SEC. 601. SPECIAL PURPOSES.

This Article 6 is adopted in recognition of the important function of signs and of the need for their regulation under the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance of the City and County. In addition to those purposes of the City Planning Code stated in Section 101, it is the further purpose of this Article 6 to safeguard and enhance property values in residential, commercial and industrial areas; to protect public investment in and the character and dignity of public buildings, open spaces and thoroughfares; to protect the distinctive appearance of San Francisco which is produced by its unique geography, topography, street patterns, skyline and architectural features; to provide an environment which will promote the development of business in the City; to encourage sound practices and lessen the objectionable effects of competition in respect to size and placement of signs; to aid in the attraction of tourists and other visitors who are so important to the economy of the City and County; to reduce hazards to motorists and pedestrians traveling on the public way; and thereby to promote the public health, safety and welfare. (Added by Ord. 263-65, App. 10/22/65)

SEC. 602. SPECIAL DEFINITIONS.

The following definitions shall apply to this Article 6, in addition to such definitions elsewhere in this Code as may be appropriate. (Added by Ord. 263-65, App. 10/22/65)

SEC. 602.1. AREA (OF A SIGN).

(a) All Signs Except on Windows, Awnings and Marquees. The entire area within a single continuous rectangular perimeter formed by extending lines around the extreme limits of writing, representation, emblem, or any figure of similar character, including any frame or other material or color forming an integral part of the display or used to differentiate such sign from the background against which it is placed; excluding the necessary supports or uprights on which such sign is placed but including any sign tower. Where a sign has two or more faces, the area of all faces shall be included in determining the area of the sign, except that where two such faces are placed back to back and are at no point more than two feet from one another, the area of the sign shall be taken as the area of one face if the two faces are of equal area, or as the area of the larger face if the two faces are of unequal area.

(b) On Windows. The area of any sign painted directly on a window shall be the area within a rectangular perimeter formed by extending lines around the extreme limits of writing, representation, or any figure of similar character depicted on the surface of the window. The area of any sign placed on or behind the window glass shall be as described above in Paragraph (a).

(c) On Awnings or Marquees. The area of any sign on an awning or marquee shall be the total of all signage on all faces of the structure. All sign copy on each face shall be computed within one rectangular perimeter formed by extending lines around the extreme limits of writing, representation, or any figure of similar character depicted on the surface of the face of the awning or marquee. (Added by Ord. 263-65, App. 1/22/65; amended by Ord. 69-87, App. 3/13/87)

SEC. 602.2. ATTACHED TO A BUILDING.

Supported, in whole or in part, by a building. (Added by Ord. 263-65, App. 10/22/65)

SEC. 602.3. BUSINESS SIGN.

A sign which directs attention to a business, commodity, service, industry or other activity which is sold, offered, or conducted, other than incidentally, on the premises upon which such sign is located, or to which it is affixed. Where a number of commodities with different brand names or symbols are sold on the premises, up to 1/3 of the area of a business sign, or 25 square feet of sign area, whichever is the lesser, may be devoted to the advertising of one or more of those commodities by brand name or symbol as an accessory function of the business sign, provided that such advertising is integrated with the remainder of the business sign, and provided also that any limits which may be imposed by this Code on the area of individual signs and the area of all signs on the property are not exceeded. (Added by Ord. 263-65, App. 10/22/65)

SEC. 602.4. DIRECTLY ILLUMINATED SIGN.

A sign designed to give forth artificial light directly (or through transparent or translucent material) from a source of light within such sign, including but not limited to neon and exposed lamp signs. (Added by Ord. 263-65, App. 10/22/65)

SEC. 602.5. FREESTANDING.

In no part supported by a building. (Added by Ord. 263-65, App. 10/22/65)

SEC. 602.6. FREEWAY.

A highway, in respect to which the owners of abutting lands have no right or easement of access to or from their abutting lands or in respect to which such owners have only limited or restricted right or easement of access, the precise route for which has been determined and designated as a freeway by an authorized agency of the State or a political subdivision thereof. The term shall include the main traveled portion of the trafficway and all ramps and appurtenant land and structures. Trans-Bay highway crossings shall be deemed to be freeways within the meaning of this definition for purposes of this Code. (Added by Ord. 263-65, App. 10/22/65)

SEC. 602.7. GENERAL ADVERTISING SIGN.

A sign, legally erected prior to the effective date of Section 611 of this Code, which directs attention to a business, commodity, industry or other activity which is sold, offered or conducted elsewhere than on the premises upon which sign is located, or to which it is affixed, and which is sold, offered or conducted on such premises only incidentally if at all. (Added by Ord. 263-65, App. 10/22/65; amended by Proposition G, 3/5/2002)

SEC. 602.8. HEIGHT (OF A SIGN).

The vertical distance from the uppermost point used in measuring the area of a sign, as defined in Section 602.1, to the ground immediately below such point or to the level of the upper surface of the nearest curb of a street, alley or highway (other than a structurally elevated roadway), whichever measurement permits the greater elevation of the sign. (Amended by Ord. 234-72, App. 8/18/72)

SEC. 602.9 HISTORIC SIGNS AND HISTORIC SIGN DISTRICTS.

An historic sign is a sign that depicts a land use, a business activity, a public activity, a social activity or historical figure or an activity or use that recalls the City's historic past, as further defined in Section 608.14 of this Code, and as permitted by Sections 303 and 608.14 of this Code.

An historic sign district is a specific geographic area depicted on the Zoning Map of the City and County of San Francisco, pursuant to Section 302 of this Code, within which historic signs may be permitted by conditional use authorization by the Planning Commission pursuant to Sections 303 and 608.14 of this Code. (Added by Ord. 276-98, App. 8/28/98)

SEC. 602.10. IDENTIFYING SIGN.

A sign for a use listed in Article 2 of this Code as either a principal or a conditional use permitted in an R District, regardless of the district in which the use itself may be located, which sign serves to tell only the name, address and lawful use of the premises upon which the sign is located, or to which it is affixed. A bulletin board of a public, charitable or religious institution, used to display announcements relative to meetings to be held on the premises, shall be deemed an identifying sign. With respect to shopping malls containing five or more stores or establishments in NC Districts, and shopping centers containing five or more stores or establishments in NC-S Districts, identifying signs shall include signs which tell the name of and/or describe aspects of the operation of the mall or center. Shopping malls, as that term is used in this Section, are characterized by a common pedestrian passageway which provides access to the businesses located therein. (Added by Ord. 263-65, App. 10/22/65; amended by Ord. 69-87, App. 3/13/87; Ord. 276-98, App. 8/28/98)

SEC. 602.11. INDIRECTLY ILLUMINATED SIGN.

A sign illuminated with a light directed primarily toward such sign and so shielded that no direct rays from the light are visible elsewhere than on the lot where said illumination occurs. If not effectively so shielded, such sign shall be deemed to be a directly illuminated sign. (Added by Ord. 263-65, App. 10/22/65; amended by Ord. 276-98, App. 8/28/98)

SEC. 602.12. LANDSCAPED FREEWAY.

Any part of a freeway that is now or hereafter classified by the State or a political subdivision thereof as a landscaped freeway, as defined in the California Outdoor Advertising Act. Any part of a freeway that is not so designated shall be deemed a nonlandscaped freeway. (Added by Ord. 263-65, App. 10/22/65; amended by Ord. 276-98, App. 8/28/98)

SEC. 602.13. NAME PLATE.

A sign affixed flat against a wall of a building and serving to designate only the name or the name and professional occupation of a person or persons residing in or occupying space in such building. (Added by Ord. 263-65, App. 10/22/65; amended by Ord. 276-98, App. 8/28/98)

SEC. 602.14. NONILLUMINATED SIGN.

A sign which is not illuminated, either directly or indirectly. (Added by Ord. 263-65, App. 10/22/65; amended by Ord. 276-98, App. 8/28/98)

SEC. 602.15. PROJECTION.

The horizontal distance by which the furthermost point used in measuring the area of a sign, as defined in Section 602.1, extends beyond a street property line or a building setback line. A sign placed flat against a wall of a building parallel to a street or alley shall not be deemed to project for purposes of this definition. A sign on an awning, canopy or marquee shall be deemed to project to the extent that such sign extends beyond a street property line or a building setback line. (Added by Ord. 263-65, App. 10/22/65; amended by Ord. 276-98, App. 8/28/98)

SEC. 602.16. ROOFLINE.

The upper edge of any building wall or parapet, exclusive of any sign tower. (Added by Ord. 263-65, App. 10/22/65; amended by Ord. 276-98, App. 8/28/98)

SEC. 602.17. ROOF SIGN.

A sign or any portion thereof erected or painted on or over the roof covering any portion of a building, and either supported on the roof or on an independent structural frame or sign tower, or located on the side or roof of a penthouse, roof tank, roof shed, elevator housing or other roof structure. (Added by Ord. 263-65, App. 10/22/65; amended by Ord. 276-98, App. 8/28/98)

SEC. 602.18. SALE OR LEASE SIGN.

A sign which serves only to indicate with pertinent information the availability for sale, lease or rental of the lot or building on which it is placed, or some part thereof. (Added by Ord. 263-65, App. 10/22/65; amended by Ord. 276-98, App. 8/28/98)

SEC. 602.19. SIGN.

Any structure, part thereof, or device or inscription which is located upon, attached to, or painted, projected or represented on any land or right-of-way, or on the outside of any building or structure including an awning, canopy, marquee or similar appendage, or affixed to the glass on the outside or inside of a window so as to be seen from the outside of the building, and which displays or includes any numeral, letter, word, model, banner, emblem, insignia, symbol, device, light, trademark, or other representation used as, or in the nature of, an announcement, advertisement, attention-arrester, direction, warning, or designation by or of any person, firm, group, organization, place, commodity, product, service, business, profession, enterprise or industry. A “sign” is composed of those elements included in the area of the sign as defined in Section 602.1 of this Code, and in addition the supports, uprights and framework of the display. Except in the case of general advertising signs, two or more faces shall be deemed to be a single sign if such faces are contiguous on the same plane, or are placed back to back to form a single structure and are at no point more than two feet from one another. Also, on awnings or marquees, two or more faces shall be deemed to be a single sign if such faces are on the same awning or marquee structure. (Amended by Ord. 125-70, App. 4/14/70; Ord. 69-87, App. 3/13/87; Ord. 276-98, App. 8/28/98)

SEC. 602.20. SIGN TOWER.

A tower, whether attached to a building, freestanding, or an integral part of a building, which is erected for the primary purpose of incorporating a sign, or having a sign attached thereto. (Added by Ord. 263-65, App. 10/22/65; amended by Ord. 276-98, App. 8/28/98)

SEC. 602.21. STREET PROPERTY LINE.

For purposes of this Article 6 only, “street property line” shall mean any line separating private property from either a street or an alley. (Added by Ord 263-65, App. 10/22/65; amended by Ord. 276-98, App. 8/28/98)

SEC. 602.21A. VIDEO SIGN.

A sign that displays, emits, or projects or is readily capable of displaying, emitting or projecting a visual representation or image; an animated video, visual representation, or image; or other video image of any kind onto a building, fabric, screen, sidewalk, wall, or other surface through a variety of means, including, but not limited to: camera; computer; digital cinema, imaging, or video; electronic display; fiber optics; film; internet; intranet; light emitting diode screen or video display; microprocessor or microcontolled based systems; picture frames; plasma display; projector; satellite; scrolling display; streaming video; telephony; television; VHS; wireless transmission; or other technology that can transmit animated or video images. (Added by Ord. 28-02, File No. 011962, App. 3/15/2002)

SEC. 602.22. WALL SIGN.

A sign painted directly on the wall or placed flat against a building wall with its copy parallel to the wall to which it is attached and not protruding more than the thickness of the sign cabinet. (Amended by Ord. 125-70, App. 4/14/70; Ord. 69-87, App. 3/13/87; Ord. 276-98, App. 8/28/98)

SEC. 602.23. WIND SIGN.

Any sign composed of two or more banners, flags, or other objects, mounted serially and fastened in such a manner as to move upon being subjected to pressure by wind or breeze. (Added by Ord. 69-87, App. 3/13/87; amended by Ord. 276-98, App. 8/28/98)

SEC. 602.24. WINDOW SIGN.

A sign painted directly on the surface of a window glass or placed in front of or behind the surface of a window glass. (Added by Ord. 69-87, App. 3/13/87; amended by Ord. 276-98, App. 8/28/98)

SEC. 603. EXEMPTED SIGNS.

Nothing in this Article 6 shall apply to any of the following signs:

(a) Official public notices, and notices posted by public officers in performance of their duties;

(b) Governmental signs for control of traffic and other regulatory purposes, street signs, danger signs, railroad crossing signs, and signs of public service companies indicating danger and aids to service or safety;

(c) Temporary display posters, without independent structural support, in connection with political campaigns and with civic noncommercial health, safety and welfare campaigns, provided that in R districts such posters shall be removed within 60 days following the conclusion of the campaign;

(d) Flags, emblems, insignia and posters of any nation or political subdivision, and temporary displays of a patriotic, religious, charitable or other civic character;

(e) House numbers, whether illuminated or not, “no trespassing,” “no parking,” and other warning signs;

(f) Commemorative plaques placed by recognized historical agencies;

(g) Signs within a stadium, open-air theater or arena which are designed primarily to be viewed by patrons within such stadium, open-air theater or arena;

(h) Religious symbols attached to buildings if not projecting beyond any street property line or building setback line;

(i) Flags indicating weather conditions, and single flags which are emblems of business firms, enterprises and other organizations;

(j) Two general advertising signs each not exceeding 24 square feet in area on either a transit shelter or associated advertising kiosk furnished by contract with the Public Utilities Commission or Public Transportation Commission for the Municipal Railway in RM-2, RM-3, RM-4, RC, NC, C, M and South of Market Districts, and in those P Districts where such signs would not adversely affect the character, harmony or visual integrity of the district as determined by the City Planning Commission; eight general advertising signs each not exceeding 24 square feet in area on transit shelters located on publicly owned property on a high level Municipal Railway boarding platform in an RH-1D District adjacent to a C-2 District, provided that such advertising signs solely face the C-2 District; and up to three double-sided general advertising signs each not exceeding 24 square feet in area on or adjacent to transit shelters on publicly owned high level Municipal Railway boarding platforms along The Embarcadero south of the Ferry Building, up to six double-sided panels at 2nd and King Streets, and up to four double-sided panels at 4th and King Streets and 6th and King Streets. Each advertising sign on a high level boarding platform shall be designed and sited in such a manner as to minimize obstruction of public views from pedestrian walkways and/or public open space.

Notwithstanding the above, no sign shall be placed on any transit shelter or associated advertising kiosk located on any sidewalk which shares a common boundary with any property under the jurisdiction of the Recreation and Park Commission, with the exception of Justin Herman Plaza; on any sidewalk on Zoo Road; on Skyline Boulevard between Sloat Boulevard and John Muir Drive; on John Muir Drive between Skyline Boulevard and Lake Merced Boulevard; or on Lake Merced Boulevard on the side of Harding Park Municipal Golf Course, or on any sidewalk on Sunset Boulevard between Lincoln Way and Lake Merced Boulevard; on any sidewalk on Legion of Honor Drive; or in the Civic Center Special Sign Districts as established in Section 608.3 of this Code;

The provisions of this subsection shall be subject to the authority of the San Francisco Port Commission under Sections 4.114 and B3.581 of the City Charter and under State law.

(k) Information plaques or signs which identify to the public open space resources, architectural features, creators of artwork, or otherwise provide information required by this Code or by other City agencies, or an identifying sign which directs the general public and/or patrons of a particular establishment to open space or parking resources, provided that such sign shall not project more than three inches from the wall and that its dimensions shall be no greater than one by two feet;

(l) Nonilluminated art murals within the South of Market Base District, if they project no more than 18 inches from the pre-existing surface of a structure;

(m) Two general advertising signs each not exceeding 52 square feet in area on a public service kiosk furnished by contract with the Department of Public Works which contract also provides for the installation and maintenance of automatic public toilets. Each such public service kiosk shall be divided into three sections, one of which shall provide a public service, such as a newsstand, newsrack, map, public telephone, vending machine, display of public service information, or interactive video terminal.

(n) Advertising placed on fixed pedestal newsrack units in accordance with Section 184.12 of the Public Works Code. (Amended by Ord. 77-85, App. 2/19/85; Ord. 69-87, App. 3/13/87; Ord. 114-89, App. 4/14/89; Ord. 115-90, App. 4/6/90; Ord. 262-94, App. 7/15/94; Ord. 285-94, App. 8/2/94; Ord. 32-97, App. 2/7/97; Ord. 340-98, App. 11/13/98)

SEC. 604. PERMITS AND CONFORMITY REQUIRED.

(a) An application for a permit for a sign that conforms to the provisions of this Code shall be approved by the Department of Planning without modification or disapproval by the Department of Planning or the Planning Commission, pursuant to the authority vested in them by Section 26, Part III, of the San Francisco Municipal Code or any other provision of said Municipal Code; provided, however, that applications pertaining to signs subject to the regulations set forth in Article 10 of the Planning Code, Preservation of Historical, Architectural and Aesthetic Landmarks, Article 11, Preservation of Buildings and Districts of Architectural, Historical and Aesthetic Importance in the C-3 Districts and Section 608.14 may be disapproved pursuant to the relevant provisions thereof. No sign, other than those signs exempted by Section 603 of this Code, shall be erected, placed, replaced, reconstructed or relocated on any property, intensified in illumination or other aspect, or expanded in area or in any dimension except in conformity with Sections 605 through 608.14 of this Code. No such erection, placement, replacement, reconstruction, relocation, intensification, or expansion shall be undertaken without a permit having been duly issued therefor, except as specifically provided otherwise in this Section 604.

(b) The provisions of this Section 604 shall apply to work of the above types on all signs unless specifically exempted by this Code, whether or not a permit for such sign is required under the San Francisco Building Code. In cases in which permits are not required under the Building Code, applications for permits shall be filed with the Central Permit Bureau of the Department of Building Inspection on forms prescribed by the Department of Planning, together with a permit fee of $5 for each sign, and the permit number shall appear on the completed sign in the same manner as required by the Building Code.

(c) No permit shall be required under this Code for a sign painted or repainted directly on a door or window in an NC, C or M District. Permits shall be required for all other painted signs in NC, C and M Districts, and for all painted signs in P and R Districts. Repainting of any painted sign shall be deemed to be a replacement of the sign, except as provided in Subsection (f) below.

(d) Except as provided in Subsection (c) above, no permit shall be required under this Code for ordinary maintenance and minor repairs which do not involve replacement, alteration, reconstruction, relocation, intensification or expansion of the sign.

(e) No permit shall be required under this Code for temporary sale or lease signs, temporary signs of persons and firms connected with work on buildings under actual construction or alteration, and temporary business signs, to the extent that such signs are permitted by this Code.

(f) A mere change of copy on a sign the customary use of which involves frequent and periodic changes of copy shall not be subject to the provisions of this Section 604, except that a change from general advertising to nongeneral advertising sign copy or from nongeneral advertising to general advertising sign copy or an increase in area including, but not limited to, any extensions in the form of writing, representation, emblem or any figure of similar character shall in itself constitute a new sign subject to the provisions of this Section 604. In the case of signs the customary use of which does not involve frequent and periodic changes of copy, a change of copy shall in itself constitute a new sign subject to the provisions of this Section 604 if the new copy concerns a different person, firm, group, organization, place, commodity, product, service, business, profession, enterprise or industry.

(g) Each application for a permit for a sign shall be accompanied by a scaled drawing of the sign, including the location of the sign on the building or other structure or on the lot, and including (except in the case of a sign the customary use of which involves frequent and periodic changes of copy) such designation of the copy as is needed to determine that the location, area and other provisions of this Code are met.

(h) Unless otherwise provided in this Code or in other Codes or regulations, a lawfully existing sign which fails to conform to the provisions of this Article 6 may remain until the end of its normal life. Such sign may not, however, be replaced, altered, reconstructed, relocated, intensified or expanded in area or in any dimension except in conformity with the provisions of this Code, including Subsection (i) below. Ordinary maintenance and minor repairs shall be permitted, but such maintenance and repairs shall not include replacement, alteration, reconstruction, relocation, intensification or expansion of the sign. A sign which is damaged or destroyed by fire or other calamity shall be governed by the provisions of Sections 181(d) and 188(b) of this Code. A sign which is voluntarily destroyed or removed by its owner or which is required by law to be removed may be restored only in full conformity with the provisions of this Code, except as authorized in Subsection (i) below.

(i) A lawfully existing business that is relocating to a new location within 300 feet of its existing location within the North Beach Neighborhood Commercial District described in Sections 702.1 and 722.1 of this Code may move to the new location within said North Beach Neighborhood Commercial District one existing business sign together with its associated sign structure, whether or not the sign is nonconforming in its new location; provided, however, that the sign is not intensified or expanded in area or in any dimension except in conformity with the provisions of this Code. With the approval of the Zoning Administrator, however, the sign structure may be modified to the extent mandated by the Building Code. In no event may a painted sign or a sign with flashing, blinking, fluctuating or other animated light be relocated unless in conformity with current code requirements applicable to its new location. In addition, the provisions of Articles 10 and 11 of this Code shall apply to the relocation of any sign to a location regulated by the provisions of said Articles.

(j) Nothing in this Article 6 shall be deemed to permit any use of property that is otherwise prohibited by this Code, or to permit any sign that is prohibited by the regulations of any special sign district or the standards or procedures of any Redevelopment Plan or any other Code or legal restriction. (Amended by Ord. 414-85, App. 9/17/85; Ord. 69-87, App. 3/13/87; Ord. 172-97, App. 5/9/97; Ord. 276-98, App. 8/28/98)

SEC. 604.1. INFORMATION REQUIRED ON ADVERTISING SIGNS.

(a) Information Required on General Advertising Signs. Each general advertising sign authorized by this Code shall bear the following information:

(1) an imprint identifying the name of the sign company;

(2) the permit number; and

(3) the permitted sign dimensions.

This information shall be imprinted and maintained on the face or edge of the sign. Electric signs may have an approved metal tag attached to them instead of imprinted characters. See also requirements specified in Section 3102F.2 of the San Francisco Building Code.

The required text size shall be:

(i) a minimum of 2 inches in height for general advertising signs of 100 square feet or less;

(ii) a minimum of 4 inches in height for general advertising signs of 101 square feet to 500 square feet; and

(iii) a minimum of 8 inches in height for general advertising signs of over 500 square feet.

(b) New Signs; When Required. The information required by Subsection (a) shall be provided on each new general advertising sign or whenever a new permit is required, and must be kept accurate and maintained regardless of change of text or graphics.

(c) Existing Signs; When Required. The information required by Subsection (a) shall be included on each existing general advertising sign within twelve months of the effective date of this legislation. If no permit can be located within the 12-month period, the Director of Planning shall grant one six-month extension to allow the owner of the sign to apply for and obtain the in-lieu identifying number referred to below in this Subsection (c).

Where no permit can be located for a general advertising sign but the Director of the Planning Department concludes, based on evidence submitted to or possessed by the Planning Department, that the sign likely was legally authorized at the time it was installed at its current location, the Department shall issue an identifying number in lieu of a permit number and the sign shall be considered a lawful nonconforming use under Section 604(h) of this Code. This identifying number shall be imprinted and maintained on the sign in lieu of the permit number required by Subsection 604.1(a) above. The Director's conclusion concerning the legality or illegality of the sign and the rationale supporting that conclusion shall be set forth in writing and mailed to the applicant.

(d) Violations; Additional Penalty. Failure to comply with these requirements shall be deemed to be a violation of Article 6 and subject to the penalties for violation set forth in this Article 6 or elsewhere in this code. If the Director of Planning determines that the information provided on the sign, as required by Subsection (a), is knowingly false, inaccurate or misleading, an additional penalty of $1,000 a day may be imposed by the Director on the sign company in addition to the other penalties set forth in this Article 6 or elsewhere in this code. (Added by Ord. 73-01, File No. 002196, App. 5/18/2001; amended by Ord. 232-02, File No. 021727, App. 12/20/2002)

SEC. 605. PUBLIC USE DISTRICTS.

All applications for permits to erect business signs in P Districts shall be submitted to the City Planning Commission for approval or disapproval. The Commission, in its review, shall take into account the nature of the property and its use, the functional necessity for the sign, the proposed size, location, design and content of the sign, the degree of its harmony with the public purposes of the property and with the surrounding area, and the restrictions of this Code for signs in other districts. No general advertising sign, other than those signs exempted by Section 603 of this Code, shall be permitted. (Added by Ord. 263-65, App. 10/22/65; amended by Ord. 285-94, App. 8/2/94)

SEC. 606. RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS.

Signs in R Districts, other than those signs exempted by Section 603 of this Code, shall conform to the following provisions:

(a) General Provisions for All Signs.

(1) No sign shall project beyond a street property line or legislated setback line, or into a required front setback area.

(2) No sign shall have or consist of any moving, rotating or otherwise animated part, or (if permitted to be illuminated) any flashing, blinking, fluctuating or otherwise animated light.

(3) No roof sign, wind sign, or general advertising sign shall be permitted.

(4) No sign shall extend above the roofline of a building to which it is attached, or above a height of 12 feet.

(b) Signs for Uses Permitted in R Districts. The following types of signs, subject to the limitations prescribed for them, shall be the only signs permitted for uses authorized as principal or conditional uses in R Districts, except that signs for any commercial establishments so authorized in RC Districts shall be subject to the limitations of Paragraph (c)(3) below.

(1) One nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated nameplate for each street frontage of the lot, not exceeding a height of 12 feet, and having an area not exceeding one square foot in RH Districts or two square feet in RM or RED Districts.

(2) One identifying sign for each street frontage of the lot, not exceeding a height of 12 feet, and meeting the following additional requirements:

(A) In RH Districts: nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated only; maximum area 12 square feet;

(B) In RM-1 or RED Districts: maximum area eight square feet if directly illuminated, and 20 square feet if nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated.

(3) One temporary nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated sale or lease sign for each street frontage of the total parcel involved, not exceeding a height of 24 feet if freestanding and not above the roofline if attached to a building, and having an area not exceeding six square feet for each lot or for each 3,000 square feet in such total parcel, whichever ratio permits the larger area, provided that no such sign shall exceed 50 square feet in area and any such sign exceeding 18 square feet in area shall be set back at least 25 feet from all street property lines. Any sale or lease sign shall be removed within seven days following removal of the property from the market.

(4) Temporary nonilluminated signs of persons and firms connected with work on buildings under actual construction or alteration, giving their names and information pertinent to the project, not exceeding a height of 12 feet, with the combined area of all such signs not to exceed 10 square feet for each street frontage of the project.

(c) Signs for Nonconforming Uses. Signs for any use in an R District which is nonconforming under the provisions of Sections 180 through 187 of this Code, or which is given conditional use status under said sections, shall be subject to the provisions of this Subsection (c), except that any such use that would first be permitted as either a principal or a conditional use in some other R District under Article 2 of this Code, other than an RC District, shall be subject to the provisions of Subsection 606(b) above. Any illumination permitted for signs covered by this Subsection (c) shall be extinguished at all times when the nonconforming use is not open for business.

(1) Automobile Service Stations. The following business signs are permitted for an automobile service station. Any such signs may be nonilluminated or indirectly or directly illuminated.

(A) A maximum of two oil company signs, which shall not extend more than 10 feet above the roofline if attached to a building, or exceed a height of 24 feet if freestanding. The area of any such sign shall not exceed 180 square feet, and along each street frontage all parts of such a sign or signs that are within 10 feet of the street property line shall not exceed 80 square feet in area. The areas of other permanent and temporary signs as covered in Subparagraph 606(c)(1)(B) below shall not be included in the calculation of the areas specified in this Subparagraph.

(B) Other Permanent and Temporary Signs Customarily Incidental to the Service Station Business. No such sign shall extend above the roofline if attached to a building, or exceed a height of 12 feet if freestanding. The area of such signs shall not exceed 20 square feet for each such sign or a total of 80 square feet for all such signs on the premises.

(2) Open Land Uses. If there is no building with more than 50 square feet of floor area involved in the use, one business sign is permitted for each street frontage occupied by such use, not exceeding a height of 12 feet and having an area not exceeding one square foot for each foot of such street frontage. The total area of all signs for such a use shall not exceed 50 square feet. Any such sign may be nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated.

(3) Other Uses. For a use not listed in Paragraph 606(c)(1) or 606(c)(2) above, one business sign is permitted for each street frontage occupied by the use, placed flat against the wall that faces such street and not located above the ground floor. Such sign shall not exceed an area of two square feet for each foot of street frontage occupied by the building or part thereof that is devoted to the nonconforming use. The total area of all signs for such a use shall not exceed 100 square feet. Any such sign may be nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated. In RM, RED and RC Districts, any such sign may be directly illuminated. (Amended by Ord. 443-78, App. 10/6/78; Ord. 69-87, App. 3/13/87; Ord. 115-90, App. 4/6/90)

SEC. 607. COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS.

Signs in C and M Districts, other than those signs exempted by Section 603 of this Code, shall conform to the following provisions:

(a) General Advertising Signs. No general advertising sign shall be permitted in any C-1 District or within 200 feet of the park known as Union Square and visible from said park, except that a replacement sign of the same size or smaller, of the same type as defined in this Code or as interpreted by the Zoning Administrator, and at the same approximate location as an existing sign would be allowed within 200 feet of said park provided that the sign is otherwise permitted by the Planning Code, would cast no additional shadow upon Union Square, has no intensification of lighting as determined by the Zoning Administrator, and is not internally lighted or backlighted. Use of neon is not precluded by this provision. Temporary general advertising signs determined by the Zoning Administrator to be at pedestrian level and less than 50 square feet in size are not precluded by this provision.

(b) Roof Signs. Roof signs shall be permitted in all C and M Districts other than C-1 only if Subsections (1) through (3) below are satisfied; except that a roof sign that is designated historic pursuant to Sections 303 and 608.14 of this Code may be permitted without regard to Subsections (1) through (3) below:

(1) The sign does not extend more than 25 feet above the roofline of the building on or over which the sign is placed; and

(2) All parts of the sign are within 25 feet of, and the sign is mounted at not more than a 45-degree angle from, a wall of a building the roofline of which is at least as high as the top of the sign; and

(3) Such wall forms a complete backdrop for the sign, as the sign is viewed from all points from which the sign is legible from a public street or alley.

(c) Wind Signs. No wind sign shall be permitted in any C or M District.

(d) Moving Parts. No sign shall have or consist of any moving, rotating, or otherwise physically animated part (as distinguished from lights that give the appearance of animation by flashing, blinking or fluctuating), except as follows:

(1) Moving or rotating or otherwise physically animated parts may be used for the rotation of barber poles and the indication of time of day and temperature.

(2) In the case of a general advertising sign in C-2, C-3, C-M, M-1 and M-2 Districts, except for signs located within 200 feet of the park known as Union Square and visible from said park and signs located so as to be primarily viewed by persons traveling on any portion of a freeway, moving or otherwise physically animated parts may be used if such parts do not exceed a velocity of one complete cycle in a four-second period where such parts constitute less than 30 percent of the area of the sign or if, where such parts constitute a greater area of the sign, they do not exceed a velocity of one complete cycle in a four-second period and are stationary at least half of each eight-second period; except that signs designated historic pursuant to Sections 303 and 608.14 of this Code may have such moving features otherwise prohibited for signs located so as to be primarily viewed by persons traveling on any portion of a freeway.

(3) Notwithstanding the type of signs permissible under subparagraph (d), a video sign is prohibited.

(4) Notwithstanding the type of signs permissible under subparagraph (d)(2), a sign that rotates is prohibited.

(e) Illumination. Any sign may be nonilluminated or indirectly or directly illuminated. Signs in C-3, C-M, M-1 and M-2 Districts shall not be limited in any manner as to type of illumination, but no sign in a C-1 or C-2 District shall have or consist of any flashing, blinking, fluctuating or otherwise animated light except in each of the following special sign districts, all as specifically designated as “Special Districts for Sign Illumination” on Sectional Map SSD of the Zoning Map of the City and County of San Francisco, described in Section 608 of this Code:

(1) In the C-2 area consisting of five blocks in the vicinity of Fisherman's Wharf;

(2) In the C-2 area in the vicinity of Van Ness Avenue from Golden Gate Avenue and Eddy Street to Sacramento Street, and Polk Street from Eddy Street to Geary Street, also known as the Automotive Special Use District;

(3) In the C-2 area in the vicinity of Stockton, Washington and Kearny Streets and Broadway, also known as Washington-Broadway Special Use District Number 1.

(4) Notwithstanding the type of signs permissible under subparagraph (e), a video sign is prohibited in the districts described in subparagraphs (1)-(3).

(f) Projection. No sign shall project more than 75 percent of the horizontal distance from the street property line to the curbline and in no case shall a sign project more than 10 feet beyond the street property line or building setback line in C-1 Districts, or 12 feet beyond the street property line or building setback line in any other C or M District.

(g) Height and Extension Above Roofline.

(1) Signs Attached to Buildings. Except as provided in Section 260 for historic signs in historic districts, no sign attached to a building shall extend or be located above the roofline of the building to which it is attached; except that up to ½ the area of a business sign attached to the street wall of a building may extend above the roofline, up to the maximum height permitted for freestanding signs in the same district or 10 feet above the roofline, whichever is the lesser. In addition, no sign attached to a building shall under any circumstances exceed the following maximum heights:

In C-1: 40 feet;

In C-3: 100 feet;

In all other C and M Districts: 60 feet.

The 100-foot height limitation stated herein shall not apply to the modification or replacement of any currently existing wall signs so long as such modified or replacement sign is generally in the same location and not larger in surface area and projection than existing signs being modified or replaced. Such signs may contain letters, numbers, a logo, service mark and/or trademark and may be nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated.

(2) Freestanding Signs. The maximum height for freestanding signs shall be as follows:

In C-1: 24 feet;

In C-2: 36 feet;

In all other C and M Districts: 40 feet.

(h) Special Standards for Automobile Service Stations. For automobile service stations, only the following signs are permitted, subject to the standards in this Subsection (h) and to all other standards in this Section 607.

(1) A maximum of two oil company signs, which shall not extend more than 10 feet above the roofline if attached to a building, or exceed the maximum height permitted for freestanding signs in the same district if freestanding. The area of any such sign shall not exceed 180 square feet, and along each street frontage all parts of such a sign or signs that are within 10 feet of the street property line shall not exceed 80 square feet in area. No such sign shall project more than five feet beyond any street property line or building setback line. The areas of other permanent and temporary signs as covered in Paragraph 607(h)(2) below shall not be included in the calculation of the areas specified in this paragraph.

(2) Other permanent and temporary business signs, not to exceed 30 square feet in area for each such sign or a total of 180 square feet for all such signs on the premises. No such sign shall extend above the roofline if attached to a building, or in any case project beyond any street property line or building setback line.

(3) General advertising signs meeting the provisions of this Section 607. (Amended by Ord. 64-77, App. 2/18/77; Ord. 69-87, App. 3/13/87; Ord. 537-88, App. 12/16/88; Ord. 219-94, App. 6/3/94; Ord. 134-97, App. 4/25/97; Ord. 276-98, App. 8/28/98; Ord. 28-02, File No. 011962, App. 3/15/2002)

Editor's note:
Section 607(d)(3), added by Ordinance 28-02, applies to determinations made on or after February 20, 2001, by the Planning Department or Planning Commission. See Ordinance 28-02, § 5.

SEC. 607.1. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS.

Signs located in Neighborhood Commercial Districts shall be regulated as provided herein, except for those signs which are exempted by Section 603 of this Code. In the event of conflict between the provisions of Section 607.1 and other provisions of Article 6, the provisions of Section 607.1 shall prevail in Neighborhood Commercial Districts, provided that with respect to properties also located in the Upper Market Special Sign District, the provisions of Section 608.10 of this Code shall prevail.

(a) Purposes and Findings. In addition to the purposes stated in Sections 101 and 601 of this Code, the following purposes apply to Neighborhood Commercial Districts. These purposes constitute findings that form a basis for regulations and provide guidance for their application.

(1) As Neighborhood Commercial Districts change, they need to maintain their attractiveness to customers and potential new businesses alike. Physical amenities and a pleasant appearance will profit both existing and new enterprises.

(2) The character of signs and other features projecting from buildings is an important part of the visual appeal of a street and the general quality and economic stability of the area. Opportunities exist to relate these signs and projections more effectively to street design and building design. These regulations establish a framework that will contribute toward a coherent appearance of Neighborhood Commercial Districts.

(3) Neighborhood Commercial Districts are typically mixed use areas with commercial units on the ground or lower stories and residential uses on upper stories. Although signs and other advertising devices are essential to a vital commercial district, they should not be allowed to interfere with or diminish the livability of residential units within a Neighborhood Commercial District or in adjacent residential districts.

(4) The scale of most Neighborhood Com-mercial Districts as characterized by building height, bulk, and appearance, and the width of streets and sidewalks differs from that of other commercial and industrial districts. Sign sizes should relate and be compatible with the surrounding district scale.

(b) Signs or Sign Features Not Permitted in NC Districts. Roof signs as defined in Section 602.16 of this Code, wind signs as defined in Section 602.22 of this Code, and signs on canopies, as defined in Section 136.1(b) of this Code, are not permitted in NC Districts. No sign shall have or consist of any moving, rotating, or otherwise physically animated part, or lights that give the appearance of animation by flashing, blinking, or fluctuating, except as permitted by Section 607.1(i) of this Code. In addition, all signs or sign features not otherwise specifically regulated in this Section 607.1 shall be prohibited.

(c) Identifying Signs. Identifying signs, as defined in Section 602.10, shall be permitted in all Neighborhood Commercial Districts subject to the limits set forth below.

(1) One sign per lot shall be permitted and such sign shall not exceed 20 square feet in area. The sign may be a freestanding sign, if the building is recessed from the street property line, or may be a wall sign or a projecting sign. The existence of a freestanding identifying sign shall preclude the erection of a freestanding business sign on the same lot. A wall or projecting sign shall be mounted on the first-story level; a freestanding sign shall not exceed 15 feet in height. Such sign may be nonilluminated, indirectly illuminated, or directly illuminated.

(2) One sign identifying a shopping center or shopping mall shall be permitted subject to the conditions in Paragraph (1), but shall not exceed 30 square feet in area. Any sign identifying a permitted use listed in zoning categories .40 through .70 in Section 703.2(a) in an NC District shall be considered a business sign and subject to Section 607.1(f) of this Code. Such signs may be nonilluminated, indirectly illuminated, or directly illuminated during the hours of operation of the businesses in the shopping center or shopping mall.

(d) Nameplates. One nameplate, as defined in Section 602.12 of this Code, not exceeding an area of two square feet, shall be permitted for each noncommercial use in NC Districts.

(e) General Advertising Signs. General advertising signs, as defined in Section 602.7, shall be permitted in Neighborhood Commercial Districts, except in the Inner Sunset Neighborhood Commercial District where they are not permitted, as provided for below. In NC Districts where such signs are permitted, general advertising signs may be either a wall sign or freestanding, provided that the surface of any freestanding sign shall be parallel to and within three feet of an adjacent building wall. In either case, the building wall shall form a complete backdrop for the sign, as the sign is viewed from all points from a street or alley from which it is legible. No general advertising sign shall be permitted to cover part or all of any windows. Any extension of the copy beyond the rectangular perimeter of the sign shall be included in the calculation of the sign, as defined in Section 602.1(a) of this Code.

(1) NC-2 and NC-S Districts. No more than one general advertising sign shall be permitted per lot or in NC-S Districts, per district. Such sign shall not exceed 72 square feet in area nor exceed 12 feet in height. Such sign may be either nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated.

(2) NC-3 District and Broadway Districts. No more than one general advertising sign not exceeding 300 square feet or two general advertising signs of 72 square feet each shall be permitted per lot. The height of any such sign shall not exceed 24 feet, or the height of the wall to which it is attached, or the height of the lowest of any residential windowsills on the wall to which it is attached, whichever is lower, if a wall sign, or the adjacent wall or the top of the adjacent wall if a freestanding sign, whichever is lower.

(A) NC-3 Districts. Signs may be either nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated.

(f) Business Signs. Business signs, as defined in Section 602.3 shall be permitted in all Neighborhood Commercial Districts subject to the limits set forth below.

(1) NC-1 Districts.

(A) Window Signs. The total area of all window signs, as defined in Section 602.1(b), shall not exceed 1/3 the area of the window on or in which the signs are located. Such signs may be nonilluminated, indirectly illuminated, or directly illuminated.

(B) Wall Signs. The area of all wall signs shall not exceed one square foot per square foot of street frontage occupied by the business measured along the wall to which the signs are attached, or 50 square feet for each street frontage, whichever is less. The height of any wall sign shall not exceed 15 feet or the height of the wall to which it is attached. Such signs may be nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated; or during business hours, may be directly illuminated.

(C) Projecting Signs. The number of projecting signs shall not exceed one per business. The area of such sign, as defined in Section 602.1(a), shall not exceed 24 square feet. The height of such sign shall not exceed 15 feet or the height of the wall to which it is attached. No part of the sign shall project more than 75 percent of the horizontal distance from the street property line to the curbline, or six feet six inches, whichever is less. The sign may be nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated, or during business hours, may be directly illuminated.

(D) Signs on Awnings. Sign copy may be located on permitted awnings in lieu of wall signs and projecting signs. The area of such sign copy as defined in Section 602.1(c) shall not exceed 20 square feet. Such sign copy may be nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated.

(2) NC-2, NC-S, Broadway, Castro Street, Inner Clement Street, Outer Clement Street, Upper Fillmore Street, Inner Sunset, Haight Street, Hayes-Gough, Upper Market Street, North Beach, Polk Street, Sacramento Street, Union Street, Valencia Street, 24th Street-Mission, 24th Street-Noe Valley, and West Portal Avenue Neighborhood Commercial Districts.

(A) Window Signs. The total area of all window signs, as defined in Section 602.1(b), shall not exceed 1/3 the area of the window on or in which the signs are located. Such signs may be nonilluminated, indirectly illuminated, or directly illuminated.

(B) Wall Signs. The area of all wall signs shall not exceed two square feet per foot of street frontage occupied by the use measured along the wall to which the signs are attached, or 100 square feet for each street frontage, whichever is less. The height of any wall sign shall not exceed 24 feet, or the height of the wall to which it is attached, or the height of the lowest of any residential windowsill on the wall to which the sign is attached, whichever is lower. Such signs may be nonilluminated, indirectly, or directly illuminated.

(C) Projecting Signs. The number of projecting signs shall not exceed one per business. The area of such sign, as defined in Section 602.1(a), shall not exceed 24 square feet. The height of such sign shall not exceed 24 feet, or the height of the wall to which it is attached, or the height of the lowest of any residential windowsill on the wall to which the sign is attached, whichever is lower. No part of the sign shall project more than 75 percent of the horizontal distance from the street property line to the curbline, or six feet six inches, whichever is less. Such signs may be nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated; or during business hours, may be directly illuminated.

(D) Signs on Awnings and Marquees. Sign copy may be located on permitted awnings or marquees in lieu of projecting signs. The area of such sign copy as defined in Section 602.1(c) shall not exceed 30 square feet. Such sign copy may be nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated; except that sign copy on marquees for movie theaters or places of entertainment may be directly illuminated during business hours.

(E) Freestanding Signs and Sign Towers. With the exception of automotive gas and service stations, which are regulated under Paragraph 607.1(f)(4), one freestanding sign or sign tower per lot shall be permitted in lieu of a projecting sign, if the building or buildings are recessed from the street property line. The existence of a freestanding business sign shall preclude the erection of a freestanding identifying sign on the same lot. The area of such freestanding sign or sign tower, as defined in Section 602.1(a), shall not exceed 20 square feet nor shall the height of the sign exceed 24 feet. No part of the sign shall project more than 75 percent of the horizontal distance from the street property line to the curbline, or six feet, whichever is less. Such signs may be nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated; or during business hours, may be directly illuminated.

(3) NC-3 Neighborhood Commercial District.

(A) Window Signs. The total area of all window signs, as defined in Section 602.1(b), shall not exceed 1/3 the area of the window on or in which the signs are located. Such signs may be nonilluminated, indirectly illuminated, or directly illuminated.

(B) Wall Signs. The area of all wall signs shall not exceed three square feet per foot of street frontage occupied by the use measured along the wall to which the signs are attached, or 150 square feet for each street frontage, whichever is less. The height of any wall sign shall not exceed 24 feet, or the height of the wall to which it is attached, or the height of the lowest of any residential windowsill on the wall to which the sign is attached, whichever is lower. Such signs may be nonilluminated, indirectly, or directly illuminated.

(C) Projecting Signs. The number of projecting signs shall not exceed one per business. The area of such sign, as defined in Section 602.1(a), shall not exceed 32 square feet. The height of the sign shall not exceed 24 feet, or the height of the wall to which it is attached, or the height of the lowest of any residential windowsill on the wall to which the sign is attached, whichever is lower. No part of the sign shall project more than 75 percent of the horizontal distance from the street property line to the curbline, or six feet six inches, whichever is less. Such signs may be nonilluminated, indirectly, or directly illuminated.

(D) Sign Copy on Awnings and Marquees. Sign copy may be located on permitted awnings or marquees in lieu of projecting signs. The area of such sign copy, as defined in Section 602.1(c), shall not exceed 40 square feet. Such sign copy may be nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated; except that sign copy on marquees for movie theaters or places of entertainment may be directly illuminated during business hours.

(E) Freestanding Signs and Sign Towers With the exception of automotive gas and service stations, which are regulated under Paragraph 607.1(f)(4) of this Code, one freestanding sign or sign tower per lot shall be permitted in lieu of a projecting sign if the building or buildings are recessed from the street property line. The existence of a freestanding business sign shall preclude the erection of a freestanding identifying sign on the same lot. The area of such freestanding sign or sign tower, as defined in Section 602.1(a), shall not exceed 30 square feet nor shall the height of the sign exceed 24 feet. No part of the sign shall project more than 75 percent of the horizontal distance from the street property line to the curbline, or six feet, whichever is less. Such signs may be nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated, or during business hours, may be directly illuminated.

(4) Special Standards for Automotive Gas and Service Stations. For automotive gas and service stations in Neighborhood Commercial Districts, only the following signs are permitted, subject to the standards in this Paragraph (f)(4) and to all other standards in this Section 607.1.

(A) A maximum of two oil company signs, which shall not extend more than 10 feet above the roofline if attached to a building, or exceed the maximum height permitted for freestanding signs in the same district if freestanding. The area of any such sign shall not exceed 180 square feet, and along each street frontage, all parts of such a sign or signs that are within 10 feet of the street property line shall not exceed 80 square feet in area. No such sign shall project more than five feet beyond any street property line. The areas of other permanent and temporary signs as covered in Subparagraph (B) below shall not be included in the calculation of the areas specified in this Subparagraph.

(B) Other permanent and temporary business signs, not to exceed 30 square feet in area for each such sign or a total of 180 square feet for all such signs on the premises. No such sign shall extend above the roofline if attached to a building, or in any case project beyond any street property line or building setback line.

(g) Temporary Signs. One temporary nonil-luminated or indirectly illuminated sale or lease sign or nonilluminated sign of persons and firms connected with work on buildings under actual construction or alteration, giving their names and information pertinent to the project per lot, shall be permitted. Such sign shall not exceed 50 square feet and shall conform to all regulations of Subsection 607.1(f) for business signs in the respective NC District in which the sign is to be located. All temporary signs shall be promptly removed upon completion of the activity to which they pertain.

(h) Special Sign Districts. Additional controls apply to certain Neighborhood Commercial Districts that are designated as Special Sign Districts. Special Sign Districts are described within Sections 608.1 through 608.11 of this Code and with the exception of Sections 608.1, 608.2 and 608.11, their designations, locations and boundaries are provided on Sectional Map SSD of the Zoning Map of the City and County of San Francisco.

(i) Restrictions on Illumination. Signs in Neighborhood Commercial Districts shall not have nor consist of any flashing, blinking, fluctuating or other-wise animated light except those moving or rotating or otherwise physically animated parts used for rotation of barber poles and the indication of time of day and temperature, and in the following special districts, all specifically designated as “Special Districts for Sign Illumination” on Sectional Map SSD of the Zoning Map of the City and County of San Francisco.

(1) Broadway Neighborhood Commercial District. Along the main commercial frontage of Broadway between west of Columbus Avenue and Osgood Place.

(2) NC-3. NC-3 District along Lombard Street from Van Ness Avenue to Broderick Street.

(3) Notwithstanding the type of signs permissible under subparagraph (i), a video sign is prohibited in the districts described in subparagraphs (1) and (2).

(j) Other Sign Requirements. Within Neighborhood Commercial Districts, the following additional requirements shall apply:

(1) Public Areas. No sign shall be placed upon any public street, alley, sidewalk, public plaza or right-of-way, or in any portion of a transit system, except such projecting signs as are otherwise permitted by this Code and signs, structures, and features as are specifically approved by the appropriate public authorities under applicable laws and regulations not inconsistent with this Code and under such conditions as may be imposed by such authorities.

(2) Maintenance. Every sign pertaining to an active establishment shall be adequately maintained in its appearance. When the activity for which the business sign has been posted has ceased operation for more than 90 days within the Chinatown Mixed Use Districts, all signs pertaining to that business activity shall be removed after that time.

(3) Temporary Signs. The provisions of Section 607.1(g) of this Code shall apply.

(4) Special Standards for Automotive Gas and Service Stations. The provisions of Section 607.1(f)(4) of this Code shall apply. (Added by Ord. 69-87, App. 3/13/87; amended by Ord. 445-87, App. 11/12/87; Ord. 219-94, App. 6/3/94; Ord. 262-00, File No. 001426, App. 11/17/2000; Ord. 28-02, File No. 011962, App. 3/15/2002)

Editor's note:
Section 607.1(i)(3), added by Ordinance 28-02, applies to determinations made on or after February 20, 2001, by the Planning Department or Planning Commission. See Ordinance 28-02, § 5.

SEC. 607.2. MIXED USE DISTRICTS.

Signs located in Mixed Use Districts shall be regulated as provided herein, except for those signs which are exempted by Section 603. Signs not specifically regulated in this Section 607.2 shall be prohibited. In the event of conflict between the provisions of Section 607.2 and other provisions of Article 6, the provisions of Section 607.2 shall prevail in Mixed Use Districts.

(a) Purposes and Findings. In addition to the purposes stated in Sections 101 and 601 of this Code, the following purposes apply to Mixed Use Districts. These purposes constitute findings that form a basis for regulations and provide guidance for their application.

(1) As Mixed Use Districts change, they need to maintain their attractiveness to customers and potential new businesses alike. Physical amenities and a pleasant appearance will profit both existing and new enterprises.

(2) The character of signs and other features projecting from buildings is an important part of the visual appeal of a street and the general quality and economic stability of the area. Opportunities exist to relate these signs and projections more effectively to street design and building design. These regulations establish a framework that will contribute toward a coherent appearance of Mixed Use Districts.

(3) Mixed Use Districts are typically mixed use areas with commercial units on the ground or lower stories and residential uses on upper stories or have housing and commercial and industrial activities interspersed. Although signs and other advertising devices are essential to a vital commercial district, they should not be allowed to interfere with or diminish the livability of residential units within a Mixed Use District or in adjacent residential districts.

(4) The scale of most Mixed Use Districts as characterized by building height, bulk, and appearance, and the width of streets and sidewalks differs from that of other commercial and industrial districts. Sign sizes should relate and be compatible with the surrounding district scale.

(b) Signs or Sign Features Not Permitted in Mixed Use Districts. General advertising signs are not permitted in the South of Market districts, except in the South of Market General Advertising Special Sign District. Roof signs as defined in Section 602.16 of this Code, wind signs as defined in Section 602.21 of this Code, and signs on canopies, as defined in Section 136.1(b) of this Code, are not permitted in Mixed Use Districts. No sign shall have or consist of any moving, rotating, or otherwise physically animated part, or lights that give the appearance of animation by flashing, blinking, or fluctuating. In addition, all signs or sign features not otherwise specifically regulated in this Section 607.2 shall be prohibited.

(c) Identifying Signs. Identifying signs, as defined in Section 602.10, shall be permitted in all Mixed Use Districts subject to the limits set forth below.

(1) One sign per lot shall be permitted and such sign shall not exceed 20 square feet in area. The sign may be a freestanding sign, if the building is recessed from the street property line, or may be a wall sign or a projecting sign. The existence of a freestanding identifying sign shall preclude the erection of a freestanding business sign on the same lot. A wall or projecting sign shall be mounted on the first-story level; a freestanding sign shall not exceed 15 feet in height. Such sign may be nonilluminated, indirectly illuminated, or directly illuminated.

(2) One sign identifying a shopping center or shopping mall shall be permitted subject to the conditions in Paragraph (1), but shall not exceed 30 square feet in area. Such signs may be nonilluminated, indirectly illuminated, or directly illuminated during the hours of operation of the businesses in the shopping center or shopping mall.

(d) Nameplate. One nameplate, as defined in Section 602.12 of this Code, not exceeding an area of two square feet, shall be permitted for each noncommercial use in Mixed Use Districts.

(e) General Advertising Signs. General advertising signs, as defined in Section 602.7, shall be permitted in Mixed Use Districts as provided for below. General advertising signs are not allowed in the South of Market Mixed Use Districts, except in the South of Market General Advertising Special Sign District or where a permit was approved by the City prior to January 1, 2001. In Mixed Use Districts where such signs are permitted, general advertising signs may be either a wall sign or freestanding, provided that the surface of any freestanding sign shall be parallel to and within three feet of an adjacent building wall. In either case, the building wall shall form a complete backdrop for the sign, as the sign is viewed from all points from a street or alley from which it is legible. No general advertising sign shall be permitted to cover part or all of any windows. Any extension of the copy beyond the rectangular perimeter of the sign shall be included in the calculation of the sign area, as defined in Section 602.1(a) of this Code.

(1) Chinatown Residential Neighborhood Commercial District. No more than one general advertising sign shall be permitted per lot. Such sign shall not exceed 72 square feet in area nor exceed 12 feet in height. Such sign may be either nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated.

(2) Chinatown Visitor Retail and Chinatown Community Business Districts. No more than one general advertising sign not exceeding 300 square feet in area or two general advertising signs of 72 square feet each shall be permitted per lot. The height of any such wall sign shall not exceed 24 feet, or the height of the wall to which it is attached, or the height of the lowest of any residential windowsills on the wall to which it is attached, whichever is lower. If the advertising sign is a freestanding sign, the height shall not exceed 24 feet or the height of the adjacent wall, whichever is lower.

(A) Signs may be either nonilluminated or indirectly or directly illuminated.

(3) South of Market General Advertising Special Sign District. Within the area designated as a South of Market General Advertising Special Sign District, as described in Section 821 of this Code and shown on Sectional Map SSD of the Zoning Map, the following provisions shall apply to general advertising signs: (1) No more than two general advertising signs not to exceed 300 square feet in area or one general advertising sign not to exceed 672 square feet in area shall be permitted per lot; (2) No more than one double-sided or multiple-sided sign shall be permitted per lot; and (3) Roof signs shall be permitted and shall not exceed the standards established by Section 607(b) of this Code for roof signs lying within M Districts.

(f) Business Signs. Business signs, as defined in Section 602.3 shall be permitted in all Mixed Use Districts subject to the limits set forth below.

(1) Chinatown Residential Neighborhood Commercial District.

(A) Window Signs. The total area of all window signs, as defined in Section 602.1(b), shall not exceed 1/3 the area of the window on or in which the signs are located. Such signs may be nonilluminated, indirectly illuminated, or directly illuminated.

(B) Wall Signs. The area of all wall signs shall not exceed one square foot per foot of street frontage occupied by the business measured along the wall to which the signs are attached, or 50 square feet for each street frontage, whichever is less; provided, however, that in no case shall the wall sign or combination of wall signs cover more than 75 percent of the surface of any wall, excluding openings. The height of any wall sign shall not exceed 15 feet or the height of the wall to which it is attached. Such signs may be nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated; or during business hours, may be directly illuminated.

(C) Projecting Signs. The number of projecting signs shall not exceed one per business. The area of such sign or signs combined when there are multiple signs, as defined in Section 602.1(a), shall not exceed 24 square feet. The height of such sign shall not exceed 15 feet or the height of the wall to which it is attached. No part of the sign shall project more than 75 percent of the horizontal distance from the street property line to the curbline, or six feet six inches, whichever is less. The sign may be nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated, or during business hours, may be directly illuminated.

(D) Signs on Awnings. Sign copy may be located on permitted awnings in lieu of wall signs and projecting signs. The area of such sign copy as defined in Section 602.1(c) shall not exceed 20 square feet. Such sign copy may be nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated.

(2) Chinatown Visitor Retail District.

(A) Window Signs. The total area of all window signs, as defined in Section 602.1(b), shall not exceed 1/3 the area of the window on or in which the signs are located. Such signs may be nonilluminated, indirectly illuminated, or directly illuminated.

(B) Wall Signs. The area of all wall signs shall not exceed two square feet per foot of street frontage occupied by the use measured along the wall to which the signs are attached, or 100 square feet for each street frontage, whichever is less. The height of any wall sign shall not exceed 24 feet, or the height of the wall to which it is attached, or the height of the lowest of any residential windowsill on the wall to which the sign is attached, whichever is lower. Such signs may be nonilluminated, indirectly, or directly illuminated.

(C) Projecting Signs. The number of projecting signs shall not exceed one per business. The area of such sign, as defined in Section 602.1(a), shall not exceed 24 square feet. The height of such sign shall not exceed 24 feet, or the height of the wall to which it is attached, or the height of the lowest of any residential windowsill on the wall to which the sign is attached, whichever is lower. No part of the sign shall project more than 75 percent of the horizontal distance from the street property line to the curbline, or six feet six inches, whichever is less. Such signs may be nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated; or during business hours, may be directly illuminated.

(D) Signs on Awnings and Marquees. Sign copy may be located on permitted awnings or marquees in lieu of projecting signs. The area of such sign copy as defined in Section 602.1(c) shall not exceed 30 square feet. Such sign copy may be nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated, except that sign copy on marquees for movie theaters or places of entertainment may be directly illuminated during business hours.

(E) Freestanding Signs and Sign Towers. One freestanding sign or sign tower per lot shall be permitted in lieu of a projecting sign, if the building or buildings are recessed from the street property line. The existence of a freestanding business sign shall preclude the erection of a freestanding identifying sign on the same lot. The area of such freestanding sign or sign tower, as defined in Section 602.1(a), shall not exceed 20 square feet nor shall the height of the sign exceed 24 feet. No part of the sign shall project more than 75 percent of the horizontal distance from the street property line to the curbline, or six feet, whichever is less. Such signs may be nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated; or during business hours, may be directly illuminated.

(3) Chinatown Community Business District and South of Market Mixed Use Districts.

(A) Window Signs. The total area of all window signs, as defined in Section 602.1(b), shall not exceed 1/3 the area of the window on or in which the signs are located. Such signs may be nonilluminated, indirectly illuminated, or directly illuminated.

(B) Wall Signs. The area of all wall signs shall not exceed three square feet per foot of street frontage occupied by the use measured along the wall to which the signs are attached, or 150 square feet for each street frontage, whichever is less; provided, however, that in no case shall the wall sign or combination of wall signs cover more than 75 percent of the surface of any wall, excluding openings. The height of any wall sign shall not exceed 24 feet, or the height of the wall to which it is attached, or the height of the lowest of any residential windowsill on the wall to which the sign is attached, whichever is lower. Such signs may be nonilluminated, indirectly, or directly illuminated.

(C) Projecting Signs. The number of projecting signs shall not exceed one per business. The area of such sign or signs combined when there are multiple signs, as defined in Section 602.1(a), shall not exceed 32 square feet. The height of the sign shall not exceed 24 feet, or the height of the wall to which it is attached, or the height of the lowest of any residential windowsill on the wall to which the sign is attached, whichever is lower. No part of the sign shall project more than 75 percent of the horizontal distance from the street property line to the curbline, or six feet six inches, whichever is less. Such signs may be nonilluminated, indirectly, or directly illuminated.

(D) Sign Copy on Awnings and Marquees. Sign copy may be located on permitted awnings or marquees in lieu of projecting signs. The area of such sign copy, as defined in Section 602.1(c), shall not exceed 40 square feet. Such sign copy may be nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated; except that sign copy on marquees for movie theaters or places of entertainment may be directly illuminated during business hours.

(E) Freestanding Signs and Sign Towers. One freestanding sign or sign tower per lot shall be permitted in lieu of a projecting sign if the building or buildings are recessed from the street property line. The existence of a freestanding business sign shall preclude the erection of a freestanding identifying sign on the same lot. The area of such freestanding sign or sign tower, as defined in Section 602.1(a), shall not exceed 30 square feet nor shall the height of the sign exceed 24 feet. No part of the sign shall project more than 75 percent of the horizontal distance from the street property line to the curbline, or six feet, whichever is less. Such signs may be nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated, or during business hours, may be directly illuminated.

(g) Special Sign Districts. Additional controls apply within certain Mixed Use Districts that are designated as Special Sign Districts. The designations, locations, and boundaries of these Special Sign Districts are provided on Sectional Map SSD of the Zoning Map of the City and County of San Francisco, and are described within Sections 608.1 through 608.10 of this Code.

(h) Special Districts for Sign Illumination. Signs in Mixed Use Districts shall not have nor consist of any flashing, blinking, fluctuating or otherwise animated light except in the following special districts, all specifically designated as “Special Districts for Sign Illumination” on Sectional Map SSD of the Zoning Map of the City and County of San Francisco, and described in Section 607(e) of this Code.

(1) Broadway District. Along the main commercial frontage of Broadway between Wayne and Osgood.

(i) Other Sign Requirements. Within Mixed Use Districts, the following additional requirements shall apply:

(1) Public Areas. No sign shall be placed upon any public street, alley, sidewalk, public plaza or right-of-way, or in any portion of a transit system, except such projecting signs as are otherwise permitted by this Code and signs, structures, and features as are specifically approved by the appropriate public authorities under applicable laws and regulations not inconsistent with this Code and under such conditions as may be imposed by such authorities or posted pursuant to the Police Code.

(2) Maintenance. Every business sign pertaining to an active establishment shall be adequately maintained in its appearance. When the activity for which the business sign has been posted has ceased operation for more than 90 days within the Chinatown Mixed Use Districts, all signs pertaining to that business activity shall be removed after that time.

(3) Temporary Signs. The provisions of Section 607.1(g) of this Code shall apply.

(4) Special Standards for Automotive Gas and Service Stations. The provisions of Section 607.1(f)(4) of this Code shall apply. (Added by Ord. 131-87, App. 4/24/87; amended by Ord. 115-90, App. 4/6/90; Ord. 219-94, App. 6/3/94; Ord. 74-01, File No. 002218, App. 5/18/2001)

SEC. 607.3. VAN NESS SPECIAL SIGN DISTRICT.

(a) General. Signs located within the Van Ness Special Use District, with the exception of the Civic Center Special Sign District as shown in Sectional Map SSD, shall be regulated by the provisions of Article 6 and those set forth below, except for those signs which are exempt pursuant to Section 603. In the event of conflict between the provisions of this Section and those of Article 6, the provisions of this Section shall prevail in the Van Ness Special Use District.

(b) Purposes. In addition to the purposes stated in Sections 101 and 601 of this Code, the following purposes apply to the Van Ness Special Use District. These purposes constitute findings that form a basis for regulations and provide guidance for their application.

(1) As Van Ness Avenue changes from an auto-motive oriented area to a mixed-use, predominantly residential district, it needs to maintain its attractiveness to business customers and residents alike. Physical amenities and a pleasant appearance will benefit both existing and new enterprises.

(2) The character of signs and other features projecting from buildings is an important part of the visual appeal of a street and the general quality and economic stability of the area. Opportunities exist to relate these signs and projections more effectively to street design and building design. These regulations establish a framework that will contribute toward a coherent appearance of the Van Ness Special Use District.

(3) The Van Ness Special Use District is intended to be a mixed-use area with commercial units on the ground or lower stories and residential uses on upper stories. Although signs and other advertising devices are essential to a vital commercial district, they should not be allowed to interfere with or diminish the livability of residential units within the Van Ness Special Use District or in adjacent residential districts.

(4) The scale of the Van Ness Special Use District as characterized by building height, bulk, and appearance, and by the width of streets and sidewalks, differs from that of other commercial and industrial districts. Sign sizes should relate and be compatible with the surrounding district scale.

(c) Controls.

(1) Signs or Sign Features Not Permitted in the Van Ness Special Use District. Roof signs as defined in Section 602.16 are not permitted.

(2) Identifying Signs. Identifying signs, as defined in Section 602.10, shall be permitted in the Van Ness Special Use District subject to the limits set forth below.

(A) An identifying sign shall not exceed 20 square feet in area. The sign may be a wall sign or a projecting sign. A wall sign or projecting sign shall be mounted at or below the level of the lowest residential windowsill or 25 feet, whichever is lower. Such sign may be nonilluminated, indirectly illuminated, or directly illuminated. For the purposes of this Section, “wall signs” shall be defined as signs placed flat against a building wall with its copy parallel to the wall to which it is attached and not protruding more than the thickness of the sign cabinet.

(B) One name plate, as defined in Section 602.12, not exceeding an area of six square feet, shall be permitted for each resident and occupant of the building.

(3) General Advertising Signs. General advertising signs, as defined in Section 602.7, shall be permitted in the Van Ness Special Use Districts as provided below. General advertising signs may be either a wall sign or a freestanding sign, provided that the surface of any freestanding sign shall be parallel to and within three feet of an adjacent building wall. The building wall shall form a complete backdrop for the wall sign, as the sign is viewed from those points on a street or alley from which it is legible. Signs painted directly on a building wall shall be considered general advertising signs for the purposes of this Section. No general advertising sign shall be permitted to cover part or all of any window. No more than one general advertising sign of 300 square feet or two general advertising signs of 72 square feet each shall be permitted per lot. The height of any such sign shall not exceed 36 feet, or the height of the wall to which it is attached or before which it is placed, or the height of the lowest residential windowsill located on the wall to which the sign is attached or before which it is placed, whichever is lowest. Signs may be either non-illuminated, directly or indirectly illuminated. All general advertising signs shall conform to the provisions of Section 5408 of the California Business and Professions Code, including the requirement that no advertising display shall be placed within 100 feet from another advertising display on the same side of Van Ness Avenue.

(4) Business Signs. Business signs, as defined in Section 602.3, shall be permitted subject to the following restrictions:

(A) Window Signs. The total area of any window sign, as defined in Section 602.1(b), shall not exceed 1/3 the area of the window on or in which the sign is located. Such signs may be nonilluminated, indirectly illuminated, or directly illuminated. For purposes of this Section, “window signs” shall be defined as signs placed directly on the surface of the glass inside the building.

(B) Wall Signs. The area of any wall sign shall not exceed three square feet per foot of street frontage occupied by the building on which the sign is located. The height of any wall sign shall not exceed 45 feet, or the height of the wall to which it is attached, or the height of the lowest of any residential windowsill on the wall to which the sign is attached, whichever is lower. Such signs may be nonilluminated, indirectly, or directly illuminated.

(C) Projecting Signs. The area of any projecting sign shall not exceed 36 square feet. The height of the sign shall not exceed 24 feet, or the height of the wall to which it is attached, or the height of the lowest of any residential windowsill on the wall to which the sign is attached, whichever is lowest. No part of the sign shall project more than six feet from the property line. Such signs may be nonilluminated, indirectly, or directly illuminated.

(D) Signs on Awnings and Marquees. Sign copy may be located on permitted awnings and marquees in lieu of projecting signs. The area of such sign copy shall not exceed 60 square feet. Such sign copy may be nonilluminated, indirectly illuminated or directly illuminated.

(E) Freestanding Signs and Sign Towers. Freestanding signs and sign towers shall not be permitted in the Van Ness Special Sign District except as provided in Section 606(c)(1).

(F) Automotive Gas and Service Stations. For automotive gas and service stations, only the following signs are permitted:

(i) A maximum of two oil company signs, which shall not extend more than 10 feet above the roof line if attached to a building, or exceed 24 feet in height if freestanding. The area of any such sign shall not exceed 180 square feet. Along each street frontage, all parts of such a sign or signs that are within 10 feet of the street property line shall not exceed 80 square feet in area. No such sign shall project more than five feet beyond any property line. The areas of other permanent and temporary signs as covered in Subparagraph (ii) below shall not be included in the calculation of the areas specified in this Subsection.

(ii) Other permanent and temporary signs customarily incidental to the service station business, not to exceed 30 square feet in area for each such sign or a total of 180 square feet for all such signs on the premises. No such sign shall extend above the roof line if attached to a building, or in any case project beyond any street property line or building setback line.

(5) Temporary Signs. Temporary signs permitted in the Van Ness Special Use District are sale or lease signs as defined in Section 602.17 and construction signs giving the names of persons and firms connected with work on buildings under actual construction or alteration and information pertinent to the project. One sign per lot not exceeding 50 square feet shall be permitted and conform to all regulations as set forth in Section 607(f). All temporary signs shall be promptly removed upon removal of the property from the market or completion of the construction activity.

(6) Maintenance and Removal of Signs. Every business and identifying sign shall be adequately maintained in its appearance, or else removed or obscured. When the business, service, industry, use or activity for which a business sign or identifying sign has been erected has ceased operation on the premises, all such signs pertaining to such establishment shall be removed or obscured within 180 days.

(7) Additional Controls. Additional sign controls apply to certain areas of the Van Ness Special Use District designated as Special Sign Districts. Special Sign Districts are described within Sections 608.1 through 608.11 of this Code and, with the exception of Sections 608.1, 608.2 and 608.11, their designations, locations and boundaries are provided on Sectional Map SSD of the Zoning Map of the City and County of San Francisco.

(8) Automotive sales and service signs within the Automotive Special Use District which have all required permits but which do not comply with the controls for new signs established in Section 607.3 of this Code shall be permitted to remain as nonconforming uses and shall be permitted to modify the signage text to describe new automobile ownerships and dealerships that may occur from time to time.

(d) Landmark Buildings. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Code to the contrary, any sign which is presently located upon or was once located upon a structure within the Van Ness Special Use District which is designated a landmark under Section 1004 may be replaced and/or restored subject to the limits set forth below.

(1) The sign may not exceed the size, shape and number of the sign(s) being replaced and/or restored.

(2) The sign may be a wall, projecting, or freestanding sign.

(3) The height of the sign may not exceed 80 feet from the sidewalk elevation.

(4) The sign must be in the same location of the sign being replaced and/or restored.

(5) The sign may not be located on the roof.

(6) The sign may not cover or partially block any window.

(7) The light of the sign may not be flashing, intermittent, or moving.

(8) The features of the sign including size, shape and illumination must be reviewed and approved in accordance with the procedures for the application of a Certificate of Appropriateness under Section 1006 of this Code and subject to the discretion of the City Planning Commission. Both the Landmark Preservation Advisory Board and the City Planning Commission have the authority to modify any features of the sign in order to preserve the historical nature of the building. (Added by Ord. 537-88, App. 12/16/88; amended by Ord. 79-89, App. 3/24/89; Ord. 327-96, App. 8/21/96)

SEC. 607.4. NORTH OF MARKET RESIDENTIAL SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.

Signs located in the RC-4 portion of the North of Market Residential Special Use District shall be regulated as provided herein, except for those signs which are exempted by Section 603 of this Code.

(a) Business Signs. Business signs, as defined in Section 602.3, shall be permitted subject to the regulations set forth below:

(1) Window Signs. The total area of all window signs, as defined in Section 602.1(b), shall not exceed 1/3 of the area of the window on or in which the signs are located. Such signs may be nonilluminated, indirectly illuminated, or directly illuminated.

(2) Wall Signs. The area of all wall signs shall not exceed three square feet per foot of street frontage occupied by the use measured along the wall to which the signs are attached, or 150 square feet for each street frontage, whichever is less. The height of any wall sign shall not exceed 24 feet, or the height of the wall to which it is attached, or the height of the lowest of any residential windowsill on the wall to which the sign is attached, whichever is lower. Such signs may be nonilluminated, indirectly, or directly illuminated.

(3) Projecting Signs. The number of projecting signs shall not exceed one per business. The area of such sign, as defined in Section 602.1(a), shall not exceed 32 square feet. The height of the sign shall not exceed 24 feet, or the height of the wall to which it is attached, or the height of the lowest of any residential windowsill on the wall to which the sign is attached, whichever is lower. No part of the sign shall project more than 75 percent of the horizontal distance from the street property line to the curbline, or six feet, six inches, whichever is less. Such signs may be nonilluminated, indirectly, or directly illuminated.

(4) Sign Copy on Awnings and Marquees. Sign copy may be located on permitted awnings or marquees in lieu of projecting signs. The area of such sign copy, as defined in Section 602.1(c), shall not exceed 40 square feet. Such sign copy may be nonilluminated, or indirectly illuminated.

(5) Freestanding Signs and Sign Towers. With the exception of automotive service station signs, which are permitted subject to the provisions of Section 606(c)(1) of this Code, one freestanding sign or sign tower per lot shall be permitted in lieu of a projecting sign if the building or buildings are recessed from the street property line. The existence of a freestanding business sign shall preclude the erection of a freestanding identifying sign on the same lot. The area of such freestanding sign or sign tower, as defined in Section 602.1(a), shall not exceed 30 square feet, nor shall the height of the sign exceed 24 feet. No part of the sign shall project more than 75 percent of the horizontal distance from the street property line to the curbline, or six feet, whichever is less. Such signs may be nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated, or during business hours, may be directly illuminated.

(b) Nameplates. One nameplate, as defined in Section 602.12 of this Code, not exceeding an area of two square feet, shall be permitted for each non-commercial use.

(c) Identifying Signs. Identifying signs, as defined in Section 602.10, shall be permitted subject to the following regulations:

(1) One sign per lot shall be permitted and such sign shall not exceed 20 square feet in area. The sign may be a freestanding sign, if the building is recessed from the street property line, or may be a wall sign or a projecting sign. The existence of a freestanding identifying sign shall preclude the erection of a freestanding business sign on the same lot. A wall or projecting sign shall be mounted on the first-story level; a freestanding sign shall not exceed 15 feet in height. Such sign may be nonilluminated, indirectly illuminated, or directly illuminated.

(d) Signs or Sign Features Not Permitted in the North of Market Residential Special Use District. Roof signs as defined in Section 602.16 of this Code, wind signs as defined in Section 602.22 of this Code and general advertising signs as defined in Section 602.7 are not permitted. In addition, no sign shall have or consist of any moving, rotating, or otherwise physically animated part or any lights that give the appearance of animation by flashing, blinking or fluctuating. All signs or sign features not otherwise specifically regulated in this Section shall be prohibited. (Added by Ord. 345-87, App. 8/21/87)

SEC. 608. SPECIAL SIGN DISTRICTS.

In addition to the zoning districts that are established under other Articles of this Code, there shall also be in the City such Special Sign Districts as are established in this Article 6 in order to carry out further the purposes of this Code. The designations, locations and boundaries of these Special Sign Districts shall be as provided in this Article and as shown on the Zoning Map referred to in Section 105, subject to the provisions of Section 105. The original of the sectional map of the Zoning Map for Special Sign Districts (numbered SSD) referred to in this Article is on file with the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors under File No. 138-62. In each such Special Sign District, signs, other than those signs exempted by Section 603 of this Code, shall be subject to the special limitations of Sections 608.1 through 608.12, respectively, in addition to all other applicable provisions of this Code. In the event of inconsistency with any other provision of Article 6, the most restrictive provision shall prevail unless this Code specifically provides otherwise. (Amended by Ord. 64-77, App. 2/18/77; Ord. 69-87, App. 3/13/87; Ord. 285-94, App. 8/2/94)

SEC. 608.1. NEAR R DISTRICTS.

No general advertising sign, and no other sign exceeding 100 square feet in area, shall be located in an NC, C, M, or South of Market District within 100 feet of any R District in such a manner as to be primarily viewed from residentially zoned property or from any street or alley within an R District; any sign of which the face is located parallel to a street property line and lies for its entire width opposite an NC, C, M, or South of Market SLR District shall be deemed prima facie not to be primarily so viewed. No sign of any size within 100 feet of any R District shall project beyond the street property line or building setback line of any street or alley leading off the main commercial frontage into the R District. (Added by Ord. 263-65, App. 10/22/65; amended by Ord. 69-87, App. 3/13/87; Ord. 115-90, App. 4/6/90)

SEC. 608.2. NEAR SCHOOLS, PARKS, AND RECREATION FACILITIES.

No general advertising sign, and no other sign exceeding 200 square feet in area, shall be located within 100 feet of any part of the premises of a school, attendance at which satisfies the compulsory education laws of the State of California, in such a way that it is primarily viewed through any part of such premises. No general advertising sign, and no other sign exceeding 200 square feet in area, shall be located within 200 feet of any part of the premises of a park, playground, recreation center or facility, square, avenue or grounds under the jurisdiction and supervision of the San Francisco Recreation and Park Commission or a park, playground, or recreation center or facility of any other public agency, if the sign is so arranged that it is primarily viewed from or through such premises. (Added by Ord. 263-65, App. 10/22/65; amended by Ord. 134-97, App. 4/25/97)

SEC. 608.3. WITHIN CIVIC CENTER AREA.

No general advertising sign, and no other sign exceeding 200 square feet in area, shall be located within the Civic Center Special Sign Districts Numbers 1 and 2, as designated on Sectional Map SSD of the Zoning Map of the City and County of San Francisco. Within such districts, no sign that is located on publicly owned property, or that is located on a street frontage facing publicly owned property, shall have any moving, rotating or otherwise animated part; or have any flashing, blinking, fluctuating or otherwise animated light; or project beyond any street property line or building setback line; or be attached to a building in any manner other than with its entire area flat against a wall of such building that directly faces a street. (Added by Ord. 263-65, App. 10/22/65)

SEC. 608.4. WITHIN CANDLESTICK PARK AREA.

No general advertising sign, and no other sign exceeding 200 square feet in area, shall be located within the Candlestick Park Special Sign District, as designated on Sectional Map SSD of the Zoning Map of the City and County of San Francisco; provided, however, that signs in a parking lot immediately adjacent to or on the exterior of the stadium which are designed primarily to be viewed by patrons arriving at or departing from the stadium, and include directional information for the control of traffic and functions of the stadium, shall be permitted. (Added by Ord. 263-65, App. 10/22/65; amended by Ord. 360-94, App. 10/19/94)

SEC. 608.4A. SIGNS FOR USES WITHIN THE CANDLESTICK POINT SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.

Any sign that directs attention to a business, commodity, service, industry or other activity that is or will be sold, offered or conducted within the Candlestick Point Special Use District and that either is greater than 200 square feet in area or extends above the roofline of the building upon which the sign is located (“SUD sign”) shall be permitted within the Candlestick Park Special Sign District if approved by the Planning Commission as a conditional use. Planning Code Sections 608.4, 608.5 and 609.2, or any other regulation applicable to signs within the Candlestick Park Special Sign District, shall not apply to SUD signs. SUD signs shall conform to the restrictions set forth in Planning Code Section 607 for signs in C-3 Districts, except that there shall be no height limit for SUD signs. The Planning Commission may authorize an SUD sign as a conditional use if the design of the sign and any associated sign structure is appropriate for the intended use and location. This criterion shall be in lieu of the criteria set forth in Planning Code Section 303(c)(1) through (4). Any scoreboard or sign within a stadium located in the Candlestick Point Special Use District shall be exempt from regulation under Article 6 of the Planning Code. Principally permitted signs within the special use district shall be consistent with a sign program submitted and approved by the Planning Commission as part of the design review process for the Candlestick Point Special Use District. (Added by Proposition F, 6/3/97)

SEC. 608.5. NEAR FREEWAYS.

Except for historic signs designated pursuant to Section 608.14 of this Code, no general advertising sign, and no other sign exceeding 200 square feet in area, shall be located after the date of determination and designation of the route of a landscaped or nonlandscaped freeway so that it is primarily to be viewed by persons traveling on any portion of such freeway. When located so as to be viewed primarily by persons traveling on any portion of a landscaped freeway, business signs not exceeding 200 square feet in area which are permitted by this Section and historic signs designated pursuant to Section 608.14 which may exceed 200 square feet in area shall, regardless of any other provision of this Code, be limited to signs which designate the name of the owner or occupant of the premises upon which the sign is placed, or which identify such premises, or which direct attention to goods manufactured or produced, or services rendered, on the property upon which the sign is placed. (Added by Ord. 263-65, App. 10/22/65; amended by Ord. 276-98, App. 8/28/98)

SEC. 608.6. NEAR CERTAIN SCENIC STREETS.

No general advertising sign, and no other sign exceeding 200 square feet in area, shall be located within the areas along the scenic streets that are listed below and designated as special sign districts on Sectional Map SSD of the Zoning Map of the City and County of San Francisco, if any face of such sign is visible from any such street. These limitations shall apply to any portion of any property that is within 200 feet of any such street, unless a greater depth or area is indicated on said Sectional Map.

Telegraph Hill Boulevard for its entire length;

Twin Peaks Boulevard for its entire length;

Market Street extension east side from Mono Street to Portola Drive;

Portola Drive for its entire length;

Roosevelt Way for its entire length;

El Camino Del Mar for its entire length;

Point Lobos Avenue from El Camino Del Mar to its intersection with the Great Highway, including the
Cliff House and Sutro Baths areas;

Sunset Boulevard for its entire length;

Great Highway and Esplanade from Point Lobos Avenue to Sloat Boulevard;

Great Highway extension south from Sloat Boulevard to its junction with Skyline Boulevard near
Harding Boulevard;

Nineteenth Avenue from Lincoln Way to Junipero Serra Boulevard;

Sloat Boulevard from the Great Highway to Junipero Serra Boulevard;

Junipero Serra Boulevard from Sloat Boulevard to the County Line;

Skyline Boulevard from Sloat Boulevard to the County Line;

Lake Merced Boulevard for its entire length;

John Muir Drive for its entire length;

Zoo Road for its entire length;

Harding Boulevard for its entire length;

Alemany Boulevard from Mission Street viaduct to Junipero Serra Boulevard;

Marina Boulevard for its entire length;

Lyon Street from Marina Boulevard to Lombard Street;

Baker Street from Marina Boulevard to Lombard Street;

Broderick Street from Marina Boulevard to Lombard Street;

Jefferson Street from Lyon Street to Broderick Street;

Beach Street from Baker Street to Broderick Street;

North Point Street from Baker Street to Broderick Street;

Bay Street from Lyon Street to Broderick Street;

Francisco Street from Lyon Street to Broderick Street;

Chestnut Street from Lyon Street to Broderick Street;

Lombard Street from Broderick Street to Lyon Street;

Richardson Avenue from Lyon Street to Lombard Street.

(Added by Ord. 263-65, App. 10/22/65)

SEC. 608.7. NEAR RAPID TRANSIT ROUTES.

No general advertising sign, and no other sign exceeding 200 square feet in area, shall be located after the date of determination and designation of the route or portion thereof of the Bay Area Rapid Transit District or other rapid transit line, wherever such route or portion thereof is other than underground, so that the sign is primarily to be viewed by persons traveling on any such route or portion thereof. (Added by Ord. 263-65, App. 10/22/65)

SEC. 608.8. ON AND NEAR MARKET STREET FROM THE EMBARCADERO TO THE CENTRAL SKYWAY OVERPASS.

There shall be a special sign district known as the “Market Street Special Sign District” in the vicinity of Market Street, from The Embarcadero to the Central Skyway overpass as designated on Sectional Map SSD of the Zoning Map of the City and County of San Francisco. The original copy of said Sectional Map with this Special Sign District indicated thereon is on file with the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors under File No. 112-70.

With respect to said Special Sign District, the following regulations shall apply:

(a) Purpose and Findings. In addition to the purposes stated in Sections 101 and 601 of this Code, the following purposes apply to the Market Street Special Sign District. These purposes constitute findings that form a basis for these regulations and provide guidance for their application.

(1) In November 1962, the electorate of San Francisco voted approval of an investment in a City and regional rapid transit system that will run beneath Market Street. In June 1968, the electorate approved a bonded indebtedness of $24,500,000, including payment for reconstruction and improvement of Market Street from The Embarcadero to the Central Skyway overpass. The street is being completely rebuilt at public expense, with special paving, furnishings, plazas and landscaping. When rebuilt, Market Street will be the transit spine of the downtown area, will have heavy concentrations of pedestrians, and will be more than ever a central domain of the people of the City and of the region. It is a purpose of the Market Street Special Sign District to further this public endeavor.

(2) As Market Street is rebuilt, the area is attracting and will continue to attract investments, development and design efforts in reliance upon the promise of a street of high quality. Both existing and new enterprises will be strengthened by the high standards of their environment and by the joint efforts of owners and businessmen.

(3) The character of signs along the street and of other features projecting from buildings is especially significant to street appearance and to the general quality and economic stability of the area. Oppor-tunities exist to relate these signs and projections more effectively to the street design and to the design of buildings, and it is a purpose of these regulations to set a framework that will contribute toward those ends.

(4) The standards established by these regulations are reasonable standards related to the unique nature of the Market Street area and to its present and future needs. Where removal of existing signs and other features is required, the periods for removal are related to the schedule for reconstruction of Market Street, including installation of the street trees with which projecting signs and other features would conflict. The removal periods recognize the revocable nature of past permits for erection of features projecting over public streets, and will help to promote equality among establishments, adding greater significance to the improvement efforts.

(5) The standards established by these regulations are deemed to be minimum requirements, forming a basic framework for development and remodeling. They are not intended in any way to preclude further design refinement or review by individuals or duly constituted organizations which might consider more restrictive requirements as to any aspects limited herein, or as to additional aspects such as materials, color, graphics, types of representation, relationship of signs to one another and to archi-tectural features, or the general quality of design. It is anticipated that private efforts along such lines will and should be made for the further improvement of Market Street.

(b) General Advertising Signs. Except as specified in paragraph 608.8(f)(2) below,

(1) No general advertising sign shall be permitted at any location within said Special Sign District; and

(2) No general advertising sign shall be located within 200 feet of said Special Sign District, if any portion of a face of such sign would be visible from any point on a street, alley or plaza within the Special Sign District.

(c) Roof Signs. Notwithstanding the exceptions stated in Subsection 607(b) of this Code, no roof sign shall be permitted within said Special Sign District.

(d) Projection of Signs and Other Features. Within said Special Sign District:

(1) No projection shall exceed a horizontal distance of six feet beyond any street property line. This limitation shall apply to signs and to all other features including but not limited to marquees, awnings and canopies, with the sole exception of flagpoles for flags of any nation or political subdivision.

(2) Projecting signs for each establishment shall be limited to one sign on each street frontage occupied by the establishment, in addition to any signs that are placed flat upon or otherwise integrated in the design of marquees and awnings.

(e) Height and Extension Above Roofline. Within said Special Sign District, all of the following limitations shall apply:

(1) Notwithstanding the exceptions stated in Subsection 607(g) of this Code, no sign attached to a building shall extend or be located above the roofline of the building to which it is attached.

(2) A projecting sign with lettering or other inscription arranged in a vertical manner shall have a maximum height of 60 feet; except that a greater height shall be permitted, up to a maximum height of 100 feet, provided the height of the sign shall remain at least 20 feet below the roofline of the building as measured directly above the sign.

(3) Except as provided in Paragraph 608.8(e)(5) below, all other signs shall be located no higher than the windowsill level of the lowest story (if any) that has a window or windows on the building facade on which the signs are placed, exclusive of the ground story and mezzanine, provided that no such sign shall in any case exceed a height of 60 feet.

(4) In addition, except as provided in Paragraph 608.8(e)(3) and (4) above, uniformity of height shall be maintained in both the upper and lower edges of signs placed flat upon or essentially parallel to each facade of a single building.

(5) As to the requirements of Paragraphs 608.8(e)(3) and (4) above, deviation from the requirements may be permitted to the extent an alternative placement of signs is made necessary by the location of arches, entrances and other architectural features, as determined by the Zoning Administrator, or for the purpose of installing special lighting effects and temporary holiday decorations, or for the purpose of modifying or replacing currently existing noncomplying business wall signs as provided by Subsection 607(g).

(f) Other Requirements. Within said Special Sign District, the following additional requirements shall apply:

(1) Temporary Signs. With the exception of holiday decorations, no sign composed of paper or other temporary material shall be placed on the outside of any building or structure or affixed to the glass on the outside or inside of any window, unless such sign is placed in a frame or on a structure specifically designed for this purpose.

(2) Public Areas. No sign or other structure or feature shall be placed upon any public street, alley or public plaza, or in any portion of a transit system, except such signs, structures and features as are specifically approved by the appropriate public authorities under applicable laws and regulations not inconsistent with this Code and under such conditions as may be imposed by such authorities.

(3) Maintenance. Every sign pertaining to an active establishment shall be adequately maintained in its appearance, or else removed or obscured. When the space occupied by any establishment has been vacated, all signs pertaining to such establishment shall be removed or obscured within 60 days following the date of vacation. (Added by Ord. 125-70, App. 1/17/70; amended by Ord. 219-94, App. 6/3/94)

SEC. 608.9. IN JACKSON SQUARE.

There shall be a special sign district known as the “Jackson Square Special Sign District,” as designated on Sectional Map SSD of the Zoning Map of the City and County of San Francisco. The original copy of said Sectional Map with this Special Sign District indicated thereon is on file with the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors under File No. 276-72.

(a) Purposes and Findings.

(1) In addition to furthering the purposes stated in Sections 101 and 601 of this Code, creation of the Jackson Square Special Sign District is intended to further the purposes of the Jackson Square Historic District created pursuant to Ordinance No. 221-72 and to foster the preservation and enhancement of said Historic District.

(2) The standards established by these regula-tions are deemed to be minimum requirements. They are not intended in any way to preclude further design refinement or review by duly constituted private organizations which might consider more restrictive requirements as to any aspects limited herein, or as to additional aspects such as materials, color, graphics, types of representation, relationship of signs to one another and to architectural features, or the general quality of design.

(b) Regulations. Within such Special Sign District:

(1) No general advertising sign shall be permitted.

(2) The area of all signs on a building shall not exceed an area of two square feet for each foot of street frontage occupied by the building, and shall in no event exceed a total of 100 square feet on each street frontage.

(3) Notwithstanding the exceptions stated in Subsection 607(b) of this Code, no roof sign shall be permitted.

(4) Notwithstanding the exceptions stated in Subsection 607(g) of this Code, no sign attached to a building shall extend or be located above the roofline of the building to which it is attached.

(5) No projection shall exceed a horizontal distance of six feet beyond any street property line. This limitation shall apply to signs and to all other features including but not limited to marquees and awnings, with the sole exception of flagpoles for flags of any nation or political subdivision. All signs, marquees, awnings and other features shall be supported entirely by a building; no canopies shall be permitted.

(6) Projecting signs for each establishment shall be limited to one sign on each street frontage occupied by the establishment.

(7) All signs shall be placed entirely below the level of the lowest cornice or strong horizontal element located above the ground story of the building, but in no event higher than three feet above the top of the ceiling level of the ground story.

(8) No directly illuminated sign shall be permitted. (Added by Ord. 223-72, App. 8/9/72)

SEC. 608.10. ON AND NEAR MARKET STREET FROM THE CENTRAL SKYWAY OVERPASS TO DIAMOND STREET.

There shall be a special sign district known as the Upper Market Special Sign District in the vicinity of Market Street from the Central Skyway overpass to Diamond Street as designated on Sectional Map SSD of the Zoning Map of the City and County of San Francisco. The original copy of said Sectional Map with this Special Sign District indicated thereon is on file with the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors under File No. 324-76-2. With respect to said Special Sign District, the following regulations shall apply:

(a) Purposes and Findings. In addition to the purposes stated in Sections 101 and 601 of this Code, the following purposes apply to the Upper Market Special Sign District. These purposes constitute findings that form a basis for these regulations and provide guidance for their application.

(1) In November 1962, the electorate of San Francisco voted approval of an investment in a City and regional rapid transit system that will run beneath Market Street, including a city subway along Upper Market. In June 1968, the electorate approved a bonded indebtedness of $24,500,000, including payment for reconstruction and improvement of Market Street from the Central Skyway overpass to the vicinity of Castro Street. The street is being rebuilt at public expense, with special paving, furnishings and landscaping. When rebuilt, this portion of Market Street will have heavy concentrations of pedestrians, and will increase in importance as a transit and shopping corridor. It is a purpose of the Upper Market Special Sign District to further this public endeavor.

(2) As the street is rebuilt, the area is attracting and will continue to attract investments, development and design efforts in reliance upon the promise of a street of high quality. Both existing and new enterprises will be strengthened by the high standards of their environment and by the joint efforts of owners and business people.

(3) The character of signs along the street and ofother features projecting from buildings is especially significant to street appearance and to the general quality and economic stability of the area. Opportunities exist to relate these signs and projections more effectively to the street design and to the design of buildings, and it is a purpose of these regulations to set a framework that will contribute toward those ends.

(4) The standards established by these regulations are reasonable standards related to the unique nature of the Upper Market area and to its present and future needs. Where removal or alteration of existing signs is required, the periods for removal or alteration allow adequate time for amortization of the signs, consistent with other improvements along the street. The removal or alteration will help to promote equality among establishments, adding greater significance to the improvement efforts.

(5) The standards established by these regulations are deemed to be minimum requirements, forming a basic framework for development and remodeling. They are not intended in any way to preclude further design refinement or review by individuals or duly constituted organizations which might consider more restrictive requirements as to any aspects limited herein, or as to additional aspects such as materials, color, graphics, types of representation, relationship of signs to one another and to architectural features, or the general quality of design. It is anticipated that private efforts along such lines will and should be made for the further improvement of the Upper Market area.

(b) General Advertising Signs. Except as specified in Subsection 608.10(f) below:

(1) No general advertising sign shall be permitted at any location within said Special Sign District; and

(2) No general advertising sign shall be located within 200 feet of said Special Sign District, if any portion of a face of such sign would be visible from any point on a street, alley or plaza within the Special Sign District.

(c) Roof Signs. Notwithstanding the exceptions stated in Subsection 607(b) of this Code, no roof sign shall be permitted within said Special Sign District.

(d) Projection of Signs and Other Features. Within said Special Sign District:

(1) No projection shall exceed a horizontal distance of six feet beyond any street property line. This limitation shall apply to signs and to all other features including but not limited to marquees, awnings and canopies, with the sole exception of flagpoles for flags of any nation or political subdivision.

(2) Projecting signs for each establishment shall be limited to one sign on each street frontage occupied by the establishment, in addition to any signs that are placed flat upon or otherwise integrated in the design of marquees and awnings.

(e) Height and Extension Above Roofline. Within said Special Sign District, all of the following limitations shall apply:

(1) Notwithstanding the exceptions stated in Subsection 607(g) of this Code, no sign attached to a building shall extend or be located above the roofline of the building to which it is attached.

(2) A projecting sign attached to a building with lettering or other inscription arranged in a vertical manner shall have a maximum height of 50 feet or the roofline of the building to which it is attached, whichever is the lesser.

(3) Except as provided in Paragraph 608.10(e)(5) below, all other signs attached to a building shall be located no higher than the windowsill level of the lowest story (if any) that has a window or windows on the building facade on which the signs are placed, exclusive of the ground story and mezzanine, provided that no such sign shall in any case exceed a height of 50 feet or the roofline of the building to which it is attached, whichever is the lesser.

(4) In addition, except as provided in Paragraph 608.10(e)(5) below, uniformity of height shall be maintained in both the upper and lower edges of signs placed flat upon or essentially parallel to each facade of a single building.

(5) As to the requirements of Paragraphs 608.10(e)(3) and (4) above, deviation from the requirements may be permitted to the extent an alternative placement of signs is made necessary by the location of arches, entrances and other architectural features, as determined by the Zoning Administrator, or for the purpose of installing special lighting effects and temporary holiday decorations.

(6) The maximum height for freestanding signs shall be 24 feet.

(f) Public Areas. No sign or other structure or feature shall be placed upon any public street, alley or public plaza, or in any portion of a transit system, except such signs, structures and features as are specifically approved by the appropriate public authorities under applicable laws and regulations not inconsistent with this Code and under such conditions as may be imposed by such authorities. (Added by Ord. 64-77, App. 2/18/77)

SEC. 608.11. HOSPITALS AND MEDICAL CENTERS IN R DISTRICTS ADJACENT TO OR CROSS THE STREET FROM NC, C OR M DISTRICTS.

(a) Purposes and Findings. In addition to the purposes stated in Sections 101 and 601 of this Code, the following purposes apply to this Special Sign District. These purposes constitute the findings that form a basis for these regulations and provide guidance for their application.

(1) Hospitals and medical centers are distinguished from other uses in R Districts in that they provide emergency medical care vital to the health and well-being of the people of the City. Where such facilities are in R Districts and adjacent to or across the street from NC, C or M Districts, their signs are substantially obscured, ineffective, and put to a significant disadvantage by the more intense signage allowed in the NC, C or M Districts nearby, making identification of emergency facilities difficult.

(2) Imposing the standards of Section 607 on only those hospitals and medical centers in R Districts adjacent to or across the street from NC, C or M Districts will allow for necessary and desirable signs to the benefit of the people in need of emergency care when such identification is most critical.

(3) The City Planning Commission in reviewing applications for signs under this Section 608.11 shall consider the needs of pedestrians and drivers approaching the applicant institution and the character and pattern of the immediate neighborhood and those neighborhoods affected by the proposed signs so that only such signs that are required for the identification of the institution, and that are not detrimental to the surrounding neighborhoods and any panoramas or vistas in such areas, are approved.

(b) Control. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 606 of this Code, a hospital or medical center in an R District and adjacent to or across the street from an NC, C or M District for a distance of at least 400 feet of total street frontage shall be subject to the provisions of Section 607 of this Code that apply to the NC, C or M District adjacent to or across the street upon approval by the City Planning Commission as a conditional use under the procedures and criteria set forth in Section 303 of this Code. The Com-mission, in considering an application under this Section, may permit signs, including signs located on the sides of a penthouse, that exceed the standards of Section 607 to the extent necessary to meet community needs for adequately identified medical institutions with the exception of moving parts, flashing lights and wind signs which are prohibited. (Added by Ord. 30-85, App. 1/17/85; amended by Ord. 69-87, App. 3/13/87)

SEC. 608.12. IN SHOWPLACE SQUARE.

There shall be a special sign district known as the “Showplace Square Special Sign District,” as designated on Sectional Map SSD of the Zoning Map of the City and County of San Francisco.

(a) Purposes and Findings. In addition to furthering the purposes stated in Sections 101 and 601 of this Code, creation of the Showplace Square Special Sign District is intended to facilitate the transition of the Showplace Square area from its former industrial character to an area of design showrooms. Presently, wholesale and trade design showrooms and accessory uses have located in this area, replacing industrial-type uses. The showroom-type activities enhance the Showplace Square area and attract investments, development and other design improvements. Due to the changed environment, the existence of general advertising signs in the area is no longer appropriate and detracts from the emerging quality and character of the area.

(b) Regulations. Within such special sign district:

1. No general advertising sign shall be permitted. (Added by Ord. 64-88, App. 2/18/88)

SEC. 608.13. RINCON HILL AREA.

Within the boundaries of the Rincon Hill Special Use District set forth in Section 249.1 of the City Planning Code and as designated on Sectional Map 1SU^b of the Zoning Map, and generally bounded by Folsom Street, The Embarcadero, Bryant Street, Beale Street and the off-ramps of the Bay Bridge/Highway 80 Fremont Street exit, notwithstanding any other provisions of this Code, the existing signs and/or sign towers may be changed, modified or replaced provided that all the following criteria are met:

(a) Such changed, modified or replacement sign is in the same general location as the existing signage;

(b) The total area and height of the changed, modified or replacement sign is not increased from the total area and height of the existing sign or sign tower;

(c) Such sign or sign tower may contain letters, numbers, a logo, service mark and/or trademark, and may be nonilluminated, or directly or indirectly illuminated;

(d) Such sign or sign tower may only reflect the identity of the owner or a tenant of the building, including a parent corporation, subsidiary and/or affiliate of the owner or of the tenant. (Added by Ord. 389-95, App. 12/14/95)

SEC. 608.14. HISTORIC SIGNS IN HISTORIC SIGN DISTRICTS.

Signs which depict in text or graphic form a particular residential, business, cultural, economic, recreational, or other valued resource which is deemed by the Planning Commission to be of historic value and contributes to the visual identity and historic character of the City shall be allowed to be restored, reconstructed, maintained and technologically im-proved on a property by Conditional Use authorization of the Planning Commission provided that: (a) the proposed historic sign lies within an historic sign district designated pursuant to Section 302 of the Planning Code and shown on the Zoning Map of the City and County of San Francisco; (b) the historic sign to be restored, reconstructed or technologically improved depicts a use, person, place, thing, cultural icon or other valued character or characteristics of the City that, at the time of the historic sign permit application, is at least 40 years old; (c) the sign does not visually obstruct or significantly impair or detract from, by glare or any other means, a City landmark or public vista; (d) the sign is not larger than the sign that existed prior to the historic designation of a sign that is proposed for restoration and does not appear to be more visually prominent than the sign that existed prior to the historic designation; and, (e) the sign is maintained in good condition, repair and working order.

Once a sign is designated as historic under this Section, its continuation, enlargement, alteration or abandonment shall be governed by the provisions of Section 178 of this Code. (Added by Ord. 276-98, App. 8/28/98)

SEC. 609. AMORTIZATION PERIODS.

No lawfully existing sign which fails to conform to the provisions of this Article 6 need be removed or altered to conform to said provisions prior to the end of its normal life as provided in Section 604 of this Code, except as specified in Sections 609.1 through 609.12. Where two or more amortization periods of differing duration apply to the same sign, the most restrictive of such amortization periods shall prevail unless this Code specifically provides otherwise. Where removal or alteration of a sign is required, such requirement shall apply to the sign faces, the sign structure, the supporting framework and all other parts of the sign. (Amended by Ord. 64-77, App. 2/18/77)

SEC. 609.1. GENERAL ADVERTISING SIGNS LOCATED IN R DISTRICTS.

Any lawfully existing general advertising sign in an R District shall be removed within five years after the effective date of this Article 6 or such later date as the sign becomes nonconforming. (Added by Ord. 263-65, App. 10/22/65)

SEC. 609.2. WITHIN CANDLESTICK PARK SPECIAL SIGN DISTRICT.

Any lawfully existing sign which does not conform to Section 608.4 of this Code shall be removed or altered to conform therewith within five years after the effective date of this Article 6 or such later date as the sign becomes nonconforming; unless such sign was made subject to removal or alteration within five years after July 23, 1960, by Section 4722.D of the San Francisco Building Code, as that Section was in effect immediately prior to the effective date of this Article 6, in which case such earlier date shall prevail. (Added by Ord. 263-65, App. 10/22/65)

SEC. 609.3. WITHIN CIVIC CENTER SPECIAL SIGN DISTRICTS.

Any lawfully existing sign which does not conform to Section 608.3 of this Code shall be removed or altered to conform therewith within the period of time specified below after the effective date of this Article 6 or such later date as the sign becomes nonconforming:

(a) In Civic Center Special Sign Districts Numbers 1 and 2, one year for painted wall signs;

(b) In Civic Center Special Sign District No. 1, one year for general advertising signs;

(c) In Civic Center Special Sign District No. 2, five years for general advertising signs other than painted wall signs.

Provided, however, that within these Special Sign Districts, except as stated otherwise in Section 609.10 of this Code, a lawfully existing sign which does not conform to Section 608.3 need not be removed or altered to conform therewith prior to the end of its normal life if located on the north side of Market Street and within 60 feet of the north line of Market Street and primarily viewed from Market Street, or if located on the north line of Hayes Street (between Market Street and a point 100 feet east of the east line of Van Ness Avenue) and within 60 feet of the north line of Hayes Street and primarily viewed from Hayes Street. (Amended by Ord. 125-70, App. 4/17/70)

SEC. 609.4. SIGNS NEAR NONLANDSCAPED FREEWAYS.

Any lawfully existing sign which is now or hereafter near a nonlandscaped portion of a freeway and which does not conform to the provisions of Section 608.5 of this Code shall be removed or altered to conform therewith within 10 years after the effective date of this Article 6, or within 10 years after such date as the precise route of the freeway has been determined and designated but not before such route has been opened to traffic, whichever date is later; provided, however, that any lawfully existing sign near the James Lick Freeway if located west of Fifth Street, north of Division Street, and east of 10th Street, or near the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge approach east of Fifth Street need not be removed or altered to conform to Section 608.5 prior to the end of its normal life if located within the area exempted from the prohibition of freeway signs by Section 4721.D(2) of the San Francisco Building Code as that Section was in effect immediately prior to the effective date of this Article 6. (Added by Ord. 263-65, App. 10/22/65)

SEC. 609.5. SIGNS NEAR LANDSCAPED FREEWAYS.

Any lawfully existing sign which is now or hereafter near a landscaped portion of a freeway and which does not conform to the provisions of Section 608.5 of this Code shall be removed or altered to conform therewith within three years after the effective date of this Article 6, or three years after the date when the landscaping project has been completed, whichever is later; unless an earlier date for removal or alteration of the sign has been established by Section 4721.C of the San Francisco Building Code, as that Section was in effect immediately prior to the effective date of this Article 6, in which case the date for removal or alteration shall be two years following the date so established by the Building Code. (Added by Ord. 263-65, App. 10/22/65)

SEC. 609.6. SIGNS NEAR CERTAIN SCENIC STREETS.

Any lawfully existing sign which does not conform to Section 608.6 of this Code shall be removed or altered to conform therewith within five years after the effective date of this Article 6 or such later date as the sign becomes nonconforming; unless such sign was made subject to removal or alteration within five years after February 18, 1960, by Section 4722.D of the San Francisco Building Code, as that Section was in effect immediately prior to the effective date of this Article 6, in which case such earlier date shall prevail. Provided, however, that any lawfully existing sign within the Special Sign District along Nineteenth Avenue between Lincoln Way and Sloat Boulevard and on a lot in a C-1 or C-2 District need not be removed or altered to conform to Section 608.6 prior to the end of its normal life or until such earlier date, if any, by which it must be removed or altered to qualify said street for designation as a part of the State scenic highway system in accordance with the applicable provisions of State law. (Added by Ord. 263-65, App. 10/22/65)

SEC. 609.7. WIND SIGNS.

Any lawfully existing wind sign in any zoning district shall be removed within one year after the effective date of this Article 6. (Added by Ord. 263-65, App. 10/22/65)

SEC. 609.8. MISCELLANEOUS SERVICE STATION SIGNS IN R DISTRICTS.

Any lawfully existing sign at an automobile service station in an R District (other than those signs covered by Paragraph 606(c)(1)(A) of this Code) which does not conform to Paragraph 606(c)(1)(B) of this Code shall be removed or altered to conform therewith within one year after the effective date of this Article 6 or such later date as the sign becomes nonconforming. (Added by Ord. 263-65, App. 10/22/65)

SEC. 609.9. SIGNS NEAR RAPID TRANSIT ROUTES.

Any lawfully existing sign which is now or hereafter near a rapid transit route or portion thereof and which does not conform to the provisions of Section 608.7 of this Code shall be removed or altered to conform therewith within five years after the effective date of this Article 6, or within five years after such date as the precise rapid transit route or portion has been determined and designated but not before such route or portion has been opened to traffic, whichever date is later. (Added by Ord. 263-65, App. 10/22/65)

SEC. 609.10. ON AND NEAR MARKET STREET FROM THE EMBARCADERO TO THE CENTRAL SKYWAY OVERPASS.

(a) General Advertising Signs. Any lawfully existing general advertising sign within the Market Street Special Sign District, other than such a sign located on a wall immediately adjacent to the establishment to which it directs attention, shall be removed within five years after the effective date of said Special Sign District or such later date as the location of such sign may be designated as part of said Special Sign District; provided, however, that if the public street and plaza improvements within any of the sections of the Market Street Special Sign District listed below have not been substantially completed at the end of said five-year period in accordance with the architectural plans entitled “Market Street Recon-struction,” Transit Task Force File No. 810.00R1 through 810.28R1, dated September 10, 1970, and “Surface Plan—Hallidie Plaza,” Transit Task Force File No. 1000, dated July 15, 1970, including permanent pavement of sidewalk and roadway areas, planting of trees and placement of furnishings, then said general advertising signs within any such section need not be removed until 30 days after the date of substantial completion of said improvements in the section in which said signs are located:

(1) Between The Embarcadero and the easterly line of Third Street;

(2) Between the easterly line of Third Street and the easterly line of Powell Street;

(3) Between the easterly line of Powell Street and the easterly line of Seventh Street;

(4) Between the easterly line of Seventh Street and the easterly line of Twelfth Street;

(5) Between the easterly line of Twelfth Street and the Central Skyway overpass.

It is hereby found and declared that as of May 18, 1976, six years after the effective date of the Market Street Special Sign District, the public street and plaza improvements within each and every section of Market Street listed above have been substantially completed in accordance with the plans and other terms set forth above. Accordingly, all general advertising signs specified in this Subsection (a) shall be removed forthwith. This amendment is intended only to clarify existing provisions of law, and thereby to facilitate administration of those provisions.

It is hereby found and declared, further, that a six-year amortization period for general advertising signs throughout the Market Street Special Sign District is more than adequate in view of the express purposes of the Special District, the massive public and private investments that have already taken place, and the new environment created in all sections of the street. In addition, it is noted that the amortization period for general advertising signs originally adopted in this district was three years, which period was extended to five years with the proviso concerning substantial completion, and that the amortization periods for all other signs affected by this Section were only one, two and three years, which periods have in all cases already been enforced and complied with; the factor, also, demonstrates that a six-year amortization period for general advertising signs is more than adequate.

(b) Moving Parts. Any lawfully existing sign within the Market Street Special Sign District that has a moving part or parts legally nonconforming under Subsection 607(d) of this Code shall be removed or altered to conform therewith within three years after the effective date of said Special Sign District or such later date as the location of such sign may be designated as part of said Special Sign District.

(c) Temporary Signs. Any lawfully existing sign within the Market Street Special Sign District which does not conform to the requirements of Paragraph 608.8(f)(1) of this Code shall be removed or altered to conform therewith within one year after the effective date of said Special Sign District or such later date as the location of such sign may be designated as part of said Special Sign District.

(d) Signs, Structures and Features in Public Areas. Any lawfully existing sign, structure or feature within the Market Street Special Sign District which does not conform to the requirements of Paragraph 608.8(f)(2) of this Code shall be removed or altered to conform therewith within one year after the effective date of said Special Sign District or such later date as the location of such sign, structure or feature may be designated as part of said Special Sign District, if such sign, structure or feature is within Market Street, within Powell Street, or within any other street area opposite a street property line that abuts Market Street and faces Market Street at an angle of less than 90 degrees. This removal requirement shall, among other things, specifically apply to all canopies now in place in said Special Sign District and located as described herein.

(e) Projection. Except as provided herein, any lawfully existing sign or other feature within the Market Street Special Sign District which does not conform to the projection limitations of Paragraph 608.8(d)(1) of this Code shall be removed or altered to conform therewith within two years after the effective date of said Special Sign District if such sign or other feature projects over either street property line of Market Street, either street property line of Powell Street, or any other street property line that abuts Market Street and faces Market Street at an angle of less than 90 degrees. The Zoning Administrator may, in specific cases, permit the retention or alteration of an existing sign or other feature which projects more than six feet but in no event and under no circumstances more than eight feet, if the Zoning Administrator determines (1) that the sign or feature is of high quality, in scale with its surroundings, not detrimental to other properties, and not so located that it will conflict with trees or other features in the street area, and (2) that unusual circumstances apply concerning the nature of the sign or feature or concerning the building that would make adherence to the six-foot limitation impractical without offsetting public advantages.

(f) Revocation of Permits. Any permit issued for erection or alteration of a sign, structure or feature required to be removed or altered under Subsection 609.10(d) or (e) above is hereby revoked as of the date on which such removal or alteration is required. The permit for any sign erected or altered pursuant to Section 4653(b) of the Building Code, enacted by Ordinance No. 325-69, pertaining to signs for new businesses or organizations and change in name of business or organizations, pending adoption of permanent standards for signs in the Market Street area, shall be automatically revoked upon adoption of this present ordinance, if the sign authorized by such permit does not conform to all such permanent standards made applicable hereby to the property on which the sign is located. (Amended by Ord. 64-77, App. 2/18/77)

SEC. 609.11. IN JACKSON SQUARE.

Any lawfully existing sign which does not conform to Section 608.9 of this Code shall be removed or altered to conform therewith within five years after the effective date of said Section or such later date as the sign becomes nonconforming. (Added by Ord. 223-72, App. 8/9/72)

SEC. 609.12. ON AND NEAR MARKET STREET FROM THE CENTRAL SKYWAY OVERPASS TO DIAMOND STREET.

(a) General Advertising Signs. Any lawfully existing general advertising sign within the Upper Market Special Sign District, other than such a sign located on a wall immediately adjacent to the establishment to which it directs attention, shall be removed within five years after the effective date of said Special Sign District or such later date as the location of such sign may be designated as part of said Special Sign District.

(b) Roof Signs. Any lawfully existing roof sign within the Upper Market Special Sign District shall be removed within five years after the effective date of such Special Sign District or such later date as the location of such sign may be designated as part of said Special Sign District.

(c) Freestanding Signs. Any existing free standing sign within the Upper Market Special Sign District that lawfully exceeds a height of 24 feet shall be removed or altered to conform with such height limit within five years after the effective date of such Special Sign District or such later date as the location of such sign may be designated as part of said Special Sign District.

(d) Moving Parts. Any lawfully existing sign within the Upper Market Special Sign District that has a moving part or parts legally nonconforming under Subsection 607(d) of this Code shall be removed or altered to conform therewith within three years after the effective date of said Special Sign District or such later date as the location of such sign may be designated as part of said Special Sign District.

(e) Flashing Lights. Any lawfully existing sign within the Upper Market Special Sign District that hasor consists of one or more flashing, blinking, fluctuating or otherwise animated lights legally nonconforming under Subsection 607(e) of this Code shall be removed or altered to conform therewith within three years after the effective date of said Special Sign District or such later date as the location of such sign may be designated as part of said Special Sign District.

(f) Not less than six months prior to the termination of the amortization period set forth in Section 609.12(a), the City Planning Commission shall conduct a hearing regarding general compliance with all the removal and conformity requirements of Section 609.12. The City Planning Commission shall send a report thereon to the Board of Supervisors, which shall conduct a hearing on said report. (Added by Ord. 64-77, App. 2/18/77)

SEC. 609.13. NONCONFORMING SIGNS IN NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS.

If state and/or federal statutes, as applicable, which currently required local governments to pay monetary compensation to the owners of noncon-forming signs as a condition of requiring removal of such signs is/are repealed, or amended so as to eliminate that requirement, then any lawfully existing general advertising sign within a Neighborhood Commercial District which does not conform to the provisions of Section 607.1(e), (h), (i), and (j) or any lawfully existing general advertising sign which directs attention to a business on the same or directly adjacent property and does not conform to the provisions of Section 607.1(e), (h), (i), and (j) shall be removed within five years of the effective date of the repeal of the amendment of said state and/or federal legislation, as applicable; provided, however, if this Code is amended after the effective date of said repeal or amendment of said state and/or federal legislation, which Code amendment first makes Section 607.1 applicable to a sign, then that sign need not be removed until five years after the effective date of said Code amendment. (Added by Ord. 69-87, App. 3/13/87)

SEC. 610. VIOLATION OF GENERAL ADVERTISING SIGN REQUIREMENTS.

(a) General. The penalties and methods of enforcement set forth in this Section 610 are in addition to those set forth in Section 176 of this Code and in addition to any other penalties or methods of enforcement authorized by law.

(b) Administrative Penalties. The Director of Planning may impose administrative penalties for violations of the regulations governing general advertising signs set forth in this Article, in accordance with the following procedure:

(1) Notice. Upon the Planning Department's determination pursuant to Section 176 of this Code that a general advertising sign has been erected or otherwise installed in violation of the requirements of this Article, the Director shall send a written notice, by first class mail or hand-delivery, to both the owner or owners of the property, as listed in the Assessor's records, and the company that erected or installed the sign, if different from the owner or owners (together, the "Responsible Parties"). The notice shall describe the violations, state that the Responsible Parties have up to five business days to remove the sign or be subject to the imposition of administrative penalties and abatement action, state the amount of the administrative penalty and fees to be imposed, and notify the Responsible Parties that they have the right to request the Director's reconsideration by filing such a request within 15 business days of the date of the notice. If the identity of the company that installed the sign is unknown, the notice to the company shall be sent as soon as its identity is determined.

(2) Amount of Penalty. The administrative penalties assessed against the Responsible Parties by the Director shall be at least $1,000.00 but shall not exceed $2,500.00 per day per violation per Responsible Party. In determining the amount of the penalty, the Director shall take into account:

(i) Whether there have been any previous violations within the past five years;

(ii) The nature of the violation and its impact on the public;

(iii) The Responsible Party or Parties' efforts, if any, to correct the violation;

(iv) The speed of compliance with the City's enforcement action;

(v) Whether the Responsible Party knew or should reasonably have known that there was a violation; and

(vi) Such additional factors as the Director may determine are appropriate.

(3) Additional Fees. In addition to the administrative penalty assessed pursuant to Subsection (2) above, the Director may assess additional fees to cover the costs incurred in enforcing the administrative penalty or abating the violations, including the costs of other City agencies.

(4) Duration of Penalties. Penalties and fees assessed under this Section shall continue to accrue against the Responsible Parties until the violations of Article 6 have been abated or otherwise remedied in the sole judgment of the Director. However, penalties and fees shall not accrue for 15 days after the date of the notice required in Subsection (b)(1) above and during the pendency of any request for reconsideration filed pursuant to Subsection (7) below and for a five-day period after the Director's final decision has been mailed or hand-delivered to the Responsible Party or Parties.

(5) Collection. The Director shall notify the Responsible Party or Parties in writing of the amount of the penalty and fees and declare that such costs are due and payable to the Treasurer of the City and County of San Francisco within 30 days of the date of the notice. If the penalty and fee are not paid within 30 days of the notice, the Director shall request that the Tax Collector pursue collection of the penalty and fee against the property owner, up to and including imposition of a special assessment lien in accordance with the requirements of Article XX of Chapter 10 of the San Francisco Administrative Code (commending with Section 10.230). The Director shall request that the City Attorney pursue collection of the penalty and fee against the sign company.

(6) Planning Code Enforcement Fund. Fees and penalties collected pursuant to this Section 610 shall be deposited in the Planning Code Enforcement Fund established in Administrative Code Section 10.100-166.

(7) Review of Imposition of Penalty. Any person designated as a Responsible Party may seek the Director's reconsideration of that designation or of the assessment and amount of the penalty or fee imposed by requesting a hearing on the matter. Reconsideration is initiated by filing a request for reconsideration and hearing with the Director that specifies in detail the basis for the request. The request shall be filed within 15 business days of the date of notice of the imposition of the penalty or fee. Within 10 days of the receipt of the request for reconsideration, unless extended by mutual agreement of the affected parties, the Director or his or her designee shall reconsider the matter and render a final decision, which shall not be appealable. (Added by Ord. 71-01, File No. 001391, App. 5/18/2001)

SEC. 611. GENERAL ADVERTISING SIGNS PROHIBITED.

(a) No new general advertising signs shall be permitted at any location within the City as of March 5, 2002, except as provided in subsection (b) of this ordinance.

(b) Nothing in this ordinance shall be construed to prohibit the placement of signs on motor vehicles or in the public right of way as permitted by local law.

(c) Relocation Agreements.

(1) Nothing in this ordinance shall preclude the Board of Supervisors, upon recommendation from a department designated by the Board, from entering into agreements with general advertising sign companies to provide for the relocation of existing legally permitted general advertising signs. Any such agreements shall provide that the selection of a new location for an existing legally permitted general advertising sign be subject to the conditional use procedures provided for in Article 3 of the Planning Code.

(2) Locations where general advertising signs could have been lawfully erected pursuant to the zoning laws in effect prior to the effective date of this ordinance may be considered as relocation sites. Future zoning laws may additionally restrict the locations available for the relocation of existing legally permitted general advertising signs.

(d) Pursuant to subsection (c)(1) of this ordinance, the selection of a relocation site for an existing legally permitted general advertising sign shall be governed by the conditional use procedures of Section 303 of the Planning Code.

(e) Nothing in this ordinance shall preclude the Board of Supervisors from otherwise amending Article 6 of the Planning Code.

(f) A prohibition on all new general advertising signs is necessary because:

(1) The increased size and number of general advertising signs in the City can distract motorists and pedestrians traveling on the public right of way creating a public safety hazard.

(2) General advertising signs contribute to blight and visual clutter as well as the commercialization of public spaces within the City.

(3) There is a proliferation of general advertising signs visible from, on, and near historically significant buildings and districts, public buildings and open spaces all over the City.

(4) San Francisco must protect the character and dignity of the City's distinctive appearance, topography, street patterns, open spaces, thoroughfares, skyline and architectural features for both residents and visitors.

(5) There is currently an ample supply of general advertising signs within the City. (Added by Proposition G, 3/5/2002)

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