Special Signs and Sign Districts

Sacramento City Code tit. 15, ch. 15.148, art. XI

in effect

Sacramento City Code § 15.148.840 Freeway-Designation as landscaped freeway.

15.148.840 Freeway-Designation as landscaped freeway. All freeways within the city, constructed or to be constructed are classified as landscaped freeways. (Prior code § 3.12.190)

Sacramento City Code § 15.148.850 Freeway-Off-site signs and billboards.

15.148.850 Freeway-Off-site signs and billboards. After April 4, 1970, no new or additional off-site signs or billboards shall be erected, nor shall any existing off-site sign or billboard be altered or relocated, within six hundred sixty (660) feet of the exterior right-of-way line of any portion of a freeway or of a route for a freeway which has been adopted by the State Highway Commission, if the copy of such off-site sign or billboard is or would be visible by persons traveling on such freeway or proposed freeway. (Ord. 2016-0010 § 38; prior code § 3.12.191)

Sacramento City Code § 15.148.860 Freeway-On-site signs.

15.148.860 Freeway-On-site signs. No on-site signs shall be altered or relocated within six hundred sixty (660) feet of the exterior right-of-way line of any portion of a freeway or of a route for a freeway which has been adopted by the State Highway Commission, if the copy of such on-site sign is or would be visible by persons traveling on those portions of the freeway or proposed freeway located within six hundred sixty (660) feet of the sign, unless such signs comply with all applicable regulations of this chapter and with the following additional regulations. Where the regulations of this section conflict with regulations of another section, the more restrictive regulation shall prevail. A. Detached signs in the C-2, C-3, C-4, SC Commercial Zones; M-1 and M-2 Industrial Zones. 1. Detached signs shall have a maximum area of twenty-four (24) square feet. 2. Detached signs shall have a maximum height of twelve (12) feet measured from grade level. 3. Detached signs shall be of a monument type and shall be located within a landscaped planter of at least a four-foot radius measured from the perimeter of the sign. 4. Notwithstanding the above, motels, hotels, restaurants and gas stations located in the C-2, C-3, C-4, SC commercial zones, M-1 and M-2 industrial zones are allowed to have the signage allowed in the highway commercial zone due to the freeway services these uses provide. B. Detached Signs in the H-C Commercial Zone. 1. Detached signs shall have a maximum area of two hundred (200) square feet. 2. Detached signs shall have a maximum height of thirty-five (35) feet. 3. Detached signs shall be constructed in a style and out of materials compatible to the structure located on the same site and shall be located within a landscaped planter of at least a four-foot radius measured from the perimeter of the sign. 4. One detached sign for each developed parcel not exceeding one square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of street frontage abutting the developed portion of said parcel. C. Attached Signs in All Zones. 1. Attached signs shall have a maximum area of one square foot for each front foot of first floor building occupancy; provided that in no event shall the total area of attached signs visible by persons traveling on the freeway exceed two hundred (200) square feet for each occupancy. 2. Attached signs shall have a maximum height of twenty (20) feet measured from grade level. 3. Attached signs for office buildings shall be allowed as follows: a. Materials, Construction and Design. i. Signs may be constructed of solid metal individual letters, marble, granite, ceramic tile or other comparable materials. Examples of acceptable metal materials are chrome, brass, stainless steel or fabricated sheet metal. Plastic or wood signs are specifically prohibited. ii. Individual solid metal letters shall be applied to the building face with a nondistinguishable background. Letters shall be pegged-out from the building face at least one and one-half inches and be reverse pan channel construction in one of the following: (A) Fabricated aluminum letters with a polished chrome plated finish in fourteen (14) gauge aluminum with three inch returns; or (B) Fabricated polished brass letters with clear lacquer finish in fourteen (14) gauge brass plate with three inch returns; or (C) Fabricated sheet metal letters painted duranodic bronze #313 or semi-gloss enamel in fourteen (14) gauge sheet metal with three inch returns. b. Number. One sign per building of freeway frontage above twenty (20) feet in height. If the building has multiple freeway frontage, the applicant/owner may select which building face on which to attach the sign. c. Illumination. i. Letters may be internally illuminated to create a halo back-lighted effect or unilluminated. Internally illuminated letters shall be lighted with white neon tubing and thirty (30) milliamperes transformers. ii. Lighting shall not produce a glare on other properties in the vicinity and the source of light shall not be visible from adjacent property or a public street. iii. Internally lit plastic signs are prohibited. d. Location. i. Signs must be attached to and parallel to a building face. A sign may not project above the wall on which it is located. ii. Signs may be located anywhere on face of building subject to subsection (C)(3)(d)(iii) of this section and may be oriented toward the freeway. iii. A sign may be in the upper signage area. e. Maximum Signage. A maximum area of one square foot for each front foot of first-floor building occupancy provided that in no event shall the total area of an attached sign exceed one hundred fifty (150) square feet. f. Review and Approval. Proposed signs shall be subject to review and approval by the planning director prior to issuance of building and/or sign permits. When deciding whether to approve a sign, the director: (a) shall consider all of the factors relating to the proposed sign and, based on the evidence submitted, make the findings set forth in subsections (E)(1) through (E)(8) of Section 15.148.1110 that apply to the sign; and (b) shall not consider the content or graphic design of messages other than to determine legality under federal or state law. 4. Attached signs for shopping centers shall be allowed as follows: Signage for shopping center uses shall comply with subsections (C)(3)(d) and (C)(3)(e) of this section. For the purpose of this section "shopping center" shall be defined as a retail commercial business consisting of three or more retail tenants having shared parking facilities. In addition, the shopping center signage shall comply with the following standards: a. Maximum Signage. Attached signs shall have a maximum area of one square foot for each front foot of first-floor building occupancy provided that in no event shall the total area of attached signs visible by persons traveling on the freeway exceed two hundred (200) square feet. b. Number of Signs. One sign per building and no more than two signs per site to be located above twenty (20) feet in height. c. Prohibited Signs. No attached sign shall in any manner identify a specific product(s) to be sold on the site. Sign may consist of a company logo and/or a company name only. d. Materials and Design. All attached signs shall be constructed in a manner which is compatible with the design and materials of the structure on which it is to be affixed. e. Review and Approval. Proposed signs shall require a zoning administrator's conditional use permit pursuant to Chapter 17.808 of this code. (Ord. 2017-0044 § 5; Ord. 2016-0010 § 39; Ord. 2013-0021 § 71; prior code § 3.12.192)

Sacramento City Code § 15.148.870 Neighborhood signs.

15.148.870 Neighborhood signs. In any zone, a sign, masonry wall, landscaping and other similar materials or features may be combined to form a display for neighborhood or tract sign provided a conditional use permit has been granted by the zoning administrator in accordance with Article XIV of this chapter. (Ord. 2016-0010 § 40; Ord. 2013-0021 § 72; prior code § 3.12.193)

Sacramento City Code § 15.148.885 Signs on multiple-family structures.

15.148.885 Signs on multiple-family structures. A. Application. This section applies only to multiple-family structures. B. Classification of Multiple-Family Structures-Eligibility for Permits. In addition to the signs permitted under Article III of this chapter, and notwithstanding any provision in this chapter to the contrary, the following types of signs, in the number indicated, are authorized for multiple-family structures: 1. "Class-A Structures" have at least three but not more than fifty (50) living units and are eligible for a permit authorizing the following signs: a. Up to twelve (12) helium-filled balloons; b. One portable sign; c. One banner. 2. "Class-B Structures" have at least fifty-one (51) but not more than one hundred (100) living units and are eligible for a permit authorizing the following signs: a. Up to twenty-four (24) helium-filled balloons; b. Up to two portable signs; c. Up to two banners. 3. "Class-C Structures" have more than one hundred (100) living units and are eligible for a permit authorizing the following signs: a. Up to thirty-six (36) helium-filled balloons; b. Up to three portable signs; c. Up to three banners. C. Sign Regulations for Multiple-Family Structures. 1. Helium-filled balloons must meet the following criteria: a. When inflated, each balloon must fit within a box that has a height, width, and depth of fifteen (15) inches (i.e., fifteen (15) inches by fifteen (15) inches by fifteen (15) inches); b. No Mylar balloons; c. No internal illumination. 2. Each portable sign, including supports, must fit within a box with a height of not more than four feet, a width of not more than three feet, and a depth of not more than three feet. A-frame signs are portable signs. 3. Each banner must meet the following criteria: a. Its height must be not more than four feet, and its width must be not more than twelve (12) feet; b. It must be securely mounted on a permanent structure that is integral to the multiple-family structure, and it must not flap or wave in the wind; c. It must be composed of fire-retardant materials. 4. General. a. Each person who desires to obtain a sign permit for a Class-A, Class-B, or Class-C Structure must submit an application to the city, using the approved form, and must pay any fees that the city council establishes by resolution to recoup the city's cost of issuing the permits, inspecting the signs after installation, and otherwise administering and enforcing this section. b. Each permit will be valid for one year from the date of issuance. c. If, while a permit is in effect, the permit holder has complied with this section, then the permit holder will be entitled to renew the permit for another year upon payment of the fee in effect at the time of renewal. Otherwise, a permit is not renewable. d. The permit holder shall place and maintain each sign so that the sign is not a hazard to vehicular or pedestrian traffic. e. The permit holder shall place and maintain each sign on the private property where the associated multiple-family structure is situated. Signs may not be placed in public rights-of-way. f. The permit holder shall maintain each sign in good repair. g. While a permit is in effect, the permit holder may repair or replace the associated signs without obtaining a new permit. h. The city may remove, without prior notice, any sign that does not comply with this section. If the city removes a non-compliant sign, then the city shall send the permit holder, by U.S. mail, a written notice identifying the reason for removal, the location where the permit holder may retrieve the sign, and the deadline for retrieval (which must be at least ten (10) days after the notice is deposited in the mail). The city may destroy any signs not retrieved by the deadline stated in the notice, and the permit holder will not be entitled to compensation for the value of signs so destroyed. (Ord. 2011-043 § 1)

Sacramento City Code § 15.148.900 Construction-site signs.

15.148.900 Construction-site signs. In any zone, one unlighted sign per development not to exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area, may be placed on the lot or attached to the outside of a building during its construction period. (Ord. 2016-0010 § 43; prior code § 3.12.196)

Sacramento City Code § 15.148.910 Permanent window signs.

15.148.910 Permanent window signs. Except in the R and A zones, for each ground floor occupancy of a building not more than two permanent signs may be painted on or otherwise displayed from the inside surface of any window, showcase or other similar facility. Such signs shall be in addition to those signs allowed under the other provisions of this chapter. The total area of such signs, however, shall not exceed a maximum sign area of four square feet. (Ord. 2016-0010 § 44; prior code § 3.12.197)

Sacramento City Code § 15.148.920 Signs for large entertainment venues.

15.148.920 Signs for large entertainment venues. A. The following definitions apply in this section: 1. "Aerial-view sign" means a sign that meets both of the following criteria: it is on the roof of a building or structure, approximately parallel with the roof plane; and it is intended to be viewed from overhead. 2. "Digital display" means a sign face, building face, or any building or structural component that displays images through the use of grid lights, cathode-ray projections, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), plasma screens, liquid-crystal displays (LCDs), fiber optics, or other electronic media or functionally equivalent technology. 3. "Director" means the design director (defined in Section 17.108.050) or the preservation director (defined in Section 17.108.170), as appropriate. 4. "Large entertainment venue" means a permanent building or structure that is used primarily for entertainment (including sporting, cultural, and performing arts events); is the primary use of the site; and has either: a. A maximum occupant load determined by the chief building official to be at least 2,000 persons and fewer than 10,000 fixed permanent seats; or b. 10,000 or more fixed permanent seats within a single auditorium, arena, or stadium. 5. "Primary user" means the person who has the right to use the largest portion of a large entertainment venue, measured in square feet of floor area. 6. "Secondary user" means the person who has the right to use the second largest portion of a large entertainment venue, measured in square feet of floor area. 7. "Suspended sign" means a double-face sign that hangs from a bracket or support attached underneath a building projection, eave, canopy, awning, or colonnade. B. Large entertainment venues that fall within the parameters of subsection A.4.a above are allowed the following signage: 1. Digital Displays. a. A digital display must be a permanently attached sign. b. One digital display is allowed on interior lots. c. One digital display per street frontage is allowed on corner lots. d. Digital display signs are for primary users only. No digital signs are allowed for secondary users. e. The maximum display area is 150 square feet. f. General advertising for hire is allowed. g. No digital display may be located on a site within a historic district or on a site containing a landmark or contributing resource. h. If more than one digital display is allowed by this section, at least one of the digital displays must be located adjacent to the primary public entrance. i. Digital displays must meet the following criteria: i. A digital display may show only a series of still images, each displayed for at least eight seconds. The still images may not be animated (i.e., move or present the appearance of motion) and may not use flashing, scintillating, blinking, or traveling lights or any other means not providing constant illumination. ii. Digital displays must use either an instant transition between still images or a fading transition with a transition time between still images of not less than one second and not more than two seconds. A digital display must not go blank during a transition. iii. The maximum pixel pitch of a digital display is 16 millimeters. iv. Digital displays must be equipped with a sensor or other device that automatically adjusts the brightness of the display according to changes in ambient lighting to comply with a brightness limitation of 0.3 foot-candles above ambient lighting. Digital displays must transition smoothly at a consistent rate from the allowed daytime brightness to the allowed nighttime brightness levels, beginning 45 minutes before sunset and ending 45 minutes after sunset. An automatic photometric sensor must be provided for automatic dimming. v. Upon the request of the chief building official or designee, the display owner, at the owner's expense, shall have a city-approved testing agency measure the brightness of a digital display as follows: Step One. Measure the display's brightness at night and during the day by focusing on the direct center of the display from a point that is six feet above grade and 20 feet away from the plane of the display (determined by a line that is within six degrees of a line perpendicular to the plane of the display). If brightness so measured exceeds 450 candelas per square meter during the night or 7,500 candelas per square meter during the day, then the display's illumination must be adjusted so that it does not exceed 450 or 7,500 candelas, as applicable. Step Two. Determine the "measurement distance" using the following formula (the "display area" in the radicand is the area of the display in square feet): [image omitted; see the official code] Step Three. Use the following formulas to calculate the display's maximum allowed brightness at night and during the day: Nighttime Maximum Brightness Bn = 180,000 ÷ D2 Bn = the maximum brightness allowed at night D = the measurement distance calculated in Step Two Daytime Maximum Brightness Bd = 3,000,000 ÷ D2 Bd = the maximum brightness allowed during the day D = the measurement distance calculated in Step Two Step Four. Measure the display's brightness at night and during the day by focusing on the direct center of the display from a point that is six feet above grade and D feet away (i.e., the measurement distance calculated in Step Two) from the plane of the display as determined by a line that is within six degrees of a line perpendicular to the plane of the display. If a brightness so measured exceeds the applicable maximum brightness calculated in Step Three, then the display's illumination must be adjusted so that it does not exceed that maximum brightness. j. The hours of operation for digital displays are from dawn to 10:00 p.m. on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday and from dawn to midnight on Friday and Saturday. k. Based on new or updated information or studies, the city council may amend the standards and other provisions in this section to mitigate effects on the visual environment or on residential properties or other sensitive receptors; to reduce driver distractions or other hazards to traffic; or to otherwise protect and promote the public health, safety, and welfare. The city council may apply the amended standards to existing signs and digital displays. l. Digital displays are subject to approval by the director. As part of this process, the director shall consult with the chief building official on the design and operational elements of any digital display. When deciding whether to approve the drawings, the director: (i) shall consider all of the factors relating to the proposed digital display and, based on the evidence submitted, make the findings set forth in subsections (E)(1) through (E)(8) of section 15.148.1110 that apply to the digital display; and (ii) shall not consider the content or graphic design of messages other than to determine legality under federal or state law. A permit issued for a digital display under this subsection (B)(1)(h) expires 10 years after the date of issuance, and upon expiration of the permit the digital display must be removed unless a new permit has been obtained for the continued use of the digital display. 2. Aerial-View Signs. a. One permanent aerial-view sign is allowed for the primary user. No aerial-view signs are allowed for the secondary user. b. An aerial-view sign may not project beyond the roof or parapet edge. c. A maximum of thirty (30) percent of roof surface area is allowed for signage. d. Light fixtures may not be mounted above, or extend above, roof-mounted structures or the parapet. The source of the light must not be visible from adjacent properties or from a public street or public sidewalk, and the sign lighting must not produce a glare on adjacent properties or on public streets or public sidewalks. An aerial-view sign may transition between colors with a transition time of not less than one second and with each color displayed for at least eight seconds, but it must not go blank during a transition and may not use flashing, scintillating, blinking, or traveling lights or any other means not providing constant illumination. The hours of operation for illumination of aerial-view signs are from dawn to 10:00 p.m. on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday and from dawn to midnight on Friday and Saturday. 3. Attached Signs. a. Four attached flat signs are allowed for the primary user. One attached flat sign is allowed for the secondary user. The face of an attached sign must be within ten (10) degrees of parallel to the face of the large entertainment venue to which it is attached. Individual attached signs may not be combined to create the effect of a single large attached sign. b. The maximum area of each attached sign is forty-five (45) square feet. c. The maximum vertical dimension of each attached sign is three feet. 4. Projecting Signs. a. Two projecting signs are allowed for the primary user. One projecting sign is allowed for the secondary user. A projecting sign must be attached to the primary structure of the large entertainment venue and not attached to a cantilevered structure. Projecting signs must be at least one hundred fifty (150) feet apart (measured horizontally from the points of attachment to the large entertainment venue). b. The area of each projecting sign for the primary user must not exceed two hundred (200) square feet. The area of the projecting sign for the secondary user must not exceed forty-five (45) square feet. c. The maximum vertical dimension of each projecting sign is thirty-five (35) feet. d. The maximum width of each projecting sign for the primary user is six feet. The maximum width of the projecting sign for the secondary user is three feet. e. The minimum height of each projecting sign is ten (10) feet, measured from the bottom of the sign to the sidewalk or ground. 5. Suspended Signs. a. The primary user is allowed three suspended signs. The secondary user is allowed one suspended sign. b. The maximum area of each suspended sign is sixteen (16) square feet. c. The maximum vertical dimension of each suspended sign is four feet. d. The minimum height of each suspended sign is eight feet, measured from the bottom of the sign to the sidewalk or ground. 6. Each sign or digital display must be integral in design to the architectural style of the large entertainment venue to which it is attached. The secondary user's signs must be consistent in materials and design with the primary user's signs. C. Large entertainment venues with more than ten thousand (10,000) fixed permanent seats are allowed the following signage: 1. Large Digital Displays. a. A digital display must be a permanently attached sign. b. Two digital displays are allowed for the primary user. No digital displays are allowed for secondary users. c. Digital displays must be at least one hundred fifty (150) feet apart (measured using the closest edges of the two digital displays) when on the same façade or street frontage. c. The maximum display area is seven hundred (700) square feet. d. General advertising for hire is allowed. e. Digital displays must meet the following criteria: i. The images on a digital display may be animated (i.e., move or present the appearance of motion) and may use flashing, scintillating, blinking, or traveling lights or any other similar means of providing illumination. ii. If a digital display shows a series of still images, then each image must be displayed for at least eight seconds. Digital displays must use either an instant transition between still images or a fading transition with a transition time between still images of not less than one second and not more than two seconds. A digital display must not go blank during a transition. iii. The maximum pixel pitch of a digital display is sixteen (16) millimeters. iv. Digital displays must be equipped with a sensor or other device that automatically adjusts the brightness of the display according to changes in ambient lighting to comply with a brightness limitation of three-tenths foot-candle above ambient lighting. Digital displays must transition smoothly at a consistent rate from the allowed daytime brightness to the allowed nighttime brightness levels, beginning at forty-five (45) minutes before sunset and ending forty-five (45) minutes after sunset. An automatic photometric sensor must be provided for automatic dimming. v. The maximum brightness of any digital display is four hundred fifty (450) candelas per square meter during the night and seven thousand five hundred (7,500) candelas per square meter during the day. The brightness of a digital display must be measured as follows, at the display owner's expense, by a testing agency approved by the chief building official or designee: Step One. Measure the display's brightness at night and during the day by focusing on the direct center of the display from a point that is six feet above grade and twenty (20) feet away from the plane of the display (determined by a line that is within six degrees of a line perpendicular to the plane of the display). Step Two. Use the following formula to determine the "measurement distance" (the "display area" in the radicand is the area of the display in square feet): Step Three. Use the following formulas to calculate the display's equivalent maximum brightness during the day and at night: Equivalent Maximum Nighttime Brightness Bn = 180,000 ÷ D2 Bn = the equivalent maximum nighttime brightness D = the measurement distance calculated in Step Two Equivalent Maximum Daytime Brightness Bd = 3,000,000 ÷ D2 Bd = the equivalent maximum daytime brightness D = the measurement distance calculated in Step Two Step Four. Measure the display's brightness at night and during the day by focusing on the direct center of the display from a point that is six feet above grade and D feet away (i.e., the measurement distance calculated in Step Two) from the plane of the display as determined by a line that is within six degrees of a line perpendicular to the plane of the display. If a brightness so measured exceeds the relevant equivalent maximum brightness calculated in Step Three, then the display's illumination must be adjusted so that it does not exceed that equivalent maximum brightness. f. The hours of operation for digital displays are from dawn to midnight on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday and from dawn to 2:00 a.m. the following day on Friday and Saturday. g. Based on new or updated information or studies, the city council may amend the standards and other provisions set forth in this section in order to mitigate effects on the visual environment or on residential properties or other sensitive receptors; to reduce driver distractions or other hazards to traffic; or to otherwise protect and promote the public health, safety, and welfare. The city council may apply the amended standards to existing signs and digital displays. h. Digital displays are subject to approval by the director. As part of this process, the director shall consult with the chief building official on the design and operational elements of any digital display. When deciding whether to approve the drawings, the director: (i) shall consider all of the factors relating to the proposed digital display and, based on the evidence submitted, make the findings set forth in subsections (E)(1) through (E)(8) of Section 15.148.1110 that apply to the digital display; and (ii) shall not consider the content or graphic design of messages other than to determine legality under federal or state law. A permit issued for a digital display under this subsection (C)(1)(h) expires ten (10) years after the date of issuance, and upon expiration of the permit the digital display must be removed unless a new sign permit has been obtained for the continued use of the digital display. 2. Aerial-View Signs. a. One permanent aerial-view sign is allowed for the primary user. No aerial-view signs are allowed for the secondary user. b. An aerial-view sign may not project beyond the roof or parapet edge. c. A maximum of thirty (30) percent of roof surface area is allowed for signage. d. Light fixtures may not be mounted more than five feet above, or extend more than five feet above, roof-mounted structures or the parapet. The sign lighting must not produce a glare on public streets or public sidewalks. An aerial-view sign may transition between colors with a transition time of not less than 1 second and with each color displayed for at least eight seconds, but it must not go blank during a transition and may not use flashing, scintillating, blinking, or traveling lights or any other means not providing constant illumination. 3. Attached Signs.15.148.920 a. Nine attached flat signs are allowed for the primary user. One attached flat sign is allowed for the secondary user. The face of an attached sign must be within ten (10) degrees of parallel to the face of the large entertainment venue. Individual attached signs may not be combined to create the effect of a single large attached sign. b. The maximum area of each sign is forty-five (45) square feet. c. The maximum vertical dimension of each sign is three feet. 4. Projecting Signs. a. Three projecting signs are allowed for the primary user. One projecting sign is allowed for the secondary user. A projecting sign must be attached to the primary structure of the large entertainment venue and not attached to a cantilevered structure. Projecting signs must be at least three hundred (300) feet apart (measured horizontally from the points of attachment to the large entertainment venue). b. The area of each projecting sign for the primary user must not exceed four hundred (400) square feet. The area of the projecting sign for the secondary user must not exceed sixty (60) square feet. c. The maximum vertical dimension of each projecting sign is fifty-five (55) feet. d. The maximum width of each projecting sign for the primary user is eight feet. The maximum width of the projecting sign for the secondary user is four feet. e. The minimum height for each projecting sign is ten (10) feet, measured from the bottom of the sign to the sidewalk or ground. 5. Suspended Signs. a. The primary user is allowed five suspended signs. The secondary user is allowed one suspended sign. b. The maximum area of each suspended sign is sixteen (16) square feet. c. The maximum vertical dimension of each suspended sign is four feet. d. The minimum height of each suspended sign is eight feet, measured from the bottom of the sign to the sidewalk or ground. 6. Each sign or digital display must be integral in design to the architectural style of the large entertainment venue to which it is attached. The secondary user's signs must be consistent in materials and design with the primary user's signs. (Ord. 2024-0017 § 2; Ord. 2016-0017 § 1)

Sacramento City Code § 15.148.925 Digital signs in regional shopping centers.

15.148.925 Digital signs in regional shopping centers. A. The following definitions apply in this section: "Digital display" means a sign face that displays images through the use of grid lights, cathode-ray projections, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), plasma screens, liquid-crystal displays (LCDs), fiber optics, or other electronic media or functionally equivalent technology. "Digital sign" means an on-site sign that uses digital displays. "Director" means the design director (defined in section 17.108.050) or the preservation director (defined in section 17.108.170), as appropriate. "Regional shopping center" means a permanent building or group of permanent buildings that is located on at least 50 contiguous acres, has at least 1,000,000 square feet of retail space, has shared on-site parking, and is managed as a single property. B. In addition to signage otherwise allowed by chapter 15.148, and subject to the requirements of this section, a regional shopping center may have up to two digital signs. Each digital sign must have a sign permit issued in accordance with article II of this chapter. C. Structural requirements. 1. The digital signs may be attached or detached signs. 2. The digital signs must be at least 300 feet apart (measured using the closest edges of the two digital signs) when on the same façade or street frontage. 3. Detached digital signs that are oriented perpendicularly to a public street may have two sides, with one digital display on each side. 4. The maximum display area for each digital display is 300 square feet. 5. The maximum height of each digital sign is 35 feet. D. Operational requirements. 1. General advertising may not be displayed. For purposes of this section, "general advertising" excludes advertising for a business within the regional shopping center. 2. Each image on a digital display must be static. Images may not be animated (i.e., move or present the appearance of motion) and may not use flashing, scintillating, blinking, or traveling lights or any other similar means of illumination. 3. Each image on a digital display must appear for at least 8 seconds. Digital displays must use either an instant transition between images or a fading transition with a transition time between images of at least 1 second and not more than 2 seconds. A digital display must not go blank during a transition. 4. The maximum pixel pitch of a digital display is 16 millimeters. 5. Digital displays must be equipped with a sensor or other device that automatically adjusts the brightness of the display according to changes in ambient lighting to comply with a brightness limitation of 0.3 foot-candle above ambient lighting. Digital displays must transition smoothly at a consistent rate from the allowed daytime brightness to the allowed nighttime brightness levels, beginning at 45 minutes before sunset and ending 45 minutes after sunset. An automatic photometric sensor must be provided for automatic dimming. 6. The hours of operation for digital displays are from dawn to midnight on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday and from dawn to 2:00 a.m. the following day on Friday and Saturday. 7. The maximum brightness of any digital display is 450 candelas per square meter at night and 7,500 candelas per square meter during the day. The brightness of a digital display must be measured as follows, at the display owner's expense, by a testing agency approved by the chief building official or designee: a. Step One. Measure the display's brightness at night and during the day by focusing on the direct center of the display from a point that is 6 feet above grade and 20 feet away from the plane of the display (determined by a line that is within 6 degrees of a line perpendicular to the plane of the display). b. Step Two. Use the following formula to determine the "measurement distance" (the "display area" in the radicand is the area of the display in square feet): [image omitted; see the official code] c. Step Three. Use the following formulas, calculate the display's equivalent maximum brightness during the day and at night: Nighttime Maximum Brightness Bn = 180,000 ÷ D2 Bn = equivalent maximum nighttime brightness D = the measurement distance calculated in Step Two Daytime Maximum Brightness Bd = 3,000,000 ÷ D2 Bd = equivalent maximum daytime brightness D = the measurement distance calculated in Step Two d. Step Four. Measure the display's brightness at night and during the day by focusing on the direct center of the display from a point that is 6 feet above grade and D feet away (i.e., the measurement distance calculated in Step Two) from the plane of the display as determined by a line that is within 6 degrees of a line perpendicular to the plane of the display. If a brightness so measured exceeds the relevant equivalent maximum brightness calculated in Step Three, then the display's illumination must be adjusted so that it does not exceed that equivalent maximum brightness. E. Other requirements 1. The total number of permitted signs in a regional shopping center, including the digital signs authorized by this section, may not exceed the maximum number of permitted signs allowed for the regional shopping center under article III of this chapter. 2. Digital signs are subject to approval by the director. As part of this process, the director will consult with the chief building official on the design and operational elements of any digital signs. a. When deciding whether to approve the plans and specifications for a digital sign, the director i. shall consider all of the factors relating to the proposed digital sign and, based on the evidence submitted, make the findings set forth in subsections E.1 through E.8 of section 15.148.1110 that apply to the digital sign; and ii. shall not consider the content or graphic design of messages to be displayed on the digital sign other than to determine legality under federal or state law. b. A permit issued for a digital sign under this section expires 10 years after the date of issuance, and upon expiration of the permit the digital sign must be removed at the owner's expense unless a new sign permit has been obtained for the continued use of the digital sign. 3. When constructing, operating, improving, maintaining, repairing, and removing a digital sign and any structures to which it is attached, the owner of the digital sign must comply with all applicable federal, state, or local laws, including the federal Highway Beautification Act of 1965 (23 U.S.C. § 131), the California Outdoor Advertising Act (Business and Professions Code § 5200 et seq.), and this chapter. 4. Based on new or updated information or studies, the city council may amend the standards and other provisions set forth in this section to mitigate effects on the visual environment or on residential properties or other sensitive receptors; to reduce driver distractions or other hazards to traffic; or to otherwise protect and promote the public health, safety, and welfare. The city council may apply the amended standards to existing digital signs. (Ord. 2019-0013 § 1)15.148.925

Sacramento City Code § 15.148.930 Special sign districts.

15.148.930 Special sign districts. The owners of sixty (60) percent or more of the street frontage, in feet, of properties on both sides of the street in any defined area may petition the planning and design commission for the creation of special sign district for the purpose of creating an integrated special sign theme in the area. The planning and design commission shall hold a public hearing on such a request after notifying all property owners, as shown on the last equalized assessment roll, between such intersecting streets by mail at least ten (10) days prior to the hearing. After such hearing the planning and design commission, if it deems it appropriate, shall make recommendations to the city council and the city council shall hold a hearing and give notice as provided in this section for the hearing held before the planning and design commission. The city council may thereafter adopt an ordinance establishing a special sign district and setting forth the regulations applicable to such district. The city council may amend the ordinance establishing and setting forth the regulations applicable in the special sign district, provided that prior to such an amendment a notice of the proposed amendment has been published once in the official newspaper of the city not less than ten (10) days prior to the hearing on the adoption of the proposed amendment. The city council may repeal the ordinance establishing and setting forth the regulations of the special sign district provided that prior to such repeal a notice has been given and a hearing has been held in accordance with the provisions of this section relating to the establishment of the special sign district. (Ord. 2012-004 § 38; prior code § 3.12.199)

Sacramento City Code § 15.148.940 Special sign districts-Proceeding initiated by planning and design commission.

15.148.940 Special sign districts-Proceeding initiated by planning and design commission. As an alternative to the method of creating a special sign district provided in Section 15.148.930 of this chapter, the planning and design commission may, on its own motion, conduct a public hearing on a proposed sign district and, at the conclusion of the hearing, may by a two-thirds vote of its members adopt a resolution stating its intent to recommend to the city council that a specific area of the city be designated as a special sign district. The planning and design commission shall notify all property owners within the boundaries of the proposed special sign district, as shown on the last equalized assessment roll, by mail at least ten days before the hearing. If such a resolution is so adopted, the city council may give notice and hold a hearing on the proposed sign district in accordance with the procedure provided by Section 15.148.930 of this chapter as if the owners of sixty (60) percent or more of the street frontage within the proposed district had petitioned the planning and design commission for the formation of the proposed district. (Ord. 2016-0010 § 46; Ord. 2012-004 § 39; prior code § 3.12.200)

Sacramento City Code § 15.148.950 Planned unit development signs.

15.148.950 Planned unit development signs. In order to preserve the character of planned unit development (PUD), the development guidelines adopted for the PUD may specify a sign program that allows for signage that otherwise would be prohibited under this chapter, including, but not limited to, signs that would be prohibited by Section 15.148.1030 of this chapter; and to prohibit signage that otherwise would be allowed under this chapter. Where the development guidelines pertaining to signs do not address specific criteria, then the provisions of the sign ordinance will prevail. Any sign located within six hundred sixty (660) feet of a free-way or of a route for a freeway which has been adopted by the State Highway Commission must comply with requirements of the California Department of Transportation. (Prior code § 3.12.201)

Sacramento City Code § 15.148.960 Special planning district signs.

15.148.960 Special planning district signs. In order to preserve the character of special planning districts (SPD) the development guidelines adopted for the SPD may specify a sign program that allows for signage that otherwise would be prohibited under this chapter, or that prohibits signage that otherwise would be allowed under this chapter. Where the development guidelines pertaining to signs do not address specific criteria, then the provisions of the sign ordinance will prevail. Any sign located within six hundred sixty (660) feet of a freeway or of a route for a freeway which has been adopted by the State Highway Commission must comply with requirements of the California Department of Transportation. (Prior code § 3.12.202)

Sacramento City Code § 15.148.965 Agreements for digital billboards.

15.148.965 Agreements for digital billboards. A. Definitions. As used in this section, "city-owned property" means real property the city owns in fee, and "city-leased property" means real property in which the city has a leasehold interest. B. Relocation agreements. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this chapter (including section 15.148.640) or in any ordinance not codified in this chapter (including Ordinance No. 2007-079), the city council may approve relocation agreements under section 15.148.815 that authorize the construction and operation of digital billboards on city-owned property adjacent to a freeway, subject to the common provisions in subsection F of this section and the following additional provisions: 1. Notwithstanding subsection F.3 of section 15.148.815, the city-owned property may be in any commercial zoning district or industrial zoning district. 2. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in section 15.148.815, an existing billboard that is removed and relocated under a relocation agreement that authorizes the construction and operation of a digital billboard may be either a legal conforming sign or a legal nonconforming sign. C. Funding agreements - indoor arenas. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this chapter (including section 15.148.640) or in any ordinance not codified in this chapter (including Ordinance No. 2007-079), the city council may approve agreements that authorize the construction of digital billboards on city-owned or city-leased property adjacent to a freeway, subject to the common provisions in subsection F of this section and the following additional provisions: 1. The agreement may authorize the construction and operation of up to six digital billboards. 2. The owner of the digital billboard or billboards authorized by the agreement (or an affiliate of the owner) must agree, among other things, to the following: a. To fund at least 40% of the costs to design and construct an indoor arena that is capable of hosting professional major-league sports and has permanent seating for at least 15,000 persons. b. At no cost to the city, to remove the digital billboard or billboards from the city-owned or city-leased property at the expiration of the agreement's term, which may not exceed 35 years, and to restore the property to its pre-agreement condition. 3. No more than six digital billboards may be authorized for each facility to which contributions are made under subsection C.2 of this section. 4. The city council must find that the agreement will confer a substantial public benefit to the city and to the general public, identifying the benefit with reasonable specificity. In addition, the city council must find that each digital billboard identified in the agreement satisfies the following: a. It complies with the purpose and requirements of this section and this chapter. b. It is compatible with the uses and structures on the city-owned or city-leased property and in the surrounding area, including parks, trails, and other public facilities and amenities. c. It will not interfere with on-site access, circulation, or visibility. d. It will not create a traffic or safety hazard. e. It will not result in any undue or significant increase in visual clutter in the area surrounding the city-owned or city-leased property. 5. The city-owned or city-leased property must be in a commercial zoning district or an industrial zoning district. D. Funding agreements - outdoor stadiums. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this chapter (including section 15.148.640) or in any ordinance not codified in this chapter (including Ordinance No. 2007-079), the city council may approve agreements that authorize the construction of digital billboards on city-owned or city-leased property adjacent to a freeway, subject to the common provisions in subsection F of this section and the following additional provisions: 1. The agreement may authorize the construction and operation of up to seven digital billboards. 2. The owner of the digital billboard or billboards authorized by the agreement (or an affiliate of the owner) must agree, among other things, to the following: a. To fund at least 40% of the costs to design and construct a multipurpose outdoor stadium that is capable of hosting professional major-league sports and has permanent seating for at least 12,000 persons. b. At no cost to the city, to remove the digital billboard or billboards from the city-owned or city-leased property at the expiration of the agreement's term, which may not exceed 35 years, and to restore the property to its pre-agreement condition. 3. No more than seven digital billboards may be authorized for each facility to which contributions are made under subsection D.2 of this section. 4. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this chapter, for up to two digital billboards under an agreement authorized by this subsection D of this section, the maximum area of each digital-display face is 1,200 square feet, and each such digital billboard may have either one or two digital-display faces. 5. The city council must find that the agreement will confer a substantial public benefit to the city and to the general public, identifying the benefit with reasonable specificity. In addition, the city council must find that each digital billboard identified in the agreement satisfies the following: a. It complies with the purpose and requirements of this section and this chapter. b. It is compatible with the uses and structures on the city-owned or city-leased property and in the surrounding area, including parks, trails, and other public facilities and amenities. c. It will not interfere with on-site access, circulation, or visibility. d. It will not create a traffic or safety hazard. e. It will not result in any undue or significant increase in visual clutter in the area surrounding the city-owned or city-leased property. 6. The city-owned or city-leased property must be in a commercial zoning district or an industrial zoning district. E. Agreements for digital billboards in Railyards sign district - subdistrict 3. The city council may approve agreements that authorize digital billboards in subdistrict 3 of the Railyards sign district under section 15.148.193.G. F. Common provisions. All digital billboards authorized by subsection B, C, or D of this section are subject to the following provisions: 1. Each digital-display face must be oriented primarily for viewing from the adjacent freeway. 2. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this chapter, the maximum height of a digital-billboard structure, measured from grade to the top of the digital-display face, is 85 feet; and the overall maximum height, measured from grade to the top of the billboard structure, is 90 feet. 3. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this chapter, the maximum area of each digital-display face is 700 square feet, and a digital billboard may have either one or two digital-display faces. 4. A digital billboard may display only a series of still images, each of which is displayed for at least eight seconds. The still images may not move or present the appearance of motion and may not use flashing, scintillating, blinking, or traveling lights or any other means not providing constant illumination. Transition or blank screen time between still images may not exceed one second. 5. The owner of the digital billboard must comply with all applicable federal, state, or local laws when constructing, operating, improving, maintaining, repairing, and removing the digital billboard, including the Highway Beautification Act of 1965 (23 U.S.C. § 131), the Outdoor Advertising Act (Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code, § 5200 et seq.), the regulations promulgated to implement the Outdoor Advertising Act (4 Cal. Code Regs. § 2242(c) et seq.), and this chapter. 6. The city must comply with the California Environmental Quality Act (Cal. Pub. Resources Code, § 21000 et seq.) before approving an agreement that authorizes a digital billboard. (Ord. 2026-0004 §§ 1, 2)

Source: City of Sacramento, Sacramento City Code (American Legal Publishing, codelibrary.amlegal.com)URL: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/sacramentoca/latest/sacramento_ca/0-0-0-32281Fetched: 10/24/2026