FILE NO. 160424
SUBSTITUTED
10/18/2016
ORDINANCE NO. 217-16
[Planning Code, Zoning Map - Sign Regulations]
Ordinance amending the Planning Code to correct and update provisions, delete
obsolete or redundant sections, amend the definitions of Historic Sign and Wind Sign,
reinstate the distinction between Historic and Vintage Signs, and further restrict the
areas where General Advertising Signs are permitted; amending the Zoning Map to
delete the Showplace Square Special Sign District, the South of Market General
Advertising Special Sign District, the Hamm's Building Historic Special Sign District,
and the Candlestick Park Special Sign District, and to delete the related Code sections;
affirming the Planning Department's determination under the California Environmental
Quality Act; and making findings of consistency with the General Plan, and the eight
priority policies of Planning Code, Section 101.1, and findings of public convenience,
necessity, and welfare under Planning Code, Section 302.
NOTE:
Unchanged Code text and uncodified text are in plain Arial font.
Additions to Codes are in single-underline italics Times New Roman font.
Deletions to Codes are in strikethrough italics Times New Roman font.
Board amendment additions are in double-underlined Arial font.
Board amendment deletions are in strikethrough Arial font.
Asterisks(* * * *)indicate the omission of unchanged Code
subsections or parts of tables.
Be it ordained by the People of the City and County of San Francisco:
Section 1. Findings.
(a)
The Planning Department has determined that the actions contemplated in this
ordinance comply with the California Environmental Quality Act (California Public Resources
Code Sections 21000 et seq.). Said determination is on file with the Clerk of the Board of
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Supervisors in File No. 160424 and is incorporated herein by reference. The Board affirms
this determination.
(b)
On September 15, 2016, the Planning Commission, in Resolution No. 19735,
adopted findings that the actions contemplated in this ordinance are consistent, on balance,
with the City's General Plan and eight priority policies of Planning Code Section 101.1. The
Board adopts these findings as its own. A copy of said Resolution is on file with the Clerk of
lthe Board of Supervisors in File No. 160424, and is incorporated herein by reference.
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(c)
Pursuant to Planning Code Section 302, the Board of Supervisors finds that
!these Planning Code amendments will serve the public necessity, convenience, and welfare
for the reasons set forth in Planning Commission Resolution No. 19735, and the Board
incorporates such reasons herein by reference.
Section 2. The Planning Code is hereby amended by revising Sections 102, 188, 260,
429.4, 429.6, 601, 602 (including deleting the existing section numbers for Sections 602.1,
602.2, 602.3, 602.4, 602.5, 602.6, 602.7, 602.8, 602.9, 602.10, 602.11, 602.12, 602.13,
602.14, 602.15, 602.16, 602.17, 602.18, 602.19, 602.20, 602.21, 602.21A, 602.22, 602.23,
602.24, 602.25, and 602.26, all of which will now be encompassed within Section 602), 607,
607.1, 607.2, 608.3, 608.5, 608.8, 608.9, 608.13, 608.15, 609.10, 609.11, 609.13, and
609.14, and Zoning Control Tables 810, 811, 812 and 817, and deleting Sections 608.4,
608.12, 609.2, 803.1 and 821, to read as follows:
1 SEC. 102. DEFINITIONS.
For the purposes of this Code, certain words and terms used herein are defined as set
1 forth in this and the following sections. Additional definitions applicable to Signs are set forth in
I Section 602. Additional definitions applicable to development impact fees and requirements that
authorize the pavment ofin-lieu fees are set forth in Section 401. Additional definitions applicable to
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Article 7, Neighborhood Commercial Districts, and to Article 9, Mission Bay Districts, are set
forth in Section 790. Additional definitions applicable only to Article 8, Mixed Use Districts, are
set forth in Section 890. Additional definitions applicable only to the Bernal Heights Special
Use District are set forth in Section 242. Additional definitions applicable only to Article 9,
Mission Bay Districts, are set forth in Section 996. All words used in the present tense shall
include the future. All words in the plural number shall include the singular number, and all
words in the singular number shall include the plural number, unless the natural construction
of the wording indicates otherwise. The word "shall" is mandatory and not directory.
Whenever any of the following terms is used it shall mean the corresponding officer,
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department, board or commission or its successor of the City and County of San Francisco,
State of California, herein referred to as the City: Assessor, Board of Supervisors, Planning
Department, Department of Public Works, Director of Planning, Planning Commission, or
Zoning Administrator. In each case, the term shall be deemed to include an employee of any
such officer or department of the City who is lawfully authorized to perform any duty or
exercise any power as a representative or agent of that officer or department.
* * * *
SEC. 188. NONCOMPLYING STRUCTURES: ENLARGEMENTS, ALTERATIONS AND
RECONSTRUCTION.
* * * *
(e)
Historic Movie Theater Marquees and Projecting Signs. Notwithstanding
Subsection (a) of this Section, and in order that certain character-defining architectural
elements of Qualified Movie Theaters be preserved and enhanced, a noncomplying Historic
Movie Theater Projecting Sign, as defined in Section 602~, and/or a noncomplying Historic
Movie Theater Marquee, as defined in Section 602:-±4, may be preserved, rehabilitated, or
restored. A noncomplying Historic Movie Theater Projecting Sign or a noncomplying Historic
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[Movie Theater Marquee removed from a Qualified Movie Theater prior to or in absence of an
!application for replacement may be reconstructed.
(1)
For the purposes of this Section, "Qualified Movie Theater" shall mean a
building that (A) is currently or has been used as a mMovie tl.heater; and (B) is listed on or
eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places or the California Register of
Historical Resources, designated a City Landmark or a contributor to a City Landmark District
under Article 10, or designated as a Significant or Contributory Building under Article 11.
(2)
Any preservation, rehabilitation, restoration, or reconstruction permitted
under this Section shall be in strict conformity with the overall design, scale, and character of
lthe existing or previously existing Historic Movie Theater Sign or Historic Movie Theater
!Marquee and:
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(A)
For a Qualified Movie Theater that retains its Historic Movie
Theater Projecting Sign and/or Historic Movie Theater Marquee, the signage features shall be
limited to the following:
(i)
On a Historic Movie Theater Projecting Sign, the historic
name associated with a previous theater occupant;
(ii)
On a Historic Movie Theater Marquee, the historic name
associated with a previous theater occupant and, where applicable, on the signboard, other
information that is an Identifying Sign, as defined in Section 602:-:U!, provided such information
shall be contained within the signboard, shall not consist of any logos, and shall be in the
character of lettering historically found on mMovie tl.heater signboards in terms of size, font,
and detail.
(B)
For a Qualified Movie Theater where the Historic Movie Theater
1 Projecting Sign and/or Historic Movie Theater Marquee has been removed and is proposed to
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be reconstructed, the overall design and signage features shall be limited to the following:
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(i)
On a Historic Movie Theater Projecting Sign, the historic
name associated with a previous theater occupant;
(ii)
On a Historic Movie Theater Marquee, the historic name
associated with a previous theater occupant and, where applicable, on the signboard, other
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I information that is an Identifying Sign, as defined in Sectio.n 602:-:lt), provided such information
shall be contained within the signboard, shall not consist of any logos, and shall be in the
character of lettering historically found on mMovie ([heater signboards in terms of size, font,
and detail.
* * * *
SEC. 260. HEIGHT LIMITS: MEASUREMENT.
* * * *
(b)
Exemptions. In addition to other height exceptions permitted by this Code, the
features listed in this subsection (b) shall be exempt from the height limits established by this
/Code, in an amount up to but not exceeding that which is specified.
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* * * *
(2)
The following features shall be exempt, without regard to their horizontal
area, provided the limitations indicated for each are observed:
* * * *
(Q)
Historic s~igns and Vintage Signs rFithin an historic sign district
permitted pursuant to Sections 302, 303 and Article 6 608.14 of this Code.
* * * *
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I SEC. 429.4. COMPLIANCE BY PROVIDING ON-SITE PUBLIC ARTWORK.
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(a)
Installation. The project sponsor must install the public art in compliance with
this Section 429.4 (1) in areas on the site of the building or addition so that the public art is
clearly visible from the public sidewalk or the open-space feature required by Section 138, or
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(2) on the site of the open-space feature provided pursuant to Section 138, or (3) in a publicly
accessible lobby area of a hHotel ("On-Site Public Artwork"). Said On-Site Public Artwork shall
be installed prior to issuance of the first certificate of occupancy; provided, however, that if the
Zoning Administrator concludes that it is not feasible to install the w&lfs Artwork within that
ltime and that adequate assurance is provided that the W&/fs Artwork will be installed in a
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!timely manner, the Zoning Administrator may extend the time for installation for a period of not
I [Jes& more than 12 months. Said works of art may include sculpture, bas-relief, murals,
\mosaics, decorative water features, tapestries or other artworks permanently affixed to the
!building or its grounds, or a combination thereof, but may not include architectural features of
the building, nor artwork designed by the architect, except as permitted with respect to the in
lieu contribution regarding publicly owned oVrlf'wr buildings meeting the criteria described
above. Artworks shall be displayed in a manner that will enhance their enjoyment by the
general public. The type and location of -aA.rtwork, but not the artistic merits of the specific
artwork proposed, shall be approved by the Zoning Administrator in accordance with the
provisions of Section 309 of this Code.
(b)
Recognition of Artists. An ADA compliant plaque identifj;ing the creator, name (if anv).
and installation date of the On-Site Public Artwork required by subsection (a) above shall be placed at
a publicly conspicuous location within view of the On-Site Public Artwork at the same time the Artwork
is installed.
Removal, Relocation, or Alteration of Artwork. Once the project sponsor has
installed and completed the final Artwork, the project sponsor, building owner and any third
party may not remove, relocate or alter the Artwork without notifying and consulting with the
Planning Department at least 120 days prior to the proposed removal, relocation or alteration.
The Planning Department shall not approve any removal, relocation, or alteration unless it
finds any removed Artwork will be replaced with Artwork of equal or greater value or that any
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relocation or alteration is only a minor modification. If a project sponsor does remove,
relocate, or alter the Artwork without notification and approval of the Planning Department, the
Planning Department is authorized to pursue enforcement of this Section under Section 176
or 176.1 of this Code or to pursue any other remedy permitted by law.
SEC. 429.6. RECOGNITION OF ARCHITECTS IN C-3 DISTRICTS AND ARTISTS.
In the case of construction of a new building or an addition of floor area in excess of
25,000 square feet to an existing building in a C-3 District, an ADA compliant plaque or
cornerstone identifying the project architect and the creator &}the On Site Public Artworkprovidcd
pursuant to this Section 429 and the erection date of the building On Site Public Artwork shall be
placed at a publicly conspicuous location on or in the building prior to the issuance of the first
certificate of occupancy.
SEC. 601. SPECL4L 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 Gity
Planning Code stated in Section 101, it is the further purpose of this Article 6 to,:.
(a)
promote the aesthetic and environmental values ofSan 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 safeguard and enhance property values in
residential, commercial, mixed use, and industrial areas;
to protect public investment in and the character and dignity of public buildings,
streets, and open spaces and thoroughfares;
to protect the distinctive appearance of San Francisco which is produced by its
unique geography, topography, neighborhoods, street patterns, skyline, and architectural
features;
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(d)
ensure that signs are designed and proportioned in relation to the structures to
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!which they are attached, adjacent structures, and the streets on which they are located,·
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en ance si ewa KS as pu ic spaces y preserving sun ig tan views, an t0ster
!the unobstructed growth ofstreet trees;
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{/)_
w provide an environment which will safeguard and enhance neighborhood livability
[ and property values, and promote the development of business in the City;
{g)_
w encourage sound practices and lessen the objectionable effects of
competition in respect to size and placement of signs;
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w aid in the attraction of tourists and other visitors who are so important to the
economy of the City and County;
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w reduce hazards to motorists, bicvclists, and pedestrians caused by visual
1 distractions and obstructions trmeling on the public ',vay; and
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thereby w promote the public health, safety and welfare.
SEC. 602. SIGN SPECL4L DEFINITIONS.
The following definitions shall apply to this Article 6, in addition to such definitions
elsewhere in this Code as may be appropriate.
SEC. 602. J. AREA (OFA SIGlv).
Area (o(a Sign).
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(a)
All Signs Except on Windows, Awnings and Marquees. The entire area
I within a single continuous rectangular perimeter formed by extending lines around the
1 [extreme limits of writing, representation, emblem, or any figure of similar character, including
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[any frame or other material or color forming an integral part of the display or used to
differentiate such sSign from the background against which it is placed; excluding the
necessary supports or uprights on which such sSign is placed but including any sSign tiower.
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Where a sSign has two or more faces, the area of all faces shall be included in determining the
ad_rea of the sSign, except that where two such faces are placed back to back and are at no
point more than two feet from one another, the a4_rea of the sSign 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 ad_rea of any sSign 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 adrea of any sSign placed on or behind the window glass shall be as described
above in Paregraph subsection (a).
(c)
On Awnings or Marquees. The a4_rea of any sSign on an ad_wning or mMarquee
shall be the total of all signage on all faces of the structure. All sign copy on each face shall be
1 computed within one 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 face of the awning or marquee.
ISEC. 602.2. ATTACHED TOA BUILDING.
!Attached to a Building. Supported, in whole or in part, by a building.
SEC. 602.3. BUSINESS SIG,V.
Business Sign. A sSign which directs attention to the primary business, commodity, service,
industry or other activity which is sold, offered, or conducted on the premises upon which such
sSign is located, or to which it is affixed. Where a number of businesses, services, industries,
or other activities are conducted on the premises, or a number of commodities, services, or
, other activities with different brand names or symbols are sold on the premises, up to one-
! I third of the area of a -bjiusiness sSign, or 25 square feet of sSign area, whichever is the lesser,
may be devoted to the advertising of one or more of those businesses, commodities, services,
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industries, or other activities by brand name or symbol as an accessory function of the
hJlusiness sSign, provided that such advertisin g is integrated with the remainder of the
hJlusiness sSign, and provided also that any Ii mits which may be imposed by this Code on the
gns on the property are not exceeded. The
area of individual sSigns and the area of all sSi
primary business, commodity, service, industr y, or other activity on the premises shall mean
he premises upon which the hJlusiness sSign is
the use which occupies the greatest area on t
located, or to which it is affixed.
SEC. 602.4. DIRECTLYILLUllfINATED S!~i\~
Directly Illuminated Sign. A sSign designed tog ive forth artificial light directly (or through
transparent or translucent material) from a sou rce of light within such sSign, including but not
limited to neon and exposed lamp signs.
!SEC. 602.~. FREEST:i4ND-lN-G.
I !Freestanding. In no part supported by a buildin g.
SEC. 602. 6. FREEWAY.
Freeway. A highway, in respect to which the o wners of abutting lands have no right or
easement of access to or from their abutting la nds or in respect to which such owners have
ccess, the precise route for which has been
only limited or restricted right or easement of a
determined and designated as aJEreeway by
subdivision thereof. The term shall include the
an authorized agency of the State or a political
main traveled portion of the trafficway and all
rans-Bay highway crossings shall be deemed to
ion for purposes of this Code.
ramps and appurtenant land and structures. T
be JEreeways within the meaning of this definit
SEC. 602. 7. GE1VERAL ADVERTISING SI~1\~
General Advertising Sign. A sSign, legally erecte d prior to the effective date of Section 611 of
this Code, which directs attention to a busines s, commodity, industry or other activity which is
he premises upon which the sSign is located, or
sold, offered or conducted elsewhere than on t
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to which it is affixed, and which is sold, offered or conducted on such premises only
incidentally if at all.
iSEC. 602.8. HEIGHT(OFA SI~1V).
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!Height (of a Sign). The vertical distance from the uppermost point used in measuring the e4.rea
of a sSign, as defined in this Section 602:-J., to the ground immediately below such point or to
,the level of the upper surface of the nearest curb of a sStreet, e4.lley or highway (other than a
I structurally elevated roadway), whichever measurement permits the greater elevation of the
sSign.
SEC. 602.25. HISTORICAfOVIE THEATER PROJECTING SIG1V.
Historic Movie Theater Projecting Sign. A projecting h~usiness sSign attached to a Qualified
Movie Theater, as defined in Section 188(e)(1 ), when such sign was originally constructed in
association with the Qualified Movie Theater or similar historic use. Such sSigns are typically
characterized by{gl(i} perpendicularity to the primary facade of the building, @{ii} fixed
display of the name of the establishment, often in large lettering descending vertically
throughout the length of the sSign; {D_{ffl) a narrow width that extends for a majority of the
vertical distance of a building's facade, typically terminating at or slightly above the PRoofline,
and @{Wt an overall scale and nature such that the sSign comprises a significant and
character defining architectural feature of the building to which it is attached. Elimination or
I change of any lettering or other inscription from a Historic mMovie t.Iheater pfrojecting sSign,
I such as that which may occur with a change of ownership, change of use, or closure does not
preclude classification of the sSign under this sSection. For specific controls on the
preservation, rehabilitation, or restoration of these signs, refer to Section 188(e) of this Code.
SEC. 602.26. HISTORIC MOVIE THEATER AfARQUEE.
Historic Movie Theater Marquee. A mMarquee, as defined in Section 102 790.58, attached to a
Qualified Movie Theater, as defined in Section 188(e)(1), when such mMarquee was originally
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constructed in association with a mMovie t.Iheater or similar historic use. Elimination or
change of any lettering or other inscription from a Historic mMovie t.Iheater mMarquee such as
that which may occur with a change of ownership, change of use or closure, does not
preclude classification of the mMarquee under this sSection. For specific controls on the
preservation, rehabilitation, or restoration of these sSigns, refer to Section 188(e) of this Code
SEC. 602.9. HISTORIC SI~NSAND HISTORIC SIGIVDISTRICTS.
Historic Sign. An hHistoric sSign is anv Sign identified on its own or as one ofthe character defining
. features of a vrovertv listed or elif!ible for the National Ref!ister of Historic Places or the California
/Register o{Historical Resource, or designated in any manner under Articles 10 or 11 o[the Planning
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I Code is a sign that depicts a land use, a business activity, a public activity, a social activity or
historicalfigurc or an activity or use that recalls the City's historic past, asfi1rthcr defined in Section
1608.14 a/this Code, and as permitted by Sections 303 and 608.14 a/this Code.
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An historic sign district is a specific geographic area depicted on the Zoning }Jap of the City
and County (}fSt1:n Francisco, pursuant to Section 302 of this Code, rflithin which historic signs may be
permitted by conditional use authorization by the Planning Commission pursuant to Sections 303 and
608.14 (}/this Code.
SEC. 602.10. IDENTIFYING SIGN;
i!dentifving Sign. A sSign for a use listed in Article 2 of this Code as either a principal or a
I I conditional use permitted in an R District, regardless of the district in which the use itself may
I be located, which sSign serves to tell only the name, address and lawful use of the premises
I upon which the sSign is located, or to which it is affixed. A bulletin boflrd o.fflpublic, charitable or
I religious institution, used to display announcements relative to meetings to be held on the premises,
shall be deemed an idcntii)'ing sign. With respect to shopping malls containing five or more
stores or establishments in NC Districts, and shopping centers containing five or more stores
I or establishments in NC-S Districts or in the City Center Special Sign District, i[dentifying
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sSigns shall include sSigns which tell the name of and/or describe aspects of the operation of
the mall or center. Shopping malls, as that term is used in this sSection, are characterized by a
common pedestrian passageway which provides access to the businesses located therein.
SEC. 602.11. INDIRECTLYILLUAfINATED SI~N.
Indirectly Illuminated Sign. A sSign illuminated with a light directed primarily toward such sSign
and so shielded that no direct rays from the light are visible elsewhere than on the lot where
said illumination occurs. If not effectively so shielded, such sign shall be deemed to be a
ldDirectly i[lluminated sSign.
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SEC. 602.12. L4NDSC4PED FREEWAY.
Landscaped Freewav. Any part of afEreeway that is now or hereafter classified by the State or
a political subdivision thereof as a .fLandscapedfEreeway, as defined in the California Outdoor
Advertising Act. Any part of afEreeway that is not so designated shall be deemed a
nonlandscapedfEreeway.
SEC. 602.13. NAAfE PLATE.
Nameplate. A sign affixed flat against a wall of a building and serving to designate only the
name or the name and professional occupation of a person or persons residing in or
occupying space in such building.
!SEC. 602.14. NONILLUAfINATED SIG1\~
!Nonilluminated Sign. A sSign which is not illuminated, either directly or indirectly.
\sEC. 602.15. PRO.lECTIOLV.
Projection. The horizontal distance by which the furthermost point used in measuring the
ed,rea of a sSign, as defined in this Section 602:-1-, extends beyond a sQtreet pfroperty !Line or
a building setback line. A sSign placed flat against a wall of a building parallel to a sQtreet or
ed,lley shall not be deemed to project for purposes of this definition. A sSign on an ed,wning,
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ieCanopy or mMarquee shall be deemed to project to the extent that such sSign extends
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lbeyond a s~reetprroperty +Line or a building setback line.
SEC. 602.16. ROOFLINE.
RoofUne. The upper edge of any building wall or parapet, exclusive of any sSign t;Iower.
SEC. 602.17. ROOFSIG1V.
Roo(Sign. A sSign or any portion thereof erected or painted on or over the roof covering any
portion of a building, and either supported on the roof or on an independent structural frame or
sSign tiower, or located on the side or roof of a penthouse, roof tank, roof shed, elevator
housing or other roof structure.
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SEC. 602.18. SALE OR LEASE SIG1V.
Sale or Lease Sign. A sSign which serves only to indicate with pertinent information the
availability for sale, lease or rental of the lot or building on which it is placed, or some part
thereof.
SEC. 602.19. SI~1V.
Sign. Any structure, part thereof, or device or inscription which is located upon, attached to, or
painted, projected or represented on any land or right-of-way, or on the outside of any building
or structure including an a4_wning, eCanopy, mMarquee or similar appendage, or affixed to the
glass on the outside or inside of a window so as to be seen from the outside of the building,
and which displays or includes any numeral, letter, word, model, banner, emblem, insignia,
symbol, device, light, trademark, or other representation used as, or in the nature of, an
announcement, advertisement, attention-arrester, direction, warning, or designation by or of
any person, firm, group, organization, place, commodity, product, service, business,
profession, enterprise or industry.
A %SignE is composed of those elements included in the a4.rea of the sSign as defined
in this Section 602.1 ofthis Code, and in addition the supports, uprights and framework of the
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display. Except in the case of gGeneral e4_dvertising s,S:igns, two or more faces shall be
deemed to be a single s,S:ign if such faces are contiguous on the same plane, or are placed
back to back to form a single structure and are at no point more than two feet from one
another. Also, on e4_wnings or mMarquees, two or more faces shall be deemed to be a single
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s,S:ign if such faces are on the same e4_wning or mMarquee structure.
SEC. 602.20. SI~N TOWER.
Sign Tower. A tower, whether attached to a building,JEreestanding, or an integral part of a
building, which is erected for the primary purpose of incorporating a s,S:ign, or having a s,S:ign
attached thereto.
SEC. 602.21. STREETPROPERTYUNE.
Street Propertv Line. For purposes of this Article 6 only, "street property line" shall mean any
line separating private property from either a s,s:treet or an ed.lley.
SEC. 602. 21A. VIDEO SI~N.
Video Sign. A s,S:ign that displays, emits, or projects or is readily capable of displaying, emitting
or projecting a visual representation or image; an animated video, visual representation, or
image; or other video image of any kind onto a building, fabric, screen, sidewalk, wall, or other
surface through a variety of means, including, but not limited to: camera; computer; digital
cinema, imaging, or video; electronic display; fiber optics; film; internet; intranet; light emitting
diode screen or video display; microprocessor or microcontrolled microcontolled based
systems; picture frames; plasma display; projector; satellite; scrolling display; streaming video;
telephony; television; VHS; wireless transmission; or other technology that can transmit
animated or video images.
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Vintage Sign. A Sign that depicts a land use, a business activity. a public activity, a social activity or
historical figure or an activity or use that recalls the City's historic past, as further defined in Section
608.14 ofthis Code, and as permitted by Sections 303 and 608.14 o[this Code.
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SEC. 602.22. WALL SJGAr.
Wall Sign. A sSign painted directly on the wall or placed flat against a building wall with its copy
parallel to the wall to which it is attached and not protruding more than the thickness of the
sign cabinet.
SEC. 602.23. WIND SIGAZ
Wind Sign. Any sSign composed of tw& one or more banners, flags, or other objects, mounted
serially and fastened in such a manner as to move upon being subjected to pressure by wind
or breeze.
SEC. 602. 2-4.
WLVDOWSI~1~r.
1 O
Window Sign. A sSign painted directly on the surface of a window glass or placed behind the
surface of a window glass.
SEC. 607. COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS.
Signs in C, M, and PDR Districts, other than those sSigns exempted by Section 603 of
this Code, shall conform to the following provisions:
(a)
General Advertising Signs. No gGeneral ad,dvertising sSign shall be permitted
I in any C, M or P DR District. ·within 200 feet of the park knmt·n es Union Square and visible from said
ptf14f. No generel advertising sign shall be permitted to cover part or all o.fany '1t'indows.
(b)
Roof Signs. Except (or Historic Signs and Vintage Signs, Roof sSigns are not
permitted in Ci. Districts, and shall be permitted in all M,_ and PDR Districts,_ only ifSubsections (1)
2 0
·through (3) below are satisfied; except that a roafsign #wt is designated historic pursuant to Section
608.1 4 o.f this Code may be permitted ·without regard to Subsections (1) through (3) below:
(1)
The sign does not extend more than 25feet abow the roafline afthe building on
or over which the sign is placed,· and
Supervisors Peskin; Cohen
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Page 16
(2)
All parts of the sign are within 25 feet o,f; and the sign is mounted at not more
than a 45 degree angle from, a ',val! ofa building the roofline o.fwhich is at least as high as the top of
the sign; and
(c)
(d)
(3)
Stich vmll forms a complete backdrop for the sign, as the sign is 'liewet{from all
Wind Signs. No wWind so$'.ign shall be permitted in any C, M, or PDR District.
Window Signs. The total Area of all Window Signs shall not exceed one-third the area
lofthe window or clear door on or in which the Signs are located. Such Signs mav be Nonilluminated,
I
jindirectlv Illuminated or Directly Illuminated
I
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I
w_
Moving Parts. No so$'.ign shall have or consist of any moving, rotating, or
I
!otherwise physically animated part (as distinguished from lights that give the appearance of
I
animation by flashing, blinking or fluctuating), except as follows:
(1)
Moving or rotating or otherwise physically animated parts may be used
for the rotation of barber poles and the indication of time of day and temperature.
(2)
In the case ofa general advertising sign in C 2, C 3, },{ 1, }.f 2, and PDR
I
Districts, except for signs located within 200 feet of the park known as Union Square and visible from
said park and signs located so as to be primarily viewed by persons traveling on any portion a.fa
velocity ofone complete cycle in afour secondperiodwhere suchparts constitute less than 30percent
2 0
of the area of the sign or if, where such parts constitute a greater area o.f the sign, they do not exceed a
velocity of one complete cycle in a four second period and are stationary at least half of each eight
I
I secondperiod; except that signs designated historic pur~uant to Section 608.14 afthis Code may have
such moving features otherwise prohibited for signs located so as to be primarily ·viewed by persons
trmeling on anyportion ofafree11·ay.
Supervisors Peskin; Cohen
I BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Page 17
Ql g) Notwithstanding the type of sSigns permissible under Subparagraph
subsection (e) fd}, a vfideo sSign is prohibited.
(4) .Votwithstanding the type ofsignspermissible under Subparagraph (d)(2), a sign that
rotates isprohibited.
{fl-(e) Illumination. Any sSign may be nNonilluminated or ifndirectly or dDirectly
illluminated. Signs in PDR, C-3, M-1- and M-2 Districts shall not be limited in any manner as to
type of illumination, but no sSign in a C-2 or M-1 District shall have or consist of any flashing,
blinking, fluctuating or otherwise animated light except as specifically designated as "Special
Districts for Sign Illumination" on Sectional Map SSD of the Zoning Map of the City and
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County of San Francisco, described in Section 608 of this Code, in the C-2 area consisting of
five blocks in the vicinity of Fisherman's Wharf. Notwithstanding the type of sSigns permissible
under subparagraph subsection {fl -(e), a vfideo sSign is prohibited in the district.
{glfft Projection. Except for Historic Signs, Vintage Signs, Historic Theater Marquees, and
Historic Theater Projecting Signs, no Ne sSign shall project more than 75% percent of the
horizontal distance from the sQtreet pfroperty lL_ine to the curb line and in no case shall a sSign
project more than six .J-(.) feet beyond the sQtreet pfroperty lL_ine or building setback line.
{hlfg) Height and Extension Above Roofline.
(1)
Signs Attached to Buildings. Except as provided in Section 260 for
hHistoric,ySigns, in Section 608.14 (Or Vintage Signs, and in Section 188(e) (Or Historic Movie Theater
Marquees and Historic Movie Theater Projecting Signs in historic districts, no sSign ad_ttached to a
bjiuilding shall extend or be located above the rRoofline of the building to which it is attached.
In addition, no sSign ad_ttached to a bjiuilding shall under any circumstances exceed a
maximum height of:
In C-3: 100 feet;
In all other C, M, and PDR Districts: 60 feet.
Supervisors Peskin; Cohen
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Page 18
Such sSigns may contain letters, numbers, a logo, service mark and/or trademark and
may be nNonilluminated or i[ndirectly illluminated
(2)
Freestanding Signs. The maximum height for }Ereestanding sSigns shall
be as follows:
In C-2: 36 feet;
In all other C and M Districts: 40 feet.
(jJ_fh) Special Standards for Automobile Automotive Service Stations. For automobile
1Automotive-sService sSl:ations, only the following sSigns are permitted, subject to the standards
in this S~ubsection (jJ_ fh) and to all other standards in this Section 607.
(1)
A maximum of two oil company-sSigns, which shall not extend above the
FB.oofline if aA_ttached to a building, or exceed the maximum height permitted for }Ereestanding
sSigns in the same district if JEreestanding. The aA_rea of any such sSign shall not exceed 180
square feet, and along each street frontage all parts of such a sSign or sSigns that are within
10 feet of the street property line shall not exceed 80 square feet in area. No such sSign shall
project more than five feet beyond any sStreetpfroperty +Line or building setback line. The
areas of other permanent and temporary sSigns as covered in Paragraph subsection (J()l.(jJ_
[ fh)(2) below shall not be included in the calculation of the areas specified in this subsection
(jJJ.1J. paragraph.
(2)
Other permanent and temporary -hllusiness sSigns, not to exceed 30
square feet in aA_rea for each such sSign or a total of 180 square feet for all such sSigns on the
premises. No such sSign shall extend above the FB_oofline if aA_ttached to a building, or in any
case project beyond any sStreet pfroperty +Line or building setback line.
(3)
General advertising signs meeting the provisions of this Section 607.
Supervisors Peskin; Cohen
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Page 19
SEC. 607 .1. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL-COMMERCIAL
DISTRICTS.
* * * *
(b)
Signs or Sign Features Not Permitted in NC and RC Districts. Roof sSigns
as defined in Section 602.160.fthis Code, wWind sSigns as defined in Section 602.22 ofthis
Gede, and sSigns on eCanopies, as defined in Section 136.1 (b) of this Code, are not permitted
in NC and RC Districts. No sSign shall have or consist of any moving, rotating, or otherwise
physically animated part, or lights that give the appearance of animation by flashing, blinking,
or fluctuating, except as permitted by Section 607.1 (i) of this Code. In addition, all sSigns or
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sign features not otherwise specifically regulated in this Section 607.1 shall be prohibited.
(c)
Identifying Signs. Identifying sSigns, as defined in Section 602:-M, shall be
permitted in all Neighborhood Commercial and Residential-Commercial Districts subject to the
limits set forth below.
(1)
One sSign per lot shall be permitted and such sSign shall not exceed 20
square feet in area. The sign may be a}Ereestanding sSign, if the building is recessed from
the sStreet pfroperty .fLine, or may be a wWall sSign or a projecting sSign. The existence of a
_reestanding ildentifying sSign shall preclude the erection of ajEreestanding h~usiness sSign
on the same lot. A wWall Sign or projecting sSign shall be mounted on the first-story level; a
lfEreestanding sSign shall not exceed 15 feet in height. Such sSign may be nNonilluminated,
\ilndirectly i[lluminated, or dDirectly illluminated.
!
I
(2)
One sSign identifying a shopping center or shopping mall shall be
I permitted subject to the conditions in Parngraph subsection (c)(1 ), but shall not exceed 30
square feet in area. Any sign identifying a permitted use listed in zoning categories .40
through .70 in Section 703.2(a) in an NC District shall be considered a hllusiness sSign and
subject to Section 607.1 (f) of this Code. Such sSigns may be nNonilluminated, i[ndirectly
Supervisors Peskin; Cohen
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
I
Page 20
i[lluminated, or dDirectly i[lluminated during the hours of operation of the businesses in the
shopping center or shopping mall.
(d)
Nameplates. One nNameplate, as defined in Section 602.12 ofthis Code, not
exceeding an area of two square feet, shall be permitted for each noncommercial use in NC
Districts.
(e)
General Advertising Signs. General eA.dvertising sQigns, as defined in Section
602:-7, are not permitted in Neighborhood Commercial and Residential-Commercial Districts.
(f)
Business Signs. Business sQigns, as defined in Section 602:-J shall be
permitted in all Neighborhood Commercial and Residential-Commercial Districts subject to the
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limits set forth below.
(1)
NC-1 and NCT-1 Districts.
(A)
Window Signs. The total eA.rea of all wWindow--sQigns, as defined
in Section 602~, shall not exceed .J-1-3 one-third the area of the window on or in which the
SQigns are located. Such SQigns may be nNonilluminated, i[ndirectly i[lluminated, or dDirectly
1i[lluminated.
(8)
Wall Signs. The eA_rea of all wWall sQigns shall not exceed one
square foot per square foot of street frontage occupied by the business measured along the
wall to which the sQigns are attached, or 50 square feet for each street frontage, whichever is
less. The hHeight of any wWall SQign shall not exceed 15 feet or the height of the wall to which
it is attached. Such sQigns may be nNonilluminated or i[ndirectly i[lluminated; or during
business hours, may be dDirectly i[lluminated.
(C)
Projecting Signs. The number of projecting sSigns shall not
exceed one per business. The eA.rea of such &Sign, as defined in Section 602;-:J..(at, shall not
exceed 24 square feet. The hHeight of such &Sign shall not exceed 15 feet or the height of the
[wall to which it is attached. No part of the &Sign shall project more than 75% percent of the
Supervisors Peskin; Cohen
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Page 21
horizontal distance from the sStreet p£roperty .JL_ine to the curbline, or six feet six inches,
whichever is less. The sSign may be nNonilluminated or ilndirectly illluminated, or during
business hours, may be dDirectly illluminated.
(D)
Signs on Awnings. Sign copy may be located on permitted
ad_wnings in lieu of wWall sSigns and projecting sSigns. The ad_rea of such sign copy as defined
lin Section 602:-l-(ej shall not exceed 20 square feet. Such sign copy may be nNonilluminated
or i[ndirectly illluminated.
(2)
RC, NC-2, NCT-2, NC-S, Broadway, Castro Street, Inner Clement
Street, Outer Clement Street, Divisadero Street, Excelsior Outer Mission Street,
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Fillmore Street, Upper Fillmore Street, Folsom Street, Glen Park, Inner Sunset, Irving
Street, Haight Street, Hayes-Gough, Japantown, Judah Street, Upper Market Street,
Noriega Street, North Beach, Ocean Avenue, Pacific Avenue, Polk Street, Regional
Commercial District, Sacramento Street, SoMa, Taraval Street, Union Street, Valencia
Street, 24th Street-Mission, 24th Street-Noe Valley, and West Portal Avenue
Neighborhood Commercial Districts.
(A)
Window Signs. The total ad_rea of all wWindow sSigns, as defined
in Section 602:-lfb}, shall not exceed W one-third the area of the window on or in which the
sSigns are located. Such sSigns may be nNonilluminated, flndirectly illluminated, or dDirectly
illluminated.
(B)
Wall Signs. The ettrea of all wWall sSigns shall not exceed two
square feet per foot of street frontage occupied by the use measured along the wall to which
the sSigns are attached, or 100 square feet for each street frontage, whichever is less. The
hHeight of any wWall sSigns shall not exceed 24 feet, or the height of the wall to which it is
attached, or the height of the lowest of any residential windowsill on the wall to which the sSign
Supervisors Peskin; Cohen
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Page 22
is attached, whichever is lower. Such stS'.igns may be nNonilluminated, i[ndirectly Illuminated, or
dDirectly i[lluminated.
(C)
Projecting Signs.
(i)
The number of projecting stS:igns shall not exceed one per
business.
(ii)
No part of the sSign shall project more than 75% percent of
whichever is less.
I
(iii)
Except as provided for in subsection (v) below, such sSigns
I may be nNonilluminated or i[ndirectly i[lluminated; or during business hours, may be dDirectly
I
li[lluminated.
I
(iv)
Except as provided for in subsection (v) below, the e4_rea of
such sSign, as defined in Section 602:-4-(ef, shall not exceed 24 square feet. The hHeight of
such stS:ign shall not exceed 24 feet, or the heig~t of the wall to which it is attached, or the
height of the lowest of any residential windowsill on the wall to which the sSign is attached,
whichever is lowest.
(v)
Within the Fillmore Street Neighborhood Commercial
Transit District, one projecting h~usiness sSign per building may exceed the size and height
limits specified in subsection (iv) above, provided all of the following criteria are met:
a.
The e4_rea of the stS:ign, as defined in Section
602:-4-(ef, does not exceed 125 square feet.
b.
The hHeight of the stS:ign does not exceed the lowest
of the following:
* * * *
Supervisors Peskin; Cohen
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Page 23
(D)
Signs on Awnings and Marquees. Sign copy may be located on
permitted ad_wnings or mMarquees in lieu of projecting sSigns. The ad_rea of such sign copy as
defined in Section 602d(ef shall not exceed 30 square feet. Such sign copy may be
nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated; except that sign copy on mMarquees for mMovie
tl_heaters or places of eEntertainment may be directly illuminated during business hours.
(E)
Freestanding Signs and Sign Towers. With the exception of
ad_utomotive gas and sService sQtations, which are regulated under Paragraph Section
607.1 (f)(4), one JEreestanding sSign or sSign tiower per lot shall be permitted in lieu of a
projecting sSign, if the building or buildings are recessed from the sQtreetpfroperty +Line. The
I
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I existence of a}Ereestanding bjiusiness sSign shall preclude the erection of ajEreestanding
lifdentifying sSign on the same lot. The ad_rea of such}Ereestanding sSign or-sSign tiower, as
I defined in Section 602:-1-{tlf, shall not exceed 20 square feet nor shall the hHeight of the sSign
exceed 24 feet. No part of the sSign shall project more than 75% percent of the horizontal
distance from the sQtreetpfroperty +Line to the curbline, or six feet, whichever is less. Such
sSigns may be nNonilluminated or ifndirectly illluminated; or during business hours, may be
dDirectly illluminated.
(3)
Mission Street NCT, NC-3, and NCT-3 Neighborhood Commercial
Districts.
(A)
Window Signs. The total area of all wWindow sSigns, as defined in
Section 602~, shall not exceed .J-1-3- one-third the area of the window on or in which the
1sSigns are located. Such sSigns may be nNonilluminated, ifndirectly illluminated; or-dDirectly
i
.
I illlummated.
(8)
Wall Signs. The area of all wWall sSigns shall not exceed three
square feet per foot of street frontage occupied by the use measured along the wall to which
the sSigns are attached, or 150 square feet for each street frontage, whichever is less. The
Supervisors Peskin; Cohen
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Page 24
hHeight of any wWall sSigns shall not exceed 24 feet, or the height of the wall to which it is
attached, or the height of the lowest of any residential windowsill on the wall to which the sSign
is attached, whichever is lower. Such sSigns may be nNonilluminated, i[ndirectly Illuminated, or
dDirectly illluminated.
(C)
Projecting Signs. The number of projecting sSigns shall not
exceed one per business. The a4.rea of such sSign, as defined in Section 602d(ef, shall not
exceed 32 square feet. The hHeight of the sSign shall not exceed 24 feet, or the height of the
wall to which it is attached, or the height of the lowest of any residential windowsill on the wall
to which the s.Sign is attached, whichever is lower. No part of the s.Sign shall project more than
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75% percent of the horizontal distance from the sStreet pfroperty lLine to the curbline, or six
feet six inches, whichever is less. Such s.Signs may be nNonilluminated, i[ndirectly Illuminated,
or dDirectly illluminated.
(D)
Sign Copy on Awnings and Marquees. Sign copy may be
located on permitted a4_wnings or mMarquee in lieu of projecting-s.Signs. The a4.rea of such
sSign copy, as defined in Section 602~, shall not exceed 40 square feet. Such sign copy
may be nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated; except that sign copy on mMarquees for
mMovie tiheaters or places of eEntertainment may be directly Illuminated during business
1 hours.
(E)
Freestanding Signs and Sign Towers. With the exception of
e4_utomotive gas and sService sStations, which are regulated under Paragraph Section
607.1 (f)(4) of this Code, one.fEreestanding s.Sign or sSign tiower per lot shall be permitted in
lieu of a projecting sSign if the building or buildings are recessed from the sStreet pfroperty
lLine. The existence of a.fEreestanding bllusiness sSign shall preclude the erection of a
JEreestanding i[dentifying sSign on the same lot. The e4.rea of such.fEreestanding sSign or
sSign tiower, as defined in Section 602d(ef, shall not exceed 30 square feet nor shall the
Supervisors Peskin; Cohen
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Page 25
hHeight of the sSign exceed 24 feet. No part of the sSign shall project more than 75% percent of
lthe horizontal distance from the sStreet p£roperty lL.ine to the curb line, or six feet, whichever is
I
!less. Such sSigns may be nNonilluminated or i[ndirectly i[lluminated, or during business hours,
/may be dDirectly fllluminated.
(4)
Special Standards for Automotive Gas and Service Stations. For
a4_utomotive ges and sService sSl:ations in Neighborhood Commercial Districts, only the
following sSigns are permitted, subject to the standards in this Paragraph subsection (f)(4) and
to all other standards in this Section 607.1.
(A)
A maximum of two oil company signs, which shall not extend
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above the rB_oofline if attached to a building, or exceed the maximum height permitted for
_reestanding sSigns in the same district if JEreestanding. The tt4_rea of any such sSign shall
not exceed 180 square feet, and along each street frontage, all parts of such a sSign or sSigns
that are within 10 feet of the sStreet p£roperty lL.ine shall not exceed 80 square feet in area.
No such sSign shall project more than five feet beyond any sStreetpEroperty lL.ine. The areas
of other permanent and temporary sSigns as covered in Sttbparagraph (B) below shall not be
included in the calculation of the areas specified in this Sttbparagraph 4_.
(B)
Other permanent and temporary b~usiness sSigns, not to exceed 30
square feet in a4_rea for each such sSign or a total of 180 square feet for all such sSigns on the
premises. No such sSign shall extend above the pB_oofline if attached to a building, or in any
case project beyond any sStreet p£roperty lL.ine or building setback line.
* * * *
(j)
Ot!ter Sign Requirements. Within }feighborhood Commercial and Residentittl
Commercial Districts, the following additional requirements shall apply:
(1)
Temperary Signs. The provisions ofSection 607.1 (g) of this Code shall apply.
Supervisors Peskin; Cohen
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Page 26
I
(2)
Special Stantlanls for Aul6Hfotive Gas Md SNviee SiRtions. The provisions <>f
[Section 607.1 (f) (4) o.f this Code shall apply.
ISEC. 607.2. MIXED USE DISTRICTS.
* * * *
(b)
Signs or Sign Features Not Permitted in Mixed Use Districts. General
a4_dvertising sSigns are not permitted in the Eastern }/eighborhoodsL and South o.fA1arket Mixed
Use districts, except in the South o.fA1arket General Advertising Special Sign District. Roof sSigns
as defined in Section 602.160.fthis Code, wWind sSigns as defined in Section 602.21 ofthis
£-ede, and sSigns on eCanopies, as defined in Section 136.1 (b) of this Code, are not permitted
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, in Mixed Use Districts. No sSign shall have or consist of any moving, rotating, or otherwise
physically animated part, or lights that give the appearance of animation by flashing, blinking,
or fluctuating. In addition, all sSigns or sign features not otherwise specifically regulated in this
!Section 607.2 shall be prohibited.
I
(c)
Identifying Signs. Identifying sSigns, as defined in Section 602:-W, shall be
permitted in all Mixed Use Districts subject to the limits set forth below.
(1)
One sSign per lot shall be permitted and such sSign shall not exceed 20
square feet in area. The sSign may be ajEreestanding sSign, if the building is recessed from
the sStreet p£roperty +Line, or may be a wWall sSign or a projecting sSign. The existence of a
jEreestanding i[dentifying sSign shall preclude the erection of ajEreestanding h~usiness sSign
1 on the same lot. A wWall Sign or projecting sSign shall be mounted on the first-story level; a
jEreestanding sSign shall not exceed 15 feet in height. Such sSign§'. may be nNonilluminated,
lilndirectly Illuminated, or dDirectly i[lluminated.
I
(2)
One sSign identifying a shopping center or shopping mall shall be
permitted subject to the conditions in Paragraph subsection (c)(1 ), but shall not exceed 30
square feet in area. Such sSigns may be nNonilluminated,-i[ndirectly Illuminated, or dDirectly
Supervisors Peskin; Cohen
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Page 27
i[lluminated during the hours of operation of the businesses in the shopping center or
shopping mall.
(d)
Nameplate. One nonilluminated or directly illluminated nNameplate, as defined
!in Section 602;-:J.J of this Code, not exceeding an area of two square feet, shall be permitted
i
f tor each noncommercial use in Mixed Use Districts.
I
(e)
General Advertising Signs. General a4_dvertising sQigns, as defined in Section
602:-1'., are not shall be permitted in Mixed Use Districts asprovidcdfor bdmv. General advertising
signs are not allowed in the South, ofAfarket_and Downtown Residential }Jixed Use Districts, except in
the Eastern 1'kighborhoods and South oj}v!aT*et General Advertising Special Sign District or where a
permit was approved by the City prior to January 1, 2001. In Afixed Use Districts where such signs are
permitted, general advertising signs may be either a wall sign orfreestanding, provided that the
surface of any freestanding sign shall be parallel to and within three feet of an adjacent building ·wall.
In either case, the building ·wall shall form a cornplete backdrop for the sign, as the sign is viewedfrom
allpointsfrom a street or allcyfrom which it is legible. }fo general advertising sign shall be permitted
to cover part or all of any wind:e-ws. Any extension of the copy beyond the rectangular perimeter of the
lsign shall be included in the calculation o,fthe sign area, as defined in Section 602.l(a) ofthis Code.
i I
(1)
Chinatown Residcnual 1Veig!tbor/1ood Commercial District. 1Vo more than one
i
I I I general advertising sign shall be permitted per lot. Such sign shall not exceed 72 square feet in area
nor exceed 12 feet in height. Such sign may be either nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated.
(2)
Chinatown Visitor Retail and Chinatown Community Business Districts. No
more than one general advertising sign not exceeding 300 square feet in area or two general
I, advertisin si ns 0£72 s
g g
'J
uare-feet each shal-l be
J
ermittcd er lot. 'Pie hei ht o£an · such ·wall si n
g
'J
g
I' I shall not exceed 2 4 feet, or the height of the 1+·all to which it is attached, or the height of the lowest of
[any residential rl'indmvsills on the wall to ·which it is attached, whichever is lower. If the advertising
I
I
Supervisors Peskin; Cohen
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Page 28
sign is a freestanding sign, the height shall not exceed 2 4 feet or the height of the aqjacent wall,
"Whichever is lower.
(3)
f4l
Signs may be either nonilluminated or indirectly or directly illuminated.
South f>fAtfarket Gener~/ Advertising Special Sign Distdct. Within the area
designated as a South o.fA1arket General Advertising Special Sign District, as described in Section 821
of this Code and shown on Sectional }.Jap SSD of the Zoning A1ap, the follmvingprovisions shall apply
to general advertising signs: (1) No more than two general advertising signs not to exceed 300 square
lot; (2) }lo more than one double sided or multiple sided sign shall be permittedper l-ot; and (3) Roof'
signs shall be permitted and shall not exceed the standards established by Section 607(b) a/this Code
(f)
Business Signs. Business sSigns, as defined in Section 602;-J. shall be
permitted in all Mixed Use Districts subject to the limits set forth below.
(1)
Chinatown Residential Neighborhood Commercial District.
(A)
Window Signs. The total a4_rea of all wWindow sSigns, as defined in
Section 602.I(b), shall not exceed .J.1-3- one-third the area of the window on or in which the sSigns
are located. Such sSigns may be nNonilluminated, ifndirectly i[lluminated, or dDirectly
iflluminated.
(8)
Wall Signs. The aArea of all wWall sSigns shall not exceed one
square foot per foot of street frontage occupied by the business measured along the wall to
which the sSigns are attached, or 50 square feet for each street frontage, whichever is less;
provided, however, that in no case shall the wWall sSign or combination of wWall sSigns cover
more than 75% percent of the surface of any wall, excluding openings. The hHeight of any
wWall sSign shall not exceed 15 feet or the height of the wall to which it is attached. Such
Supervisors Peskin; Cohen
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Page 29
sSigns may be nNonilluminated or ifndirectly iflluminated; or during business hours, may be
dDirectly iflluminated.
I
(C)
Projecting Signs. The number of projecting sSigns shall not
exceed one per business. The a4Jea of such sSign, ru defined in Section 602.1 (a), shall not
exceed 24 square feet. The hHeight of such sSign shall not exceed 15 feet or the height of the
wall to which it is attached. No part of the sSign shall project more than 75% percent of the
horizontal distance from the sStreet pfroperty l[,_ine to the curbline, or six feet six inches,
!whichever is less. The sSign may be nNonilluminated or i[ndirectly fllluminated; or during
[business hours, may be-dDirectly iflluminated.
I
(D)
Signs on Awnings. Sign copy may be located on permitted
JaA_wnings in lieu of wWall sSigns and projecting sSigns. The area of such sign copy ru defined in
I Section 602.1 (c) shall not exceed 20 square feet. Such sign copy may be non illuminated or
indirectly illuminated.
(2)
Chinatown Visitor Retail District.
(A)
Window Signs. The total a4_rea of all wWindow sSigns, ru defined in
Section 602.1 (b), shall not exceed .JIJ one-third the area of the window on or in which the sSigns
are located. Such sSigns may be nNonilluminated, ifndirectly iflluminated, or dDirectly
illluminated.
(B)
Wall Signs. The a<l_rea of all wWall sSigns shall not exceed two
square feet per foot of street frontage occupied by the use measured along the wall to which
the sSigns are attached, or 100 square feet for each street frontage, whichever is less. The
hHeight of any wWall sSign shall not exceed 24 feet, or the height of the wall to which it is
I
I attached, or the height of the lowest of any residential windowsill on the wall to which the sSign
is attached, whichever is lower. Such sSigns may be nNonilluminated, ifndirectly iflluminated,
or dDirectly iflluminated.
Supervisors Peskin; Cohen
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Page 30
I
(C)
Projecting Signs. The number of projecting s,S:igns shall not
exceed one per business. The e4_rea of such s,S:ign, es defined in Section 602.1 (a), shall not
exceed 24 square feet. The hHeight of such s,S:ign shall not exceed 24 feet, or the height of the
!wall to which it is attached, or the height of the lowest of any residential windowsill on the wall
I
Ito which the s,S:ign is attached, whichever is lower. No part of the s,S:ign shall project more than
I 17 5 % pereent of the horizonta I distance from the &§tree! pfroperty ll;i ne to the curbli ne, or six
feet six inches, whichever is less. Such s,S:igns may be nNonilluminated or ifndirectly
i[lluminated; or during business hours, may be--dDirectly iflluminated.
(D)
Signs on Awnings and Marquees. Sign copy may be located on
1 O
permitted e4_wnings or mMarquees in lieu of projecting s,S:igns. The area of such sign copy es
defined in Section 602.1 (c) shall not exceed 30 square feet. Such sign copy may be
nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated, except that sign copy on mMarquees for mMovie
tiheaters or places of e&ntertainment may be directly illuminated during business hours.
(E)
Freestanding Signs and s,S:ign ([ower s. One JEreestanding s,S:ign
or s,S:ign t'I_ower per lot shall be permitted in lieu of a projecting s,S:ign, if the building or
buildings are recessed from the s,s:treetpfroperty .fL_ine. The existence of a.fEreestanding
h~usiness s,S:ign shall preclude the erection of a.fEreestanding ifdentifying s,S:ign on the same
lot. The area of such .fEreestanding s,S:ign or s,S:ign tiower, es defined in Section 602.1 (a), shall
not exceed 20 square feet nor shall the hHeight of the s,S:ign exceed 24 feet. No part of the
s,S:ign shall project more than 75% percent of the horizontal distance from the s,$'.treetpfroperty
.fL_ine to the curbline, or six feet, whichever is less. Such s,S:igns may be nNonilluminated or
i[ndirectly illluminated; or during business hours, may be--dDirectly iflluminated.
(3)
Chinatown Community Business District, Eastern Neighborhoods,
South of Market Mixed Use Mixed Use Districts, and the Downtown Residential
Districts.
Supervisors Peskin; Cohen
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Page 31
(A)
Window Signs. The total e4_rea of all wWindow sSigns, err defined in
Section 602.l(b), shall not exceed -J.IJ one-third the area of the window on or in which the sSigns
are located. Such sSigns may be nNonilluminated, i[ndirectly i[lluminated, or dDirectly
i[lluminated.
(B)
Wall Signs.
(i)
In districts other than the Urban Mixed Use District. The
e4_rea of all wWall sSigns shall not exceed three square feet per foot of street frontage
occupied by the use measured along the wall to which the sSigns are attached, or 150 square
g
feet for each street frontage, whichever is less; provided, however, that in no case shall the
1 O
wWall sSign or combination of wWall sSigns cover more than 75% percent of the surface of any
wall, excluding openings. The hHeight of any wWall sSign shall not exceed 24 feet, or the
height of the wall to which it is attached, or the height of the lowest of any residential
windowsill on the wall to which the sSign is attached, whichever is lower. Such sSigns may be
nNonilluminated, i[ndirectly Illuminated, or dDirectly i[lluminated.
(ii)
In the Urban Mixed Use District. The e4_rea of all wWall
sSigns shall not exceed three square feet per foot of street frontage occupied by the use
measured along the wall to which the sSigns are attached for up to 50 feet of street frontage,
and an additional one square foot per foot of street frontage thereafter; provided, however,
that in no case shall the wWall sSign or combination of wWall sSigns cover more than 75%
percent of the surface of any wall, excluding openings. The hHeight of any wWall sSign shall
not exceed 60 feet, or the height of the wall to which it is attached, or the height of the lowest
of any residential windowsill on the wall to which the sSign is attached, whichever is lower.
Such sSigns may be nNonilluminated, i[ndirectly Illuminated, or dDirectly i[lluminated.
(C)
Projecting--s~igns. The number of projecting sSigns shall not
exceed one per business. The e<l_rea of such sign or sSigns combined when there are multiple
Supervisors Peskin; Cohen
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Page 32
sSigns, as defined in Section 602.l(a), shall not exceed 32 square feet. The hHeight of the sSign
shall not exceed 24 feet, or the height of the wall to which it is attached, or the height of the
lowest of any residential windowsill on the wall to which the sSign is attached, whichever is
lower. No part of the sSign shall project more than 75% percent of the horizontal distance from
the sStreetpEroperty +Line to the curbline, or six feet six inches, whichever is less. Such sSigns
may be nNonilluminated, i[ndirectly Illuminated, or dDirectly +illuminated.
(D)
Sign Copy on Awnings and Marquees. Sign copy may be
located on permitted a4wnings or mMarquees in lieu of projecting--sSigns. The area of such
I
I sign copy, as defined in Section 602.l(c), shall not exceed 40 square feet. Such sign copy may
lbe nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated; except that sign copy on mMarquees for mMovie
1t.Iheaters or places of eEntertainment may be directly illuminated during business hours.
I
I
(E)
Freestanding Signs and Sign Towers. One JEreestanding sSign
I or sSign tI_ower per lot shall be permitted in lieu of a projecting sign if the building or buildings
are recessed from the sStreetpEroperty +Line. The existence of ajEreestanding hHusiness
sSign shall preclude the erection of ajEreestanding +Identifying sSign on the same lot. The
ia4_rea of suchjEreestanding sSign or sSign tI_ower, as defined in Section 602.1 (a), shall not
I exceed 30 square feet nor shall the hHeight of the sSign exceed 24 feet. No part of the sSign
shall project more than 75% percent of the horizontal distance from the sSJ:reet p£roperty +Line
to the curbline, or six feet, whichever is less. Such sSigns may be nNonilluminated or
+Indirectly +llluminated; or during business hours, may be-dDirectly +Illuminated.
I
* * * *
SEC. 608.3. WITHIN CIVIC CENTER AREA SPECIAL SIGN DISTRICTS.
No gGeneral a4_dvertising sSign, and no other sSign exceeding 200 square feet in area,
shall be located within the Civic Center Special Sign Districts Numbers 1 and 2, as designated
on Sectional Map SSD of the Zoning Map of the City and County of San Francisco. Within
Supervisors Peskin; Cohen
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Page 33
such districts, no sSign that is located on publicly owned property, or that is located on a street
frontage facing publicly owned property, shall have any moving, rotating or otherwise
animated part; or have any flashing, blinking, fluctuating or otherwise animated light; or project
beyond any s~reet pfroperty /Line or building setback line; or be aA_ttached to a -h~uilding in
any manner other than with its entire area flat against a wall of such building that directly
faces a street.
SEC. 608. 4. wrrHIN C4NDLESTICKPARKAREA.
1Vo general advertising sign, and no other sign exceeding 200 square feet in area, shall be
located ·within the Candlestick P arlv Special Sign District, es designated on Sectional },!ap SSD of the
Zoning 1\/ap o.fthe City and County a/San Francisco; provided, hor~·ever, that signs in a parking lot
immediately adj·acent to or on the exterior af the stedium ·which are designcdprimarily to be vie·wed by
patrons arriving at or dcpartingfrom the stadium, and include directional information for the control
of traffic and functions of the stadium, shall be permitted.
I SEC. 608.5. NEAR FREEWAYS.
I
I
Except for hHistoric sSigns and Vintage Signs designated pursuant to Section 608.14 of
this Code, no gGeneral aA_dvertising sSign, and no other sSign exceeding 200 square feet in
area, shall be located after the date of determination and designation of the route of a
landscaped or nonlandscaped JEreeway so that it is primarily to be viewed by persons traveling
on any portion of suchJEreeway. When located so as to be viewed primarily by persons
traveling on any portion of a landscapedfEreeway, b~usiness sSigns not exceeding 200 square
feet in area which are permitted by this Section 608. 5, and hHistoric sSigns, and Vintage Signs
designated pursuant to Section 608.14 which may exceed 200 square feet in area shall,
regardless of any other provision of this Code, be limited to sSigns which designate the name
j of the owner or occupant of the premises upon which the sSign is placed, or which identify
Supervisors Peskin; Cohen
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Page 34
such premises, or which direct attention to goods manufactured or produced, or services
rendered, on the property upon which the sSign is placed.
SEC. 608.8. MARKET STREET SPECIAL SIGN DISTRICT.
* * * *
(b)
Controls. GeneMIAdvertising Signs. Except CfS specified in P&mgraph 608.8(e)(2)
below,
(1)
}lo generttl &dvertising sign sh&ll be permitted ttt &ny location ·within s&id
Speeittl Sign District; &nd
lV{) generTil advertising sign sh&ll be l-ocated rf>'iihin 200 feet ofs&id Special Sign
District, ifmryportion of&jace &fsbtch sign rvould be visiblefrom enypoint on El street, &lley orplaze
within the Specie! Sign District.
{llfe} Projection of Signs and Other Features. Within said Special Sign
District:
(AlfJ.} No pfrojection shall exceed a horizontal distance of six feet beyond
any sStreet pfroperty !Line. This limitation shall apply to sSigns and to all other features
including but not limited to mMarquees, ed_wnings and eCanopies, with the sole exception of
flagpoles for flags of any nation or political subdivision.
{filf# Projecting sSigns for each establishment shall be limited to one
sSign on each street frontage occupied by the establishment, in addition to any sSigns that are
placed flat upon or otherwise integrated in the design of mMarquees and-tld_wnings.
Qlfd) Height andExtensionAhoveRoojline. Within said Special Sign District, all
of the following limitations shall apply:
(1)
With the exception &}Historic Signs, no sign ettached to tt building shall
extend or be loceted ebove #w roojline of the bHilding to ·which it is attached
Supervisors Peskin; Cohen
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Page 35
{fJlfJ} A projecting sSign with lettering or other inscription arranged in a
vertical manner shall have a maximum height of 60 feet; except that a greater height shall be
permitted, up to a maximum height of 100 feet, provided the hHeight of the sSign shall remain
at least 20 feet below the FB_oofline of the building as measured directly above the sSign.
(J}l(JJ Except as provided in Paragraph (D) 608.8(d)(5) below, all other
sSigns shall be located no higher than the windowsill level of the lowest story (if any) that has
a window or windows on the building facade on which the sSigns are placed, exclusive of the
ground story and mezzanine, provided that no such sSign shall in any case exceed a height of
60 feet.
1 O
{Qf4) In addition, except as provided in Paragraph 608.8(d)(5) (D) below,
uniformity of height shall be maintained in both the upper and lower edges of sSigns placed
flat upon or essentially parallel to each facade of a single building.
(D)f§} As to the requirements of Paragraphs (J}l 608.8(d)(3) and {Qf4)
above, deviation from the requirements may be permitted to the extent an alternative
placement of sSigns is made necessary by the location of arches, entrances and other
architectural features, as determined by the Zoning Administrator, or for the purpose of
installing special lighting effects and temporary holiday decorations, or for the purpose of
modifying or replacing currently existing noncomplying business wWall sSigns as provided by
Subsection Section 607 [blfg).
(e) Othf!I' Requirements. Within said Special Sign District, the following additional
requirements shall apply:
{Jlfl) Temporary Signs. With the exception of holiday decorations, no sSign
composed of paper or other temporary material shall be placed on the outside of any building
or structure or affixed to the glass on the outside or inside of any window, unless such sSign is
1 placed in a frame or on a structure specifically designed for this purpose .
. Supervisors Peskin; Cohen
I BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Page 36
(2)
:Public Areas. No sign or other structure or feature shall be placed upon any
and features as arc specifically approved by the appropriate public authorities under applicable laws
and regulations not inconsistent with this Code and under such conditions as may be bnposcd by such
authorities.
(3)
Maintenance. Every sign pertaining to an active establishment shall be
adequately maintained in its appearance, or else removed or obscured. WJicn the space occupied by
any establishment has been vacated, all signs pertaining to such establishment shall be removed or
obscured within 6-0 days follTiwing the date of-.,;acation.
1 O
SEC. 608.9. IN JACKSON SQUARE SPECIAL SIGN DISTRICT.
* * * *
(b)
Regulations. Within such Special Sign District:
}lo general advertising sign shall be permitted.
(1)
f2f
The ad_rea of all sSigns on a building shall not exceed an area of two
square feet for each foot of street frontage occupied by the building, and shall in no event
exceed a total of 100 square feet on each street frontage.
(3)
}lotwithstanding the exceptions stated in Subsection 607(b) of this Code, no roof'
sign shall be permitted.
(4)
I'fotwithstanding the exceptions stated in Subsection 607(g) of this Code, no sign
attached to a building shall extend or be located above the roojline o.fthe building to ·which it is
attached.
Ql(J} No pfrojection shall exceed a horizontal distance of six feet beyond any
sStreet pfroperty tlo!ine. This limitation shall apply to sSigns and to all other features including
but not limited to mMarquees and-ad_wnings, with the sole exception of flagpoles for flags of
Supervisors Peskin; Cohen
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Page 37
any nation or political subdivision. All-sSigns, mMarquees, aA_wnings and other features shall
be supported entirely by a building; no eCanopies shall be permitted.
Qlfef Projecting sSigns for each establishment shall be limited to one sSign on
each street frontage occupied by the establishment.
{!!lpt All sSigns shall be placed entirely below the level of the lowest cornice or
strong horizontal element located above the ground story of the building, but in no event
higher than three feet above the top of the ceiling level of the ground story.
I
illf8f No dDirectly illluminated sSign shall be permitted.
lsEC. 608.12. IlVSHOWPLACESQl~4RE.
I
There shall be a special sign district knm1·n as the "Showplace Square Special Sign District, " as
I
I designated on Sectional },1ap SSD o.fthe Zoning- }Jap of the City and County o.fSan Francisco.
(a)
P-urposes and Findings. In addition to furthering- the purposes stated in Sections 101
and 601 of this Code, creation o.f the Shortplace Square Special Sign District is intended to facilitate
the transition r>fthc Shawplace Square areafrom its former indHStrial character to an area o.fdesig-n
shm~rooms. Presently, ·wholesale and trade design shm~rooms and accessory HSes have located in this
area, replacing indHStrial type uses. The showroom type activities enhance the Shmtplace Square area
and attract im,iestments, development and other design improvements. Due to the changed environment,-
the existence ofgeneral advertising signs in the area is no longer appropriate and detractsfrom the
emerging- quality and character of the area.
(b)
Regulations. Within such special sign district:
1. }lo general advertising- sign shall be permitted.
I SEC. 608.13. IN THE RINCON HILL DOWNTOWN RESIDENTIAL MIXED USE DISTRICT
I AREA.
Within the boundaries of the Rincon Hill Downtown Residential Mixed Use District set
forth in Section 827 and generally bounded by Folsom Street, The Embarcadero, Bryant
Supervisors Peskin; Cohen
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Page 38
I
!street, and Essex Street, notwithstanding any other provisions of this Code, the existing
I
[sSigns and/or sSign tiowers may be changed, modified or replaced provided that all the
[tallowing criteria are met:
* * * *
SEC. 608.15. NORTHEAST WATERFRONT SPECIAL SIGN DISTRICT.
1.1
* * * *
(b)
Regulations within the Special Sign District:
(1)
}lo generfll €ldvertising sign shflll be permitted.
iJ)
lVotwithsttmding the exceptions stated in Subsection 607(b) ofthis Code, no roof
1 0
sign shall be permitted.
(3)
IVontrithstmui:ing the exceptions stated in Subsection 607(g) (}/this Code, no sign
attached to a building shall extend or be located €lbove the ro(}fline o.f the building to which it is
attached.
No pfrojection shall exceed a horizontal distance of six feet beyond any
sStreet pfroperty /Line. This limitation shall apply to sSigns and to all other features, including
but not limited to, mMarquees and-a4.wnings, with the sole exception of flagpoles for flags. All
sSigns, mMarquees, ad_wnings, and other features shall be supported entirely by a building. No
leCanopies shall be permitted.
fllf.3)- All sSigns shall be placed entirely below the level of the lowest cornice or
strong horizontal element located above the ground story of the building, and in no event
higher than three feet above the top of the ceiling level of the ground story.
{11(6)- No dDirectly illluminated sSign, as defined in Section 602:4 of this Code,
shall be permitted.
Supervisors Peskin; Cohen
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Page 39
{!11 fl-) Principal Signs. Only one principal sign shall be permitted per
establishment per street frontage. In addition, the following provisions shall apply to principal
signs:
* * * *
ill~ Secondary Signs. Only one secondary sign shall be permitted per
establishment per street frontage. A secondary sign is intended to be viewable close-up. In
addition, the following provisions shall apply to secondary signs:
* * * *
@ f9}- The total area of all &tS'.igns on a building shall not exceed an area of two
1 O
square feet for each foot of street frontage occupied by the building; however, in no event
shall the total area of all signs on a building's street frontage exceed 50 square feet.
SEC. 609.2. WITHIN C41VDLESTICKPARKSPECL4L SJG,VDISTRICT.
Any lawfully exi&ting &ign v,·hich doe& not conform to Section 608. 4 &jthi& Code &hall be
removed or altered to conform therewith rt•ithinfive year& after the <Ijfective date &/this Article 6 or
such later date as the sign becomes nonconforming; unless such sign was made su&ject to removal or
alteration withinfive years after July 23, 1960, by Section 4722.D of the San Francisco Building Code,
as that Section was in effect immediately prior to the cffecth~e date &j thi& Article 6, in which case such
earlier date shall prc,;ail.
SEC. 609.10. IN THE ONAND l·IEAR MARKET STREET SPECIAL SIGN DISTRICT FROA/
, THE EA/.BARC4DERO TO THE CENTRAL SKYWAY OVERPASS.
(a)
General Advertising Signs. Any lawfully existing gGeneral ad_dvertising &Sign
within the Market Street Special Sign District, other than such a &Sign located on a wall
immediately adjacent to the establishment to which it directs attention, shall be removed
within five years after the effective date of said Special Sign District or such later date as the
location of such &Sign may be designated as part of said Special Sign District; provided,
Supervisors Peskin; Cohen
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Page 40
however, that if the public street and plaza improvements within any of the sections of the
Market Street Special Sign District listed below have not been substantially completed at the
of said five-year period in accordance with the architectural plans entitled "Market Street
Reconstruction," Transit Task Force File No. 810.00R1 through 810.28R1, dated September
10, 1970, and "Surface Plan - Hallidie Plaza," Transit Task Force File No. 1000, dated July
15, 1970, including permanent pavement of sidewalk and roadway areas, planting of trees
and placement of furnishings, then said gGeneral ef!dvertising s~igns within any such section
need not be removed until 30 days after the date of substantial completion of said
improvements in the section in which said s~igns are located:
* * * *
SEC. 609.11. IN THE JACKSON SQUARE SPECIAL SIGN DISTRICT.
Any lawfully existing s~ign which does not conform to Section 608.9 of this Code shall
be removed or altered to conform therewith within five years after the effective date of said
Section or such later date as the s~ign becomes nonconforming.
SEC. 609.13. NONCONFORMING GENERAL ADVERTISING SIGNS IN NEIGHBORHOOD
COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS.
If state and/or federal statutes, as applicable, which currently required local
governments to pay monetary compensation to the owners of nonconforming s~igns as a
condition of requiring removal of such s~igns is/are repealed, or amended so as to eliminate
that requirement, then any lawfully existing gGeneral e4_dvertising s~ign within a Neighborhood
Commercial District which does not conform to the provisions ofSection 607.1 (e), (h), (i), and 0) or
any lawfully existing general advertising sign '1Yhich directs attention to a business on the same or
directly adjacent property and does not conform to the prmisions ofSection 607.1 (e), (h), (i), and (j)
shall be removed within five years of the effective date of the repeal of the amendment of said
state and/or federal legislation, as applicable,· provided, however, ifthis Code is amended after the
Supervisors Peskin; Cohen
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Page 41
effective date o.fsaid repeal or amendment of said state and/or federal legislation, which Code
amendmentfirst makes Section 607.1 applicable to a sign, then that sign need not be removed untilfive
years after the effecti've date o.fsaid Code amendment.
SEC. 609.14. IN THE NORTHEAST WATERFRONT SPECIAL SIGN DISTRICT.
Any lawfully existing s~ign that does not conform to Section 608.15 of this Code shall
be removed or altered to conform to that Section within five years after the effective date of
Section 608.15 or such later date as the sign becomes nonconforming.
SEC. 803.1. BUILDING STANDARDS IN THE CHIAG4TOWNAIIXED USE DISTRICTS.
Building standards which regul-ate the general size, shape, character, and design of
development in Chinatawn J.{ixed Use Districts are set forth, or summarized or cross referenced in
Sections 810.10 through 812.1 of this Code for each district class.
Table 803.1 belor~· is set forth.for con'.lenience; in the event of any omission from the table or
conflict 'rtJith other provisions af this Code, the remainder of the Code shall govern.
TABLE 803.1
BUILDIATG STA1VDARD C4TEGOR1ES IN THE
CHINATOWNAIIXED USE DISTRICTS
-
Zoning b6ntF-ol b-ategories
Section 1¥-umber
Section i~lumber
No.
for Building Standards
of-Standard
of-Definition
§§ 102.12, 102.21,
803.1.10
Height and Bulk
Zoning }Jap, § 2 70
pg
803. ,{, 11
-bot Siz;e (Per DC'i"elopment)
§ 121.~
§§ 121 (e), 890.~6
803.1.12
Rear ¥ardlSite Co'.!erage
§ 134(a) (ej
§---1-J4
803.1.13
Sun ~4eeess Sethaelf
§ 132.3
Supervisors Peskin; Cohen
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Page4 2
I
8()3.-1. I4
llltefimum &Peet 1~enffige
§ 14;§.2
8()3.J.I~
Awning
§ He-.2(a)
§ 89().21
8()3. I. 1 e-
Genepy•
§ He-.2fb)
§ 89().24
8()3. I. I 8
lVfffr-quee
§ He-.2(ej
§ 89().;§8
8()3.-1.19
.,.1£l:eeF :14Fee Retie
§§-123 JJ4
§§ 1()2.9, I Q2. -1J
8()3. I. 2()
"tlse She {NBnFesidentiet}
§JJ1.9
§ 89(). 13()
8()3.J.2-1
(}pen Speee
§ H~.-1
Off Street Perldng, Commereiel
8()3. -1.22
f-B-J
§-+.W
end lnstitutienel
8()3.J.23
Qff &r-eet .,.~ei-ght feeding
f--H±
§-+.W
8()3. -1. 3()
Generel ::i4d-vertising Sign
§ {i-()7. 2(ej
§ {i-()2. 7
8()3. I. 3-1
Busine~ Sign
§ {i-()7. 2fdj
§ {i-()2.3
8()3.J.32
Gther S-i-gns
§ {)-() 7. 2 (g)
(j-)
§ {i-()2. 9, § {i-()2. 2
Residentiel Density, Dwelling
8()3. -1.91
§ 2()74
§ 2()7.1
tJn#s
8()3.-J. 92
Residentiel Density~ {){;.her
f-2{)8
f-2{)8
8()3. -1.93
Yseble (}pen Speee
§ H~fd)
f-1-B
8()3.-1.94
{)ff Street Perking, Residentiel
f-B-J
§-+.W
* * * *
Table 810. CHINATOWN COMMUNITY BUSINESS DISTRICT
ZONING CONTROL TABLE
Chinatown Community
Business District
Supervisors Peskin; Cohen
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Page 43
No.
* * * *
.30
* * * *
Zoning Category
General Advertising Sign
§ References
Controls
§§ 607.2 602 604, 608.1,
NP§ 607.2(e)
~
Table 811. CHINATOWN VISITOR RETAIL DISTRICT
ZONING CONTROL TABLE
No.
Zoning Category
* * * *
.30
General Advertising Sign
* * * *
Chinatown Visitor Retail
District
§ References
Controls
§§ 607.2 602 604, 608.1,
NP§ 607.2(e)
~
Table 812. CHINATOWN RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL DISTRICT
ZONING CONTROL TABLE
No.
Zoning Category
* * * *
.30
General Advertising Sign
Supervisors Peskin; Cohen
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
§ References
Chinatown Residential
Neighborhood
Commercial District
Controls
NP§ 607.2(e)
Page 44
1 .... 1
I ::86:72 602 604, 608.I, I
Table 817. SU- SERVICE/LIGHT INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT
ZONING CONTROL TABLE
No.
Zoning Category
§ References
Service/Light Industrial
District Controls
* * * *
P in South afA1arket General
817.76
General Advertising Sign
§ 607.2 (b) and (e)
Advertising Special Sign
District, Otherwise NP
I * * * *
SEC. 821. SOUTH OFMARKETSPECL4L GE1VERAL ADVERTISING SIGN DISTRICT.
The South of},{arket Special General Advertising Sign District, as shmvn on Sectional }.1ap
SSD 2 of the Zoning A1ap, is governed by Section 607. 2(e)(3) of this Code.
Section 3. Pursuant to Sections 106 and 302(c) of the Planning Code, the following
amendments to Sheets SS01 and SS02 of the Zoning Map of the City and County of San
Francisco, duly approved and recommended to the Board of Supervisors by the Planning
I Commission, are hereby adopted:
Delete the Candlestick Park Area Special Sign District from Map SS01.
Delete the Showplace Square Special Sign District from Maps SS01 and SS02.
Supervisors Peskin; Cohen
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Page 45
Delete the South of Market General Advertising Special Sign District from Maps SS01
and SS02.
Delete the Hamm's Building Historic Special Sign District from Map SS02.
Section 4. Effective Date. This ordinance shall become effective 30 days after
enactment. Enactment occurs when the Mayor signs the ordinance, the Mayor returns the
ordinance unsigned or does not sign the ordinance within ten days of receiving it, or the Board
of Supervisors overrides the Mayor's veto of the ordinance.
1 O
Section 5. Scope of Ordinance. In enacting this ordinance, the Board of Supervisors
intends to amend only those words, phrases, paragraphs, subsections, sections, articles,
numbers, punctuation marks, charts, diagrams, or any other constituent parts of the Municipal
Code that are explicitly shown in this ordinance as additions, deletions, Board amendment
additions, and Board amendment deletions in accordance with the "Note" that appears under
the official title of the ordinance. Notwithstanding the previous sentence, the Board intends to
relocate existing Planning Code Sections 602.25 and 602.26 within the alphabetical sequence
of Section 602, as indicated in the sequencing within Section 602 in this ordinance.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
DENNIS . HERRERA, City Attorney
By:
ITH A. BOYAJIAN
uty City Attorney
n:\legana\as2016\ 1600664\01142489.docx
Supervisor Peskin
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Page 46
City and County of San Francisco
Tails
Ordinance
City Hall
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place
San Francisco, CA 94102-4689
File Number:
160424
Date Passed: November 01, 2016
Ordinance amending the Planning Code to correct and update provisions, delete obsolete or
redundant sections, amend the definitions of Historic Sign and Wind Sign, reinstate the distinction
between Historic and Vintage Signs, and further restrict the areas where ·General Advertising Signs
are permitted; amending the Zoning Map to delete the Showplace Square Special Sign District, the
South of Market General Advertising Special Sign District, the Hamm's Building Historic Special Sign
District, and the Candlestick Park Special Sign District, and to delete the related Code sections;
affirming the Planning Department's determination under the California Environmental Quality Act;
and making findings of consistency with the General Plan, and the eight priority policies of Planning
Code, Section 101.1, and findings of public convenience, necessity, and welfare under Planning
Code, Section 302.
October 24, 2016 Land Use and Transportation Committee - RECOMMENDED AS
COMMITTEE REPORT
October 25, 2016 Board of Supervisors - PASSED, ON FIRST READING
Ayes: 11 -Avalos, Breed, Campos, Cohen, Farrell, Kim, Mar, Peskin, Tang,
Wiener and Yee
November 01, 2016 Board of Supervisors - FINALLY PASSED
Ayes: 11 - Avalos, Breed, Campos, Cohen, Farrell, Kim, Mar, Peskin, Tang,
Wiener and Yee
File No. 160424
I hereby certify that the foregoing
Ordinance was FINALLY PASSED on
11/1/2016 by the Board of Supervisors of
the City and County of San Francisco.
Date Approved
City and County of San Francisco
Pagel
Printed at 1: 54 pm 011 1112116