[Ord. No. 4419, 2-8-2021[1]]
A.
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.
B.
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.
[Ord. No. 4419, 2-8-2021]
A.
ABANDONED SIGN
ANIMATED SIGN
AWNING
BILLBOARD
CANOPY
CHANNEL LETTER SIGN
CITY
CITY ADMINISTRATOR
DIGITAL SIGN
DIRECTIONAL SIGN
DISPLAY AREA
ERECT
ESTABLISHMENT
FLASHING SIGN
FLUTTERING SIGN, PERMANENT
FLUTTERING SIGN, TEMPORARY
FREESTANDING SIGN
GLARE
GOVERNMENTAL SIGN
GROUND SIGN
HANGING SIGN
ILLUMINATED AWNING
ILLUMINATED SIGN
INCIDENTAL SIGN
INTEGRAL SIGN
INTERNAL SIGN
LETTER
LICENSED SIGN ERECTOR
MARQUEE
MARQUEE, CANOPY AND AWNING SIGN
MOVING SIGN
NON-CONFORMING SIGN
OFF-SITE SIGN
ON-SITE SIGN
ORIGINAL ART DISPLAY
PAINTED SIGN
PERMANENT SIGN
PERMANENT WINDOW SIGN
POLE SIGN
PORTABLE SIGN
PORTICO
PREMISES
PROJECTING SIGN
REVERSE CHANNEL SIGN
ROOF SIGN
SIGN
SIGN AREA
SIGN STRUCTURE
SIGN SUPPORTS
STAKE SIGN
TEMPORARY
TEMPORARY SIGN
TEMPORARY WINDOW SIGN
WALL SIGN
WINDOW SIGN
ZONING CODE
As used in this Chapter, the following terms shall have these prescribed
meanings:
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.
See "Moving Sign" in this Section.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The City of Town and Country, Missouri
The City Administrator or his/her designee or other City-authorized
agent appointed by the City Administrator.
A sign that has static messages and changes messages by any
electronic process or remote control.
A sign which indicates a direction for vehicular or pedestrian
traffic or other movement.
See "Sign Facing or Surface."
To install, build, construct, attach, hang, rehang, place,
affix, or relocate and includes the painting and repainting of signs.
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.
An illuminated sign on which light, images or information
is not steady, but which changes, including changes in color.
A permanent sign which flutters, and includes flags, pennants
and banners, which moves with the wind.
A temporary sign which flutters, and includes flags, pennants,
balloons, and banners, which moves with the wind.
A sign erected and maintained on a freestanding frame, mast
or pole not attached to any building, and not including ground mounted
signs.
Intense and distracting light that can create discomfort
for an observer with a direct line of sight to a light source.
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.
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.
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.
An awning which is internally or externally illuminated.
A sign which is illuminated by light sources located on,
in, or external to, the 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.
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.
A sign whose entire face is internally illuminated.
Typically a symbol or character representing a unit of the
alphabet. This may also include a number, logo, emblem, trademark
or icon.
A person, his/her agents and employees, who have secured
a sign erector's license issued by St. Louis County or other
governmental agencies.
A permanent structure supported entirely or largely by the
building and which projects from the wall of the building.
A sign attached to or illustrated on a marquee, canopy or
awning respectively.
A sign, all or any part of which moves by any means. Such
sign does not include a fluttering 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.
A sign located on property not owned or leased by the owner
of the sign.
A sign located on property owned or leased by the owner of
the sign.
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.
Any sign, not considered an original art display, that is
hand-painted on the wall of a building.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A structure consisting of a roof supported by columns at
regular intervals, typically attached as a porch to a building.
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.
A sign which projects more than eight (8) inches beyond the
plane of the wall on which the sign is erected or attached.
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.
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.
A device, a structure or part of a structure, including structural
trim, or monument used to display or communicate information of any
kind.
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.
The sign and all parts associated with its construction.
All structures by which a sign is elevated, including, for
example, pedestals, bases, poles, braces, guys and anchors.
A temporary sign with a base/stake commonly made of metal,
wood, or other similar material.
A limited period of time that is not permanent.
A sign intended for a limited or intermittent period of display.
A sign of paper, cardboard, canvas, cloth or other non-permanent
materials visible through an exterior window or door glass.
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.
Any sign which is posted on, painted on, or otherwise constantly
attached to and is visible through a display window.
The Zoning Code of the City and the Zoning District Map related
thereto.
B.
General Sign Examples.
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C.
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.
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WALL SIGN AREA
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GROUND SIGN AREA/HEIGHT
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SURFACE AREA CALCULATION
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[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.
[Ord. No. 4419, 2-8-2021]
A.
It shall be unlawful for any person to violate the provisions of this Chapter, except as permitted by Subsection (B), below.
B.
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:
1.
Planned development districts or unified sign plans if the ordinance
establishing or amending the same has specific sign regulations.
2.
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.
3.
Signs required by Federal, State or local law.
4.
Signs containing government messages that are approved by the
City on any sign, both on and off City property.
5.
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.
6.
Any sign specifically authorized by the City as a result of
a compromise of litigation or other lawful disputed claim.
7.
A sign required to be located by Federal, State or local law
in order to enforce a property owner's rights.
8.
Incidental signs.
9.
Temporary window.
[Ord. No. 4419, 2-8-2021]
A.
The following types of signs shall be prohibited in the City.
1.
Abandoned signs.
2.
Digital signs.
3.
Flashing signs.
4.
Illuminated awnings.
5.
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.
6.
Internally illuminated/internal signs.
7.
Moving signs (operated mechanically, electrically, electronically,
or by wind or other forces of nature).
8.
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.
9.
Painted signs.
10.
Paper, cloth, cardboard, or other similar non-permanent material
signs located on the exterior of a building.
11.
Pole signs.
12.
Portable signs.
13.
Roof signs.
14.
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).
B.
Examples of signs that are not permitted:
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[Ord. No. 4419, 2-8-2021]
A.
All Zoning Districts.
1.
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.
2.
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.
3.
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.
4.
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.
B.
Mandatory Sign Examples.
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[Ord. No. 4419, 2-8-2021]
A.
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.
B.
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.
C.
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.
D.
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:
1.
Name, physical address, email address, and telephone number
of applicant.
2.
Location of building, structure, or lot where the sign is to
be erected.
3.
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.
E.
Expiration Of Permit.
1.
Permits for temporary signs shall expire ninety (90) days from
the date of issuance of such permit unless otherwise provided by this
Sign Code.
2.
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.
3.
The discontinuance of the authorized project or construction
for a period of one (1) year shall result in the expiration of the
sign permit.
F.
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.
[Ord. No. 4419, 2-8-2021]
A.
It shall be the duty of the City Administrator to interpret, administer
and enforce the Sign Code.
B.
Conditional Sign Permits And Variances.
1.
Appeals And Applications For Variances.
2.
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:
a.
There are practical difficulties and/or unnecessary hardships
that would result from the strict application of this Chapter; and
b.
The practical difficulties and/or hardships results from conditions
that are peculiar to the property; and
c.
The practical difficulties and/or hardships are not self-created.
4.
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:
a.
Is compatible with its surroundings;
b.
Is appropriate for the activity identified;
c.
Is legible in the circumstances in which it is to be seen;
d.
Shall not detract from the appearance of the surrounding area
and the community as a whole; and
e.
Shall not constitute a safety hazard to pedestrians or vehicular
traffic.
5.
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:
a.
Be posted on the property for which the sign is proposed; and
b.
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.
C.
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).
[Ord. No. 4419, 2-8-2021]
A.
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.
B.
Termination Of Non-Conforming Signs.
1.
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.
2.
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.
3.
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.
4.
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:
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Original Value Of Sign As Shown On Building Permit
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Time Period (following effective date of this Chapter) By Which
Termination Of Non-Conformity Is Required
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Less than $4,000.00
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12 months
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$4,001.00 to $10,000.00
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18 months
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More than $10,000.00
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24 months
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5.
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.
[Ord. No. 4419, 2-8-2021]
A.
Placement. Unless noted elsewhere within this Chapter, all signs
shall adhere to the following placement requirements.
1.
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.
2.
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.
3.
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.
4.
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.
5.
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).
6.
Posting of signs on public or private property shall not be
permitted without written evidence of the property owner's permission.
B.
Clearances.
1.
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.
2.
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.
C.
Right-Of-Way.
1.
Signs shall not be located in or project over the right-of-way.
2.
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.
D.
Illumination. Sign illumination shall be governed by the following
regulations:
1.
General Restrictions.
a.
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.
b.
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.
c.
All electrical illumination devices shall be designed to be
weather-resistant and shatter-proof.
d.
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.
e.
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.
f.
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.
g.
Composition Of General Non-Illuminated Or Externally Illuminated
Signs.
2.
Illuminated signs shall be restricted to the following types:
a.
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.
b.
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.
c.
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.
d.
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.
3.
Permitted Illumination Examples.
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E.
Design, Construction, Inspection And Maintenance.
1.
In addition to the above, the following regulations shall apply
in all districts with respect to signs:
a.
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.
b.
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.
c.
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.
d.
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.
e.
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.
f.
Every permanent sign shall be constructed of rigid weatherproof
materials and provisions shall be made for electric grounding of all
metallic parts.
g.
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.
[Ord. No. 4419, 2-8-2021]
A.
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:
1.
Fluttering Signs.
a.
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.
b.
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.
c.
Such signs shall have a maximum sign area of fifteen (15) square
feet and shall meet the height requirements of their zoning district.
d.
Such signs shall not require a permit.
e.
A permanent fluttering sign may be lit by an external light
source.
2.
Incidental signs.
3.
Governmental signs.
5.
Signs For Subdivisions.
a.
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.
b.
Subdivisions signs may be either ground or wall/integral signs.
c.
The maximum height for a ground sign shall be six (6) feet and
ten (10) feet if a wall sign.
d.
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.
e.
Sign shall only be lit by an external light source.
6.
Stake Signs.
a.
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.
b.
Such signs shall not require a permit.
B.
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:
2.
Illuminated sign, external illumination-only.
3.
Incidental signs.
4.
Governmental signs.
5.
Ground Signs.
a.
An institutional/non-residential use shall be limited to one
(1) ground sign per street frontage.
b.
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.
c.
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.
d.
Shall not be located within twenty (20) feet of any adjacent
roadway surface and may be located within the median of an interior
roadway.
e.
Shall be located so as not to obstruct vision at an intersection
or vehicular entry or exit from the property.
f.
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.
7.
Stake Signs.
8.
Wall Signs.
a.
Shall be composed of rust-resistant metal or other weather-resistive
materials.
b.
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.
c.
One (1) wall sign shall be allowed on each building frontage.
d.
Wall signs may only be illuminated from an exterior light source.
e.
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.
[Ord. No. 4419, 2-8-2021]
A.
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:
1.
Awning Signs.
a.
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.
b.
Shall not project above the parapet wall or the roof line of
the building to which the awning is attached.
c.
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.
2.
Fluttering Signs.
3.
Governmental signs.
4.
Ground Signs.
a.
Individual Building. Shall be limited to one (1) ground sign
per street frontage.
b.
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.
c.
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.
d.
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.
e.
Shall not be located within twenty (20) feet of any adjacent
roadway surface and may be located within the median of an interior
roadway.
f.
Shall be located so as not to obstruct vision at an intersection
or vehicular entry or exit from the property.
g.
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.
h.
One (1) additional ground sign is permitted for a directory
of facilities with a maximum sign area of sixteen (16) feet.
5.
Illuminated Signs.
a.
Shall be either internally illuminated, back light type, non-illuminated, or externally illuminated as specified in Section 420.110.
b.
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.
6.
Incidental signs.
9.
Wall Signs.
a.
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.
b.
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.
c.
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.
d.
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.
10.
Window Signs, Permanent.
a.
Shall be painted, metal-leafed, or in some other manner permanently
applied to either side of an exterior window or door.
b.
Shall be calculated with the total square footage of signs permitted
per building side.
c.
Shall cover an area no greater than three (3) feet by two (2)
feet on the window display surface on any one (1) frontage.
[Ord. No. 4419, 2-8-2021]
A.
Unified Sign Plans.
1.
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.
2.
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.
3.
Application Process.
a.
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.
b.
The City Administrator shall forward a complete application
to the Board of Aldermen.
c.
No sign permit shall be issued except in conformity with the
plan approved by the Board of Aldermen.
B.
General Requirements.
1.
Signs as listed in Section 420.060, Prohibited Signs, shall not be included with unified sign plans.
2.
Signage on office buildings in Commercial Districts shall conform to requirements of Section 420.130, Office, Senior Living, and Medical Districts.
3.
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.
4.
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.
5.
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).
6.
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.
7.
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.
8.
A single commercial establishment may have either one (1) wall
sign or one (1) ground sign per road frontage, but not both.
C.
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:
1.
Awning Signs.
a.
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.
b.
Shall not project above the parapet wall or the roof line of
the building to which the awning is attached.
c.
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.
2.
Fluttering Signs.
3.
Governmental signs.
4.
Ground Signs.
a.
Where a single building has multiple tenants or multiple uses,
ground signage shall be restricted to one (1) ground sign.
b.
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.
c.
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.
d.
Shall not be located within twenty (20) feet of any adjacent
roadway surface and may be located within the median of an interior
roadway.
e.
Shall be located so as not to obstruct vision at an intersection
or vehicular entry or exit from the property.
f.
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.
g.
One (1) additional ground sign is permitted for a directory
of facilities with a maximum sign area of sixteen (16) feet.
5.
Hanging Signs.
a.
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.
b.
Shall maintain a clearance as is applicable per Section 420.110(B).
6.
Illuminated Signs.
a.
Shall be either internally illuminated, back light type, non-illuminated, or externally illuminated as specified in Section 420.110.
b.
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.
7.
Incidental signs.
9.
Marquee Signs.
a.
The marquee shall not exceed four (4) feet in height and the
maximum letter size shall not exceed twelve (12) inches in height.
b.
Shall meet the design requirements as specified in Section 420.110(F).
c.
Shall maintain a clearance as is applicable per Section 420.110(B).
11.
Wall Signs.
a.
Shall be either internally illuminated, back light type, non-illuminated, or externally illuminated as specified in Section 420.110.
b.
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.
c.
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
|
d.
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.
e.
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.
a.
Shall be painted, metal-leafed, or in some other manner permanently
applied to either side of an exterior window or door.
b.
Shall be calculated with the total square footage of signs permitted
per building side but a temporary window sign shall not be so counted.
c.
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.
a.
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.
b.
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.
c.
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.
d.
Under no circumstances shall such signs be affixed to the exterior
of a window.
14.
Billboards.
a.
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:
b.
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.
c.
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.
d.
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.
e.
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.
f.
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.
[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.
[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.
