This section describes the various purposes for signage. Figure
10-144a establishes in which district(s) each sign purpose will
be permitted.
(1) Advertising sign, off-premises: a sign which directs attention to
a business, commodity, service, or entertainment conducted, sold,
or offered elsewhere than upon the premises where the sign is displayed.
The premises shall include all lots that are contiguous, under unified
single ownership and intended to remain under unified single ownership,
and under the jurisdiction of this chapter. Off-premises advertising
signs include billboards but do not include community information
signs.
(2) Auxiliary sign: a sign which provides special information such as
price, hours of operation, or warning and which does not include brand
names, or information regarding product lines or services. Examples
of such signs include "no trespassing" signs and signs which list
prices of gasoline.
(a)
Auxiliary signs may contain a business logo if the logo is less
than one square foot in area.
(b)
Auxiliary signs listing gasoline prices may list up to one price
per type of fuel, which must be displayed on a single structure.
(c)
With the exception of fuel price signs, the combined area of
all auxiliary signs on any lot shall not exceed 50 square feet. Fuel
price signs may not exceed 100 square feet per sign.
(3) Business sign, on-premises: a sign which directs attention to a business,
commodity, service, or entertainment conducted, sold, offered, or
manufactured upon the premises where the sign is located. The premises
shall include all lots that are contiguous, under unified single ownership
and intended to remain under unified single ownership under the jurisdiction
of this chapter.
(4) Community information sign: a temporary or permanent sign which is
limited to the display of information of interest to the general community
regarding scheduled public events, public activities, and public facilities.
Community information signs do not include bulletin boards.
(a)
A monument sign is the only allowable configuration for community
information signs.
(b)
The following entities are eligible to have a community information
signs: village, city, state, or federal facilities; school district
properties; and properties containing meeting rooms commonly open
to public use.
(c)
Community information signs may be located on private or public property, including rights-of-way, but must meet the visibility requirements of §
10-103.
(d)
Only information regarding public events, public facilities,
and public information of general interest to residents may be displayed
on community information signs.
(e)
Community information signs may have changeable copy or be configured
as a variable message sign.
(f)
Community information signs shall not exceed 100 square feet
or 10 feet in height.
(g)
Community information signs are exempt from the requirements
of Figure 10-144b.
(h)
Community information signs shall not be counted as adding to
the area of signage on the property on which it is placed for the
purposes of regulating sign area.
(5) Directional sign, on-premises: a sign which indicates only the name,
logo, or symbol of a specific business destination within a development
or lot and a directional arrow or symbol to that destination. The
premises shall include all lots that are contiguous, under unified
single ownership and intended to remain under unified single ownership
under the jurisdiction of this chapter.
(a)
One on-premises directional sign permitted for each vehicular
entrance/exit and one parking restrictions/conditions sign for each
parking area.
(b)
On-premises directional signs shall not exceed eight square
feet.
(6) Directional sign, off-premises: a sign which indicates only the name,
logo, or symbol of a specific business destination and a directional
arrow or symbol to the destination.
(a)
Off-premises directional signs shall not exceed eight square
feet.
(b)
Each lot is permitted two off-premises directional signs.
(c)
Off-premises directional signs shall not count toward the total
permitted number and area of signs on the lot where the sign is located
or on the subject property.
(7) Group or large development sign: a sign displaying the collective name of a group of uses defined as either a group or large development under §
10-118, and/or the names and/or logos of individual occupants of the group development.
(a)
Each business shall be eligible for integration into a group
or large development sign. The allocation of permitted sign area [See
Subsection (7)(c).] for the group sign shall be determined by the
property owner or designee.
(b)
Group and large development signs shall be freestanding signs per §
10-143(1).
(c)
The permitted sign area for group and large development signs
may be double that permitted for a freestanding sign in the district
in which it is located.
(8) Temporary sign. Refer to §
10-146 of this chapter.
(9) Variable message sign: a sign which displays words, lines, logos,
graphic images, or symbols, which may be changed manually or electronically
to provide different information, and which includes computer signs,
electronic reader boards with changeable letters, LCD signs and other
video display signs, and electronic time and temperature signs. Sign
screens where the message or appearance is changed electronically
shall be referred to as "electronic message centers (EMCs)."
(a)
All variable message signs shall comply with the following rules:
1.
All variable message signs shall be included in the calculation
of total permitted sign area for the type of on-premises sign (on-building
or freestanding) and the zoning district in which the sign is located.
2.
All variable message signs shall be equipped with photosensitive
equipment which automatically adjusts the brightness and contrast
of the sign in direct relation to the ambient outdoor illumination.
3.
All variable message signs shall comply with the lighting requirements of §
10-106.
4.
All variable message signs shall be maintained so as to be able
to display messages in a complete and legible manner.
5.
All variable message signs shall be located no less than 100
feet from any parcel within a residential zoning district.
6.
No flashing signs. "Flashing" is defined as a variable message
sign, including electronic message centers displaying text, images,
and/or video, having a display that turns on and off more frequently
than in three-second intervals. Scrolling of a consistently illuminated
and formatted moving text message is not considered flashing.
(b)
Electronic message centers displaying text messages only.
1.
Static text messages.
a.
Static text messages feature stationary letters that may not
scroll, flash, or move in any way.
b.
Static text messages shall be displayed for no less than three
seconds with a maximum transition duration of one second.
2.
Moving text messages.
a.
Moving text messages feature letters that scroll or move.
b.
Moving text messages shall not scroll for longer than six seconds
with a maximum transition duration of one second.
c.
Moving text messages shall not flash on and off at intervals
less than three seconds. Scrolling of a consistently illuminated and
formatted moving text message is not considered flashing.
3.
Both static and moving text messages may be displayed by the
same electronic message center as long as the requirements of this
section apply to each type of message.
4.
Electronic message centers displaying text messages only are
permitted in all zoning districts.
5.
Design requirements.
a.
Electronic message centers displaying text messages may not
exceed 33% of the sign's total permitted or existing area, whichever
is smaller.
b.
Electronic message centers displaying text messages added to
existing legal conforming signs must result in a design that is substantially
within the height and size of the existing sign frame.
(c)
Electronic message centers displaying images and video that
may be combined with text.
1.
Static images.
a.
Static images feature images and/or text that do not move in
any way.
b.
Static images shall be displayed for no less than three seconds
with a maximum transition duration of one second.
c.
Static images may not turn on and off at intervals less than
three seconds. If the time duration minimums in this subsection are
not met, the sign shall be considered flashing per Subsection (9)(a)6.
2.
Full-motion videos.
a.
Full-motion videos display moving images and/or text.
b.
Full-motion videos shall not display video clips exceeding six-second
intervals, with a maximum transition duration of one second.
c.
Full-motion videos may not turn on and off or feature breaks
in video clips at intervals less than three seconds. Video clips must
be continuous from a minimum of three seconds to a maximum of six
seconds in length. If the time duration minimums in this subsection
are not met, the sign shall be considered flashing per Subsection
(9)(a)6.
3.
Both static and full-motion videos may be displayed by the same
electronic message center as long as the requirements of this section
apply to each type of video.
4.
Electronic message centers are permitted to display full motion
video in the Community Mixed Use (CMU) and Urban Mixed Use (UMU) Zoning
Districts.
5.
Design requirements.
a.
All electronic message centers are permitted on freestanding
sign configurations only. On-building electronic message centers are
prohibited.
b.
New electronic message centers and electronic message centers
replacing all or part of existing legal conforming signs.
i.
Electronic message centers must not exceed 75% of the sign's
total existing or permitted area, whichever is smaller.
ii. Electronic message centers added to existing legal
conforming signs must result in a design that is substantially within
the height and size of the existing sign frame.
c.
Electronic message centers replacing all or part of existing
legal nonconforming signs within 500 feet from a connecting highway
(STH 22, 29, Business 29, 47, and 55).
i.
Any modifications to a sign must bring the entire sign into
compliance with the Zoning Code.
ii. Electronic message centers may be added and must
not exceed 75% of the resulting conforming sign's total area.
d.
Electronic message centers replacing all or part of existing
legal nonconforming signs greater than 500 feet from a connecting
highway (STH 22, 29, Business 29, 47, and 55).
i.
An electronic message center, not to exceed 75% of the sign's
existing total area, may be added if the resulting design is substantially
within the height and size of the existing sign frame.
ii. The existing sign area of signs in this location
may be replaced without adding an electronic message center so long
as the resulting design is substantially within the height and size
of the existing sign frame.
The following signs are permitted in all zoning districts without
the need for a permit. Such signs shall not count toward the maximum
permitted sign area in the zoning district in which they are located.
(1) Daily notice signs. Daily notice signs include freestanding sandwich
board signs and on-building menu board signs. One daily notice sign
per customer entrance is permitted. The owner of the customer entrance
may select which type of daily notice sign to use: either one sandwich
board sign or one menu board sign.
(a)
Daily notice signs do not count as a business sign for the purpose
of regulating the number of business signs or the area of business
signs allowed on the property.
(b)
Rules for sandwich board signs:
1.
Location requirements for sandwich board signs. A sandwich board
may be placed between the side of the building with the customer entrance
and the curb, provided that:
a.
There is not adequate space available on the premises to place
the sign in a manner that is visible to the public.
b.
The sign is placed directly in front of the business to which
it is related.
c.
A minimum of five feet in width of unobstructed travel way remains
available on the sidewalk at all times.
d.
Sandwich board signs shall be placed a minimum of one foot (12
inches) from any of the following: doorway, loading zone, crosswalk,
curb cut, bike rack, bench or any other public facility or fixture
for vehicles or pedestrians.
e.
Sandwich board signs shall not obstruct access to any fire hydrant,
fire escape or fire door, or obstruct the clear view of any traffic
signal, regulatory sign or street sign. Whether such a prohibited
obstruction is created by the sandwich board sign shall be the determination
of the City.
f.
Sandwich board signs shall be kept inside the building when
the business is closed.
2.
Configuration requirements for sandwich board signs:
a.
No portion of a sandwich board sign shall be more than four
feet high or more than three feet wide, including any part of its
frame or supporting structure.
b.
Anything attached to a sandwich board sign shall not project
beyond the perimeter of the sign face nor project in excess of one
inch from the sign face.
3.
Material requirements for sandwich board signs:
a.
Sandwich boards may be made of any material.
b.
Sandwich boards shall be heavy enough to remain stationary in
moderate winds.
4.
Illumination requirements for sandwich board signs:
a.
Sandwich boards may not be illuminated by any means other than
an ambient light source, such as the sun or a streetlight.
(c)
Rules for menu board signs.
1.
Location requirements for menu board signs:
a.
Menu board signs shall be securely affixed to the exterior wall
of the building containing the use.
2.
Configuration requirements for menu board signs.
a.
Menu board sign surface area and its surrounding frame and structure
shall not exceed eight square feet.
b.
Menu board signs shall not extend more than three inches from
the wall on which it is mounted.
c.
Moving signs such as traveling message boards, electronic message
boards and video screens are prohibited.
d.
Anything attached to a menu board sign shall not project outside
the perimeter of the sign face nor project in excess of one inch from
the sign face.
3.
Material requirements for menu board signs.
a.
Menu board signs may be made of any material.
4.
Illumination requirements for menu board signs.
a.
Menu board signs may not be illuminated by any means other than
an ambient light source, such as the sun or a streetlight.
(2) Address: address numerals and other information to identify a location
by law, order, rule, or regulation, provided that such sign does not
exceed one square foot in area per officially assigned address, or
the size required by law, order, rule, or regulation, whichever is
greater.
(3) Auxiliary sign: per §
10-142(2) of this chapter, if fewer than four square feet in area in residential districts or fewer than six square feet in area in nonresidential districts.
(4) Bulletin board: on-premises signs not exceeding 20 square feet listing
meetings, services, activities, or events for public, philanthropic,
or religious institutions.
(5) Commemorative sign: plaques, tablets, cornerstones, or lettering
inlaid into the architectural materials of a building or structure,
not exceeding four square feet, denoting the name of that structure
or its date of erection.
(6) Construction sign: per the temporary sign requirements of §
10-146(3)(b).
(7) Flags: flags and insignia of governmental, civic, philanthropic,
religious or educational organizations of less than 50 square feet
in area, when not displayed in connection with a commercial promotion
or as an advertising device.
(8) Garage sale sign: permitted on premises on the day of the sale, not
to exceed three times in one calendar year; may also be displayed
off premises on the day of the sale only.
(9) Government information sign: signs erected by or on behalf of a duly
constituted governmental body, including, but not limited to, legal
notices, handicap parking signs, traffic signs or other regulatory,
directional or warning signs.
(10)
Identification sign: a sign not exceeding two square feet indicating
the name and/or address of the property owner, tenant and/or manager
of the property.
(11)
Interior sign: signs which are located on the interior of a
premises and which are primarily oriented to persons within that premises.
(12)
Drive-through sign: one menu sign for a drive-in or drive-through
establishment exclusive of any two-way microphone/speaker devices,
provided that the sign does not exceed 25 square feet in area or eight
feet in height.
(14)
"Open" sign: illuminated or nonilluminated signs, not exceeding
four square feet, which advertise a premises as open for business,
with no more than one sign per street on which the property has frontage,
and not more than two signs in aggregate which are in place only when
the related premises are actually open for business.
(15)
Personal greeting/congratulatory sign: per the temporary sign requirements of §
10-146(3)(d).
(16)
Political/election sign: per the temporary sign requirements of §
10-146(3)(e).
(19)
Site information sign: signs of no more than eight square feet
which, without including advertising of any kind, provide instructions
and/or direction to facilities intended to serve the public, such
as rest rooms, public telephones, walkways, parking, and similar facilities.
(20)
Window sign. Window signs shall be limited to a maximum area
that does not exceed 35% of the individual glass area as contained
within a mullion or frame. There is no limit in the number of window
signs.
The regulations contained in this section apply to signs in
all zoning districts.
(1) Sign prohibitions.
(a)
No sign shall be erected at any location where it may, by reason
of its position, shape, color or design, interfere with, obstruct
the view of, or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal
or device, nor shall such sign make use of words such as "stop," "look,"
"danger," or any other word, phrase, symbol, or character in such
a manner as to interfere with, mislead or confuse users of streets
or highways.
(b)
No fluttering, undulating, swinging, rotating, or otherwise
moving signs.
(c)
No roof signs shall be permitted. No sign shall be mounted on,
displayed on, or extend above the top edge of a roof.
(d)
No flashing, scrolling, or animated signs shall be permitted. Variable message signs meeting the definition and requirements of §
10-142(9) of this chapter shall not be considered flashing, scrolling, or animated signs.
(e)
No mobile or portable signs shall be permitted except on a temporary basis as regulated under §
10-146. Sandwich boards meeting the definition and requirements of §
10-147 of this chapter shall not be considered mobile or portable signs.
(f)
No inflatable signs shall be permitted.
(g)
No advertising vehicle signs shall be permitted.
(h)
No beacons or search beacons shall be permitted.
(i)
No billboards or off-premises advertising signs shall be permitted. Existing legal off-premises advertising signs made nonconforming by this section shall be permitted to continue as legal, nonconforming signs, subject to the requirements of §
10-151.
(j)
No abandoned signs shall be permitted.
(2) Sign limitations.
(a)
No sign shall be erected, relocated, or maintained so as to
prevent free ingress to or egress from any door, window, or fire escape,
and no sign shall be attached to a standpipe or fire escape.
(b)
No sign shall be placed in a manner that would impede vehicular or pedestrian safety, or impede access or visibility. Signs shall meet the visibility requirements of §
10-103.
(c)
No private sign shall be attached to or painted on any natural
feature (e.g., tree or rock), fence, public utility pole, public light
pole or traffic regulatory structure.
(d)
Illuminated signs shall be permitted except for within a residential zoning district. All illuminated signs shall comply with the lighting requirements of §
10-106.
(e)
Except for permitted projecting, awning, marquee, and sandwich
board signs, or as may be specifically authorized in a specific implementation
plan in a PD Zoning District meeting all of the applicable requirements
of this chapter, or unless otherwise allowed by this chapter, shall
be permitted within or extend into a public right-of-way.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
ABANDONED SIGN
Any sign remaining in place which for a period of 90 days
or more no longer advertises or identifies an ongoing business, product,
service, idea or commercial activity located on the site.
ADVERTISING
Any writing, painting, display, emblem, drawing, sign or
other device designed, used or intended for display or any type of
publicity for the purpose of making anything known or attracting attention
to a place, product, goods, services, idea or statement.
BEACON/SEARCH BEACON
Any light with one or more beams directed into the atmosphere
or directed at one or more points not on the same lot as the light
source; also, any light with one or more beams that rotate or move.
BUILDING
Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering
any use or occupancy.
BUSINESS/TENANT FRONTAGE
That portion of a building frontage occupied by a single
tenant space having a public entrance within the building frontage.
For businesses located on the interior of a building without building
frontage, the building elevation providing customer access shall be
considered the business frontage.
COMMERCIAL MESSAGE
Any sign wording, logo or other representation that, directly
or indirectly, names, advertises or calls attention to a business
product, service, idea or commercial activity.
COPY
Words, letters, numbers, figures, designs or other symbolic
representations incorporated into a sign.
ELEVATION (BUILDING)
The view of any building or other structure from any one
of four sides regardless of the configuration or orientation of a
building. No building shall be treated as having more than four building
elevations. Each elevation will generally be identified as a north,
south, east or west building elevation.
FUTURE TENANT SIGN
A temporary sign that identifies the names of future businesses
that will occupy a site.
HEIGHT OF SIGN
The vertical distance from the base of the sign at average
grade to the top of the highest attached component of the sign.
LOT
Any piece or parcel of land or a portion of a subdivision,
the boundaries of which have been established by some legal instrument
of record that is recognized and intended as a unit for the purpose
of transfer of ownership.
LUMINAIRE
A complete unit for the purpose of generating usable and
somewhat controllable light that comprises one or more lamps, parts
designed to distribute the light, parts used to position and protect
the light source, and a means to connect the light source(s) to an
electrical supply.
MAINTAIN
Maintaining the existing appearance of the sign; replacing
the sign face or the supporting structure with identical materials,
colors, and messages; changing the message of a marquee or community
information sign; or changing the face of an off-premises advertising
sign.
SIGN AREA
The entire face of a sign, including the extreme limits of writing, representation, emblem or other display, together with any material or color forming an integral part of the background of the display but not including any supporting framework. See §
10-145(4).
SIGN FACE
The area or display surface used for the message.
THREE DIMENSIONAL SIGNS
Signs that have a depth or relief on their surface. Where
a sign consists of one or more three-dimensional objects (i.e., balls,
cubes, clusters of objects, sculpture or statue-like trademarks),
the sign area shall be measured as their maximum projection upon a
vertical plane.
USE
Includes all purposes or activities for which the land or
buildings are arranged, designed or intended, or for which land or
buildings are occupied or maintained. A use may include multiple ownership,
tenancy or affiliations and may include accessory, conditional and
temporary uses.
Fees related to signage shall be determined by the current City
fee schedule.