HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 6.2 Zoning Ordinance Amendment to Chapter 8.84 (Sign Regulations) (PLPA-004290-2025)
STAFF REPORT
CITY COUNCIL
Page 1 of 4
Agenda Item 6.2
DATE: December 2, 2025
TO:
FROM:
Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
Colleen Tribby, City Manager
SUBJECT:
Zoning Ordinance Amendment to Chapter 8.84 (Sign Regulations) (PLPA-
004290-2025)
Prepared by: Amy Million, Community Development Director
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The City Council will consider City-initiated amendments to Dublin Municipal Code Chapter
8.84 (Sign Regulations). The proposed amendments address direction from the City Council to
amend the regulation for Temporary Non-Commercial Signs, and other Staff-initiated
amendments that are intended to bring greater clarity and consistency to existing regulations.
The City Council will also consider an exemption from the requirements of the California
Environmental Quality Act.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Conduct the public hearing, deliberate, waive the reading and introduce an Ordinance
Approving Amendments to Dublin Municipal Code Chapter 8.84 (Sign Regulations).
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Implementation of the recommended amendments is anticipated to have minimal financial
impact. The removal of illegal signs and related administrative tasks are handled through the
normal work of the existing Code Enforcement Officers without additional cost to the City.
However, expenses related to the storage of the signs and invoicing of the fee will be incurred.
These costs will be offset by the proposed fee.
DESCRIPTION:
Background
The Dublin Municipal Code (DMC) classifies temporary political campaign signs as “Temporary
Non-Commercial Signs”. Temporary Non-Commercial Signs are signs for short-term display
that do not include a “Commercial Message,” such as signs that reference activities conducted
by nonprofit organizations, clubs, groups, or associations, including political campaigns.
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These signs are regulated by DMC Section 8.84 (Exempt Signs) and they are exempt from a
sign permit provided they comply with the following (DMC Section 8.84.140.K):
1. Be displayed for no more than 60 consecutive calendar days.
2. Be placed on private property.
3. Be no more than 16 square feet per side in area per individual sign and up to 80 square
feet of maximum aggregate area per lot.
4. Not be placed within the public right-of-way or within 660 feet of and visible from the
right-of-way of Interstate 580 or Interstate 680.
On September 2, 2025, the City Council discussed the regulation and enforcement of
temporary political campaign signs (Attachment 4). In response to that discussion, the City
Council directed Staff to prepare the following amendments to the regulation of Temporary
Non-Commercial Signs: 1) require such signs to be removed within seven days following the
conclusion of the event; 2) require a property owner consent form for placement of signs on
private property; and 3) implement a sign retrieval fee.
In addition, Staff is proposing other minor amendments to the Sign Regulations to clarify
certain provisions to ensure that the Sign Regulations remain internally consistent, simple to
understand and implement, and relevant to changes occurring in the community.
Analysis
City Council-Initiated Amendments
The following is an overview of the proposed amendments to the regulation of Temporary Non-
Commercial Signs as directed by the City Council:
8.84.140 Exempt Signs
Section 8.84.140.K would be amended to limit the display of Temporary Non-Commercial
Signs to a maximum period of 60 consecutive calendar days and to require removal of the sign
within seven days following the conclusion of the event, whichever occurs first. This section
would also be amended to clarify that the property owner’s written permission is required to
place a sign on private property.
8.84.270 Illegal Signs - Summary Removal
The process for removal and the associated cost of removal is provided in Section 8.84.270.
The modification clarifies that illegal signs which are removed will be stored for 15 days and
clarifies the party responsible for the costs associated with the removal.
Sign Removal and Storage Fee
The removal of illegal signs and the related administrative tasks are handled through the
normal work of the existing Code Enforcement Officers without additional cost to the City;
however, there are costs associated with the storage of the signs and invoicing the responsible
party. Based on the City Council’s direction on September 2, Staff calculated the direct cost to
the City to establish the basis for a sign removal and storage fee. Per the City’s User Fee
Policy, when new fees become desired or necessary before the next comprehensive fee study,
they can be established based on estimated direct labor cost. The new fee is then added to
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the City' s Master Fee Schedule update brought to the City Council annually. The procedure
for collecting the new fee will use the City’s existing finance billing and write-off process.
Staff-Initiated Amendments
The following provides an overview of the proposed amendments to the Sign Regulations
initiated by Staff:
Section 8.84.050 Signs Subject to Permits
As part of the 2021 amendments to the Sign Ordinance, Section 8.84.050.O.2 related to
banner signs was updated; however, an important phrase clarifying that one sign is allowed in
the frontage landscaping was removed leaving some ambiguity. The intent of the existing
regulations was to allow up to two temporary banner signs per business; one sign may be on
the building, and one may be in the landscape along the street frontage. The proposed
amendment adds the omitted language to allow the sign in the frontage landscape.
8.84.120 Freestanding Sign General Regulations
The regulation of Freestanding Signs is included in Section 8.84.120 of the Sign Regulations.
Section 8.84.040 (Matrix B) provides a quick guide to the regulations for signs within the
Chapter. In 2021, the City Council adopted a comprehensive update to the Sign Regulations
which inadvertently resulted in an inconsistency between Matrix B and Section 8.84.120.D
related to freestanding signs. The proposed amendment would align the two code sections and
clarify that one freestanding sign per parcel is allowed and that two or more freestanding signs
requires a master sign program.
8.84.140 Exempt Signs
No text changes to Subsections H (Real Estate Signs) and I (Real Estate Directional Signs)
are proposed but they would be reordered to be in alphabetical order consistent with the
remaining subsections. Real Estate Signs would become subsection I and Real Estate
Directional Signs would become subsection H.
Section 8.84.170 Application-Contents
The amendment would remove the requirement for the property owner’s signature on most
sign applications. This amendment is reflective of the City’s transition to the Energov permitting
system and the use of electronic applications.
The draft Ordinance is included as Attachment 1. A redlined version of the proposed changes
to the Sign Regulations is included as Attachment 2 where underlined text is proposed to be
added and text with a strikethrough is proposed to be deleted.
Consistency with the General Plan, Specific Plans, and Zoning Ordinance
The Zoning Ordinance Amendments are consistent with the Dublin General Plan and all
applicable Specific Plans in that the amendments are consistent with applicable land use
regulations and development policies. The amendments also include minor revisions for
internal consistency within the Zoning Ordinance.
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION:
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The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), together with State Guidelines and City of
Dublin CEQA Guidelines and Procedures require that certain projects be reviewed for
environmental impacts and that environmental documents be prepared. The proposed Zoning
Ordinance Amendments are exempt from the requirements of CEQA pursuant to CEQA
Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) because it can be seen with certainty that there is no
possibility that the amendments will have a significant effect on the environment and are not
subject to CEQA review.
PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW:
The Planning Commission held a public hearing to consider the proposed amendments to the
Sign Ordinance and unanimously recommended approval to the City Council. Planning
Commission Resolution No. 25-05 is included as Attachment 3.
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
None.
NOTICING REQUIREMENTS/PUBLIC OUTREACH:
In accordance with State law, a public notice was published in the East Bay Times and posted
at several locations throughout the City. Additionally, the City Council Agenda was posted.
ATTACHMENTS:
1) Ordinance Approving Amendments to Dublin Municipal Code Chapter 8.84 (Sign
Regulations)
2) Redlined Zoning Ordinance Amendments
3) Planning Commission Resolution No. 25-05
4) City Council Staff report dated September 2, 2025
247
Attachment 1
Ord. No. XX-25, Item X.X, Adopted XX/XX/2025 Page 1 of 3
ORDINANCE NO. XX - 25
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN
APPROVING AMENDMENTS TO DUBLIN MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 8.84 (SIGN
REGULATIONS)
(PLPA-004290-2025)
The Dublin City Council does ordain as follows:
SECTION 1. RECITALS
A. The City occasionally initiates amendments to the Dublin Municipal Code to clarify, add, or amend
certain provisions to ensure that it remains internally consistent, simple to understand a nd
implement, and relevant to changes occurring in the community.
B. On September 2, 2025, the City Council discussed the regulation and enforcement of temporary
political campaign signs and directed Staff to prepare the following amendments to the regulation
of Temporary Non-Commercial Signs: 1) require such signs to be removed within 7 days following
the conclusion of the event; 2) require a property owner consent form for placement of signs on
private property; and 3) implement a sign retrieval fee. In addition, Staff initiated amendments to
Dublin Municipal Code Chapter 8.84 (Sign Regulations). The proposed amendments (the
“Project”) would bring greater clarity and consistency to existing regulations.
C. The Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on November 19, 2025, during which
all interested persons were heard, and adopted Resolution No. 25-05 recommending that the City
Council approve the Project.
D. A Staff Report was submitted to the Dublin City Council recommending approval of the Project.
E. The City Council held a public hearing on December 2, 2025, at which time all interested persons
had an opportunity to be heard.
F. Proper notice of said hearing was given in all respects as required by law.
G. The City Council did hear and consider all said reports, recommendation s, and testimony set forth
above and used its independent judgement to evaluate the Project.
SECTION 2: FINDINGS
A. Pursuant to Dublin Municipal Code Section 8.120.050.B., the City Council hereby finds that the
Project is consistent with the General Plan in that the proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendments
are necessary to provide clarity to existing regulations and internal consistency of the Zoning
Ordinance.
248
Ord. No. XX-25, Item X.X, Adopted XX/XX/2025 Page 2 of 3
B. The California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), together with the State Guidelines and City of
Dublin CEQA Guidelines and Procedures require that certain projects be reviewed for
environmental impacts and that environmental documents be prepared. The Ci ty Council finds
that the Project is exempt from the requirements of CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section
15061(b)(3) as the Project would not result in any physical changes and it can be seen with
certainty that there is no possibility that the Project would have a significant effect on the
environment and is not subject to CEQA review.
SECTION 3: AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 8.84
Dublin Municipal Code Section 8.84.050.O.2. is amended to read as follows:
O.2. Banner Signs. Up to two (2) Banner Signs are permitted pursuant to a Zoning Clearance
and may be placed on site for a maximum of twenty-one (21) consecutive calendar days per
permit. A minimum waiting period of forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days between displays is
required. A Banner Sign shall not be larger than sixty (60) square feet in size and shall not be
located so that it is higher than the eave of the structure in which the business is located. One (1)
Banner Sign may be displayed on a tenant’s building fr ontage and one (1) Banner Sign may be
displayed on the street frontage. If there is more than one street frontage, one (1) Banner Sign
may be displayed on each street frontage (in lieu of the building frontage), up to two (2) street
frontages, if the Banner Signs are at least two hundred (200) feet apart.
Dublin Municipal Code Section 8.84.120.D. is amended to read as follows:
(D) Main Entrance Proximity. Freestanding Signs shall be permitted at two (2) or more of the
main entrances pursuant to a Master Sign Program.
Dublin Municipal Code Section 8.84.140 Subsections H (Real Estate Signs) and I (Real Estate
Directional Signs) are reordered to be in alphabetical order.
Dublin Municipal Code Section 8.84.140.K is amended to read as follows:
K. Temporary Non-Commercial Signs. Temporary Non-Commercial Signs provided they
comply with all the following:
1. Be displayed for no more than sixty (60) consecutive calendar days.
2. Be removed within seven (7) days following the conclusion of the event that is the subject
of the sign.
3. Be placed on private property with the property owner’s written permission.
4. Be no more than sixteen (16) square feet per side in area per individual sign and up to
eighty (80) square feet of maximum aggregate area per lot.
5. Not be placed within the public right-of-way or within six hundred sixty (660) feet of and
visible from the right-of-way of Interstate 580 or Interstate 680.
Dublin Municipal Code Section 8.84.170 is amended to read as follows:
Application for a permit shall be filed on a form furnished by the Department of Community
Development and shall include other information determined by the Community Development
Director.
249
Ord. No. XX-25, Item X.X, Adopted XX/XX/2025 Page 3 of 3
Dublin Municipal Code Section 8.84.270 subsection E is amended to read as follows:
E. Each person who erects a sign, which is subject to removal under this section, is jointly and
severally liable for the cost of removal. Temporary Non-Commercial signs removed from the
public right-of-way shall be stored for a minimum of fifteen (15) days. The person responsible
for the Temporary Non-Commercial sign is responsible for costs associated with the removal
and storage. For the purpose of this section, the person responsible means the person that is
the subject of the event or activity displayed on the Temporary Non -Commercial sign.
SECTION 4. POSTING OF ORDINANCE
The City Clerk of the City of Dublin shall cause this Ordinance to be posted in at least three public
spaces in the City of Dublin in accordance with Section 36933 of the Government Code of the State of
California.
SECTION 5. EFFECTIVE DATE
This Ordinance shall take effect 30 days following its adoption.
PASSED AND ADOPTED BY the City Council of the City of Dublin, on this ___ day of
__________ 2025, by the following votes:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
_____________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
___________________________
City Clerk
250
Attachment 2
Chapter 8.84
SIGN ORDINANCE
Section 8.84.050 Signs Subject to Permits
O.2. Banner Signs. Up to two (2) Banner Signs are permitted pursuant to a Zoning
Clearance and may be placed on site for a maximum of twenty-one (21) consecutive
calendar days per permit. A minimum waiting period of forty-two (42) consecutive
calendar days between displays is required. A Banner Sign shall not be larger than sixty
(60) square feet in size and shall not be located so that it is higher than the eave of the
structure in which the business is located. One (1) Banner Sign may be displayed on a
tenant’s building frontage and one (1) Banner Sign may be displayed on the street
frontage. If there is more than one street frontage, one (1) Banner Sign may be
displayed on each street frontage (in lieu of the building frontage), up to two (2) street
frontages, if the Banner Signs are at least two hundred (200) feet apart.
Section 8.84.120 Freestanding Sign General Regulations
(D) Main Entrance Proximity. Freestanding Signs shall be permitted at one (1) two
(2) or more of the main entrances pursuant to a Master Sign Program.
8.84.140 Exempt Signs
H. I. Real Estate Signs
I. H. Real Estate Directional Signs
K. Temporary Non-Commercial Signs. Temporary Non-Commercial Signs
provided they shall comply with all the following:
1. Be displayed for no more than sixty (60) consecutive calendar days.
2. Be removed within seven (7) days following the conclusion of the event that is
the subject of the sign.
23. Be placed on private property with the property owner’s written permission.
34. Be no more than sixteen (16) square feet per side in area per individual sign
and up to eighty (80) square feet of maximum aggregate area per lot.
45. Not be placed within the public right-of-way or within six hundred sixty (660)
feet of and visible from the right-of-way of Interstate 580 or Interstate 680.
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8.84.170 Application - Contents.
Application for a permit shall be filed on a made in writing upon forms furnished by the
Department of Community Development and shall include the property owner’s
signature authorizing the application, and other information determined by the
Community Development Director.
8.84.270 Illegal Signs - Summary Removal
E. Each person who erects a sign, which is subject to removal under this section, is
jointly and severally liable for the cost of removal. Temporary Non-Commercial signs
removed from the public right-of-way shall be stored for a minimum of fifteen (15) days.
The person responsible for the Temporary Non-Commercial sign is responsible for
costs associated with the removal and storage. For the purpose of this section, the
person responsible means the person that is the subject of the event or activity
displayed on the Temporary Non-Commercial sign.
252
Reso. No. 25-05, Item 6.2, Adopted 11/19/2025 Page 1 of 2
RESOLUTION NO. 25 05
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN
RECOMMENDING CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL OF AMENDMENTS TO DUBLIN MUNICIPAL CODE
CHAPTER 8.84 (SIGN REGULATIONS)
(PLPA-004290-2025)
WHEREAS, the City occasionally initiates amendments to the Dublin Municipal Code to
clarify, add, or amend certain provisions to ensure that it remains internally consistent, simple to
understand and implement, and relevant to changes occurring in the community; and
WHEREAS, Staff has initiated amendments to Dublin Municipal Code Chapter 8.84 (Sign
Regulations). The proposed amendments (would bring greater clarity and consistency to
existing regulations; and On September 2, 2025, the City Council discussed the regulation and
enforcement of temporary political campaign signs and directed Staff to prepare the following
amendments to the regulation of Temporary Non-Commercial Signs: 1) require such signs to be
removed within 7 days following the conclusion of the event; 2) require a property owner consent
form for placement of signs on private property; and 3) implement a sign retrieval fee. In addition,
Staff initiated amendments to Dublin Municipal Code Chapter 8.84 (Sign Regulations). The proposed
; and
WHEREAS, the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA ), together with the State
Guidelines and City of Dublin CEQA Guidelines and Procedures require that certain projects be
reviewed for environmental impacts and that environmental documents be prepared; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission recommends that the City Council find the Project
exempt from the requirements of CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) as the
Project would not result in any physical changes and it can be seen with certainty that there is no
possibility that the Project would have a significant effect on the environment and is not subject to
CEQA review; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on November 19,
2025, during which all interested persons were heard; and
WHEREAS, proper notice of said hearing was given in all respects as required by law; and
WHEREAS, a Staff Report dated November 19, 2025, was submitted to the Dublin Planning
Commission recommending approval of the proposed amendments to Dublin Municipal Code
Chapter 8.84 (Sign Regulations); and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission did hear and consider all said reports,
recommendations and testimony herein above set forth and used its independent judgment to
evaluate the recommendations.
Attachment 3
253
Reso. No. 25-05, Item 6.2, Adopted 11/19/2025 Page 2 of 2
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the foregoing recitals are true and correct and
made a part of this Resolution.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Dublin Planning Commission does hereby
recommend that the City Council adopt the Ordinance attached hereto as Exhibit A and
incorporated herein by reference.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 19th day of November 2025, by the following vote:
AYES: Badami, Han, Prasath, Rashid, Simuro
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
______________________________
Planning Commission Chair
ATTEST:
______________________________________
Assistant Community Development Director
254
STAFF REPORT
CITY COUNCIL
Page 1 of 5
Agenda Item 8.3
DATE: September 2, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM: Colleen Tribby, City Manager
SUBJECT: Temporary Non-Commercial Signs Enforcement
Prepared by: Amy Million, Assistant Director of Community Development,
Marsha Moore, City Clerk, and Gregory Shreeve, Chief Building Official
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The City Council will receive a report on the City’s regulation of political campaign signs and
potential amendments to strengthen the enforcement of those regulations. The City Council
requested this Report under Item 9 at the November 5, 2024, Regular City Council Meeting.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Receive the report and direct Staff to implement a sign retrieval fee, adjust the sign display
time limit, and require a consent form for placement of signs on private property.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The financial impact of implementing the recommendations is anticipated to be minimal.
DESCRIPTION:
At the November 5, 2024 meeting, the City Council directed Staff to return with a report
regarding the City’s regulation of political signs, along with suggestions to strengthen the
enforcement of those regulations.
Background
The Dublin Municipal Code (DMC) classifies temporary political campaign signs as “Temporary
Non-Commercial Signs”. Temporary Non-Commercial Signs are signs for short-term display
that do not include a “Commercial Message,” such as signs that reference activities conducted
by nonprofit organizations, clubs, groups, or associations, including political campaigns. These
signs are exempt from a sign permit provided the responsible party has written permission
from the property owner and they comply with the following Sign Regulations (DMC Section
8.84.140.K):
127
Attachment 4
255
Page 2 of 5
1. Be displayed for no more than 60 consecutive calendar days.
2. Be placed on private property.
3. Be no more than 16 square feet per side in area per individual sign and up to 80
square feet of maximum aggregate area per lot.
4. Not be placed within the public right-of-way or within 660 feet of and visible from the
right-of-way of Interstate 580 or Interstate 680.
Staff actively seeks to educate political campaigns and encourage voluntary compliance with
the Sign Regulations. For instance, Staff holds a pre-candidate workshop prior to the start of
the nomination period and provides information about the Sign Regulations. Additionally, Staff
holds individual appointments with candidates to receive nomination papers and again share
information about the Sign Regulations.
Enforcement of the Sign Regulations occurs on both a proactive and reactive basis. Code
Enforcement Officers regularly canvass the City for code violations and remove signs in the
public right-of-way or those on private property that are in clear violation (e.g., too large).
Additionally, Staff is made aware of potential violations through citizen complaints received via
SeeClickFix, phone call, or email. In a typical election year, Code Enforcement removes
around 60 political signs from the public right-of-way. Last year, they collected two signs that
were larger and of a higher quality design that a candidate may want back; all other signs
collected were standard lawn signs. Code Enforcement documents the violation though the
creation of a code enforcement case and then typically discards the signs. The time associated
with removing illegal signs and the associated administrative tasks are handled through the
normal work of the existing Code Enforcement Officers and does not cost the City additional
funds. However, it does require the allocation of time that impacts other code enforcement
activities during active campaign periods.
The DMC permits the issuance of administrative citations for violations of the Sign
Regulations. However, it is often difficult to identify the individual responsible for a sign. While
signs often identify the name of a candidate, organization, or event, the signs may be installed
by third parties, such as supporters, volunteers, or opponents. As a result, the individual or
entity identified on the sign may not always be responsible for its placement. Enforcement
actions must be directed at the person or party in violation of the regulations. In short, this is
very difficult to prove so it has not been used as an enforcement tool.
On September 1, 2020, the City Council received a report on the City’s regulation and
enforcement practices pertaining to temporary political signs. At that time, the City Council
directed Staff not to amend the DMC as it pertains to the Sign Regulations, and to discard
signs that are removed from public property rather than storing them. The City Council further
directed Staff to utilize the administrative citation process in cases involving repeat violations.
Analysis
For reference, Staff researched examples of regulations related to political signs in other cities.
The following is a selection of what nearby cities are doing in terms of enforcing regulations:
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City Fine or Fee? Procedures
Pleasanton Fee for the expense of
removal and storage, not
to exceed $5, unless
unusual effort is required.
Signs are collected and notice is provided to the
responsible party. Signs are held for at least 20
days. Payment of the fee is required to retrieve
the sign, or the City will bill the party responsible
if no return of the sign is requested.
Walnut
Creek
92.50 to retrieve sign,
based on City’s Fees and
Charges Schedule.
The City notifies the owner of the sign and
informs them of the procedure to retrieve the
sign. To retrieve the sign, the owner can pay the
fee. Signs not retrieved may be disposed of after
15 days.
Concord Storage fee of $30, as
determined by Master
Fees and Charges
Schedule.
Signs are collected and destroyed if not claimed
within 15 days. Any person claiming a sign
within the 15-day period is subject to a fee for
the cost of removal and storage. The Code also
allows penalties for violations of the section of
the code.
San Leandro Person responsible is
liable for the cost incurred
for removal of signs.
The City will give the responsible party a chance
to remove the sign first. The City also requires
the candidate/campaign to sign an agreement
that must be filed with the City Clerk two days
prior to installing signs.
The following Alameda County cities that responded to an inquiry do not have a fine or fee:
Livermore, Piedmont, Alameda, Hayward, and Union City. The City of Berkeley allows signs on
public property, so they are not included in the comparison.
In addition, the following cities require the party responsible for the sign to obtain permission
from the property owner before placing the sign on their property: Concord, San Leandro,
Walnut Creek, Albany, Alameda, Piedmont, and Pleasanton. Most cities operate on a
complaint basis and will contact the responsible party to obtain proof that permission was
received or tell the property owner to remove their sign if permission was not received.
Policy Considerations
The information below is presented for discussion purposes. Any modifications to the
regulation of Temporary Non-Commercial Signs would apply uniformly to all signs within this
category.
Fines and Fees
As discussed above, the City would likely face challenges in linking the cited individual or entity
to the specific sign violation. Therefore, the City may lack the legal basis to cite an individual or
entity. Based on this, Staff does not recommend assessing fines to candidates/campaigns
through the administrative citation process.
Alternatively, the City Council could consider implementing a fee to recover the costs
associated with collecting and storing signs that are displayed on public property. Staff would
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store signs that are collected from public property for 15 days. During that time, candidates
could contact the City to retrieve their sign(s). The fee would be charged on a per sign basis to
candidates that choose to recover their signs. Staff estimates an average cost of $25 per sign
to perform this service.
Display Period
The current regulations limit the display for Temporary Non-Commercial Signs to a period of
no more than 60 consecutive calendar days. However, this is difficult to track because these
signs are exempt from permitting and Staff does not always know when they are first
displayed. Staff recommends amending the Sign Regulations to include an additional
requirement to limit the display to a maximum period of 60 consecutive calendar days and to
remove the sign within seven days following the conclusion of the event, whichever occurs
first.
Private Property Owner Authorization
As noted above, Temporary Non-Commercial Signs on private property do not require a sign
permit but do require the property owner’s written permission. To further strengthen this
requirement, Staff recommends creating an Owner Authorization Form for the responsible
party to use to document the property owner’s written permission to display a sign on their
property. If the City receives a complaint, Staff will contact the campaign and request a copy of
the property owner’s written permission. The property owner would be responsible for
removing signs from their property that are placed without their permission.
Other Improvements
In addition to implementing any direction provided by the City Council, Staff is already planning
to enhance the educational materials provided to candidates and outreach activities conducted
during campaign season. This includes the following:
Creating a Sign Placement Infographic: To further enhance proactive enforcement efforts, Staff
will update informational materials and graphics to clearly explain the permitted placement of
signs, especially where City right-of-way is adjacent to private property.
Conducting Additional Outreach: Staff will contact the Alameda County Registrar of Voters
Office and Secretary of State to obtain a list of non -City candidates and ballot measure
committees that overlap with the City limits that may be placing signs within the City.
Information about the City’s Sign Regulations will also be sent to those candidates and
committees.
Next Steps
Based on the City Council’s direction, Staff will prepare the appropriate regulations and
policies to implement that direction. Any amendments to the Sign Regulations require the
Planning Commission to review and make a recommendation to the City Council prior to
consideration by the City Council.
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STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
None.
NOTICING REQUIREMENTS/PUBLIC OUTREACH:
The City Council Agenda was posted.
ATTACHMENTS:
None.
131259
Zoning Ordinance Amendment to
Chapter 8.84 (Sign Regulations)
December 2, 2025
260
Background
•September 2, 2025, City Council discussion on Temporary Non-Commercial Signs
•Temporary Non-Commercial Signs
•Maximum of 60 consecutive calendar days.
•Located on private property.
•Maximum of 16 sf per side and 80 sf of area per lot.
•Not located with the public right-of-way, within 660 feet and visible from I-580 and I-680.
•City Council Direction
•Require such signs to be removed within 7 days following the conclusion of the event;
•Require a completion of a property owner consent form for placement of signs on private property; and
•Implement a sign retrieval fee.
261
Proposed Amendments
•City Council Direction
•8.84.140 Exempt Signs
•Removal of sign within 7 days of event.
•Clarification regarding property owner’s permission.
•8.84.270 Illegal Signs -Summary Removal
•Storage for 15 days.
•Clarification on responsible party.
262
Proposed Amendments, 2
•Staff –Initiated
•Section 8.84.050 Signs Subject to Permits
•One banner sign may be located in the landscape area long the street.
•8.84.120 Freestanding Sign General Regulations
•Two or more freestanding signs requires a master sign program.
•8.84.140 Exempt Signs
•Alphabetical reorder if subsections H and I.
•Section 8.84.170 Application-Contents
•Removal of requirement for property owner’s signature on most applications.
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Planning Commission
•November 19, 2025 Special Meeting.
•Unanimous Recommendation of Approval.
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Recommendation
Conduct a public hearing, deliberate, waive the reading and
introduce an Approving Amendments to Dublin
Municipal Code Chapter 8.84 (Sign Regulations).
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