Planners set to discuss sign ordinance
On Thursday, the Humboldt County Planning Commission will continue talks paring down the size and scope of signs allowed in the county's unincorporated regions.
Several sign rules, which includes billboards, are simply not addressed in existing county codes. The planning commission aims to amend the rules with sizes limits for four different types of signs, though historical plaques are excused as they do not require a permit.
Currently, there is no limit for how large freestanding signs can be, but the proposed ordinance would limit it to 32 square feet and 14 feet of height. Monument size would be limited to 32 square feet and six feet of height.
Wall and window signs are slightly different, and the former would see up to six signs allowed with one square foot of sign area per linear foot of building facade. The latter would restrict window signage to no more than a quarter of the window area.
“Based upon these comparisons, the regulations in the proposed ordinance for monument signs, wall signs and window signage are consistent with the ordinances in Mendocino, Butte County and Sonoma County. The size and height of freestanding signs deserve some additional consideration,” the staff report said. “Both Mendocino and Butte counties allow 64 square feet in area, while the proposed ordinance would allow 36 square feet. A sign area of 64 square feet would be a sign of 8 feet by 8 feet.”
County staff formed the recommendations by looking to neighboring counties, a survey and input from Allpoints Sign Company, a Humboldt County sign firm, though the proposed ordinance diverges from the company's stance in several respects. Namely, the company called for larger allowances for signage in nearly every category.
“The height of freestanding signs is variable between jurisdictions. The proposed ordinance sets the limit at 14 feet, while Butte County sets the limit at 12 feet and Mendocino County allows 25 feet. Staff chose the 14 feet to keep the signage somewhat at a human scale,” the report said. “With a 14-foot-tall sign and if the commission chooses to go to 64 square feet of area, that will basically allow an 8-foot by 8-foot sign, the bottom of which is 7 feet off the ground.”
The commission meets at 6 p.m. at the Humboldt County Superior Courthouse in Eureka. The full agenda can be viewed at https://bit.ly/49f6diZ.
Jackson Guilfoil can be reached at 707-441-0506