City of Town And Country, MO
St. Louis County
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Chapter 420: Sign Regulations

Section 420.010 In General.

[Ord. No. 1327 §3(4200), 9-25-1989]
The sign regulations hereinafter set forth supplement the district regulations for each district in Chapter 405.

Section 420.020 Purpose.

[Ord. No. 1327 §3(4200-A), 9-25-1989; Ord. No. 2008 §1, 11-11-1996]
A. 
The purpose of this Chapter is to ensure that signs serve as identification of the building or business on that premises and not as an advertisement. Such signs and lights shall not overload the public's capacity to receive information.
1. 
Signs shall not cause visual confusion or create any interference with pedestrian or vehicular traffic, or distract public attention from devices regulating such traffic. Signs shall generally conform to the character of the neighborhood and enhance the visual harmony of a commercial center. Signs shall not be permitted which constitute a hazard to public health, convenience, welfare and/or safety.
2. 
It is the intent of this Chapter to encourage excellence in design of signs, to encourage competition toward attractive signs, and to discourage the type of competition which produces signs of ever-increasing size, brightness and garishness. Colors shall be used with restraint, and excessive brightness shall be avoided.
3. 
The provisions of this Chapter shall govern the erection of all signs and outdoor display structures, together with their appurtenant and auxiliary devices in respect to size, color, content, construction, location and fire safety.
4. 
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.

Section 420.030 Definitions.

[Ord. No. 1327 §3(4200-B), 9-25-1989; Ord. No. 2008 §2, 11-11-1996]
A. 
As used in this Chapter, the following terms shall have these prescribed meanings:
ADVERTISING SIGN
A sign which directs attention to a business or profession conducted, or to a commodity or service sold, offered or manufactured, or to an entertainment offered on the premises where the sign is located.
ANIMATED SIGN
See "Moving Sign" in this Section.
AWNING
A structure entirely supported by the wall or canopy to which it is attached and which is covered by canvas, cloth or other similar temporary material and/or which can be retracted or rolled to the structure by which it is supported.
BULLETIN BOARD SIGN
A sign which identifies an institution or organization on the premises on which it is located and which contains the names of the institution or organization, the name of the individuals connected with it, and general announcements of events or activities occurring at the institution, or similar messages.
BUSINESS IDENTIFICATION SIGN
A sign that identifies the name of a business or company on the premises to which the sign relates. A company emblem, logo, or trademark shall be considered to be a business identification sign when used alone or when combined with lettering identifying the business.
CANOPY
A structure other than an awning attached to a building at the inner end and supported on the outer end. A portico shall be considered a canopy for the purposes of this Chapter.
CIVIC SIGN
A sign which identifies or describes the services or functions of premises or facilities used, maintained, or owned by any educational institution, church, religious society or public utility.
COMMERCIAL CENTER SIGN
A freestanding, non-movable sign depicting a name, logo, trademark or other similar symbol, address or any combination of name, symbol or address, the use of which is limited to the identification of a commercial and/or office center.
CONSTRUCTION SIGN
A temporary sign used during construction of new buildings or reconstruction of or additions to existing buildings, which identifies the project and denotes the owner, architect, engineer, contractor and/or financing institutions of the project.
CREDIT OR CHARGE CARD SIGN
A sign advertising the acceptance of, or being a replica of, any credit cards or charge plates whether national, local or otherwise.
DIRECTIONAL SIGN
A sign which indicates a direction for vehicular or pedestrian traffic or other movement, and does not contain advertising.
DIRECTORY SIGN
Identification sign containing more than one (1) name within a single sign.
DISPLAY AREA
See "Sign Facing or Surface".
ELECTRIC AWNING
A space frame structure with translucent flexible reinforced vinyl covering designed in awning form, which is internally illuminated by fluorescent or other light sources in fixtures approved under national and local Codes.
ERECT
To build, construct, attach, hang, rehang, place, affix, or relocate and includes the painting and repainting of permanent window 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, each part is a separate establishment.
FLAGPOLE
A pole on which governmental and non-governmental signs are flown. Flagpoles shall be considered structures for the purpose of this Chapter and shall require a building permit.
FLAGS
Flags of any nation, State, and/or City shall not be considered signs. They may be displayed subject to the provisions of this Chapter. Should such flags be used to call attention to a given property as an advertising sign, they shall be considered signs. See also "Non-Governmental Flags".
FLASHING SIGN
An Illuminated sign on which artificial or reflected light is not steady or on which colors change.
FLUTTERING SIGN
A sign which flutters, and includes pennants, banners, or other flexible material which moves with the wind or by some artificial means.
FREESTANDING SIGN
Any non-movable sign not affixed to a building.
GASOLINE SERVICE STATION PRICE SIGN
A sign containing thereon the price per gallon of gasoline or diesel fuel sold at said station. The words "Gas, Ethyl, Self-Service, Mini-Service, Cash, Credit Card, Regular, Premium, Diesel, or Unleaded" or a combination thereof, also may be placed on said sign face.
GOVERNMENTAL SIGN
A sign identifying a governmental facility.
GROUND SIGN
A sign which has its bottom portion erected upon or supported by the ground, a ground planter box or other supports.
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.
IDENTIFICATION SIGN
A sign identifying the name of a person(s) occupying a building, or identifying the address of a building.
ILLUMINATED SIGN
A sign which is illuminated by light sources located on or in the sign or at some other location.
INFORMATIONAL SIGN
An informational sign which gives parking, building address, fire protection, traffic flow (other than directional signs), height clearance, pedestrian or other similar information, and which does not advertise the business or use located on said lot.
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.
MEMORIAL OR TABLET SIGN
The permanent part of a building which denotes the name of the building, date of erection, historical significance, dedication, or other similar information.
MONUMENT SIGN
A sign which has its bottom portion or base erected upon the ground. See illustration in Subsection (B) of this Section.
MOVING SIGN
A sign, all or any part of which moves by any means. Such sign includes a fluttering sign.
NON-GOVERNMENTAL FLAGS
Flags of fraternal, civic or corporate organizations. Such flags are considered signs.
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.
POST SIGN
A detached sign which is supported by one (1) stationary post longer than three (3) feet above the mean grade line of the ground at its base, provided that this shall not include a permitted real estate sign, residential subdivision sign, or informational sign, as set forth and regulated herein.
POLITICAL SIGN
A temporary sign advocating or opposing any political proposition or candidate for public office.
PORTABLE SIGN
A sign which is not securely affixed to the ground or otherwise affixed in a permanent manner to an approved supporting structure.
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.
PRIVATE SALE OR EVENT SIGN
A temporary sign advertising private sales of personal property such as "house sales", "garage sales", "rummage sales", and the like, or not-for-profit events such as picnics, carnivals, bazaars, game night, art fairs, craft shows, and Christmas tree sales.
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.
REAL ESTATE SIGN
A sign pertaining to the rental, lease or sale of property. Real estate signs shall be excluded from the definition of pole signs.
REAL ESTATE SUBDIVISION SIGN
A temporary real estate sign advertising an entire residential subdivision.
ROOF SIGN
A sign erected on a 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.
SEASONAL DISPLAY
Decorations and displays celebrating or denoting religious holidays or events, the seasons of the year, State and National holidays and similar occasions; provided however, that this shall not include pennants, non-permitted fluttering flags or similar materials prohibited herein. Such seasonal displays may be in place for a period no longer than thirty (30) days. If any seasonal display conveys a commercial message or bears the name of the business, it shall be considered a sign.
SIGN
A device, a structure or part of a structure, including structural trim, or monument which displays or upon which is displayed any colors, message, name or symbol of any kind for the purpose of advertising, announcing, directing or attracting attention from the outside of a building. A cross or other religious symbol on a religious building shall not be considered a sign, nor shall a work of art which in no way identifies a business product be considered a sign. Sign supports or a monument base are not a part of the sign.
SIGN AREA
The area of the sign face. See "Sign Facing or Surface" in this Section for further details.
SIGN FACING or SURFACE
Any surface of a sign upon, against or through which a message is displayed or illustrated on the sign, including structural trim, which displays or upon which is displayed any color, message, name or symbol of any kind for the purpose of advertising, announcing, directing or attracting attention from the outside of a building and which can be seen from a single location on an adjacent street provided that the side, or thickness, of a sign shall not be counted as a separate sign face unless an advertising message is conveyed thereon. Where a sign has two (2) display faces back to back, the area of only one (1) face shall be considered the sign face area. Where such signs have multiple sides or faces, including signs in the form of cylinders, spheres, or other types of three dimensional figures, the entire surface is a sign face. Where a sign has more than one (1) display face, all areas which can be viewed simultaneously shall be considered a sign face area. A monument base shall not be considered part of the sign face provided that no advertising message is conveyed thereon. Where a sign or letters are attached to a building where there is no apparent confining border, the sign area shall be measured as follows: See illustration in Subsection (B) of this Section.
SIGN STRUCTURE
The sign and all parts associated with its construction.
SIGN SUPPORTS
All structures by which a sign is held up, including, for example, poles, braces, guys and anchors.
SPECIAL DISPLAY SIGN
A sign not exceeding twelve (12) square feet, used for holidays, public demonstrations or the promotion of civic welfare or charitable purposes.
STANDARD OUTDOOR ADVERTISING STRUCTURE AND/OR BILLBOARD
All signs which advertise products, services or businesses which are not located on the same premises as the sign, including billboards, detached pole signs on separate parcels, wall signs and signs otherwise attached to buildings and/or supported by uprights or braces on the ground. Real estate signs are excluded from this definition.
STRUCTURAL SUPPORT
The structure supporting a freestanding sign. This shall not be considered part of the sign face, providing it is not part of the sign message.
STRUCTURAL TRIM
The molding, battens, cappings, nailing strips, latticing and platforms which are attached to the sign structure.
SUBDIVISION IDENTIFICATION SIGN
A permanent sign identifying a residential subdivision or street name within a subdivision. Residential subdivision signs shall be excluded from the definition of post signs.
SUBDIVISION MONUMENT SIGN
A monument sign identifying an entrance to a subdivision.
TEMPORARY WINDOW SIGN
A sign of paper, cardboard, canvas, cloth or other non-permanent materials affixed to the inside of an interior window or glass door.
TEMPORARY SIGN
A sign intended for a limited or intermittent period of display.
VEHICULAR ADVERTISING SIGNS
Advertising signs on vehicles or trailers parked consistently and prominently near a business establishment or store for the purpose of advertising that company. Such signs shall not include construction trailers parked at a working construction site.
WALL SIGN
A sign attached to the wall of any building or against the generally vertical plane of a mansard type roof with the plane of the sign face parallel to the plane of the wall below the roof line.
WARNING SIGN
A sign limited to messages of warning, danger or caution.
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 of Town and Country and the Zoning District Map related thereto.
B. 
Measurement Of Signs. This Table shows illustrations referred to by certain definitions above in Subsection (A).

Section 420.040 Intent.

[Ord. No. 1327 §3(4200-C), 9-25-1989]
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 Exempt Signs.

[Ord. No. 1327 §3(4210), 9-25-1989]
A. 
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. 
Official notices. Official public notices and notices posted by public officers in the performance of their duties.
2. 
Regulatory, traffic and warning signs. Governmental and other signs for control of traffic and other regulatory purposes, including street signs, danger signs and signs of public service companies indicating danger or aids to service or safety, including signs showing the placement or location of underground public utility facilities and signs necessary to identify the location of public telephones.
3. 
Temporary display posters. Temporary display posters in connection with civic and non-commercial health, safety and welfare campaigns, provided that such posters shall be removed within ten (10) days after the conclusion of the campaign, signs not to exceed twelve (12) square feet.
4. 
Historic signs. Commemorative signs, symbols, memorial plaques and historical tablets, not to exceed three (3) square feet, placed by historical societies.
5. 
Signs in the interior of a building, not visible from the exterior of the building.
6. 
Mailbox name/address in a residential district, signs not to exceed two (2) square feet.
B. 
The following types of signs shall be exempt from the provisions of this Chapter relating to permits and the payment of permit fees:
1. 
Directional.
2. 
Governmental.
3. 
Holiday or seasonal display, not to exceed twelve (12) square feet.
4. 
Informational sign painted on a door or a window, not in excess of two (2) square feet in sign face area.
5. 
Memorial or tablet.
a. 
In residential districts, not in excess of three (3) square feet in sign face area.
b. 
In all other districts, not in excess of six (6) square feet in sign face area.
6. 
Nameplate name/address/profession not in excess of two (2) square feet in sign face area.
7. 
Informational.
8. 
Political.
9. 
Real estate on a residential lot.
10. 
Temporary window.
11. 
Non-commercial window signs.

Section 420.060 Sign Permits Required.

[Ord. No. 1327 §3(4220), 9-25-1989; Ord. No. 3077 §1, 10-24-2005]
A. 
Permit Required. Unless specifically exempted by this Sign Code, no sign shall be erected, altered, or relocated after the effective date of this Chapter until a sign permit has been secured from the Director. Sign permits shall be renewed prior to their expiration dates as specified below.
B. 
Fee. Payment of a seventy-five dollar ($75.00) fee shall be required for each sign permit issued. Payment of an annual fee may be required in an amount set by the Board of Aldermen.
C. 
Expiration Of Permits.
1. 
Permits for each sign, except temporary signs, shall expire on December thirty-first (31st) of the second (2nd) year following the year of issuance. All renewals of such permits shall be for three (3) years.
2. 
Permits for temporary signs shall expire ninety (90) days from the date of issuance of such permit unless otherwise provided by this Sign Code.
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, address, and telephone number of applicant.
2. 
Location of building, structure, or lot to which or upon which the sign is to be attached or erected.
3. 
Two (2) blueprints or ink drawings 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. 
Revocation Of Sign Permit.
1. 
Any sign permit granted in accordance with the terms of this Sign Code may be revoked by the Board of Aldermen if the Board finds that any of the following conditions have occurred:
a. 
Violation of any of the conditions or terms of the sign permit.
b. 
Failure to begin and diligently advance the project or construction so authorized within one (1) year from the date the sign permit is issued.
c. 
Discontinuance of the authorized project or construction for a period of one (1) year.
d. 
Violation of any requirements of the Zoning Code or the Sign Code of the City of Town and Country.
2. 
Procedure. Upon its own motion or at the request of the Director, the Board of Aldermen shall hold a hearing on the proposed revocation, after giving written notice to the permittee at least ten (10) days prior to the hearing. The Board shall make its findings in writing and shall forward to the permittee a copy of the written decision. The decision shall become effective ten (10) calendar days after the meeting at which said decision is made.

Section 420.070 Administration and Enforcement.

[Ord. No. 1327 §3(4225), 9-25-1989]
A. 
It shall be the duty of the Director to interpret, administer and enforce the Sign Code.
B. 
Conditional Sign Permits And Variances.
1. 
a. 
Appeals from decisions of the Director regarding the interpretation and application of the Sign Code may be made to the Board of Aldermen.
b. 
Applications for variances from the strict application of the Sign Code may be made to the Board of Aldermen.
2. 
The Board of Aldermen is authorized to grant variances from the strict application of the Sign Code when it finds that compliance with the strict application of the Sign Code is not practicable under the circumstances and conditions appertaining to the particular situation and it further finds that the proposed sign:
a. 
Is compatible with the surrounding area;
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.
3. 
The Board of Aldermen 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.
4. 
The Board shall not grant any variances from the strict application of the Sign Code and 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 City at such time as the notice is given.
C. 
Enforcement. Failure to comply with this Sign Code may result in revocation of sign permits as set forth in Section 420.060(E) 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 Director 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 420.080 Non-Conforming Signs.

[Ord. No. 1327 §3(4226), 9-25-1989]
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, and signs which advertise a business no longer conducted, or a product no longer sold, 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 change of business. Any non-conforming sign advertising or relating to a business on the premises on which it is located shall be terminated upon any change in ownership of such business.
4. 
Termination by damage or destruction. Any non-conforming sign damaged or destroyed, by any means, to the extent of one-third (⅓) of its replacement cost new shall be terminated and shall not be restored.
5. 
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

Section 420.090 General Sign Regulations.

[Ord. No. 1327 §3(4227), 9-25-1989; Ord. No. 2008 §3, 11-11-1996]
A. 
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.
B. 
Prohibited Signs. The following types of signs shall be prohibited in the City.
1. 
Electric awnings.
2. 
Flashing signs.
3. 
Fluttering signs.
4. 
Illuminated signs in the interior of a window for the purpose of being seen from the exterior.
5. 
Internal signs:
6. 
Moving signs (operated mechanically, electrically, electronically, or by wind or other forces of nature).
7. 
Paper, cloth, cardboard, or other similar non-permanent material signs located on the exterior of a building.
8. 
Portable signs.
9. 
Post signs.
10. 
Roof signs.
11. 
Signs painted on exterior building walls.
12. 
Signs, other than directional signs, constructed of or painted with "Day-Glo", fluorescent, or similar materials.
13. 
Standard outdoor advertising structures and/or billboards, except as permitted under Section 420.150(B)(15).
14. 
Vehicular advertising signs.

Section 420.100 Miscellaneous Sign Regulations.

[Ord. No. 1327 §3(4230), 9-25-1989; Ord. No. 2008 §§4 — 5, 11-11-1996]
A. 
In addition to the above, the following regulations shall apply in all districts with respect to signs:
1. 
No sign shall be erected on premises to which the sign message does not relate, except as permitted under Section 420.150(B)(15).
2. 
Posting of signs on public or private property shall be prohibited without written evidence of the property owner's permission.
3. 
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 reerected, reconstructed, rebuilt, or relocated unless it complies with all the applicable requirements of this Chapter.
4. 
Permanent signs exceeding twenty-four (24) square feet in sign area or weighing fifty (50) pounds or more or any sign to be erected over a pedestrian entry shall be erected by a licensed sign erector.
5. 
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.
6. 
Signs in residential districts are restricted to not more than three (3) colors except as otherwise provided herein. Colors shall be restricted to black, white, and one (1) other color. Unpainted or stained natural wood, where permitted, shall not be counted as a color for the purpose of this Section.
7. 
Signs in all other districts are restricted to not more than three (3) colors, one (1) of which shall be black or white. Unpainted or stained natural wood, where permitted, shall not be counted as a color for the purpose of this Section. The color restriction in this Subsection shall not apply to standard outdoor advertising structures and/or billboards.
8. 
Signs not meeting the restrictions of Subparagraphs (6) and (7) above may be approved by a majority vote of the Board of Aldermen upon filing of an appropriate appeal for a variance. The Board of Aldermen may approve screening or various shades of any of the colors allowed under Subparagraphs (6) and (7) above, which shall be considered one (1) color for the purpose of this Section.
9. 
If, in the opinion of the Director, 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 Director that such hazard does exist. If, in the opinion of the Director, 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 Director.
10. 
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 Director, whichever occurs first.
11. 
Every Permanent sign shall be constructed of rigid weatherproof materials and provisions shall be made for electric grounding of all metallic parts.
12. 
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.
13. 
No sign regulated by this Chapter shall make use of the words "Stop", "Look", "Yield", "Danger", or any other word, phrase, symbol or character in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead or confuse traffic.
14. 
Any sign which is no longer applicable to the premises on which it is located shall be removed. Any sign which identifies a business no longer conducted or a product no longer sold on the premises or lot shall be removed by the owner, agent, or person having beneficial use of the premises or lot upon which the sign is erected within thirty (30) days after the business or product is no longer present.
15. 
Non-governmental flags shall be rectangular dimensions, not to exceed six (6) feet by ten (10) feet. When a non-governmental flag is flown on the same pole as a governmental flag, it shall be one (1) foot less in each dimension than the governmental flag; on adjacent poles both flags may be of equal size.
16. 
A construction sign in any district may contain a color rendering of a building that has been approved for the site. The rendering shall not be restricted as to number of colors or size.

Section 420.110 Illumination.

[Ord. No. 1327 §3(4240), 9-25-1989]
A. 
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.
b. 
All illuminated signs shall be extinguished at the time of business closing, or 11:00 P.M., whichever is later, except those bordering Highway 270 or Highway 40, provided that this shall not prohibit continuous illumination of permitted flags, subdivision signs, and directional signs.
c. 
All electrical illumination devices shall be designed to be weather-resistant and shatter-proof.
d. 
All electrical sign components shall bear the Underwriters' Laboratory label; their fabrication and installation must comply with all national and local Building and Electrical Codes.
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 be backwired 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 fascia. 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. 
Illuminated signs must be made of rust-resistant material(s).
h. 
No sign maker's labels or other identification will be permitted on the exposed surface of signs.
i. 
Composition of general non-illuminated or externally illuminated signs.
(1) 
General non-illuminated or externally illuminated signs shall be composed of solid wood or rust-resistant metal.
(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.
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. 
Back light. The letters are raised beyond the sign's background and the cover-lighting sources which illuminate the background. Letters are reverse channel and are illuminated through a "halo effect". See illustration below.
(1) 
They must be completely opaque, with no light leaks.
(2) 
The face must be welded or permanently affixed to the return.
(3) 
The clearance between the building wall and the exterior face of the sign at its point of greatest protrusion must be no greater than eight (8) inches. This provision does not apply to signs which are on exposed raceways pursuant to Section 420.110(1)(e).
(4) 
Signs must be painted with satin finish, acrylic polyurethane paint in a color that complements the facade and design of the building.
(5) 
The transformer size is to be that which is recommended by the manufacturer and it must be UL approved.
(6) 
At no point shall the "halo" of light be greater than seventy-five (75) foot-candles as measured by a one (1) spot meter.
(7) 
The neon tube must be placed not less than three (3) inches into the sign as measured from the rear face.
c. 
Internally illuminated letters.
(1) 
Signs may be made of metal, wood, or other material that is not translucent, with letters cut out of the material and lighted from within the sign itself. Sign boxes and internally lighted signs where the entire face is illuminated shall not be permitted. Letters must be white in color.
(2) 
Signs shall be composed of individual illuminated white letters. Letters are to be channel type with three-sixteenths (3/16) inch plexiglas faces lighted behind with neon tubing. Letter returns and backs are to be aluminum. Minimum return depth is to be five (5) inches for even dispersion of illumination.
(3) 
A company emblem, logo, or trademark may be combined with individually illuminated white letters to compose a single sign but shall meet all size, color and other requirements of this Chapter.
d. 
External light source. Signs may be lit from an exterior light source with the following restrictions:
(1) 
Such exterior light sources shall not be unduly bright.
(2) 
Such exterior light sources shall not be composed of colored lights.
(3) 
Such exterior light sources shall shine only on the sign to be illuminated.

Section 420.120 Residential Districts.

[Ord. No. 1327 §3(4250), 9-25-1989; Ord. No. 2166 §1, 1-26-1998]
A. 
The signs listed below in this Section are permitted in all residential districts and the Major Educational District, subject to the restrictions set forth for each sign category:
1. 
Ground signs — directional.
a. 
All sign supports and frames shall be of wood or metal. If of metal, then such shall be treated to resist corrosion unless they are non-corrodible. If of wood, such shall be treated to be weather and water resistant.
b. 
Signs shall be double-faced, not to exceed six (6) square feet per sign face area, in a rectangular shape of either two (2) feet by three (3) feet or one and one-half (1½) feet by four (4) feet, vertical by horizontal measurement. Smaller signs in the same proportion shall be permitted. Said dimensions shall be exclusive of sign trim or supports.
c. 
The maximum height of any sign, including supports, structural trim, frame, etc., shall be three and one-half (3½) feet above the elevation of the driveway at the point where said driveway meets the street lot line.
2. 
Holiday or seasonal display. Property owners and tenants shall be permitted to put up and display decorations and displays celebrating or denoting religious holidays or events, the seasons of the year, State and National holidays, and similar occasions; provided however, that this shall not allow pennants, non-governmental fluttering signs or similar materials prohibited herein; nor shall such seasonal displays be in place for a period longer than thirty (30) days. Should any seasonal display fail to meet these criteria, it shall be considered a sign under this Section. If any seasonal display conveys a commercial advertising message or bears the name of the business, it shall be considered a sign.
3. 
Memorial or tablet signs.
a. 
All memorial or tablet signs in existence on the effective date of this Chapter are exempt from this Section.
b. 
Any new memorial or tablet sign shall not exceed three (3) square feet unless such signs or tablets are placed by ordinance of, or Commission of, the United States Government, State of Missouri, St. Louis County, or the City of Town and Country or agencies thereof.
c. 
Any new memorial or tablet sign shall be made of non-combustible material.
4. 
Non-commercial window signs indicating burglar alarm, Ident-kit, Block Home, or Child Safety Home.
5. 
Official governmental flags.
a. 
May be flown at all times, subject to the guidelines concerning their use set forth by the United States Flag Code of August, 1976.
b. 
May be illuminated as approved by the Director.
c. 
No more than two (2) flags may be flown from a single flagpole at any one time.
d. 
The long dimension of the flag shall be no larger than one-fourth (¼) the length of the pole.
e. 
Pole height shall not exceed thirty-five (35) feet and shall be able to withstand winds of ninety (90) miles per hour.
f. 
Location of flagpole shall be approved by the Director to ensure that it does not encroach on lot lines, endanger the safety, or obstruct visibility of surrounding property owners.
6. 
On-site informational signs which prohibit trespassing, or indicate privacy of premises, driveways, or roads shall not exceed two (2) square feet in sign face area nor a height of four (4) feet from the ground.
7. 
Political signs. Temporary signs advertising political parties or candidates for election may be erected or displayed and maintained provided that:
a. 
The size of any such sign is not in excess of six (6) square feet.
b. 
The signs shall not be erected or displayed earlier than fourteen (14) days prior to the election to which they pertain.
c. 
The erector of such sign or an authorized agent of the political party or candidate deposits with the Director the sum of fifty dollars ($50.00) per each one hundred (100) such signs, or fraction thereof, as a guarantee that all such signs will be removed within seven (7) days after the date of the election to which such signs relate. If such signs are not removed at the end of the seven (7) day period, the City shall have them removed and keep the full sum deposited to reimburse the expenses thereby incurred.
d. 
Political signs are not permitted on public property or public rights-of-way and are only permitted on private property with the property owner's permission.
e. 
Political signs are restricted to not more than three (3) colors, one (1) of which shall be black or white. No more than one (1) yard sign per candidate or per issue shall be allowed on any lot, except that on corner lots one (1) yard sign per candidate or per issue shall be allowed on each street frontage.
8. 
Private sale or event signs (with permit).
9. 
Real estate signs.
a. 
Shall be non-illuminated.
b. 
Not more than one (1) sign shall be permitted on each lot frontage.
c. 
Shall not be located within ten (10) feet of any adjacent roadway surface.
d. 
Shall not be greater than six (6) square feet per sign face area.
e. 
Shall be removed within ten (10) days of sale closing or lease-initiation.
10. 
Signs for subdivisions.
a. 
Temporary subdivision signs are permitted in accordance with Section 410.200(12) of this Title.
b. 
Each subdivision identification sign and subdivision monument sign must have a sign permit.
c. 
No subdivision identification sign or subdivision monument sign may be internally illuminated or located so as to obstruct vision at any intersection or any vehicular entry or exit within or from any subdivision.
d. 
Each subdivision entry may have one (1) or two (2) pole signs or one (1) or two (2) monuments, or both a pole sign and a monument.
e. 
Subdivision monument signs shall not exceed seven (7) feet in height and one hundred twenty-five (125) square feet in size. If two (2) subdivision monuments are desired for an entry to a subdivision, the size of each entry monument shall not exceed one hundred twenty-five (125) square feet. Letters on subdivision signs shall not exceed eighteen (18) inches in size.
f. 
Subdivision pole signs shall not exceed twelve (12) square feet and shall be mounted on a pole not exceeding ten (10) feet in height.

Section 420.130 Signs in Residential and Major Educational Districts For Non-Residential Use Only.

[Ord. No. 1327 §3(4260), 9-25-1989]
A. 
The following signs are permitted in residential and major educational districts for non-residential uses only and subject to the following restrictions:
1. 
All signs (and flags) permitted in Section 420.120.
2. 
A building shall be restricted to one (1) ground sign (identification) or one (1) wall sign (identification) per street frontage designating the name of the building or principal tenant.
3. 
One (1) bulletin board shall be allowed on a lot, as defined in Chapter 405 — Zoning Regulations, occupied by a church. Such bulletin board shall not exceed twenty-four (24) square feet and shall not exceed a height of five (5) feet.
4. 
Ground signs, governmental.
a. 
Shall not exceed fifty (50) square feet in aggregate sign face area, nor exceed a total height of six (6) feet above grade at its base.
b. 
Not more than one (1) sign shall be placed on each road frontage.
c. 
Shall be located only on a site occupied by a governmental agency.
d. 
Shall not be located within ten (10) feet of any adjacent roadway surface, provided that the Director may allow a sign to be placed closer to the roadway surface if he/she finds that doing so is in the public interest and would not create an unsafe condition.
e. 
This does not include directional signs.
5. 
Ground signs, non-governmental.
a. 
Shall not be located within forty (40) feet of any adjacent roadway surface, provided that the Director may allow a sign to be placed closer to the roadway surface if he/she finds that doing so is in the public interest and would not create an unsafe condition.
b. 
Shall be located so as not to obstruct vision at an intersection or vehicular entry or exit from the property.
c. 
May be supported by posts or poles that do not exceed three (3) feet to the bottom of the sign, plus a planter box, if used, at least six (6) inches but not more than twenty-four (24) inches in height. In no event shall posts, poles, planter boxes and sign elevation exceed a height of eight (8) feet above the average ground elevation around the sign. 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.
In lieu of the above, the sign may be supported by or be part of a solid monument. The sign and base are not to exceed eight (8) feet in height. Monument signs where the monument base and sign exceed eight (8) feet in height may be permitted with the approval of the Board of Aldermen where topography problems exist, but in no event shall the monument and sign exceed ten (10) feet above the average ground level.
d. 
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 face area, whichever is less.
e. 
Landscaping or appropriate ground cover shall be placed at the base of and around any ground sign for a minimum distance of four (4) feet.
f. 
Ground signs may be located within the median of interior roadways but shall not be located within forty (40) feet of any adjacent roadway surface of a major street unless the Director finds that doing so is in the public interest and would not create an unsafe condition. This does not include directional signs.
g. 
An emblem, logo or trademark shall be considered a letter for purposes of this Chapter. Letter sizes shall not exceed eighteen (18) inches.
6. 
Wall signs.
a. 
Shall be composed of solid wood or rust-resistant metal.
b. 
Shall be composed either of individually attached letters or letters displayed in plaque form on a solid background.
c. 
Informational signs shall not exceed ten (10) square feet per sign.
d. 
Letters shall be no taller than twelve (12) inches in height.
e. 
One (1) informational sign shall be allowed on each building frontage.
f. 
Wall signs may be illuminated from an exterior light source.
g. 
An identification 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.
7. 
Construction signs. One (1) construction sign with maximum sign area of forty-eight (48) square feet shall be permitted. Construction signs shall be erected after issuance of a building permit and shall be removed upon building occupancy.
8. 
One (1) bulletin board sign for each school, provided that:
a. 
Such school shall be located on a lot of at least four (4) acres;
b. 
Such sign does not exceed twenty-four (24) square feet and the height thereof does not exceed five (5) feet; and
c. 
In no event shall there be more than one (1) bulletin board per lot as that term is defined in Chapter 405, Zoning Regulations, notwithstanding any other provisions of the City Code.

Section 420.140 Office and Nursing Home, Assisted Living or Continuum of Care Facility Districts.

[Ord. No. 1327 §3(4270), 9-25-1989; Ord. No. 2588 §1, 6-12-2001; Ord. No. 2803 §1, 3-25-2003]
A. 
The following signs are permitted in Campus Office, Office or Nursing Home, Assisted Living or Continuum of Care Facility Districts subject to the following restrictions:
1. 
All signs (and flags) permitted in Sections 420.120 and 420.130 except that all ground signs shall meet the requirements of this Section.
2. 
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 be general non-illuminated only.
3. 
Construction signs. One (1) construction sign with a maximum sign area of sixty-four (64) square feet shall be permitted. Construction signs shall be erected after issuance of a building permit and shall be removed upon issuance of occupancy permit.
4. 
Directory signs. One (1) directory sign with a maximum sign area of sixteen (16) square feet shall be permitted.
5. 
Flags.
a. 
May be flown at all times, subject to the guidelines concerning their use set forth by the government which they represent.
b. 
May be illuminated as approved by the Director.
c. 
No more than two (2) flags may be flown from a single flagpole at any one time.
d. 
The long dimension of the flag shall be no larger than one-fourth (¼) the length of the pole.
e. 
Pole height shall not exceed forty (40) feet and shall be able to withstand winds of ninety (90) miles per hour.
f. 
No more than three (3) flagpoles per lot.
g. 
Non-governmental flags to be permitted as defined. See Section 420.100(15).
h. 
Location of flagpole shall be approved by the Director to ensure that it does not encroach on lot lines, endanger the safety, or obstruct visibility of surrounding property owners. Where feasible its location shall be indicated on the site plan.
6. 
Ground signs and monument signs — identification.
a. 
Shall not be located within forty (40) feet of any adjacent roadway surface, provided that the Director may allow a sign to be placed within forty (40) feet of a roadway surface but in no event closer than twenty (20) feet of a roadway surface if he/she finds that doing so is in the public interest and would not create an unsafe condition.
b. 
Shall be located so as not to obstruct vision at an intersection or vehicular entry or exit from the property.
c. 
May be supported by posts or poles that do not exceed three (3) feet to the bottom of the sign, plus a planter box, if used, at least six (6) inches but not more than twenty-four (24) inches in height. In no event shall posts, poles, planter boxes and sign elevation exceed a height of eight (8) feet above the average ground elevation around the sign. 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.
In lieu of the above, the sign may be supported by or be part of a solid monument. The sign and base are not to exceed eight (8) feet in height. Monument signs where the monument base and sign exceed eight (8) feet in height may be permitted with the approval of the Board of Aldermen when topography problems exist, but in no event shall the monument and sign exceed ten (10) feet above the average ground level.
d. 
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, whichever is less.
e. 
An emblem, logo or trademark shall be considered a letter for purposes of this Chapter. Letter sizes shall not exceed eighteen (18) inches.
7. 
Ground signs — informational.
a. 
Shall not be located within ten (10) feet of any adjacent roadway surface, provided that the Director may allow a sign to be placed closer to the roadway surface if he/she finds that doing so is in the public interest and would not create an unsafe condition.
b. 
The size of said sign shall not be more than six (6) square feet per sign face area, but may be increased up to a maximum of ten (10) square feet by written authority of the Director after the Director's review of the public necessity and/or safety purpose of said sign.
c. 
Shall be non-illuminated unless, in the opinion of the said Director, safety would be enhanced by allowing either the internal or indirect illumination thereof. Said Director may grant a permanent or temporary permit to illuminate any such sign and may revoke a temporary illumination permit upon fifteen (15) days' notice.
d. 
Shall be constructed of permanent, weather-proof materials except that temporary signs may be permitted by said Director for a period up to sixty (60) days, provided that the Director finds public need or safety purposes will be served by said temporary signs.
e. 
Except as otherwise permitted in writing by said Director, on-site informational signs shall not exceed a height of three (3) feet from the ground level in any area within ten (10) feet of any adjacent roadway surface or within ten (10) feet of any lot line nor shall such signs elsewhere on the property exceed a height of four (4) feet from the adjacent ground level.
f. 
Shall not be hazardous to vehicles. If damaged or defaced, said signs shall be immediately removed and either restored or replaced.
g. 
An emblem, logo or trademark shall be considered a letter for purposes of this Chapter. Letter sizes shall not exceed eighteen (18) inches.
8. 
A single office or nursing home, assisted living or continuum of care facility building may have a wall identification sign or one (1) ground identification sign for each street upon which the building fronts. When an office building has multiple tenants, the ground identification sign may identify the building and contain the name of at least one (1) tenant. The ground identification sign may also contain the names of additional tenants provided that those tenants identified on the sign occupy the equivalent of at least one (1) floor of the building.
9. 
Office subdivision or office center. An office subdivision containing two (2) or more office buildings shall be permitted a ground or monument sign, not to exceed seventy-five (75) square feet in sign face area, at each entry from a public street into the office subdivision.
10. 
Real estate signs. Real estate signs advertising premises for sale or available space for lease shall be permitted, with permit, subject to the following restrictions:
a. 
One (1) real estate sign per building shall be permitted for each public roadway frontage.
b. 
Shall not exceed eight percent (8%) of the surface area of the side of the building to which it relates, or forty-eight (48) square feet, whichever is less.
c. 
All supports of freestanding signs shall be painted and maintained.
d. 
Shall be no closer than twenty (20) feet, for safety, from any public roadway.
e. 
Shall be removed no later than ten (10) days after sale closing or lease commencement.
f. 
Shall not be internally or directly illuminated.
g. 
An emblem, logo or trademark shall be considered a letter for purposes of this Chapter. Letter sizes shall not exceed eighteen (18) inches.
11. 
Wall signs — identification.
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 that this distance may be modified by conditions of a conditional use permit where an exposed raceway is involved.
c. 
Letter sizes shall not exceed eighteen (18) inches in height, except that letters on a sign located in the Planned Office Park (POP) Zoning District on a minimum three (3) story building, identifying a tenant occupying at least forty thousand (40,000) square feet or two (2) floors of the building, shall not exceed thirty (30) inches in height, provided the sign faces an interstate highway.
d. 
A company emblem, logo or trademark may be combined with letters to compose a sign, but shall meet all size, color, and other requirements of this Section.
e. 
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.
f. 
Letters 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.
g. 
Internally illuminated signs shall be composed of individual illuminated white letters. Sign boxes and cabinets where the sign background is illuminated shall not be permitted.
h. 
Non-illuminated signs and externally illuminated signs shall be composed either of individually attached letters or letters displayed in plaque form on a solid background.
12. 
Wall signs — address numerals. Non-illuminated address numerals not to exceed thirty-six (36) inches in height may be erected on no more than two (2) building walls of any building at least three (3) stories high in the Planned Office Park (POP) Zoning District.
13. 
Telephone switching stations. Exterior signs identifying or advertising a telephone switching station occupying interior floor space of office buildings in the Campus Office, Office or Planned Office Park Districts shall not be permitted.

Section 420.150 Commercial District.

[Ord. No. 1327 §3(4280), 9-25-1989; Ord. No. 2008 §§6 — 7, 11-11-1996]
A. 
The following signs in Commercial Districts shall be subject to the following general restrictions:
1. 
On multi-tenant commercial buildings, a unified sign plan shall be presented to the Board of Aldermen for approval, in which case 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.
a. 
Signs shall be of uniform height, proportions, background color(s), materials, and location in relationship to the business and generally uniform thickness, appearance and illumination as approved in the plan.
b. 
Each business therein shall be allowed one (1) business identification 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) business identification sign per side will be permitted, not to exceed two (2) signs.
c. 
Businesses located in a shopping mall where a majority of businesses face interior courts or walkways, shall be permitted, in addition to Subparagraph (b) above, one (1) business identification sign on a store front which faces the interior court or walkway inside the mall. 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) business identification sign on the exterior of the building in the closest possible proximity to the business entrance. The total allowable number of business identification signs for such an interior corner space shall be three (3).
d. 
If approved as part of a unified sign plan for a single commercial development, in addition to the business identification signs authorized above, those businesses with entrances facing a pedestrian walkway under a roof, may hang one (1) business identification sign from the roof over the pedestrian walkway, provided each sign is uniform in size, color and letters, 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.
2. 
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, a unified sign plan for said building for approval by the Board of Aldermen. No sign permit shall be issued except in conformity with the plan approved by the Board of Aldermen.
3. 
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.
a. 
Construction signs.
b. 
Directional signs.
c. 
Informational signs.
d. 
Memorial signs or tablet signs.
e. 
Official government flags.
f. 
Real estate signs.
g. 
Special displays.
h. 
Temporary window signs.
4. 
All permitted signs are subject to the general provisions for multi-tenant buildings.
5. 
A single commercial establishment may have either one (1) wall sign (identification) or one (1) ground sign (identification) per road frontage, but not both.
6. 
Signage on office buildings in Commercial Districts shall conform to requirements for office buildings in Office and Campus Office Districts.
7. 
An emblem, logo or trademark shall be considered a letter for purposes of this Chapter. In no event shall letters on any sign in a Commercial District exceed twenty-four (24) inches in height. Where a smaller maximum letter size is specified in this Section, the smaller letter size governs.
B. 
The following signs are permitted in Commercial Districts:
1. 
All signs (and flags) permitted in Sections 420.120 and 420.130 except that ground signs shall conform to the provisions of this Section.
2. 
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 be generally non-illuminated.
3. 
Awning signs.
a. 
Awning signs shall be painted or otherwise permanently affixed to the awning, limited to the name of the firm or the logo of the firm (but not both), and no more than two (2) colors, including the color of the awning material, shall be permitted. 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.
4. 
Flags.
a. 
May be flown at all times, subject to the guidelines concerning their use set forth by the government which they represent.
b. 
May be illuminated as approved by the Director.
c. 
No more than two (2) flags may be flown from a single flagpole at any one time.
d. 
The long dimension of the flag shall be no larger than one-fourth (¼) the length of the pole. Maximum size shall be six (6) feet by ten (10) feet.
e. 
Pole height shall not exceed forty (40) feet and shall be able to withstand winds of ninety (90) miles per hour.
f. 
No more than three (3) flagpoles per site.
g. 
Non-governmental flags to be permitted as defined. See Section 420.100(15).
h. 
Location of flagpole shall be approved by the Director to ensure that it does not encroach on lot lines, endanger the safety, or obstruct visibility of surrounding property owners. Where feasible its location shall be indicated on the site plan.
5. 
Gasoline service station signs.
a. 
No separate post signs, including name identification poles, shall be permitted.
b. 
One (1) wall business identification sign per roadway frontage, with a maximum letter size of twelve (12) inches, or one (1) ground business identification sign, shall be permitted. The wall business identification sign(s) shall be affixed either flat against the main structure wall or along the longer vertical edge of the roofed structure covering the fuel pumps. The business identification sign may be lighted internally or externally. The ground sign shall be a maximum of forty-two (42) inches above ground level, and maximum size of twelve (12) square feet.
c. 
One (1) gasoline price sign per street frontage may be displayed in the window of the primary gasoline service station building only. Each sign shall be no larger than six (6) square feet.
d. 
The shorter vertical edge of the roofed structure covering the fuel pumps shall be used only for the following signage: "full-service", "self-service, "no smoking", or "stop engine".
e. 
A company logo may be displayed directly on each fuel pump if an integral part of the design of the pump. No product advertising shall be permitted to be attached to the fuel pump.
f. 
Each fuel pump may display a sign no larger than one (1) square foot indicating the fuel available from the pump, e.g. "lead-free", "regular", "diesel", "high octane", etc.
g. 
Directional signs indicating "Entrance" and "Exit" shall be permitted. No product advertising or company logo shall be permitted on such directional signs. Directional signs may be illuminated if required for safety and if approved by the Director.
h. 
One (1) informational sign, not to exceed four (4) square feet in sign face area, shall be permitted for the purpose of identifying the air hose and supply, and shall be affixed flat against the building wall in the vicinity of the air hose.
i. 
A sign required to identify official State inspection stations may be affixed flat against the wall of the primary gasoline service station building only, adjacent to the main entrance.
j. 
A sign indicating hours of business shall be permitted only on the main entrance door of the primary building, and shall be no larger than one (1) square foot.
k. 
No advertising signs shall be permitted on movable or rolling tire racks.
l. 
A sign no larger than one (1) square foot, giving credit and charge card information, shall be permitted at the main entrance to the building.
m. 
Temporary window signs are permitted subject to the restrictions in Subsection (7)(m) of this Section.
n. 
The following shall not be permitted: Portable signs, advertising signs on the tops of pumps, "truck-load" and other such sale signs, banners advertising services or "open for business".
o. 
No signs other than those specifically authorized above shall be permitted, whether illuminated or non-illuminated, whether affixed to the outside or inside of windows, doors, roofs, etc.
6. 
Ground signs — business identification.
a. 
Where a single building has multiple tenants or multiple uses, ground signage shall be restricted to one (1) commercial center ground sign designating the name of the business development or center or name of the building.
b. 
Shall not be located within forty (40) feet of any adjacent roadway surface, provided that the Director may allow a sign to be placed within twenty (20) feet of a roadway surface if he/she finds that doing so is in the public interest and would not create an unsafe condition.
c. 
Shall be located so as not to obstruct vision at an intersection or vehicular entry or exit from the property.
d. 
May be supported by posts or poles that do not exceed three (3) feet plus a planter box, if used, at least six (6) inches but not more than twenty-four (24) inches in height. In no event shall posts, poles, planter boxes and sign elevation exceed a height of six (6) feet above the average ground elevation around the sign. If the sign would be below the level of the centerline of the nearest major or minor road, the sign may be raised to no more than six (6) feet above that level.
In lieu of the above, the sign may be supported by or be a part of a solid monument. The sign and base are not to exceed six (6) feet in height. Monument signs where the monument base and sign exceed six (6) feet in height may be permitted with the approval of the Board of Aldermen where topographical problems exist, but in no event shall monument and sign exceed eight (8) feet above average ground level.
e. 
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.
f. 
Letter sizes shall not exceed twenty-four (24) inches. Illuminated letters shall be white. Internal signs are prohibited.
7. 
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 of at least seven (7) feet six (6) inches above the ground or pavement where vehicular or pedestrian movement is possible under said sign.
8. 
Informational signs.
a. 
Shall not exceed one (1) square foot for each business establishment.
b. 
The total area shall not be included in calculating signage on a building or other structure.
9. 
Marquee signs.
a. 
The marquee shall not exceed four (4) feet in height.
b. 
Shall meet the same standards of strength as specified in attached signs.
c. 
Shall maintain a clearance of at least ten (10) feet above the ground or pavement where vehicular or pedestrian movement is possible under said sign.
10. 
Movie theater signs.
a. 
One (1) marquee sign shall be permitted per theater, applied flat to the building.
b. 
One (1) shadowbox, know as a show case, forty (40) inch by sixty (60) inch frame, shall be permitted per screen, permanently affixed to the building.
c. 
No outdoor advertising posters or standard outdoor advertising structures and/or billboards shall be permitted, except as allowed under Subsection (B)(15) of this Section.
d. 
Advertising posters, billboards, etc., shall be permitted in the lobby of the theater.
e. 
Pricing shall be posted at box office only.
f. 
Theater name shall be subject to normal provisions for such commercial signs and is separate from marquee signs.
g. 
Customary signage announcing the title, rating, and show times of current attractions may be permitted when a sign plan for such purpose has been approved by the Board of Aldermen.
11. 
Permanent window signs.
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. 
May identify hours of business, name and address of business.
d. 
Shall cover an area no greater than three (3) feet by two (2) feet on the window display surface on any one (1) frontage.
12. 
Real estate signs. Real estate signs advertising premises for sale or available space for lease shall be permitted, with permit, subject to the following restrictions:
a. 
One (1) real estate sign per building shall be permitted for each public roadway frontage.
b. 
Shall not exceed eight percent (8%) of the surface area of the side of the building to which it relates, or forty-eight (48) square feet, whichever is less.
c. 
All supports of freestanding signs shall be painted and maintained.
d. 
Shall be no closer than ten (10) feet from any public roadway.
e. 
Shall be removed no later than ten (10) days after sale closing or lease commencement.
f. 
Shall not be internally or directly illuminated.
13. 
Temporary window signs.
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 paragraph. If all windows and glass doors in the side of a building are being counted as a single surface under Subsection (7)(m)(1) above, 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. 
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 by conditions of a conditional use permit where an exposed raceway is involved.
c. 
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. 
A company emblem, logo, or trademark may be combined with letters to compose a sign, but shall meet all size, color, and other requirements of this Section.
e. 
Internally illuminated signs shall be composed of individual illuminated white letters. Sign boxes and cabinets where the sign background is illuminated shall not be permitted.
f. 
The maximum square footage of a sign shall not exceed sixty (60) square feet or the size set forth in paragraph (3) above, whichever is less.
g. 
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.
15. 
Standard outdoor advertising structures and/or 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:
(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.
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 except scoreboards and other illuminated signs designating public service information such as time, date, or temperature, or similar information, will be allowed.
(3) 
External lighting, such as floodlights, thin line and gooseneck reflectors are permitted, provided the light source is directed upon the face of the signs 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 paragraph (d)(1) of this Subsection 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 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 purpose 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.

Section 420.160 Hospital District.

[Ord. No. 1327 §3(4290), 9-25-1989]
A. 
The following signs are permitted in the Hospital District subject to the following restrictions:
1. 
All signs (and flags) permitted in Sections 420.120 and 420.130 except that all ground signs shall meet the requirements of this Section.
2. 
Construction signs. One (1) construction sign with a maximum sign area of sixty-four (64) square feet shall be permitted. Construction signs shall be erected after issuance of a building permit and shall be removed upon issuance of an occupancy permit.
3. 
Directory signs. One (1) directory sign with a maximum sign area of sixteen (16) square feet shall be permitted for each building in the Hospital District.
4. 
Flags.
a. 
May be flown at all times, subject to the guidelines concerning their use set forth by the government which they represent.
b. 
May be illuminated as approved by the Director.
c. 
No more than two (2) flags may be flown from a single flagpole at any one time.
d. 
The long dimension of the flag shall be no larger than one-fourth (¼) the length of the pole.
e. 
Pole height shall not exceed forty (40) feet and shall be able to withstand winds of ninety (90) miles per hour.
f. 
No more than three (3) flagpoles per lot.
g. 
Non-governmental flags to be permitted as defined. See Section 420.100(15).
h. 
Location of flagpole shall be approved by the Director to ensure that it does not encroach on lot lines, endanger the safety, or obstruct visibility of surrounding property owners. Where feasible its location shall be indicated on the site plan.
5. 
Ground signs and monument signs — identification.
a. 
Where a building has multiple uses or multiple tenants, ground signage shall be restricted to one (1) ground identification sign per commercial street frontage designating the name of the building or principal tenant.
b. 
Shall not be located within forty (40) feet of any adjacent roadway surface, provided that the Director may allow a sign to be placed within forty (40) feet of a roadway surface but in no event closer than twenty (20) feet of a roadway surface if he/she finds that doing so is in the public interest and would not create an unsafe condition.
c. 
Shall be located so as not to obstruct vision at an intersection or vehicular entry or exit from the property.
d. 
May be supported by posts or poles that do not exceed three (3) feet to the bottom of the sign, plus a planter box, if used, at least six (6) inches but not more than twenty-four (24) inches in height. In no event shall posts, poles, planter boxes and sign elevation exceed a height of eight (8) feet above the average ground elevation around the sign. 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.
In lieu of the above, the sign may be supported by or be part of a solid monument. The sign and base are not to exceed eight (8) feet in height. Monument signs where the monument base and sign exceed eight (8) feet in height may be permitted with the approval of the Planning Commission when topography problems exist, but in no event shall the monument and sign exceed ten (10) feet above the average ground level, whichever is less.
e. 
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, whichever is less.
f. 
An emblem, logo or trademark shall be considered a letter for purposes of this Chapter. Letter sizes shall not exceed eighteen (18) inches.
6. 
Ground signs — informational.
a. 
Shall not be located within ten (10) feet of any adjacent roadway surface, provided that the Director may allow a sign to be placed closer to the roadway surface if he/she finds that doing so is in the public interest and would not create an unsafe condition.
b. 
The size of said sign shall not be more than six (6) square feet per sign face area, but may be increased up to a maximum of ten (10) square feet by written authority of the Director after the Director's review of the public necessity and/or safety purpose of said sign.
c. 
Shall be non-illuminated unless, in the opinion of the said Director, safety would be enhanced by allowing either the internal or indirect illumination thereof. Said Director may grant a permanent or temporary permit to illuminate any such sign and may revoke a temporary illumination permit upon fifteen (15) days' notice.
d. 
Shall be constructed of permanent, weatherproof materials except that temporary signs may be permitted by said Director for a period up to sixty (60) days, provided that the Director finds public need or safety purposes will be served by said temporary signs.
e. 
Except as otherwise permitted in writing by said Director, on-site informational signs shall not exceed a height of three (3) feet from the ground level in any area within ten (10) feet of any adjacent roadway surface or within ten (10) feet of any lot line nor shall such signs elsewhere on the property exceed a height of four (4) feet from the adjacent ground level.
f. 
Shall not be hazardous to vehicles. If damaged or defaced, said signs shall be immediately removed and either restored or replaced.
g. 
An emblem, logo or trademark shall be considered a letter for purposes of this Chapter. Letter sizes shall not exceed eighteen (18) inches.
7. 
A single office building may have either one (1) wall identification sign or one (1) ground identification sign per road frontage, but not both.
8. 
Where a hospital development contains two (2) or more buildings, the development shall be permitted a ground or monument sign, not to exceed seventy-five (75) square feet in sign face area, at each entry from a public street into the hospital development.
9. 
Real estate signs. Real estate signs advertising premises for sale or available space for lease shall be permitted, with permit, subject to the following restrictions:
a. 
One (1) real estate sign per building shall be permitted for each public roadway frontage.
b. 
Shall not exceed eight percent (8%) of the surface area of the side of the building to which it relates, or forty-eight (48) square feet, whichever is less.
c. 
All supports of freestanding signs shall be painted and maintained.
d. 
Shall be no closer than twenty (20) feet, for safety, from any public roadway.
e. 
Shall be removed no later than ten (10) days after sale closing or lease commencement.
f. 
Shall not be internally or directly illuminated.
g. 
An emblem, logo or trademark shall be considered a letter for purposes of this Chapter. Letter sizes shall not exceed eighteen (18) inches.
10. 
Wall signs — identification.
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 that this distance may be modified by conditions of a conditional use permit where an exposed raceway is involved.
c. 
Letter sizes shall not exceed eighteen (18) inches in height.
Exception: In the discretion of the Board of Aldermen, upon application, letters on wall signs facing an interstate highway may exceed eighteen (18) inches in height.
d. 
A company emblem, logo or trademark may be combined with letters to compose a sign, but shall meet all size, color, and other requirements of this Section.
e. 
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.
11. 
Exception. In the discretion of the Board of Aldermen, upon application, wall signs facing an interstate highway may 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.
a. 
Letters shall not exceed the height of the roof of the building, or 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.
b. 
Internally illuminated signs shall be composed of individual illuminated white letters. Sign boxes and cabinets where the sign background is illuminated shall not be permitted.
c. 
Non-illuminated signs and externally illuminated signs shall be composed either of individually attached letters or letters displayed in plaque form on a solid background.