[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Aldermen of the City of Parkville 2-7-2017 by Ord. No. 2884. Amendments noted where applicable.]
A. 
Intent. The intent of this Chapter is to:
1. 
Preserve the unique character of the City as reflected in distinct areas and districts within the City by ensuring signs contribute to an appropriate sense of place.
2. 
Enhance the visual quality and civic beauty of the community reflected in the visual priority of buildings, open spaces, streetscapes, landscape, and other investments in the public realm.
3. 
Ensure safety of pedestrians, motorists or other users of the public rights-of-way and open spaces by ensuring signs are maintained and structurally safe and do not distract or reduce the effectiveness of public safety signs.
4. 
Promote economic viability by assuring that the City will be a visually pleasant place to visit, conduct business, and live.
5. 
Provide effective and efficient identification and communication for businesses without excessive competition for visual attention.
6. 
Protect property values by minimizing adverse effects of signs on adjacent property, which can occur from conditions such as light trespass, obstructing the views and access, or visual clutter and blight.
B. 
Applicability. All new signs and replacement of existing signs shall require a sign permit demonstrating compliance with these sign standards, unless exempt from a permit by Section 409.020. Ordinary maintenance, care or repair of existing signs or change of copy without altering the essential construction elements of an existing sign shall not require a permit for zoning and design standards, but any electrical or building code issues may require permitting.
The following signs are exempt from the permit process, provided that they meet all other applicable requirements of this Code, and unless specifically noted do not count towards the size allocation standards in this Title.
A. 
Property Identification Signs. Signs clearly indicating the property address or building identification are encouraged to enhance the ability of public safety and emergency services personnel to locate the property, subject to the following limitations:
1. 
Up to two (2) per address or lot, whichever is greater.
2. 
Signs may be either wall or freestanding, except no more than one (1) freestanding property identification sign shall be allowed per lot.
3. 
Property identification signs on buildings shall be limited to no more than two (2) square feet and mounted between four (4) feet and nine (9) feet high to enhance visibility, except that building identification signs integrated into the architecture of the building in a permanent manner with bronze, brass, stone or other material integral to the building may be higher and may be up to three percent (3%) of the facade.
4. 
Freestanding property identification signs shall be located at the primary access point, shall be no more than two (2) square feet, and shall be no more than three and one-half (3 1/2) feet high to minimize sight obstruction.
B. 
Public Safety, Traffic Control Or Public Information. Signs designed and located to control internal traffic movement and safety of vehicles and pedestrians according to uniform traffic control device standards, or otherwise required to support any official action or legal obligation of a Federal, State or local government.
C. 
Flags. Up to three (3) non-commercial flags per lot, mounted to the building and below the building height or mounted on a pole subject to the height restrictions of the zoning district.
D. 
Window Signs. Signs mounted to the interior of any first floor windows in non-residential districts, provided that they do not exceed more than thirty-three percent (33%) of all first floor window area measured between two (2) feet and ten (10) feet above grade, and at least fifty percent (50%) of the entire window area remains clear of any visual obstructions.
E. 
Temporary Signs. Temporary signs not exceeding six (6) square feet. These signs are exempt from permits, but do count toward the total size allocation per lot for all temporary signs.
F. 
Minor Signs. Signs less than two (2) square feet intended to convey messages to internal users of the site, and generally not visible from or intended to convey messages to people in the right-of-way, such as parking instructions, security warnings, or other similar minor signs that are accessory to the use of the site and building. Grouping or arranging minor signs to have the effect of a larger permitted sign makes these signs ineligible for this exemption.
G. 
Construction Signs. Signs associated with a temporary construction project and erected to promote public safety or public information regarding the scope and nature of the project may be exempt from these standards if limited to no more than thirty-two (32) square feet and if identified in other permitting processes associated with the project.
Figure 409-1 Sign Types
The figure above depicts examples of each sign type. These are general categories of types and variations of different subtypes exist within each category
The following sign types are distinguished for the purposes of the sign requirements in this Section.
Table 409-1: Sign Types
Type
Description
Wall sign
A sign painted, printed or attached to the exterior surface of a building, awning, canopy or other fixed building surface in a permanent manner with a scale and design legible to vehicles in the public right-of-way or pedestrians at a distance from the building.
Freestanding sign
A detached sign that is mounted to the ground independent from any building with a scale and design legible primarily to vehicles in the public right-of-way. Freestanding signs encompass 2 specific sign types:
Monument sign: A type of freestanding sign mounted on an enclosed, solid base or ornamental surface structure.
Pole sign: A type of freestanding sign constructed on 1 or more columns, poles or similar structures so the bottom edge of the sign surface is elevated above the ground.
Pedestrian signs
A sign with a design and scale to be legible to pedestrians in front of or immediately adjacent to the building, or to be legible to individuals internal to a site containing multiple buildings. Pedestrian signs may be located in a permanent manner hanging below a canopy or awning, projecting from a wall, mounted on a wall, door or window, or freestanding.
Temporary sign
A portable sign which is not permanently embedded in the ground or permanently affixed to a building or structure and designed or intended to be used for a brief period of time; does not include permanent signs with temporary or changeable messages
Internal ground sign
A sign with a design and scale to be legible to pedestrians or vehicles navigating the internal portions of a site
The following sign allowances apply to zoning districts or groups of zoning districts as the basic standard. Other restrictions in this Chapter, or other regulations may operate to further reduce the basic sign allowances within each zoning district.
Table 409-2: Sign Allowances
 
Residential and PLCD Districts
B-1 and OTD Districts
B-2, B-4-P, BP, P-EC, I-1, I-2, I-3 and U-1 Districts
Wall Signs
Permitted principal non-residential uses or apartment buildings with over 12 units:
▪
Number: 1 sign per tenant with exterior entrance (multitenant building), otherwise 3 signs per façade maximum
▪
Number: 2 signs per tenant with exterior entrance (multitenant building), otherwise 4 per façade maximum
▪
Number: 2 per façade
▪
Total area allowance: 5% of facade area maximum
▪
Total area allowance: 5% of the façade or 40 square feet for building facades 750 square feet or more
▪
Total area allowance: 10% of facade area maximum; 15% in I-1, I-2, and I-3
▪
Size: 24 square feet per sign maximum
▪
Size: 24 square feet per sign maximum
Freestanding Signs
For permitted non-residential uses, or any residential project over 5 acres:
▪
Number: 1 per lot
▪
Number: 1 per each 150 feet of street frontage; maximum of 3 on any lot; 120 feet minimum separation between signs
▪
Number: 1 monument sign per street frontage for non-residential uses or 2 per entrance for residential projects over 5 acres
▪
Size: 24 square feet per sign maximum at the minimum of 10 feet from property line. Additional 8 square feet per each additional 5 feet of setback, to a maximum of 64 square feet per sign.
▪
Size: 16 square feet maximum
▪
Total area allowance: 1 square foot for each 2 linear feet of street frontage
▪
Height: monument design required; 6 feet high maximum
▪
Height: monument design required; 6 feet high maximum
▪
Location: 10 feet minimum setback from all right-of-way and lot lines
▪
Location: at least 100 feet from any dwelling and at least 15 feet from any curb
▪
Location: 5 feet minimum setback from all right-of-way and lot lines
▪
Size: 32 square feet maximum; and additional 8 square feet for each additional 5 feet of setback up to 64 square feet maximum per sign
▪
No internal illumination, and no illumination between 12:00 Midnight and 5:00 A.M.
▪
Height: 7 feet maximum for monument signs
Exception: Any residential project more than 10 acres may allocate this allowance into multiple signs, 8 square feet or less, provided that it is part of streetscape plan/public amenity program with signs integrated into streetscape structures in common areas at intersections throughout neighborhoods.
Exception: Projects over 5 acres may have 1 pole sign up to 120 square feet in the B-2, B-4-P and BP Districts; and up to 200 square feet in the P-EC, I-1, I-2, and I-3 Districts. Pole signs may be up to 35 feet high. Any such sign shall still count towards the total area allowance and must be set back at least 30 feet from the right-of-way and at least 100 feet from other property lines.
Temporary Signs
▪
Freestanding:
▪
Freestanding:
○
Total area allowance: 1 square foot for each 10 linear feet of frontage
○
Total area allowance: 1 square foot for each 5 linear feet of lot street frontage
○
Size: 6 square feet maximum per sign; lots with over 150 linear feet of frontage may have 8 square feet maximum per sign area
○
Size: 32 square feet maximum per sign
○
At least 20 feet between signs
○
At least 70 feet between signs
▪
Wall:
▪
Wall:
○
Number: 2 per façade
○
Number: 2 per façade
○
Total area allowance: 5% of facade area maximum
○
Total area allowance: 5% of facade area maximum
○
Size: 8 square feet maximum per sign
○
Size: 32 square feet maximum per sign
▪
Total combined display time 90 days per calendar year per lot
▪
Total combined display time 90 days per calendar year per lot
Exemption from permit: 6 square feet maximum, but still counts to sign allowance and must meet all other temporary standards
Exemption from permit: 4 square feet maximum, but still counts to sign allowance and must meet all other temporary standards
Exception: Temporary signs may exceed these limits if it is in place of any other permitted sign to allow for a new use during an interim period not to exceed 90 days, and subject to all other limits of the substituted sign type
Pedestrian Sign
For permitted non-residential use
▪
Number and size: 1 for each public building entrance up to 8 square feet and within 20 feet of entrance; and
▪
Number: 1 per public entrance
▪
Height: 6 feet high maximum and within 30 feet of entrance, if mounted on the ground
▪
Number and size: 1 for each 25 linear feet of building frontage; 6 square feet maximum
▪
Size: 6 square feet maximum
Exemption: Portable pedestrian signs or any pedestrian sign mounted on a building that projects into the right-of-way is exempt from right-of-way prohibition in OTD District and on any street designed to activity street specifications per subdivision design standards. Portable pedestrian signs shall meet Section 409.060(B).
Internal Ground Sign
Not applicable
▪
Number: 1 for each 5,000 square feet of lot
▪
Size: 3 square feet maximum; up to 12 square feet for lots or parcels over 5 acres and if set back at least 50 feet from public right-of-way or lot lines
▪
Height: 3 feet maximum height; up to 5 feet for lots or parcels over 5 acres and if set back at least 50 feet from the right-of-way or lot lines
A. 
No sign shall be attached to any public utility pole nor shall be installed within the right-of-way of a public road or street, except as permitted by the applicable road authority or where specifically exempt from the right-of-way prohibition by this Section.
B. 
No sign shall be erected without the property owner's permission.
C. 
No sign shall imitate or resemble government signs for traffic direction or any other public safety symbol.
D. 
No sign shall be placed in any sight triangle applicable to public streets, internal access streets, or driveway access points using the sight distance provisions of Section 404.010(E)(2).
E. 
No sign shall be placed on any vehicle or trailer, when such vehicle or trailer is placed or parked visible from the right-of-way, and the primary purpose of the sign is to deviate from the standards or criteria of this Section.
F. 
No sign attached to any building shall extend vertically above the highest portion of the roof line or parapet, whichever is less.
G. 
Any sign projecting over a walkway or other active area in front of a building or other active area where people may walk shall maintain at least eight (8) feet of vertical clearance.
H. 
No sign shall include balloons, streamers, pennants or other air activated elements and animated elements, whether animated by mechanical, electrical, or environmental means, except as authorized through any temporary use or special event permit. This limitation shall not apply to pedestrian signs, provided that any animated element shall apply to the overall pedestrian sign allowances.
I. 
Any illumination shall be designed to eliminate negative impacts on surrounding rights-of-way and properties. The light from an illuminated sign shall not flash or oscillate or create a negative impact on residential uses in direct line-of-sight to the sign.
1. 
Pole signs or other freestanding signs over thirty (30) square feet shall only be internally illuminated.
J. 
External light sources shall be directed and shielded to limit direct illumination of any object other than the sign.
K. 
Any sign with a business message shall be located on the site of the business activity.
A. 
Monument Signs.
1. 
Monument signs shall be located within a landscape area that is at least three (3) feet from all portions of the sign base, planted with low shrubs, ornamental plants and perennial ground cover to accent the sign.
2. 
Monument signs shall have a base at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the width of the widest part of the sign. The base shall establish a level foundation for the sign integrated into the grade from which the sign height is measured, and may elevate the sign above any landscape elements up to a maximum of two (2) feet above grade at its highest point.
3. 
The base and sign shall include ornamental architectural details and materials that complement the overall design of the site and building, such as brick, natural stone or other primary or accent materials on the building.
B. 
Portable Pedestrian Signs. Portable pedestrian signs (A-frame, sandwich board or T-frame) may be placed in the public right-of-way for retail and service uses in the OTD District, provided that:
1. 
The sign is placed within twenty (20) feet of the main entrance of the building.
2. 
The sign is no larger than five (5) square feet and no taller than four (4) feet high.
3. 
The sign is placed on or near a sidewalk, and maintains at least six (6) feet clear passage for pedestrians on the sidewalk, and is otherwise not put in any location that creates visual obstructions or safety hazards for users of the right-of-way.
4. 
The sign is removed and brought inside during non-business hours.
5. 
The sign is designed with durable materials and quality aesthetics for use on a recurring basis. Although changeable copy can be included as part of the design, such as chalkboards, signs designed as temporary signs are not eligible as a portable pedestrian signs, and the allowance for signs in the right-of-way specifically does not apply to any temporary sign.
C. 
Electronic Message Signs. Electronic message signs are subject to the following additional limitations:
[Ord. No. 3010, 9-3-2019]
1. 
Electronic message signs are limited to non-residential districts within one thousand (1,000) feet of an interstate highway, the B-4-P and, the P-EC district, and civic/institutional uses in residential districts abutting a state or interstate highway via a conditional use permit.
2. 
The visible sign face shall be setback at least two hundred fifty (250) feet from any adjacent residentially zoned property, except for civic/institutional uses in residential districts which must adhere to the following standards.
a. 
Electronic message signs shall fit the character of the area they are located and be cohesive in size, construction and design.
b. 
Electronic message signs should be placed the maximum distance possible from adjacent residences in order to minimize any impacts.
3. 
Electronic message signs are limited to monument signs, and may not be used for pole or wall signs.
4. 
Only one (1) of the allowed signs per lot may be an electronic message sign.
5. 
Automatic dimming controls shall limit the illumination to no more than three-tenths (0.3) footcandle over ambient lighting conditions when measured at the recommended distances, based on the electronic message size (measurement distance = √[area of sign sq. ft. x 100]).
6. 
Only static display is permitted with at least ten (10) seconds between changes in display and no more than one (1) second for transitions. No scrolling, flashing or animated transitions shall occur.
D. 
Changeable Message. Any sign may be designed with a manual changeable message portion, provided that the changeable portion is limited to no more than fifty percent (50%) of the sign area.
E. 
Temporary Signs. Temporary signs are subject to the following additional limitations:
1. 
It shall be the responsibility of the person who causes the temporary sign to be erected to see that the temporary sign placed with the permission of the property owner is removed when the display time has exceeded the applicable regulatory time limit.
2. 
Temporary signs shall not be illuminated.
3. 
Temporary signs shall be constructed of rigid material, and securely anchored so as not to pose a distraction or hazard to drivers. Non-rigid materials (such as banners) may be used if they are secured by a support or frame to avoid distraction of flapping.
4. 
The Community Development Director shall be authorized to extend the duration of display time for temporary signage pertaining to the sale of property once per calendar year, until such time as the property is sold.
5. 
The Community Development Director shall be authorized to require the removal of any temporary sign that pertains to an expired event.
F. 
Pole Signs. Pole signs shall be located within a landscape area that is at least equal to the area of the sign, and which is in addition to any landscape area required by the site design standards of this code.
G. 
Billboards. In addition to the signs allowed in Table 409-2, billboards are permitted subject to the following:
1. 
Location. Billboards may only be located within six hundred sixty (660) feet of an interstate highway or Federal aid primary highway, and only if those locations are zoned B-1, B-2, I-1, I-2 or I-3.
2. 
Setbacks. Billboards shall be set back at least thirty (30) feet from any right-of-way and shall be set back at least one hundred (100) feet from any other property line, roofed structure, or building that would require a building permit.
3. 
Size. Billboards shall be limited to no more than six hundred seventy-two (672) square feet, and fourteen (14) feet high by forty-eight (48) feet wide adjacent to Interstate 435; and limited to no more than seventy- two (72) square feet, and six (6) feet high by twelve (12) feet wide in all other cases.
4. 
Height. Billboards total height shall be no more than thirty (30) feet.
5. 
Spacing. Billboards shall not be located within two thousand (2,000) feet of another billboard on the same side of the highway; within one thousand five hundred (1,500) feet of any gateway identified in the Master Plan or other entry features associated with the City limit; or within one thousand five hundred (1,500) feet of a residential district.
6. 
Lighting. No animation, flashing, blinking, intermittent or changing graphics or surfaces, or other visible moving elements capable of distracting drivers shall be allowed shall be permitted. External lighting, such as floodlights, thin line and gooseneck reflectors are permitted, provided that 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 portions of the streets or highways, or otherwise interferers with the effectiveness of an official traffic sign or signal.
Projects proposed and approved through the planned district process may propose a specific sign package. The sign package shall be based on the intent, types of signs, and standards of this Chapter, but the City may approve deviations to these standards through the review process and criteria of planned districts in Chapter 403. Any planned district not proposed and approved with a sign plan noting specific deviations shall be subject to these standards.