601

SEC. 601. PURPOSES OF SIGN CONTROLS. This Article 6 is adopted in recognition of the important function of signs and of the need for their regulation under the Planning Code. In addition to those purposes of the Planning Code stated in Section 101, it is the further purpose of this Article 6 to: (a) promote the aesthetic and environmental values of San Francisco by providing for signs that serve as effective means of communication and do not impair the attractiveness of the City as a place to live, work, visit, and shop; (b) protect public investment in and the character and dignity of public buildings, streets, and open spaces; (c) protect the distinctive appearance of San Francisco which is produced by its unique geography, topography, neighborhoods, street patterns, skyline and architectural features; (d) ensure that signs are designed and proportioned in relation to the structures to which they are attached, adjacent structures, and the streets on which they are located; (e) enhance sidewalks as public spaces by preserving sunlight and views, and foster the unobstructed growth of street trees; (f) provide an environment which will safeguard and enhance neighborhood livability and property values, and promote the development of business in the City; (g) encourage sound practices and lessen the objectionable effects of competition in respect to size and placement of signs; (h) aid in the attraction of tourists and other visitors who are so important to the economy of the City and County; (i) reduce hazards to motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians caused by visual distractions and obstructions; and (j) thereby promote the public health, safety and welfare. (Added by Ord. 263-65, App. 10/22/65; amended by Ord. 188-15 , File No. 150871, App. 11/4/2015, Eff. 12/4/2015; Ord. 217-16, File No. 160424, App. 11/10/2016, Eff. 12/10/2016) AMENDMENT HISTORY Section amended; Ord. 188-15 , Eff. 12/4/2015. Section amended and divisions (a)–(j) designated; Ord. 217-16, Eff. 12/10/2016. SEC. 602. SIGN DEFINITIONS. The following definitions shall apply to this Article 6, in addition to such definitions elsewhere in this Code as may be appropriate. Area (of a Sign). (a) All Signs Except on Windows, Awnings and Marquees. The entire area within a single continuous rectangular perimeter formed by extending lines around the extreme limits of writing, representation, emblem, or any figure of similar character, including any frame or other material or color forming an integral part of the display or used to differentiate such Sign from the background against which it is placed; excluding the necessary supports or uprights on which such Sign is placed but including any Sign Tower. Where a Sign has two or more faces, the area of all faces shall be included in determining the Area of the Sign, except that where two such faces are placed back to back and are at no point more than two feet from one another, the Area of the Sign shall be taken as the area of one face if the two faces are of equal area, or as the area of the larger face if the two faces are of unequal area. (b) On Windows. The Area of any Sign painted directly on a window shall be the area within a rectangular perimeter formed by extending lines around the extreme limits of writing, representation, or any figure of similar character depicted on the surface of the window. The Area of any Sign placed on or behind the window glass shall be as described above in subsection (a). (c) On Awnings or Marquees. The Area of any Sign on an Awning or Marquee shall be the total of all signage on all faces of the structure. All sign copy on each face shall be computed wi