Skip to main content
Loading…
Article III. Prohibited Signs
This article is included in your selections.
This section is included in your selections.

The city has a compelling interest to prohibit the following signs to further the findings and purpose (Section 15.40.110) of these sign regulations and to enforce local, state and federal law. All signs below are specifically identified as prohibited with some exceptions, and any other signs not expressly provided for or exempted from this chapter are prohibited. Sign types which, in the determination of the community development director, are similar to those listed in this section or which are not described in these regulations are also prohibited.

A. Attention-Getting Devices. Pennants, streamers, spinners, balloons, inflatable signs, search lights, beacons, flashing lights or messages and other similar attention-getting devices, unless authorized in conjunction with a temporary use permit or special event permit, or architectural review, and provided the city’s public works director determines that such a sign will not create an unsafe distraction for users of the public right-of-way.

B. Banner signs are prohibited unless:

1. Approved in conjunction with an approved temporary or intermittent use, or outdoor event permit or special event permit; or

2. Approved with a sign permit as a temporary sign pending manufacture and installation of an approved permanent sign for not more than thirty days or within a specified time frame as determined by the community development director; or

3. Approved by the public works director over designated rights-of-way in compliance with Chapter 12.04 (Encroachments and Excavations); or

4. The sign is exempt under Section 15.40.200.

C. Backlit Translucent Awning Signs. Any sign located on an awning that is translucent or semi-transparent and illuminated from a light source under or within the awning.

D. Outdoor Advertising Displays and Off-Site Signs. Outdoor advertising displays such as billboards, handheld signs, mascots, and all off-site commercial signs that display advertising for a business, commodity, service, facility, or other such matter that is not located, conducted, sold, or offered upon the premises where the sign is located are prohibited within the city of San Luis Obispo. Any such outdoor advertising displays that are located within the public right-of-way are considered off-site and are prohibited. The on-site/off-site distinction applies only to commercial messages on signs.

E. Highly Reflective and Fluorescent Signs. Signs made wholly or partially of highly reflective material and fluorescent or DayGlo painted signs.

F. Signs on Utility Poles or Traffic Control Devices. Signs attached or placed adjacent to any utility pole, traffic sign, signal, or marking, or any other official traffic-control device, unless in accordance with the California Vehicle Code.

G. Signs on Street Trees. Any sign posted on a street tree.

H. Signs That Block Ingress or Egress. Any sign, such as a sandwich board sign, placed or maintained so as to interfere with free ingress to or egress from any door, window or fire escape, or parking lot.

I. Signs in the Street Right-of-Way. Any sign placed in any street right-of-way without a valid encroachment permit or prior approval of the public works director for the purpose of safety or traffic control.

J. Simulated Traffic Signs. Any sign which simulates or imitates in size, color, lettering or design any traffic sign or signal, or which makes use of words, symbols or characters in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead, or confuse pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

K. Vehicle Signs or Mobile Advertising Displays.

Mobile billboard advertising displays and advertising signs on motor vehicles parked or left standing upon a public street, except for advertising signs that are permanently affixed to the body of, an integral part of, or a fixture of a motor vehicle for permanent decoration, identification, or display and that do not extend beyond the overall length, width, or height of the vehicle, advertisement on license plate frames installed in compliance with Vehicle Code Section 5201, and paper advertisements issued by a dealer contained within a license frame installed in compliance with Vehicle Code Section 5201. For purposes of this section, “permanently affixed” means any of the following: (1) painted directly on the body of a motor vehicle, (2) applied as a decal on the body of a motor vehicle, or (3) placed in a location on the body of a motor vehicle that was specifically designed by a vehicle manufacturer as defined in Vehicle Code Section 672 and licensed pursuant to Vehicle Code Section 11701, in compliance with both state and federal law or guidelines, for the express purpose of containing an advertising sign. The city has determined this prohibition is necessary because mobile advertising as a primary purpose inhibits the safe movement of traffic, contributes to air pollution, and detracts from the overall aesthetics of the city. This prohibition applies citywide irrespective of the content of the message or ideas expressed.

L. Prohibited or Unpermitted Uses. Any sign displaying a commercial message promoting a business that is not a permitted use pursuant to Title 17 (Zoning Regulations).

M. Roof Signs. Unless expressly allowed by Section 15.40.420, roof signs are prohibited in all zones.

N. Electronic Message Centers (EMC Signs) and Digital Display.

Signs using digital displays or other means to present images or messages. These signs typically use light emitting diode (LED), liquid crystal display (LCD), plasma or other technology to present a series of still images, full motion animation, or other text messages. (Does not apply where preempted by state law for fuel price signage or other applicable codes.)

Exemption: City parking facilities are exempt from the EMC prohibition in order to provide information to the public regarding parking availability. This exemption is necessary for the public health, safety, and welfare of the community in order to manage unnecessary car trips and reduce greenhouse gas emissions resulting from unnecessary vehicle parking space searches in city parking facilities and to minimize driver confusion and distraction that can increase the likelihood of vehicle and pedestrian accidents and injuries. (Ord. 1667 § 3(2) (Exh. A (part)), 2019)