Planning Commission

t N ACTION MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE SOUTH GATE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2025 1. CALL TO ORDER - 6:34 p.m. The Planning Commission of the City of South Gate met in-person on August 19, 2025, at 6:34 PM, Chair Ruiz presiding. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner Ozaeta led the Pledge of Allegiance. 3. ROLLCALL Commissioners Present: Chairperson Lizette Ruiz Vice-Chairperson Daisy Prieto Commissioner Jimmy Ozaeta Commissioner Margarita Valenzuela Commissioners Absent: Commissioner Mayra Castaneda 4. CITY OFFICIALS Staff Present: John F. Signo, AICP, Planning Manager Craig Hardwick, Assistant City Attorney Javier Barraza, Special Projects Coordinator 5. REPORT ON POSTING Special Projects Coordinator Barraza certified the meeting agenda was properly posted. 6. MEETING COMPENSATION DISCLOSURE Special Projects Coordinator Barraza disclosed the Commissioners" compensation. Planning Commission Minutes 09.02.25 Page I of 4

7. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Planning Commission Minutes for August 19, 2025. Approval of the minutes for the regular Planning Commission meeting of August 19, 2025. Action: Approved 4-0. Motion by Commissioner Ozaeta. Seconded by Chairperson Prieto. COMMISSIONER VOTE Mayra Castaneda Absent Jimmy Ozaeta Yes Margarita Valenzuela Yes Vice-Chairperson Daisy Prieto Yes Chairperson Lizette Ruiz Yes 8. PUBLIC HEARING A. Conditional Use Permit Number 25-02 Consider approval of Conditional Use Permit No. 25-02 to allow the sales of alcohol (ABC License Type 41 - beer and wine) for on-site consumption in conjunction with an existing restaurant (Tacos EI Unico) located at 2801 Firestone Boulevard, Unit B, and finding that the project is Categorically Exempt from the CEQA under Section 15301, (Class 1) "Existing Facilities." Planning Manager Signo explained that the applicant requested a continuance to the next Planning Commission Meeting on September 16, 2025. He explained that the public hearing should be opened, public testimony be taken, and the public hearing be continued to the next meeting. Special Project Coordinator Javier Barraza read a public comment about this item received through email. Chairperson Ruiz asked if there were any public comments from the audience. There were none. Chairperson Ruiz asked if she could get a motion to continue this hearing. Action: Approved 4 - 0. Motion by Commissioner Valenzuela. Seconded by Vice-Chair(erson Prieto. COMMISSIONER VOTE Mayra Castaneda Absent Jimmy Ozaeta Yes Margarita Valenzuela Yes Vice-Chairperson Daisy Prieto Yes Chairperson Lizette Ruiz Yes Planning Commission Minutes 09.02.25 Page 2 of 4

9. OPEN SESSION ITEMS A. Workshop: Sign Ordinance - Municipal Code Chapter 11.36 Planning Manager Signo gave a presentation on the City's sign ordinance and gave examples of different types of signs from other cities and in South Gate. Mr. Signo recommended that the sign ordinance be updated. Commissioner Valenzuela, Vice Chairperson Prieto, Commissioner Ozaeta, and Chairperson Ruiz had comments and questions. Planning Manager Signo and Assistant City Attorney Hardwick responded. Chairperson Ruiz asked if there were public comments. Special Projects Coordinator read an email that was submitted by Mario Domiguez Jr. Staff and Planning Commissioners responded. Commissioner Ozaeta and Chairperson Ruiz asked questions, and staff responded. Chairperson Ruiz asked if she could get a motion to receive and file. Vice-Chairperson Prieto motioned to receive and file with recommendation to revisit the sign ordinance at a later time. Action:Approved 4 - 0, Motion by Vice-Chairperson Prieto. Seconded by Commissio i Valenzuela COMMISSIONER VOTE Mayra Castaneda Absent Jimmy Ozaeta Yes Margarita Valenzuela Yes Vice-Chairperson Daisy Prieto Yes Chairperson Lizette Ruiz Yes 10. COMMENTS A. Public Comments: * Martha Moreno from the audience asked about the accessory dwelling unit (ADU) pre- approved plan program. Staff responded. * Mario Dominguez Jr. emailed a comment which was read onto the record. Staff responded. B. City Staff Comments: * No comments. C, Planning Commission Comments: @ Commissioner Ozaeta had questions and comments. Staff responded. * Chairperson Ruiz had questions and comments. Staff responded. Planning Commission Minutes 09.02.25 Page 3 of 4

11. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:57 PM. Respectfully submitted by: JohnhAICa ing Manager Lizette Ruiz, Chair Planning Commission Minutes 09.02.25 Page 4 of 4

SOUTH GATE PLANNING COMMISSION

REGULAR PC AGENDA

Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.

SOUTH GATE COUNCIL CHAMBERS

8650 CALIFORNIA AVENUE

SOUTH GATE, CA 90280

1.

Call To Order

2.

Pledge of Allegiance

3.

Roll Call

4.

City Officials

CHAIRPERSON COMMISSIONERS

Lizette Ruiz Mayra Castaneda

Jimmy Ozaeta

VICE CHAIRPERSON Margarita Valenzuela

Daisy Prieto

5.

Report On Posting

I, Javier Barraza, Special Projects Coordinator, certify that a true and correct copy of the foregoing meeting agenda was properly posted on August 28, 2025, seventy-two hours prior to the scheduled meeting, as required by law.

6.

Meeting Compensation Disclosure

Pursuant to Government Code Section 54952.3: Disclosure of compensation for meeting attendance by the Planning Commission is $125.00 per meeting.

7.

Consent Calendar

Business items, except those formally noticed for public hearing or require discussion, are placed in the Consent Calendar. Any Commissioner may request that any Consent Calendar item(s) be removed, discussed, and acted upon separately. Items remaining on the Consent Calendar will be approved in one motion unless another action is taken. The Chair will call on anyone wishing to address the Commission on any Consent Calendar item, which has not been pulled for discussion.

A.

PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES FOR AUGUST 19, 2025

The Planning Commission will consider approval of the minutes for the Regular Planning Commission meeting of August 19, 2025.

Documents:

PC Minutes 08.19.25.pdf

8.

Public Hearings Public hearings are those items formally noticed under the requirements of South Gate Municipal Code Section 11.50.020. The Planning Commission shall hold a public hearing and make required findings to either approve, approve with conditions, or deny an application by adopting a resolution.

A.

CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 25-02

The Planning Commission is conducting a Public Hearing to consider approving Conditional Use Permit No. 25-02 to allow the sales of alcohol (ABC License Type 41 - beer and wine) for on-site consumption in conjunction with an existing restaurant (Tacos El Unico) located at 2801 Firestone Boulevard, Unit B, and finding that the project is Categorically Exempt from the CEQA under Section 15301, (Class 1) “Existing Facilities.”

Documents:

AB_CUP_25-02_Continuation_09.02.25_R.pdf

1. Call To Order 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Roll Call 4. City Officials CHAIRPERSON COMMISSIONERS Lizette Ruiz Mayra Castaneda Jimmy Ozaeta VICE CHAIRPERSON Margarita Valenzuela Daisy Prieto 5. Report On Posting I, Javier Barraza, Special Projects Coordinator, certify that a true and correct copy of the foregoing meeting agenda was properly posted on August 28, 2025, seventy-two hours prior to the scheduled meeting, as required by law. 6. Meeting Compensation Disclosure Pursuant to Government Code Section 54952.3: Disclosure of compensation for meeting attendance by the Planning Commission is $125.00 per meeting. 7. Consent Calendar Business items, except those formally noticed for public hearing or require discussion, are placed in the Consent Calendar. Any Commissioner may request that any Consent Calendar item(s) be removed, discussed, and acted upon separately. Items remaining on the Consent Calendar will be approved in one motion unless another action is taken. The Chair will call on anyone wishing to address the Commission on any Consent Calendar item, which has not been pulled for discussion. SOUTH GATE PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR PC AGENDA Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. SOUTH GATE COUNCIL CHAMBERS 8650 CALIFORNIA AVENUE SOUTH GATE, CA 90280 1

A. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES FOR AUGUST 19, 2025 The Planning Commission will consider approval of the minutes for the Regular Planning Commission meeting of August 19, 2025. 8. Public Hearings Public hearings are those items formally noticed under the requirements of South Gate Municipal Code Section 11.50.020. The Planning Commission shall hold a public hearing and make required findings to either approve, approve with conditions, or deny an application by adopting a resolution. A. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 25-02 The Planning Commission is conducting a Public Hearing to consider approving Conditional Use Permit No. 25-02 to allow the sales of alcohol (ABC License Type 41 - beer and wine) for on-site consumption in conjunction with an existing restaurant (Tacos El Unico) located at 2801 Firestone Boulevard, Unit B, and finding that the project is Categorically Exempt from the CEQA under Section 15301, (Class 1) “Existing Facilities.” 9. Open Session Items Open session items are intended to be discussed by the Planning Commission but do not require a public hearing. These include presentations, trainings, and workshops. A. WORKSHOP: SIGN ORDINANCE - MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 11.36 Staff will give a presentation on the Sign Ordinance. It is recommended the Planning Commission RECEIVE the presentation, ASK questions of staff, OPEN the item for public comment, DISCUSS the item, PROVIDE direction to staff, and RECEIVE and FILE the item. 10. Comments At this time, members of the public and staff may address the City Planning Commission regarding any items within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Planning Commission. No action may be taken on items not listed on the agenda unless authorized by law. A. AUDIENCE COMMENTS B. CITY STAFF COMMENTS C. PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS Documents: PC Minutes 08.19.25.pdf Documents: AB_CUP_25-02_Continuation_09.02.25_R.pdf Documents: AB_Workshop_Chapter_11.36_F.pdf 2

11. Adjournment In compliance with the American with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in the Planning Commission meeting, please contact Community Development Department. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to assure accessibility. All of the above resolutions and zoning case items have been determined to be categorically exempt pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines unless otherwise stated. Any final action of the Planning Commission, on this agenda, is appealable to the City Council upon filling the request with the City Clerk prior to 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 18, 2025. Materials related to an item on this Agenda submitted to the Planning Commission after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection in the Community Development Department, 8650 California Ave., South Gate, CA 90280. For more information, call (323) 563- 9565 or visit the City's website at www.cityofsouthgate.org. 3

Planning Commission Minutes 06.18.25 Page 1 of 3 ACTION MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE SOUTH GATE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION TUESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2025 1. CALL TO ORDER – 6:30 p.m. The Planning Commission of the City of South Gate met in-person on August 19, 2025, at 6:30 PM, Chair Ruiz presiding. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner Ozaeta led the Pledge of Allegiance. 3. ROLL CALL Commissioners Present: Chairperson Lizette Ruiz Vice-Chairperson Daisy Prieto Commissioner Mayra Castaneda Commissioner Jimmy Ozaeta Commissioner Margarita Valenzuela Commissioners Absent: None 4. CITY OFFICIALS Staff Present: Gabriel Perez, Community Development Director John F. Signo, AICP, Planning Manager Joshua Valdez, Associate Planner Craig Hardwick, Assistant City Attorney Kimberly Hernandez, Housing Assistant Javier Barraza, Special Projects Coordinator 5. REPORT ON POSTING Special Projects Coordinator Barraza certified the meeting agenda was properly posted. 6. MEETING COMPENSATION DISCLOSURE Special Projects Coordinator Barraza disclosed the Commissioners’ compensation. 4

Planning Commission Minutes 06.18.25 Page 2 of 3 7. CONSENT CALENDAR A and B. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES FOR NOVENVER 19, 2024 and JUNE 18, 2025  No public comments or written response. ACTION: Approved 4-0. Motion by Vice-Chairperson Prieto. Seconded by Commissioner Ozaeta. COMMISSIONER VOTE Mayra Castaneda Abstain Jimmy Ozaeta Yes Margarita Valenzuela Yes Vice-Chairperson Daisy Prieto Yes Chairperson Lizette Ruiz Yes 8. PUBLIC HEARING A. ZONING CODE AMENDMENT TO MODIFY TITLE 11, CHAPTER 11.43 (ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND ACCESSORY STRUCTURES) OF THE SOUTH GATE MUNICIPAL CODE AND FINDING THE ACTION EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT. Planning Manager Signo introduced Associate Planner Valdez. Assistant Planner Valdez gave a presentation about the zoning code amendment and proposed changes. Chairperson Ruiz asked if there were any public comments. There were none. Chairperson Ruiz asked if there were any comments or questions from Planning Commissioners. Questions were asked and staff responded. Planning Manager Signo commented about having future workshops on new ADU laws. ACTION: Approved 5-0. Motion by Vice-Chairperson Prieto. Seconded by Commissioner Ozaeta. COMMISSIONER VOTE Mayra Castaneda Yes Jimmy Ozaeta Yes Margarita Valenzuela Yes Vice-Chairperson Daisy Prieto Yes Chairperson Lizette Ruiz Yes 9. OPEN SESSION ITEMS A. None. 5

Planning Commission Minutes 06.18.25 Page 3 of 3 10. COMMENTS - (7:12 pm) A. AUDIENCE/PUBLIC COMMENTS  Mario Dominguez B. CITY STAFF COMMENTS  Planning Manager Signo indicated he attended the USC Lusk Neighborhood Data for Social Change event and can provide more information to Commissioners and the public upon request. C. PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS  Commissioner Ozaeta thanked Director Perez for his presentation to the Parks and Recreation Commission. He asked about Quimby fees. Director Perez indicated fees are approved by City Council.  Vice-Chairperson Prieto thanked staff for the presentation. Director Signo commended Associate Planner Valdez and Assistant City Attorney Hardwick for their work.  Chairperson Ruiz had comments and questions about the Parks and Recreation Commission presentation, flagpole permit approved by City Council, and odor complaints about UWS and the Green Waste Transfer station. Planning Manager Signo and CD Director Perez commented and answered her questions.  Commissioner Ozaeta had comments and questions about exploring codes or policies about flag poles and other items. Staff answered his questions and commented about his comments. 11. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:28 PM. Respectfully submitted by: ________________________________________ John F. Signo, AICP, Planning Manager ________________________________________ Lizette Ruiz, Chair 6

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City of South Gate PLANNING COMMISSION For the Regular Meeting of: September 2, 2025 Planning Manager: _______________ Planning Manager: _________________ John F. Signo, AICP John F. Signo, AICP SUBJECT: WORKSHOP ON SIGN ORDINANCE – SOUTH GATE MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 11.36 PURPOSE: To provide the Planning Commission with an overview of the City’s Sign Ordinance found in Chapter 11.36 of the South Gate Municipal Code (SGMC) and identify ways in which the Sign Ordinance can be improved. BACKGROUND: The Sign Ordinance was last amended in 2018 under Ordinance No. 2353. The amendment was a follow-up to the City’s comprehensive Zoning Code update completed in 2015, which excluded an update to the Sign Ordinance. Ordinance No. 2353 reinstated the previous sign regulations and included minor amendments. The purpose of the Sign Ordinance is to eliminate excessive and confusing visual blight in the City. The intent is to develop and encourage signage that provides a harmonious tone and aesthetically pleasing visual character in the City that promotes economic health and public welfare for residents and businesses. ANALYSIS: Chapter 11.36 of the SGMC is divided into 14 sections as listed below. It is included in its entirety in Attachment A. 11.36.010 Purpose. 11.36.020 Objectives. 11.36.030 Definitions. 11.36.040 General policies. 11.36.050 Prohibited signs. 11.36.060 Signs in the public right-of-way. 11.36.070 New signs exempt from sign permit requirements. 11.36.080 Signs allowed by sign permit in all zones. 11.36.090 Signs allowed by sign permit in commercial and manufacturing zones. 11.36.100 Off-premises signs. 11.36.110 New sign permit process. 11.36.120 Nonconforming signs. 11.36.130 Severability. 11.36.140 Penalty. 9

Wall Signs Wall signs for commercial and manufacturing zones are allowed with a sign permit. The purpose of the wall sign is to identify or advertise a business, service or product provided within a building. Section 11.36.090.2 lists the requirements for a wall sign, which are summarized as follows: Item Requirement Size Front  2 SF per linear foot of street building frontage  40% max. of front bldg. face Rear or Side  2 SF per linear foot of street building frontage  20% max. of rear/side bldg. face All  Area cannot be approved unless part of a planned sign design approved by Planning Commission Height Commercial Zones No higher than building roofline unless approved by PC as planned sign design Manufacturing Zones No higher than building roofline unless approved by PC as planned sign design through site plan process as part of sign theme Projections 18” from building face If more than 18”, see Section 11.36.090.5 Limitations No paper of cloth material Only internal illumination allowed Signs above ground floor subject to Director review Murals Size, height, locations, and other restrictions subject to PC review Sign Themes (Sign Programs) It is common for cities to approve sign programs for individual commercial shopping centers or industrial business centers to guide the look, design, colors, and materials of signs. In our City, sign programs are referred to as “sign themes” and require approval by the Planning Commission. Per SGGMC Section 11.36.030, a “sign theme” means: “A coordinated program of one or more new signs for an individual commercial or industrial business center that provides for an alternative to the general sign regulations. It is intended to encourage the maximum incentive and latitude in order to achieve variety and good design. Approval shall be by the city planning commission. Approval of signs and the issuance of the sign permit shall be referenced as the sign theme for that business establishment.” Although shopping centers and industrial centers in South Gate are established, adopting sign themes would guide new tenants with future signage so that a consistent theme may be maintained throughout the center. 10

CONCLUSION: Staff will provide a presentation to the Planning Commission to discuss signage. Staff requests the Planning Commission provide feedback on types of signs that are preferred and those that are not. Although preference on the aesthetics of signs is subjective, having standards and guidelines on what is acceptable will help guide applicants and staff on future signage. Additionally, the establishment sign themes (sign programs) for individual commercial or industrial business centers will coordinate signage to achieve variety and good design. The study session may result in draft Sign Ordinance amendments that would return to the Commission for consideration. RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended the Planning Commission:  RECEIVE the presentation;  ASK staff questions;  OPEN the item for public comment;  DISCUSS the item;  PROVIDE direction to staff; and  RECEIVE and FILE the item. ATTACHMENTS: A. South Gate Municipal Code Chapter 11.36: Signs – General Policies, Provisions, and Procedures B. Quick Guide to Sign Regulations C. Sign Permit Application 11

Chapter 11.36 SIGNS – GENERAL POLICIES, PROVISIONS, AND PROCEDURES Sections: 11.36.010 Purpose. 11.36.020 Objectives. 11.36.030 Definitions. 11.36.040 General policies. 11.36.050 Prohibited signs. 11.36.060 Signs in the public right-of-way. 11.36.070 New signs exempt from sign permit requirements. 11.36.080 Signs allowed by sign permit in all zones. 11.36.090 Signs allowed by sign permit in commercial and manufacturing zones. 11.36.100 Off-premises signs. 11.36.110 New sign permit process. 11.36.120 Nonconforming signs. 11.36.130 Severability. 11.36.140 Penalty. 11.36.010 Purpose. The purpose of the following provisions is to eliminate excessive and confusing visual blight created by uncontrolled and unplanned signs. It is the intent of these regulations to develop and encourage a sign program that will provide a harmonious tone and aesthetically pleasing visual character to the city, thereby promoting the economic health and public welfare of its residential and business sectors. (Ord. 2353 § 7 (part), 7-10-18) 11.36.020 Objectives. The objectives to be used in applying specific standards are as follows: 1. To distinguish individual business, residential, and public uses without confusion, unsightliness, or visual obscurity of adjacent land uses.ATTACHMENT A 12

2. To assure that all signs in terms of size, height, and location are compatible with the surrounding land use, character, and on-site development. 3. To assure that all signs and sign supports, in terms of color, form, materials used, lighting, and design, are architecturally integrated with the building and neighborhood style and are of safe style and of sound construction. 4. To assure that off-premises advertisements are compatible with the surrounding land uses and do not obscure views of adjacent on-premises signs. (Ord. 2353 § 7 (part), 7-10-18) 11.36.030 Definitions. 1) “Abandoned signs” means any existing sign located on a property for a purpose which no longer exists or for a purpose which is unrelated to the present purpose and unused by the same. 2) “Abatement” means the process by which the city requires removal of signs relating to inoperative or no longer existing businesses and signs that do not conform to the provisions of this chapter. 3) “Advertising sign” means any lettered board or other display used to identify products, brand names and prices offered by a business. 4) “Advertising statuary” means a statue or other three-dimensional structure imitating or representing a person, animal, or object which is sculptured, molded, or cast in a solid or plastic substance, material, or fabric, and used for commercial or industrial purposes. 5) “Advertising structure” means any wall, ground, pole sign, billboard, or other structure and all parts thereof which is erected or used for advertising purposes or upon which any poster, bill, bulletin, printing, painting, device, or other advertising matter of any kind whatsoever is placed, posted, tacked, nailed, pasted, or otherwise fastened; including also neon outlining for advertising and electric signs; but shall not include any board, sign, or surface used exclusively to display official notices issued by any court or public office, or posted by any public officer in the performance of a public duty, or a private person giving legal notice. 6) “Advertising device” means any balloon, flag, pennant, propeller, oscillating, rotating, pulsating light, noise making, or other contrivance except a sign, used to attract attention for the purpose of promoting the sale of products of any person. 7) “Advertising display” means any device, contrivance, statue, or structure other than a sign used as a display, regardless of size and shape, or for the purposes of attracting attention or making anything known, the origin or place of sale of which is on the property with such advertising display. 8) “Allowable sign area” means the area included within the outer dimensions of a sign. In case of a multiple- face sign, each side will be computed as part of the maximum allowable sign area. In case of a sign placed on a wall or other surface without a border, the area shall be computed by enclosing the entire sign within the smallest rectangle that will wholly contain the sign message and computing the area thus enclosed. 9) “Alteration” means any change in copy, color, hue, size or shape, which changes the appearance of a sign, or a change in position, height, location, construction, or supporting structure of a sign. Copy change on a 13

bulletin board copy sign is not an alteration. 10) “Animated or flashing sign” means a sign with action or motion, flashing or color change, requiring electrical energy, electronic or manufactured source of supply, but not including wind activated elements such as flags, banners, or specialty items. This excludes public service signs such as time and temperature units. 11) “Awning” means a movable shelter supported entirely from the exterior wall of a building and of a type which can be fixed or retracted, folded, or collapsed against the face of the building. 12) “Background area of sign” means the entire display area of a sign upon which copy could be placed. 13) “Bench sign” means a sign located on a bench or similar structure on or near a public right-of-way. 14) “Billboard” means a sign designed for changing advertising copy and which is normally used for the advertisement of goods, products, or services rendered at locations other than the premises on which the sign is located. 15) “Building face” means all windows, doors, and wall areas of a building in one plane or elevation. 16) “Building frontage” means the linear width of a building. 17) “Building height” means the vertical distance measured from the ground level grade to the top of the building face or roofline. 18) “Building identification sign” means any sign containing name and/or address of a building and may include hours of operation and emergency information, such sign being located on the same site as the structure. 19) “Changeable copy (bulletin board) sign” means a sign which is designed to accept changeable copy, manually or electrically, regardless of the method (i.e., rigid, precast letters or characters, handbills, posters) which advertises services or products provided on the site. 20) “Commercial center” consists of at least three commercial uses, sharing common points of access and parking. 21) “Construction sign” means a temporary sign stating the names, addresses and phone numbers of those individuals or businesses directly connected with the construction or alteration on the site where the sign is located. 22) “Convenience sign” means a sign not larger than four square feet which conveys information such as “restrooms,” “no parking,” “entrance,” and the like, but does not contain brand, trade or business identification and is designed to be viewed on site or adjacent to the site by pedestrians and/or motorists. 23) Reserved. 24) “Dilapidated” means buildings or structures which are structurally unsafe or not provided with adequate egress, or which constitute a fire hazard, or are otherwise dangerous to human life. 14

25) “Directional sign” means an on-premises or off-premises sign designed to guide or direct pedestrian or vehicular traffic. 26) “Double-faced sign” means a sign which has two display surfaces back-to-back or against the same background, one face designed to be seen from one direction and the other from another direction. 27) “Electric sign” means a sign energized electrically, electronically or by other power source, when such energy is utilized to illuminate or activate the advertising message or a portion thereof. 28) “Freestanding sign” means an independent sign which is neither attached nor a part of a building, and is permanently affixed in or upon the ground. 29) “Grade” means the ground level nearest the sign location. 30) “Graphics” means all lettering, logograms, pictures, symbols, patterns, and depictions, including color, on a sign. 31) “Height (of sign)” means the distance from the average ground level or grade immediately surrounding the base of the sign to the top of its highest element, including any structural element. 32) “Icon sign” means a sign which resembles the type of business or product offered on the premises. 33) “Identification sign” means any sign referring to the name, service or product of a business. Such sign shall not include the listing of specific products or of specific brand names or products offered for sale, unless the product or name is incorporated into the name of the business. 34) “Illegal sign” means any sign placed without proper government approval and/or permits required by the city of South Gate at the time said sign was placed. An illegal sign shall also mean any nonconforming sign which has exceeded its authorized amortization period. 35) “Illuminated sign” means a sign in which an artificial source of light is used in order to make the message readable. This definition shall include internally and externally lighted signs and reflectorized, glowing, or radiating signs. 36) “Industrial center” means at least three industrial uses, sharing common points of access and parking. 37) “Marquee” means any permanent roof structure, canopy, or awning attached to and supported by the building projecting over public or private property. 38) “Marquee sign” means any sign painted, attached to, or hanging from a marquee. 39) “Monument or ground sign” means any sign mounted directly on a planter or pedestal base. 40) “Murals” means any painted wall sign that does not pertain to the business, product or service rendered on the premises. 41) “Nonconforming sign” means a sign which was installed under laws or ordinances in effect prior to the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter or subsequent revisions, but which is in conflict with the current provisions of this chapter. 15

42) “Off-premises sign” means a sign which indicates or implies the availability of products or services rendered at a specific location or locations other than the premises on which the sign is located (billboards and benches). a. “Off-premises freeway sign” means a single-faced or double-faced sign which is oriented towards the freeway (Interstate 710) and which indicates or implies the availability of products or services at a specific location or locations other than the premises on which the sign is located (billboards or public service messages). b. “Off-premises surface street sign” means a single-faced or double-faced sign which is oriented towards a public surface street and which indicates or implies the availability of products or services at a specific location or locations other than the premises on which the sign is located (billboards or public service messages)