is exempt, all parcel lines on that
same pole shall be exempt;
PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS – 19.20
III-19.20-21 Mar. 2020
G. Any single lot development on a Residential Estate, Low, Suburban, or Urban (RE, RL,
RS, and RU) designated parcel; or any single lot development of one net acre or less in
any land use district, shall be exempt from this requirement. This exemption shall not
apply where the requirement to underground utilities is imposed as a condition of
approval of a subdivision map; and
H. The remodeling of existing structures where the cost of remodeling is less than 50% of
the replacement cost of the existing structure as determined for building permit fees shall
be exempt.
28.29. VIBRATION
No vibration associated with any use shall be permitted which is discernible beyond the
boundary line of the property.
PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS – 19.20
III-19.20-22 Mar. 2020
Intentionally Blank
City of San Bernardino
Comprehensive Sign Code Update
(Municipal Code Title 19, Development Code,
Chapter 19.22 – Sign Regulations)
Initial Study | Negative Declaration
Lead Agency:
City of San Bernardino
Planning Division
Office: 201 N. E Street
Mail: 290 N. D Street
San Bernardino, CA 92401
December 2019
Page 2 of 38
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................................... 3 - 6
1.1 – Purpose of CEQA.......................................................................................................................................................... 4 - 5
1.2 – Public Comments .............................................................................................................................................................. 5
1.3 – Availability of Materials ................................................................................................................................................. 5
2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION................................................................................................................................................ 6 - 7
2.1 – Project Title ......................................................................................................................................................................... 6
2.2 – Lead Agency Name and Address................................................................................................................................. 6
2.3 – Contact Person and Phone Number ......................................................................................................................... 6
2.4 – Project Location................................................................................................................................................................. 6
2.5 – Project Sponsor’s Name and Address ...................................................................................................................... 6
2.6 – General Plan Land Use Designation........................................................................................................................... 6
2.7 – Zoning District.................................................................................................................................................................... 6
2.8 – Project Description .......................................................................................................................................................... 6
2.9 – Environmental Setting ................................................................................................................................................... 6
2.10 – Required Approvals....................................................................................................................................................... 7
2.11 – Other Public Agency Whose Approval Is Required.......................................................................................... 7
2.12 – California Native Tribal Affiliation .………………………………………………………………………………….….. 7
3 DETERMINATION ......................................................................................................................................................... 9 - 11
3.1 – Environmental Factors Potentially Affected ......................................................................................................... 9
3.2 – Determination .......................................................................................................................................................... 10-11
4 EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS........................................................................................…. 11-37
4.1 – Aesthetics.................................................................................................................................................................... 11-12
4.2 – Agriculture and Forest Resources.................................................................................................................... 13-14
4.3 – Air Quality .................................................................................................................................................................. 14-16
4.4 – Biological Resources .............................................................................................................................................. 16-17
4.5 – Cultural Resources ........................................................................................................................................................ 18
Page 3 of 38
4.6 – Energy……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 19
4.7 - Geology and Soils ..................................................................................................................................................... 19-21
4.8 – Greenhouse Gas Emissions ........................................................................................................................................ 22
4.9 – Hazards and Hazardous Materials ....................................................................................................................22-24
4.10 – Hydrology and Water Quality.......................................................................................................................... 24-25
4.11 – Land Use and Planning ............................................................................................................................................. 26
4.12 – Mineral Resources ............................................................................................................................................... 26-27
4.13 – Noise........................................................................................................................................................................... 27-28
4.14 – Population and Housing..................................................................................................................................... 28-29
4.15 – Public Services ....................................................................................................................................................... 29-30
4.16 – Recreation....................................................................................................................................................................... 30
4.17 – Transportation and Traffic .............................................................................................................................. 31-32
4.18 – Tribal Cultural Resources………………………………………………………………………………………..…… 32-33
4.19 - Utilities and Service Systems............................................................................................................................ 33-34
4.20 – Wildfire………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 35-36
4.21 - Mandatory Findings of Significance…........................................................................................................... 36-37
5 REFERENCES........................................................................................................................................................................... 38
5.1 – List of Preparers ............................................................................................................................................................. 38
5.2 – Persons and Organizations Consulted .................................................................................................................. 38
LIST OF EXHIBITS
Exhibit 1 Regional Map ............................................................................................................................................................. 8
INTRODUCTION
The City of San Bernardino proposes a comprehensive update to the City’s Sign Code, contained in Chapter
19.22 (Sign Regulations), Title 19 (Land Use/Subdivision Regulations) of the City of San Bernardino
Municipal Code. The updated signage regulations will ensure that the vision of the City, its businesses, and its
residents are maintained, and will reduce the number of code amendments, variances and interpretations.
The signage regulations will continue to address regulations for the various land use districts of the
community, and will also address emergent issues that include the regulation of portable and temporary
signs, animated/electronic message centers, murals and graphic signage, and creation of regulations for
shopping centers and multi-tenant centers. Adoption of new signage regulations constitutes a project subject
to review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) 1970 (Public Resources Code, Section
21000 et seq.), and the State CEQA Guidelines (California Code of Regulations, Section 15000 et seq.).
Page 4 of 38
This Initial Study has been prepared to assess the short-term, long-term, and cumulative environmental
impacts that could result from the adoption and implementation of the new Sign Code.
This report has been prepared to comply with Section 15063 of the State CEQA Guidelines, which sets forth
the required contents of an Initial Study:
▪ A description of the project, including the location of the project (see Section 2)
▪ Identification of the environmental setting (see Section 2.9)
▪ Identification of environmental effects by use of a checklist, matrix, or other methods, provided that
entries on the checklist or other form are briefly explained to indicate that there is some evidence to
support the entries (see Section 4)
▪ Discussion of ways to mitigate significant effects identified, if any (see Section 4)
▪ Examination of whether the project is compatible with existing zoning, plans, and other applicable
land use controls (see Section 4.10)
▪ The name(s) of the person(s) who prepared or participated in the preparation of the Initial Study
(see Section 5)
1.1 - Purpose of CEQA
The body of state law known as CEQA was originally enacted in 1970 and has been amended a number of
times. The legislative intent of these regulations is established in Section 21000 of the California Public
Resources Code, as follows:
The Legislature finds and declares as follows:
a) The maintenance of a quality environment for the people of this state now a nd in the future is a
matter of statewide concern.
b) It is necessary to provide a high-quality environment that at all times is healthful and pleasing to
the senses and intellect of man.
c) There is a need to understand the relationship between the maintenance of high-quality ecological
systems and the general welfare of the people of the state, including their enjoyment of the
natural resources of the state.
d) The capacity of the environment is limited, and it is the intent of the Legisla ture that the
government of the State takes immediate steps to identify any critical thresholds for the health
and safety of the people of the state and take all coordinated actions necessary to prevent such
thresholds being reached.
e) Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute to the preservation and enhancement of the
environment.
f) The interrelationship of policies and practices in the management of natural resources and waste
disposal requires systematic and concerted efforts by public and private interests to enhance
environmental quality and to control environmental pollution.
g) It is the intent of the Legislature that all agencies of the state government which regulate activities
of private individuals, corporations, and public agencies which are found to affect the quality of
the environment, shall regulate such activities so that major consideration is given to preventing
environmental damage, while providing a decent home and satisfying living environment for
Page 5 of 38
every Californian.
The Legislature further finds and declares that it is the policy of the State to:
a) Develop and maintain a high-quality environment now and in the future, and take all action
necessary to protect, rehabilitate, and enhance the environmental quality of the state.
b) Take all action necessary to provide the people of this state with clean air and water, enjoyment
of aesthetic, natural, scenic, and historic environmental qualities, and freedom from excessive
noise.
c) Prevent the elimination of fish or wildlife species due to man's activities , ensure that fish and
wildlife populations do not drop below self-perpetuating levels, and preserve for future
generations representations of all plant and animal communities and examples of the major
periods of California history.
d) Ensure that the long-term protection of the environment, consistent with the provision of a
decent home and suitable living environment for every Californian, shall be the guiding criterion
in public decisions.
e) Create and maintain conditions under which man and nature can e xist in productive harmony to
fulfill the social and economic requirements of present and future generations.
f) Require governmental agencies at all levels to develop standards and procedures necessary to
protect environmental quality.
g) Require governmental agencies at all levels to consider qualitative factors as well as economic
and technical factors and long-term benefits and costs, in addition to short-term benefits and
costs and to consider alternatives to proposed actions affecting the environment.
1.2 - Public Comments
Comments from all agencies and individuals are invited regarding the information contai ned in this Initial
Study. Such comments should explain any perceived deficiencies in the assessment of impacts, identify the
information that is purportedly lacking in the Initial Study, or indicate where the information may be found.
All comments on the Initial Study are to be submitted to:
Chantal Power, AICP
Associate Planner
City of San Bernardino,
Community and Economic Development Department
Office: 201 N. E Street
Mail: 290 N. D Street
San Bernardino, CA 92401
(909) 384-7272 extension 3328
power_ch@sbcity.org
Following a 20-day period of circulation and review of the Initial Study, all comments wi ll be considered by
the City of San Bernardino prior to adoption.
1.3 - Availability of Materials
All materials related to the preparation of this Initial Study are available for public review. To request an
appointment to review these materials, please contact Chantal Power as indicated above.
Page 6 of 38
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
2.1 - Project Title: City of San Bernardino Comprehensive Sign Code Update
2.2 - Case Number: Development Code Amendment (DCA 19-04)
2.3 - Lead Agency Name And Address:
City of San Bernardino
Community and Economic Development Department
Planning Division
Office: 201 N. E Street
Mail: 290 N. D Street
San Bernardino, CA 92401
2.4 - Contact Person and Phone Number:
Chantal Power, AICP
Associate Planner
909-384-7272 ext. 3328
power_ch@sbcity.org
2.5 - Project Location: Citywide
2.6 - General Plan Designation: All 2.7 - Zoning: All
2.8 - Project Description:
Proposal by the City of San Bernardino to amend the Development Code (Title 19 of the San Bernardino Municipal Code)
for a comprehensive update to Chapter 19.22 – Sign Regulations, and Chapter 19.20 – Property Development Standards.
The proposed new Sign Regulations will regulate signs placed on private property, in the public right-of-way, and on
property owned by public agencies other than the City and over which the City has zoning authority within the
incorporated boundaries of the City. The proposed amendments include but are not limited to: 1) developing clear and
enforceable regulations for temporary and permanent signs, including updated graphics to supplement the text and
provide examples of the sign quality San Bernardino looks to achieve; 2) comply with legal requirements and address
emerging issues regarding portable and temporary signs (with the Reed v. Town of Gilbert decision providing guidance
for the latter emphasizing content neutrality); 3) address emerging issues particular to the City of San Bernardino; 4)
provide flexibility for creative and iconic signs; 5) update definitions to address new technologies, case law, and
industry standards; 6) amend Chapter 19.20 – Property Development Standards to include a detailed explanation and
graphic detail for the “Traffic Safety Sight Area” referenced in Chapter 19.22 – Sign Regulations; and 7)ensure
consistency with the General Plan.
2.9 - Environmental Setting:
The City of San Bernardino is located approximately 60 miles east of the City of Los Angeles, at the southern base of the
San Bernardino Mountains in the upper Santa Ana River Valley. This valley is framed by the San Bernardino Mountains
on the northeast and east, Blue Mountain and Box Springs Mountain abutting the Cities of Loma Linda and Redlands to
the south, and the San Gabriel Mountains to the northwest, and the Jurupa Hills to the southwest. The City is surrounded
by the National Forest to the north, the Cities of Highland to the east, Redlands to the southeast, Loma Linda to the
south, Colton to the southwest, and Rialto to the west. The City is located in the south western portion of San Bernardino
County. Major freeways traversing the City include the SR-259, SR-330, SR-18, I-210, I-215, and I-10 Freeways. The
City’s total planning area, including the Sphere of Influence (SOI) is 45,440 acres, or 71 square miles. This area includes
39,729 acres, or 62.0753 square miles, of unincorporated territory and 5,711 acres or 8.9 square miles of
unincorporated land.
Page 7 of 38
2.10 - Required Approvals:
Development Code Amendment approval by the City of San Bernardino Mayor and City Council
2.11 - Other public agencies whose approval is required (e.g., permits, financing approval, or participation
agreement):
None
2.12 – Have California Native American tribes traditionally and culturally affiliated with the project area
requested consultation pursuant to Public Resources Code section 21080.3.1? If so, is there a plan for
consultation that includes, for example, the determination of significance of impacts to tribal cultural resources,
procedures regarding confidentiality, etc.?
The City has mailed consultation letters, pursuant to the requirements of AB 52 and SB 18, to the area tribes, the
Gabrieleño Band of Mission Indians – Kizh Nation, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, and the Soboba Band of
Luiseño Indians, and have not received requests for consultation regarding the Comprehensive Sign Code Update.
Page 8 of 38
EXHIBIT 1: REGIONAL MAP
Page 9 of 38
DETERMINATION
3.1 - Environmental Factors Potentially Affected:
The environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by this project, involving at least one
impact that is a "Potentially Significant Impact" as indicated by the checklist on the following pages.
Aesthetics Agriculture/Forestry
Resources Air Quality
Biological Resources Cultural Resources Geology / Soils
Greenhouse Gas
Emissions Hazards & Hazardous
Materials Hydrology / Water Quality
Land Use / Planning Mineral Resources Noise
Population / Housing Public Services Recreation
Transportation Utilities / Service Systems Mandatory Findings of
Significance
Tribal Cultural Resources Wildfire Energy
3.2 - Determination
On the basis of this initial evaluation:
I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment, and a
NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.
I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there will
not be a significant effect in this case because revisions in the project have been made by or agreed to by
the project proponent. A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.
I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environme nt, and an
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required.
I find that the proposed project MAY have a "potentially significant" or "potentially significant unless
mitigated" impact on the environment, but at least one effect 1) has been adequately analyzed in an
earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and 2) has been addressed by mitigation
measures based on the earlier analysis as described on attached sheets. An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
REPORT is required, but it must analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed.
I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, because all
potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR or NEGATIVE
DECLARATION pursuant to applicable standards, and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to
that earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION, including revisions or mitigation measures that are
imposed upon the proposed project, nothing further is required.
Signature
Date
Chantal Power, AICP
Printed Name
City of San Bernardino
For
Page 10 of 38
EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS:
1) A brief explanation is required for all answers except "No Impact" answers that are adequately
supported by the information sources a Lead Agency cites in the parentheses following each
question. A "No Impact" answer is adequately supported if the referenced information sources show
that the impact simply does not apply to projects like the one involved (e.g. the project falls outside a
fault rupture zone). A "No Impact" answer should be explained where it is based on project-specific
factors as well as general standards (e.g. the project will not expose sensitive receptors to pollutants,
based on a project-specific screening analysis).
2) All answers must take account of the whole action involved, including off-site as well as on-site,
cumulative as well as project-level, indirect as well as direct, and construction as well as operational
impacts.
3) Once the Lead Agency has determined that a particular physical impact may occur, then the checklist
answers must indicate whether the impact is potentially significant, less than significant with
mitigation, or less than significant. "Potentially Significant Impact" is appropriate if there is
substantial evidence that an effect is significant. If there are one or more "Potentially Significant
Impact" entries when the determination is made, an EIR is required.
4) "Negative Declaration: Less Than Significant With Mitigation Incorporated" applies where the
incorporation of mitigation measures has reduced an effect from "Potentially Significant Impact" to a
"Less than Significant Impact." The Lead Agency must describe the mitigation measures, and briefly
explain how they reduce the effect to a less than significant level (mitigation measures from Section
XVII, "Earlier Analyses," may be cross-referenced).
5) Earlier analyses may be used where, pursuant to the tiering, program EIR, or other CEQA process, an
effect has been adequately analyzed in an earlier EIR or negative declaration. Section
15063(c)(3)(D). In this case, a brief discussion should identify the following:
a) Earlier Analyses Used. Identify and state where they are available for review.
b) Impacts Adequately Addressed. Identify which effects from the above checklist were within
the scope of and adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal
standards, and state whether such effects were addressed by mitigation measures based on
the earlier analysis.
c) Mitigation Measures. For effects that are "Less than Significant with Mitigation Measures
Incorporated," describe the mitigation measures which were incorporated or refined from
the earlier document and the extent to which they address site-specific conditions for the
project.
6) Lead agencies are encouraged to incorporate into the checklist references to information sources for
potential impacts (e.g. general plans, zoning ordinances). Reference to a previously pre pared or
outside document should, where appropriate, include a reference to the page or pages where the
statement is substantiated.
7) Supporting Information Sources. A source list should be attached, and other sources used or
individuals contacted should be cited in the discussion.
8) This is only a suggested form, and lead agencies are free to use different formats; however, lead
agencies should normally address the questions from this checklist that are relevant to a project's
environmental effects in whatever format is selected.
Page 11 of 38
9) The explanation of each issue should identify:
a) the significance criteria or threshold, if any, used to evaluate each question; and
b) the mitigation measure identified, if any, to reduce the impact to less than significance.
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
4.1 - AESTHETICS. Except as provided in Public
Resources Code section 21099, would the project:
a) Have a substantial adverse effect on
a scenic vista?
b) Substantially damage scenic
resources, including, but not limited
to, trees, rock outcroppings, and
historic buildings within a state
scenic highway?
c) Substantially degrade the existing
visual character or quality of public
views of the site and its
surroundings? (Public views are
those that are experienced from
publicly accessible vantage point). If
the project is in an urbanized area,
would the project conflict with
applicable zoning and other
regulations governing scenic
quality?)
d) Create a new source of substantial
light or glare which would adversely
affect day or nighttime views in the
area?
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
4.1 a) Less Than Significant Impact. The proposed Comprehensive Sign Code Update is intended to create
clear, user-friendly regulations and establish guidelines for implementation, installation, and maintenance of
signage within the City of San Bernardino. Design guidelines have been proposed for the size placement and
location of signs; and the approval authority will be required to make findings that a proposed sign is in
compliance with all applicable regulations and policies.
The City’s General Plan does not specifically identify any areas of the City as scenic vistas, though it is
recognized that the areas adjacent to the San Bernardino Wilderness mountain range provide a unique
aesthetic quality to the City and the communities surrounding those areas. The areas immediately adjacent to
the foothills are zoned for residential uses, and signage is most heavily regulated in these zones, limiting the
size to no more than 30 square feet, limiting height of free standing signs to no more than 6 feet, and
prohibiting digital signage. Substantial adverse effects on a scenic vista are not anticipated to result from the
adoption of the Comprehensive Sign Code Update.
4.1 b) No Impact. There are no designated state scenic highways within the City of San Bernardino. The
project does not include any development activity. Therefore, no impact would result.
Page 12 of 38
4.1 c) Less Than Significant Impact. The proposed Comprehensive Sign Code Update will establish
regulations consistent with the goals and policies of the general plan, along with design guidelines to ensure
consistency surrounding properties and land uses.
Section 19.22.010 (Purpose) of the Sign Code has been revised to include provisions that would:
• “Promote and accomplish the goals, policies, and measures of the General Plan, including,
but not limited to, addressing issues of scale, type, design, materials, placements,
compatibility, and maintenance of signs (Community Design Policy 5.2.6) and the
relationship of signs to both the scale of the buildings and to the street (Community Design
Policy 5.7.4);” and,
• “Preserve and improve the appearance of and property values in the City of San Bernardino,
and protect the City from visual clutter and blight, and promote attractive and harmonious
structures and environments by regulating the design, character, location, type, quality of
materials, scale, color, illumination, and maintenance of signs;” and,
• “Comply with the requirements of the Federal Highway Beautification Act (Section 23 of USC
Title 131 [Highways Code]) and the Outdoor Advertising Act (Chapter 2 in the California
Business and Professions Code).
Section 19.22.050 (Design Principles) has been added to the Sign Code and includes provisions for:
• “Architectural Compatibility. The sign shall be compatible with the building and the site
upon which it is located. A sign (including its supporting structure, if any) shall be designed
as an integral design element of a building’s architecture and shall be architecturally
compatible, including in terms of color and scale, with any building to which the sign is to be
attached and with surrounding structures. Where more than one sign is provided, all signs
shall be complementary to each other;” and,
• “Context Character. A sign shall be sensitive in context to nearby uses. Where a sign is
located in a district with historic buildings and landmark signs, new signs shall contribute to
an integrated appearance to such district. Where a sign is located in close proximity to a
residential area, the sign shall be designed and located so it has little or no impact on
adjacent residential neighborhoods.”
Pole signs, roof mounted, and static General Advertising Signs (Billboards) are prohibited. Digital General
Advertising Signs are permitted but limited and heavily regulated under Section 19.22.090. Implementation
of the proposed Comprehensive Sign Code Update will not result in significant impacts.
4.1 d) Less Than Significant Impact. Standards specific to sign illumination and digital signs have been
drafted so as not to create a public nuisance or safety hazards.
Section 19.22.030 (G) (Sign Illumination) has been added to the Comprehensive Sign Code Update to
establish clear standards for shielding, illumination, residential properties in direct line of sight, colored
lights, bulb face exposure, energy efficiency, and a prohibition on flashing signs.
Section 19.22.070 (B)(3) (Permanent Signs – Standards by Sign Type – Digital Signs) has been added to the
Comprehensive Sign Code Update to establish clear standards for digital signs to include: no flashing, timing
of display change following industry standards, night-time brightness not to exceed 0.3 foot-candles, ambient
light sensors for automatic dimming, hours digital signage in proximity to residential uses would be required
to turn off, signs types prohibited from using digital copy, and a requirement for a Certificate of Compliance
showing compliance with brightness standards.
As no such standards currently exist, implementation of the proposed Comprehensive Sign Code Update will
not result in significant impacts.
Page 13 of 38
4.2 - AGRICULTURE AND FOREST RESOURCES -- In
determining whether impacts to agricultural
resources are significant environmental effects, lead
agencies may refer to the California Agricultural Land
Evaluation and Site Assessment Model (1997)
prepared by the California Dept. of Conservation as
an optional model to use in assessing impacts on
agriculture and farmland. In determining whether
impacts to forest resources, including timberland, are
significant environmental effects, lead agencies may
refer to information compiled by the California
Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
regarding the state’s inventory of forest land,
including the Forest and Range Assessment Project
and the Forest Legacy Assessment project; and forest
carbon measurement methodology provided in
Forest protocols adopted by the California Air
Resources Board. –
Would the project:
a) Convert Prime Farmland,
Unique Farmland, or Farmland
of Statewide Importance
(Farmland), as shown on the
maps prepared pursuant to the
Farmland Mapping and
Monitoring Program of the
California Resources Agency,
to non-agricultural use?
b) Conflict with existing zoning for
agricultural use, or a Williamson Act
contract?
c) Conflict with existing zoning for, or
cause rezoning of, forest land (as
defined in Public Resources Code
section 12220(g)), timberland (as
defined by Public Resources Code
section 4526), or timberland zoned
Timberland Production (as defined
by Government Code section
51104(g))?
d) Result in the loss of forest land or
conversion of forest land to non-
forest use?
e) Involve other changes in the existing
environment which, due to their
location or nature, could result in
conversion of Farmland, to non-
agricultural use or conversion of
forest land to non-forest use?
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Page 14 of 38
4.3 - AIR QUALITY -- Where available, the
significance criteria established by the applicable air
quality management district or air pollution control
district may be relied upon to make the following
determinations.
Would the project:
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Conflict with or obstruct
implementation of the
applicable air quality plan?
b) Result in a cumulatively
considerable net increase of any
criteria pollutant for which the
project region is non-attainment
under an applicable federal or state
ambient air quality standard?
c) Expose sensitive receptors to
substantial pollutant
concentrations?
4.2 a) No Impact. There are no lands identified as Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of
Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and
Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, located within the city limits of the City of San
Bernardino. Therefore, no impact will result.
4.2 b) No Impact. There are no existing agricultural zones, or lands under Williamson Act contract located
within the city limits of the City of San Bernardino. Therefore, no impact will result.
4.2 c) No Impact. There are no existing forest land (as defined by Public Resources Code 12220 (g)),
timberland (as defined by Public Resources Code section 4526), or timberland zoned Timberland Production
(as defined by Government Code section 51104(g)) within the city limits of the City of San Bernardino.
Therefore, no impact will result.
4.2 d) No Impact. There are no forest lands within the City of San Bernardino. Therefore, no impact will
result.
4.2 e) No Impact. There are no designated Farmlands or forest lands within the City of San Bernardino.
Therefore, no impact will result.
Page 15 of 38
d) Result in other emissions (such as
those leading to odors adversely
affecting a substantial number of
people?
4.3 a) No Impact. The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) is the regulatory agency
responsible for air quality improvements in the South Coast Air Basin (SCAB) which encompasses a region
consisting of a large area of Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside County, and San Be rnardino County.
The 2016 Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP) was formulated and adopted by the SCAQMD and
Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) with the purpose of reaching short-term and long-
term goals for pollutants within the South Coast Air Basin designated as “nonattainment” because the area
does not meet federal or state Ambient Air Quality Standards (AAQS). The South Coast Air Basin is
designated as “nonattainment” for Ozone – 1 hour standard, Ozone – 8 hour standard, PM10 (particulate
matter, 10 micrometers or smaller), and PM2.5 (particulate matter, 2.5 micrometers or smaller). Criteria
pollutants designated as “attainment” within the South Coast Air Basin include Carbon Monoxide, Nitrogen
Dioxide, Sulfur Dioxide, and Lead.
The project proposes to amend chapters of the City of San Bernardino Development Code for the purpose
of updating signage regulations. The Comprehensive Sign Code Update will not make it easier to construct
new signage; the intention of the update is to draft clear regulations for the construction and maintenance
of signage. No development activity is proposed in connection with the Comprehensive Sign Code Update.
Therefore:
4.3 a) The project would not conflict with or obstruct implementation of the 2016 Air Quality Management
Plan. Other than Digital General Advertising Signs, construction of signs is not permitted on undeveloped
parcels. Individual future development projects that may result in the construction of new signs, will be
analyzed pursuant to CEQA guidelines for potential impacts on a case by case basis. In the case of Digital
General Advertising Signs, a Conditional Use Permit and appropriate CEQA determination is required and
construction of these signs is only permitted within 200 feet of the of the outer edge of the I-10 freeway, I-
215 free, and SR-210 freeway rights-of -way, and on City owned property. Any potential impacts will be
individually analyzed.
4.3 b) Less Than Significant Impact. The project would not result in a cumulatively considerable net
increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is nonattainment under an applicable federal
or state ambient air quality standard. Other than Digital General Advertising Signs, construction of signs is
not permitted on undeveloped parcels. Individual future development projects that may result in the
construction of new signs will be analyzed pursuant to CEQA guidelines for potential impacts on a case by
case basis. In the case of Digital General Advertising Signs, a Conditional Use Permit and appropriate CEQA
determination is required and construction of these signs is only permitted within 200 feet of the of the
outer edge of the I-10 freeway, I-215 free, and SR-210 freeway rights-of-way, and on City owned property.
Any potential impacts will be individually analyzed.
4.3 c) Less Than Significant Impact. The project would not expose sensitive receptors to substantial
pollutant concentrations. Other than Digital General Advertising Signs, construction of signs is not
permitted on undeveloped parcels. Individual future development projects that may result in the
construction of new signs will be analyzed pursuant to CEQA guidelines for potential impacts on a case by
case basis. In the case of Digital General Advertising Signs, a Condi tional Use Permit and appropriate CEQA
determination is required and construction of these signs is only permitted within 200 feet of the of the
outer edge of the I-10 freeway, I-215 free, and SR-210 freeway rights-of-way, and on City owned property.
Any potential impacts will be individually analyzed.
Page 16 of 38
4.4 - BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES –
Would the project:
a) Have a substantial adverse effect,
either directly or through habitat
modifications, on any species
identified as a candidate, sensitive,
or special status species in local or
regional plans, policies, or
regulations, or by the California
Department of Fish and Game or U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service?
b) Have a substantial adverse effect on
any riparian habitat or other
sensitive natural community
identified in local or regional plans,
policies, regulations or by the
California Department of Fish and
Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service?
c) Have a substantial adverse effect on
state or federally protected wetlands
(including, but not limited to, marsh,
vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through
direct removal, filling, hydrological
interruption, or other means?
d) Interfere substantially with the
movement of any native resident or
migratory fish or wildlife species or
with established native resident or
migratory wildlife corridors, or
impede the use of native wildlife
nursery sites?
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant With
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
4.3 d) No Impact. No development activity is proposed in connection with the project and the
Comprehensive Sign Code Update proposes to strictly prohibit any sign which emits sound, odor, or
smoke. Therefore, the project would not result in other emissions (such as those leading to odors
adversely affecting a substantial number of people). Other than Digital General Advertising Signs,
construction of signs is not permitted on undeveloped parcels. Individual future development projects that
may result in the construction of new signs will be analyzed pursuant to CEQA guidelines for potential
impacts on a case by case basis. In the case of Digital General Advertising Signs, a Conditional Use Permit
and appropriate CEQA determination is required and construction of these signs is only permitted within
200 feet of the of the outer edge of the I -10 freeway, I-215 free, and SR-210 freeway rights-of-way, and on
City owned property. Any potential impacts will be individually analyzed.
Page 17 of 38
e) Conflict with any local policies or
ordinances protecting biological
resources, such as a tree
preservation policy or ordinance?
f) Conflict with the provisions of an
adopted Habitat Conservation Plan,
Natural Community Conservation
Plan, or other approved local,
regional, or state habitat
conservation plan?
4.4 a, b, e & f) No Impact. Drafting and implementing the Comprehensive Sign Code Update will not result
in any development activity. The Comprehensive Sign Code Update will not facilitate or encourage
construction of new signs; the intention of the update is to establish clear regulations for the construction
and maintenance of signage. Other than Digital General Advertising Signs, construction of signs is not
permitted on undeveloped parcels. Individual future development projects that may result in the
construction of new signs will be analyzed pursuant to CEQA guidelines for potential impacts on a case by
case basis. In the case of Digital General Advertising Signs, a Conditional Use Permit and appropriate CEQA
determination is required and construction of these signs is only permitted within 200 feet of the of the
outer edge of the I-10 freeway, I-215 free, and SR-210 freeway rights-of-way, and on City owned property.
Any potential impacts will be individually analyzed. Therefore:
4.4 a) The project will not have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications,
on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans,
policies, or regulations or by the California Department of Fish and Game, or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service.
4.4 b) The project will not a substantial adverse impact on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural
community identified in local or regional plans, policies, regulations or by the California Department of Fish
and Game, or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
4.4 c) Less Than Significant Impact. The project will not have a substantial adverse effect on state or
federally protected wetlands (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct
removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means. The new regulations would require the removal
of signs that been deemed abandoned after a 24 month period of non-use. There is a small chance that such
as sign could possibly exist in an area identified as a state or federally protected wetland and could result in
some disturbance through demolition, but the potential for this to occur is so unlikely that the potential
impact would be less than significant.
4.4 d) Less Than Significant Impact. The project will not interfere substantially with the movement of any
native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife
corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites. The new regulations would require the removal
of signs that been deemed abandoned after a 24 month period of non-use. There is a small chance that such
as sign could possibly exist that is used as a nesting site for wildlife and could result in some disturbance
through demolition, but the potential for this to occur is unlikely and the potential impact would be less
than significant.
4.4 e) The project will not conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such
as a tree preservation policy or ordinance.
4.4 f) The project will not conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural
Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan.
Page 18 of 38
4.5 - CULTURAL RESOURCES -- Would the project:
a) Cause a substantial adverse change
in the significance of a historical
resource pursuant to § 15064.5?
b) Cause a substantial adverse change
in the significance of an
archaeological resource pursuant to
§ 15064.5?
c) Disturb any human remains,
including those interred outside of
dedicated cemeteries?
4.5 a) No Impact. Drafting and implementing the Comprehensive Sign Code Update will not result in any
development activity. The Comprehensive Sign Code Update will not facilitate or encourage construction of
new signs; the intention of the update is to establish clear regulations for the construction and maintenance
of signage. Other than Digital General Advertising Signs, construction of signs is not permitted on
undeveloped parcels. Individual future development projects that may result in the construction of new signs
will be analyzed pursuant to CEQA guidelines for potential impacts on a case by case basis. In the case of
Digital General Advertising Signs, a Conditional Use Permit and appropriate CEQA determination is required
and construction of these signs is only permitted within 200 feet of the of the outer edge of the I -10 freeway,
I-215 free, and SR-210 freeway rights-of-way, and on City owned property. Any potential impacts will be
individually analyzed. Therefore:
4.5 a) The project will not cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource
pursuant to § 15064.5. Additionally, the Draft Sign Code regulations contain provisions for preserving “Iconic
Signs; signs that through design and artistic expression unrelated to their message, are culturally significant
and represent unique character, history, and identity,” and a provision that signs proposed in areas with
existing historic buildings contribute to the character and appearance of those buildings a nd districts.
4.5 b) Less Than Significant Impact. The project will not cause a substantial adverse change in the
significance of an archeological resource pursuant to § 15064.5. The new regulations would require the
removal of signs that been deemed abandoned after a 24 month period of non-use. There is a small chance
that such as sign could possibly exist in an area with an archeological resource and could result in some
disturbance through demolition, but the potential for this to occur is unlikely, would require minimal ground
disturbance, and the potential impact would be less than significant.
4.5 c) Less Than Significant Impact. The project will not result in the disturbance of any human remains
including those interred outside of dedicated cemeteries. The new regulations would require the removal of
signs that been deemed abandoned after a 24 month period of non-use. There is a small chance that such as
sign could possibly exist on a site that contains human remains and could result in some disturbance through
demolition, but the potential for this to occur is unlikely, would require minimal ground disturbance, and the
potential impact would be less than significant.
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant With
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Page 19 of 38
4.6 – ENERGY -- Would the project:
a) Result in potentially significant
environmental impact due to
wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary
consumption of energy resources,
during project construction or
operation?
b) Conflict with or obstruct a state or
local plan for renewable energy or
energy efficiency?
4.7 - GEOLOGY AND SOILS -- Would the project:
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
4.6 a – b) No Impact. Drafting and implementing the Comprehensive Sign Code Update will not result in
any development activity. The Comprehensive Sign Code Update will not facilitate or encourage
construction of new signs; the intention of the update is to establish clear regulations for the construction
and maintenance of signage. Other than Digital General Advertising Signs, construction of signs is not
permitted on undeveloped parcels. Individual future development projects that may result in the
construction of new signs will be analyzed pursua nt to CEQA guidelines for potential impacts on a case by
case basis. In the case of Digital General Advertising Signs, a Conditional Use Permit and appropriate CEQA
determination is required and construction of these signs is only permitted within 200 feet of the of the
outer edge of the I-10 freeway, I-215 free, and SR-210 freeway rights-of-way, and on City owned property.
Any potential impacts will be individually analyzed. Therefore:
4.6 a) The project will not result in potentially significant environmental impact due to wasteful, inefficient,
or unnecessary consumption of energy resources, during project construction or operation, as no
construction activities are proposed in connection to the project.
Section 19.22.030 (G)(6) (Sign Illumination – Energy Efficiency) has been added to the Comprehensive Sign
Code Update and requires that all light sources utilize energy-efficient fixtures to the greatest extent
possible. All new signs will also be required to comply with all applicable state and federal codes including
the Federal Highway Beautification Act (Section 23 of USC Title 131 [Highways Code]) and the Outdoor
Advertising Act (Chapter 2 in the California Business and Professions Code), the California Building Code,
and the California Green Code. No impacts will occur.
4.6 b) The project will not conflict with or obstruct a state or local plan for renewable energy or energy
efficiency. All new signage must comply with state and local plans for renewable energy and energy
efficiency. No impacts will occur.
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
With Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Page 20 of 38
a) Directly or indirectly cause potential
substantial adverse effects, including
the risk of loss, injury or death
involving:
i) rupture of a known earthquake fault,
as delineated on the most recent
Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault
Zoning Map issued by the State
Geologist for the area or based on
other substantial evidence of a
known fault? Refer to Division of
Mines and Geology Special
Publication 42.
ii) strong seismic ground shaking?
iii) seismic-related ground failure,
including liquefaction?
iv) landslides?
b) Result in substantial soil erosion or
the loss of topsoil?
c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil
that is unstable, or that would
become unstable as a result of the
project, and potentially result in on-
or off-site landslide, lateral
spreading, subsidence, liquefaction
or collapse?
d) Be located on expansive soil, as
defined in Table 18-1-B of the
Uniform Building Code, creating
substantial direct or indirect risks to
life or property?
e) Have soils incapable of adequately
supporting the use of septic tanks or
alternative waste water disposal
systems where sewers are not
available for the disposal of waste
water?
f) Directly or indirectly destroy a
unique paleontological resource or
site or unique geologic feature?
Page 21 of 38
4.7 a) Less Than Significant Impact. The City of San Bernardino is crisscrossed by numerous faults and
trace faults, many of which are located within the Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone. Faults located within
the Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone are considered to have been active during the Holocene time and
have the potential for surface rupture, strong seismic ground shaking, seismic related ground failure,
including liquefaction, and landslides. The Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act regulates
development near active faults and requires comprehensive geological investigation to identify the location
and activity level of any faults on the development site and mandates that structures intended for human
occupancy not be built over active faults. Signs are not structures intended for human occupancy and are
exempt from these requirements.
Drafting and implementing the Comprehensive Sign Code Update will not result in any development activity.
The Comprehensive Sign Code Update will not facilitate or encourage construction of new signs; the
intention of the update is to establish clear regulations for the construction and maintenance of signage.
Other than Digital General Advertising Signs, construction of signs is not permitted on undeveloped parcels.
Individual future development projects that may result in the construction of new signs will be analyzed
pursuant to CEQA guidelines for potential impacts on a case by case basis. In the case of Digital General
Advertising Signs, a Conditional Use Permit and appropriate CEQA determination is required and
construction of these signs is only permitted within 200 feet of the of the outer edge of the I -10 freeway, I-
215 free, and SR-210 freeway rights-of-way, and on City owned property. Any potential impacts will be
individually analyzed.
The project will not directly or indirectly cause potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of
loss, injury, or death involving: the rupture of a known earthquake fault; strong seismic ground shaking;
seismic related ground failure, including liquefaction; or landslides.
4.7 b) Less Than Significant Impact. The project will not result in substantial soil erosion or loss of topsoil.
Wall signs would have no impact on soil erosion. Freestanding signs are relatively small and require minimal
ground disturbance and are constructed pursuant to California Building Code standards, including any
measures to address soil erosion. Impacts from sign construction would be less than significant.
4.7 c) Less Than Significant Impact. The project will not result in on- or off-site landslide, lateral spreading,
subsidence, liquefaction, or collapse. Liquefaction is caused by build-up of excess hydrostatic pressure in
saturated cohensionless soils due to cyclic stress generated by ground-shaking during an earthquake. Many
locations within the City of San Bernardino are located in areas with “high” and moderately high to
moderate” liquefaction potential which can be induced by seismic activity. Lateral spreadi ng is characterized
as the downslope movement of surface sediment due to liquefaction in the subsurface layer. No impact
would occur as a result of wall sign construction. Freestanding signs involve minimal surface disruption and
impacts concerning liquefaction and lateral spreading would be less than significant.
4.7 d) Less Than Significant Impact. The project will not create substantial direct or indirect risks to life or
property. Expansive soils are defined as soils that shrink when dry and expand whe n wet. These
characteristics apply to soils with a high percentage of clay. Commonly found soils within the City are not
characterized as expansive and construction of signs would be required to conform to California Building
Code requirements. Impacts concerning expansive soils would be less than significant.
4.7 e) No Impact. The project does not include construction activities, and sign construction does not
require the inclusion of septic tanks or disposal of waste water. No impact will occur.
4.7 f) Less Than Significant Impact. The project will not directly or indirectly destroy a paleontological
resource or site or unique geologic feature. The project does not include construction activities, and future
construction of wall signs would have no impac t on paleontological resources. Freestanding signs are
relatively small and require minimal ground disturbance. Potential impacts concerning paleontological
resources would be less than significant.
Page 22 of 38
4.8 - GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS –
Would the project:
a) Generate greenhouse gas emissions,
either directly or indirectly, that
may have a significant impact on the
environment?
b) Conflict with an applicable plan,
policy or regulation adopted for the
purpose of reducing the emission of
greenhouse gases?
4.9 - HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS --
Would the project:
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Create a significant hazard to the
public or the environment through
the routine transport, use, or
disposal of hazardous materials?
b) Create a significant hazard to the
public or the environment through
reasonably foreseeable upset and
accident conditions involving the
release of hazardous materials into
the environment?
4.8 a – b) No Impact. Drafting and implementing the Comprehensive Sign Code Update will not result in any
development activity. Therefore:
4.8 a) The project does not involve construction activities and as signs are relatively small, any future
construction of signs will not generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that would
have a significant impact on the environment.
4.8 b) Drafting and implementing the Comprehensive Sign Code Update will not result in any development
activity. The Comprehensive Sign Code Update will not facilitate or encourage construction of new signs; the
intention of the update is to establish clear regulations for the construction and maintenance of signage.
Other than Digital General Advertising Signs, construction of signs is not permitted on undeveloped parcels.
Individual future development projects that may result in the construction of new signs will be analyzed
pursuant to CEQA guidelines for potential impacts on a case by case basis. In the case of Digital General
Advertising Signs, a Conditional Use Permit and appropriate CEQA determination is required and
construction of these signs is only permitted within 200 feet of the of the outer edge of the I-10 freeway, I-
215 free, and SR-210 freeway rights-of-way, and on City owned property. Any potential impacts will be
individually analyzed. The project and any future sign construction will be required to comply with all
applicable plans, policies or regulations adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of greenhouse
gases.
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant With
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Page 23 of 38
c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle
hazardous or acutely hazardous
materials, substances, or waste
within one-quarter mile of an
existing or proposed school?
d) Be located on a site which is
included on a list of hazardous
materials sites compiled pursuant to
Government Code section 65962.5
and, as a result, would it create a
significant hazard to the public or
the environment?
e) For a project located within an
airport land use plan or, where such
a plan has not been adopted, within
two miles of a public airport or
public use airport, would the project
result in a safety hazard or excessive
noise for people residing or working
in the project area?
f) Impair implementation of or
physically interfere with an adopted
emergency response plan or
emergency evacuation plan?
g) Expose people or structures, either
directly or indirectly, to a significant
risk of loss, injury or death involving
wildland fires?
4.9 a) No Impact. Drafting and implementing the Comprehensive Sign Code Update will not result in any
development activity. Construction of and operation signs does not include the routine transport, use, or
disposal of hazardous materials. Therefore, the project will not create a significant hazard to the public or the
environment through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials.
4.9 b) No Impact. The project will not create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through
reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the
environment. Any future construction and operation of signs would not result in the release of hazardous
materials into the environment. No impact will result.
4.9 c) No Impact. The project does not involve any construction activities. Any future construction and
operation of signs will not cause hazardous emissions or handling of hazardous or acutely hazardous
materials, substances, or waste. No impact will result.
4.9 d) Less Than Significant Impact. There is one superfund site located within the City of San Bernardino
that is on the Cortese List maintained by the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC). The site has
been undergoing continued cleanup efforts by the U.S. EPA since 1986. The project does not include
construction activities and it is unlikely that any signage would be constructed on the one remaining
superfund site within the City, but in the event that a sign is erected on the site, the construction of a sign
would not inhibit cleanup efforts and would not create a significant hazard to the public or the environment.
Any impacts would be less than significant.
Page 24 of 38
4.10 - HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY --
Would the project:
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Violate any water quality standards
or waste discharge requirements or
otherwise substantially degrade
surface or ground water quality?
b) Substantially decrease groundwater
supplies or interfere substantially
with groundwater recharge such
that the project may impede
sustainable groundwater
management of the basin?
c) Substantially alter the existing
drainage pattern of the site or area,
including through the alteration of
the course of a stream or river or
through the addition of impervious
surfaces, in a manner which would:
i) result in substantial erosion or
siltation on- or off-site;
ii) substantially increase the rate or
amount of surface runoff in a
manner which would result in
flooding on- or offsite;
4.9 e) No Impact. Drafting and implementing the Comprehensive Sign Code Update will not result in any
development activity. Any future constructions of signs within two miles of the San Bernardino International
Airport would be subject to the California Building Code requirements and the City’s Noise Ordinance for
construction activities. The project will not result in a safety hazard or excessive noise for people residing or
working in the project area. No impact will result.
4.9 f) No Impact. Drafting and implementing the Comprehensive Sign Code Update will not result in any
development activity. Any future constructions of signs will not impair implementation of or physically interfere
with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan.
4.9 g) No Impact. The project does not include the construction of signs. Any future construction or operation
of signs would be required to comply with the California Building Code, the California Fire Code, and the City’s
Weed Abatement Ordinance. The project will not expose people or structures, either directly or indirectly, to a
significant risk of loss, injury or death involving wildland fires. No impact will result.
Page 25 of 38
iii) create or contribute runoff water
which would exceed the capacity of
existing or planned stormwater
drainage systems or provide
substantial additional sources of
polluted runoff; or
iv) impede or redirect flood flows?
d) In flood hazard, tsunami, or seiche
zones, risk release of pollutants due
to project inundation?
e) Conflict with or obstruct
implementation of a water quality
control plan or sustainable
groundwater management plan?
4.10 a- e) No impact. Drafting and implementing the Comprehensive Sign Code Update will not result in any
development activity. The Comprehensive Sign Code Update will not facilitate or encourage construction of new
signs; the intention of the update is to establish clear regulati ons for the construction and maintenance of signage.
Other than Digital General Advertising Signs, construction of signs is not permitted on undeveloped parcels.
Individual future development projects that may result in the construction of new signs will be analyzed pursuant
to CEQA guidelines for potential impacts on a case by case basis. In the case of Digital General Advertising Signs, a
Conditional Use Permit and appropriate CEQA determination is required and construction of these signs is only
permitted within 200 feet of the of the outer edge of the I-10 freeway, I-215 free, and SR-210 freeway rights-of-
way, and on City owned property. Any potential impacts will be individually analyzed.
4.10 a) Future construction and operation of signs would not include the use of water or waste discharge and
would only result in minimal ground disruption. The project will not violate any water quality standards or waste
discharge requirements or otherwise substantially degrade surface or ground water quality.
4.10 b) Future construction and operation of signs would not include the use of groundwater supplies and would
not interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such that the project may impede sustainable groundwater
management of the basin.
4.10 c) Future construction and operation of signs would require minimal ground disturbance and will not
substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of
a stream or river or through the addition of impervious surfaces.
4.10 d) A seiche is a small tidal wave that occurs in a lake or other enclosed body of water. Seiches may be
generated by ground motion during an earthquake and may cause an overflow of a lake, reservoir or lagoon. No
features of this nature exist in the City of San Bernardino. A tsunami is a high ocean wave generated by a
submarine earthquake or volcanic eruption. San Bernardino is located inland and would not be affected by
tsunamis. The Santa Ana River and its tributaries especially those out of the mountainous areas have the potential
to carry large amounts of debris, or debris flow. Construction of any future signs will occur on existing or new
buildings or on the ground surface, and involve minimal ground disruption, if any, a nd will not risk release of
pollutants due to project inundation in flood hazard, tsunami, or seiche zones.
4.10 e) Future construction and operation of signs would cause minimal, if any, ground disruption and will not
conflict with or obstruct implementation of a water quality control plan or sustainable groundwater management
plan.
Page 26 of 38
4.11 - LAND USE AND PLANNING –
Would the project:
a) Physically divide an established
community?
b) Cause a significant environmental
impact due to a conflict with any
land use plan, policy, or regulation
adopted for the purpose of avoiding
or mitigating an environmental
effect?
4.12 - MINERAL RESOURCES –
Would the project:
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Result in the loss of availability of a
known mineral resource that would
be of value to the region and the
residents of the state?
b) Result in the loss of availability of a
locally-important mineral resource
recovery site delineated on a local
general plan, specific plan or other
land use plan?
4.11 a -b) No impact. Drafting and implementing the Comprehensive Sign Code Update will not result in any
development activity. The Comprehensive Sign Code Update will not facilitate or encourage construction of
new signs; the intention of the update is to establish clear regulations for the construction and maintenance of
signage. Other than Digital General Advertising Signs, construction of signs is not permitted on undeveloped
parcels. Individual future development projects that may result in the construction of new signs will be
analyzed pursuant to CEQA guidelines for potential impacts on a case by case basis. In the case of Digital
General Advertising Signs, a Conditional Use Permit and appropriate CEQA determination is required and
construction of these signs is only permitted within 200 feet of the of the outer edge of the I-10 freeway, I-215
free, and SR-210 freeway rights-of-way, and on City owned property. Any potential impacts will be individually
analyzed.
4.11 a) Signs, whether installed on a building or on the ground surface, are small struc tures that would not
physically divide an established community.
4.11 b) Any future construction of signs would be constructed in accordance with the California Building Code,
and all applicable development and zoning regulations and the will not cause a significant environmental
impact due to a conflict with any land use plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of avoiding or
mitigating an environmental effect.
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant With
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Page 27 of 38
4.13 - NOISE –
Would the project:
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Result in generation of a substantial
temporary or permanent increase in
ambient noise levels in the vicinity
of the project in excess of standards
established in the local general plan
or noise ordinance, or applicable
standards of other agencies?
b) Result in generation of excessive
groundborne vibration or
groundborne noise levels?
4.12 a – b) No impact. There are four Mineral Resource Zones located in the City of San Bernardino.
Mineral Resource Zone -1 (MRZ-1) is defined as an area where adequate information indicates that no
significant mineral deposits are present or likely to be present. MRZ -2 is a Mineral Resource Zone where
adequate information indicates that significant mineral deposits are present, or a likelihood of their
presence and development should be controlled. MRZ-3 is a Mineral Resource Zone where the significance
of mineral deposits cannot be determined from the available data. The MRZ-4 is a Mineral Resource Zone
where there is insufficient data to assign any other MRZ designation. The State has designated a large area
near the western and southern boundaries as MRZ-2, much of which is already developed.
Drafting and implementing the Comprehensive Sign Code Update will not result in any development
activity. The Comprehensive Sign Code Update will not facilitate or e ncourage construction of new signs;
the intention of the update is to establish clear regulations for the construction and maintenance of
signage. Other than Digital General Advertising Signs, construction of signs is not permitted on
undeveloped parcels. Individual future development projects that may result in the construction of new
signs will be analyzed pursuant to CEQA guidelines for potential impacts on a case by case basis. In the case
of Digital General Advertising Signs, a Conditional Use Permit a nd appropriate CEQA determination is
required and construction of these signs is only permitted within 200 feet of the of the outer edge of the I -
10 freeway, I-215 free, and SR-210 freeway rights-of-way, and on City owned property. Any potential
impacts will be individually analyzed. The construction of new signs would result in minimal, if any, ground
disturbance and would have no impact on a potential resource sector.
4.12 a) Signs, whether installed on a building or on the ground surface, are small structures that require
minimal, if any, ground disturbance and will not result in the loss of availability of a known mineral
resource that would be of value to the region and the residents of the state.
4.12 b) Signs, whether installed on a building or on the ground surface, are small structures that require
minimal, if any, ground disturbance and will not result in the loss of availability of a locally-important
mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local general plan, specific plan or other land use plan.
Page 28 of 38
c) For a project located within the
vicinity of a private airstrip or an
airport land use plan or, where such
a plan has not been adopted, within
two miles of a public airport or
public use airport, would the project
expose people residing or working
in the project area to excessive noise
levels?
4.14 - POPULATION AND HOUSING –
Would the project:
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Induce substantial unplanned
population growth in an area, either
directly (for example, by proposing
new homes and businesses) or
indirectly (for example, through
extension of road or other
infrastructure)?
4.13 a – c) No impact. Drafting and implementing the Comprehensive Sign Code Update will not result in any
development activity. The Comprehensive Sign Code Update will not facilitate or encourage construction of
new signs; the intention of the update is to establish clear regulations for the construction and maintenance of
signage. Other than Digital General Advertising Signs, construction of signs is not permitted on undeveloped
parcels. Individual future development projects that may result in the construction of new signs will be
analyzed pursuant to CEQA guidelines for potential impacts on a case by case basis. In the case of D igital
General Advertising Signs, a Conditional Use Permit and appropriate CEQA determination is required and
construction of these signs is only permitted within 200 feet of the of the outer edge of the I -10 freeway, I-215
free, and SR-210 freeway rights-of-way, and on City owned property. Any potential impacts will be
individually analyzed.
4.13 a) Any future construction of signs would be subject to the California Building Code requirements and the
City’s Noise Ordinance for construction activities and will not result in generation of a substantial temporary
or permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the vicinity of the project in excess of standards established
in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies.
4.13 b) Signs, whether installed on a building or on the ground surface, are small structures that require
minimal, if any, ground disturbance and will not result in generation of excessive groundborne vibration or
groundborne noise levels.
4.13 c) Any future construction of signs in the vicinity of the San Bernardino International Airport would be
subject to the California Building Code requirements and the City’s Noise Ordinance for construction activities
and will not expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels.
Page 29 of 38
b) Displace substantial numbers of
existing people or housing,
necessitating the construction of
replacement housing elsewhere?
4.15 - PUBLIC SERVICES –
Would the project:
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Result in substantial adverse
physical impacts associated with the
provision of new or physically
altered governmental facilities, need
for new or physically altered
governmental facilities, the
construction of which could cause
significant environmental impacts,
in order to maintain acceptable
service ratios, response times or
other performance objectives for
any of the public services:
Fire protection?
Police protection?
Schools?
Parks?
Other public facilities?
4.14 a – b) No impact. Drafting and implementing the Comprehensive Sign Code Update will not result in
any development activity. The Comprehensive Sign Code Update will not facilitate or encourage
construction of new signs; the intention of the update is to establish clear regulations for the construction
and maintenance of signage. Other than Digital General Advertising Signs, construction of signs is not
permitted on undeveloped parcels. Individual future development projects that may result in the
construction of new signs will be analyzed pursuant to CEQA guidelines for potential impacts on a case by
case basis. In the case of Digital General Advertising Signs, a Conditional Use Permit and appropriate CE QA
determination is required and construction of these signs is only permitted within 200 feet of the of the
outer edge of the I-10 freeway, I-215 free, and SR-210 freeway rights-of-way, and on City owned property.
Any potential impacts will be individually analyzed.
4.14 a) Construction and operations of signs has no effect on population growth in an area, either directly or
indirectly.
4.14 b) Signs, whether installed on a building or on the ground surface, are small structures and will not
displace substantial numbers of existing people or housing, necessitating the construction of replacement
housing elsewhere.
Page 30 of 38
4.16 - RECREATION –
Would the project:
a) Increase the use of existing
neighborhood and regional parks or
other recreational facilities such that
substantial physical deterioration of
the facility would occur or be
accelerated?
b) Does the project include recreational
facilities or require the construction
or expansion of recreational
facilities which have an adverse
physical effect on the environment?
4.15 a) No impact. Drafting and implementing the Comprehensive Sign Code Update will not result in any
development activity. The Comprehensive Sign Code Update will not facilitate or encourage construction of
new signs; the intention of the update is to establish clear regulations for the construction and maintenance
of signage. Other than Digital General Advertising Signs, construction of si gns is not permitted on
undeveloped parcels. Individual future development projects that may result in the construction of new
signs will be analyzed pursuant to CEQA guidelines for potential impacts on a case by case basis. In the case
of Digital General Advertising Signs, a Conditional Use Permit and appropriate CEQA determination is
required and construction of these signs is only permitted within 200 feet of the of the outer edge of the I -10
freeway, I-215 free, and SR-210 freeway rights-of-way, and on City owned property. Future construction and
operation of signs will not result in any adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or
physically altered governmental facilities, need for new or physically altered governmental facilities, the
construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service
ratios, response times or other performance objectives for any of the public services, including fire
protection, police protection, schools, parks , and other public facilities.
4.16 a – b) No impact. Drafting and implementing the Comprehensive Sign Code Update will not result in
any development activity. The Comprehensive Sign Code Update will not facilitate or encourage
construction of new signs; the intention of the update is to establish clear regulations for the construction
and maintenance of signage. Other than Digital General Advertising Signs, construction of signs is not
permitted on undeveloped parcels. Individual future development projects that may result in the
construction of new signs will be analyzed pursuant to CEQA guidelines for potential impacts on a case by
case basis. In the case of Digital General Advertising Signs, a Conditional Use Permit and appropriate CE QA
determination is required and construction of these signs is only permitted within 200 feet of the of the
outer edge of the I-10 freeway, I-215 free, and SR-210 freeway rights-of-way, and on City owned property.
Any potential impacts will be individually analyzed.
4.16 a) Any future construction of signs will not increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks
or other recreational facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be
accelerated.
4.16 b) Construction and operation of signs does not include recreational facilities or require the construction
or expansion of recreational facilities which have an adverse physical effect on the environment.
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant With
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Page 31 of 38
1 CEQA Guidelines section 15064.3(c) provides that a lead agency“may elect to be governed by the provisions” of
the section immediately; otherwise, the section’s provisions apply July 1, 2020. Here, the District has not elected to
be governed by Section 15064.3. Accordingly, an analysis of vehciles miles traveled (VMT) is not necessary to
determine whether a proposed project will have a significant transportation impact.
4.17 - TRANSPORTATION –
Would the project:
a) Conflict with program plan,
ordinance or policy addressing the
circulation system, including transit,
roadway, bicycle and pedestrian
facilities?
b) Conflict or be inconsistent with
CEQA Guidelines section 15064.31 or
will conflict with an applicable
congestion management program,
including, but not limited to, level of
service standards and travel
demand measures, or other
standards established by the county
congestion management agency for
designated roads or highways?
c) Substantially increase hazards due
to a geometric design feature (e.g.,
sharp curves or dangerous
intersections) or incompatible uses
(e.g., farm equipment)?
d) Result in inadequate emergency
access?
4.17 a -d) No impact. Drafting and implementing the Comprehensive Sign Code Update will not result in
any development activity. The Comprehensive Sign Code Update will not facilitate or encourage
construction of new signs; the intention of the update is to establish clear regulations for the construction
and maintenance of signage. Other than Digital General Advertising Signs, construction of signs is not
permitted on undeveloped parcels. Individual future development projects that may result in the
construction of new signs will be analyzed pursuant to CEQA guidelines for potential impacts on a case by
case basis. In the case of Digital General Advertising Signs, a Conditional Use Permit and appropriate CE QA
determination is required and construction of these signs is only permitted within 200 feet of the of the
outer edge of the I-10 freeway, I-215 free, and SR-210 freeway rights-of-way, and on City owned property.
Any potential impacts will be individually analyzed.
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant With
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Page 32 of 38
4.18 - TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES –
Would the project:
a) Cause a substantial adverse change
in the significance of a tribal cultural
resource, defined in Public
Resources Code section 21074 as
either a site, feature, place, cultural
landscape that is geographically
defined in terms of the size and
scope of the landscape, sacred place,
or object with cultural value to a
California Native American tribe,
and that is:
i) listed or eligible for listing
in the California Register of
Historical Resources, or in a
local register of historical
resources as defined in
Public Resources Code
section 5020.1(k), or
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant With
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
4.17 a) Any future construction of signs will not conflict with a program plan, ordinance or policy
addressing the circulation system, including transit, roadway, bicycle and pedestrian facilities.
Section 19.22.010 (H) (Purpose) has been added to the Comprehensive Sign Code Update and requires that signs
“comply with the requirements of the Federal Highway Beautification Act (Section 23 of USC Title 131 [Highways
Code]) and the Outdoor Advertising Act (Chapter 2 in the California Business and Professions Code).”
4.17 b) Any future construction of signs will not conflict or be inconsistent with CEQA Guidelines section
15064.3 or will conflict with an applicable congestion management program, including, but not limited to,
level of service standards and travel demand measures, or other standards established by the county
congestion management agency for designated roads or highways.
4.17 c) Any future construction of signs will not substantially increase hazards due to a geometric design
feature or incompatible uses.
Section 19.22.010 (F) (Purpose) has been added to the Comprehensive Sign Code Update and requires that
signs “designed, constructed, installed, and maintained in a manner that promotes public safety and traffic
safety.”
Section 19.22.040 (C)(3) (Prohibited Signs – Display Restrictions) prohibits “signs which simulate in color or
design a traffic sign or signal, or which make use of words, symbols, or characters in such a manner to interfere
with, mislead, or confuse pedestrian or vehicular traffic.”
4.17 d) Any future construction of signs will not result in inadequate emergency access.
Page 33 of 38
ii) a resource determined by
the lead agency, in its
discretion and supported by
substantial evidence, to be
significant pursuant to
criteria set forth in
subdivision (c) of Public
Resources Code section
5024.1. In applying the
criteria set forth in
subdivision (c) of Public
Resources Code section
5024.1, the lead agency
shall consider the
significance of the resource
to a California Native
American tribe.
4.19 - UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS –
Would the project:
a) Require or result in the relocation or
construction of new or expanded
water, wastewater treatment or
storm water drainage, electric
power, natural gas, or
telecommunications facilities, the
construction or relocation of which
could cause significant
environmental effects?
4.18 a) Less Than Significant Impact. Drafting and implementing the Comprehensive Sign Code Update will
not result in any development activity. The Comprehensive Sign Code Update will not facilitate or encourage
construction of new signs; the intention of the update is to establish clear regulations for the construction and
maintenance of signage. Other than Digital General Advertising Signs, construction of signs is not permitted on
undeveloped parcels. Individual future development projects that may result in the construction of new signs
will be analyzed pursuant to CEQA guidelines for potential impacts on a case by case basis. In the case of
Digital General Advertising Signs, a Conditional Use Permit and appropriate CEQA determination is required
and construction of these signs is only permitted within 200 feet of the of the outer edge of the I -10 freeway, I-
215 free, and SR-210 freeway rights-of-way, and on City owned property. Any potential impacts will be
individually analyzed. Signs are small structures which require minimal, if any, ground disturbance, and are
strictly regulated for size, location, and illumination to ensure that construction, placement, and operation will
not cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a tribal cultural resource, defined in Public
Resources Code section 21074 as either a site, feature, place, cultural landscape that is geographically defined
in terms of the size and scope of the landscape, sacred place, or object with cultural value to a California Native
American tribe, and that is: listed or eligible for listing in the California Register of Historical Resources, or in a
local register of historical resources as defined in Public Resources Code section 5020.1(k), or a resource
determined by the lead agency, in its discretion and supported by substantial evidence, to be significant
pursuant to criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of Public Resources Code section 5024.1. In applying the
criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of Public Resources Code section 5024.1, the lead agency shall consider the
significance of the resource to a California Native American tribe.
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant With
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Page 34 of 38
b) Have sufficient water supplies
available to serve the project and
reasonably foreseeable future
development during normal, dry and
multiple dry years?
c) Result in a determination by the
wastewater treatment provider
which serves or may serve the
project that it has adequate capacity
to serve the project's projected
demand in addition to the provider's
existing commitments?
d) Generate solid waste in excess of
State or local standards, or in excess
of the capacity of local
infrastructure, or otherwise impair
the attainment of solid waste
reduction goals?
e) Comply with federal, state, and local
management and reduction statutes
and regulations related to solid
waste?
4.19 a) Less Than Significant Impact. Signs do not use water or natural gas. Signs have no impact on
wastewater treatment or stormwater drainage. Signs have no impact on telecommunications facilities and in
some cases may be used for the colocation of small telecommunications equipment. Some signs are
illuminated or digital and require the use of electrical power, but are relatively small structures and are
required to meet state and federal energy efficie ncy standards and will not result in significant impacts to the
electrical grid and would result in the expansion or construction of new electrical facilities.
4.19 b) No Impact. Signs do not use water and will not impact water supply.
4.19 c) No Impact. Signs have no impact on wastewater treatment and will not result in a determination by
the wastewater treatment provider which serves or may serve the project that it has adequate capacity to
serve the project's projected demand in addition to the provider's existing commitments.
4.19 d) Less Than Significant Impact. Drafting and implementing the Comprehensive Sign Code Update will
not result in any development activity. The Comprehensive Sign Code Update will not facilitate or encourage
construction of new signs; the intention of the update is to establish clear regulations for the construction and
maintenance of signage. Other than Digital General Advertising Signs, construction of signs is not permitted on
undeveloped parcels. Individual future development projects that may result in the construction of new signs
will be analyzed pursuant to CEQA guidelines for potential impacts on a case by case basis. In the case of
Digital General Advertising Signs, a Conditional Use Permit and appropriate CEQA determination is required
and construction of these signs is only permitted within 200 feet of the of the outer edge of the I -10 freeway, I-
215 free, and SR-210 freeway rights-of-way, and on City owned property. Future construction of signs would
create a minimal amount of debris that would need to be diverted to one of several regional landfills as
required by State law and will not generate solid waste in excess of State or local standards, or in excess of the
capacity of local infrastructure, or otherwise impair the attainment of solid waste reduction goals.
4.19 e) No Impact. The project does not include construction activities. Future construction of signs will be required
to comply with federal, state, and local management and reduction statutes and regulations related to solid
waste.
Page 35 of 38
4.20 - WILDFIRE – If located in or near state
responsibility areas or lands classified as very high
fire hazard severity zones, would the project:
a) Substantially impair an
adopted emergency response
plan or emergency evacuation
plan?
b) Due to slope, prevailing
winds, and other factors,
exacerbate wildfire risks, and
thereby expose project
occupants to, pollutant
concentrations from a
wildfire or the uncontrolled
spread of a wildfire?
c) Require the installation or
maintenance of associated
infrastructure (such as roads,
fuel breaks, emergency water
sources, power lines or other
utilities) that may exacerbate
fire risk or that may result in
temporary or ongoing
impacts to the environment?
d) Expose people or structures
to significant risks, including
downslope or downstream
flooding or landslides, as a
result of runoff, post-fire
slope instability, or drainage
changes?
4.20 a) No Impact. The project does not include construction activities. Future construction and operation of signs and
will not substantially impair an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan; signs can be
useful for orienting and directing traffic in emergency situations.
4.20 b) No Impact. The project does not include the construction or operation of signs. Any future construction
or operation of signs would be required to comply with the California Building Code, the California Fire Code,
and the City’s Weed Abatement Ordinance and will not exacerbate wildfire risks, and thereby expose project
occupants to, pollutant concentrations from a wildfire or the uncontrolled spread of a wildfire due to slope,
prevailing winds, and other factors.
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Page 36 of 38
4.21 - MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE --
a) Does the project have the potential
to substantially degrade the quality
of the environment, substantially
reduce the habitat of a fish or
wildlife species, cause a fish or
wildlife population to drop below
self-sustaining levels, threaten to
eliminate a plant or animal
community, substantially reduce the
number or restrict the range of a
rare or endangered plant or animal
or eliminate important examples of
the major periods of California
history or prehistory?
b) Does the project have impacts that
are individually limited, but
cumulatively considerable?
(“Cumulatively considerable” means
that the incremental effects of a
project are considerable when
viewed in connection with the
effects of past projects, the effects of
other current project, and the effects
of probable future projects.)
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
With Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
4.20 c) Less Than Significant Impact. Drafting and implementing the Comprehensive Sign Code Update will
not result in any development activity. The Comprehensive Sign Code Update will not facilitate or encourage
construction of new signs; the intention of the update is to establish clear regulations for the construction
and maintenance of signage. Other than Digital General Advertising Signs, construction of signs is not
permitted on undeveloped parcels. Individual future development projects that may result in the
construction of new signs will be analyzed pursuant to CEQA guidelines for potential impacts on a case by
case basis. Future construction and operation of signs may require connection to an existing power line or a power
line that is installed as part of a larger project, which would require maintenance of associated infrastructure
that may exacerbate fire risk or that may result in temporary or ongoing impacts to the environment, but the
impacts from signage alone would be insignificant as signs are relatively small structures and will be
designed for maximum energy efficiency.
4.20 d) No Impact. The project does not include the construction of signs. Any future construction of signs
requires minimal, if any, ground disturbance, and will not expose people or structures to significant risks,
including downslope or downstream flooding or landslides, as a result of runoff, post-fire slope instability,
or drainage changes.
Page 37 of 38
Note: Authority cited: Public Resources Code sections 21083, 21083.05, 21083.09.
Reference: Gov. Code section 65088.4; Public Resources Code sections 21073, 21074, 21080(c), 21080.1,
21080.3, 21080.3.1, 21080.3.2, 21082.3, 21083, 21083.3, 21083.5, 21084.2, 21084.3, 21093, 21094, 21095
and 21151; Sundstrom v. County of Mendocino (1988) 202 Cal.App.3d 296; Leonoff v. Monterey Board of
Supervisors (1990) 222 Cal.App.3d 1337; Eureka Citizens for Responsible Govt. v. City of Eureka (2007) 147
Cal.App.4th 357; Protect the Historic Amador Waterways v. Amador Water Agency (2004) 116 Cal.App.4th
1099, 1109; San Franciscans Upholding the Downtown Plan v. City and County of San Francisco (2002) 102
Cal.App.4th 656.
c) Does the project have environmental
effects which will cause substantial
adverse effects on human beings,
either directly or indirectly?
4.21 a - c) Less Than Significant Impact. Drafting and implementing the Comprehensive Sign Code Update
will not result in any development activity. The Comprehensive Sign Code Update will not facilitate or
encourage construction of new signs; the intention of the update is to establish clear regulations for the
construction and maintenance of signage. Other than Digital General Advertising Signs, construction of signs
is not permitted on undeveloped parcels. Individual future development projects that may result in the
construction of new signs will be analyzed pursuant to CEQA guidelines for potential impacts on a case by
case basis. In the case of Digital General Advertising Signs, a Conditional Use Permit and appropriate CE QA
determination is required and construction of these signs is only permitted within 200 feet of the of the
outer edge of the I-10 freeway, I-215 free, and SR-210 freeway rights-of-way, and on City owned property.
Any potential impacts will be individually analyzed.
4.21 a) Future construction or demolition of signs would require minimal, if any, ground disturbance and does not
have the potential to substantially degrade the quality of the environment, substantially reduce the habitat
of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self -sustaining levels, threaten
to eliminate a plant or animal community, substantially reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare or
endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or
prehistory.
4.21 b) Signs are relatively small structures and represent a very small portion of the built environment and
do not have impacts that are individually limited, but cumulatively considerable.
4.21 c) Any part of the built environment has the potential to cause some adverse effect on humans, either
directly or indirectly, but as signs are rela ti vely small structures and not meant for human habitation, any
potential impacts are less than significant.
Page 38 of 38
REFERENCES
5.1 LIST OF PREPARERS
City of San Bernardino
Community and Economic Development Department
Planning Division
Chantal Power, AICP
Associate Planner
201 N. E Street
San Bernardino, CA 92401
5.2 PERSONS AND ORGANIZATIONS CONSULTED
MIG, Inc.
Genevieve Sharrow
Project Manager
537 S. Raymond Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91105
S A N B E R N A R D I N O S I G N A G E R E G U L A T I O N S U P D A T E
Mayor and City Council
Hearing
March 18, 2020
S A N B E R N A R D I N O S I G N A G E R E G U L A T I O N S U P D A T E
1. Intent of Sign Regulations Update
2. Update Process
3. Review of Draft Regulations
PRESENTATION OVERVIEW
S A N B E R N A R D I N O S I G N A G E R E G U L A T I O N S U P D A T E
Why Are Signs Important?
•Attract and draw customers
•Create sales for businesses (marketing
tool)
•Build brand recognition
•Provide identification and direction
•Affect the look of a community
S A N B E R N A R D I N O S I G N A G E R E G U L A T I O N S U P D A T E
Ineffective Signage
S A N B E R N A R D I N O S I G N A G E R E G U L A T I O N S U P D A T E
Ineffective Signage
S A N B E R N A R D I N O S I G N A G E R E G U L A T I O N S U P D A T E
Intent of Sign Update
•Update Sign Regulations to be clear and
user-friendly
•Comply with legal requirements
•Address emerging issues in San Bernardino
S A N B E R N A R D I N O S I G N A G E R E G U L A T I O N S U P D A T E
Update Process
S A N B E R N A R D I N O S I G N A G E R E G U L A T I O N S U P D A T E
Summary of Stakeholder Input
Date Meeting
Phase I: Gather Input
December 2016 Planning Commission Meeting
February 2017 Business Community/Stakeholder Meeting
Phase II: Review Preliminary Draft Sign Regulations
August 2017 Business Community/Stakeholder Meeting
October 2017 Planning Commission Meeting
December 2019 Planning Commission Meeting
S A N B E R N A R D I N O S I G N A G E R E G U L A T I O N S U P D A T E
Summary of Stakeholder Input
•Promote good design
•Address emerging trends: creative signs, digital
signs, and temporary signs
•Provide flexibility
•Create an easy-to-use Sign Code
S A N B E R N A R D I N O S I G N A G E R E G U L A T I O N S U P D A T E
Sign Regulations Update Overview
Existing Code Section New Section
19.22.010 Purpose 19.22.010 (Purpose)
19.22.020 Applicability 19.22.020 (Applicability)
19.22.030 Definitions 19.22.130 (Definitions)
19.22.040 Sign Permit Required 19.22.060 (Sign Permit and Sign Program Requirements)
19.22.050 Exempt Signs 19.22.020 (Applicability)
19.22.060 Prohibited Signs 19.22.040 (Prohibited Signs)
19.22.070 Temporary Signs 19.22.080 (Temporary Signs)
19.22.080 Off-Site Signs 19.22.090 (General Advertising Signs/Billboards)
19.22.090 Permanent Flags Removed
19.22.100 Abandoned Signs 19.22.110 (Enforcement)
19.22.110 Sign Construction and Maintenance 19.22.030 (General Requirements for All Signs) - New
19.22.120 Nonconforming Signs 19.22.100 (Nonconforming Signs)
19.22.130 Removal of Illegal Signs 19.22.110 (Enforcement)
19.22.140 Inventory and Abatement Removed
19.22.150 Sign Regulations 19.22.070 (Permanent Signs)
New: 19.22.050 (Design Principles)
New: 19.22.120 (Signs on Public Property)
S A N B E R N A R D I N O S I G N A G E R E G U L A T I O N S U P D A T E
Section 010: Purpose
•Added new, more specific purpose
statements tied to the General Plan
S A N B E R N A R D I N O S I G N A G E R E G U L A T I O N S U P D A T E
Section 020: Applicability
•Clarified intent and First Amendment rights
•Added Severability
•Clarified exemptions
–Exempt Signs
–Exempt Signs with limitations
•Added commercial mascots
•Added temporary noncommercial signs
S A N B E R N A R D I N O S I G N A G E R E G U L A T I O N S U P D A T E
Section 030: General Requirements (NEW)
•Legal clarifications: message substitution,
content neutrality, interpretations
•Materials and Maintenance: quality
construction and application
•Sign Illumination (new)
•Sign Measurement (new)
S A N B E R N A R D I N O S I G N A G E R E G U L A T I O N S U P D A T E
Section 040: Prohibited Signs
Added to Prohibited Signs:
•Pole Signs
•Signs that emit sound, odor, or
smoke
•Digital window signs
Revised:
•Allow temporary portable signs in
Main Street Overlay Zone (rather
than prohibited everywhere)
S A N B E R N A R D I N O S I G N A G E R E G U L A T I O N S U P D A T E
Section 050: Design Principles (New)
•Architectural Compatibility
•Context Character
•Legibility
•Readability
•Visibility
•Graphic Interest
S A N B E R N A R D I N O S I G N A G E R E G U L A T I O N S U P D A T E
Section 060: Sign Permits and Programs
•Sign Permits
–Establishes findings and clarifies process and
review authority
–Identification Decal
–Review Authority revised
•Minor Sign Area Modification (new)
–10% deviation with Director approval with
findings
S A N B E R N A R D I N O S I G N A G E R E G U L A T I O N S U P D A T E
Section 060: Sign Permits and Programs
•Creative Sign Permit (new)
–Required for large deviations from standards
–Establishes findings, including design criteria
•Iconic Sign Permit (new)
–Optional for preservation
–Exempt from maximum allowable sign area
S A N B E R N A R D I N O S I G N A G E R E G U L A T I O N S U P D A T E
•Comprehensive Sign Program
–Clarifies when required,
standards, and findings
–Allows deviations from
standards (up to 20%)
–Sign “budget” allows transfer
of area (up to 50%) to
different sign types
Section 060: Sign Permits and Programs
S A N B E R N A R D I N O S I G N A G E R E G U L A T I O N S U P D A T E
Section 070: Permanent Signs
•Based largely on existing allowed signage
•Reorganized by residential, commercial, industrial,
and public zones (CO zone no longer separate)
•Removed maximums beyond lineal foot for certain
wall signs
•Removed limit on number of wall signs in
commercial zones
•Additional directional/parking lot signs allowed
•Minor revisions to standards
S A N B E R N A R D I N O S I G N A G E R E G U L A T I O N S U P D A T E
Section 070: Permanent Signs
•Standards for specific sign types
–Canopy signs
–Digital signs
–Pylon (limit on divisions)
•Standards for specific uses
–Drive-throughs
–Service/gas stations
–Freeway-proximate uses
S A N B E R N A R D I N O S I G N A G E R E G U L A T I O N S U P D A T E
Section 080: Temporary Signs
•Clarified purpose and content neutrality
•Added standards, including size and
number
•Defined temporary sign types and
established standards (setback, duration,
installation)
S A N B E R N A R D I N O S I G N A G E R E G U L A T I O N S U P D A T E
Section 090: General Advertising
•Continues general prohibition, except for
relocation/replacements
•Requires relocation/conversion agreement,
CUP, and removal of at least six other
billboards
•Removed five-foot setback requirement
•Location limited to freeway or City-owned
property
S A N B E R N A R D I N O S I G N A G E R E G U L A T I O N S U P D A T E
Section 100: Nonconforming
•Clarifies existing
nonconforming signs may
be retained and must be
maintained
•Iconic Signs exempt
S A N B E R N A R D I N O S I G N A G E R E G U L A T I O N S U P D A T E
Section 110: Enforcement
•Refers to enforcement chapters of
Municipal Code
•Establishes process for illegal and
abandoned signs appeals
S A N B E R N A R D I N O S I G N A G E R E G U L A T I O N S U P D A T E
Section 120: Signs on Public Property
•Continues general prohibition
•Establishes intent as to public forum and
attended signs
•Allows for encroachment (projecting and
suspended signs), and portable signs in
Main Street Overlay Zone
•Refers to Title 16: Street Banners
S A N B E R N A R D I N O S I G N A G E R E G U L A T I O N S U P D A T E
Section 130: Definitions
•Expanded definitions, including what is a
sign
•Additional graphics
S A N B E R N A R D I N O S I G N A G E R E G U L A T I O N S U P D A T E
Mayor and City Council
Hearing
March 18, 2020