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CC - PUBLIC HEARING: Introduction of an Ordinance Approving a 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 (Project), and Exemption from CEQA.
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Meeting Date: July 14, 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]
Public Hearing: [X] Action Item: [ ] Attachments: Yes [X] No [ ]
Commission Action Required: Yes [X] No [ ]
Commission Name: Planning Commission Date: June 25, 2025
Public Notification: (Email) Public Notifications - City Council (07/10/2025), Meetings and Agendas - City Council (07/10/2025), Interested Parties (06/30/2025); (Posted) City website (06/26/2025), (Published) Culver City News (06/26/2025)
Department Approval: Mark E. Muenzer, Planning and Development Director (06/26/25) _____________________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council introduce 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).
PROCEDURES
1. The Mayor seeks a motion to receive and file the affidavit of mailing, publishing, and posting of public notice.
2. The Mayor calls on staff for a brief staff report and the City Council poses questions to staff.
3. The Mayor seeks a motion to open the public hearing and the City Council receives public comment.
4. The Mayor seeks a motion to close the public hearing after all testimony has been presented.
5. The City Council discusses the matter and arrives at its decision.
BACKGROUND
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.
In June 2024, the City Council approved Zoning Code Amendment P2024-0083-ACA to amend CCMC Sections 7.330.015- Definitions and 17.330.040 - Signs in the Public Right-of-Way as they related to digital wayfinding kiosks on public property. These regulations are not being revisited as part of the Sign Code Update.
Planning Commission Public Hearing and Recommendation
The proposed Sign Code Update was presented to the Planning Commission on June 25, 2025. There were no public comments on the item. Following discussion and deliberation, the Planning Commission unanimously adopted Resolution No. 2025-P009 (Attachment 3) recommending Council approval of the Zoning Code Amendment P2025-0125-ZCA, and exemption from CEQA pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3).
The following Planning Commission recommendations have been included in the proposed draft (Attachment 1, Exhibit A):
• expand the allowance of A-frame signs from the Downtown Culver City Business Improvement District and Culver City Arts Business Improvement District to city-wide; and
• increase the allowance for noncommercial yard signs associated with limited time period events from 16 to 24 square feet cumulative.
Planning Commission also recommended that City Council consider:
• a nominal fee (with a long term) for encroachment permits now required for A-frame signs in the public right-of-way; and
• direct staff not to enforce 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, addressing signs that have historic and/or cultural merit but which do not qualify for the City’s Historic Preservation Program (CCMC Chapter 15.05). If the City Council is inclined to give staff this direction, staff recommends clarifying that the stay of enforcement end on the earlier of the adoption of an Iconic Sign designation or the decision not to proceed with an Iconic Sign program.
ANALYSIS
The following identifies the key changes included in the Zoning Code Amendment, in its re-organized form, and related Municipal Code Amendments to Title 13: Offenses Against Property, as it relates to signs. The new Sign Ordinance is included as Exhibit A to Attachment 1 and a summary of revisions to the Ordinance (with Code sections) is included as Attachment 2. For more details, see Attachment 3 for the Planning Commission staff report.
Chapter 17.330: Signs
Section 17.330.015: SIGN DEFINITIONS
Definitions in Chapter 17.330: Signs have been revised to reflect current terms and technology (e.g., “electronic message sign,” and “inflatable sign” instead of “balloon sign”) and definitions added for new terms used in the updated Sign Ordinance (e.g., “commercial message,” “wall painted sign,” and “foam letter sign”). Terms that refer to sign content, such as, “public information sign” and “holiday sign” have been removed since signs cannot be regulated by their content, or message.
Section 17.330.020: GENERAL RESTRICTIONS
The general restrictions address prohibited signs and restricted signs, the latter being signs that while generally prohibited, may be allowed in certain locations, under certain circumstances, or with special approval. Changes of note include specifically allowing A-frame signs as temporary signs on an ongoing basis (previously identified as “portable signs” and only allowed for temporary or special events).
Other changes include adding the following to the list of prohibited signs: abandoned signs, foam letter signs, billboards, off-site signs, pole signs, vehicle signs, signs that interfere with building access or traffic, signs that resemble traffic signs or traffic lights, signs attached to trees, light or traffic fixtures, and utility poles, and signs on public property except as required and authorized by a governmental agency. Such signs are commonly considered to add to visual clutter and are obtrusive or can cause circulation conflict and hazards.
Moving signs, previously prohibited except as approved with a master sign program, are identified in the Sign Code update as either “electronic message signs” and only permitted on public property, or as “active signs,” in which case they continue to require a master sign program.
Section 17.330.025 SIGN PERMITS
Sign Permit for Permanent Sign
The Sign Code update simplifies that a sign permit is not needed for the following permanent signs: blade, window, and (business) directory, providing such signs meet the maximum number, maximum sign area, maximum height, and location listed in Table 3-10. If a sign does not comply with the standards listed in Table 3-10, then it is not allowed, unless it may qualify for and is granted an administrative modification or master sign program.
Sign Permit for Temporary Sign
The Sign Code update stipulates that a sign permit is not needed for the following temporary signs: A-frame, various yard signs (commercial and non-commercial messages, on residential and non-residential property, and for limited and non-limited time periods), and construction signs providing such signs meet the maximum number, maximum sign area, maximum height, and maximum duration listed in Table 3-11. Rather than specify holiday signs, the update allows yard signs and banners signs generally.
The Sign Ordinance has been substantially restructured to remove certain categories of signs (e.g., “new business sign,” “public information,” and “future occupancy signs”) and instead utilize the banner sign category or create various yard sign provisions to not favor some content types over others, and to allow for real estate, election, temporary sales, and other non-commercial messages.
Real estate signs are allowed in the public right-of-way due to the nature of these signs having reduced advertising options and a limited duration, pursuant to a yearly permit.
The addition of “A-frame” as a temporary, ongoing sign allowed without a sign permit (with certain provisions - see Section 17.330.040 TEMPORARY SIGNS below) reflects the City’s desire to codify a type of sign that is already prevalent and used for everyday business. If a sign does not comply with the standards listed in Table 3-11, then it is not allowed.
Comprehensive Sign Programs (Master Sign Program, Multiple-Business Sign Program)
Many of the existing provisions of the master sign program are unchanged in the Sign Code update, but a few key provisions have been added. Standards have been added for the Director to consider prior to approving or disapproving an application for a master sign program, such as not impairing pedestrian and vehicular safety. A master sign program may be granted for provisions less restrictive than the regulations of the Sign Ordinance; the update includes a list of potential allowances, although the list is not exhaustive (e.g., active signs, freeway-oriented signs, certain theater signs).
Sign Modification
The existing reference in Section 17.330.050 REVIEW PROCESS AND APPEALS to Conditional Use Permits (CUP) has been removed since no sign would require a CUP. Modifications to signs may be allowed in accordance with the existing administrative modification provisions of Subsection 17.550.020.005-020 (Administrative Modification) of the Code. Pursuant to proposed Section 17.330.025(B)(1)(b), a modification may only be allowed for an increase in sign area identified for permanent signs by no more than ten percent.
Section 17.330.035: PERMANENT SIGNS
This section includes standards for various permanent sign types, such as maximum number, maximum sign area, and maximum sign height by zoning district and land use. Standards for residential uses in residential zoning districts and mixed-use zoning districts, and for residential uses in Planned Development Districts not regulated by a Comprehensive Plan are provided in Table 3-12 for ease of reading. The table is separated into two parts: 1) single-family residential development (monument signs only); and 2) multi-family residential development (monument, wall, and driveway/directional).
A sign allowance is established for permanent signs. A given building or tenant space may be allowed a wall, parapet, false mansard, canopy, and awning sign, but the total sign area allowance cannot exceed the maximum allowable sign area for building signs. In other words, if a business proposes a sign on an awning and a wall sign, the permitted amount of area for a wall sign is reduced accordingly. The purpose of this provision is to prevent too much signage and visual clutter, especially for sign types that serve the same type of viewer.
The only place electronic messaging is permitted besides on public property (see Section 17.330.050) is for fuel price signs at fueling stations, consistent with State law. Fueling island signs are permitted one video sign integrated into each fueling station with a maximum area of two square feet. The Sign Code update provides that changeable copy on signs is only allowed at theaters, fueling stations, and drive-through establishments. Note that government buildings and schools that are public are not regulated by the City, including the Sign Ordinance, therefore, changeable copy can continue to be allowed in these cases.
Section 17.330.040: TEMPORARY SIGNS
The Sign Code update augments the existing Ordinance with general provisions for temporary signs, including that only one temporary sign may be displayed at a time, unless authorized in conjunction with a temporary use permit or special event. Table 3-14 provides standards for size, height, maximum number, and duration of temporary signs for nonresidential uses in residential zoning districts; nonresidential uses in mixed-use, residential, and special purpose zoning districts; and nonresidential uses in Planned Development Districts not regulated by a Comprehensive Plan.
Section 17.330.055: NONCONFORMING SIGNS
The existing provisions of the Nonconforming Signs Section of the Ordinance remain, with some minor changes in the Sign Code update. The amount of time an abandoned nonconforming sign can remain is proposed to change from 90 days to 180 days, to allow additional time for a new business to occupy the site before the sign must be removed.
Chapter 17.700: Definitions
To ensure consistency with the provisions and terms in the Sign Code update, the following definitions are proposed for revision: “canopy, structural,” “business frontage,” “false mansard.” Since these definitions are currently provided in Section 17.700.010, the revisions are to that Section, and the definitions cross referenced in Section 17.330 (Signs).
Chapter 17.550 Variances, Administrative Modifications and Reasonable Accommodations
Table 5-2 Administrative Modifications is proposed to be amended to add an increase in the sign area of a permanent sign as a type of administrative modification allowed, with a maximum adjustment of 10 percent. This corresponds to Subsection 17.330.025(A)(1)(b) of the Sign Code update. No more than 10 percent of the total sign area allowed may be exceeded, including applicable cumulative sign area, such as for wall signs.
Chapter 13.02 Offenses Against Property
This existing Chapter of the Zoning Code very briefly addresses signs in the public right-of-way and signs on residential and non-residential lots. Minor changes to this Chapter have been made for clarity and to consolidate provisions. The revisions confirm that no person shall construct, affix, place, or post any display or medium of communication in the public right-of-way except as provided in the Sign Ordinance and for certain City signs and news racks.
Future Amendments
Creative Signs and Iconic Signs are not included in the proposed Ordinance. Further study is necessary to determine appropriate findings and standards. Staff will revisit the issue and possibly bring back an amendment at a later date.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Planning Commission Workshop
On September 24, 2024, the Planning Commission held a study session to discuss the Sign Code update. Staff and the City’s consultant, MIG, presented ideas for new content and received comments from the Commission and the public.
In addition to the Planning Commission Study Session, City staff and its consultant conducted nine interested party interviews during May and June 2024 to understand any concerns that the development community, local businesses, sign industry representatives, and other interested parties have about the current Culver City sign regulations and to identify any changes they would like considered. In summary, consensus was that the code provide various sign options, is consistent with those of other cities, and allows for flexibility in the scale of allowed signage. Some identified issues with ordinance categories, including temporary signs, digital signs, nonconforming signs, and sign programs.
Comments Received During Public Comment Period
Public notification via a publication in the Culver City News, was published on June 26, 2025, and posted on the City website and distributed electronically via GovDelivery on the same date. As of the writing of this report, staff has not any public comments in response to the public notification for the City Council hearing.
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.
CONCLUSION
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 the findings are made as outlined in the proposed Ordinance (Attachment 1).
FISCAL ANALYSIS
There is minimal fiscal impact associated with the introduction of this ordinance.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Proposed City Council Ordinance (P2025-0125-ZCA) with Exhibit A: New Comprehensive Sign Ordinance
2. Summary of Key Changes to the Sign Code
3. Planning Commission Staff Report (without attachments)
4. Planning Commission Resolution No. 2025-P009 (without Exhibit A)
MOTION
That the City Council:
Introduce 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).