Summary
Committee members want the city to proactively identify and protect iconic signs — like the rooster sign on East Chapman and the lost Angel Motel sign — rather than requiring owners to apply for the designation. The El Camino Real bells and the Salman Chevrolet flashing sign were also flagged.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 4
- Last 30 days
- 2
Discussed at 2 meetings in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 19, 2026.
Impact analysis
Better sign rules could mean fewer code-enforcement headaches and clearer permitting for businesses, but no direct cost to residents was discussed.
Everyone who values Orange's character — landmark signs help give the city its identity.
Businesses relying on feather banners, inflatables, and oversized signage could lose those advertising tools.
Mentions & discussions (4)
Planning Commission — October 19, 2026
The first full rewrite of the sign code since 1995 would give the city stronger enforcement tools, create nine sign districts, regulate electronic message signs, and add an iconic sign process. Commissioners voted to streamline iconic sign review by removing the Planning Commission from the chain.
Design Review Committee — October 7, 2026
Two sign cases this meeting turned on the historic standards' ban on plastic and internal illumination. The committee held the line, sending Phil's Coffee back and conditioning approval of the La Veta signs on metal lettering.
Design Review Committee — March 4, 2026
Committee members want the city to proactively identify and protect iconic signs — like the rooster sign on East Chapman and the lost Angel Motel sign — rather than requiring owners to apply for the designation. The El Camino Real bells and the Salman Chevrolet flashing sign were also flagged.
Design Review Committee — January 7, 2026
The committee wrestled with whether combining halo-lit lettering with gooseneck lamps fits the historic district's character. Members noted no other Old Towne business uses both, and pushed the applicant toward globe lights that illuminate the sidewalk instead of washing the building.
Related development
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