Conduct second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 277 - An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Canyon Lake, California, Amending Section 9.25.050 of the Canyon Lake Municipal Code to Add Subsection 9.25.050(b)(4), Authorizing a Business Otherwise Eligible for a Monument Sign to Erect a Second Wall Sign in Lieu of Such Monument Sign.

At the April 14, 2026, City Council meeting, the City Council adopted Urgency Ordinance No. 276 and approved the first reading of Ordinance No. 277, authorizing business eligible for a monument sign to erect a second wall sign in lieu of the monument sign. Adoption of the urgency provided the City with immediate flexibility to avoid unnecessary monument sign construction or permitting in locations where a wall sign would be a safer or more appropriate option.

The Canyon Lake Municipal Code currently allows each business in a nonresidential area to have one attached sign and one freestanding monument sign per street frontage, subject to applicable development standards. In certain commercial locations, monument signs located near the public right-of-way can create site constraints, including visibility issues, pedestrian circulation conflicts, utility conflicts, landscaping conflicts, and maintenance concerns. In some cases, monument signs may also require placement in constrained areas adjacent to drive aisles, sidewalks, or landscaped areas.

The proposed ordinance would amend Section 9.25.050 of the Canyon Lake Municipal Code by adding subsection (b)(4) to allow a single-use business that is otherwise eligible for a monument sign to elect to forgo the monument sign and instead install a second wall or fascia sign. The additional wall or fascia sign would replace the ability of the business to establish a monument sign otherwise permitted for that frontage. The wall sign would still be required to comply with applicable wall sign development standards and would be reviewed through the City’s sign permit process to ensure that the sign does not create traffic safety issues and complies with applicable building, fire, and electrical requirements.

This amendment is intended to provide flexibility for businesses while reducing the need for additional freestanding sign structures near the public right-of-way and in constrained site areas. Allowing a second wall sign in lieu of a monument sign will reduce potential conflicts related to pedestrian circulation, vehicle visibility, utilities, and landscaping while still allowing adequate business identification.