O26521
City Council Meeting: October 13, 2020 Santa Monica, California
ORDINANCE 2652 (CCS)
(City Council Series)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SANTA MONICA AMENDING SANTA MONICA MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER
9.61: SIGNS TO INCREASE ADMINISTRATIVE APPROVAL OF SIGN
APPLICATIONS, ESTABLISH STANDARDS FOR PERMITTED SIGNS ON THE
THIRD STREET PROMENADE, EXEMPT DIGITAL WAYFINDING KIOSKS
PLACED IN THE PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY OR PUBLIC PROPERTY PURSUANT
TO LICENSE, AND MAKE OTHER MINOR CHANGES, ADDITIONS, AND
CORRECTIONS
WHEREAS, the City’s Sign Code was originally adopted in 1985 and as
detailed in the administrative record and in Santa Monica Municipal Code (SMMC)
Section 9.61.020, advances a variety of purposes and interests, including, but not
limited to, protecting the health, safety, property, and welfare of the public; providing
a neat, clean, orderly and attractive appearance of the community; improving the
effectiveness of signs; providing for safe construction, location, erection, and
maintenance of signs; preventing the proliferation of signs and sign clutter; and
minimizing adverse visual safety factors to travelers of public streets and sidewalks;
and
WHEREAS, under SMMC Chapter 9.61, the Architectural Review Board (ARB)
is required to review sign permit applications and issue sign permits unless a specific
exemption applies; and
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WHEREAS, SMMC Section 9.61.120 authorizes staff approval of sign
applications that conform to the requirements of Chapter 9.61 and written guidelines
established by the ARB and approved by the Planning Commission; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with authority established by Section 9.61.120, in
August 2004, the ARB adopted and the Planning Commission subsequently approved
ARB Resolution Number 04-(Architectural Review Board Series) (“Resolution 04-001”),
setting forth ARB guidelines authorizing staff approval of sign applications for certain
signs that met specified sign area and letter height restrictions; and
WHEREAS, the ARB has approved the majority of sign projects for review on
consent in recent years; and
WHEREAS, on September 25, 2019, the ARB discussed the expansion of staff
approval authority on sign applications and was supportive of expanding staff approval
authority for sign applications compliant with Chapter 9.61; and
WHEREAS, the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have devastated
many of the City’s revenue streams, including sales tax, transient occupancy tax, parking
revenue, and business license revenue; and
WHEREAS, after reviewing these impacts at its April 14, 2020 meeting, Council
directed staff to develop a plan to restructure City operations to meet the challenges
posed by COVID-19 and to balance the budget; and
WHEREAS, on May 5, 2020, the City Council adopted a restructuring plan (the
“Restructuring Plan”) to: merge the Planning and Community Development Department
and Building and Safety, City Planning, Economic Development, and Mobility divisions
into the Community Development Department, and merge the Community & Cultural
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Services Department and the Housing Division into the Community Services Department;
and
WHEREAS, the Restructuring Plan included a proposal to increase staff level
review of projects and applications that otherwise would be reviewed by the ARB; and
WHEREAS, on June 23, 2020, the City Council adopted the FY 2020-21 through
FY 2024-25 Five-Year Forecast, the FY 2020-21 Proposed Budget, and the FY 2020-22
Proposed Biennial Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Budget, and approved City staff’s
recommendation regarding a restructured design review process for the ARB; and
WHEREAS, to begin restructuring the ARB’s review of sign projects, the City
desires to increase the thresholds for administrative approval of sign permit applications
compliant with Chapter 9.61 and to incorporate the sign area and letter height restrictions
in Resolution 04-001 into Chapter 9.61; and
WHEREAS, this increase in administrative approval authority may shorten review
timelines and reduce burdens for both staff and applicants while enabling the ARB to
focus on larger and more complex projects; and
WHEREAS, on July 25, 2017, the City Council adopted the Downtown
Community Plan, which sets forth a vision for the continued vitality of the Third Street
Promenade as a major public space framed by a mix of retail, restaurant, and services
that form unique experiences enjoyable to both residents and visitors; and
WHEREAS, in 2018, the City and Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. commenced a
planning effort, “Promenade 3.0”, to study the future of the Third Street Promenade; and
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WHEREAS, on November 5, 2019, the City Council held a “Promenade 3.0” study
session at which review of restrictions relating to signage on the Third Street Promenade
was identified as an objective; and
WHEREAS, the Third Street Promenade is unique in both its function and layout
with the sidewalk and roadway open to pedestrians and with co-planar façades that
make business visibility challenging to pedestrians; and
WHEREAS, the Sign Code has recognized the uniqueness of the Third Street
Promenade by providing that the standards in the Bayside District Specific Plan prevail
over certain conflicting provisions in Chapter 9.61; and
WHEREAS, the Bayside District Specific Plan is outdated and superseded by the
Downtown Community Plan; and
WHEREAS, amending Chapter 9.61 to permit in the Third Street Promenade
certain portable and upper-level signs and to increase the number of information signs,
which can be placed on outdoor dining barriers, will increase business visibility and
foster economic sustainability and the continued vitality of the Third Street Promenade;
and
WHEREAS, exempting from Chapter 9.61 digital wayfinding kiosks installed in
the public right-of-way or public property pursuant to a licensing agreement with the City
will benefit the public health, safety, and general welfare because, among other reasons,
information on such kiosks can be updated in real time and may generate revenue for
the City; and
WHEREAS, in revising Chapter 9.61, the City Council has been mindful of
legal principles relating to regulating signs and does not intend to suppress or
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infringe upon any expressive activities protected by the First Amendment of the
United States and California Constitutions; and
WHEREAS, Chapter 9.61 has not been amended since the Supreme Court’s
decision in Reed v. Town of Gilbert, 576 U.S. 155, 135 S. Ct. 2218 (2015) and revisions
to Section 9.61.160 align the temporary sign restrictions with that decision; and
WHEREAS, the City further desires to make other minor changes, additions, and
corrections to Chapter 9.61 to modernize and streamline language and to ensure
consistency with the Zoning Ordinance and other administrative changes that have
occurred since Chapter 9.61 was last updated.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA
DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapter 9.61 is hereby amended to
read as follows:
Chapter 9.61 SIGNS
9.61.010 Applicability of Chapter
This Chapter, referred to as the Santa Monica Sign Code or Chapter, shall apply to any
new sign proposed to be placed, changed, altered, or displayed in the City as of the
effective date of this Ordinance. Unless Section 9.61.240(b) applies, any sign placed or
displayed prior to the effective date of this Ordinance shall be subject to Santa Monica
Municipal Code Chapter 9.61 as it existed on the date of the approval of the sign permit
or, if the sign is exempt from the permitting requirements of this Chapter, the date of sign
placement or display.
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9.61.020 Findings, Purposes, and Policies
The City Council finds and declares:
A. It is the intent of the Santa Monica Sign Code to preserve and enhance the
aesthetic, traffic safety, and environmental values of the City while at the same time
providing for channels of communication to the public, including, but not limited to,
identifying and advertising businesses within the City. The purpose of this Code is to
provide minimum standards to safeguard life, health, property, and public welfare
through the regulation and control of the design, materials, construction, size,
location, and maintenance of signs and sign structures;
B. It is the City’s policy to regulate signs in a manner that is consistent with the free
speech provisions of the United States Constitution and the liberty of speech
provisions of the California Constitution, by enacting regulations that are content
neutral;
C. An excess of large, ugly, intense signs causes a visual blight on the appearance
of the City by detracting from views of structures and open space. This visual blight
adversely affects the aesthetic quality of life and traffic safety in Santa Monica for
residents, businesses, pedestrians, tourists, and persons in vehicles. In order to
promote the appearance of the City, while protecting the rights of sign owners to
expression and identification, the regulation of existing and proposed signs is
necessary to protect the public health, safety, and general welfare;
D. The purpose of the Santa Monica Sign Code is to encourage signs that are
integrated with and harmonious to the buildings and sites that they occupy, to
eliminate excessive and confusing sign displays, to preserve and improve the
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appearance of the City as a place in which to live and to work and as an attraction to
nonresidents who come to visit or trade, and to restrict signs that increase the
probability of accidents by distracting attention or obstructing vision;
E. The Santa Monica Sign Code provides minimum standards to safeguard life,
safety, property, and public welfare by reviewing design and by regulating size,
construction, location, electrification, operation, and maintenance of all signs and
sign structures exposed to public view within the City. The visual appearance and
traffic safety of the City cannot be achieved by measures less restrictive than the
procedures and standards of this Chapter;
F. The City has extensive and wide-ranging programs regulating the aesthetics of
its public streetscape and private development; and
G. It is also the intent of the City to regulate signs consistent with California
Business and Professions Code Sections 5490 through 5499 to the maximum extent
permitted by State law.
9.61.025 Substitution Clause
To ensure that the Santa Monica Sign Code is neutral with respect to noncommercial
messages, subject to the property owner’s consent, a noncommercial message of any
type may be substituted for any duly permitted or allowed commercial message or any
duly permitted or allowed noncommercial message, provided that the sign structure or
mounting device is legal without consideration of message content. Such substitution of
message may be made without any additional approval or permitting. This provision
prevails over any more specific provision to the contrary within this Chapter. The purpose
of this provision is to prevent any inadvertent favoring of commercial speech over
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noncommercial speech. This provision does not create a right to increase the total amount
of signage 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; does not allow the substitution of an
off-premises commercial message in place of an on-premises commercial message; does
not allow one particular on-premises commercial message to be substituted for another
without otherwise complying with this Sign Code; and does not excuse compliance with
an approved sign program.
9.61.030 Definitions
The definitions in Section 9.52.020 apply to the words and phrases used in this Chapter,
unless otherwise specified herein. In addition, the following words and phrases have the
following meanings when used in this Chapter:
9.61.030.010 Abandoned Sign. A sign that no longer advertises or identifies a
legal business establishment, product, or activity.
9.61.030.020 Alteration. Any change in copy, color, size, or shape that changes
the appearance of a sign, or a change in position, location, construction, or supporting
structure of a sign, except that a copy change on an attraction or reader board is not
an alteration.
9.61.030.030 Animated Sign. Any sign that has any visible moving part, flashing
or oscillating lights, visible mechanical movement of any description, or other
apparent visible movement achieved by any means.
9.61.030.040 Attraction or Reader Board. Any sign having changeable copy for
the purpose of advertising events, sales, services, or products provided on the site.
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9.61.030.050 Awning Sign. Any sign painted on or attached to or supported by an
awning.
9.61.030.060 Balloon Sign. A lighter-than-air gas-filled balloon tethered in a fixed
location.
9.61.030.070 Billboard or Poster Panel. An off-premises sign.
9.61.030.080 Building Frontage. The linear dimensions of a building that faces
upon a public street, projected along the street property line. Where a building faces
two or more streets, the frontage containing the principal street address shall be
designated as the building frontage.
9.61.030.090 Building Identification Sign. Any sign containing the name or
address of a building and may include hours of operation and emergency information,
such sign being located on the same site as the structure.
9.61.030.0100 Cabinet Sign. A sign that contains all text, logo, or symbols within a
single enclosed cabinet and may or may not be illuminated. The terms “cabinet sign”
and “sign can” are used interchangeably.
9.61.030.0110 Changeable Copy Sign. An attraction or reader board.
9.61.030.0120 Commercial Sign. Any sign with wording, logo, symbol, image, or
other representation that, directly or indirectly, names, advertises, or calls attention
to a business, product, service, profession, commodity, event, person, institution, or
other commercial activity, or otherwise contains commercial speech.
9.61.030.0130 Commercial Speech. Any message, including, but not limited to,
wording, logo, symbol, image, or other representation, proposing a commercial
transaction or related to the economic interests of the speaker and its audience.
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9.61.030.0140 Decal. A nontransferable authorization, affixed to a sign by the City,
for a portable sign to be displayed as authorized by this Chapter.
9.61.030.0150 Director. The Director of the City’s Community Development
Department or designee.
9.61.030.0160 Emitting Sign. A sign that emits sound, odor, or visible matter such
as smoke or steam.
9.61.030.0170 Free-Standing Sign. Any sign that is permanently affixed in or upon
the ground, supported by one or more structural members, with air space between
the ground and the sign face.
9.61.030.0180 Grade. The level of the site at the property line located at the closest
distance to the sign.
9.61.030.0190 Ground Sign. Any sign that is neither attached to nor part of a
structure and that is permanently affixed in or upon the ground with no air space
between the ground and the sign face.
9.61.030.0200 High-Rise Sign. Any sign located on a building four or more stories
in height that is between the top of the parapet or high point of the building, exclusive
of penthouse structures, and the horizontal line not more than 15 feet below the top
of the parapet or high point of the building on the side of the building to which the
sign is affixed.
9.61.030.0210 Illegal Sign. Any sign placed without proper approval or permits as
required by the Santa Monica Municipal Code at the time of sign placement. Illegal
sign also means any sign placed contrary to the terms or time limits of any permit and
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any nonconforming sign that has not been brought into compliance with the
provisions of Sections 9.61.240 and 9.61.250 of this Chapter.
9.61.030.0220 Illuminated Sign. Any sign for which an artificial source of light is
used in order to make readable the sign’s message, including internally and
externally lighted signs and reflectorized, glowing, or radiating signs.
9.61.030.0230 Information Sign. An exterior sign erected on or immediately
adjacent to an entrance, exit, rest room, office door, telephone, outdoor dining barrier,
or similar property feature.
9.61.030.0240 Light Bulb String. A display consisting of a row or rows of bare light
bulbs.
9.61.030.0250 Logo, Logogram, or Logotype. An emblem, letter, character,
pictograph, trademark, or symbol used to represent the firm, organization, entity, or
product.
9.61.030.0260 Marquee. A permanent roof-like shelter extending from part or all of
a building face and constructed of some durable material that may or may not project
over a public right-of-way.
9.61.030.0270 Marquee Sign. Any sign painted on or attached to or supported by
a marquee.
9.61.030.0280 Meritorious Sign. A freestanding, roof, upper level, projecting, or
off-premises sign that was designated as a meritorious sign by City Council on March
22, 2000.
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9.61.030.0290 Mobile Billboard. Any sign with advertising that is attached to a
mobile, nonmotorized vehicle, device, or bicycle, that carries, pulls, or transports a
sign or billboard, and is for the primary purpose of advertising,
9.61.030.0300 Monument Sign. A ground sign having a horizontal dimension
greater than its vertical dimension.
9.61.030.0310 Mural. A picture on an exterior surface of a structure that does not
contain commercial speech.
9.61.030.0320 Neon Signs. A sign with tubing that is internally illuminated by neon
or other electrically charged gas.
9.61.030.0330 Noncommercial Sign. Any sign that is not a commercial sign as
defined herein. A mural is an example of a noncommercial sign.
9.61.030.0340 Noncommercial Speech. Any message that is not commercial
speech as defined herein.
9.61.030.0350 Nonconforming Sign. A sign that was validly installed under laws
or ordinances in effect at the time of its installation, but that is in conflict with the
current provisions of the Santa Monica Sign Code.
9.61.030.0360 Off-Premises Sign. A commercial sign that displays any message
directing attention to, or other commercial speech relating to, a business, product,
service, profession, commodity, activity, event, person, or institution that is generally
conducted, sold, manufactured, produced, offered, located, or occurs elsewhere than
on the premises where such sign is located.
9.61.030.0370 On-Premises Sign. A commercial sign that is other than an off-
premises sign or, if authorized pursuant to Section 9.61.200(A), displays any
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message directing attention to, or other commercial speech related to, a business,
product, service, profession, commodity, activity, event, person, or institution, and is
placed within 12 feet directly in front of the frontage of the premises where such
business, product, service, profession, commodity, activity, event, person, or
institution is generally conducted, sold, manufactured, produced, offered, located, or
occurs.
9.61.030.0380 Permanent Sign. Any legally placed sign that is intended to be and
is so constructed as to be of a lasting and enduring condition, remaining unchanged
in character, condition (beyond normal wear) and position, and in a permanent
manner affixed to the ground, wall, or building.
9.61.030.0390 Pole or Post Sign. A free-standing sign.
9.61.030.0400 Portable Sign. Any movable sign not permanently attached to the
ground or a building.
9.61.030.0410 Projecting Sign. A sign that projects from and is supported by a wall
or parapet of a building with the display surface of the sign in a plane perpendicular
to or approximately perpendicular to the wall.
9.61.030.0420 Public Sign. A sign on public property open to the public that is
erected or maintained by a public agency or that serves to fulfill a permit condition
imposed by a public agency, such as a sign erected to preserve the safe and efficient
control of traffic and parking or to provide notification of essential governmental
services.
9.61.030.0430 Pylon Sign. A ground sign having a vertical dimension greater than
its horizontal dimension.
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9.61.030.0440 Review Body. The body responsible for making decisions on sign
permit applications, which, depending on the circumstances, may be: the
Architectural Review Board, or the Planning Commission on appeal of a decision by
the Architectural Review Board; the Director for signs or sign programs subject to
administrative approval; the Landmarks Commission, or the Planning Commission
on appeal of a decision by the Landmarks Commission, for signs or sign programs
on a City-Designated Historic Resource; or the Landmarks Commission Secretary for
signs or sign programs on a City-Designated Historic Resource subject to
administrative approval.
9.61.030.0450 Revolving or Rotating Sign. An animated sign.
9.61.030.0460 Roof Sign. Any sign erected upon a roof, parapet, or roof-mounted
equipment structure and extending above a roof, parapet, or roof-mounted equipment
structure of a structure.
9.61.030.0470 Sign. Any name, figure, character, outline, display, announcement,
or device, or structure supporting the same, or any other device of similar nature
designed to attract attention outdoors, and all parts, portions, units, and materials
composing the same, together with the frame, background, and supports or
anchoring thereof.
9.61.030.0480 Sign Area. The surface area of a sign calculated by enclosing the
extreme limits of all lettering, background, emblem, logo, representation, or other
display within a single continuous perimeter composed of squares or rectangles with
no more than eight lines drawn at right angles. On signs with more than one face, the
sign area shall be calculated as the sum of: (a) 100 percent of the surface area, as
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calculated above, of that face or those faces visible from any one direction at one
time, with the direction selected to be that which maximizes the sign area; and (b) 50
percent of the surface area, as calculated above, of all other faces.
9.61.030.0490 Sign Face. An exterior display surface of a sign, including non-
structural trim exclusive of the supporting structure.
9.61.030.0500 Sign Program. A coordinated program of all signs, including exempt
and temporary signs for a business or businesses, if applicable, located on a site.
9.61.030.0510 Special Event Sign. A sign authorized through a community events
permit issued pursuant to Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapter 4.68.
9.61.030.0520 Statue. A three-dimensional representation, including a sculpture. A
statue that contains commercial speech is a sign.
9.61.030.0530 Temporary Sign. Any sign, not permanently attached to the ground
or a structure, which is installed or placed for a limited duration.
9.61.030.0540 Total Sign Area. The sum of the sign areas of all externally viewable
signs on a site, excluding the area of signs exempt from sign permit requirements
under Sections 9.61.140, 9.61.150, and 9.61.160.
9.61.030.0550 Upper Level Sign. Any sign mounted on a building that is placed in
whole or in part between thirty inches above the second-floor floor line and the top of
a parapet or roof line, but does not include a high rise sign.
9.61.030.0560 Vehicle Sign. A mobile billboard or any sign permanently or
temporarily attached to or placed on a vehicle or trailer for the basic purpose of
advertising products or directing people to a business or activity located on the same
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or nearby property where the vehicle or trailer is parked on a public right-of-way or
public property or on a private property so as to be visible from a public right-of-way.
9.61.030.0570 Wall Sign. Any sign attached to or painted on the wall of a structure
in a plane parallel or approximately parallel to the plane of said wall.
9.61.030.0580 Window Sign. Any sign viewable through or affixed in any manner
to a window or exterior glass door such that it is viewable from the exterior, including
signs located inside a building but visible primarily from the outside of the building.
9.61.040 Sign Permit
In addition to conforming with all other applicable requirements of the Santa Monica
Municipal Code, including obtaining any other required permit, a sign permit shall be
obtained from the Review Body prior to placing, changing, altering, or displaying any sign
unless specifically exempted by this Chapter. No sign permit shall be required where the
only work to be performed is the repair, maintenance, or replacement of a conforming
sign, the repair or maintenance of a nonconforming sign, or the replacement or repair of
a destroyed sign, except when such sign is required to be removed or modified to conform
to the requirements of this Chapter in accordance with Section 9.61.240.
9.61.050 Landmarks Commission Review
In the case of any new sign or sign program proposed to be placed, changed, altered or
displayed on a City-Designated Historic Resource, the Review Body shall be the
Landmarks Commission, or where administrative approval is authorized in accordance
with Section 9.61.120 the Landmarks Commission Secretary, through submission of a
certificate of appropriateness application. Such applications as they relate to a sign or
sign program shall be subject to the same standards specified in this Chapter. All sign or
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sign program decisions by the Landmarks Commission may be appealed to the Planning
Commission. Administrative approvals by the Landmarks Commission Secretary are not
subject to appeal.
9.61.060 Fees
The City Council shall from time to time amend by resolution following a public hearing a
schedule of fees for applications, permits, sign adjustments, appeals, and other approvals
under this Chapter.
9.61.070 Sign Permit Application Requirements
A. Applications for sign permits shall be accompanied by the following material:
1. Site Plan. Scale plans indicating the location of existing signs to be
retained or removed and proposed new signs.
2. Existing Building Elevation. Scale drawings indicating locations of all
existing signs on the site or building that are to be retained and indicating the
location of all existing signs on the site or building that are to be removed. Dated
and signed color photographs (not slide transparencies) at least three inches by
three inches minimum in size of all existing signs.
3. Proposed Building Elevations. Scale drawings indicating locations of
proposed signs and existing signs that are to be retained on the site.
4. Sign Illustration. Scale drawing indicating dimensions, colors, materials,
copy, illumination, and exterior structural fixtures of each sign on the site.
5. Other Information. Other information required by the guidelines and
standards of the Architectural Review Board, regulations promulgated pursuant
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to Section 9.61.290, and, for City-Designated Historical Resources, guidelines
and standards of the Landmarks Commission.
B. For all new projects and building remodels that directly affect existing signs and
for any change to a sign in a multiple-unit dwelling, a sign program shall be required
and accompany the application for a sign permit. The sign program shall include, but
is not limited to, indications of locations, dimensions, colors, letter styles, and sign
types of all signs to be retained, removed, and installed on a site.
C. The Director shall prepare and issue the application form required by this
Section.
9.61.080 Review of Sign Permit Applications for Completeness
The Secretary of the Architectural Review Board and, for sign applications relating to a
City-Designated Historic Resource, the Secretary of the Landmarks Commission, shall
review all sign applications to determine if the application is complete. .
9.61.090 Action on Sign Permit Applications
A. The Review Body shall approve, approve with modification or conditions, or
deny the sign permit application. A sign application for a sign or sign program
permitted by Section 9.61.170 that conforms to the total sign area provided by
Section 9.61.190 and other provisions of this Chapter governing the size,
construction, location, electrification, and operation of signs shall be approved
without modifications or conditions, unless the Review Body makes one or more of
the following findings:
1. That the shape, design, placement, color, style, or quantity of text,
illumination, or reflected light of a sign or signs conflicts or interferes with traffic,
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both vehicular or pedestrian, from a public safety standpoint, by distracting
attention or obstructing vision;
2. That the shape, design, placement, color, style, or quantity of text,
illumination, or reflected light of a sign or signs is incongruous with or detracts
from the distinct architectural or historic design or character of the building to
which the sign is affixed or of the neighborhood in which the sign is located; or
3. The sign or signs obscures other signs from primary view or dominates its
immediate vicinity to such an extent as to detract from the visibility of other signs,
historic resources, or public view corridors.
B. If the Review Body denies, modifies, or conditionally approves a sign application
pursuant to this Section, it shall issue its decision in writing and shall state the findings
of fact and reasons relied upon to reach its decision. The applicant shall have an
opportunity to submit a revised application to remedy the inadequacies of the original
sign application identified in the decision of the Review Body.
C. The Review Body shall not deny a sign application because of the contents or
message of a sign or direct that the contents or message of a sign be altered or
modified as a condition of approval.
D. The decision of the Review Body shall be filed with the Secretary of the
Architectural Review Board.
E. A copy of the decision of the Review Body shall be provided to the applicant by
email utilizing the email address provided on the application, in person, or by United
States mail, upon request.
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9.61.100 Appeals
Any decision of the Architectural Review Board or Landmarks Commission under this
Chapter may be appealed to the Planning Commission by the applicant or any interested
person. Notice of any appeal from the ruling of the Architectural Review Board or
Landmarks Commission must be filed within 10 calendar days of the date that such ruling
is made, and must be accompanied, by the fee established by the Santa Monica Municipal
Code. When such an appeal is made, the Planning Commission shall hear the appeal
within 30 days of the receipt of said notice of appeal unless the appellant has agreed to
extend the hearing date. The Planning Commission shall base its decision on the
evidence submitted to it at said hearing, and upon the record from the Architectural
Review Board or Landmarks Commission and such other records as may exist in the
case. Any such decision of the Planning Commission shall comply with Section 9.61.090
and shall be final.
9.61.110 Time for Exercising Sign Permit and Proof of Compliance
A sign permit shall become null and void if the sign for which the approval was granted
and all conditions imposed in connection with the approval have not been completed
within six months of issuance of the sign permit or, in the case of a sign approved for a
building not yet completed, six months after the issuance of the certificate of occupancy.
Within 30 days of the completion of the sign, the applicant shall file with the Community
Development Department a color photograph at least three inches by three inches
minimum in size showing completion of the sign or sign program in accordance with the
sign permit.
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9.61.120 Administrative Approval of Sign Permits
A. Except as provided in Section 9.61.050 or if otherwise exempted from the sign
permit requirements of this Chapter, the Director, or where the sign or sign program
relates to a City-Designated Historic Resource the Secretary of the Landmarks
Commission, is empowered to review and approve the following signs and sign
programs by administrative approval:
1. Signs that are permitted under and compliant with Section 9.61.170, except
that administrative approval of permanent window signs is limited to such signs
that do not completely obstruct the lower five feet of a window on the first floor;
2. Signs that are consistent with a sign program that has been approved by:
(a) the Architectural Review Board, or Planning Commission on appeal, in
conjunction with the design review of the building to which the sign is affixed; or
(b) the Landmarks Commission, or Planning Commission on appeal, in
conjunction with review of a certificate of appropriateness for the City-
Designated Historic Resource to which the sign is affixed;
3. Sign programs in compliance with the requirements of this Chapter;
4. Alterations to signs and sign programs previously approved by the Review
Body, provided that the proposed alteration (a) is limited to the specified colors,
font types, lighting, and reductions in size of signs in a sign programs and is
consistent with the sign program’s intent and design, or (b) is to the sign face
and does not involve alterations to the frame, additional or altered illumination,
or physical relocation of the sign;
5. Any signs authorized by Section 9.61.260; or
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6. Any other signs or sign programs that the Architectural Review Board, by
resolution, authorizes the Director or the Secretary of the Landmarks
Commission to administratively approve.
B. Any application for administrative approval pursuant to this Section shall
comply with the requirements of Section 9.61.070.
C. The administrative decision of the Director or the Secretary of the Landmarks
Commission shall be effective upon issuance and shall be final and not subject to
administrative appeal.
9.61.130 Sign Adjustment
A. In order to assure adequate business identification, a variance from any
nonstructural provision of this Chapter may be granted by the Architectural Review
Board, or the Planning Commission on appeal, or, for City-Designated Historic
Resources, the Landmarks Commission, or the Planning Commission on appeal,
upon the filing of an application for sign adjustment and subject to the following
findings:
1. The strict application of the provisions of this Chapter would result in
practical difficulties or unnecessary hardships for the business or property
owner, which would be inconsistent with the purposes of this Chapter and which
would arise from unique physical or topographic circumstances or conditions of
project design;
2. The granting of the requested variance would not constitute a grant of
special privilege inconsistent with limitations imposed on similarly zoned
properties or inconsistent with the purposes of the Zoning Ordinance;
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3. The granting of the requested variance would not be incompatible with
other nearby signs, other elements of street and site furniture, or with adjacent
structures. Compatibility shall be determined by the relationships of the elements
of form, proportion, scale, color, materials, surface treatment, overall sign size
and the size and style of lettering; and
4. The granting of the variance would not be inconsistent with the purposes
of this Chapter.
B. A sign adjustment application shall comply with the requirements of Section
9.61.070.
C. For purposes of this Section, the prohibitions contained in subsections (3) and
(8) through (10) of Section 9.61.180(A) shall be deemed to be nonstructural
provisions of this Chapter. No application for a sign adjustment may be accepted to
request retention of any nonconforming signs subject to Section 9.61.240.
9.61.140 Exempt Signs
The following signs are exempt from the provisions of the Santa Monica Sign Code:
A. All signs that are placed inside a structure and that are either not visible through
windows or building openings or are located a minimum of five feet from such
windows or openings and from an adjacent window merchandise display base, if any;
B. A special event sign;
C. Pole banners and over-the-street banners authorized pursuant to Santa Monica
Municipal Code Section 4.08.500;
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D. Noncommercial signs, provided that they are not of the type prohibited by
subsections (1) through (4) and (9) through (12) of Section 9.61.180(A) or by Section
9.61.230;
E. Signs placed on bicycles or other shared mobility devices pursuant to and in
compliance with a sponsorship agreement with the City relating to a bike share or
shared mobility device system;
F Signs placed on public transit; or
G. Signs placed on and associated with a digital wayfinding kiosk installed in the
public right-of-way or public property pursuant to a license agreement with the City.
9.61.150 Permanent Signs Exempt from Sign Permit
The following permanent signs are exempt from the permit requirements of this Chapter.
The use of these signs does not affect the amount or type of signage otherwise allowed
by this Chapter. All signs listed in this Section must be in conformance with all other
applicable requirements of this Chapter and the Santa Monica Municipal Code:
A. Building Identification Signs. Building identification signs not to exceed two
square feet in sign area that are authorized based on the City’s compelling health
and safety interest in ensuring that safety personnel and members of the public can
immediately identify the name or location of the property, the hours of operation, and
emergency information.
B. Information Sign. Information signs not to exceed two square feet in sign area
for each sign, except that any information sign affixed to an outdoor dining barrier
shall not exceed either 24 inches by 42 inches or two square feet and any information
sign affixed to the rear of a building in the Bayside Conservation District shall not
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exceed four square feet. The number of exempt exterior information signs shall not
exceed two per parcel for each street frontage or four per parcel for each street
frontage in the Bayside Conservation District.
C. Public Signs. Public signs, provided that they are not of the type prohibited by
subsections (1) through (4) and (9) through (12) of Section 9.61.180(A).
D. Tablets and Plaques. Tablets and plaques of metal or stone if authorized
pursuant to Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 9.56.060(F) and not exceeding 24
inches in any dimension.
E. Theatre Sign. Theatre sign copy or display changes on existing theatre
marquee signs or permanently affixed display cases.
F. Banners, Flags, and Pennants. Banners, flags, and pennants that do not
directly advertise the business or activity located on the building site, provided that
no more than three such banners, flags, or pennants for each site are exempt under
this Section.
G. Change of Copy. A change of copy on signs previously approved by the
Review Body. A change in the face of a cabinet sign is a change of copy, provided
that any such change affects only the message of the sign and does not change the
color of background or letters, size or location of letters, or otherwise alter the general
appearance of the cabinet sign.
9.61.160 Temporary Sign Restrictions
The following signs are exempt from the permit requirements of this Chapter. The use of
these signs does not affect the amount or type of signage otherwise allowed by this
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Chapter. All signs listed in this Section must be in conformance with all other applicable
requirements of this Chapter and the Santa Monica Municipal Code:
A. Basic Requirements Governing Temporary Signs.
1. Illumination. No temporary sign shall be internally or externally illuminated,
except if the sign is a light bulb string authorized by this Section.
2. Location.
a. Except as authorized by Santa Monica Municipal Code 4.08.490, no
temporary sign shall extend into, on or over the public right-of-way of any
street, alley, or other public property.
b. No temporary sign shall extend into the hazardous visual obstruction
zone as established by Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 9.21.180,
Hazardous Visual Obstructions.
3. Maintenance. Temporary signs shall be kept neat, clean, and in good
repair. Signs that are faded, torn, damaged, or otherwise unsightly or in a state
of disrepair shall be immediately repaired or removed.
4. Placement. No temporary sign shall be attached to trees, shrubbery, utility
poles, or traffic control signs or devices. They shall not obstruct or obscure
primary signs on adjacent premises.
5. Public Hazard. No temporary sign shall be erected or maintained that, by
reason of its size, location, or construction, constitutes a hazard to the public or
impairs accessibility.
6. Collection of Temporary Signs Placed in the Public Right-of-Way. The
City may collect temporary signs placed in the public right-of-way that are not
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authorized by this Chapter. The recovery and disposition of any such sign is
governed by Section 9.61.280.
B. Authorized Temporary Signage in Any Residential Zone. In any residential
zone, temporary signage shall be allowed for each and every parcel without issuance
of a permit and shall not affect the amount of type of signage otherwise allowed by
this Code as follows:
1. At any time, up to two temporary signs of up to eight square feet in sign
area or one temporary sign of up to 16 square feet in sign area and one window
sign of no more than four square feet in sign area;
2. At any time, light-bulb strings;
3. Up to 120 days (consecutive or non-consecutive) per calendar year, up to
two additional signs of up to eight additional square feet of sign area or one sign
of up to 16 square feet in sign area; or
4. Public signs, provided that they are not of the type prohibited by
paragraphs (1) through (4) and (9) through (12) of Section 9.61.180(A).
C. Authorized Temporary Signage in Any Commercial Zone. In any commercial
or industrial zone, temporary signage shall be allowed for each and every parcel
without issuance of a permit and shall not affect the amount or type of signage
otherwise allowed by this Chapter as follows:
1. At any time, up to two temporary signs of up to 10 square feet in sign area
or one temporary sign of up to 20 square feet in sign area;
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2. Up to 120 days (consecutive or non-consecutive) per calendar year, up to
two additional free-standing signs of up to eight additional square feet of sign
area or one sign of up to 16 square feet in sign area;
3. For one 60-day period per calendar year, one temporary on-premises
banner not exceeding 20 percent of the front building façade area or one 100
square feet, whichever is less, not extending above the second-floor floor line;
4. For the duration of the temporary use authorized pursuant to Santa Monica
Municipal Code Section 9.31.370, a temporary sign not to exceed 16 square feet
in sign area;
5. For two 30-day periods in any calendar year, a temporary window signs not
to exceed 20 percent of the first floor’s total frontage glass area and that do not
extend above the second-floor floor line; or
6. Public signs, provided that they are not of the type prohibited by
subsections (1) through (4) and (9) through (12) of Section 9.61.180(A).
D. Within the Main Street Commercial Zoning District, each business shall be
allowed one temporary on-premises sign in addition to the temporary signs
authorized by subsection (C), provided that the temporary sign complies with the
following requirements:
1. The sign shall not be larger than 10 square feet in size;
2. The sign face shall be no wider than 2.5 feet and no taller than four feet
and limited on two sides/faces with a total square footage of sign area not to
exceed 20 square feet;
3. The sign shall be a portable sign;
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4. The sign is not of the type prohibited by subsections (1) through (4), (6),
(7), and (9) through (12) of Section 9.61.180(A) or by Section 9.61.230; and
5. The sign shall be removed when the business is closed.
E. Temporary signs are prohibited signs, except as provided by this Section or
otherwise exempt pursuant to Section 9.61.140.
9.61.170 Permitted Signs
A. Signs approved by the Review Body shall be permitted under the following
provisions:
1. Attraction or Reader Boards. Attraction or reader boards so long as they
do not exceed 20 percent of total sign area or are otherwise authorized pursuant
to Section 9.61.190(G). Copy must be changed periodically during each
calendar year.
2. Awning Signs. Awning signs painted or printed on the surface of the
awning material so long as the sign area does not exceed 25 square feet and
the letter height does not exceed 10 inches. The color of the copy on any awning
sign shall be compatible with the awning and building color scheme.
3. Ground Signs. One ground sign for each site in the commercial and
industrial districts. A monument sign is permitted so long as it does not exceed
six feet in height above grade. A pylon sign is permitted as long as it does not
exceed 30 inches in width and does not exceed 16 feet in height above grade.
The maximum area of one side of a ground sign, including its base, is 40 square
feet.
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4. Light Bulb Strings, if placed on a building in any commercial or industrial
zone.
5. Marquee Signs. Marquee signs that do not extend more than 12 inches
from the surface of the marquee, nor provide less than eight feet of clearance
above ground level are permitted.
6. Statues.
7. Wall Signs. Wall signs so long as the display surface of the sign does not
extend more than 12 inches from the wall, is parallel with the wall, does not
project above the top of the wall or parapet or more than 30 inches above the
second-floor floor line in multistoried buildings, and does not contain copy or
lighting on any surface parallel with the wall other than the sign face. A wall sign
may be located on the sloping surface of a roof, with no air space between the
roof and the sign, but may not project above the high point of the roof or be more
than 12 inches in depth. The letter height of a wall sign located 25 feet from the
property line in a single tenant building shall not exceed 30 inches.
8. Permanent Window Signs. Permanent window signs, so long as the sign
area does not exceed 40 percent of the first floor’s total frontage glass area and
the letters are no higher than 12 inches.
9. Projecting Signs. Projecting signs so long as the sign is no greater than
4.5 square feet.
10. Neon Signs.
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11. Cabinet Signs. Cabinet signs so long as the sign area does not exceed
more than four square feet and the number of such signs is limited to no more
than one sign per floor of the building.
12. The sign falls under an express exception to Section 9.61.180.
B. The letter height on signs permitted pursuant to this Section shall not exceed 18
inches, unless a different letter height is specifically provided in subsection (A).
C. Signs authorized through the sign adjustment process pursuant to Section
9.61.160 are permitted.
9.61.180 Prohibited Signs
A. The following signs, and any sign not authorized by Section 9.61.150, Section
9.61.160, or Section 9.61.170, are prohibited:
1. Animated Signs. Animated signs, except that:
a. The City may use animated signs to preserve roadway safety and
traffic circulation; and
b. Primary and secondary schools may use animated signs on school
property for school purposes.
2. Balloon Signs.
3. Emitting Signs. Emitting signs, except that devices for communicating with
customers at drive-in restaurants, automated bank tellers, and drive-through
banks may use sound communication.
4. Freestanding and Pole Signs.
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5. Miscellaneous Signs and Posters. Miscellaneous signs and posters
tacked, painted, posted or otherwise affixed on the walls of a building, or on a
tree, pole, fence or other structure, and visible from a public way.
6. Off-Premises Signs.
7. Paper, Cloth, or Plastic Streamers and Bunting. Paper, cloth, or plastic
streamers and bunting.
8. Portable Signs, except signs authorized pursuant to Sections 9.61.160 or
9.61.200.
9. Roof Signs.
10. Upper Level Signs.
11. Vehicle Signs, except that this Section does not apply to any vehicle that
displays an advertisement or business identification of its owner, so long as such
a vehicle is engaged in the usual business or regular work of the owner, and not
used merely, mainly, or primarily to display advertisements.
12. High-Rise Signs.
9.61.190 Total Sign Area Permitted by District
A. The total sign area factors set forth in this Section govern the aggregate square
footage of all nonexempt signs externally placed or externally visible at a given site.
The factors are related to the building or store frontage measured along the site street
address.
B. The total operative frontage dimension for structures located on a street corner
site is 1.5 times the building frontage. For such corner locations, no more than two-
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thirds of the allowable total sign area shall be permitted facing on one or the other
street.
C. For all multiple-use buildings in commercially or industrially zoned districts, the
size of signs pertaining to each business or use is governed by that portion of the
building frontage occupied by that business or use; the total sign program is
governed by the total building frontage. If in addition to any entrance from public
streets there is a public entrance from an alley or from a parking lot, additional sign
area of .5 square foot per foot of that building frontage is allowed on that side of the
premises, not to exceed 20 square feet. If there is no public entrance, signage on
that side is limited to a business identification sign, not to exceed two square feet.
D. Notwithstanding the maximum total sign area calculated by use of these factors,
no single sign shall exceed 100 square feet in sign area at any location.
E. Notwithstanding the maximum total sign area calculated by use of these factors,
no business in a commercial or industrial district is required to have signage of less
than 25 square feet in area.
F. The maximum sign area is as follows:
1. R1/OP1—Single Unit Residential District. Applicable exempt signs;
2. R2/OPD—Duplex Residential Districts. Applicable exempt signs;
3. All Multi-Unit Districts Except the Beachfront District. A maximum of
one-fourth square foot of sign area for each linear foot of building frontage with
the total nonexempt sign area not to exceed 25 square feet. Externally
illuminated signs are permitted for the purpose of building name and address
identification;
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4. Hotels in R4 High Density Residential District. A maximum of one
square foot of sign area for each linear foot of building frontage. Internally
illuminated signs are permitted;
5. All Downtown Districts and Beachfront Districts. For other than street
corner locations, a maximum of one square foot of sign area for each linear foot
of building or store frontage. For street corner locations, a maximum of one
square foot of sign area for each linear foot of building or store frontage for each
street facing frontage. The provisions of Section 9.61.190(B) shall not apply;
6. All Other Commercial and Industrial Districts. A maximum of one
square foot of sign area for each linear foot of building or store frontage;
7. Off-Street Parking Districts. The same as the sign requirements in the
appropriate adjacent residential district.
G. In the NC and Downtown Districts, one changeable copy sign that does not
exceed 1.5 feet by two feet affixed either to the exterior of the building or to a location
visible through a window shall not be included as part of the allowable total sign area
for a business.
9.61.200 Bayside Conservation District
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Chapter, the following signs approved by
the Review Body shall be permitted in the Bayside Conservation District:
A. Portable Signs. A portable sign, provided that each such sign complies with the
following requirements:
1. Limited to one portable sign for each business;
2. The sign is an A-frame or sandwich board type of portable sign;
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3. The sign is placed within 12 feet directly in front of the building’s frontage for
the business utilizing such a sign, and so long as the sign is:
a. Not placed within five feet of a fire hydrant;
b. Not placed within five feet of a corner at an intersection;
c. Not secured to any existing City or public-utility owned facility, including,
but not limited to, poles or trees; and
d. Not placed so that less than a five-foot contiguous sidewalk width is kept
clear for pedestrian passage at all times.
4. The sign shall not be larger than 10 square feet in size;
5. The sign face shall be no wider than 2.5 feet and no taller than four feet and
limited on two sides/faces with a total square footage of sign area not to
exceed 20 square feet;
6. The sign is not of the type prohibited by subsections (1) through (7) and (9)
through (12) of Section 9.61.180(A);
7. The sign shall be removed when the business is closed; and
8. The sign is affixed with a decal in a manner that is clearly visible to the public.
B. Upper-Level Signs. An upper-level sign that does not affect the total sign area,
provided that each such sign complies with the following requirements:
1. Limited to no more than two upper-level signs per business;
2. The sign is not placed above the third-floor floor line;
3. The sign is either (a) a banner sign with a sign area not to exceed 10 square
feet and a letter height not to exceed 24 inches or (b) a projecting sign not
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more than five feet high and two feet wide with a letter height not to exceed 18
inches or logo height not to exceed 24 inches;
4. The maximum projection over the public right of way is no more than 42
inches; and
5. The sign is not of the type prohibited by subsections (1) through (9) and (11)
through (12) of Section 9.61.180(A).
9.61.210 Maintenance
A. All signs and sign support structures, together with all of their supports, braces,
guys, and anchors, shall be kept in repair and in proper state of preservation.
B. The display surfaces of all signs shall be kept neatly painted or posted at all
times.
C. Whenever an existing sign is removed as part of any approval granted pursuant
to this Chapter, the building façade shall be patched and repaired in a manner
consistent with the adjacent, undamaged finish surface.
9.61.220 Consent of Property Owner
No person, except a public officer or employee in the performance of a public duty, or a
private person in the giving of a legal notice, shall paste, post, paint, print, nail, tack, or
otherwise fasten any card, banner, handbill, sign, poster, advertisement, or notice of any
kind upon any property, without the written consent of the owner, holder, lessee, agent,
or trustee thereof.
9.61.230 Signs on Street
A. No person shall erect, suspend, or maintain a sign on, across, or above any
street, alley, public property, or any portion thereof, except as may be allowed or
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required by the Santa Monica Municipal Code, or the laws of the State or of the
United States.
B. Nothing in the Santa Monica Sign Code shall be deemed or construed to
prohibit, upon this issuance of the permits required herein, the erection, suspension,
or maintenance of any such sign within or at the recognized boundary of the City, on,
across, or above any such streets, alleys, public places, or any portion thereof, such
signs to bear exclusively the name of such City and any appropriate words of
welcome, or information concerning said City, without the addition of any words,
advertising, figure, or devices of any kind.
9.61.240 Removal or Modifications of Nonconforming Signs
A. Except for meritorious signs, signs existing prior to April 11, 1985, which were
made nonconforming by Ordinance No. 1333, may be removed by the Building
Officer in accordance with the abatement procedures set forth in Chapter 8.96.
B. All nonconforming signs, other than those subject to subsection (A) shall be
removed or modified to conform to the requirements of this Chapter upon any of the
following:
1. If the owner requests permission to remodel a sign, or expands or enlarges
the building or land use upon which the sign is located, and the sign is affected
by the construction, enlargement, or remodeling, or the cost of construction,
enlargement, or remodeling of the sign exceeds 50 percent of the cost of
reconstruction of the building. For purposes of this subsection, remodel does not
include normal repair, maintenance of a sign, or a change in copy of the sign;
2. If the owner seeks relocation of the sign;
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3. If the sign has been more than 50 percent destroyed, and the destruction
is other than facial copy replacement, and the display is not repaired within 90
days of the date of its destruction;
4. If the City and the owner of the sign agree to its removal on a given date;
5. If the use of the sign has ceased, or the structure upon which the sign is
located has been abandoned by its owner, for a period of not less than 90 days;
6. If the sign is or may become a danger to the public or is unsafe as
determined by the Building Officer;
7. If the sign constitutes a traffic hazard not created by relocation of streets or
highways or by acts of the City, as determined by the Director;
8. If the sign was erected without first complying with the ordinance in effect
at the time of its construction and erection or use;
9. Prior to the issuance of a building permit or a permit for any new sign on the
same building on which the nonconforming sign is located, unless the
nonconforming sign is not owned or controlled by the permit applicant or the
permit applicant is not the agent of the person who owns or controls the
nonconforming sign; or
10. For a meritorious sign, if the character-defining features of such a sign are
altered.
9.61.250 Revocation of Sign Permits
The Director is authorized to revoke any sign permit granted hereunder if the sign does
not meet all specifications or requirements indicated on the approved permit application
and on the approved plans.
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9.61.260 Enforcement
A. The Director is hereby granted the power and authority to issue a notice of
violation to the sign owner or to the sign owner’s agent or manager for any illegal
sign or any sign maintained in violation of any provision of this Chapter. Action to
correct such violation issued by the Director shall be commenced by the sign owner
or the sign owner’s agent or manager within 30 days of the issuance of the notice of
violation. Proof of the commencement of action to correct the violation must be
furnished to the Director within 30 days of the issuance of the notice of violation.
B. If the sign owner, or any person responsible for the sign, fails to respond to the
notice of violation within 30 days or fails to correct the violation within 60 days, the
owner of the premises upon which the sign is located shall be responsible for the
removal of the sign and the work shall be done within 60 days following the notice of
violation. The Building Officer may cause the removal of the sign in accordance with
the abatement procedures set forth in Chapter 8.96.
C. The provisions of this Section may be utilized separately from, as an alternative
to, in addition to, or in conjunction with any other remedy provided by law.
9.61.270 Abandoned Signs
A. An abandoned sign shall be removed from the site or shall have the copy or
text obliterated from such a sign by the owner or lessee of the premises upon which
the sign is located following the expiration of 90 days after the associated enterprise
or occupant has vacated the premises. Any such sign not removed or modified within
this required period shall be removed by the Building Officer in accordance with the
abatement procedures set forth in Chapter 8.96.
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B. Any nonconforming sign not modified or removed pursuant to Section
9.61.240(B)(5) shall be considered to be an abandoned sign and shall be removed
by the Building Officer in accordance with the abatement procedures set forth in
Chapter 8.96.
9.61.280 Recovery and Disposition of Removed Signs
A sign removed by the City pursuant to this Chapter shall be held by the City for not less
than 30 days during which time it may be recovered by the owner upon presenting proof
of ownership and payment to the City for removal and storage costs in an amount
established by resolution of the City Council. If not recovered prior to the expiration of
the 30-day period, then the sign shall be sold in accordance with the procedures for sale
of unclaimed property. The proceeds of the sale, less removal, storage, and sale costs,
shall be paid to the owner thereof.
9.61.290 Regulations
The Director may promulgate regulations to implement the provisions of this Chapter. No
person shall fail to comply with any such regulation.
SECTION 2. Any provision of the Santa Monica Municipal Code or
appendices thereto inconsistent with the provisions of this Ordinance, to the extent
of such inconsistencies and no further, is hereby repealed or modified to that extent
necessary to effect the provisions of this Ordinance.
SECTION 3. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this
Ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a decision of
any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the
remaining portions of this Ordinance. The City Council hereby declares that it would
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41
have passed this Ordinance and each and every section, subsection, sentence,
clause, or phrase not declared invalid or unconstitutional without regard to whether
any portion of the ordinance would be subsequently declared invalid or
unconstitutional.
SECTION 4. The Mayor shall sign and the City Clerk shall attest to the
passage of this Ordinance. The City Clerk shall cause the same to be published
once in the official newspaper within 15 days after its adoption. This Ordinance
shall become effective 30 days from its adoption.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_______________________
GEORGE S. CARDONA
Interim City Attorney
DocuSign Envelope ID: C3359678-0594-4843-8811-1F2617107BD8
Approved and adopted this 13th day of October, 2020.
_____________________________
K e v i n M c K e o w n , M a y o r
State of California )
County of Los Angeles ) ss.
City of Santa Monica )
I, Denise Anderson-Warren, City Clerk of the City of Santa Monica, do
hereby certify that the foregoing Ordinance No. 2652 (CCS) had its
introduction on September 8, 2020 and was adopted at the Santa Monica City
Council meeting held on October 13, 2020, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Davis, Himmelrich, McCowan, Winterer, Jara,
Mayor Pro Tem O’Day, Mayor McKeown
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ATTEST:
_____________________________________ _________________
Denise Anderson-Warren, City Clerk Date
A summary of Ordinance No. 2652 (CCS) was duly published pursuant
to California Government Code Section 40806.
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10/15/2020