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20.74.030 Signs allowed without permits.

The following signs are allowed without a sign permit so long as they are displayed in accordance with the limitations contained in this chapter. The size of each sign in this section is not included as part of the maximum sign area permitted by Section 20.74.060:

A.    Temporary signs shall not be placed on or affixed to any City property, including City rights-of-way.

B.     Temporary signs placed on private property are allowed in all zoning districts in compliance with the following standards:

1.     Types of temporary signs allowed include:

a.     Window signs;

b.     Yard signs.

2.     No signs which are prohibited, as defined in Section 20.74.050 shall be allowed as either temporary or permanent signs.

3.     Temporary Sign Standards.

 

STANDARDS FOR ALL TEMPORARY SIGNS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY

 

Standards Applicable to All Zones

Placement

Shall not create a hazard for pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

Shall not be placed on a sidewalk or pedestrian pathway, public or private.

Prohibited elements

Any form of illumination, including flashing, blinking, or rotating lights.

Animation.

Reflective materials.

Attachments, including, but not limited to, any balloons, ribbons, loudspeakers, etc.

Design and construction

Must be professionally crafted and of sufficient weight and durability to withstand wind gusts, storms, etc.

Maintenance

Must be maintained in a good state of repair and neat appearance.

Non-Residential Zones

 

Period of use

No limitation, but shall be maintained in a good state of repair and neat appearance.

Area of all temporary signs at any one time

Max. 16 sq. ft. per business; excludes the area of temporary window signs and wall banner signs.

Area of any individual sign

Max. 12 sq. ft. in size (may be single or double faced).

Number of signs

Unlimited except that the total sign area of all temporary signs not exceed 16 sq. ft. per business.

All Residential Zones

 

Period of use

No limitation, but shall be maintained in a good state of repair and neat appearance.

Area of all temporary signs at any one time

Max. 16 sq. ft. per lot.

Area of any individual sign

Max. 6 sq. ft. in size (may be single or double faced).

Number of signs

Unlimited except that the total sign area of all temporary signs shall not exceed 16 sq. ft.

 

Signs shall be measured based on the limits of the background or any frame or outline, not including structural supports. Where a sign message has no background material, the area shall be measured as the smallest rectangular shape that encompasses the total message. The area of a multi-faced sign shall be its maximum size based on a vertical plane (e.g., for a double-faced sign, only one side shall be measured).

C.     Permanent signs are permitted as follows:

1.     Customer service information signs no greater than two square feet advertising credit cards accepted, days and hours of operation, and business affiliations. “Open” or “Closed” signs no greater than one square foot in size;

2.     Plaques identifying a building name and/or date which are an integral part of the structure and no greater than five square feet;

3.     One nameplate, no greater than one square foot, for each business entrance;

4.     One on-site directional sign no greater than five square feet;

5.     Governmental signs;

6.     A change in business name in the same color and style on any existing conforming or nonconforming sign;

7.     On-site fuel price signs maintained at a service station in accordance with state law;

8.     Barber poles with no moving parts; and

9.     Signs no greater than 11 inches by 17 inches on newsracks installed in accordance with Chapter 11.32 of the Mill Valley Municipal Code and identifying only the publications offered therein. (Ord. 1298 § 4, March 19, 2018)