[Ord. No. 516 §18(18.01), 6-21-2001]
A.
It
is the intent of this Article to regulate and control the location,
erection, number and maintenance of signs and matters relating thereto
within the City of Dardenne Prairie in order to promote public safety,
health and general welfare of the community. These regulations are
specifically designed to:
[Ord. No. 516 §18(18.02), 6-21-2001]
A.
The
provisions of this Article shall govern the erection, alteration and
maintenance of all signs and outdoor display structures, together
with their appurtenant and auxiliary devices, with respect to location,
size, content, construction, structure and fire safety.
B.
The
following sign standards by zoning district are intended to include
every district in the City of Dardenne Prairie. The districts are
as defined by the zoning ordinance and official Zoning Map. Only permanently
located signs as described herein and as may be described under temporary
signs will be permitted in each particular district, except for public
signs and City, State and Federal historic markers.
C.
If
any district is omitted from this Article or if a new district is
created after the enactment of this Article, no signs shall be permitted
therein until this Article is amended to include the new district.
D.
Decals,
numerals, names, addresses, hours, credit information, etc., attached
to doors or windows and all of which occupy a total area of one (1)
square foot or less are excluded from this Article.
[Ord. No. 516 §18(18.03)), 6-21-2001]
The following definitions shall apply in interpretation and
enforcement of this Article, unless otherwise specifically stated:
A sign which no longer correctly directs or exhorts any person,
advertises a bona fide business, lessor, owner, project or activity
conducted or product available on the premises where such sign is
displayed.
Any sign which includes action or motion. For purposes of
this Article, this term does not refer to flashing or changing signs,
all of which are separately defined.
A plastic material more than one-twentieth (1/20) inch thick
which bums at a rate of not more than two and one-half (2½)
inches per minute when subjected to ASTM Standard Test for Flammability
of Plastics in sheets of six one-hundredths (0.06) inch thickness
as determined by the City Engineer.
Any structure entirely supported by the wall to which it
is attached and which has a frame 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.
The entire area of a sign on which copy could be placed but
does not include permanent building surface.
All signs maintained by advertising agencies which advertise
products of their customers or clients and all business signs individually
or privately owned which primarily are not on the premises of the
owner.
All window and wall area of a building in one (1) plane or
elevation.
Any structure attached to a building at the inner end and
supported on the other end or a freestanding structure with one (1)
or more supports meant to provide shelter from weather elements onto
which signs may be affixed or incorporated.
A sign on which copy is changed manually in the field, i.e.,
reader boards with changeable letters or changeable pictorial panels.
A sign such as an electronically or electrically controlled
public service time, temperature and date sign, message center or
reader board where different copy changes are shown on the same lamp
bank.
A sign attached to the exterior of a church or located elsewhere
on church premises and used to indicate the services and/or other
activities of the church and including the church name, if desired.
City of Dardenne Prairie, Missouri.
The officially designated representative of the City of Dardenne
Prairie responsible for the enforcement of the sign ordinance and
other ordinances at the direction of the Board of Aldermen.
The wording or graphics on a sign surface.
See "SIGN, GROUND".
As defined under the zoning ordinance and Zoning District
Map.
To build, construct, reconstruct, attach, hang, rehang, alter,
place, affix, enlarge, move or relocate and includes the painting
and repainting of existing sign structures.
The front or main part of a building facing a street. For
purposes of this Article, the "facade" is defined
as measured from the ground elevation to the head beam.
The entire area of sign on which copy could be placed. The
area of a sign which is visible from one (1) direction as projected
on a place.
Any sign which contains an intermittent or flashing light
source or which includes the illusion of intermittent or flashing
light by means of animation or an externally mounted intermittent
light source. Automatic changing signs such as public service time,
temperature and date signs or electronically controlled message centers
are not classified as "flashing signs".
The length of the lot along the street side. The front of
a lot bordering more than one (1) street is considered separate for
each street.
The average level of the finished surface of the ground adjacent
to a sign or the exterior wall of a building to which a sign is affixed.
Immediate surrounding grade.
The vertical distance measured from the surrounding grade
to the highest point of sign.
A sign containing only the names and addresses of the occupant
of business establishment.
A sign which contravenes this Article or a non-conforming
sign for which a permit required under a previous ordinance was not
obtained.
A sign identifying the institutional or governmental facility.
Property lines other than those forming a dedicated public
right-of-way.
A letter, character or symbol used to represent a person,
corporation or business enterprise.
A parcel, tract, plot or area of land accessible by means
of a street or other permanently reserved principal means of access.
It may be a single parcel separately described in a deed or plat which
is recorded in the office of the County Recorder of Deeds or it may
include parts of or a combination of such parcels when adjacent to
one another and used as one (1) as determined by the Code Enforcement
Officer.
The permanent part of a building which denotes the name of
the building, date of erection, historical significance or similar
information.
Any advertising structure or sign which was lawfully erected
and maintained prior to such time as it came within the purview of
this Article and any amendments thereto and which fails to conform
to all applicable regulations and restrictions of this Article or
a non-conforming sign for which a variance has been issued.
Any sign that does not contain electrical wiring or is not
attached or intended to be attached to an electrical energy source.
A person recorded as such on official records and including
duly authorized agent or notary, a purchaser, lessee, devisee, judiciary,
any person having a vested or contingent interest in the property
or business in question.
That portion of a building wall that rises above the roof
level.
Any natural person, firm, partnership, association, corporation,
company or organization of any kind.
An area of land with its appurtenances and buildings which,
because of its unity of use, may be regarded as the smallest conveyable
unit of real estate.
Any letter, word, sign device or representation used in nature
of an advertisement or announcement projecting perpendicularly from
the building.
Directional sign to subdivisions under construction and project
site promotional sign.
That part of any street, road, alley or avenue dedicated
for public use as a walkway or thoroughfare for pedestrians or motor
vehicles, whether or not the public improvements thereon extend to
the full dedicated limits of such right-of-way.
The highest point of the coping on a flat roof, false mansard or parapet wall; the deckline of a true mansard roof; the ridge line between the upper and lower slopes of a gambrel roof; or the mean height level between the eaves and ridge for a gable or hip roof. (See Figure 1 to this Chapter 405).
A sign mounted on the roof of a building.
A sign or portion of a sign which moves in a revolving or
similar manner.
A sign which is not permanent and is limited to a specific
activity or in the celebration of holidays or other special events.
The minimum horizontal distance between the right-of-way
line and the sign structure as specified in a particular Section of
this Article.
Any temporary sign advertising sales or specials attached
to or within three (3) feet of glass surface of any fixed window (glazing)
visible from a public right-of-way.
As shown on Figure 2 to this Chapter 405.
Any identification, description, illustration or device illuminated
or non-illuminated which is visible from any public place or is located
on private property and exposed to the public and which directs attention
to a product, service, place, activity, person, institution, business
or solicitation, including, but not limited to, any permanently installed
or situated merchandise; or any emblem, painting, banner, pennant
or placard designed to advertise, identify or convey information.
For the purpose of removal, signs shall also include all sign structures.
For the purposes of this Article, this definition shall include those
signs painted directly upon a building or other structure.
The area of the sign face. The "sign area" of a multi-faced sign is the sum of the sign areas of each face,
including structural trim, which can be seen from a single location
on an adjacent street. If a sign is attached to a building or suspended
in any manner whereby there is no apparent trim or confining border,
the sign area shall be computed by drawing an imaginary straight line
around a generally rectangular margin and measuring the area so encompassed
by these lines.
A wall sign attached to a building wall or the general vertical
plane of a mansard-type roof.
A permanent pole sign designating the name of a commercial
center and listing the various tenants of the center.
A temporary sign used during construction of new buildings
or reconstruction of or additions to existing buildings; such as those
identifying the project and denoting the owner, architect, engineer,
contractor and/or financing institutions of the project.
A sign which indicates a direction for vehicular or pedestrian
traffic or other movement. The sign may contain the street address
and/or name of the business center or the name of the use of the building,
trademark, logo or similar matter provided that not more than fifty
percent (50%) of the sign area is used for this purpose.
A sign which flutters and includes banners, flags, pennants
or other flexible material which moves with the wind or by some artificial
means.
Any detached sign on the same lot or parcel as the use it
advertises which has its bottom portion erected upon or supported
by the ground, a ground planter box or other supports.
Any sign hanging entirely beneath a canopy, portico or marquee.
Any sign which is illuminated by light sources mounted on
or in the sign or at some other location.
A sign identifying the institutional or government facility.
Any attached to or illustrated on a marquee, canopy or awning,
respectively.
The permanent part of a building which denotes the name of
the building, date of erection, historical significance, dedication
or other similar information.
Menu signs for fast-food restaurants.
A sign, all or any part of, which moves by any means. Such
sign includes a fluttering sign, including fluttering or flashing
lights or sequential lights, simulating movement.
An attached wall sign not larger than two (2) square feet
in area identifying the name of a person occupying a building.
A temporary sign advocating or opposing any political proposition
or candidate for public office.
Any detached sign located on the same lot or parcel as the
use it advertises which is supported by one (1) or more stationary
poles longer than ten (10) feet above the mean grade line of the ground
at its base, provided that this shall not include a permitted ground
sign as set forth herein.
A permanent ground sign identifying an apartment complex,
condominium project, entry, name and or street names within the project.
Any sign affixed to a building or wall in such a manner that
its edge extends more than nine (9) inches beyond the surface of such
building or wall.
A sign pertaining only to the prospective rental, lease or
sale of the property on which it is located. Real estate signs shall
be excluded from the definition of pole signs.
Any temporary sign that provides direction to any residential
development under construction or promotes the residential development
on the project site.
Any sign erected on a roof but excluding marquee, canopy,
wall and signs located on a mansard.
The sign and all parts associated with its construction.
A ground sign identifying a subdivision entry, subdivision
name and/or street names within the subdivision.
All structures by which a sign is held up including, for
example, poles, braces, guys and anchors.
Any sign intended for a limited or intermittent period of
display.
A sign erected or attached against the wall of any building
with the plane of the face parallel to the plane of the wall below
the roof line.
A sign that is permanently affixed to either side of the
glass of an exterior door or window. For the purpose of this Article,
a glass brick wall shall be deemed a window.
A temporary sign affixed to the inside of an exterior window
or glass door.
Signs not exceeding thirty-two (32) square feet used for
holidays, public demonstrations or promotion of civil welfare or charitable
purposes.
All signs which primarily advertise products or businesses
which are not located on the same premises as the sign. This includes
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 and political signs are excluded from this
definition.
A public thoroughfare which affords the principal means of
access to abutting property.
The molding, batten, caps, nailing strips, latticing and
platforms which are attached to the sign structure.
Any sign which aids the flow of traffic.
The purpose for which a building, lot, sign or other structure
is arranged, intended, designed, occupied or maintained.
The zoning ordinance and amendments thereof for the City
of Dardenne Prairie and the current Zoning District Map related thereto.
[Ord. No. 516 §18(18.04), 6-21-2001]
A.
Allowable Signs. All signs must be located at least five (5) feet from the right-of-way and out of the sight triangle as shown on Figure 2 to this Chapter 405.
1.
Subdivision identification signs (must be located within
the development to which they pertain).
a.
Two (2) subdivision identification signs not exceeding thirty-two
(32) square feet in size per face shall be allowed per development.
b.
Where the development has access on two (2) or more streets or has
more than one (1) entrance on one (1) street, identification shall
be allowed at each entrance.
c.
No sign shall be more than six (6) feet in height from the surrounding
grade to the highest point on the sign.
2.
Project identification sign (must be located within the development
to which they pertain).
a.
One (1) sign not exceeding thirty-two (32) square feet in size per
face shall be allowed per project.
b.
Where the project fronts on two (2) or more streets, one (1) sign
shall be permitted per frontage, provided that the project has a major
traffic entrance on the street where the sign is to be erected.
c.
No sign shall be more than six (6) feet in height from the surrounding
grade to the highest point on the sign.
4.
Construction sign (must be located within the development
to which they pertain).
a.
Not more than one (1) sign per street frontage per lot not exceeding
thirty-two (32) square feet in size per face.
b.
Signs identifying mechanics, painters, architects, engineers and
similar artisans and workmen which are attached to or on trailers
on the site of construction shall be permitted, provided that upon
completion of the project the trailer must be removed within one (1)
week. These trailers shall not be located closer than fifteen (15)
feet of street right-of-way and not located within the sight triangle.
c.
All such signs shall be removed when the project has received a final
inspection.
5.
Residential project construction signs.
a.
Residential project promotional sign (must be located within
the development to which they pertain).
(1)
One (1) sign per major entrance to the subdivision or project
site not exceeding one hundred twenty (120) square feet per face.
b.
Residential project directional signs.
(1)
Any number of signs not exceeding sixteen (16) square feet per
face.
(2)
No sign shall exceed three and one-half (3½) feet above
the elevation of the adjacent driveway at the point which it meets
the street right-of-way.
(3)
Each development may also be allowed no more than two (2) directional
signs not exceeding ninety-six (96) square feet per face along all
State highways and interstate service roads within the City.
(4)
All directional signs may include directions to the development
and pertinent information concerning the developer but shall not include
promotional information. The sign may contain the street address and/or
name of the business center or the name of the use of the building,
trademark, logo or similar matter, provided that not more than fifty
percent (50%) of the sign area is used for this purpose.
c.
Residential project on-site sign.
(1)
Such signs shall be removed at such time when ninety percent
(90%) of permits have been issued of the lots and/or dwelling units.
d.
Residential project off-Site signs.
(1)
Such signs shall be removed either within two (2) years from
the date of issuance of the sign permit or when permits have been
issued for ninety percent (90%) of the lots and/or dwelling units.
(2)
Such signs shall not be erected in such a manner as to block
the view of any pre-existing sign from the normal traffic level.
6.
Political signs.
a.
Not greater than thirty-two (32) square feet in sign area per sign
face unless posted on billboards.
b.
Posted only on private property with permission of the property owner
or lessee.
c.
Shall be in place for a period of not longer than sixty (60) days
prior to the election and shall be removed within fifteen (15) days
after the election is held to which they pertain. The fifteen (15)
day removal period shall not apply to those candidates who successfully
ran for nomination at the primary election in August, until after
the general election in November.
d.
All signs must be located fifteen (15) feet from the right-of-way and out of the sight triangle as shown on Figure 2 to this Chapter 405.
e.
Political signs cited as violating any of the provisions of this
Article shall be removed by the sign owner and/or properly owner of
that sign within five (5) days after notice of the violation. The
failure to remove such sign within that five (5) day period will result
in the cost of removal being billed to the sign owner and/or property
owner.
f.
Shall not exceed eight (8) feet in height above grade at its base.
g.
It shall be the responsibility of all candidates and their committee
to assure that political signs are maintained in good repair and failure
to so maintain shall be grounds to issue a notice of violation.
h.
Lighted signs shall be positioned as to not shine on adjacent properties.
Electrical permits will be required for such signs.
7.
Memorial or tablet sign.
8.
Property real estate signs.
a.
One (1) sign per lot frontage located on the lot and not exceeding
six (6) square feet per face and shall be removed within ten (10)
days following the date of closing or lease initiation.
9.
Special displays and other temporary signs.
a.
The following temporary signs may be approved by the Code Enforcement
Officer for up to a thirty (30) day time period. Such signs may be
extended beyond the thirty (30) day time period but only upon review
and approval by the Board of Aldermen.
b.
Only two (2) temporary sign permits will be issued during a calendar
year to the same entity for the same purpose/location.
c.
The following types of special displays and promotional signs are
permitted subject to the following guidelines. In all cases they are
to be maintained in good condition and if found otherwise, they are
subject to immediate removal by order of the City Engineer.
(1)
Banners. Special displays using banners for
promotional purposes will be permitted for a thirty (30) day time
period per promotion.
(2)
Pennants. Will be permitted for promotional
purposes.
(3)
Flags in front of display homes. Will only
be permitted until the home is no longer used for display purposes.
(4)
Seasonal promotional signs. One (1) sign no
greater than six (6) square feet. These signs shall be displayed only
during the hours of operation of the business. The sign shall be placed
inside at the close of each business day.
13.
Homeowner business and conditional use.
a.
One (1) ground-mounted sign per lot not exceeding four (4) square
feet per face.
b.
Such signs shall not exceed six (6) feet in height from the surrounding
grade to the highest point on the sign.
c.
Shall be located no closer than fifteen (15) feet to the street pavement.
d.
Such signs shall meet the sight triangle requirements of the City's
zoning ordinance and shall not be located so as to obstruct vision
at a vehicular entry or exit from the property.
e.
In no instance will the conversion of commander boards to ground-mounted
signs be allowed.
[Ord. No. 516 §18(18.05), 6-21-2001; Ord. No. 833 §2(18.05), 12-15-2004]
A.
All signs shall/must be located five (5) feet from the right-of-way, and out of the sight triangle as shown on Figure 2 to this Chapter 405.
B.
Allowable Signs.
1.
All signs permitted and regulated in Section 18.04.
2.
Attached Signs.
a.
One or more attached signs not exceeding ten percent (10%) of the
total square footage of the building face upon which it is placed.
b.
In the instance of corner lots, an additional attached sign will
be permitted on each street frontage of the building not exceeding
ten percent (10%) of the total square footage of the respective building
face upon which it is placed.
c.
Shall be face mounted on the building wall, projecting not more than
nine (9) inches from the face of the building. Such signs shall not
project above the parapet wall, mansard, or other roof line, and shall
be enclosed on both ends where involving a pitched roof location.
d.
Support structures for wall signs shall be concealed from public
view.
3.
Awnings and Canopy Signs.
a.
In lieu of an attached sign, awnings and canopies advertising the
business on the premises only will be permitted. Such signs shall
be in accordance with the building codes of the City of Dardenne Prairie.
4.
Ground Mounted Sign.
a.
One (1) ground-mounted sign per lot, not exceeding forty (40) square
feet per face.
b.
Such signs shall not exceed six (6) feet in height from the surrounding
grade to the highest point on the sign.
c.
Shall be located no closer than fifteen (15) feet in height from
the surrounding grade to the highest point on the sign.
d.
Such signs shall meet the sight triangle requirements of the City's
Zoning Ordinance and shall not be located so as to obstruct vision
at a vehicular entry or exit from the property.
e.
In no instance will the conversion of commander boards to ground-mounted
signs be allowed.
5.
Pole Sign.
a.
One pole sign per lot, not exceeding seventy (70) square feet per
face.
b.
Such signs shall not exceed thirty-five (35) feet in height and shall
conform the same locational requirements from ground-mounted signs.
c.
The bottom of the sign shall beat least ten (10) feet above the surrounding
grade.
d.
Up to forty (40) square feet of changeable copy area may be added
to a pole sign in lieu of a ground-mounted sign.
e.
Directories. All buildings with multiple occupancy
shall be required to erect a directory sign in lieu of the allowable
pole sign. The sign shall be reviewed and approved by the Planning
and Zoning Commission as to overall height and square footage.
f.
All pole signs are to be allowed in commercial districts as a Conditional
Use Permit.
g.
For developments containing three or more businesses, a master sign
plan may be required. This plan shall include information as type
of sign allowed within the development, colors, lettering styles,
and permitted locations.
7.
Permanent Window Signs.
a.
Shall not cover more than twenty percent (20%) of the total window
area or door to which they are applied.
b.
Decals, numerals, names, addresses, hours, credit information, etc.,
attached door or windows and all of which occupy a total area of one
(1) square foot or less are excluded from this provision.
c.
Such signs may be attached either the interior or exterior or exterior
of a Window or glass door and shall be maintained in good repair.
C.
Additional Regulations.
1.
Each building or property shall be allowed a maximum of three signs,
which may be either a combination of attached signs or ground-mounted
signs, or a pole sign, but the total number shall not include more
than one sign of each of these types (signs listed in Section 18.04,
Paragraph A, window signs and occupational/directional signs as regulated
by this section are excluded from this maximum of three signs.)
2.
Buildings with Multiple Occupancy - For buildings and/or property
containing more than one business or tenant, each business or tenant
may have an attached sign conforming the requirements of this Section.
For the purposes of determining the total square footage of the attached
sign, only the face of each respective lease unit to which the respective
sign will be attached shall be counted. Each sign must be attached
to the lease unit containing the business or tenant identified.
3.
Each building or property may have one additional attached sign conforming
to the requirements of this section on walls containing a main entrance
which faces customer parking areas and are not visible from either
a public or private street. For this exception to apply, the signs
must be attached to the same wall as their respective entrances and
both signs and the entrances must be upon the same plane of the building.
4.
All ground and pole signs (as part of a Conditional Use Permit) shall
be located in a landscaped area.
[Ord. No. 516 §18(18.06), 6-21-2001; Ord. No. 833 §2(18.06), 12-15-2004]
[Ord. No. 516 §18(18.07), 6-21-2001; Ord. No. 833 §2(18.07), 12-15-2004]
A.
All signs shall be located at least five (5) feet from the right-of-way, and out of the sight triangle as shown on Figure 2 to this Chapter 405.
B.
Allowable Signs.
2.
Monuments
a.
Face. Thirty-two (32) square feet per face, plus
one square foot for every four feet of street frontage, a maximum
of sixty four (64) square feet.
b.
Setback. Twenty-five (25) feet from the back of
curb.
c.
Design. Must reflect the architectural design scheme
of the project and be submitted as part of the site plan approval
for the project.
C.
Additional Regulations.
1.
The only signs permitted in the HTCD will be for identification purposes
and shall be located on premises. No advertisements or billboards
will be allowed.
2.
For developments containing three or more businesses, a master sign
plan may be required. This plan shall include information as type
of sign allowed within the development, colors, lettering styles,
and permitted locations.
[Ord. No. 516 §18(18.08), 6-21-2001; Ord. No. 833 §2, 12-15-2004]
A.
All signs shall be located at least five (5) feet from the right-of-way, and out of the sight triangle as shown on Figure 2 to this Chapter 405.
B.
Automobile and Truck Service Stations - Convenience Stores with Gasoline
Pump.
1.
Allowable Signs.
a.
Brand Identification Signs.
(1)
One (1) pole-mounted sign not exceeding seventy (70) square feet per face, as regulated in Section 405.585 (as a Conditional Use Permit).
(2)
One (1) ground-mounted sign, in lieu of a pole-mounted sign, not exceeding forty (40) square feet in size per face, as regulated in Section 405.585.
(3)
One (1) attached sign not exceeding ten percent (10%) of the total square footage of the building face upon which it is placed. In the instance of corner lots, an additional attached sign will be permitted on each street frontage of building not exceeding ten percent (10%) of the total square footage of the respective building face upon which it is placed, as regulated in Section 405.585.
b.
Price Signs.
(1)
Two (2) price signs per pump island not exceeding ten (10) square
feet per face per sign.
(2)
One (1) price sign not exceeding forty (40) square feet per
face in lieu of the price signs per pump island.
(3)
May be located at the ends of pump islands and may be affixed
to the canopy, canopy supports, poles, or end pumps.
2.
Additional Regulations.
a.
Canopy Use. An attached or detached canopy may be
used in lieu of the permitted pole sign for the location of brand
identification or company logos as a Conditional Use Permit.
b.
Portable Signs. The use of Portable signs for the
advertisement of cigarettes, food or other sundry items is specifically
prohibited.
C.
Standard Outdoor Advertising Structures/Billboards.
2.
Area and Height.
a.
The maximum area for any one sign shall not exceed one thousand two
hundred (1,200) square feet in size per face, with a maximum width
of twenty (20) feet and a maximum length of sixty (60) feet inclusive
of border and trim, but excluding the base, apron, supports, and other
structural members.
b.
The maximum height shall not exceed fifty (50) feet from the highest
point on the sign to surrounding grade or street level, whichever
is higher.
c.
The maximum size limitations shall apply to each side of a sign structure
and signs may be placed back to back, double-faced, or in V-type construction
with not more than three side-by-side displays to each facing, but
such sign structures shall be considered as one sign. However, there
shall be no vertical stacking signs.
3.
Location.
a.
All such signs must be erected within the first one hundred (100)
feet of depth, from the adjoining street frontage, of the property
upon which the sign is to be located.
b.
No such sign shall be erected within five hundred (500) lineal feet
of an existing sign on the same side of the street, In cases of Interstate
highways, same side of street shall include interstate roadway and
service road, either state, county, or City maintained.
c.
No such sign shall be located within five hundred (500) lineal feet
of a residence, regardless of zoning district.
d.
No sign shall be located in such a manner as to obstruct or otherwise
physically interfere with the effectiveness of an official traffic
sign, signal, or device or obstruct or physically interfere with a
motor vehicle operator's view of approaching, merging, or intersecting
traffic.
e.
No such sign shall be placed closer than five hundred (500) feet
to an intersection on a dual or proposed dual highway, provided however,
that such signs may be affixed to or located adjacent to a building
at such intersections in such a manner as not to materially cause
any greater obstruction of vision than caused by the building itself.
No such sign shall be so located to obstruct the vision of traffic
using entranceways, driveways or any public road intersection.
f.
The minimum front yard setback for such signs shall be a minimum
of thirty (30) feet from the road right-of-way.
g.
No sign shall be located on the right-of-way of any road or any slope
or drainage easement for such road.
h.
Accessibility for such structures shall be hard surfaced.
4.
Plans. An application to erect such a sign shall
be accompanied by the following:
a.
A set of plans to scale prepared by a licensed engineer providing
all necessary construction and electrical details of the sign and
sign structure, including height.
b.
A site plan to scale containing:
(1)
The proposed location of the sign upon the property.
(2)
The distance from the proposed sign location to any buildings
upon the property and adjoining street right-of-way lines and driveway
entrances.
(3)
The distance from the proposed sign location to the next nearest
billboard sign on the same side of the street in either direction.
(4)
The distance from the proposed sign location to the nearest
street intersection in either direction.
c.
A representation of the proposed sign to scale including the width
and length of the sign faces.
d.
A copy of the Missouri Department of Transportation sign permit if
the sign will be visible from a State highway.
5.
Construction specifications. Henceforth, any such
sign erected under this Article shall be a single pedestal type constructed
of non-corrosive metal. Construction of the sign and material specifications
shall comply with Section 903 of the Missouri Standard Specifications
for Highway Construction, as applicable, and must meet the structural
requirements of the City's Building Code.
[Ord. No. 516 §18(18.09), 6-21-2001; Ord. No. 1540 §1, 12-1-2010]
A.
The
following types of permanent signs shall be prohibited in the City
of Dardenne Prairie:
1.
Permanent signs that do not meet the flammability test or approved
combustible plastic.
2.
Flashing signs; however, not including digital time and temperature
signs.
3.
Fluttering signs, pinwheels, pennants, streamers and banners except
official government flags or street banners approved by the City Engineer
at the direction of the Board of Aldermen.
4.
Moving signs or swinging signs, signs not rigidly fixed.
5.
Roof signs
6.
Signs not permanently affixed to the ground.
7.
Signs which contain characters, cartoons or statements, words or
pictures of an obscene, indecent, prurient or immoral character.
8.
Signs which contain or are an imitation of an official traffic sign
or signal or which are of a size, location, movement, content coloring
or manner of illumination which may be confused with or construed
as a traffic control device or which hide from view any traffic or
street sign or signal.
9.
Signs attached to, suspended from or painted on any vehicle which
is regularly parked on any street or private property to display,
demonstrate, advertise or attract the attention of the public.
10.
Signs that project more than nine (9) inches from the face of the
building or structure.
[Ord. No. 516 §18(18.10), 6-21-2001]
A.
Any
sign legally existing prior to enactment of this Article, but which
shall violate any provision of this Article, may continue to be maintained
and used after passage of this Article subject to the following provisions:
1.
Enlargement. No non-conforming sign shall be enlarged, expanded or extended to occupy a greater square footage or height than was occupied on the date of adoption or amendment of the ordinance. See Section 405.615(E).
2.
Relocation. No non-conforming sign shall be moved
in whole or in part to any other portion of the lot, parcel or building
not so occupied on the date of adoption of this Article, except that
any such sign which is hereafter required to be moved by a governmental
body for the purpose of construction, relocation, widening or improvement
of a street, highway or other public purpose may be relocated once
and allowed to be maintained and used as before.
3.
Discontinuance. If the business or service advertised or identified by a non-conforming sign ceases to be conducted for a period exceeding thirty (30) calendar days, the non-conforming sign shall be classified as "abandoned sign" and removed. See Section 405.615(J).
4.
Destruction. Should any non-conforming sign by destroyed by any means to an extent of up to fifty percent (50%) of its surface area or structure, it shall not be reconstructed, except in conformance with the requirements of this Article. See Section 405.615(C).
[Ord. No. 516 §18(18.11), 6-21-2001; Ord. No. 833 §2, 12-15-2004]
A.
Administrator. Except where herein otherwise stated, the
provisions of this Article shall be administered by the City Engineer
or by deputies of his/her department as the Board of Aldermen may
designate to enforce provisions of this Article.
1.
The City Engineer (or his/her authorized representative) is hereby
empowered in performance of its functions to enter upon any land in
the City for the purpose of making inspections, examinations and surveys
or to place and maintain thereon markers, notices or signs required
to affect provisions of this Article. The above authorized person
shall be required to present proper credentials upon demand when entering
upon any land or structure for the purpose of this Section.
B.
Duties Of The City Engineer. The City Engineer shall have
the power to grant sign permits and to make inspections of buildings
or premises necessary to carry out his/her duties in the enforcement
of this Article.
1.
It shall be improper for the City Engineer to approve plans or issue
any permits or certificates for any sign until he/she has inspected
such plans in detail and found them to conform with this Article,
nor shall the City Engineer vary or change any terms of this Article.
2.
If the City Engineer shall find that any of the provisions of this
Article are being violated, he/she shall notify in writing the person
responsible for such violations, indicating the nature of the violation
and stating the action necessary to correct it. He/she shall order
discontinuance of illegal use of land, buildings or structures; removal
of illegal signage; discontinuance of any illegal work being done;
or shall take any other action authorized by this Article to insure
compliance with or to prevent violation of its provisions.
C.
Permit Required And Fees. For freestanding pole or ground
signs exceeding thirty-two (32) square feet of face on a side, it
shall be unlawful to commence or to proceed with the erection, construction,
reconstruction, conversion, alteration, enlargement, extension, razing
or moving of any sign or sign structure or any portion thereof without
first having applied in writing to the City Engineer for a sign permit
to do so and a sign permit has been granted therefore. Primary responsibility
for securing the necessary permits shall be the property owner's.
However, if the property owner should contract part or all of the
proposed work, it shall become the responsibility of the person or
firm hired to ensure that all required permits and approvals have
been secured prior to any work being initiated.
1.
Blank forms shall be provided by the City Engineer for the use of
those applying for permits as provided in this Article. Any permits
issued by the City Engineer shall be on standard forms for such purpose
and furnished by the Board of Aldermen. There shall be a separate
permit for each sign constructed, altered or erected.
2.
Permit fees shall be charged for plan review and inspection at the
one-time rate of two dollars ($2.00) per square foot of sign face
payable at the time of permit application.
3.
Any sign permit under which no construction work has been commenced
within six (6) months after the date of issuance of said permit or
under which proposed construction has not been completed within one
(1) year of the time of issuance shall expire by limitation.
D.
Voiding Of Sign Permit. A permit may be revoked by the City
Engineer at any time prior to the completion of the sign for which
the same was issued, when it shall appear to him/her that there is
departure from the plans, specifications or conditions as required
under terms of the permit, that the same was procured by false representation
or that any provisions of this Article are being violated. Written
notice of such revocation shall be served upon the owner, his/her
agent or contractor or upon any such person employed on the building
or structure for which such permit was issued, via a stop work order,
which shall be posted in a prominent location and thereafter no such
construction shall proceed.
E.
Existing Signage. Should any existing sign be enlarged,
replaced or reconstructed, it shall be considered a new sign. If an
existing sign is repainted or the sign panels are replaced for the
purpose of changing the business, occupation or tenant advertised
or identified, it shall be considered a new sign. However, the repainting
of a sign for ordinary maintenance or the repair or restoration of
an existing sign to a safe condition after being damaged by storm
or other accidental act as shown in accordance with the original sign
permit shall not constitute such a change as to classify the sign
as a new one subject to the provisions of Section 405.610(4) "Destruction".
F.
Permit Number Displayed. Any billboard sign hereafter erected
following passage of this Article shall display the sign permit number
upon the face of the sign in the lower right-hand corner in no less
than one (1) inch letters and numerals. In the case of pole-mounted
signs, the number shall be incorporated into the base of the sign
structure.
G.
Structural Requirements. All signs shall comply with the
pertinent requirements of the City of Dardenne Prairie's Building
Code.
H.
Safety. Any existing sign which is or becomes an immediate
danger or hazard to persons or property because of being in an unsafe
condition or which obstructs any fire escape, window or door is subject
to immediate removal by the City Engineer without notice and at the
expense of the property and/or sign owner.
I.
Maintenance. All signs and sign supports 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 the occurrence or within thirty (30) days' notification by the
City Engineer.
J.
Abandoned Signs. Any sign or sign structure which advertises
a business no longer conducted or service no longer rendered or a
product no longer sold on the premises or lot shall be classified
an abandoned sign and shall be removed by the owner, agent or person
having beneficial use of the premises or lot upon which the sign is
located within ten (10) days following written notice by the City
Engineer concerning its removal.
K.
Illumination. Neither the direct nor reflected light from
primary light sources shall create a traffic hazard to operators of
motor vehicles on public thoroughfares. All illuminated signs shall
require a electrical permit from the City of Dardenne Prairie.
L.
State Right-Of-Way Requirements. Alt signs erected within
the jurisdiction of State right-of-way requirements shall meet State,
County and City requirements.
M.
Violations. If it is found that a sign is in violation of
this Article, the City Engineer or his/her designee shall give notice
to the owner of the sign or, if the owner cannot be located, to the
owner or property management agent of the premises on which the sign
is located or, if the sign erection is not complete, to the sign erector,
either personally, by United States Mail or by posting such a notice
on the premises, such notice stating:
1.
The violations found; and
2.
The violations must be brought into compliance with requirements
of this and all other City ordinances within ten (10) days from the
date of such notice (for temporary signs the date of such notice shall
constitute the first (1st) day of the thirty (30) day time period
allowed by such signs; and
3.
The requirements which must be met; and
4.
Any person found to be in violation of any provision of this Article
shall be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
N.
Compliance With Sign Permits. Sign permits issued on the
basis of approved plans and applications authorize only the use, arrangement
and construction set forth in the approved plans and applications
and no other use, arrangement or construction. Any use, arrangement
or construction at variance with that authorized shall be deemed a
violation of this Article as provided herein.
[Ord. No. 516 §18(18.12), 6-21-2001]
A.
The
following types of signs are exempt from the permit requirements of
this Article:
1.
Property real estate signs not exceeding six (6) square feet in area
which advertise the sale, rental or lease of the premises upon which
said signs are located only.
2.
Bulletin boards not over thirty-two (32) square feet in area for
public, charitable or religious institutions that are located on the
premises of said institutions.
3.
Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings and date or erection
when cut into any masonry surface or when constructed of bronze or
other incombustible materials.
4.
Traffic or other municipal signs, legal notices, railroad crossing
signs, danger and such temporary, emergency or non-advertising signs
as may be approved by the Board of Aldermen.
5.
Political signs.
6.
Professional name plates not exceeding two (2) square feet in area.
7.
Occupational signs not over two (2) square feet in area (on buildings).
8.
Signs erected inside a building and not visible through windows.
9.
Official government flags.
[Ord. No. 516 §18(18.13), 6-21-2001]
A.
Any
aggrieved person, firm, corporation or any governmental officer, department,
board or bureau may appeal a decision of the City Engineer before
the Board of Adjustment.
B.
Grounds For Granting A Variance. The Board of Adjustment
may grant variances from this Article for any permitted form of signage
where it is found that because of the limitations on character, size
or dimensions of a sign or the regulations controlling the erection
or installation of a sign, the applicant would be subject to undue
hardship. Undue hardship is not considered the loss of possible advantage,
economic loss or gain or mere inconvenience to the applicant.
[Ord. No. 1021 §9, 4-19-2006; Ord. No. 1053 §8, 9-13-2006]
A.
Notwithstanding
any other provision of this Code to the contrary, a master sign plan
may be submitted for approval by the Board of Aldermen for any proposed
or existing property within a commercial or industrial zoning district
within the High-Tech Corridor District.
1.
Upon the submission of a master sign plan to the City Engineer, the
criteria for signs provided for in this Article are no longer applicable.
The reasons for the variation is because the purpose of a master sign
plan is to provide for flexible sign criteria that promote superior
design and are tailored to a specific development which may vary from
general ordinance provisions, if it can be demonstrated that the proposed
terms would encourage, promote and reward good architecture and urban
planning.
2.
When a master sign plan is submitted to the City Engineer, a completed
master sign plan shall include the following:
a.
Location, size, height, construction, material and placement of signs.
b.
Illumination level, color and type. Illumination shall conform to
the City of Dardenne Prairie lighting ordinance.
c.
The number of proposed signs.
d.
Elevations of all detached signs.
e.
Dimensions, height, square footage of all existing signs or note
that none exist for both freestanding and attached signs (submit picture
of all existing signage).
f.
Description of advertising copy or wording to be displayed on signs.
g.
Material specifications for proposed signs including sign materials
and colors.
h.
Landscaping of detached signs.
i.
A review fee as per the fee schedule for services, permit applications,
plan reviews, inspections, rezonings and conditional uses, which is
on file in the office of the City Clerk.
j.
A list of all deviations from the location, size, height, construction,
material and placement requirements otherwise provided for in this
Article.
