§ 31.01. Purpose and applicability.

This article establishes regulations relating to the permitted type, size, height, placement, and design of signs for all districts. The intent of these regulations is to:

(a)

Ensure the preservation and enhancement of Colusa's unique community character and vitality within its neighborhoods and business districts;

(b)

Create a strong sense of entry into the city along the primary corridors of State Routes 20 and 20/45 and along key secondary entrances into the city;

(c)

Apply the use of signage and lighting in a manner that will enhance the aesthetic character of the community.

Sign area includes the entire face of the sign, including the surface and any framing, but not including the support structure. Individual letters on a building shall be measured by the area enclosed by a continuous line outlining the perimeter of the words, emblems, and logos. For double-faced signs with less than 18 inches between faces, only one side shall be counted as the total area. Wherever conflict occurs between this and other sections of this ordinance, the provisions of this section shall prevail.

Message Substitution. A noncommercial message of any type may be substituted in whole or in part for the message displayed on any sign for which the sign structure or mounting device is authorized pursuant to this chapter. The purpose of this requirement is to prevent any inadvertent favoring of commercial speech over noncommercial speech, or favoring of any particular noncommercial message over any other noncommercial message.

(Ord. No. 518, § 3, 6-20-2017)