[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.
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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
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The following sign types are distinguished for the purposes
of the sign requirements in this Section.
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Table 409-1: Sign Types
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Type
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Description
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Wall sign
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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.
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Freestanding sign
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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.
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Pedestrian signs
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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.
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Temporary sign
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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
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Internal ground sign
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A sign with a design and scale to be legible to pedestrians
or vehicles navigating the internal portions of a site
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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.
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Table 409-2: Sign Allowances
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Residential and PLCD Districts
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B-1 and OTD Districts
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B-2, B-4-P, BP, P-EC, I-1, I-2, I-3 and U-1 Districts
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Wall Signs
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Permitted principal non-residential uses or apartment
buildings with over 12 units:
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▪
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Number: 1 sign per tenant with exterior entrance (multitenant
building), otherwise 3 signs per façade maximum
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▪
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Number: 2 signs per tenant with exterior entrance (multitenant
building), otherwise 4 per façade maximum
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▪
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Number: 2 per façade
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▪
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Total area allowance: 5% of facade area maximum
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▪
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Total area allowance: 5% of the façade or 40
square feet for building facades 750 square feet or more
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▪
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Total area allowance: 10% of facade area maximum; 15%
in I-1, I-2, and I-3
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▪
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Size: 24 square feet per sign maximum
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▪
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Size: 24 square feet per sign maximum
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Freestanding Signs
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For permitted non-residential uses, or any residential
project over 5 acres:
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▪
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Number: 1 per lot
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▪
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Number: 1 per each 150 feet of street frontage; maximum
of 3 on any lot; 120 feet minimum separation between signs
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▪
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Number: 1 monument sign per street frontage for non-residential
uses or 2 per entrance for residential projects over 5 acres
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▪
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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.
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▪
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Size: 16 square feet maximum
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▪
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Total area allowance: 1 square foot for each 2 linear
feet of street frontage
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▪
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Height: monument design required; 6 feet high maximum
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▪
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Height: monument design required; 6 feet high maximum
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▪
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Location: 10 feet minimum setback from all right-of-way
and lot lines
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▪
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Location: at least 100 feet from any dwelling and at
least 15 feet from any curb
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▪
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Location: 5 feet minimum setback from all right-of-way
and lot lines
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▪
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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
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▪
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No internal illumination, and no illumination between
12:00 Midnight and 5:00 A.M.
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▪
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Height: 7 feet maximum for monument signs
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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.
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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.
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Temporary Signs
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▪
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Freestanding:
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▪
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Freestanding:
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○
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Total area allowance: 1 square foot for each 10 linear
feet of frontage
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○
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Total area allowance: 1 square foot for each 5 linear
feet of lot street frontage
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○
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Size: 6 square feet maximum per sign; lots with over
150 linear feet of frontage may have 8 square feet maximum per sign
area
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○
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Size: 32 square feet maximum per sign
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○
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At least 20 feet between signs
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○
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At least 70 feet between signs
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▪
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Wall:
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▪
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Wall:
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○
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Number: 2 per façade
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○
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Number: 2 per façade
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○
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Total area allowance: 5% of facade area maximum
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○
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Total area allowance: 5% of facade area maximum
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○
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Size: 8 square feet maximum per sign
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○
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Size: 32 square feet maximum per sign
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▪
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Total combined display time 90 days per calendar year
per lot
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▪
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Total combined display time 90 days per calendar year
per lot
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Exemption from permit: 6 square feet maximum, but still
counts to sign allowance and must meet all other temporary standards
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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
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Pedestrian Sign
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For permitted non-residential use
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▪
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Number and size: 1 for each public building entrance
up to 8 square feet and within 20 feet of entrance; and
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▪
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Number: 1 per public entrance
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▪
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Height: 6 feet high maximum and within 30 feet of entrance,
if mounted on the ground
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▪
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Number and size: 1 for each 25 linear feet of building
frontage; 6 square feet maximum
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▪
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Size: 6 square feet maximum
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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).
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Internal Ground Sign
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Not applicable
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▪
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Number: 1 for each 5,000 square feet of lot
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▪
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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
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▪
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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
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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.
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.
