Temporary Sign Regulations in the City of Concord
Temporary signs in the City of Concord require an administrative permit (temporary sign permit) before they can be established, unless they are specifically exempted or addressed under other provisions. These signs must be made of materials designed to maintain an attractive appearance for their duration and must not be illuminated.
General Requirements for Temporary Signs
All temporary signs within the City of Concord must comply with the following regulations:
- Permit Requirement: A temporary sign permit is required prior to the establishment of any temporary sign, unless the sign is specifically identified as exempt [Section 18.180.120].
- Duration: Temporary signs must be removed within 30 days of the triggering event (e.g., final building inspection, issuance of a certificate of occupancy, opening for business, or expiration of the building permit) [Section 18.180.120].
- Illumination: Temporary signs are strictly prohibited from being illuminated [Section 18.180.120].
- Materials: All temporary signs must be constructed of materials designed to maintain an attractive appearance for the duration of the display [Section 18.180.120].
Exempt Temporary Signs
Certain temporary signs are exempt from the requirement to obtain a permit or master sign program, provided they meet specific limitations:
| Sign Type | Limitations |
|---|---|
| A-Frame (Downtown) | No maximum time limit for A-frame signs in the downtown area [Section 18.180.120]. |
| Banner Signs | Allowed for a maximum period of 30 days for grand openings or special events; a 150-day waiting period is required between such displays [Section 18.180.120]. |
| Construction Signs | Maximum of 12 square feet in single-family or low-density residential districts; maximum of 40 square feet in all other districts [Section 18.180.070]. |
| Directional Signs | Maximum height of 4 feet; maximum size of 6 square feet; limited to one sign per entryway; no advertising message permitted [Section 18.180.070]. |
| Political Signs | Specific restrictions apply to placement, height, and permit requirements for signs exceeding 32 square feet; must be removed within 10 days after the election [Section 18.180.070]. |
| Real Estate Signs | Permitted for up to 30 days for the sale, lease, or rental of property; size varies by district [Section 18.180.070]. |
Specific Limitations for Real Estate Signs
Real estate signs are allowed for up to 30 days and are subject to the following size and placement restrictions:
| Zoning District | Maximum Sign Size |
|---|---|
| Single-Family Residential | 4 square feet |
| Multifamily Residential | 12 square feet |
| Commercial, Office, Industrial, and Mixed-Use | 32 square feet |
In single-family residential districts, signs used to direct traffic to the subject property are allowed on weekends and holidays, with a maximum of one sign per intersection. These signs must be located outside the public right-of-way and cannot be left standing overnight [Section 18.180.070].
Prohibited Temporary Signs
The following temporary signs and activities are prohibited in the City of Concord:
- Inflatable/Balloon Signs: Except for new automobile dealerships (which require an administrative permit and building permit, limited to 10 days per year), inflatable or balloon signs (including balloon strings and similar flexible material filled with air) are prohibited [Section 18.180.080, Section 18.180.120].
- Flags: Specifically prohibited under the general temporary sign provisions [Section 18.180.080].
- Pennants and Streamers: Prohibited unless in conjunction with an athletic event, approved carnival, circus, or fair [Section 18.180.080].
- Portable Signs: Including feather signs and A-frame signs (except real estate signs) are prohibited unless specifically allowed [Section 18.180.080].
Sections Cited
- Section 18.180.070 (Exempt signs)
- Section 18.180.080 (Prohibited signs)
- Section 18.180.120 (Temporary signs)