TO: Chair and Members of the Planning Commission
THRU: Hayden Beckman, Planning Manager
FROM: Arlen Beck, Senior Planner
1. SUBJECT
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Public Hearing to consider a comprehensive amendment to Title 17 of the Orange Municipal Code addressing sign definitions, review authority, temporary uses, special events, and replacement of Chapter 17.36, Sign Regulations, in its entirety.
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2. SUMMARY
The proposed sign code update aligns the City’s regulations with court rulings, applicable state and federal law and provides a clear, legally supportable basis for enforcement of sign code violations. It strengthens the City’s ability to reduce the proliferation of unlawful banners and other signs that contribute to visual clutter, obstruct visibility, or detract from the appearance of neighborhoods and business corridors.
The update also establishes a more comprehensive system for reviewing signs, with expanded definitions, illustrated standards, nine zoning-based sign districts, and identified permit and review procedures. It addresses contemporary sign technology and a broader range of sign designs while retaining protections for Old Towne.
3. RECOMMENDED ACTION
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Conduct and close the Public Hearing.
Adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 20-26 recommending that the City Council adopt an ordinance amending Title 17 of the Orange Municipal Code (Zoning Code) to add sign review authority to reviewing bodies, add sign criteria and clarifying administrative language for temporary use permits and special events, and replace Chapter 17.36, Sign Regulations, in its entirety.
Recommend that the City Council find the ordinance exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Sections 15061(b)(3) and 15378.
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4. PROJECT BACKGROUND
The City’s sign regulations were last comprehensively revised in 1995 through Ordinance No. 12-95, with subsequent amendments addressing particular issues. Since that time...
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