Sign Regulations in Yucaipa, California

Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Yucaipa

• Temporary primary directional signs for residential development: where no approved Sign Location Plan exists, signs may be permitted via a Temporary Use Permit with limits on number, size, spacing, location from rights-of-way, and content (87.0725(b)(1)(B))
• Temporary primary directional signs for residential development: in areas with an approved Sign Location Plan, temporary directional signs must be incorporated into multi-panel sign structures located and designed per the approved plan; per-structure area limits, spacing (500 feet), one panel per development per face, and average area limits apply (87.0725(b)(1)(C)(I)–(V))
• Amendments to an approved Sign Location Plan may allow up to two separate primary signs per residential development subject to the same design and location standards; all nonconforming signs on the proposed site must be removed prior to approval (87.0725(b)(1)(C)(VI)–(VII))
• If Sign Location Plan structures are proposed within County road rights-of-way, City transportation encroachment permits are required prior to approval; a Sign Location Plan may also authorize flags or alternate advertising displays with specified limits; Temporary Use Permits for such signs may receive up to four annual renewals or until all lots/units are sold (whichever occurs first) (87.0725(b)(1)(C)(VIII)–(X))
• Primary civic signs are permitted in any land use district subject to a Land Use Compliance Review by the Building Official; size and height limits apply based on whether accessory business signs are permitted in the district (87.0725(a)(1))
• Electronic Messaging Center Billboards require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) with a flag test to establish maximum bottom-of-screen height, and must meet design and performance standards (location near I-10 and interchanges, spacing from other billboards, lighting limits, static display with minimum 8-second hold, face orientation, maximum screen area, decorative base, emergency messaging capability); citywide maximum of three such billboards (87.0725(c))
• Freeway oriented accessory signs require a flag test conducted by City personnel to determine if a height greater than 25 feet is necessary for visibility; Planning Commission may permit a greater height up to 60 feet based on the test; documentation of the flag test is required (87.0730(e))
• Accessory commercial/industrial complex signs (e.g., occupant monument signs, additional rear wall signs, additional monument sign for centers with two street frontages, freestanding/monument signs in planters, and roof or projecting signs when freestanding opportunity is inadequate) are subject to a Land Use Compliance Review or to architectural review and approval by the Planning Commission when part of a related project (87.0730(c))
• Accessory civic signs in districts where accessory business signs are not permitted require Land Use Compliance Review by the Building Official or Planning Commission architectural review approval; where accessory business signs are permitted, civic sign height and area match business sign limits (87.0730(d))
• Temporary signs in non-residential districts: banners and flag signs require a temporary flag/banner permit before display; construction-related large board signs require a Temporary Use Permit; other large board signs require a Temporary Event Sign Permit; small board signs generally do not require a permit but are limited in duration and are not allowed where a business has a freestanding sign (87.0735(b))
• Temporary signs in residential districts: construction-related large board signs for projects of more than two dwelling units require a Temporary Use Permit; other residential temporary sign types listed generally do not require permits but must meet duration and placement limits, including specific allowances for offsite directional small board signs on certain days within designated rights-of-way (87.0735(c))
• Freestanding signs of 18 square feet or greater in area and/or 6 feet or greater in height require a building permit prior to construction (87.0705(s))
• One-time sign registration is required for all existing and new permanent signs established with commercial, industrial, private institutional, or commercial-agricultural business uses; verification of sign registration application and plot plan approval must be submitted before issuance of any building permit for a sign that requires a building permit (87.0750)
• Hardship process for nonconforming signs: the Planning Commission may, after a public hearing and specific findings, allow retention of a nonconforming sign in cases of extreme hardship and unusual circumstances, potentially requiring remodeling to a more aesthetic design; the Building Official determines fair market value and appeal procedures apply; upon expiration of the appeal period, the sign becomes illegal and subject to removal (87.0760(d))
• No new sign will be approved, and no building permit for structures or expansions issued, on a site with nonconforming signs unless all signs are brought into conformance (interior alterations excepted) (87.0760(a)(4))