City of Town And Country, MO Sign Regulations

[Ord. No. 4419, 2-8-2021[1]]

The purpose of this Chapter is to encourage the effective use of signs as a means of communication, to maintain and enhance the aesthetic appearance of the City, and to facilitate and improve pedestrian and vehicular traffic safety. This Chapter is intended to promote the public health, safety and general welfare through a comprehensive set of reasonable standards and requirements. This Chapter is further intended to allow for the identification of places of commerce, the communication of public and commercial information necessary for efficient and safe traffic and pedestrian movement; to allow for freedom of speech in a manner acceptable to the community and not obscene or threatening; to protect the public from dangers of unsafe signs; to lessen hazardous situations, confusion and visual clutter caused by proliferation of signs competing for attention of pedestrian and vehicular traffic; and to enhance the attractiveness and economic well-being of the City.

For the purpose of assuring compliance with these requirements, no person shall erect or maintain within the City any sign except as specified in this Chapter. Signs not in conformance with this Chapter shall not be permitted in any district as an accessory use or structure.

[1]

Editor's Note: Former Chapter 420, containing Section 420.010 through 420.160, was repealed 2-28-2021 by Ord. No. 4419.

Section 420.020 (Reserved)

Section 420.030 Definitions.

[Ord. No. 4419, 2-8-2021]

As used in this Chapter, the following terms shall have these prescribed meanings:

ABANDONED SIGN

Signs that falsely advertise that an activity, business, product or service is sold or conducted on the premises upon which the sign is located and thereby misdirect traffic. Such signs, including the sign structures, are not permitted in the City and shall be removed within thirty (30) days of written notification to the owner of the premises.

ANIMATED SIGN

See "Moving Sign" in this Section.

AWNING

A fixed or retractable structure entirely supported by a wall or canopy to which it is attached and which is covered by canvas, cloth or other similar temporary material.

BILLBOARD

Any sign which: (i) is located on a lot not containing a building; (ii) is visible from any point of the travelled ways of an interstate or primary highway; and (iii) is not a roof, post, monument or projecting sign. Also known as a standard outdoor advertising structure.

CANOPY

A roofed structure other than an awning attached to a building at one (1) side and supported on the other sides. A portico shall be considered a canopy for the purposes of this Chapter.

CHANNEL LETTER SIGN

A fabricated three (3) dimensional metal or translucent letter which includes a light source and a translucent face. Channel letters are mounted to a wall.

CITY

The City of Town and Country, Missouri

CITY ADMINISTRATOR

The City Administrator or his/her designee or other City-authorized agent appointed by the City Administrator.

DIGITAL SIGN

A sign that has static messages and changes messages by any electronic process or remote control.

DIRECTIONAL SIGN

A sign which indicates a direction for vehicular or pedestrian traffic or other movement.

DISPLAY AREA

See "Sign Facing or Surface."

ERECT

To install, build, construct, attach, hang, rehang, place, affix, or relocate and includes the painting and repainting of signs.

ESTABLISHMENT

A single building in which one (1) or more business activities are conducted, provided, however, that when a building is divided into separate parts by unpierced walls extending from the floor to the ceiling, and each part has an exterior entrance, then each part is a separate establishment.

FLASHING SIGN

An illuminated sign on which light, images or information is not steady, but which changes, including changes in color.

FLUTTERING SIGN, PERMANENT

A permanent sign which flutters, and includes flags, pennants and banners, which moves with the wind.

FLUTTERING SIGN, TEMPORARY

A temporary sign which flutters, and includes flags, pennants, balloons, and banners, which moves with the wind.

FREESTANDING SIGN

A sign erected and maintained on a freestanding frame, mast or pole not attached to any building, and not including ground mounted signs.

GLARE

Intense and distracting light that can create discomfort for an observer with a direct line of sight to a light source.

GOVERNMENTAL SIGN

A governmental sign is a sign that is constructed, placed or maintained by the Federal, State or local government or a sign that is required to be constructed, placed or maintained by the Federal, State, or local government either directly or to enforce a property owner's rights.

GROUND SIGN

A sign which has its bottom portion erected upon or supported by the ground, a ground planter box or other supports. A ground sign shall not be supported by visible poles.

HANGING SIGN

A sign which hangs more than eight (8) inches beyond the plane of the wall on which it is erected or attached, and which has its message perpendicular to the vertical axis of the wall.

ILLUMINATED AWNING

An awning which is internally or externally illuminated.

ILLUMINATED SIGN

A sign which is illuminated by light sources located on, in, or external to, the sign.

INCIDENTAL SIGN

A sign which is too small to be legible from a position off the premises and in the interior of a building, not visible from the exterior of the building.

INTEGRAL SIGN

A sign that is embedded, extruded or carved into the material of a building facade. A sign made of bronze, brushed stainless steel or aluminum, or other similar material attached to the building facade.

INTERNAL SIGN

A sign whose entire face is internally illuminated.

LETTER

Typically a symbol or character representing a unit of the alphabet. This may also include a number, logo, emblem, trademark or icon.

LICENSED SIGN ERECTOR

A person, his/her agents and employees, who have secured a sign erector's license issued by St. Louis County or other governmental agencies.

MARQUEE

A permanent structure supported entirely or largely by the building and which projects from the wall of the building.

MARQUEE, CANOPY AND AWNING SIGN

A sign attached to or illustrated on a marquee, canopy or awning respectively.

MOVING SIGN

A sign, all or any part of which moves by any means. Such sign does not include a fluttering sign.

NON-CONFORMING SIGN

A sign which existed lawfully, whether by variance or otherwise, on the date this Chapter or any amendment thereto became effective, and which fails to conform to one (1) or more regulations and requirements in this Chapter or such amendments thereto.

OFF-SITE SIGN

A sign located on property not owned or leased by the owner of the sign.

ON-SITE SIGN

A sign located on property owned or leased by the owner of the sign.

ORIGINAL ART DISPLAY

A hand-painted work of visual art that is either affixed to or painted directly on the exterior wall of a structure with the permission of the property owner. An original art display does not include; mechanically produced or computer generated print images, including but not limited to digitally printed vinyl; electrical or mechanical components; or changing image art display.

PAINTED SIGN

Any sign, not considered an original art display, that is hand-painted on the wall of a building.

PERMANENT SIGN

A sign that is rigidly and durably installed into or on the ground or attached to a building and is not intended to be temporary.

PERMANENT WINDOW SIGN

A sign of permanent construction materials that is permanently affixed to either side of the glass of an exterior door or window. For the purpose of this Chapter, a glass block wall shall be deemed a window.

POLE SIGN

A permanent sign erected on a vertical framework consisting of one (1) or more sign supports supported by the ground, not a mandatory sign or stake sign.

PORTABLE SIGN

A sign which is not securely affixed to the ground or otherwise affixed in a permanent manner to an approved supporting structure, which can be carried, towed, hauled or driven and is primarily designed to be moved rather than be limited to a fixed location regardless of modifications that limit its movability.

PORTICO

A structure consisting of a roof supported by columns at regular intervals, typically attached as a porch to a building.

PREMISES

That portion of a lot or building occupied by a single occupant, exclusive of common area, if any, shared with adjacent occupants. Permitted sign area shall be separately calculated for multi-tenant commercial buildings only when said tenants have a separate entrance for their exclusive use. If the building is permitted a ground sign, the permitted sign area for tenants shall be reduced accordingly.

PROJECTING SIGN

A sign which projects more than eight (8) inches beyond the plane of the wall on which the sign is erected or attached.

REVERSE CHANNEL SIGN

A sign that has opaque channel letter faces and sides with illumination inside the letter cavity that shines out the back of the letter. These back lit letters are mounted away from the wall so a halo forms behind them. A clear polycarbonate back shall be installed to prevent animals from nesting inside the letter. These types of signs are also called "halo lit" or "backlit" letters.

ROOF SIGN

A sign erected on a roof, including mansard-style roof. Marquee, canopy, wall, or hanging signs which do not project more than twelve (12) inches above a parapet wall shall not be construed as a roof sign, provided, however, that the projection above said parapet wall shall not exceed the amount of the sign below the parapet wall level. The generally vertical plane of a mansard type roof shall be interpreted as a wall of a building.

SIGN

A device, a structure or part of a structure, including structural trim, or monument used to display or communicate information of any kind.

SIGN AREA

The area of the sign face, which is the surface of a sign including structural trim (molding, battens, cappings, nailing strips, latticing and platforms which are attached to the sign structure), which can be seen from a single location on an adjacent street provided that the ends, or thickness, of a sign shall not be counted as separate sign facing or surface unless more than six (6) inches thick.

SIGN STRUCTURE

The sign and all parts associated with its construction.

SIGN SUPPORTS

All structures by which a sign is elevated, including, for example, pedestals, bases, poles, braces, guys and anchors.

STAKE SIGN

A temporary sign with a base/stake commonly made of metal, wood, or other similar material.

TEMPORARY

A limited period of time that is not permanent.

TEMPORARY SIGN

A sign intended for a limited or intermittent period of display.

TEMPORARY WINDOW SIGN

A sign of paper, cardboard, canvas, cloth or other non-permanent materials visible through an exterior window or door glass.

WALL SIGN

A sign attached to, integrated with, or embedded/carved into the wall of any building or against the generally vertical plane of a mansard type roof with the plane of the sign area parallel to the plane of the wall below the roof line. This may also include a sign made of bronze, brushed stainless steel or aluminum, or other similar material attached to the building facade.

WINDOW SIGN

Any sign which is posted on, painted on, or otherwise constantly attached to and is visible through a display window.

ZONING CODE

The Zoning Code of the City and the Zoning District Map related thereto.

General Sign Examples.

Measurement Of Signs. This Section details the principles for computing sign area and sign height. Illustrations and principles of interpretation included in the Code shall be used in interpreting the relevant sign type, but where the text conflicts with an illustration or stated principle, the text shall control.

WALL SIGN AREA

GROUND SIGN AREA/HEIGHT

SURFACE AREA CALCULATION

Section 420.040 Intent.

[Ord. No. 4419, 2-8-2021]

It is hereby declared to be the intent of this Chapter that wherever any Section of this Chapter does not specify a particular sign, the sign shall be deemed to be the type defined herein which is most nearly descriptive of its content, physical type, or characteristics.

Section 420.050 Compliance Required; Exceptions.

[Ord. No. 4419, 2-8-2021]

It shall be unlawful for any person to violate the provisions of this Chapter, except as permitted by Subsection (B), below.

Subject to the limitations and restrictions set forth below with respect to the following signs, the provisions of this Chapter shall not apply to the placement of any of the following signs:

Planned development districts or unified sign plans if the ordinance establishing or amending the same has specific sign regulations.

Signs erected by or on behalf of the City in the operation of its services that include but are not limited to public safety, health and the general welfare.

Signs required by Federal, State or local law.

Signs containing government messages that are approved by the City on any sign, both on and off City property.

Signs related to City activities and/or sponsorship. These include but are not limited to municipal banners, special event signs, kiosks, ground signs, government awareness signs, etc.

Any sign specifically authorized by the City as a result of a compromise of litigation or other lawful disputed claim.

A sign required to be located by Federal, State or local law in order to enforce a property owner's rights.

Incidental signs.

Temporary window.

Section 420.060 Prohibited (Not Permitted) Signs.

[Ord. No. 4419, 2-8-2021]

The following types of signs shall be prohibited in the City.

Abandoned signs.

Digital signs.

Flashing signs.

Illuminated awnings.

Illuminated signs, over two (2) two (2) square feet in area, in the interior of a window for the purpose of being seen from the exterior.

Internally illuminated/internal signs.

Moving signs (operated mechanically, electrically, electronically, or by wind or other forces of nature).

Off-site signs that are either on City property, public right-of-way or on another property without the owner's permission or that exceeds the maximum sign allowance for the property.

Painted signs.

10.

Paper, cloth, cardboard, or other similar non-permanent material signs located on the exterior of a building.

Pole signs.

Portable signs.

Roof signs.

Signs, constructed of or painted with "Day-Glo," fluorescent, or similar materials, except signs that are exempt under Sections 420.050(B)(2) and 420.050(B)(3). This prohibition includes the face of illuminated sign letters.

15.

Signs painted or affixed to a vehicle that is located on a regular basis on, or near, property owned or leased by the vehicle owner and which vehicle is not used as a regular mode of transport.

16.

A sign, or signs, that are so obscene or threatening that they are not afforded protection under the U.S. or Missouri Constitutions.

17.

Standard outdoor advertising structures and/or billboards, except as permitted under Section 420.140(B)(14).

Examples of signs that are not permitted:

Section 420.070 Mandatory Signs.

[Ord. No. 4419, 2-8-2021]

All Zoning Districts.

Signs displaying the street address for all properties located in the Residential Zoning Districts. Such signage is necessary to promote the health, safety and general welfare of the City's residents as it allows emergency responders to identify the proper address in responding to calls for services. Such signs do not require a permit and shall be limited to a sign face of two (2) square feet.

Directional Signs Detailing Entrances, Exits And Traffic Circulation. Such signs shall not exceed six (6) square feet in size. The maximum height for such signs if ground signs or mounted to a fence shall be three and one-half (3 1/2) feet above grade, or six (6) feet above grade if wall mounted. Such signage is necessary to promote the health, safety and welfare of the City's residents by promoting the safe and proper flow of vehicular and pedestrian traffic on the property. The Board of Aldermen may approve, after receiving a recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission, a unified directional sign plan that may vary from the requirements set forth herein, upon a finding that the unified directional sign plan would promote the health safety and general welfare of the City's residents. Such signs require a permit.

Construction Information Sign. Any properties that have a non-residential use in the Residential Zoning Districts where there is an active construction permit shall have an additional ground mounted sign per each street frontage not to exceed twenty-four (24) square feet in size, and eight (8) feet in height. Such sign shall be placed not less than ten (10) feet from the right-of-way. Such sign may display the names and contact information for the contractor, architect, engineer and property owner. Such signage shall include information as is necessary to protect the health, safety and welfare of the City's residents, to allow for the expeditious contacting of necessary parties in the event of an emergency. Such signs require a permit.

Traffic control devices on public or private property must be erected and maintained to comply with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices adopted in this State and if not adopted by this State with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices adopted by the Federal Highway Administration.

Mandatory Sign Examples.

Section 420.080 Permit Required.

[Ord. No. 4419, 2-8-2021]

Permit Required. Unless specifically exempted by this Sign Code, no sign shall be erected, altered, replaced, or relocated after the effective date of this Chapter until a sign permit has been secured from the City Administrator. Sign permits shall be renewed prior to their expiration dates as specified below.

Compliance With Building Code. No person shall erect or maintain within the City any sign without first complying with the Building Code of the City. Nothing in this Chapter shall exempt signs from meeting the requirements of the City Electrical and Building Codes.

Fee. Payment of a one hundred dollar ($100.00) fee or fee as otherwise established by the Board of Aldermen shall be required for each sign permit issued.

Applications For Sign Permits. All applications for sign permits shall be made, in writing, on a form supplied by the City and shall contain or have attached thereto the following information:

Name, physical address, email address, and telephone number of applicant.

Location of building, structure, or lot where the sign is to be erected.

Two (2) copies of the plans, specifications, and method of construction and attachment (i.e., either to a building or in the ground) of all proposed signs, including scale drawings and other pertinent graphics which will clearly illustrate size, height and appearance of the sign in relation to its surroundings.

Expiration Of Permit.

Permits for temporary signs shall expire ninety (90) days from the date of issuance of such permit unless otherwise provided by this Sign Code.

The failure to initiate construction so authorized within one (1) year from the date the sign permit is issued shall result in the expiration of the sign permit.

The discontinuance of the authorized project or construction for a period of one (1) year shall result in the expiration of the sign permit.

Revocation Of Permit. The City Administrator may suspend or revoke a sign permit whenever it is determined that a permit has been issued in error or on the basis of incorrect or false information supplied, or whenever such permit was issued in violation of any provision of this Chapter, any other ordinance of the City, the laws of the State of Missouri or the Federal government. Such revocation shall be effective when communicated, in writing, to the person to whom the permit is issued, the owner of the sign, or the owner of the premises on which the sign is located. Any sign that is the subject of a revoked permit shall be immediately removed by the person in control of the sign or premises upon which the sign is located, or within a reasonable time as determined by the City Administrator, but not to exceed fifteen (15) calendar days after written notice of revocation.

Section 420.090 Variances And Appeals.

[Ord. No. 4419, 2-8-2021]

It shall be the duty of the City Administrator to interpret, administer and enforce the Sign Code.

Conditional Sign Permits And Variances.

Appeals And Applications For Variances.

Appeals from decisions of the City Administrator regarding the interpretation and application of the Sign Code may be made to the Board of Adjustment.

Applications for variances from the strict application of the Sign Code may be made to the Board of Adjustment.

The Board of Adjustment is authorized to grant variances from the strict application of the Sign Code when it finds that all of the following are shown:

There are practical difficulties and/or unnecessary hardships that would result from the strict application of this Chapter; and

The practical difficulties and/or hardships results from conditions that are peculiar to the property; and

The practical difficulties and/or hardships are not self-created.

Additionally, the applicant shall show that the variance will:

Be consistent with the intent of the Chapter.

Promote public safety.

Achieve substantial justice.

The Board of Aldermen, following review by the Planning and Zoning Commission, is authorized to grant conditional sign permits when required by this Code, if it finds that the proposed sign:

Is compatible with its surroundings;

Is appropriate for the activity identified;

Is legible in the circumstances in which it is to be seen;

Shall not detract from the appearance of the surrounding area and the community as a whole; and

Shall not constitute a safety hazard to pedestrians or vehicular traffic.

The Board of Adjustment shall not grant any variances from the strict application of the Sign Code and the Board of Aldermen shall not grant any conditional sign permits until holding a public hearing on the proposed sign. Notice of such hearing shall:

Be posted on the property for which the sign is proposed; and

Delivered or mailed to those persons owning property within three hundred (300) feet of the property for which the sign is proposed. The owners of the property to receive such notice shall be determined solely from the tax rolls of the County at such time as the notice is given.

Failure to comply with this Chapter may result in revocation of sign permits as set forth in Section 420.070(F) herein. In addition, any person, as owner, agent, or lessee of the building or premises on which a violation of the Sign Code exists, and who commits, takes part in, or assists in that violation shall, upon construction thereof, be guilty of a misdemeanor, and shall be fined not less than ten dollars ($10.00) nor more than one hundred dollars ($100.00) for each and every day that such violation continues. Any person who has been served with an order by the City Administrator to remove or cease any violation of any provision of this Sign Code, and who fails to comply with said order within ten (10) days after receipt of such notice, shall be subject to a civil penalty of two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00).

Section 420.100 Non-Conforming Signs.

[Ord. No. 4419, 2-8-2021]

No non-conforming sign shall be changed, expanded, or altered in any manner which would increase the degree of its non-conformity, or be structurally altered to prolong its useful life, or be moved in whole or in part to any other location where it would remain non-conforming.

Termination Of Non-Conforming Signs.

Immediate Termination. The following signs or sign features shall be terminated within three (3) months after the effective date of this Chapter except as otherwise expressly permitted by this Chapter: Flashing signs, animated and moving signs, signs which obstruct free ingress to or egress from a fire escape, door, window, or other required access way, signs which by reason of size, location, content, coloring, or manner of illumination obstruct the vision of drivers, or obstruct or detract from the visibility or effectiveness of any traffic sign or control device on the streets and roads within the City, signs on vacant buildings, on the premises where such sign is located or signs for which no building permit has been issued. Termination of the non-conformity shall consist of removal of the sign or its alteration to eliminate fully all non-conforming features.

Termination By Abandonment. Any non-conforming sign structure, the use of which as a sign is discontinued for a period of ninety (90) consecutive days, regardless of any intent to resume or not to abandon such use, shall be presumed to be abandoned and shall not thereafter be reestablished except in full compliance with this Chapter. Any period of such discontinuance caused by government actions, strikes, material shortages, or acts of God, and without any contributing fault by the non-conforming user, shall not be considered in calculating the length of discontinuance for purposes of this Subsection.

Termination By Damage Or Destruction. Any non-conforming sign damaged or destroyed, by any means, to the extent of one-third (1/3) of its replacement cost new shall be terminated and shall not be restored.

Termination By Amortization. Any non-conforming sign not terminated pursuant to any other provision of this Chapter shall be terminated no later than the date stated below:

Original Value Of Sign As Shown On Building Permit	Time Period (following effective date of this Chapter) By Which Termination Of Non-Conformity Is Required
Less than $4,000.00	12 months
$4,001.00 to $10,000.00	18 months
More than $10,000.00	24 months

Termination By Property Sale Or Expiration/Non-Renewal Of Lease. Any sign which was erected by an owner/tenant of a property, who has sold the property, or an off-site sign that no longer has the permission of the property owner shall be removed.

Section 420.110 General Requirements.

[Ord. No. 4419, 2-8-2021]

Placement. Unless noted elsewhere within this Chapter, all signs shall adhere to the following placement requirements.

All signs and sign structures shall be installed and/or attached behind any applicable setback or right-of-way, unless stated otherwise within this Chapter.

Building Obstruction. Any sign or portion of a sign that obstructs any window, doorway, fire escape, stairway; interferes with any exits through any window or door or required exit from any building; or obstructs any required light or ventilation is not permitted.

Pedestrian/Vehicular Obstruction. Signs or structures that may pose a hazard to pedestrians or vehicular traffic, including but not limited to signs that obstruct the clear view of pedestrians and drivers, and signs interfering with the effectiveness of traffic signs or signals are not permitted.

Signs in the public right-of-way except those exempt or permitted under this Chapter, not including signs on vehicles lawfully using the right-of-way or legally parked, are not permitted.

All signs shall be on-site signs, unless the owner of a property on which an off-site sign is located, consents to the placement of an off-site sign, and except as permitted under Section 420.140(B)(13).

Posting of signs on public or private property shall not be permitted without written evidence of the property owner's permission.

Clearances.

Vehicle Area Clearances. Where a sign, sign structure or awning extends over an area in which vehicles travel or are parked, the bottom of the sign or awning must be at least fourteen (14) feet above the finished grade below the sign except when reasonably protected with a permanent structure as approved by the City Administrator. Vehicle areas include driveways, alleys, parking areas, and loading and maneuvering areas.

Pedestrian Area Clearances. Where a sign, sign structure or awning extends more than twelve (12) inches over a sidewalk, walkway, or other space used by pedestrians, the bottom of the structure must be a minimum of eight (8) feet above grade.

Right-Of-Way.

Signs shall not be located in or project over the right-of-way.

If rights-of-way are widened so that an existing sign is in, or projects into, the expanded right-of-way, the City Administrator may allow the sign to remain in place if it is determined that it will have no impact on safety. The City Administrator may require the sign to be moved.

Illumination. Sign illumination shall be governed by the following regulations:

General Restrictions.

All illumination shall be oriented so as to prevent undue glare onto adjacent streets or residential properties. Glare control shall be achieved primarily through the use of such means as cutoff fixtures, shields, and baffles, and appropriate application of fixture mounting height, wattage, aiming angle, and fixture placement. Vegetation screens shall not be employed to serve as the primary means for controlling glare.

Unless otherwise permitted by law, all illuminated signs shall be extinguished at the time of business closing, or 11:00 P.M., whichever is later, except those bordering Highway I-270 or Highway I-64/US 40.

All electrical illumination devices shall be designed to be weather-resistant and shatter-proof.

All electrical sign components, fabrication, and installation, shall comply with all national and local Building and Electrical Codes as adopted by the City at time of permit.

Where practicable, all transformers, conductors and other equipment shall be concealed behind fascia. Where construction of a building does not allow the building to have concealed wiring for a sign, exposed raceways and conduits shall be allowed, provided that such raceways or conduits shall be constructed or painted to match the building surface on which the sign is located. All attaching bolts shall be of non-corrosive material.

Threaded rods or anchor bolts shall be used to mount sign letters which are spaced out from background panel. Angle clips attached to letter sides will not be permitted.

Composition Of General Non-Illuminated Or Externally Illuminated Signs.

(1)

General non-illuminated or externally illuminated signs shall be composed of weather and rust-resistant materials.

(2)

General non-illuminated or externally illuminated signs shall be composed either of individually attached letters or letters displayed in plaque form on a solid background.

Illuminated signs shall be restricted to the following types:

General Non-Illuminated. The sign itself is neither lighted internally nor has an external source of light specifically directed at it. Rather, the sign depends on the general illumination of the area (e.g., parking lot, traffic or pedestrian areas) for its illumination.

Reverse Channel Sign (Back Lit/Halo Lit). The letters are raised beyond the sign's background and completely cover the lighting sources which illuminate the background.

Channel Letter Sign (Internally Illuminated Letters). A sign composed of fabricated three (3) dimensional metal or translucent letters that are illuminated from an internal light source.

(1)

Letters must be white or neutral in color.

(2)

Sign boxes and internally lighted signs where the entire sign area is illuminated shall not be permitted.

External Light Source. Signs may be lit from an exterior light source with the following restrictions:

(1)

Such exterior light sources shall not exceed one-tenth (0.1) foot-candles at grade level of an adjacent property line.

(2)

Such exterior light sources shall have a color temperature of between two thousand five hundred (2,500°) and five thousand degrees (5,000°) Kelvin.

(3)

Such exterior light sources shall shine only on the sign to be illuminated.

Permitted Illumination Examples.

Design, Construction, Inspection And Maintenance.

In addition to the above, the following regulations shall apply in all districts with respect to signs:

No sign heretofore approved and erected shall be repaired, altered, or moved, nor shall any sign or any part thereof which is blown down, destroyed, or removed be re-erected, reconstructed, rebuilt, or relocated unless it complies with all the applicable requirements of this Chapter.

Permanent signs exceeding fifty (50) square feet in sign area or weighing one hundred (100) pounds or more or any sign to be erected over a pedestrian entry shall require an engineer's design. This design shall be submitted with the corresponding sign application.

All signs attached to any building shall be constructed and braced to withstand wind pressure of not less than thirty (30) pounds per square foot of exposed surface and shall be securely attached to the building or wall.

Hazardous Sign. If, in the opinion of the City Administrator, any particular sign becomes hazardous to pedestrian or vehicular traffic by reason of, but not limited to, deterioration, damage, obstruction of walkways or fire access or exit lanes, restricting sight distances for vehicular or pedestrian traffic or is located so close to travel lanes or parking areas that it is struck by maneuvering vehicles, then such signs shall be relocated, removed, or protected by the owner, agent, or person having beneficial use of the premises or lot within ten (10) days of notification from the City Administrator that such hazard does exist. If, in the opinion of the City Administrator, the condition or location of the sign presents imminent danger to the public, it shall be removed or corrected by the owner, agent, or person having beneficial use of the premises or lot promptly upon receipt of written notice from the City Administrator.

All outdoor signs and supports shall be weather resistant and shall be maintained in good repair so as to prevent rust, peeling, flaking or fading. Broken panels, missing letters, flaking or peeling paint and other visual damage to a sign shall be repaired within forty-five (45) days of occurrence or within thirty (30) days of notification from the City Administrator, whichever occurs first.

Every permanent sign shall be constructed of rigid weatherproof materials and provisions shall be made for electric grounding of all metallic parts.

No sign shall be erected or maintained so that, by its position, shape, wording, device, or color, it might interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device.

Section 420.120 Signs In Residential And Major Educational Districts.

[Ord. No. 4419, 2-8-2021]

Permitted Signs, Residential Uses. The following signs are permitted, unless otherwise regulated as part of an approved planned development ordinance, in all residential districts and the Major Educational District, for residential uses, subject to the restrictions set forth for each sign category:

Fluttering Signs.

Two (2) permanent fluttering sign and one (1) temporary fluttering sign, provided it is constructed of weather-resistant materials and reasonably designed to withstand prevailing weather conditions.

A temporary fluttering sign shall not be displayed more than fifteen (15) consecutive days, and shall not be displayed more than fifteen (15) days in any forty-five (45) day period.

Such signs shall have a maximum sign area of fifteen (15) square feet and shall meet the height requirements of their zoning district.

Such signs shall not require a permit.

A permanent fluttering sign may be lit by an external light source.

Incidental signs.

Governmental signs.

Mandatory signs, See Section 420.070.

Signs For Subdivisions.

A subdivision is permitted either one (1) twenty-four (24) square foot sign area per frontage or two (2) such signs, equaling twenty-four (24) square feet, per vehicular entrance to the subdivision.

Subdivisions signs may be either ground or wall/integral signs.

The maximum height for a ground sign shall be six (6) feet and ten (10) feet if a wall sign.

Any ground mounted sign permitted under this Subsection shall have plantings within three (3) feet of the base and no more than two (2) feet of the supporting poles shall be visible. Such signs require a permit.

Sign shall only be lit by an external light source.

Stake Signs.

Two (2) stake signs, each of which are not to exceed six (6) square feet in size. Such signs may be double-faced. Such signs shall not be placed within five (5) feet of the right-of-way. Corner lots may have one (1) additional stake sign, also not to exceed six (6) square feet in size and four (4) feet in height as measured from the ground.

Such signs shall not require a permit.

Wall Signs.

Such sign shall not exceed three (3) square feet.

Any wall sign shall be made of weather- and rust-resistant materials.

Permitted Signs, Institutional/Non-Residential Uses. The following signs are permitted, unless otherwise regulated as part of an approved planned development ordinance, in all residential and the Major Educational District for institutional/non-residential uses only and subject to the following restrictions:

Fluttering Signs.

One (1) permanent fluttering sign.

Such signs shall have a maximum sign area of fifteen (15) square feet and shall meet the height requirements of their zoning district.

Such signs shall not require a permit.

Illuminated sign, external illumination-only.

Incidental signs.

Governmental signs.

Ground Signs.

An institutional/non-residential use shall be limited to one (1) ground sign per street frontage.

Sign area shall not exceed eight percent (8%) of the surface of the building wall which they are in front of or relate to, but not to exceed seventy-five (75) square feet in aggregate sign area, whichever is less.

Maximum sign height, sign and base, shall not exceed eight (8) feet from average ground level. If the sign would be below the level of the centerline of the public road, the sign may be raised to no more than six (6) feet above that level.

Shall not be located within twenty (20) feet of any adjacent roadway surface and may be located within the median of an interior roadway.

Shall be located so as not to obstruct vision at an intersection or vehicular entry or exit from the property.

Landscaping or appropriate ground cover shall be placed at the base of and around any ground sign for a minimum distance of three (3) feet.

Mandatory signs, See Section 420.070.

Stake Signs.

Three (3) stake signs, each of which are not to exceed six (6) square feet in size and four (4) feet in height as measured from the ground. Such signs may be double-faced. Such signs shall not be placed within five (5) feet of the right-of-way.

Such signs shall not require a permit.

Wall Signs.

Shall be composed of rust-resistant metal or other weather-resistive materials.

Letters shall be no taller than thirty-six (36) inches in height on building walls that are visible from Interstate 270, Interstate 64, and Missouri Route 141, otherwise letter shall be no taller than twenty-four (24) inches in height.

One (1) wall sign shall be allowed on each building frontage.

Wall signs may only be illuminated from an exterior light source.

A wall sign shall not exceed eight percent (8%) of the surface area on the side of the building to which it is attached, or forty (40) square feet, whichever is less.

Conditional Signs. The following signs are conditional for institutional/non-residential uses in Residential and Major Educational Districts.

Illuminated sign other than externally illuminated.

Original art display.

Any signs containing letters over the maximum permitted height.

Section 420.130 Office, Senior Living, And Medical Districts.

[Ord. No. 4419, 2-8-2021]

Permitted Signs. The following signs, unless otherwise regulated as part of an approved planned development ordinance, are permitted all Office, Senior Living, and Medical Districts subject to the following restrictions:

Awning Signs.

Awning signs shall be permanently affixed to the awning. The size of the letters or one (1) logo shall not exceed twelve (12) inches in height. Such signs shall be the single frontage identification of the business or firm.

Shall not project above the parapet wall or the roof line of the building to which the awning is attached.

Shall maintain a clearance of at least seven (7) feet six (6) inches above the ground or pavement where vehicular or pedestrian movement is possible under said sign.

Fluttering Signs.

One (1) permanent fluttering sign structure (which may include up to three (3) permanent fluttering signs).

Such signs shall have a maximum sign area of forty (40) square feet and shall meet the height requirements of their zoning district.

Such signs shall not require a permit.

Governmental signs.

Ground Signs.

Individual Building. Shall be limited to one (1) ground sign per street frontage.

Campus. A hospital or office campus that contains two (2) or more buildings, shall be permitted a ground or monument sign, not to exceed seventy-five (75) square feet in sign area, at each entry from a public street into the campus.

Shall not be located within twenty (20) feet of any adjacent roadway surface and may be located within the median of an interior roadway.

Shall be located so as not to obstruct vision at an intersection or vehicular entry or exit from the property.

Landscaping or appropriate ground cover shall be placed at the base of and around any ground sign for a minimum distance of three (3) feet.

One (1) additional ground sign is permitted for a directory of facilities with a maximum sign area of sixteen (16) feet.

Illuminated Signs.

Shall be either internally illuminated, back light type, non-illuminated, or externally illuminated as specified in Section 420.110.

All signs located on or related to buildings in the Campus Office and Office Districts located generally at the intersection of Ballas and Clayton Roads shall either be general non-illuminated or external light source only.

Incidental signs.

Mandatory signs, See Section 420.070.

Stake Signs.

Two (2) stake signs, each of which are not to exceed six (6) square feet in size and four (4) feet in height as measured from the ground.

(1)

Such signs may be double-faced.

(2)

Such signs shall not be placed within twenty (20) feet of the right-of-way.

(3)

Such signs shall not require a permit.

One (1) stake sign, not to exceed twenty-four (24) square feet in size and eight (8) feet in height as measured from the ground.

(1)

Such sign may be double-faced.

(2)

Such sign shall not be placed within twenty (20) feet of the right-of-way.

(3)

Such sign shall require a permit.

Wall Signs.

Shall not project perpendicularly more than eight (8) inches beyond the plane of the wall to which it is attached, except that this distance may be modified where an exposed raceway is involved.

Shall not exceed eight percent (8%) of the surface area of the side of the building or other structure to which it is attached, or sixty (60) square feet, whichever is less. Where more than one (1) wall of a building or structure is used for signing, then the limitation shall be five percent (5%) for each side, or forty (40) square feet, whichever is less.

The sign facing shall not exceed the height of the roof of the building, nor overlap either the top or bottom edge of the building fascia or mansard roof area and must be a minimum of six (6) inches from either of these edges.

10.

Window Signs, Permanent.

Shall be painted, metal-leafed, or in some other manner permanently applied to either side of an exterior window or door.

Shall be calculated with the total square footage of signs permitted per building side.

Shall cover an area no greater than three (3) feet by two (2) feet on the window display surface on any one (1) frontage.

Conditional Signs. The following signs are conditional in Office and Hospital Districts:

Original art display.

Any signs containing letters over the maximum permitted height.

Section 420.140 Commercial Districts.

[Ord. No. 4419, 2-8-2021]

Unified Sign Plans.

Purpose. The purpose of a unified sign plan is to coordinate the uniformity of sign type, design, and location within a multi-tenant commercial building or center.

Requirement. A unified sign plan shall be required for any new multi-tenant commercial building or for any existing multi-tenant commercial building which is more than fifty percent (50%) vacant and which does not have an approved uniform sign plan, the building owner shall submit with, or prior to the first (1st) (or next) sign permit application.

Application Process.

A unified sign plan application shall be submitted to the City Administrator for review. The application shall include the following elements:

(1)

A scaled site plan showing the locations of all proposed signage within the development. The sign types shall be dimensioned and labeled and include distance measurement of sign locations from nearest public right-of-way.

(2)

A list of size and number of all proposed signs including sign elevation, maximum area, and letter height.

(3)

Materials for all proposed signs and sign structures.

(4)

Color and style palette for all proposed signs.

(5)

Type of illumination proposed.

(6)

A description of landscaping and ornamental elements that are intended to complement signage.

The City Administrator shall forward a complete application to the Board of Aldermen.

No sign permit shall be issued except in conformity with the plan approved by the Board of Aldermen.

General Requirements.

Signs as listed in Section 420.060, Prohibited Signs, shall not be included with unified sign plans.

Signage on office buildings in Commercial Districts shall conform to requirements of Section 420.130, Office, Senior Living, and Medical Districts.

On multi-tenant commercial buildings, as part of a unified sign plan, as many signs of the same type shall be permitted on the same site frontage of a building facing a public street as there are separate main entrances for the businesses therein.

Each business therein shall be allowed one (1) sign facing the adjoining street or parking area. If a business is located on a corner space, with one (1) exterior frontage entrance in each direction, then one (1) sign per side will be permitted, not to exceed two (2) signs.

Businesses located in a commercial center where a majority of businesses face interior courts or walkways, shall be permitted, in addition to Subsection (B)(4) above, one (1) sign on a store front which faces the interior court or walkway inside the center. If a business has a corner space, with more than one (1) interior frontage entrance, or if a building occupies a corner space or other space with more than one (1) interior entrance not on the same building frontage, then one (1) sign shall be permitted on each interior court or walkway, plus one (1) sign on the exterior of the building in the closest possible proximity to the business entrance. The total allowable number of signs for such a corner space, including, interior and exterior, shall be three (3).

If approved as part of a unified sign plan for a single commercial development, in addition to the signs authorized above, those businesses with entrances facing a pedestrian walkway under a roof, may hang one (1) sign from the roof over the pedestrian walkway, provided each sign is uniform in size, non-illuminated, is no larger than eight (8) inches by twenty (20) inches, is perpendicular to the front building wall and business entrance, and provides for at least seven (7) feet of clearance.

An aggregate sign display area not to exceed twelve percent (12%) of the total surface area (including windows) of the building frontage of a business establishment shall be permitted, subject to other limitations contained herein. Where a building has more than one (1) commercial frontage, the aggregate sign display area shall be calculated separately for signs related to each separate commercial frontage. The following types of signs shall not be included in the aggregate square footage limitation contained in the Subsection.

Mandatory signs.

Incidental signs.

Stake signs.

Temporary window signs.

A single commercial establishment may have either one (1) wall sign or one (1) ground sign per road frontage, but not both.

Permitted Signs. The following signs are permitted, unless otherwise regulated as part of an approved planned development ordinance or unified sign plan, in Commercial Districts:

The following signs are permitted in Commercial Districts:

Awning Signs.

Shall not project above the parapet wall or the roof line of the building to which the awning is attached.

Shall maintain a clearance of at least seven (7) feet six (6) inches above the ground or pavement where vehicular or pedestrian movement is possible under said sign.

Fluttering Signs.

One (1) permanent fluttering sign structure (which may include up to three (3) permanent fluttering signs).

Such signs shall have a maximum sign area of forty (40) square feet and shall meet the height requirements of their zoning district.

Such signs shall not require a permit.

Governmental signs.

Ground Signs.

Where a single building has multiple tenants or multiple uses, ground signage shall be restricted to one (1) ground sign.

Sign area shall not exceed eight percent (8%) of the surface of the building wall of which they are in front or relate to, but not to exceed seventy-five (75) square feet, whichever is less.

Shall not be located within twenty (20) feet of any adjacent roadway surface and may be located within the median of an interior roadway.

Shall be located so as not to obstruct vision at an intersection or vehicular entry or exit from the property.

Landscaping or appropriate ground cover shall be placed at the base of and around any ground sign for a minimum distance of three (3) feet.

One (1) additional ground sign is permitted for a directory of facilities with a maximum sign area of sixteen (16) feet.

Hanging Signs.

Shall not project perpendicularly more than thirty (30) inches beyond the plane of the wall to which it is attached. The maximum sign shall be thirty (30) inches by eighteen (18) inches.

Shall maintain a clearance as is applicable per Section 420.110(B).

Illuminated Signs.

Shall be either internally illuminated, back light type, non-illuminated, or externally illuminated as specified in Section 420.110.

All signs located on or related to buildings in the Commercial District located generally at the southeast corner of the intersection of Clayton and Mason Roads shall either be general non-illuminated or external light source only.

Incidental signs.

Mandatory signs, See Section 420.070.

Marquee Signs.

The marquee shall not exceed four (4) feet in height and the maximum letter size shall not exceed twelve (12) inches in height.

Shall meet the design requirements as specified in Section 420.110(F).

Shall maintain a clearance as is applicable per Section 420.110(B).

10.

Stake Signs.

Two (2) stake signs, each of which are not to exceed six (6) square feet in size and four (4) feet in height as measured from the ground.

(1)

Such signs may be double-faced.

(2)

Such signs shall not be placed within twenty (20) feet of the right-of-way.

(3)

Such signs shall not require a permit.

One (1) stake sign, not to exceed twenty-four (24) square feet in size and eight (8) feet in height as measured from the ground.

(1)

Such sign may be double-faced.

(2)

Such sign shall not be placed within twenty (20) feet of the right-of-way.

(3)

Such sign shall require a permit.

11.

Wall Signs.

Shall be either internally illuminated, back light type, non-illuminated, or externally illuminated as specified in Section 420.110.

Shall not project perpendicularly more than eight (8) inches beyond the plane of the wall to which it is attached, except this distance may be modified where an exposed raceway is involved.

Maximum Sign Area.

Surface Area of Store/Office Frontage	Maximum Sign Square Footage
Less than 960 square feet	40
960 — 2,000 square feet	50
Over 2,000 square feet	60

The maximum square footage of a sign shall not exceed sixty (60) square feet or the size set forth in Subsection (C)(11)(c) above, whichever is less.

Letters may not overlap either the top or bottom edge of the building fascia or mansard roof area and must be a minimum of six (6) inches from either of these edges. Signs shall not exceed the height of the building.

12.

Window Signs, Permanent.

Shall be painted, metal-leafed, or in some other manner permanently applied to either side of an exterior window or door.

Shall be calculated with the total square footage of signs permitted per building side but a temporary window sign shall not be so counted.

Shall cover an area no greater than three (3) feet by two (2) feet on the window display surface on any one (1) frontage.

13.

Window Signs, Temporary.

Shall not cover more than a total of twenty percent (20%) of the combined area of the window and glass door to which they are applied. All of the glass windows and doors on a side of a building may be calculated as a single window/door area provided that such are separated by supports or other dividers no more than twelve (12) inches wide.

All signs in one (1) window shall be deemed to be one (1) sign for the purpose of this Subsection. If all windows and glass doors in the side of a building are being counted as a single surface, then all signs thereon shall likewise be counted.

Temporary window signs shall be maintained in good repair and shall be displayed for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days and shall have the most recent date of installation clearly shown on the sign in two (2) inch high letters in a contrasting color placed in the bottom right-hand corner on the front of said sign. The same sign shall not be placed in a window for a period of four (4) months after removal. A new date of installation shall be shown in that event.

Under no circumstances shall such signs be affixed to the exterior of a window.

14.

Billboards.

No permit to allow a sign to be newly erected shall be issued without a permit issued by the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission. Standard outdoor advertising structures and/or billboards may be permitted in the City provided that such signs:

(1)

Are located within six hundred sixty (660) feet of the nearest edge of the right-of-way of an interstate or primary highway (as defined by the Missouri Highway and Transportation Department);

(2)

Are on property zoned for commercial use; and

(3)

Comply with all provisions of this Section.

Lighting.

(1)

Lighting cannot exceed a twenty (20) foot-candle average.

(2)

No revolving or rotating beam or beacon of light that simulates an emergency light or device shall be permitted as part of any sign. No flashing, intermittent, or moving light or lights will be permitted.

(3)

External lighting, such as floodlights, thin line and gooseneck reflectors are permitted, provided the light source is directed upon the sign area and is effectively shielded so as to prevent beams or rays of light from being directed into any portion of the main traveled way of the interstate or Federal-aid primary highway and the lights are not of such intensity so as to cause glare, impair the vision of the driver of a motor vehicle, or otherwise interfere with a drivers' operation of a motor vehicle; provided the light source is effectively shielded so as to prevent beams or rays of light from shining on any lot which is used or zoned residential.

(4)

No sign shall be so illuminated that it interferes with the effectiveness of or obscures any official traffic sign, device or signal.

Size Of Signs.

(1)

The maximum area per face for any one (1) sign located within six hundred sixty (660) feet of the nearest edge of the right-of-way of:

(a)

An interstate highway (as defined by the Missouri Highway and Transportation Department) shall be two hundred eighty-eight (288) square feet; or

(b)

A primary highway (as defined by the Missouri Highway and Transportation Department) shall be one hundred twenty-eight (128) square feet, inclusive of border and trim but excluding the base or apron, supports, and other structural members, with a maximum vertical dimension of thirty (30) feet and a maximum horizontal dimension of sixty (60) feet.

(2)

The maximum height of any sign shall not exceed thirty-five (35) feet from the highest point on the sign structure to the grade of the highway from which the sign is intended to be read nor exceed fifty (50) feet above the surrounding grade where the sign is installed.

Spacing Of Signs.

(1)

No sign structure shall be erected within one thousand (1,000) feet of an existing sign on either side of the adjacent interstate or primary highway.

(2)

The spacing between structure provisions of Subsection (C)(14)(d)(1) of this Section do not apply to signs which are separated by buildings, natural surroundings, or other obstructions in such manner that only one (1) sign facing located within such distance is visible at any one (1) time. Directional or other official signs or those advertising the sale or lease of the property on which they are located, or those which advertise activities on the property on which they are located, including products sold, shall not be counted, nor shall measurements be made from them for the purposes of compliance with spacing provisions.

(3)

The measurements in this Subsection shall be the minimum distances between outdoor advertising sign structures measured along the nearest edge of the pavement between points directly opposite the signs along each side of the highway.

Setbacks And Location. No sign shall be located within:

(1)

Ninety (90) feet of any property line or roofed structure;

(2)

Ninety (90) feet of any right-of-way;

(3)

One thousand (1,000) feet from any lot which is used or zoned as residential or for any public use, including but not limited to parks, schools, churches, libraries, hospitals, historic districts, landmarks, or any area on the National Register of Historic Places;

(4)

Two hundred fifty (250) feet of any on-premises sign located on a building or other non-sign structure;

(5)

One thousand (1,000) feet of any other free-standing on-premises sign;

(6)

One thousand (1,000) feet of an interchange, intersection at grade, or safety rest area. Such distances shall be measured from beginning or ending of the pavement widening at the exit from or entrance to the main traveled way.

Miscellaneous Regulations.

(1)

Only one (1) sign shall be allowed to face in one (1) direction along an interstate or primary highway; while signs may be placed back-to-back on the same sign structure so that two (2) signs are facing in opposite directions, signs of V-type construction are prohibited as is sign stacking.

(2)

No sign shall be located in such manner as to obstruct or otherwise physically interfere with the effectiveness of any official traffic sign, signal, or device or obstruct or physically interfere with a motor vehicle operator's view of approaching, merging or intersecting traffic.

(3)

No sign shall be located on or attached to the roof of a building or any other non-sign structure.

Conditional Signs. The following signs are conditional in Commercial Districts:

Original art display.

Any signs containing letters over the maximum permitted height.

Section 420.150 Severability.

[Ord. No. 4419, 2-8-2021]

If any Section, Subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or portion of this Chapter is, for any reason, held invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, such portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct and independent provision and such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Chapter.

Section 420.160 Message Substitution Clause.

[Ord. No. 4419, 2-8-2021]

Whenever a commercial sign would be permitted under this Chapter, subject to the landowner's consent, a non-commercial sign may be installed in its place, or vice versa provided it otherwise complies with this Chapter. Such substitution of message may be made without any additional approval or permitting. This provision prevails over any more specific provision to the contrary within this Chapter. The purpose of this provision is to prevent any inadvertent favoring of commercial speech over non-commercial speech, or vice versa. This provision does not create a right to increase total signage on a parcel, nor does it affect the requirements that the sign comply in all other respects with the provisions of this Chapter.