Over the past year the City of Mountain View’s Downtown Committee and Environmental Planning Commission worked in conjunction with the Central Business Association (C.B.A.), the Chamber of Commerce and Mountain View business owners to make the existing sign ordinance easier to understand, easier to enforce and to make general improvements in the appearance of Mountain View businesses. In April the City Council approved the recommended changes to the sign guidelines that went into effect on June 24, 2001.
Key changes impact window signs, window graphics and displays, neon signs, and community interest signs. Several public meetings were held to solicit feedback from businesses.
The following are highlights of some of the changes:
1. Window Signs:
First Floor Window Signs - One window sign is permitted per window pane or framed window area and shall not exceed 25 percent of the total window area. Neon signs are permitted provided that the electrical supply cords are hidden from view through the window, and all necessary permits have been obtained.
Sign Materials - Window signs made of paper, cardboard, plastic, chalk or white-board are not permitted.
Window Graphics and Displays - Any graphics, displays, or sign panels with lettering more than one inch high shall be considered a window sign.
2. Special Signs:
Menu Holders - Menu holders are permitted on the exterior storefront of a restaurant. The menu holder shall be limited to the size of two pages of the menu utilized by the establishment.
Sidewalk Cafe Signage - A sidewalk cafe may be permitted signage on the cafe umbrella in addition to the main occupancy frontage. The sign shall be limited to the name of the cafe business.
3. Temporary Signs:
Community Interest Sign - Obtain City approval for one designated area not exceeding six square feet of a single window for one or two temporary and professionally designed posters announc-ing an event of public interest. The sign must be dated and removed within 30 days of the posted date.
For more information, call 903-6306.