[R.O. 2008 § 26-100; Ord. No. 1903 § 1, 11-24-1997; Ord. No. 5280 § 2, 10-22-2012; Ord. No. 5437 § 2, 9-16-2015; Ord. No. 5605, 9-11-2018]
These regulations encourage the effective use of signs as a
means of communication, to maintain and enhance the aesthetic appearance
of the City and to facilitate and improve pedestrian and vehicular
traffic safety. These regulations are intended to promote the public
health, safety and general welfare through a comprehensive set of
reasonable standards and requirements. These regulations: allow for
the identification of places of commerce, the communication of public
and commercial information necessary for efficient and safe traffic
movement, and freedom of speech subject to reasonable restrictions
as to time, place and manner; protect the public from the dangers
of unsafe signs; lessen hazardous situations, confusion and visual
clutter caused by a proliferation of signs competing for the attention
of pedestrian and vehicular traffic; allow for increased signage during
election periods to meet public expectations, and enhance the attractiveness
and economic well-being of the City of Creve Coeur.
[R.O. 2008 § 26-101; Ord. No. 1903 § 1, 11-24-1997; Ord. No. 5165 § 7, 12-13-2010; Ord. No. 5280 § 2, 10-22-2012; Ord. No. 5437 § 2, 9-16-2015; Ord. No. 5605, 9-11-2018]
A.
It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, perform major repair, alter, move, replace or otherwise change a sign requiring a sign permit in the City of Creve Coeur without first obtaining a sign permit from the Zoning Administrator or Planning and Zoning Commission as provided by this Article. (But see Section 405.930(I) regarding substitutability of messages.) An application for a sign permit shall be submitted to the Zoning Administrator and shall include and be accompanied by plans that show the size and shape of the sign, the location of the proposed sign, the setbacks from surrounding properties, the type of illumination and proposed lighting, the materials used to construct and the method used to support the sign or attach it to a building. If the proposed sign is one that must be reviewed and approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission, the application shall comply with and be in accordance with the format and procedures adopted by the Planning and Zoning Commission and shall be filed with the Zoning Administrator in both paper format and electronic format that can be read by a word processing program used by the Zoning Administrator.
B.
If the proposed sign is one (1) that may be approved by the Zoning Administrator, then, within twenty-one (21) days after the application for a sign permit has been received by the Zoning Administrator, he/she shall respond to the applicant advising said applicant whether or not the sign requested conforms with this Article. If the requested sign does not comply with this Article, the applicant will be advised to re-submit the signage plan correcting the deficiencies so that a sign permit can be issued. If no response is received within twenty-one (21) days, the application shall be deemed to have been approved. If the proposed sign is one that must be reviewed and approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission, then the Planning and Zoning Commission shall respond to the applicant within sixty (60) days after receipt of the application by the Zoning Administrator advising said applicant whether the sign requested has or has not been approved. If no response is received within sixty (60) days, the application shall be deemed to have been approved. Upon denial, the applicant may appeal to the Board of Adjustment pursuant to Sections 405.1040 and 405.1110 of the zoning ordinance. The Zoning Administrator shall maintain a record of all sign permits issued, which records shall show date of application and date of issuance of permits.
[R.O. 2008 §§ 3-1; 26-102; Ord. No. 513 § 49, 12-23-1968; Ord. No. 1903 § 1, 11-24-1997; Ord. No. 5001 § 1, 9-6-2007; Ord. No. 5021 § 1, 1-28-2008; Ord. No. 5280 § 2, 10-22-2012; Ord. No. 5437 § 2, 9-16-2015; Ord. No. 5553, 11-13-2017; Ord. No. 5605, 9-11-2018]
A.
Scope. The provisions of this Section shall apply to all signs in the City, unless a sign is specifically exempted by Section 405.930(E) of this Article. Every sign shall comply with all other applicable ordinances of the City. In case of a conflict between the provisions of this Section and other applicable provisions, the more restrictive shall govern. Any sign not specifically provided for herein as a permitted sign or a prohibited sign shall be designated as a permitted sign or a prohibited sign by the Zoning Administrator consistent with Section 405.910. Purpose and Intent, and the most closely applicable provisions of this Article. If said sign is designated as a permitted sign, then said sign shall be subject to all limitations and provisions stated herein for a permitted sign which is most similar to said sign.
B.
Maintenance And Safety.
1.
All signs and related structures shall be maintained in good
repair, free of rust, peeling, flaking, fading, broken or cracked
surfaces and broken or missing letters.
2.
All signs and related structures shall be maintained in a safe
and clean condition. Whenever the Zoning Administrator determines
that a sign has become structurally unsafe or endangers life or property
or is not being maintained in good repair, a notice shall be sent
to the owner or person in charge of the sign that the sign be made
safe, repaired or removed. The owner or person in charge of the sign
shall have ten (10) days from receipt of such notice in which to comply.
C.
Non-Conforming Signs. No new or existing sign may be constructed, altered in structure, relocated or replaced, unless the sign conforms to all the provisions of this Article and any required sign permit has been issued by the Zoning Administrator, or unless the sign was destroyed or damaged as a result of forces beyond the reasonable control of the owner of the sign and their tenants, employees, agents and representatives and it is replaced in its prior form and structure, or unless the sign is specifically exempted from the provisions of this Article. Nothing in this Section shall relieve the owner or user of a non-conforming sign from the provisions of this Article regarding safety, maintenance and repair of signs specified in Section 405.930(B), Maintenance and Safety.
D.
Prohibited Signs. The following types of signs are specifically prohibited
in the City:
1.
No person shall paint, post, place, hang, suspend or affix any
advertisement, card, poster, sign, banner or streamer of any nature
or for any purpose or cause the same to be done on or to any curbstone,
flagstone or any other portion of any street or sidewalk or upon any
tree or lamppost standing or erected on any public street or right-of-way
or other public place or upon any pole erected upon any public street
or right-of-way or other public place, which pole is used to carry
telephone wires or cables, electric light wires or other electric
conductors, or to any hydrant, bridge or other public structure within
the City; provided however, that nothing contained in this Section
shall apply to any official notice required by law or ordinance to
be posted by public officers of the City or any other governmental
agency.
2.
Signs legible from a public right-of-way that imitate, blend
or conflict with or that otherwise may be confused with traffic signals
and signs, that are not directional signs required by the City or
other traffic authority for traffic efficiency and safety. Such signs
shall include, but not be limited to, signs that are imitations of
official "stop," "go," "caution," "danger" or "warning" signs.
3.
Signs that are of a size, location, movement and/or illumination
as may be confused with or construed as a traffic control device or
which might obstruct from view any traffic or street sign or signal,
that are not directional signs required by the City or other traffic
authority for traffic efficiency and safety.
4.
Signs that falsely advertise that an activity, business, product
or service is sold or conducted on the premises upon which the sign
is located and thereby misdirect traffic. Such signs shall be removed
within thirty (30) days of written notification to the owner of the
premises.
5.
Signs on public land, except those erected at the direction
of or with the permission of an appropriate public authority.
6.
Vehicular signs on parked vehicles which are not painted directly
on or affixed flat against the factory surface of a vehicle. This
provision does not permit appendages or modifications to a vehicle
for advertising purposes. Exempted from this Section are vehicular
signs affixed to vehicles when said vehicles park temporarily and
only to make immediate deliveries or pickups.
a.
Any vehicle displaying permitted vehicular signs owned by or
operated on behalf of a business operating within the City limits
shall only park said vehicle when at the business location behind
the front building line within a properly designated parking space.
Where such parking is not available, said vehicle shall park as far
from the right-of-way and in the least visible area possible, in relation
to the public rights-of-way.
b.
Any vehicle which displays a permitted vehicle sign shall not
park between 2:00 A.M. and 5:00 A.M. within residential zoning districts
including "A," "B," "C," "D," "AR" or in a residential development
in any zoning district within the corporate limits of Creve Coeur,
unless such vehicle is parked within an enclosed garage. Governmental
and public safety vehicles shall be exempt from this provision, as
well as construction-related vehicles parked on property under construction.
7.
Moving signs including those of which all or any part of the
sign moves or appears to move. This prohibition against moving signs
shall extend to devices including strings of light bulbs and rotating
signs, whether part of any signs or maintained as an independent feature.
This prohibition does not apply to exempted governmental and official
signs.
8.
Snipe signs.
9.
Unsightly or unkempt or damaged signs.
10.
Roof signs.
11.
Projecting signs, except those otherwise permitted by Section 405.950(H)(4) or other Sections of this Article.
12.
Any Sign Structure Which No Longer Supports A Sign. Exempted
from this Section is a sign structure which is temporarily void of
a sign due to a permitted alteration or repair. A sign permit or an
application for a sign permit for this alteration or repair must be
on file with the Department of Public Works and said alteration or
repair must be completed within one (1) month of the issuance of the
approved sign permit.
13.
Changeable Copy Signs (Manual Or Automated). Exempted from this provision are: manually changeable bulletin board signs as allowed by Section 405.940(E); marquee signs, if approved pursuant to Section 405.950(H)(2); signs defined in Section 405.930(E)(1) (governmental and official signs); illuminated devices as allowed by Section 405.930(F)(2); and signs in Section 405.950(I)(6) (gasoline price signs).
14.
Permanent or temporary window signs above the finished floor level of the second (2nd) story including lettering painted or applied to glass and temporary displays as defined in Section 405.950(G)(1) located above the ground floor.
15.
Back-lit awnings and lighted canopies.
16.
Portable signs except as allowed by Section 405.950(G)(5).
17.
Inflatable signs, tethered balloons, banners, pennants, wind-driven spinners, or streamers, except as otherwise provided in Section 405.950(G)(2), Temporary Displays and Signs.
18.
Individuals dressed in costume as human signs to distract motorists in violation of Chapter 610.
19.
Signs extending over a roadway.
E.
Exempted Signs. With the exception of Sections 405.930(B), Maintenance and Safety, 405.930(D), Prohibited Signs, and 405.930(G), Miscellaneous Requirements, the provisions and regulations of this Article shall not apply to the following signs:
1.
Governmental and official signs, including, but not limited
to, the following:
a.
Public notices and official notices posted or authorized by
government officials in the performance of their duties including
changeable copy signs not exceeding thirty (30) square feet of sign
area per face.
b.
Signs for the control or direction of traffic and other authorized
public purposes, including on private property as required by the
City or other traffic authority.
2.
Signs not exceeding two (2) square feet in sign area individually
and not exceeding six (6) square feet in the aggregate, including,
but not limited to, the following:
a.
Nameplates, attached to a structure and not exceeding two (2)
square feet in area, used to identify a professional service or home
occupation permitted in the single-family residential zoning district
in which the sign is located.
b.
Residential address number located on a sign not larger than
one (1) square foot in gross sign area.
c.
Commercial address numerals, which are required to be prominently
displayed on each building, not to exceed two (2) square feet in area.
Larger address numerals may be permitted elsewhere in this Article
and would be subject to the provisions and regulations of the particular
Section.
d.
No parking and no trespassing signs.
3.
Incidental signs.
F.
Illuminated Signs. The following requirements shall apply to illuminated
signs:
1.
The light from any illuminated sign shall be so shaded, shielded
and/or directed in such a manner that the light intensity or brightness
will not be a substantial nuisance to the residents or occupants of
surrounding areas.
2.
No sign shall have blinking, flashing or fluttering lights or
other illuminating device of variable light intensity, brightness
or color. Clocks and thermometers which only indicate the time or
temperature shall not be considered flashing signs, provided that
the gross area of such devices is not greater than sixteen (16) square
feet per face (maximum of two (2) faces), the vertical dimension of
any letter or number is not greater than twenty-four (24) inches and
the color or intensity of light is constant except for periodic changes
in the information display, which occur not more frequently than once
every fifteen (15) seconds. Beacon lights are not permitted.
3.
If a sign consists of a boxed display, the negative space must
be dark and opaque, or clear and show the surface of the building
facade.
4.
No exposed reflective-type bulb or incandescent lamp which exceeds
forty (40) watts or LED equivalent shall be used on the exterior surface
of any sign in such manner as to expose the face of the bulb, light
or lamp to any public street or adjacent property.
5.
The use of exposed neon in a window sign(s) with aggregate area
larger than six (6) square feet must be reviewed and approved by the
Planning and Zoning Commission prior to installation or erection of
such sign(s).
6.
Temporary signs shall not be illuminated.
G.
Miscellaneous Requirements. All signs shall comply with the following
general requirements:
1.
Sign Faces. When a sign is allowed two (2) sign faces, the sign
faces shall be parallel to one another and not more than fourteen
(14) inches apart unless specifically authorized to deviate from this
requirement by an applicable portion of this Article.
2.
Projections. No sign shall project beyond a property line or
into a public right-of-way, except traffic control signs as authorized
pursuant to the traffic code and public information signs as approved
by the City Council.
3.
Life Safety Code Compliance. All signs shall comply with all
applicable life safety codes including the structural and fire safety
provisions of the Building Code and the electrical provisions of the
Electric Code of the City of Creve Coeur.
4.
Obstruction To Exit Ways. No sign shall be erected, displayed
or maintained so as to obstruct any fire escape, any required exit
way, window or door opening used as a means of egress or to obstruct
any other means of egress required by the Building Code of the City
of Creve Coeur.
5.
Obstruction Of Ventilation. No sign shall be erected, displayed
or maintained in a manner that interferes with any opening required
for ventilation under the Building Code of the City of Creve Coeur.
6.
Architectural Consistency. Sign installations shall be consistent
with, and not conceal, the architectural detail of a building.
H.
Sign Setbacks. All permanent signs shall be set back from property
lines according to the regulations specified in this Article or as
otherwise required by any other applicable City ordinance. Temporary
signs shall be set back at least five (5) feet from the edge of pavement
of any road and shall be located outside of the right-of-way of any
State, County, or City road.
I.
Substitutability. Whenever a commercial sign would be permitted under
this Article, a sign bearing a political or other non-commercial message
may be installed in its place, provided it otherwise complies with
this Article. Subject to the landowner's consent, a non-commercial
message of any type may be substituted for any duly permitted or allowed
commercial message or any other duly permitted or allowed non-commercial
message; provided that the sign structure or mounting device is legal
without consideration of message content. Such substitution of message
may be made without any additional approval or permitting. This provision
prevails over any more specific provision to the contrary within this
Article. The purpose of this provision is to prevent any inadvertent
favoring of commercial speech over non-commercial speech, or favoring
of any particular non-commercial message over any other non-commercial
message. This provision does not create a right to increase the total
amount of signage on a parcel, nor does it affect the requirements
that a sign otherwise comply with this Article and that a sign structure
or mounting device be properly permitted.
[R.O. 2008 § 26-103; Ord. No. 1903 § 1, 11-24-1997; Ord. No. 1966 § 1, 11-23-1998; Ord. No. 2287 § 1, 6-28-2004; Ord. No. 5033 § 3, 3-24-2008; Ord. No. 5280 § 2, 10-22-2012; Ord. No. 5417 § 1, 2-9-2015; Ord. No. 5437 § 2, 9-16-2015; Ord. No. 5605, 9-11-2018]
A.
General Limitations. It shall be unlawful to erect, permit the erection
of, display or permit the display of any sign on property in a residential
zoning district, unless such sign is expressly permitted by this Section,
subject to all of the limitations and provisions stated herein. All
signs require a permit except as otherwise provided herein.
B.
Residential Development Signs. Permanent signs designating a subdivision, neighborhood or multi-family development for traffic efficiency and safety shall be approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission through the site development plan approval process as defined in Section 405.1080. Such signs shall be limited to twelve (12) square feet per sign face with a maximum of two (2) sign faces.
C.
Exempt Signs In All Residential Districts. No permit shall be required
for the following signs provided that the signs are erected by the
owner or with the owner's permission.
1.
Any lot in a residentially zoned area shall be permitted one
(1) sign with a maximum sign area of six (6) square feet per sign
face and a maximum of two (2) sign faces, except that if the lot is
on the market for sale or lease, then it shall be permitted one (1)
additional sign of six (6) square feet per sign face and a maximum
of two (2) sign faces. Because the foregoing Section allows a residentially
zoned lot to have two (2) signs if it is on the market for sale or
lease, for example that allows for a residential sign containing information
advertising the lot for sale, lease or rent, and an open house sign.
Because other residentially zoned properties are always allowed at
least one (1) sign, that allows, for example, an additional open house
sign off site on other private property with the other owner's permission.
2.
Temporary Signs During An Election. Within forty-five (45) days
prior to and ten (10) days after any election held within Creve Coeur,
temporary signs may be allowed with the owner's permission in addition
to the permitted signage otherwise allowed on a residentially zoned
lot or parcel of land in the City. Each such lot or parcel of land
shall be permitted one (1) or more single- or double-faced signs although
no single sign face shall exceed six (6) square feet. The number of
such additional temporary signs on a lot shall not exceed the total
number of candidates and propositions on the election ballot.
D.
Single-Family Lots Fronting On A Numerically Designated State Highway. Any lot in a single-family residentially zoned area which fronts on and has direct access available from a numerically designated State highway which has received site development plan approval for an office, day care center or retail service uses, as provided by Section 405.450(F), may have a combination of one (1) low monument sign, wall signs, window signs or signs affixed or painted on canopies or awnings. Because these lots are within residential areas, the total gross sign area, counting all faces, shall be consistent with that of other lots in residentially zoned areas and shall not exceed twelve (12) square feet. An additional rear entrance to such a business may be identified by a sign not to exceed two (2) square feet in gross sign area. Such a sign shall be affixed directly to the rear entrance door. Permits shall be required for all signs allowed by this paragraph.
E.
Institutional Uses In Residential Districts.
1.
Permanent Attached Signs. Institutional uses in residential
districts such as schools and places of worship shall be allowed one
(1) permanent sign not exceeding twelve (12) square feet in size,
except, however, that any such use which has a minimum of two (2)
street frontages which each exceed three hundred (300) lineal feet
shall be permitted two (2) such signs. One (1) permanent sign may
be a bulletin board sign with manually changeable copy.
2.
Low Monument Signs. An institutional use in a residential district occupying a site of at least thirty thousand (30,000) square feet may also be permitted a single, low monument sign, which can include a manually changeable bulletin board feature on each face, provided such sign contains not more than twelve (12) square feet of sign area per face with not more than two (2) faces, is not more than six (6) feet in total height above the elevation of the adjacent finish grade, is set back at least ten (10) feet from the right-of-way of said fronting street or highway, is not located within the site distance triangle described in Section 405.670 of this Chapter and the site meets one (1) of the following criteria:
3.
Campus Low Monument Sign. An institutional use in a residential
district occupying a site in excess of five (5) acres may, by filing
a plan with the Zoning Administrator, have a single, freestanding,
permanent sign in accordance with the following standards:
a.
Maximum sign area: Sixty (60) square feet.
b.
Maximum area per sign face: twenty-four (24) square feet.
c.
Maximum height: six (6) feet above prevailing base grade.
d.
Setback on right-of-way: fifteen (15) feet from adjacent roadway
surface and at least one (1) foot from the edge of public right-of-way.
4.
Parking Direction Signs. One (1) freestanding parking direction sign, which may be internally illuminated subject to Section 405.930(F), shall be required for every one hundred fifty (150) parking spaces with not more than two (2) sign faces, provided the sign shall not exceed fifteen (15) square feet in gross sign area per face, the sign height shall not exceed four (4) feet in height and no portion of the sign shall extend into the public right-of-way. The sign shall be placed within the parking lot and for enhanced traffic directional purposes may identify the institution in addition to messages providing directional information. The Zoning Administrator may allow fewer signs for good cause.
5.
Temporary Signs. Institutional uses in a residential district
may be permitted one (1) temporary sign not exceeding twelve (12)
square feet in size, provided that the display of such sign shall
be limited to three (3) times per year for up to thirty (30) days
each period. A separate sign permit shall be required for each event.
F.
On-Site Construction Signs. When property is under construction,
pursuant to an issued building permit, an additional sign not to exceed
twenty-four (24) square feet in gross sign area and not to exceed
six (6) feet in height from top of sign to top of grade or two (2)
feet in height from bottom of sign to top of grade shall be permitted.
Such a sign shall not be erected in a public right-of-way and shall
be removed ten (10) days after the receipt of an occupancy permit
for a building or development or ten (10) days after the completion
of the work if no occupancy permit is required.
[R.O. 2008 § 26-104; Ord. No. 1903 § 1, 11-24-1997; Ord. No. 1919 § 1, 1-26-1998 ; Ord. No. 1977 §§ 1
— 5, 1-11-1999; Ord. No. 2236 § 1, 10-27-2003; Ord. No. 2287 § 1, 6-28-2004; Ord. No. 5073 §§ 3 — 4, 1-8-2009; Ord. No. 5280 § 2, 10-22-2012; Ord. No. 5437 § 2, 9-16-2015; Ord. No. 5553, 11-13-2017; Ord. No. 5605, 9-11-2018]
A.
General Limitations. It shall be unlawful to erect, permit the erection
of, display or permit the display of any sign on property in a non-residential
zoning district unless such sign is expressly permitted by this Article,
subject to all of the limitations and provisions stated herein. All
signs permitted by this Section shall require the issuance of a sign
permit, except for allowed temporary, incidental and portable signs.
B.
Permanent Attached Signs.
1.
In-Line Or Mid-Block Uses. Each individual use located at ground
floor level with its own entrance at street level may have one (1)
attached sign, affixed or painted on a wall, canopy, or awning, with
a total gross sign area of one (1) square foot per linear foot of
the use's front facade or twenty (20) square feet, whichever is greater,
up to a maximum of fifty (50) square feet in area. The sign shall
be located on the front facade which shall also be the same facade
as the main entrance. Where the use has a storefront facade without
the main entrance, the user may allocate a portion of the total gross
sign area allowed by this paragraph to one (1) additional sign located
on the storefront. No use shall be permitted more than two (2) permanent
attached signs under this paragraph.
2.
Corner Units, Single Uses On Corner Lots, Or Out-Lot Buildings
Within A Shopping Center. Each individual use located at ground floor
level with its own entrance at street level may have one (1) attached
sign affixed or painted on a wall, canopy or awning with a total gross
sign area of one (1) square foot per linear foot of the use's front
facade or twenty (20) square feet, whichever is greater, up to a maximum
of fifty (50) square feet in area. The sign shall be located on the
front facade which shall also be the same facade as the main entrance.
One (1) additional attached sign may be permitted per individual use,
subject to the same size limitations, where the building faces two
(2) or more public streets and is not separated from the streets by
any other building or if the main entrance is internal to a development
and does not face a street, and the main entrance is clearly designed
not to be the rear of a building. The additional attached sign shall
be located on a building elevation which does not face the same street
as the primary attached sign and shall not be placed on the elevation
that is used as a main entrance. In any event, no individual use shall
have more than two (2) signs.
3.
Rear Entrances. A rear entrance to an individual or freestanding
business used for delivery purposes may be identified by a sign not
to exceed two (2) square feet in gross sign area. Such a sign shall
be affixed directly to the rear entrance door. In locations where
individual businesses or uses are grouped together in a shopping center,
the permanent signs should maintain uniformity in location, height
and general design.
C.
Low Monument Signs.
1.
Single tenant/occupant buildings and buildings with up to three
(3) tenants/occupants:
a.
A project or development with a site area of at least thirty
thousand (30,000) square feet and less than two (2) acres shall be
permitted a single low monument sign in accordance with the following
standards:
(1)
Maximum sign area: thirty (30) square feet per
face.
(2)
Maximum number of faces: two (2) faces.
(3)
Maximum sign height: six (6) feet above prevailing
base grade.
(4)
Minimum setback: fifteen (15) feet from adjacent
roadway surface and at least one (1) foot from edge of public right-of-way.
(5)
Minimum separation from any other ground sign:
one hundred fifty (150) feet on the same side of the street.
b.
A project or development with a site area of more than two (2)
acres shall be permitted a single low monument sign in accordance
with the following standards:
(1)
Maximum sign area: thirty-five (35) square feet
per face.
(2)
Maximum number of faces: two (2) faces.
(3)
Maximum sign height: eight (8) feet above prevailing
base grade.
(4)
Minimum setback: fifteen (15) feet from the adjacent
roadway surface and at least one (1) foot from edge of public right-of-way.
(5)
Minimum separation from any other ground sign:
one hundred fifty (150) feet on the same side of the street.
2.
Multi-Tenant Buildings With Four (4) Or More Tenants/Occupants.
For multi-tenant buildings with four (4) or more tenants/occupants:
a.
A project or development with a site area of at least thirty
thousand (30,000) square feet and less than two (2) acres shall be
permitted a single low monument sign in accordance with the following
standards:
(1)
Maximum sign area: forty (40) square feet per face.
(2)
Maximum number of faces: two (2) faces.
(3)
Maximum sign height: eight (8) feet above prevailing
base grade
(4)
Minimum letter height: six (6) inches for primary
text on tenant panels along arterial roadways as identified by East-West
Gateway Roadway Functional Classification Map.
(5)
Minimum setback: fifteen (15) feet from adjacent
roadway surface and at least one (1) foot from edge of public right-of-way.
(6)
Minimum separation from any other ground sign:
one hundred fifty (150) feet on the same side of the street.
b.
A project or development with a site area of at least two (2)
acres but less than five (5) acres shall be permitted a single low
monument sign in accordance with the following standards:
(1)
Maximum sign area: fifty (50) square feet per face.
(2)
Maximum number of faces: two (2) faces.
(3)
Maximum sign height: eight (8) feet above prevailing
base grade.
(4)
Minimum letter height: six (6) inches for primary
text on tenant panels along arterial roadways as identified by East-West
Gateway Roadway Functional Classification Map.
(5)
Minimum setback: fifteen (15) feet from adjacent
roadway surface and at least one (1) foot from edge of public right-of-way.
(6)
Minimum separation from any other ground sign:
one hundred fifty (150) feet on the same side of the street.
c.
A project or development with a site area of more than five
(5) acres shall be permitted a single low monument in accordance with
the following standards:
(1)
Maximum sign area: sixty (60) square feet per face.
(2)
Maximum number of faces: two (2) faces.
(3)
Maximum sign height: twelve (12) feet above prevailing
base grade.
(4)
Minimum letter height: six (6) inches for primary
text on tenant panels along arterial roadways as identified by East-West
Gateway Roadway Functional Classification Map.
(5)
Minimum setback from right-of-way: twenty (20)
feet from adjacent roadway surface and at least one (1) foot from
edge of public right-of-way.
(6)
Minimum separation from any other ground sign:
one hundred fifty (150) feet on the same side of the street.
(7)
Additional sign permitted: A project or development
may have one (1) additional low monument sign if there are two (2)
or more entrances from different streets. The additional sign shall
be limited to thirty (30) square feet and placed in accordance with
the same provisions within this Section. This provision is available
only to properties that have roadway access from two (2) of the following
streets: Olive Boulevard, Lindbergh Boulevard, North New Ballas Road,
and Craig Road.
3.
Design Standards. The following design standards apply to all
low monument signs:
a.
A landscaped area located around the base of the sign equal
to two and one-half (2.5) square feet for each square foot of sign
area shall be provided pursuant to a landscape plan with a plant schedule
subject to the Zoning Administrator's approval in conjunction with
the sign permit application for the low monument sign. The required
landscape area may be modified by the Zoning Administrator where it
is found that due to pre-existing circumstances the provision of said
landscape area will cause an undue burden on the ability to effectively
use the property.
b.
The sign shall be constructed of the same or similar architectural
elements and in similar materials and colors as the related buildings.
c.
The sign shall have a solid base of at least one (1) foot in
height with brick, stone or other material to match the related buildings.
d.
When internally illuminated, sign faces shall be constructed
of an opaque surface designed to illuminate the text or graphics.
4.
Separation Reduction. The minimum separation standards of this Subsection (C) may be reduced up to fifty percent (50%) of the applicable requirement by the Zoning Administrator where it can be demonstrated that site conditions preclude full compliance.
5.
Sight Distance Triangle. Low monument signs shall not be located within the sight distance triangle as defined in Section 405.120, Definitions, of this Chapter.
6.
Address Numerals. Address numerals not exceeding two (2) square
feet in area may be placed on a low monument sign and shall not count
against the allowable maximum sign area. No address numerals shall
be placed on the base of the sign.
D.
Attached Signs For Multi-Floor Office, Mixed-Use, And Residential
Buildings.
1.
Each freestanding, single- or multi-tenant office building of
two (2) floors of leasable space may have one (1) attached sign affixed
parallel to the building, with a sign area of up to fifty (50) square
feet, provided it is the only sign on that elevation. One (1) additional
attached sign may be permitted, subject to the same size and location
limitations above, where the building faces two (2) or more public
streets and is not separated from the streets by any other building,
but the additional attached sign shall be located on a building elevation
which faces a different street than the primary attached sign.
2.
Each freestanding, single- or multi-tenant office building of
three (3) or more floors of leasable space may have one (1) attached
sign affixed parallel to the building, with a sign area of up to fifty
(50) square feet for a three-story building, with an additional ten
(10) square feet of sign area allowed for each additional floor over
three (3), up to a maximum of one hundred fifty (150) square feet.
One (1) additional attached sign may be permitted, subject to the
same size limitations, where the building faces two (2) or more public
streets and is not separated from the streets by any other building,
but the additional attached sign shall be located on a building elevation
which faces a different street than the primary attached sign.
3.
Each freestanding, multi-tenant mixed-use building with individual
restaurant, retail, or service commercial uses on the first floor
and offices located on one (1) or more floors above may have one (1)
attached sign affixed parallel to the building, with a sign area of
up to fifty (50) square feet. One (1) additional attached sign may
be permitted, subject to the same size and location limitations above,
where the building faces two (2) or more public streets and is not
separated from the streets by any other building, but the additional
attached sign shall be located on a building elevation which faces
a different street than the primary attached sign.
4.
Each freestanding, multi-family residential building may have
one (1) attached sign affixed parallel to the building, with a sign
area of up to fifty (50) square feet, provided it is the only sign
on that elevation. One (1) additional attached sign may be permitted,
subject to the same size and location limitations above, where the
building faces two (2) or more public streets and is not separated
from the streets by any other building, but the additional attached
sign shall be located on a building elevation which faces a different
street than the primary attached sign.
E.
Address Signs. For fire protection and traffic safety and efficiency,
each freestanding single- or multi-tenant office building shall have
one (1) set of address numerals per building frontage. These numerals
must be affixed flat against the facade of the building and no part
of the numerals shall project above the roof or parapet line of the
building. The square footage shall be determined by measuring the
rectangle formed by outlining the numeral. Each numeral shall not
exceed the sign limitations listed in the following table:
|
Height of Sign on Building
(story)
|
Distance from R.O.W
(feet)
|
Allowable Square Footage per Numeral
(square feet)
|
|---|---|---|
|
1
|
0 — 100
|
2
|
|
1
|
101 — 250
|
3
|
|
1
|
over 250
|
4
|
|
2
|
0 — 100
|
3
|
|
2
|
101 — 250
|
4
|
|
2
|
over 250
|
5
|
|
3
|
0 — 100
|
4
|
|
3
|
101 — 250
|
5
|
|
3
|
over 250
|
6
|
|
4
|
0 — 100
|
5
|
|
4
|
101 — 250
|
6
|
|
4
|
over 250
|
7
|
|
5
|
0 — 100
|
6
|
|
5
|
101 — 250
|
7
|
|
5
|
over 250
|
8
|
|
6
|
0 — 100
|
7
|
|
6
|
101 — 250
|
8
|
|
6
|
over 250
|
9
|
|
over 6
|
0 — 100
|
8
|
|
over 6
|
101 — 250
|
9
|
|
over 6
|
over 250
|
10
|
F.
Multi-Tenant Real Estate Information Signs. Pursuant to Section 67.317,
RSMo., each multi-tenant building or complex (where more than one
(1) building is in the same development) may be permitted one (1)
permanent real estate information sign, subject to the following:
1.
The gross sign area shall not exceed twenty-four (24) square
feet per face with a maximum of two (2) sign faces. Decorative edge
treatments shall not be included in the gross sign area.
2.
The sign shall not be more than six (6) feet in total height above the elevation of the prevailing base grade, shall be set back at least fifteen (15) feet from the adjacent roadway surface and at least one (1) foot from edge of public right-of-way, located a minimum of one hundred fifty (150) feet from any other ground sign on other property on the same side of the street, and shall not be located within the site distance triangle as defined in Section 405.120, Definitions, of this Chapter. The minimum separation standards may be reduced up to fifty percent (50%) of the applicable requirement by the Zoning Administrator where it can be demonstrated that site conditions preclude full compliance.
3.
The sign shall be permanently affixed to the ground with rot-
and insect-resistant materials without use of supporting wires, cross-bracing
or stanchions.
4.
The aggregate visible width of the supporting legs or base shall
be at least one-quarter (1/4) of the width of the sign.
5.
The edges of the sign shall be boxed-in, framed or otherwise
enclosed to eliminate visible gaps or spaces between any sign panels.
6.
The sign copy shall be applied and protected with weather-resistant
materials and finishes.
7.
Any attached "riders" (e.g., available floor area) on the sign
shall be incorporated within the external dimensions of the sign and
are limited to one (1) rider per sign face.
8.
These provisions shall not be applicable to single-tenant or single-occupant properties, which instead are subject to Section 405.950(G)(4), Temporary Signs For Single-Tenant Properties.
9.
Nothing in these provisions shall be deemed to limit or alter in any way the provisions of Section 405.930(I), Substitutability, of this Chapter.
G.
Temporary Signs. The following signs are permitted as temporary to
a given ground floor business or use and are not to be included in
calculating the allowable gross sign area for permanent signs:
1.
Window Signs. The total gross sign area of all window signs as defined in Section 405.120, Definition of Terms, shall not exceed twenty percent (20%) of the area of any individual window located in the lowest eleven (11) feet of the storefront as measured from the adjacent exterior grade. For the purposes of this Section, panes of glass separated by a structural column or portion of exterior finished wall shall be considered individual windows. Further, glass located within a door, whether or not it is used as an entrance/exit, is not an eligible location for a window sign. No window signs are allowed more than eleven (11) feet above the adjacent grade. Appropriate types of signage include die-cut vinyl, screen printing and/or gilding applied to or etched on surface of the storefront glazing or composed of artistically rendered skeletal or product. Graphics painted directly onto the glass surface are prohibited.
2.
Temporary Displays And Signs. Temporary displays such as banners
or posters shall be permitted for ground floor retail sales and service
uses. These special displays shall be limited to two (2) times per
year for up to three (3) weeks each period. A separate sign permit
shall be required for each event. These temporary displays shall be
constructed and lettered to a professional quality and the size of
banners or posters shall not exceed the allowable square footage for
permanent signs. Permitted balloons shall not exceed two (2) feet
in length or width. The items shall be secured in such a manner as
to minimize movement and shall be attached to the main building or
structure and not be erected as freestanding elements or attached
to vehicles or low monument signs, and shall be no more than eighteen
(18) feet above the ground elevation.
3.
Temporary Signs During An Election. Within forty-five (45) days
prior to and ten (10) days after any election held within Creve Coeur,
temporary signs may be allowed with the owner's permission in addition
to the permitted signage allowed on any non-residentially zoned lot
or parcel of land in the City. Each lot or parcel of land shall be
permitted one (1) or more single- or double-faced sign although no
single sign face shall exceed twelve (12) square feet. The number
of such temporary signs on a lot shall not exceed the total number
of candidates and propositions on the election ballot.
4.
Temporary Real Estate Signs On Single-Tenant/Occupant Properties. Pursuant to Section 67.317, RSMo., in addition to the permitted signage on any single-tenant/occupant non-residential premises, temporary real estate signs are allowed offering the premises for sale, lease or rent. Such signs shall be limited to advertising the premises on which they are located, shall be a maximum of six (6) feet tall and shall be limited to twenty-four (24) square feet per sign face with a maximum of two (2) sign faces. Temporary real estate signs shall be removed from the premises ten (10) days after the premises is sold, leased or rented. These provisions shall not apply to multi-tenant/occupancy properties and if the property is subsequently converted to multi-tenant occupancy, the requirements of Section 405.950(F), Multi-Tenant Real Estate Information Signs, shall be enforced on the property.
5.
Portable Signs. In all commercial districts, one (1) portable
sandwich board sign limited to six (6) square feet and no more than
four (4) feet in height shall be allowed per business address, without
a permit, provided that such sign is no more than four (4) feet from
the front door entrance, the sign does not obstruct pedestrian movement,
and the sign does not obstruct or otherwise pose a hazard to motor
vehicle traffic. Such signs must be stored inside between dusk and
dawn.
6.
Signs On Converted Residential Structures In Commercial Zoning
Districts. Each residential structure which has been converted to
a commercial use by approval of a site development plan by the Planning
and Zoning Commission may have one (1) or more wall signs, window
signs or signs affixed or painted on canopies or awnings with a total
gross sign area not to exceed twenty-five (25) square feet. A rear
entrance to such business may be identified by a sign not to exceed
two (2) square feet in gross sign area. Such a sign shall be affixed
directly to the rear entrance door.
H.
Special Purpose Signs. Signs authorized in this Subsection are not
to be included in calculating the allowable gross sign area for permanent
signs.
1.
Parking And Other Direction Signs. One (1) freestanding parking
direction sign per direction of traffic, which may be internally illuminated,
shall be required for each driveway, provided the sign shall not exceed
three (3) square feet in gross sign area per face, the sign height
shall not exceed three (3) feet and no portion of the sign shall extend
into the public right-of-way. If the sign is located at a private
driveway, for enhanced traffic directional purposes it may identify
the business in addition to messages providing directional information.
Other directional signs shall be installed as may be required by the
City.
2.
Marquee Signs. Marquee signs for theaters, cinemas, exhibition centers and similar public assembly uses shall be permitted only upon the specific authorization of the Planning and Zoning Commission, subject to such restrictions and conditions as the Commission may deem necessary after a site development plan is reviewed under the provisions of Section 405.1080.
3.
On-Site Construction Signs. When the property is under construction
pursuant to an issued building permit, an additional sign, not to
exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in gross sign area per face with
a maximum of two (2) faces and not to exceed ten (10) feet in height
from top of sign to top of grade or two (2) feet in height from bottom
of sign to top of grade, shall be permitted. Such a sign shall be
erected out of the public right-of-way and shall be removed ten (10)
days after completion of a project and not later than ten (10) days
after issuance of occupancy permit.
4.
Covered Walkway Signs. A sign not to exceed two (2) square feet
in gross sign area may be hung from the ceiling of a covered walkway
that is attached to the front of a retail store. Such a sign shall
not exceed eighteen (18) inches in drop from the bottom of the said
sign to the ceiling surface of the covered walkway, nor shall the
bottom of said sign be less than seven (7) feet above the sidewalk
surface it is hanging over. Only one (1) covered walkway sign per
business shall be allowed. Such a sign shall be hung perpendicular
to the retail storefront so as to be beneficial to pedestrian traffic.
I.
Automobile Service Stations.
1.
Signs located on property used for automobile service stations
shall be subject to the provisions and limitations set forth in this
Section.
2.
No sign shall be attached to any pole, light standard or gasoline tank vent pipe. No sign shall be attached to a gasoline pump excepting those provided for in Section 405.950(I)(5).
3.
Wall Signs.
a.
Not more than one (1) wall sign shall be permitted for each
automobile service station. This wall sign shall not exceed twenty-five
(25) square feet in gross sign area.
b.
In instances where the washing of motor vehicles is an accessory
service being offered on a property used for an automobile service
station, one (1) additional wall sign shall be permitted. This wall
sign shall not exceed ten (10) square feet in area. Further, one (1)
sign designating the entrance to and one (1) sign designating the
exit from the washing area shall be affixed directly to the structure
near such entrance or exit for traffic safety and efficiency. The
gross sign area of such signs shall not exceed twelve (12) square
feet. One (1) additional sign may be erected no closer than seventy-five
(75) feet from any public right-of-way. Such a sign shall not exceed
ten (10) square feet in gross sign area or eight (8) feet in height
from top of sign to top of grade. Said sign shall be permanently anchored
to a wall, canopy support or a freestanding pole.
4.
Service Station Canopy Signs. An automobile service station
with a canopy shall be permitted one (1) service station canopy sign,
in addition to a wall sign, per street frontage. This service station
canopy sign shall not exceed thirty (30) square feet in gross sign
area per street frontage. This sign shall be a flat sign permanently
affixed to the vertical face of the canopy and shall not project above
or below or from any side of the vertical face of the canopy. This
sign shall be illuminated by internal and non-intermittent light sources.
Any business logo, inclusive of striping or other symbols, appearing
on this canopy sign shall count as part of the gross sign area allowable
for said sign.
5.
Pump Signs. Signs shall be posted on gasoline pumps so as to
provide the required information to the public regarding "octane rating,"
"price" and "type of fuel." "Self-service" or "full-service" signs
shall identify each pump island on the service station property to
minimize traffic conflicts. The location of such signs shall be limited
to the gasoline pump or the canopy support, not more than eight (8)
feet above the ground, located at each end of the pump island. A maximum
of two (2) such signs shall be allowed per pump island and each sign
shall not exceed two (2) square feet in area.
6.
Gasoline Price Signs. For purposes of traffic efficiency and
safety, one (1) gasoline price sign shall be allowed on the property.
This sign must be freestanding and permanently anchored with a masonry
base at least one (1) foot in height. Such a sign shall not exceed
thirty (30) square feet in sign area per face and shall not exceed
six (6) feet in height from top of sign to top of grade. Illumination
shall be by internal and non-intermittent light sources. This sign
shall identify the actual unit price being charged for gasoline being
sold.
J.
Reserved.
K.
Existing Signs Not Conforming To Common Signage Plan. If any common
signage plan has been approved under previously effective ordinances
for a property on which existing signs were located with a schedule
for bringing into conformance, within three (3) years, all signs not
conforming to the proposed plan or to the requirements of this Chapter
in effect on the date of submission, such schedule shall be met notwithstanding
elimination of the common signage plan ordinance.
L.
Billboards.
1.
Not Permitted. Billboards, and except as otherwise expressly authorized by this Article VIII, other signs exceeding fifty (50) square feet in gross sign area shall not be permitted in the City. This prohibition shall be effective as of July 1, 2009. Any billboard permitted prior to that date shall be deemed a non-conforming sign, but shall not be enlarged, relocated, or reset. The City expressly prohibits the resetting of qualifying signs pursuant to Section 226.541, RSMo. Existing tri-vision billboards are likewise deemed to be non-conforming signs. "Tri-vision billboard" means a sign face having a series of three-sided rotating slats arranged side by side, either horizontally or vertically, which is capable of displaying a total of three (3) separate message copies, one (1) message copy at a time.
2.
Lighting And Landscaping Of Billboards. All lighting and landscaping
of grandfathered billboards shall comply with the following:
a.
Previously approved and required landscaping shall be maintained;
b.
No revolving or rotating beam or beacon of light that simulates
any emergency light or device shall be permitted as part of any sign.
No flashing, intermittent or moving light or lights will be permitted;
c.
External lighting such as floodlights, thin line and gooseneck
reflectors are permitted, provided the light source is directed upon
the face of the sign 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 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 driver's
operation of a motor vehicle and such lights shall be effectively
shielded so as to prevent beams or rays of light from being directed
onto adjacent residential property;
d.
No billboard shall be so illuminated that it interferes with
the effectiveness of or obscures an official traffic sign, device
or signal;
e.
The maximum average lighting intensity level for such sign shall
be twenty (20) foot-candles.
3.
Obstruction Of Official Highway Signs. No sign shall be located
in such manner as to obstruct or otherwise physically interfere with
the effectiveness or visibility 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.
4.
Annual Inspection And Certification. Owners of all billboards
shall be required to submit, to the Zoning Administrator, an inspection
report from a Missouri licensed engineer as to the sign's structural
integrity. Such certification shall be done on or before July 1 of
each year. Failure to submit a report shall result in the immediate
revocation of the sign's permit.
5.
Nuisances. Any billboard which, because of lack of maintenance,
upkeep, vandalism, accumulation of litter, refuse or debris or the
deterioration of landscaping, lighting or fencing, becomes unsightly
or unsafe, as determined by the Zoning Administrator, is hereby declared
to be a nuisance and shall be subject to abatement by the City in
the same manner as all other nuisances on private property.
[Ord. No. 5605, 9-11-2018]
A.
In keeping with the intent to allow flexibility in the design of
planned developments and large campus development of contiguous multi-acre
areas, not separated by major highways or public right-of-ways (i.e.,
Olive Boulevard), the following options may be available for signs
accessory to uses in non-residential district properties of campus
developments of three (3) or more multiple buildings with a minimum
of ten (10) acres, HE Higher Education District, and residentially
zoned institutions (schools and places of worship with a minimum tract
area of twenty (20) acres).
1.
As an alternative to what would otherwise be allowed, signs may be permitted in accordance with a Comprehensive Plan of signage subject to the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission and approval of the City Council following a public hearing conducted in accordance with the provisions of Sections 405.1060(D)(3) and 405.1120 of the Zoning Code. The Comprehensive Plan of signage shall show the location, size, height and extent of all proposed signs. In addition, the geographic limits of the area to be covered by the Comprehensive Plan of signage must be shown.
2.
Any application submitted pursuant to Subsection (A)(1) above may be made by any property owner, owner of an easement, lessee, contract purchaser or their agent. Such application shall be accompanied by a statement setting forth the names of the record owners of the properties upon which such signs are proposed to be located and the notarized agreement of each record owner to the placement of such signs on their property. When an application requests permission to erect a sign on property owned by someone other than the applicant, then such application shall be accompanied by a written and notarized statement signed by the record owners of such properties which indicates their endorsement of the application.
3.
The above-cited signage options shall be exercised in accordance with the standards for all planned developments as set forth in Section 405.1080. All proposed signs shall be reviewed based on the following criteria:
a.
Proposed signs are consistent with the purpose of this Article.
b.
Proposed signs are compatible with the theme, visual quality,
and overall character of the surrounding area.
c.
Proposed signs are in scale and harmonious with the development
and shall be so located and sized as to ensure convenience to the
visitor, user or occupant of the development while not adding to street
clutter or otherwise detracting from the planned unit nature of the
development and the purposes of architectural and urban design elements.
4.
The Zoning Administrator may approve minor changes to an approved
master sign plan which he determines to be consistent with the scope
and intent of such plan.
[R.O. 2008 § 26-105; Ord. No. 1903 § 1, 11-24-1997; Ord. No. 5280 § 2, 10-22-2012; Ord. No. 5437 § 2, 9-16-2015; Ord. No. 5605, 9-11-2018]
A.
Sign Code Violations And Enforcement. Any sign which is not in compliance with all the provisions of this Article is declared to be unlawful. The City, through the Zoning Administrator, may initiate injunction or abatement proceedings or other appropriate action in the courts against any person who violates or fails to comply with any provisions of this Article or against the erector, owner or user of an unlawful sign or the owner of property on which an unlawful sign is located to prevent, enjoin, abate or terminate the erection, use of display of an unlawful sign. Any person who violates or fails to comply with any of the provisions of this Article or the erector, owner or user of an unlawful sign or the owner of property on which an unlawful sign is located shall be subject to the financial penalties set forth in Section 405.1150(D) of this Chapter.
B.
Removal Of Unlawful Sign. Any unlawful sign which has not been removed
within thirty (30) days after conviction of violation or imposition
of civil penalty may be removed by the City and the costs charged
to the violator. If removal costs have not been paid and the sign
reclaimed within thirty (30) days of its removal by the City, the
City may sell or otherwise dispose of the sign and apply the proceeds
toward costs of removal. Any proceeds in excess of costs shall be
paid to the owner of the sign.
C.
Immediate Removal Of Unlawful Or Unsafe Signs. Signs which the Zoning
Administrator finds upon public streets, sidewalks, rights-of-way
or other public property or which wherever located present an immediate
and serious danger to the public because of their unsafe condition
may be immediately removed by the Zoning Administrator without prior
notice.
[R.O. 2008 § 26-106; Ord. No. 1903 § 1, 11-24-1997; Ord. No. 5280 § 2, 10-22-2012; Ord. No. 5437 § 2, 9-16-2015; Ord. No. 5605, 9-11-2018]
A.
Practical Difficulties Or Unnecessary Hardship.
1.
Where there are practical difficulties or unnecessary hardship
in the way of carrying out the strict letter of the provisions of
this Article, the Board of Adjustment may vary or modify the application
of specific regulations for any permitted form of signage so that
the spirit of this Article shall be observed, public safety and welfare
secured and substantial justice done.
2.
A variance from this Article may be granted for any permitted
form of signage where it is found that because of the limitations
on character, size, number or dimensions of signs or the regulations
controlling the erection or installation of a sign, the applicant
would be subject to practical difficulties or unnecessary hardship.
Unnecessary hardship is not considered the loss of possible advantage,
economic loss or gain or mere inconvenience to the applicant.
