May a City require CEQA approval for On-Premise Signs?
There is an express exemption under CEQA for on-premise signs. Public Resources Code Section 21084 includes a list of classes of projects “which have been determined not to have a significant effect on the environment and which shall, therefore, be exempt from the provisions of CEQA.” See 14 Cal Code of Regulations Section 15300, et seq (CEQA Guidelines).
Pursuant to 14 CCR Section 15311, dealing with Accessory Structures (Class 11), on-premise signs are categorically exempt and a negative declaration should issue. The authority cited for this provision is Public Resource Code sections 21083 and 21087.
New Worker’s Comp Burden May Affect Sign Contractors
AB 1897, signed by the Governor in September, is intended to combat the underground economy, by making a party who hires labor through “labor contractors” also responsible for wages and the purchase of Worker’s Compensation coverage.
- The bill will take effect January 1, 2015.
- The bill applies to “client employers”, defined as a business entity that is provided workers to perform labor within its “usual course of business” from a “labor contractor”.
CSA Update: California Energy Commission (CEC)
The C.E.C. was started in 1974 and directed to devise ways for California to avoid adding any new power plants. Since that time, California per capita energy use has remained flat compared to a 33% increase in the rest of the U.S. This has been accomplished using a combination of conservation measures and ever tightening efficiency mandates. In other words, use less electricity and more energy efficient appliances and devices. The 2013 Code (The Building Energy and Efficiency Standards) was just adopted in July of this year. For our purposes we are required to submit forms with every permit application showing how we are being as energy efficient as possible. We are being driven to use LED technology wherever we can. A recent addition to the code contained in Title 24, requires that every sign be controlled by an automatic time-switch control and a photo cell or you can use an astronomical time-switch control (which does not require the use of a photo cell). Click here for the latest form (PDF). It must accompany every sign permit application in California. Click here for a guide which explains how to fill out the form (see pages 7-20). Continue Reading
New Member Profile: Imagetech Services
Imagetech Services. Helping with the most difficult permits.
In 1999, over the course of a few months, Mitch Chemers conducted an informal survey of managers and owners of the busiest sign companies he knew. He asked, “What are the biggest hassles about running your shop?” Employees and cash flow were always at the top, with permit hassles usually next. Mitch found it curious that permits, a relatively minor step that generates little profit, could rise to such a disproportionate level of frustration. What others saw as pure frustration, Mitch saw as an opportunity to offer value.
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Legality of Moratoriums
State law allows 45-day moratoriums (“interim ordinances”) on permit approvals when there is an immediate threat to public health, safety or welfare. Often abused by cities and counties which seem to make very loose findings, a moratorium can be extended for two years. Although an interim ordinance may prohibit development of land uses that conflict with a general or specific plan or pending zoning ordinance, the interim ordinance cannot prohibit the processing of development applications. In other words, the city still must process your application.
Welfare State
What constitutes an immediate threat to public health, safety or welfare is a debate applicants often miss out on, because the issues frequently arise on short notice. Even though a city might give notice of a hearing, by the time we learn about the interim ordinance it’s been adopted. Rarely, however, would or should a sign application trigger an immediate threat to public health, safety or welfare.
Summit Hits its Mark
On September 18, 2014 members and Directors of the California Sign Association met at Harvey’s in South Lake Tahoe. Just getting there proved to be an adventure with the massive King Fire raging right along Highway 50, but everyone made it safe and sound. Starting Thursday morning, the 2013-14 Board of Directors held their last scheduled meeting to discuss current and new CSA business. This was followed by a General Membership Meeting where the slate of the 2014-15 Board of Directors and Officers was introduced and approved by a unanimous vote of the membership.
The meeting was followed by a luncheon with Mark Twain, real name McAvoy Layne, as our guest speaker. Mark did a fine job of describing Lake Tahoe as he knew it in the 1860’s, a highly entertaining and engaging presentation by this iconic wit. Following lunch, Teresa Young, of Sign Biz, Inc. and founder of LobbyPOP, introduced the members to CSA’s new website, www.calsign.org
ADA Shakedown Protection
This article will bring you up to date on the most important elements of the “attorney shakedown protection” bill.
Attorney shakedown protection: Several years ago, the Legislature passed SB 1186, which prohibits pre-litigation “demands for money” by attorneys; puts into place new provisions to prevent “stacking” of multiple claims to increase statutory damages; reduces statutory damages and provides litigation protections for defendants who correct violations; and establishes priorities for the California Commission on Disabled Accessibility that promote and facilitate disability access compliance. Here are some more specifics on the main provisions of the bill:
CSA Board Meeting and Dinner Event
Second Board Meeting of the Year
11:30 – 4:30 PM CSA Second Board Meeting of the Year
No Host Cocktails: 5:00pm – 6:00pm
Dinner & Presentation: 6:00pm – 8:30pm
Are you an “Independent” Sub-Contractor?
Join CSA Legal Counsel, Jeff Aran, for a lively discussion concerning the effect of the California Supreme Court’s recent decisions regarding being an employee vs. independent contractor — as well as the effect on construction contractors. Program also includes Q&A and CSA Government Affairs Update. Bring your legal questions to this hot ticket evening . . .
Our speaker is The Sign Lawyer, Jeff Aran! Sign law expert serving the sign industry and its customers for over 20 years, providing legal and consulting services to sign users, installers and manufacturers. Based in Sacramento, Practice Areas include Zoning; Land Use; Real Estate; Constitutional Law; Employment; & Business. Admitted to the Bar in 1989 and provider of free legal counsel (up to a half hour each month) for all CSA members!
Dinner/ Networking: Cost $44
Prefer to fax or mail your registration form? Download a PDF here.
UL Seminar & Dinner Meeting
SoCal UL Seminar and Dinner Meeting + Special Presentation
UL Seminar: LED Retrofits and Dinner Meeting for members and non-members
UL Education Session: 3:30 – 5:30 PM: LED Retrofits, 2014 NEC, and UL48 requirements
Dinner & Special Presentation with Leisa Reid: 6:00pm – 8:30pm
Meet with our guest speaker from UL and learn the ins and outs of LED retrofit kits. Industry members have expressed a need for education in how to properly retrofit signs with LEDs. Additionally, learn more about how this matters with the new 2014 NEC, and UL48 requirements. UL status may not be maintained if a retrofit is not properly administered. Your CSA Education Committee has selected this topic as one of great interest to many members. Give your business the edge – then join fellow CSA members and guests for dinner and drinks. Networking at its best!
Then, meet Leisa Reid! She is a presenter with Productive Learning – a unique personal growth company. With a background in teaching, management, business ownership and executive leadership, Leisa now helps clients create and live the life they truly want! Become the best you can be and prepare for an evening of wonderful energy, fun, and inspiration!
Purchase UL Seminar only, UL Seminar Plus Dinner and Presentation, or Dinner and Presentation only.
CSA | ISA APA Conference
Planning for Sign Code Success
October 10 | $25
Workshop Highlights:
- Learn the latest technologies, controls, impacts and regulatory issues involved with on-premise signs.
- Learn about sign types and design as well as energy efficiency and types of lighting.
- Understand the importance of visible and well-designed signage on local small businesses and communities.
- Understand the technologies and the regulatory issues involved in electronic message centers.
- Develop an understanding of the legal and policy concerns involved in municipal sign ordinances, including hands-on, “real world” examples.
Location: Wyndham San Diego Bayside; 1355 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101 Phone: (619) 232-3861
Located 3 blocks from the America Plaza Trolley Station and 2 blocks from the County Center/Little Italy Station.
Registration fee includes continental breakfast, lunch and parking. Download PDF or Register Online.
6 AICP (including 1.5 Law) CM credits available for attendees.