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CC - CONSENT ITEM: Adoption of an Ordinance Approving City-Initiated Zoning Code Amendment (P2025-0125-ZCA) Replacing the Current Sign Ordinance in its Entirety with a New Sign Ordinance and Adding New Definitions to the Zoning Code, and Related References to Municipal Code Chapter 13 and Exemption from CEQA.
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CC - CONSENT ITEM: Adoption of an Ordinance Approving City-Initiated Zoning Code Amendment (P2025-0125-ZCA) Replacing the Current Sign Ordinance in its Entirety with a New Sign Ordinance and Adding New Definitions to the Zoning Code, and Related References to Municipal Code Chapter 13 and Exemption from CEQA.
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Meeting Date: August 11, 2025
Contact Person/Dept: Gabriela Silva, Associate Planner
Emily Stadnicki, Current Planning Manager
Phone Number: (310) 253-5736 / (310) 253-5727
Fiscal Impact: Yes [ ] No [X] General Fund: Yes [ ] No [X]
Attachments: Yes [X] No [ ]
Public Notification: (Email) Public Notifications - City Council (06/26/2025), Meetings and Agendas - City Council (08/07/2025), (Posted) City website (06/26/2025), (Published) Culver City News (06/26//2025)
Department Approval: Mark E. Muenzer, Planning and Development Director (07/17/2025)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt an ordinance replacing the current Sign Ordinance in its entirety, adding definitions to the Culver City Municipal Code (CCMC) Title 17 - Zoning, and adding related references to Municipal Code Chapter 13, as outlined in Exhibit A, and adopting an exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3).
BACKGROUND
On June 25, 2025, the Planning Commission recommended the City Council approve Zoning Code Amendment (ZCA) P2025-0125-ZCA, and exemption from CEQA.
On July 14, 2025, the City Council introduced the proposed ordinance (Attachment 1) for Zoning Code Amendment P2025-0125-ZCA and exemption from CEQA. This ordinance includes the additional Planning Commission recommendation, as discussed by the City Council, to delay enforcement of the removal of abandoned non-conforming signs older than 25 years while staff studies the potential for an amendment to the Sign Code to create an Iconic Sign designation. The City Council also directed staff to bring back an item to discuss reducing fees for A-frame signs in the public right-of-way as recommended by the Planning Commission.
DISCUSSION
The Sign Ordinance was last updated in 2005. Since that time, new case law has clarified how sign code regulations must be written to be "content neutral." Also, evolving technologies have created more signage options, and business needs continue to shift regarding desired signage. The Sign Code update incorporates the latest sign terms/definitions and best practices for sign regulations, as well as simplifies and clarifies provisions by re-organizing, reformatting, and adding graphics to illustrate terms and standards.
One new change specifically allows sidewalk A-frame signs with an annual encroachment permit. This new permit will be issued without a fee until one is established by City Council; staff will return with this item in late 2025.
The proposed amendments will establish sign regulations that are content-neutral, clear, and flexible, and reflect best practices and evolving technologies, while maintaining a high-quality design aesthetic in the City. The proposed amendment is consistent with the General Plan and Zoning Code, and all relevant findings.
The proposed ordinance is presented for adoption by the City Council.
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION
Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, the adoption of the proposed Zoning Code Amendment, is exempt per Section 15061(b)(3), because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
There is minimal fiscal impact associated with the introduction of this ordinance. Staff time associated with processing sign permits will be tracked for inclusion in the next fee update.
ATTACHMENTS
1. 2025_08-14_ATT 1_CC Ordinance Adoption_ZCA for Signs with Exhibit A: Proposed Comprehensive Sign Ordinance
MOTION
That the City Council:
Adopt an ordinance approving City-initiated Zoning Code Amendment P2025- 0125-ZCA, replacing the current Sign ordinance in its entirety, adding definitions to CCMC Title 17 - Zoning, and adding related references to Municipal Code Chapter 13, as outlined in Exhibit A, and adopting an exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) (Attachment 1).