[R.O. 2004 § 415.010; Ord. No.
15-04 § 1, 3-10-2015[1]]
The purpose of this Chapter is to provide reasonable regulations
for the erection and display of signs. These regulations are intended
to promote the public health, safety and general welfare through a
comprehensive set of standards and requirements that help preserve
the existing appearance of the City. These regulations are not intended
to prohibit the display of a sign with a religious or political message
or any sign permitted or required by State or Federal law, provided
that any such sign conforms to the requirements of this Chapter.
[1]
Editor's Note: Section 1 of this ordinance repealed former
Ch. 415, Sign Regulations, adopted and amended by Ord. No. 07-18 § 1,
9-13-2007; Ord. No. 11-21 § 2(a-c), 12-13-2011.
[R.O. 2004 § 415.020; Ord. No.
15-04 § 1, 3-10-2015; Ord. No. 23-19, 12-14-2023]
For the purpose of the administration and enforcement of this
Chapter, the following words shall have a meaning as defined herein.
Terms not defined in this Section shall have the meanings respectively
ascribed to them in the City's subdivision and zoning regulations.[1] If any term is not defined either in this Section or in
the subdivision or zoning regulations, said term shall have its standard
Webster's dictionary meaning.
Intermittent advertising signs are generally associated with
events that occur repeatedly, such as weekly or biweekly.
Temporary advertising signs are generally associated with
events or uses such as store sales or promotions, grand openings,
closings and seasonal uses.
Any sign of lightweight fabric or other non-rigid material
that is mounted to a pole, building or other structure. Flags are
not considered banners. For the purpose of these regulations, banners
are considered a subset of temporary or intermittent advertising signs.
An off-premises sign used for the display of advertisements
in public places, such as alongside highways. [Note: The Missouri
Department of Transportation (MoDOT) controls outdoor advertising
on all National Highway System (NHS) routes, along with any route
classified as a Federal aid primary highway as of June 1, 1991.]
A sign which contains changeable information related to that
institution where the sign is located.
A sign used to identify an individual business or a commercial
or industrial facility.
A fixed or retractable protective cover over an outdoor area,
which is either mounted on a building or independently supported.
Any sign that is a part of or attached to a canopy.
A sign, tablet or plaque commemorating or memorializing a
person, event, structure or site.
Any sign wording, logo or other representation that directly
or indirectly names, advertises or calls attention to a business,
product, service or other commercial activity.
A sign hung underneath a canopy over a pedestrian walkway.
A sign that provides information directing individuals to
locations within a site. Examples include such information as "deliveries,"
"visitor parking," "main lobby," "staff," "exit" and similar information,
being accompanied by a directional arrow.
A temporary sign supporting a candidate and/or issue on the
ballot in an impending election.
Any structure or portion thereof upon which alphanumeric
characters, graphics or symbols defined by a small number of matrix
elements using different combinations of light emitting diodes (LEDs),
fiber optics, light bulbs or other illumination devices within the
display area, including computer programmable, microprocessor controlled
electronic displays and projected images or messages with these characteristics
are utilized to advertise a person, thing, product or service not
located or sold on the lot upon which the electronic billboard is
placed.
A temporary sign announcing or promoting a single or recurring
event (not more than once a month) sponsored by a school, church,
neighborhood association, or other non-profit organization, and that
contains no commercial message.
A temporary sign announcing or promoting an event that occurs
no more than twice a year that is sponsored by a school, church, neighborhood
association, or other non-profit organization, and that contains no
commercial message.
Any fabric containing distinctive colors, patterns or symbols
used as a symbol of a government, institution or business; where the
primary content is symbolic rather than words.
Any sign anchored in the ground and that is independent from
any building or other structure, not including monument signs.
Temporary signs and decorations that are customary and associated
with commonly recognized holidays, and that contain no commercial
message.
A sign that contains a political, religious, social or philosophical
non-commercial message.
A sign which is generally informational and has a purpose
secondary to the use of the premises on which it is located, such
as "open," "closed," "credit cards accepted here," "loading only,"
"telephone," "no trespassing," "no soliciting," "no hunting" or similar
information and that contains no commercial message.
A sign used to identify an individual church, school or non-profit
organizational facility.
A sign placed outside of a restaurant on which said restaurant
displays its menu and pricing.
A ground-mounted sign that is essentially solid (not pole-mounted).
A type of subdivision directory sign, for a single commercial
premises containing two (2) or more separate and distinct businesses
with separate points of entrance.
Any sign that does not conform to the provisions of this
Chapter is considered non-compliant.
Any sign which advertises or identifies a property, business
or address but is located on premises other than the one (1) to which
the sign pertains.
A sign that is designed to be easily transportable, including,
but not limited to, signs designed to be displayed while mounted or
affixed to the trailer by which it is transported or with wheels remaining
otherwise attached during display; signs mounted on transportable
frames with wheels removed; signs attached or affixed to a chassis
or other movable support constructed without wheels; signs designed
as or converted to A-frame or T-frame signs; signs attached temporarily
to the ground, a structure or other signs; signs mounted on a vehicle
and visible from the public right-of-way.
A sign indicating only the availability for sale, lease or
rent of a specific parcel, building or portion of a building and name,
address and telephone number of the owner or listing real estate broker.
Any sign located on and/or over the roof of a building, supported
by the roof structure.
Any device, fixture, placard or structure, including any
support or foundation, that uses any color, form, graphic illumination,
symbol or writing to advertise, or identify the purpose of a business,
person or entity or to communicate information of any kind to the
public. The structure supporting a sign is considered part of the
sign. Display of actual products in a window is not considered a sign.
The display surface used for the sign's message.
The length of building frontage that is used to determine the maximum allowed sign area for a premises. See Section 415.060 for details regarding how to determine sign frontage.
An official City document certifying that the plans for the
proposed sign have been reviewed and approved by the City and that
the plans comply with all applicable City ordinances and requirements.
A temporary sign or poster affixed to a utility pole, tree,
fence or similar object that was not designed to display or support
a sign.
An on-premises, temporary sign intended to inform the general
public about a subdivision under development.
An off-premises, temporary sign intended to direct the general
public to a subdivision under development.
A sign located at the entrance to a commercial or industrial
subdivision, providing a list of businesses located in said subdivision.
A permanent sign at the entrance of a residential subdivision
that identifies the name of the subdivision.
A permanent sign within a residential subdivision, where
subdivision notices may be posted, and that may include a map of the
subdivision.
The total amount of square footage of permanent sign area
that a premises is allowed to display, which is based on the amount
of sign frontage of said premises.
Any sign attached parallel to and within fourteen (14) inches
of a wall of any building or structure, and which displays only one
(1) sign face.
Any sign that is painted on, adhered to, or placed within
five (5) feet of a window, and is visible from the exterior of the
window.
[R.O. 2004 § 415.030; Ord. No.
15-04 § 1, 3-10-2015]
A.
Applicability. The provisions of this Chapter shall apply to all
signs in the City, except government signs. Every sign shall comply
with all other applicable ordinances of the City. In case of a conflict
between the provisions of this Chapter and other applicable provisions,
the more restrictive provision shall govern.
B.
Compliance. No new sign shall be constructed or erected after the
effective date of this Chapter, unless the sign conforms to all the
provisions of this Chapter and any required sign permit has been issued
by the Zoning Commissioner or the Zoning Commissioner's designee.
C.
Property Lines. Unless otherwise specified in this Chapter, all parts
of any sign shall be set back a minimum of five (5) feet from property
lines. No sign shall project beyond a property line or be allowed
in any public right-of-way except authorized traffic control signs.
D.
Off-Premises. No off-premises signs are allowed except for directional
arrows, subdivision direction signs, event signs, special event signs,
election signs, ideological signs, and State-sanctioned billboards.
E.
Safety. No sign shall be located such that it impairs traffic visibility
or the health, safety and welfare of the public.
F.
Corner Visibility. Sign placement within thirty (30) feet of street corners shall allow for corner visibility as required by Section 405.170.
[Ord. No. 16-12 § 42, 7-12-2016]
G.
Multiple Frontages. Signs shall be displayed on a maximum of two
(2) frontages per premises. Non-residential premises are also permitted
one (1) rear entrance sign measuring not more than two (2) square
feet in size.
H.
Sign Faces. When a sign has two (2) sign faces, the sign faces shall
be parallel to one (1) another and not more than fourteen (14) inches
apart. A sign shall have no more than two (2) sign faces.
I.
Illuminated Signs. Illuminated signs shall be subject to the following
requirements:
1.
All lighting that is a part of any sign shall be in conformance with the City of Weldon Spring's Lighting Regulations (Chapter 425) as it applies to commercial property.
2.
The light from any illuminated sign shall be shaded, shielded
and/or directed away from the residents, occupants and motorists of
surrounding areas. The intensity of such light shall not exceed one-half
(1/2) footcandle at the property line of any adjoining residentially
zoned property.
3.
No sign shall have blinking, flashing or fluttering lights or
other illuminating device of variable light intensity, brightness
or color.
4.
Neither direct nor reflected light from primary light sources
shall create a hazard to operators of motor vehicles.
J.
Electronic Displays. Electronic displays may be used as portions
of allowed wall or monument signs. Examples include time/temperature
information, gas prices, or other information. Electronic displays
shall be essentially static; the display may be updated no more frequently
than every ten (10) seconds. Displays shall not flash and shall not
simulate motion.
K.
Building Codes. Design, construction, and erection of any sign requiring
a sign permit shall comply with all applicable building codes. The
Zoning Commissioner or the Zoning Commissioner's designee shall deny
approval of any sign which does not meet all minimum standards as
set forth in the building codes of the City. All signs, except those
attached flat against the wall of a building, shall be constructed
to withstand wind loads of thirty (30) pounds per square foot of sign
area.
L.
Maintenance. All signs and related structures shall be maintained
in a safe, clean and attractive condition. 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;
signs that are not in good repair or that are unsafe shall be deemed
non-compliant.
M.
Inspection. All signs may be inspected by the City at any time to
ensure compliance with this Chapter.
[R.O. 2004 § 415.040; Ord. No.
15-04 § 1, 3-10-2015]
A.
The following signs are prohibited in all zoning districts of the
City:
1.
Any sign not specifically allowed by this Chapter.
2.
Signs that imitate, blend with, conflict with or might be construed
as traffic control signals, devices or signs.
3.
Signs on public land, including road right-of-way, and signs
extending over a roadway, except those erected at the direction of
or with the permission of an appropriate public authority.
4.
Strips or strings of lights which call attention to a use or
occupancy by outlining property lines, roof lines, doors, windows,
wall edges or other architectural features of a building site or which
are suspended from or attached to poles or similar structures. Exempted
from this provision is non-blinking holiday lighting displayed from
November 21 through January 15.
5.
Moving or rotating signs, including signs on which all or any
part of the sign moves or appears to move.
6.
Commercial message signs in residential zoning districts. The
only exceptions are residential real estate signs, new subdivision
signs and temporary construction signs.
7.
Signs painted directly on building surfaces, except window signs.
8.
Portable signs (except temporary menu boards and permitted intermittent
advertising signs).
9.
Roof signs and snipe signs.
10.
Balloons and inflatable signs that have any dimension greater
than two (2) feet.
11.
Any sign that exhibits statements, words or pictures of an obscene
nature, as defined by the United States Supreme Court.
[R.O. 2004 § 415.050; Ord. No.
15-04 § 1, 3-10-2015]
A.
Sign Area.
1.
When a sign has two (2) faces back to back, only one (1) sign
face shall be included in determining the total sign area.
2.
The sign area shall be measured by including the entire area
within a single continuous perimeter composed of parallelograms, triangles,
circles, ellipses or combinations thereof enclosing the extreme limits
of the sign, not including structural supports which are not an integral
part of the sign.
3.
In the case of a wall or window sign consisting of individual
letters, only two-thirds (2/3) of the entire area of the enclosing
parallelograms, triangles, circles, ellipses or combinations thereof
shall be counted as the area of the sign.
4.
Architectural features, structural supports and landscape elements
are not considered part of the sign area.
B.
Sign Height. The height of a sign is the vertical distance measured
from the grade at the base of the sign to the uppermost point of the
sign structure, including architectural appendages. Signs may not
be raised through the construction of berms or by any other form of
super elevation treatment.
[R.O. 2004 § 415.060; Ord. No.
15-04 § 1, 3-10-2015]
A.
Sign Frontage. Sign frontage is the length of building facing a street
(or an intervening parking area).
1.
For multitenant center buildings, the sign frontage applicable
to each leased unit shall be the length of that unit.
2.
If a premises fronts one (1) street, the total sign frontage
shall be the length of the building facing that street.
3.
If a premises fronts two (2) or more streets, the sign frontage for each face shall be the length of the building facing each street. Each frontage shall apply separately to a total sign area allowance for signs along that frontage. Note that Section 415.030(G) limits signage to only two (2) frontages.
B.
Total Sign Area Allowance. The total sign area allowance for any
premises is one (1) square foot of sign area for every one (1) linear
foot of sign frontage. For businesses which include a gas price display,
an additional twenty-four (24) square feet may be added to the total
sign area allowance. For each premises, the total area of all of the
signs listed below shall not exceed the total sign area allowance.
Other types of signs need not be included in calculation of the total
sign area.
[R.O. 2004 § 415.070; Ord. No.
15-04 § 1, 3-10-2015]
A.
The most common types of signs are wall, monument, freestanding, window and canopy signs. Requirements for these types of signs are included in the following Subsections. Section 415.080 identifies situations where these types of signs may be used, and identifies other types of allowed signs. The primary sign for a business or institution will usually be either a wall, monument, or canopy sign.
1.
Wall Signs.
a.
Zoning. Non-residential only, except walls signs may also be
used as institutional signs in a residential zoned area.
b.
Permit/fee. Permit required; fee required.
c.
Uses. The main use is as a business or institutional sign.
d.
Size. The total sign area of any wall sign shall not exceed
ten percent (10%) of the area of the wall upon which it is mounted,
nor shall any wall sign exceed one hundred (100) square feet in size.
A wall sign may extend above the eaves of a roof, provided that it
does not extend above the highest point of the roof. For a business
within a multitenant center, these limits shall be determined using
only the portion of the wall within the leased space for that business.
e.
Total Sign Area. Wall signs shall be included when calculating
the total sign area for any given premises.
f.
Materials. Wall signs shall be constructed of metal, plastic
and other permanent materials; wood is not allowed. Wall signs shall
not be painted directly on walls.
2.
Monument Signs.
a.
Zoning. Residential and non-residential.
b.
Permit/Fee. Permit required; fee required.
c.
ARC Review. The Architectural Review Committee (ARC) shall review
all monument signs for approval. Landscaping and lighting plans shall
be submitted with all monument sign applications and shall conform
to current City landscaping and commercial lighting standards.
d.
Uses. The primary uses for monument signs are as a main business
or institutional sign, as a commercial subdivision or multitenant
center sign, and as a residential subdivision entrance sign.
e.
Sign Frontage Requirement. Non-residential monument signs are
prohibited on premises with less than one hundred (100) feet of sign
frontage.
f.
Number. Only one (1) monument sign is allowed per non-residential
premises, and per subdivision entrance (for commercial, industrial
and residential subdivisions).
g.
Size. Monument signs shall not exceed eight (8) feet in height,
except multitenant center, and commercial and industrial subdivision
directory signs shall not exceed twelve (12) feet in height. Monument
signs shall have a maximum sign area of sixty-four (64) square feet
or ninety-six (96) square feet when a sign area bonus is applied,
as follows. A fifty-percent sign area bonus shall be provided if said
sign is located entirely within a landscaped area. The bonus shall
be granted if a minimum of four (4) square feet of landscaping is
provided for every one (1) square foot of sign face. Only one (1)
sign face of the sign shall be counted. To count as landscaping, seventy-five
percent (75%) of the sign area landscaping shall be live plant cover
within three (3) years of normal plant growth. If the sign is integrated
into a raised planter box, the landscape area may be reduced to one
(1) square foot of landscaping for every one (1) foot of sign area.
h.
Total Sign Area. Non-residential monument signs shall be included
when calculating the total sign area for any given premises (with
the exception of multitenant center signs and commercial and industrial
subdivision directory signs, which are not included).
i.
Materials. All non-residential monument signs shall be constructed
of masonry and shall be of a design, color and size that is in keeping
with the facades of the buildings in the existing or proposed surrounding
development and shall complement the surrounding land uses. All residential
(subdivision) monument signs shall be constructed of masonry and shall
be of a design, color and size that is in keeping with existing subdivision
monument signs in the City and shall complement the surrounding neighborhoods
and/or land uses.
3.
Freestanding Signs.
a.
Zoning. Residential and non-residential.
b.
Permit/Fee. Permit and fee requirements depend on the specific use for any freestanding sign, as described in Section 415.080.
c.
Uses. Freestanding signs have many possible uses, including
temporary advertising signs, bulletin boards, temporary construction
signs, subdivision development signs, directional signs, and commercial
real estate signs. Freestanding signs are not allowed as primary business
or institutional signs.
d.
Sign Frontage Requirement. Non-residential freestanding signs
are prohibited on premises with less than one hundred (100) feet of
sign frontage.
e.
Size. Freestanding signs shall not exceed eight (8) feet in height. The allowed size of freestanding signs depends on the specific use, as described in Section 415.080.
f.
Maximum Total Sign Area Calculation. Freestanding bulletin board
signs must be included in calculation of maximum total sign area.
g.
Materials. All freestanding signs shall be constructed of permanent
materials. Wood components of the sign face and supports must be painted.
Freestanding signs shall be anchored into the ground; sandbags or
similar temporary weights shall not be used to hold the sign in place.
4.
Window Signs.
a.
Zoning. Non-residential only.
b.
Permit/Fee. No permit required; no fee required.
c.
Sign Area. The total sign area of all window signs on any face
of a building shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet, or twenty
percent (20%) of the total glass area on that face, whichever is smaller.
For a business within a multitenant center, these limits shall be
determined using only the windows within the leased space for that
business.
d.
Height. Window signs are not allowed above the ceiling of the
second story of any building.
5.
Canopy Signs.
a.
Zoning. Non-residential only.
b.
Permit/Fee. Permit required; fee required.
c.
Uses. Canopy signs are limited to use as business signs.
d.
Sign Area. No canopy sign shall exceed one hundred (100) square
feet in size. For wall-mounted canopy signs, the total area of all
canopy signs shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of the area of the
wall to which the canopy is attached. For a business within a multitenant
center, this limit shall be determined using only the portion of the
wall within the leased space for that business.
e.
Materials. For fabric canopies mounted over a rigid framework,
canopy signs shall be printed directly onto the fabric. For canopies
constructed from rigid materials, canopy signs shall be either painted
on the canopy, or they may be similar to a wall sign but mounted on
the canopy rather than on a wall.
f.
Maximum Total Sign Area Calculation. Canopy signs shall be included
when calculating the maximum total sign area for any given premises.
[R.O. 2004 § 415.080; Ord. No.
15-04 § 1, 3-10-2015; Ord. No. 16-12, 7-12-2016; Ord. No. 23-19, 12-14-2023; Ord. No. 24-14, 8-8-2024]
A.
Advertising Signs, Intermittent.
1.
Zoning. Non-residential only.
2.
Permit/Fee. Permit required; fee required.
3.
Number. Only one (1) intermittent advertising sign may be displayed
per permit.
4.
Sign Area. The maximum area of intermittent advertising signs
shall be thirty-two (32) square feet.
5.
Permits Per Year. Any one (1) business is limited to a maximum
of four (4) intermittent advertising sign permits in any calendar
year.
6.
Duration. An intermittent advertising sign permit is good for
one (1) day per week for three (3) months.
7.
Type Of Sign. Intermittent advertising signs shall be a fabric
banner or a portable sandwich board sign.
B.
Advertising Signs, Temporary.
1.
Zoning. Non-residential only.
2.
Permit/Fee. Permit required; fee required.
3.
Number. Only one (1) temporary advertising sign may be displayed
per permit.
4.
Sign Area. The maximum sign area of temporary advertising signs
shall be thirty-two (32) square feet.
5.
Permits Per Year. Any one (1) business is limited to a maximum
of six (6) temporary advertising sign permits in any calendar year.
6.
Duration. An individual temporary advertising sign permit is
good for fourteen (14) calendar days, or the applicant may request
a twenty-eight-day permit; however, each such permit shall count as
two (2) of the allowed six (6) permits per year.
7.
Continuance Of Permit. An applicant may opt to use one (1) of
its allowed permits as a continuance. Using a permit as a continuance
will allow a sign that has already been permitted to be displayed
for an additional fourteen (14) days. Continuances may be obtained
at any time prior to expiration of the original permit. Once a continuance
is used, no additional permit shall be issued for thirty (30) days.
8.
Type Of Sign. Temporary advertising signs may be either a freestanding
sign or a fabric banner.
C.
Billboards/Electronic Billboards.
1.
Billboards and electronic billboards shall comply with Missouri State
law and Federal law.
2.
Abandoned Billboards/Electronic Billboards. Where a billboard structure
does not include advertising information for the use of the billboard
for a period of one hundred twenty (120) continuous calendar days,
the billboard structure shall be deemed in violation of this Chapter
and shall be removed.
3.
Zoning. Non-residential only. A billboard may only be placed
on lands zoned "PC" Planned Commercial District or "LI" Light Industrial
District.
4.
Location. All billboards must be located within six hundred
sixty (660) feet of the nearest edge of the right-of-way of an interstate
or primary highway (as defined by the Missouri Department of Transportation),
and the interstate or primary highway must not be a scenic roadway.
5.
State Statutes. The billboard shall, at a minimum, comply with
all provisions of Sections 226.500 through 226.600, RSMo., as to size,
lighting and other considerations.
6.
Size, Height And Mounting. The size, height and mounting of
billboards shall be regulated by the following:
a.
The maximum area for any one (1) sign shall be eight hundred
(800) square feet with a maximum height of thirty (30) feet and a
maximum length of seventy-two (72) feet, inclusive of border and trim,
but excluding the base or apron, supports and other structural members.
b.
The maximum height of a billboard shall not exceed forty-five
(45) feet above the natural grade where the sign is installed.
c.
No sign shall be located on the roof of a building or on a non-sign
structure.
d.
Billboards may not be stacked such that a billboard sign face
is placed immediately above or below another billboard sign face.
7.
Fall Line Requirements. Any person, firm, partnership or corporation
erecting or constructing a billboard shall provide a fall line equal
to the height of said structure in a three-hundred-sixty-degree radius
where no other structure or parking area is currently or in the future
will be located.
8.
Separation Requirements. No billboard or any part of the billboard
structure shall be erected:
a.
Within fifty (50) feet of the property line of the lot on which
the billboard structure is located;
b.
Within two hundred (200) feet of any residentially zoned property;
c.
Within fifty (50) feet of any existing building or parking area;
d.
Within two hundred (200) feet of any park, playground, school,
library or place of worship;
e.
Within fifty (50) feet of an overhead power line;
f.
Within one thousand four hundred (1,400) feet of another billboard.
9.
Permits. A permit from the City is required to erect a billboard,
but no permit to allow a billboard to be newly erected shall be issued
by the City without a permit issued by the Missouri Highways and Transportation
Commission.
10.
Inspection Reports. Whenever a billboard is erected or maintained
within the City, the owner of such billboard shall cause an inspection
of it by a civil engineer at least every five (5) years, and a copy
of the inspection report shall be submitted to the City Administrator.
11.
Standards For Electronic Billboards.
a.
Location And Spacing. Electronic billboards shall meet all requirements for location and spacing found in Section 415.080(C) Billboards/Electronic Billboards, except that:
(1)
No electronic billboard shall be erected, located
or placed within two thousand six hundred forty (2,640) feet of another
electronic billboard on either side of Interstate Highway 64. This
distance shall be measured along the nearest edge of the pavement
at points directly opposite the electronic billboard along each side
of the highway and shall apply to electronic billboards located on
either side of the highway in computing the distance between electronic
billboards.
(2)
No electronic billboard shall be erected, located,
or placed within six hundred sixty (660) feet of the nearest edge
of the right-of-way of State Highway 94.
(3)
No electronic billboard shall be located within
two hundred fifty (250) feet of an existing on-premises monument electronic
display sign.
b.
Duration Of Message. The electronic billboard image of any portion
thereof shall have a minimum duration of at least ten (10) seconds
and shall be a static display. No portion of the image may flash,
scroll, twirl, change color, or in any manner imitate movement.
c.
Transition Of Message. Where the electronic billboard image
or any portion thereof changes, the change sequence shall only be
accomplished by means of instantaneous re-pixelization.
d.
Video Display Prohibited. No portion of any electronic billboard
may change its message or background in a manner or by a method of
display characterized by motion or pictorial imagery, or depict action
or a special effect to imitate movement, or the presentation of pictorials
or graphics displayed in a progression of frames that give the illusion
of motion or the illusion of moving objects, moving patterns or bands
of light or expanding or contracting shapes.
e.
Brightness And Illumination.
(1)
Brightness. The electronic billboard sign shall
not exceed a minimum of five thousand (5,000) nits (candelas per square
meter) during daylight hours and a maximum illumination of four hundred
(400) nits (candelas per square meter) between sundown and sunrise
measured from the sign's face at maximum brightness.
(2)
Fluctuating Or Flashing Illumination. No portion
of any electronic billboard may fluctuate in light intensity or use
intermittent, strobe or moving light or light that changes in intensity
in sudden transitory bursts, streams, zooms, twinkles, sparkles, or
that in any manner creates the illusion of movement.
(3)
Dimmer Control. Electronic billboards shall be
equipped with an automatic dimmer control to produce a distinct illumination
change from a higher illumination level to a lower level for the time
period between sundown and sunrise.
f.
Audio. Audio speakers are prohibited in association with an
electronic billboard.
g.
Text Size Requirements. Every line of copy and graphics displayed
on an electronic billboard shall be at least twelve (12) inches in
height on a road with a speed limit of forty-five (45) miles per hour
or greater and fifty-four (54) miles per hour or less, and at least
fifteen (15) inches in height on a road with a speed limit of fifty-five
(55) miles per hour or greater.
h.
Malfunction And Non-Compliance. Electronic billboards shall
be designed and equipped to freeze the device in one (1) position
if a malfunction occurs. The electronic billboards shall be equipped
with a means to immediately discontinue the display if it malfunctions,
and the sign owner shall immediately stop the dynamic display when
notified by the City that it is not complying with standards of this
Code.
i.
Provision Of Community And Public Service Messaging. The owner
of an electronic billboard shall enter into an agreement with the
City to provide the City no less than five (5) hours [one thousand
eight hundred (1,800) ten (10) second spots] per month per electronic
billboard in the City or community and public service messages at
such times as shall be determined by the City.
j.
I-64 Corridor Billboard Replacement. The owner of a billboard
existing on the effective date of this Section may, by application
which must meet all current applicable billboard/electronic billboard
regulations, relocate the billboard structure for the purpose of installing
an electronic billboard; provided all the following performance standards
are satisfied:
(1)
The property upon which the billboard is located
shall be directly adjacent to Interstate 64 right-of-way;
(2)
All existing billboards and on-premises monument
electronic display signs and their supporting structures shall be
permanently removed from the property upon which the electronic billboard
is to be located prior to the issuance of a multi-purpose land use
(sign) permit for the electronic billboard;
(3)
No on-premises monument electronic display sign
or billboards shall be located on the property upon which an electronic
billboard is located;
(4)
The electronic billboard shall be located on the
same property, within the property boundaries existing upon the effective
date of this Section, and within two hundred fifty (250) feet of the
existing billboard being replaced;
(5)
The property upon which the electronic billboard
is located shall consist of a lot not less than five (5) acres in
size;
(6)
The maximum number of sign faces or surfaces permitted
on the electronic billboard shall not exceed two (2).
D.
Bulletin Board Signs.
1.
Zoning. Non-residential and residential.
2.
Permit/Fee. Permit required; fee required.
3.
Uses. Bulletin board signs are limited to the premises of a
school, church or non-profit organization.
4.
Sign Area. Bulletin board signs shall have a maximum sign area
of thirty-two (32) square feet.
5.
Number. One (1) bulletin board sign is allowed per premises.
6.
Type Of Sign. Bulletin board signs may be freestanding, monument
or wall signs.
7.
Total Sign Area Calculation. Bulletin board signs shall be included
when calculating the total sign area for any given premises.
E.
Business Signs. Business signs shall be either wall signs, monument signs or canopy signs. See Section 415.070 for requirements and restrictions for these types of signs. Freestanding signs shall not be used for business signs.
F.
Commemorative Signs.
1.
Zoning. Non-residential and residential.
2.
Permit/Fee. No permit required; no fee required.
3.
Sign Area. Commemorative signs shall have a maximum sign area
of four (4) square feet.
4.
Number. One (1) commemorative sign shall be allowed per premises.
5.
Materials. Commemorative signs shall be cast metal, with one
(1) face, attached directly to a concrete or masonry surface.
6.
Signs In Parks. Commemorative signs in City parks may be erected
at the discretion of the Board of Aldermen.
G.
Construction Signs, Temporary.
1.
Zoning. Non-residential zoning districts.
a.
Permit/Fee. Permit required; fee required.
b.
Sign Area. The maximum sign area of construction signs shall
be as shown thirty-two (32) square feet.
c.
Number. One (1) construction sign per entire development is
allowed denoting the owner, architect, engineer, consultant, developer,
lender and/or contractor.
d.
Type Of Sign. Temporary construction signs shall be freestanding
signs.
e.
Duration. Signs shall be allowed only during the period of active,
continuous construction, indicating only the names of the owners and/or
contractors having a role in the construction project. Signs shall
be removed ten (10) days after the receipt of an occupancy permit
for the building or development.
2.
Zoning. Residential zoning districts.
a.
Permit/Fee. No permit required; no fee required.
b.
Sign Area. Temporary residential construction signs shall have
a maximum sign area of six (6) square feet.
c.
Number And Duration. One (1) temporary residential construction
sign shall be allowed per lot for the duration of said construction
plus seven (7) days post construction.
H.
Covered Walkway Signs.
1.
Zoning. Non-residential only.
2.
Permit/Fee. No permit required; no fee required.
3.
Sign Area. Covered walkway signs shall have a maximum sign area
of two (2) square feet.
4.
Location. Covered walkway signs may be hung from the canopy
that is attached to the front of a retail store over a walkway. The
signs shall be hung perpendicular to the retail storefront so as to
be beneficial to pedestrian traffic.
5.
Sign Drop. Covered walkway signs shall not exceed eighteen (18)
inches in drop from the bottom of the sign to the lower surface of
the canopy.
6.
Sign Height. The bottom edge of all covered walkway signs shall
be at least seven (7) feet above the sidewalk surface over which they
are hanging.
7.
Number. Only one (1) covered walkway sign per business shall
be allowed.
I.
Directional Signs, Internal.
1.
Zoning. Only in non-residential zoning districts, for properties
of greater than five (5) acres.
2.
Permit/Fee. Permit required; fee required.
3.
Sign Area. Directional signs shall have a maximum sign area
of twenty (20) square feet.
4.
Type Of Sign. Directional signs shall be monument or freestanding
signs.
5.
Sign Height. Directional signs shall have a maximum height of
seven (7) feet above ground level, and shall not impede the line of
sight of a motor vehicle operator.
J.
Election Signs.
1.
Zoning. Residential and non-residential.
2.
Permit/Fee. No permit required, except the permission of the
property owner; no fee required.
3.
Sign Area. Election signs shall have a maximum sign area of
six (6) square feet, except those fronting on State or Federal highways
may be thirty-two (32) square feet.
K.
Event Signs.
1.
Zoning. Residential and non-residential.
2.
Permit/Fee. No permit required; no fee required.
3.
Sign Area. Event signs shall have a maximum sign area of six
(6) square feet.
4.
Frequency. Event signs may be displayed not more than once a
month.
5.
Duration. Event signs may be displayed seven (7) days prior
to and one (1) day after said event.
L.
Event Signs, Special.
1.
Zoning. Residential and non-residential.
2.
Permit/Fee. No permit required; no fee required.
3.
Sign Area. Special event signs shall have a maximum sign area
of thirty-two (32) square feet.
4.
Frequency. Special event signs may be displayed not more than
twice a year.
5.
Duration. Special event signs may be displayed fifteen (15)
days prior to and one (1) day after said event.
6.
Type Of Sign. Special event signs shall be banners or freestanding
signs.
7.
Number. Only four (4) special event signs may be displayed for
any single event.
M.
Fast-Food Establishments.
2.
Allowed Signs. Only the following signs are allowed at fast-food
businesses, and these are subject to all provisions of other Sections
of this Chapter. Any type of sign not identified below is prohibited:
a.
Business Signs. Business signs shall be either monument or wall
signs.
b.
Menu Boards. One (1) menu board is allowed.
c.
Temporary Menu Boards. One (1) temporary menu board is allowed.
d.
Temporary Advertising Signs. Temporary advertising signs are
allowed.
e.
Window Signs. Window signs are allowed.
f.
Drive-Through Signs. Directional signs are allowed at drive-through
lanes, such as "enter," "exit" and "one way." These signs are each
limited to an area of four (4) square feet. No permit is required
for these signs.
N.
Fireworks Stands. Provisions for temporary signage for fireworks stands are exempt from the provisions of this Chapter. Such signs are addressed in Chapter 620.
O.
Flags And Flagpoles.
1.
Zoning. Non-residential zoning districts.
a.
Permit/Fee. Permit required (for flagpoles); no fee required.
b.
Size. Flagpoles shall not exceed thirty-five (35) feet in height.
No flag shall exceed sixty-four (64) square feet in size.
c.
Number. Each lot or parcel shall be allowed a maximum of five
(5) flagpoles and five (5) flags.
d.
Duration. In addition to the flags allowed by the previous sentence,
within five (5) days prior to and three (3) days following a Federal
holiday, there shall be no limitation on the number of United States
flags displayed on any parcel of land within the City.
2.
Zoning. Residential zoning districts.
a.
Permit/Fee. Permit required (for flagpoles); no fee required.
b.
Size. Flagpoles shall not exceed thirty (30) feet in height.
No flag shall exceed forty-eight (48) square feet in size.
c.
Number. Each lot or parcel shall be allowed a maximum of one
(1) flagpole and two (2) flags.
d.
Duration. In addition to the flags allowed by the previous sentence,
within five (5) days prior to and three (3) days following a Federal
holiday, there shall be no limitation on the number of U.S. flags
displayed on any parcel of land within the City.
P.
Garage Sale, Estate Sale, And Open House Signs.
1.
Zoning. Residential and non-residential.
2.
Permit/Fee. No permit required; no fee required.
3.
Sign Area. Garage sale, estate sale, and open house signs shall
have a maximum sign area of six (6) square feet.
4.
Duration. Such signs may be displayed three (3) days prior to
the event and shall be removed the day of the event.
5.
Number. One (1) on-premises and one (1) off-premises sign (with
permission of property owner) is allowed per sale.
6.
Directional Arrows. Up to four (4) directional arrows may be
used. These shall State "garage sale," "estate sale," or "open house"
and shall have a maximum sign area of four (4) square feet. They may
be displayed for a maximum of twenty-four (24) hours, with permission
of property owner.
Q.
Gas/Convenience/Oil Change Businesses.
2.
Allowed Signs. Only the following signs are allowed at gas/convenience/oil
change businesses, and these are subject to all provisions of other
Sections of this Chapter. Any type of sign not identified below is
prohibited:
a.
Business Signs. Business signs shall be either monument, wall
or canopy signs, subject to all provisions of other Sections of this
Chapter.
b.
Gas Price Signs. Gas price information may be included as part
of allowed business signs. Note than an additional twenty-four (24)
square feet is added to the total sign area allowance when business
signs include a gas price display.
c.
Temporary Advertising Signs. Temporary advertising signs are
allowed.
d.
Window Signs. Window signs are allowed.
e.
Other Signs. The following signs are allowed, without a permit.
(1)
Safety Signs. Safety-related signs are allowed,
such as "no smoking" or "turn off engine."
(2)
Directional Signs. Directional signs are allowed,
such as "enter," "exit" and "one way." Such signs may not be larger
than four (4) square feet.
(3)
Air And Water Signs. Informational signs to identify
available air and water supplies may be posted near those supplies.
Such signs may not be larger than four (4) square feet.
(4)
Signs At Pumps. Miscellaneous advertising signs
may be posted on the gasoline pump housings/supports. These signs
may not be larger than three (3) square feet each, with a maximum
of four (4) signs per pump.
(5)
State Inspection Signs. Signs indicating official
State inspection stations are allowed. These may not be larger than
four (4) square feet.
(6)
Drive-Through Signs. For drive-through areas such
as car washes or service bays, one (1) sign may be mounted on the
wall adjacent to each side of the entrance. Such signs may be advertising
or instructional. Such signs are limited to six (6) square feet.
R.
Holiday Signs And Decorations.
1.
Zoning. Residential and non-residential.
2.
Permit/Fee. No permit required; no fee required.
3.
Duration. Holiday signs and decorations may be displayed November
21 through January 15. For other recognized holiday periods, signs
and decorations may be displayed from thirty (30) days prior until
fourteen (14) days after the holiday.
S.
Ideological Signs.
1.
Zoning. Residential and non-residential.
2.
Permit/Fee. No permit required; no fee required.
3.
Sign Area. Ideological signs shall have a maximum sign area
of six (6) square feet.
4.
Sign Height. Ideological signs shall have a maximum sign height
of three (3) feet.
5.
Number. Only one (1) sign per street frontage is allowed.
U.
Institutional Signs. Institutional signs shall be either wall signs, monument signs or canopy signs. See Section 415.070 for requirements and restrictions for these types of signs. Freestanding signs shall not be used for institutional signs.
V.
Menu Boards. See the Section on fast-food establishments for further
information on menu boards.
1.
Zoning. Non-residential only.
2.
Permit/Fee. Permit required; fee required.
3.
Size. Menu boards shall be limited to a maximum of eight (8)
feet high and an area of no more than forty (40) square feet.
4.
Type. Menu boards shall be wall, monument or freestanding signs.
5.
Total Sign Area Calculation. Menu boards are not included when
calculating the total sign area for premises.
W.
Menu Boards, Temporary.
1.
Zoning. Non-residential only.
2.
Permit/Fee. No permit required; no fee required.
3.
Size. One (1) temporary menu board is allowed per restaurant
or fast-food business, and it shall have a maximum sign area of twelve
(12) square feet.
4.
Type. Temporary menu boards shall be folding sandwich boards.
5.
Other Requirements. Temporary menu boards may only be displayed
during the hours of operation of the business. Temporary menu boards
shall be placed so as not to significantly interfere with pedestrian
circulation outside the business.
Y.
Real Estate Signs.
1.
Residential Zoning Districts.
a.
Permit/Fee. No permit required; no fee required.
b.
Sign Area. Real estate signs shall have a maximum sign area
of six (6) square feet.
c.
Number. Only one (1) on-premises real estate sign shall be allowed
per premises unless the premises abuts a golf course or other public
use area and then a second sign is allowed.
d.
Duration. Real estate signs may be displayed up to ten (10)
days after the premises is sold, leased or rented.
e.
Other Signs. No other real-estate-related signage is allowed,
other than open house signs and directional arrows, as described above.
2.
Non-Residential Zoning Districts.
a.
Permit/Fee. No permit required; no fee required.
b.
Sign Area. Real estate signs shall have a maximum sign area
of thirty-six (36) square feet.
c.
Number. Only one (1) on-premises real estate sign shall be allowed
per premises.
d.
Duration. Real estate signs may be displayed up to ten (10)
days after the premises is sold or leased.
e.
Type Of Sign. Non-residential real estate signs shall be freestanding
signs.
Z.
Street Signs.
1.
Zoning. Residential and non-residential, including on privately
maintained streets.
2.
Permit/Fee. No permit required. No fee required.
3.
Configuration. Street sign shape, size, markings, and location
shall conform to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
4.
Installation. Sign installation shall conform to the requirements
of St. Charles County.
AA.
Subdivision Development Signs.
1.
Zoning. Residential only.
2.
Permit/Fee. Permit required. Fee required.
3.
Sign Area. Subdivision development signs shall have a maximum
sign area of thirty-six (36) square feet.
4.
Type Of Sign. Subdivision development signs shall be freestanding
signs.
5.
Number. One (1) subdivision development sign is permitted for
each entrance to the subdivision. In addition, a new development sign
not exceeding sixteen (16) square feet in area may be permitted for
each model home in the subdivision.
6.
Duration. Subdivision development signs shall be removed after
the last model home is sold.
BB.
Subdivision Direction Signs.
1.
Zoning. Subdivision direction signs are permitted in the "GC"
General Commercial District, "PC" Planned Commercial District and
"LI" Light Industrial District.
2.
Permit/Fee. Permit required. Fee required.
3.
Sign Area. The maximum sign area of a subdivision direction
sign shall be thirty-six (36) square feet.
4.
Type Of Sign. Subdivision direction signs shall be freestanding
signs and may be off-premises.
5.
Number. Only one (1) subdivision direction sign shall be allowed
per subdivision within the City; signs are not allowed for subdivisions
that are not within the City.
6.
Duration. Such signs shall be permitted for one (1) year, and,
at the end of the year, the permit may be renewed for one-year increments
of time. Signs shall be removed within ten (10) days after the subdivision
is completed.
7.
Sign Content. Subdivision direction sign information shall be
limited to the name of the subdivision, a directional arrow and written
directions.
CC.
Subdivision Directory Signs [for commercial and industrial subdivisions
with at least three (3) lots, and for multitenant centers].
1.
Zoning. Non-residential only.
2.
Permit/Fee. Permit required. Fee required.
3.
Sign Type. Subdivision directory signs shall be monument signs.
4.
Number. Each subdivision shall be limited to one (1) sign per
entrance; each multitenant center shall be limited to one (1) sign.
This does not preclude the use of individual signs for each business
within the subdivision or center.
[R.O. 2004 § 415.090; Ord. No.
15-04 § 1, 3-10-2015; Ord. No. 16-12 § 45, 7-12-2016; Ord.
No. 23-19, 12-14-2023]
A.
Sign Permits. No sign which requires a permit under Sections 415.070 and 415.080 shall be erected or displayed until a sign permit has been issued by the Zoning Commissioner or the Zoning Commissioner's designee, and any necessary fees have been paid.
1.
Sign permit applications for monument signs shall be accompanied
by seven (7) copies of drawings; applications for other types of signs
shall be accompanied by four (4) copies of drawings. Drawings shall
show the following information:
a.
Plans and specifications for the sign, including dimensions,
materials, colors.
b.
Details of construction, including loads, stresses and anchorage.
c.
Wind load data, which shall be certified by an engineer for
all freestanding and monument signs.
d.
For signs that are to be attached to a building or other independent
structure, the drawings shall show the position of the sign on the
supporting structure, the method of attachment to such structure and
the character of the structural member to which such attachment is
made.
e.
For freestanding and monument signs, the proposed location with
reference to street right-of-way lines and the walls of adjacent buildings,
if any.
f.
For monument signs, the landscape and lighting plans.
g.
Information on the size and location of all existing signs on
the site.
2.
All applications for sign permits shall be filed by the owner
or lessee of the premises or shall be accompanied by written consent
of the owner or lessee of the property upon which such sign is to
be displayed or erected.
3.
If the Zoning Commissioner or the Zoning Commissioner's designee
fails to issue a permit after ninety (90) days of the receipt of a
completed application, the applicant may appeal to the Planning and
Zoning Commission for issuance of the necessary permit.
4.
Sign permit cards shall be available for inspection at the business
with which the sign is associated. Temporary sign permits shall be
displayed until the permit expires or the temporary sign is removed.
B.
C.
Variances. A variance from the requirements of this Chapter may be
granted by the Board of Aldermen for any unique situation where the
requirements place an undue restriction on the applicant.
[R.O. 2004 § 415.100; Ord. No.
15-04 § 1, 3-10-2015]
A.
Non-Compliant Signs. The following is a listing of signs that are
considered to be non-compliant:
1.
Unsafe Signs. Any sign that has become structurally unsafe,
endangers life or property, or is not being maintained in good repair.
2.
Obsolete Signs. Any sign that advertises an activity or business
shall be removed within six (6) months after such activity or business
ceases operation. Any such sign that is not removed within said time
frame shall be deemed non-compliant.
3.
Preexisting Signs. Any sign erected without a permit, which
required a permit when it was erected.
4.
Legal Non-Conforming Signs. Certain legal non-conforming signs
may be considered non-compliant, as defined below.
B.
Legal Non-Conforming Signs. A legal non-conforming sign is any sign
that was issued a sign permit and lawfully erected prior to the enactment
of this Chapter and any applicable amendments, but which does not
conform to all the current regulations and restrictions of this Chapter.
1.
Replacement. Any legal non-conforming sign that is destroyed,
deteriorated or damaged after the effective date of this Chapter,
to the extent of fifty percent (50%) of its surface area or structure
exclusive of the foundation, shall not be rebuilt, repaired or replaced
unless in compliance with the provisions of this Chapter. Any such
sign that is rebuilt, repaired or replaced and not brought into compliance
with the provisions of this Chapter shall be deemed non-compliant.
2.
Alterations. No legal non-conforming sign may be altered in
structure, relocated or replaced after the effective date of this
Chapter. Any such sign that is altered in this fashion shall be deemed
non-compliant.
[R.O. 2004 § 415.110; Ord. No.
15-04 § 1, 3-10-2015]
A.
Enforcement.
1.
Notification. Once a sign is determined to be non-compliant,
the owner or person in charge of the sign shall be notified by the
City and informed that the sign must be removed, or altered and/or
repaired in a manner that will make the sign compliant.
2.
Non-Compliant Permanent Signs. All non-compliant permanent signs
shall be removed or brought into compliance by the owner within fifteen
(15) days of notice by the City. If the owner fails to act after fifteen
(15) days' notice to the owner of the property, such sign will be
considered a violation, subject to the penalties described below.
3.
Non-Compliant Temporary Signs. All non-compliant temporary signs
on private property shall be removed or brought into compliance by
the owner within three (3) days of notice by the City. If the owner
fails to act after three (3) days' notice, such sign may be removed
by the City, and the cost of the removal shall be charged to the owner
of such sign. All non-compliant signs on road rights-of-way are subject
to immediate removal by the City without any notification.
[Ord. No. 16-12 § 46, 7-12-2016]
4.
Prohibited Signs. All prohibited signs are subject to immediate
removal by City staff without any notice or warnings being issued.
5.
Sign Removal. All signs removed by City staff become City property
and may be destroyed. The parties from whom the signs are taken will
not be entitled to compensation or remuneration.
B.
Violations. Any person, firm, partnership or corporation determined to be in violation of any provision of this Chapter shall be guilty of an ordinance violation and upon conviction shall be punishable as set forth in Section 100.220 of this Code, and each day of such violation shall constitute a separate offense.
[R.O. 2004 § 415.120; Ord. No.
15-04 § 1, 3-10-2015]
A.
The phrases, clauses, sentences, paragraphs and Sections of this
Chapter are severable and if any phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph
or Section of this Chapter shall be declared unconstitutional or otherwise
unlawful by the valid judgment, decree or injunction order of a court
of competent jurisdiction, such ruling shall not affect any of the
remaining phrases, clauses, sentences, paragraphs and Sections of
this Chapter.
B.
In the event that, contrary to the policies, interests and values
of the City of Weldon Spring, a court of competent jurisdiction issues
a judgment, decree or injunction order that this Chapter or any part
thereof is unconstitutional or otherwise unlawful because of any omission
or prohibition in this Chapter, then all provisions of this Chapter
not specifically declared to be unconstitutional or otherwise unlawful
shall remain in full force and effect, and all signs not already specifically
regulated in this Chapter shall be permitted but shall not be greater
than six (6) square feet. In the event that a judgment, decree or
injunction order declaring all or a portion of this Chapter to be
unconstitutional or otherwise unlawful is reversed or vacated by a
court of competent jurisdiction, the provisions contained in this
Chapter shall remain in full force and effect.
