A.
Applicability. The regulations set forth in this article shall apply
to and govern signs in all zoning districts in the City of Maroa.
No sign shall be erected, repaired, altered, relocated or maintained
except in conformance with the regulations for the district in which
it is located, unless the sign is otherwise specifically regulated
by special use provisions or provisions relating to a variance.
B.
Purpose. The purpose of these regulations is to:
(1)
Encourage the effective use of signs as a means of identification
for businesses in the City of Maroa.
(2)
Regulate signs in such a way as to support and complement land
use objectives set forth in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan and this
chapter.
(3)
Ensure that all signs within the City are compatible with existing
land uses and buildings within the general vicinity of the sign and
the community as a whole, with regard to size, location, color, construction,
materials and manner of display.
(4)
Permit such signs that do not confuse, mislead, obstruct the
vision necessary for traffic safety or otherwise endanger the public
health, safety, morals or general welfare of the City of Maroa.
C.
Off-site advertising. It is the intent of this article to prohibit
all off-site advertising of any kind whatsoever, except where such
off-site advertising is specifically permitted under the terms of
the Highway Advertising Control Act of 1971 (225 ILCS 440/1 et seq.).
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
A sign which no longer directs attention to or advertises
any person, business, lessor, owner, product, idea, place, activity,
institution or service which is conducted or available.
The words on a sign describing products or services being
offered or available to the public.
A sign that incorporates or includes movement of physical
parts, lights or letters and figures, whether manipulated by physical
or electrical means.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General
Provisions, Art. I)]
Sign area shall be the gross surface area within a single
continuous perimeter composed of a single rectangle enclosing the
extreme limits of characters, lettering, illustrations, ornamentations
or other figures, together with any material or color forming an integral
part of the display or to differentiate the sign from the background
on which it is placed. Structural supports bearing no sign copy shall
not be included in gross surface area; however, if any portion of
the required structural supports become enhanced for decorative or
architectural purposes, that portion will be included in the total
gross surface area of the sign. For computing the area of any sign
which consists of individual letters or separate graphic elements,
the area shall be deemed to be the area of the smallest rectangular
figure which can encompass all of the letters or elements.
A temporary shelter supported entirely from the exterior
wall of a building and composed of nonrigid materials, except for
the supporting framework. When an awning contains, embodies or displays
any words, trademark, logo illumination or similar representation,
these elements shall constitute a "sign".
The entire area of a sign on which copy could be placed as
opposed to the copy area, when referred to in connection with a wall
sign.
A sign made of paper, plastic or fabric of any kind which
is intended to be hung either with or without a frame, with or without
applied characters, letters, illustrations or ornamentations, excluding
national, state or governmental flags.
A stationary or revolving light (also known as a "searchlight")
which flashes or projects illumination, single-color or multicolored,
in any manner which is intended to attract or divert attention. This
term is not intended, however, to include any kind of lighting device
which is required or necessary under the safety regulations described
by the Federal Aviation Administration or similar agencies.
A non-point-of-sale sign which advertises a business, service
organization, event, person, place or thing, unless such sign is more
specifically defined herein. Where such signs exceed 300 square feet,
even those advertising at a point of sale, they shall be considered
principal structures.
The wall and window area of a building in one plane or elevation.
A public right-of-way, a customer access drive or a parking
lot which serves the commercial establishment.[1]
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General
Provisions, Art. I)]
The frontage of a lot on a public right-of-way or privately
owned circulation road.
A structure, other than an awning, made of cloth, metal or
other materials with frames affixed to a building and carried by a
frame which is supported by the ground. When a canopy contains, embodies
or displays any words, trademark, logo lighting or similar representation,
those elements constitute a sign.
Letters, numerals or other graphics which are not permanently
affixed to a structure and/or set for permanent display and are intended
to be alterable through manual or electronic means.
A sign of noncommercial nature which directs the reader to
public parks, buildings, historical structures or areas, schools and
other public institutions; or provides information concerning traffic
circulation or parking.
The face of a building from grade to the top of the roof
or parapet in height and from side wall to side wall or front wall
to rear wall in width.
Any sign which contains an intermittent or flashing light
source or which includes the illusion of intermittent or flashing
light by means of animation or an externally mounted intermittent
light source. Automatic changing signs such as the public service
time, temperature and date signs or electronically controlled message
centers shall be classified as "changeable copy signs", not "flashing
signs".
Any sign supported by structures or supports that is placed
on or anchored in the ground and independent from any building or
other structure.
The vertical distance measured from the upper surface of
the nearest street curb (other than an elevated roadway) to the highest
point of the sign.
Any sign externally illuminated by a source of light which
is cast upon the surface or face of the sign to illuminate by reflection
only.
Any sign, all or any part of which:
Any sign which:
Statements, words, suggestions or pictures of an indecent
or immoral character, such as will offend public morals or decency.
That portion of the wall of a building that rises above the
roof level.
Any lightweight plastic, fabric or other material, whether
or not containing a message of any kind, suspended from a rope, wire
or string, usually in a series, designed to move in the wind.
Any sign not permanently attached to the ground or other
permanent structure or a sign designed to be transported, including,
but not limited to:
Signs designed to be transported by means of wheels.
Signs converted to "A" or "T" frames.
Menu and sandwich board signs.
Balloons or inflatable figures used as signs.
Umbrellas used for advertising.
Signs attached to or painted on vehicles parked or visible from
the public right-of-way, unless said vehicle is used in the normal
day-to-day operations.
Any sign affixed to a building or wall in such a manner that
its leading edge extends more than six inches beyond the surface of
such building or wall.
Permanent residential development signs at major entrances
designed to identify a residential subdivision and containing no advertising.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General
Provisions, Art. I)]
Any sign erected, constructed and maintained entirely or
partially upon or over the roof of any building, with the principal
support on the roof.
Any sign erected or constructed as an integral or essentially
integral part of a normal roof structure of any design, such that
no part of the sign extends vertically above the highest portion of
the roof and such that no part of the sign is separated from the rest
of the roof by a space of more than six inches.
The shortest horizontal distance between a property line
and the closest edge of a sign, including the structure and base.
Where a property line extends into a street right-of-way, the
setback of a sign shall be the shortest horizontal distance between
the closest edge of a sign, including the structure and base and the
back of the curb of the adjacent street.
Where a sign is located along an access drive, the setback of
a sign shall be the shortest horizontal distance between the closest
edge of a sign, including the structure and base and the back of curb
of the adjacent access drive.
Any name, identification, description, advertisement, display
or illustration which is affixed to or painted or represented directly
upon a building, structure or other outdoor surface or piece of land;
and which directs attention to an object, idea, product, philosophy,
place, activity, person, institution, service organization or business;
and which is located on a permanent or temporary basis, on the premises
at or on which the object, idea, product, philosophy, place, activity,
person, institution, service organization or business is located,
offered or sold.
The term "sign" shall not refer to any display of official court
or public notices, nor shall it include the emblem or insignia of
a nation, political unit, school or religious group. The term "sign"
shall not include any name, identification, description, advertisement,
display or illustration located completely within an enclosed building
or structure unless the content thereof shall be exposed to view from
the outside of the building.
For the purpose of this article, a building or portion of a
building or any item or material (opaque, transparent, colored or
illuminated) physically attached to a building which departs from
standard architectural treatment in an attempt to attract attention
to the premises by reason of color scheme and/or illumination or part
of a building or facade not required structurally or for maintenance,
and which is intended to direct attention to products, goods, services,
events or entertainment, shall be considered a "sign" and be subject
to all pertinent regulations, including sign area as defined herein.
The entire area of a sign on which copy could be placed.[2]
Any sign that is used only temporarily and not permanently
mounted. This includes any sign constructed of cloth, canvas, light
fabric, cardboard, wallboard or other light materials, with or without
frames, intended to be displayed for a limited period of time.
A sign which does not meet the terms of this article or which
the City has declared to be unlawful because it poses a danger to
public safety by reason of dilapidation or abandonment; a nonconforming
sign for which any permit required under any previous ordinance was
not obtained.
Any advertising or business sign attached to a motor vehicle
which is parked or placed in position for display to the public.
A sign which is placed against a building or other structure
and which is attached to the exterior front, rear or side wall of
a building.
A sign that is posted on the interior or exterior of a window
of a building or structure which is intended to be read from the exterior
of the building or structure.
A.
Signs regulated by this article. Any sign not specifically permitted
under the terms of this article or of the Highway Advertising Control
Act of 1971 shall be prohibited. Such signs include, but are not limited
to:
B.
Authorization by owner. Except as provided in Subsection C below, no person shall erect, alter or relocate any sign within the City without first obtaining the express consent of the owner of the land upon which the sign shall be erected, altered or relocated, in addition to obtaining a sign permit from the City.
C.
Signs not requiring permits. No permits shall be required for the
following signs when erected or displayed as set forth below and in
accordance with all other requirements of the zoning district in which
they are located. Except as noted, such signs shall not be illuminated,
except as expressly permitted below, and shall not be placed in or
otherwise erected upon any public right-of-way, nor be attached to
any building, tree or structure.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General
Provisions, Art. I)]
(1)
Interior signs. Any sign which is completely within an enclosed
building and which is not visible from outside the building.
(2)
Monuments and markers. Tablets, grave markers, headstones, statuary
or remembrances of persons or events which are noncommercial in nature.
(3)
Decorations and displays. Noncommercial decorations or displays
celebrating the occasion of legal or religious holidays and which
are erected and/or maintained for a period of less than 45 days. Such
decorations or displays may be illuminated.
(4)
Vehicular signs. Signs on a truck, bus, trailer or other vehicle
while such vehicle is operated in the normal course of a business
which is not primarily for the display of such signs.
(5)
Real estate signs. Freestanding signs which are used to offer
for sale, lease or rent the property upon which the sign is placed.
(6)
"No trespassing" signs. "No trespassing" and "no dumping" signs
not exceeding two square feet in area per sign.
(7)
Temporary signs. Temporary signs not exceeding eight square
feet in area and which pertain to drives or events sponsored by civic,
charitable, philanthropic, educational or religious organizations,
provided that such signs are posted only during said drive or immediately
prior to said event, but for no longer than 30 days.
(8)
Political signs:
(a)
Signs or posters announcing or describing candidates seeking
public political office, announcing or describing political issues
and data pertinent thereto.
(b)
Such signs shall contain a sign surface area not to exceed 16
square feet. Signs or posters relating to such candidates for office
or issues shall be erected not more than 60 days prior to the election
at which such candidates are to be elected or issues voted upon and
shall be taken down not more than three days after the date of the
election to which they were related.
(9)
Garage/Rummage sale signs. Temporary signs announcing the sale
of new or used personal property from a private residence where the
sale activity is occasional and infrequent and not associated with
a permanent commercial establishment.
(10)
Employment or "help wanted." Employment or "help wanted" signs
which are placed on the premises of the establishment which intends
to employ the personnel described in the sign.
(11)
Window signs. Temporary window signs describing or advertising a retail sale, promotion or special sale or event shall be subject to regulations contained in § 290-8.4C(5).
D.
Illumination. In addition to other applicable requirements set forth
in this article, all illuminated signs must comply with the following
provisions:
(1)
With the exception of changing signs (automatic) as defined
herein, all illuminated signs within 100 feet of any residential zoning
district shall be turned off between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00
a.m. unless the establishment is engaged in the operation of business
during such period, in which case the sign may be lit during the hours
of operation only.
(2)
Illumination shall be installed or applied only through a translucent
surface; or recessed into the sign structure; or if the light source
is external to the sign, directed to and concentrated on the sign.
(3)
Signs shall be shaded as necessary to avoid casting a bright
light upon property located in any residential district or upon any
public street or park.
(4)
Floodlights, gooseneck reflectors or other external sources
of illumination shall be contained within a protective casing.
(5)
Illumination shall be constant in intensity and color and shall
not consist of flashing, animated, chasing, oscillating or other illumination
conveying the sense of movement. Signs which exhibit only time and
temperature may be permitted.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General
Provisions, Art. I)]
E.
Vertical and horizontal extension.
F.
Sign placement in public areas. Except for official signs erected
by an agency or unit of government, no sign shall be erected on any
tree, utility pole, traffic standard or other public sign standard.
G.
Planned development signs. Signs located within a planned development shall be governed by those standards set forth in the underlying zoning district. Such standards may, however, be modified by the City Council in accordance with the provisions of Article VI, Planned Developments, of this chapter as now and hereafter amended.
H.
Flags. Unless authorized by the City Council, flags other than those
of any nation, state, political subdivision or noncommercial flags
which represent a not-for-profit affiliation or institution shall
be prohibited. There shall be a maximum of three flagpoles for each
zoning lot.
(1)
The height of a flagpole shall be in proportion to the scale
of the building to which it relates and in no case shall be higher
than the following height limitations:
(2)
The vertical length of a permitted flag on a flagpole shall
not exceed 1/3 the length of the pole upon which it is hung. All flags
are to be maintained in an orderly fashion. Torn flags shall be taken
down and replaced.
I.
Inspection. Every new sign requiring a permit in the City of Maroa
shall be subject to a general inspection; electrical inspection; footing
inspection; and any other inspection(s) deemed necessary by the City.
J.
Maintenance. Every sign in the City of Maroa, regardless of whether
any permit is required for such sign, shall be maintained in a safe,
presentable and good structural condition at all times, including
the replacement of nonfunctioning, broken or defective parts, painting,
repainting, cleaning and any other acts required for the maintenance
of such sign. All signs and sign supports shall be kept painted or
otherwise treated to prevent rust, rot or deterioration.
K.
Abandoned and obsolete signs.
(1)
Any sign which no longer identifies a bona fide business, activity,
event, service conducted or product sold on the premises where the
sign is located shall be taken down by the owner of the building,
structure or property upon which said sign is located.
(2)
If such sign is not removed, the City shall issue written notification
to the owner of the building, structure or property and the sign shall
be removed within 10 days of receipt of such notification.
L.
Nonconforming signs. It is reasonable that special conditions be
placed upon the continuance of existing nonconforming signs. This
special nonconforming program permits the current owner to continue
using the nonconforming sign while at the same time assuring that
the district in which the nonconforming sign exists will eventually
comply:
(1)
Continuance of nonconforming signs. Subject to the termination
provisions of this article, any nonconforming sign may be continued
in operation and maintained after the effective date of this chapter;
provided, however, that no such sign shall be changed in any manner;
and provided, further, that the burden of establishing a sign to be
nonconforming under this article rests entirely upon the person or
persons, firm or corporation claiming a nonconforming status for a
sign.
(2)
Termination of nonconforming signs.
(a)
By abandonment. Abandonment or cessation for a period of 90
days or the change of the principal use to which the nonconforming
sign is accessory shall terminate immediately the right to maintain
such sign.
(b)
By violation of the ordinance. Any violation of the provisions
of this article shall terminate immediately the right to maintain
a nonconforming sign.
(c)
By destruction, damage or obsolescence. The right to maintain
any nonconforming sign shall terminate and shall cease to exist whenever
the sign:
[1]
Is damaged or destroyed, from any cause whatsoever, to the extent
that its repair or replacement cost exceeds 50% of its replacement
cost as of the date it became nonconforming; or
[2]
Becomes obsolete or substandard under any applicable ordinance
of the City; or
[3]
Becomes a hazard or a danger to the safety or welfare of the
general public.
(d)
By new ownership or change in tenancy or use. Transfer of ownership
or change in the use or tenant shall terminate immediately the right
to maintain a nonconforming sign. The new owner has 180 days from
close of sale to bring the nonconforming sign into compliance.
(e)
By new development on the zoning lot. Where new construction
occurs on a zoning lot, any nonconforming sign which may exist on
said lot shall be removed or modified as necessary to conform to the
requirements of this article. This shall occur before permits are
issued for site development and building construction on the premises.
(f)
By redevelopment. Nonconforming signs which are moved or affected
by the redevelopment of a property, facade improvement program or
roadway widening shall not be reinstalled, but shall instead be brought
into conformance with all elements of this code.
(3)
Notification to remove; removal by City.
(a)
If the City finds that a sign is unsafe or insecure or is a
menace to the public or has been constructed or erected or is being
maintained in violation of the provisions of this article, the City
shall issue written notice of such condition or violation to the person
to whom the permit for said sign has been issued.
(b)
All notices issued by the City shall describe the sign and its
location and shall specify the manner in which the sign is in violation
of the ordinance(s) of the City of Maroa. All notices issued by the
City shall be sent by certified mail to the current owner. Any time
period provided for in this article shall be deemed to commence on
the date of the receipt of the certified mail.
(c)
If the party to whom such notice is issued fails to remove or
alter the sign so as to comply with the provisions of this article
within 10 days of the receipt of the certified mail, the City may
remove or alter the sign at the expense of the owner.
(d)
The cost of removing the sign may be recovered by the City of
Maroa through any appropriate legal proceeding or by assessment against
the property. The cost of removal shall be deemed to include any and
all incidental expenses, as well as all direct and indirect costs,
incurred by the City in connection with removal of the sign.
(e)
The City may cause any sign which is an immediate peril to persons
or property to be removed summarily and without notice.
(f)
The City shall not issue any sign permit to any person who refuses
to pay costs or expenses incurred by the City in removing or altering
any sign for which they have previously obtained a permit, regardless
of whether legal proceedings have been initiated for the purpose of
recovering such costs.
M.
Vehicles with signs. Any vehicle or trailer regularly and customarily
used to transport persons or property for a business or activity,
which has attached thereto or located thereon any sign or advertising
device for the basic purpose of providing advertisement of or directing
people to a business or activity located on any premises, shall be
exempt from the regulations of this article, except for the following:
(1)
The parking of any vehicle bearing a sign shall be limited to
the premises upon which the business or activity to which the sign
refers is located, provided the overnight parking of such a vehicle
shall be permitted at the private residence of the vehicle operator.
(2)
The intentional parking of any vehicle bearing a sign in such
a way or in such a location that the vehicle functionally serves as
a sign, advertising or directing viewers to the business or activity
to which the signage refers shall be prohibited.
(3)
The parking of any vehicle bearing a sign in public view which
is not in operating condition and/or lacks a current registration
shall be prohibited.
N.
Development ordinances. The City Council may execute ordinances for
individual developments which contain specific language and regulations
for project-related signage. Where this occurs and sign requirements
set forth in the development ordinance for the specific project conflict
with the standards of this article, the terms of the development ordinance
shall take precedence, unless the owner decides, subsequent to the
adoption of the development ordinance, to conform to the more restrictive
regulations of this article.
A.
All districts.
(1)
Planned development and subdivision identification signs. Freestanding
signs shall be permitted for the purpose of identifying planned developments
or subdivisions in any zoning district which are three acres or more,
subject to the following conditions:
(a)
Number. There shall be a maximum of one such freestanding sign
allowed, provided that:
(b)
Residential.
[1]
Residential development identification signs shall be maintained
by a homeowners' association or similar organization.
[2]
Identification signs for residential subdivisions may be installed
on masonry entry monuments, which may be constructed on both sides
of the entry street.
[3]
The height shall not exceed five feet.
[4]
The sign area shall not exceed 40 square feet per side, limited
to two sides or 80 square feet total.
[5]
Residential development identification signs and entry monuments
shall comply with all setback requirements set forth herein.
(c)
Nonresidential.
[1]
Nonresidential identification signs shall not exceed 45 square
feet per side, limited to two sides or 90 square feet total.
[2]
Nonresidential planned development signs shall not exceed 15
feet in height.
[3]
Nonresidential identification signs shall comply with all setback requirements set forth in Subsection A(1)(d) below.
[5]
Tenant identification may be provided on freestanding development
identification signs for all other nonresidential uses, provided not
more than two tenants are listed on each side of the sign.
(d)
(e)
Illumination. Development identification signs may not be illuminated.
However, low-level landscape lighting shall be permitted in residential
districts, subject to review and approval by the City. Said landscape
lighting shall be adjusted to avoid direct illumination of the sign.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General
Provisions, Art. I)]
(f)
Landscaping. Development identification signs shall be landscaped
with trees and shrubs to blend the signs or monuments into the landscape
of which they are a part.
(2)
Directional signs. Signs which provide only direction or information
for vehicular movement to churches, public places, shopping centers
and places of public accommodation shall be permitted as follows:
(a)
Directional signs shall not exceed four square feet in area,
unless otherwise approved by the City Council.
(b)
The maximum height of any freestanding directional sign shall
not exceed four feet, as measured from the top of the adjacent curb,
unless otherwise approved by the City.
(c)
There shall be no maximum number of signs, but the number and
location of all directional signs shall be as determined by the City
as necessary for safety.
(d)
Unless otherwise determined by the City, directional signs shall
be set back at least 15 feet from the edge of curb of any street or
access drive.
(e)
Directional signs may be illuminated.
(3)
Construction signs. Construction signs shall be allowed in all
zoning districts for the purpose of identifying the construction of
individual buildings or projects as follows:
(a)
Construction signs shall not be erected any earlier than four
months prior to the actual commencement of construction.
(b)
All construction signs shall be confined to the construction
site.
(c)
All construction signs shall be removed within 30 days of completion
of construction and, in all cases, prior to the issuance of an occupancy
permit, unless otherwise approved by the City.
(d)
Upon removal of the construction sign, advertisement of the sale, lease or rent of the property may be achieved through the use of a real estate sign, in accordance with § 290-8.4B(1) of this article.
(e)
The content of construction signs shall be limited to identification
of:
(f)
No more than one construction sign shall be allowed per street
frontage per project, unless otherwise approved by the City Council,
after review and recommendation by the Planning and Zoning Board at
a public meeting.
(g)
The maximum size of any construction sign shall not exceed 100
square feet per sign face. Construction signs may be double-sided.
(h)
Construction signs shall not exceed 15 feet in height.
(j)
Construction signs shall not be illuminated.
(4)
Signs not to constitute traffic hazards.
(a)
All signs or other advertising structure, canopy or awning shall
be erected or maintained in such a manner as to maintain free and
clear vision of motorists.
(b)
No sign or other advertising structure, canopy or awning shall
be permitted which distracts the attention of the driver of the vehicle
by reason of the position, shape or color thereof.
B.
Residential Districts.
(1)
Real estate signs.
(a)
A sign for the purpose of advertising the sale of property may
be installed in a residential district, provided a real estate sign
shall:
[1]
Not be illuminated or electrically operated, nor include any
moving parts.
[2]
Not exceed an area of four square feet.
[3]
Not exceed a total height of five feet.
[4]
Be limited to on-site advertising only.
[6]
Be removed no later than 10 days subsequent to the signing of
a purchase contract.
(b)
Number. There shall be a maximum of one real estate sign allowed
per zoning lot; unless the lot is a corner lot, in which case a maximum
of two signs shall be permitted. In no case, however, shall more than
one sign be installed per street frontage.
(2)
Home occupation/nameplate signs. Home occupation/nameplate signs
shall be permitted as follows:
(a)
There shall be a maximum of one such sign per zoning lot.
(b)
Home occupation/nameplate signs shall contain only the name,
address, telephone number and occupation of the occupant.
(c)
The maximum size of any home occupation/nameplate sign shall
be two square feet.
(d)
Home occupation/nameplate signs shall be installed flat against
the face of a building, rather than in a front or side yard.
(e)
Home occupation/nameplate signs shall not be illuminated.
(3)
Garage/Rummage sale signs. Garage and rummage sale signs shall
be permitted as follows:
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General
Provisions, Art. I)]
(a)
Only one such sign shall be allowed on the premises where the
sale is taking place; unless such property has frontage on two public
streets, in which case two signs are permitted, one at each frontage.
(b)
Three additional locations (not to include the public right-of-way
or any buildings or structures thereon) may be selected for placement
of rummage sale or garage sale signs announcing the same sale. Any
sign to be placed on property owned by others must have verifiable
permission of that property owner.
(c)
No rummage sale or garage sale sign shall exceed four square
feet in surface area.
(d)
No garage/rummage sale sign shall exceed five feet in height.
(e)
No such sign shall be placed or otherwise erected for more than
three consecutive days at a location permitted under this article.
(f)
No garage sale or rummage sale signs shall be posted or displayed
on a tree, streetlight poles, street signs, traffic sign poles or
otherwise erected upon any public right-of-way; nor shall they be
displayed on or within vehicles or be placed in such a location as
to cause an obstruction to the clear view of traffic.
(4)
Church signs. Church signs shall be permitted as follows:
(a)
There shall be a maximum of one church sign per zoning lot,
provided a maximum of two church signs shall be permitted when the
church to which the sign refers is located on a corner lot.
(b)
Church signs shall not exceed an area of 45 square feet per
side, nor a height of 15 feet.
(c)
Church signs shall be set back a minimum of 15 feet from all
property lines and from the back of the curb of adjacent access drives
and, in no case, less than 20 feet from the back of the curb of an
adjacent public street.
(d)
Church signs may include changeable copy.
(e)
Church signs may be illuminated.
C.
Nonresidential.
(1)
Wall signs. Identification for Businesses, Industrial and Office
Research Districts shall be permitted as follows:
(a)
There shall be a maximum of one such wall sign for each business
establishment; provided, however, that a maximum of two such wall
signs shall be permitted when:
[1]
The business establishment to which the sign refers is located
on a corner lot.
[2]
The business establishment to which the sign refers has more
than one business frontage.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General
Provisions, Art. I)]
[3]
A business establishment occupies the entire structure of which
it is a part and chooses to erect a second wall sign in lieu of a
freestanding sign where such freestanding sign is permitted.
(b)
The maximum size of any business identification wall sign shall
not exceed 5% of the building facade area upon which the sign is to
be located, to a maximum of 200 square feet.
(c)
Business identification signs may be illuminated.
(d)
Tenant wall signs within a retail commercial shopping center
under unified control shall be unified in design. Where signs are
reviewed as part of a planned development or special use request,
plans and other documentation shall be submitted for approval by the
City Council which:
[1]
Show the sign area will not exceed regulations of this article.
[2]
Identify the number of lines of copy proposed.
[3]
Identify the maximum and minimum letter height for each line
of copy.
[4]
Show that signs would be centered horizontally and vertically
on the sign frieze or background.
[5]
Address whether logos will be permitted.
[6]
Define proposed color styling.
[7]
Identify the allowable length of the storefront facade.
[8]
Identify required separation between signs.
(2)
Freestanding signs.
(a)
In addition to signs otherwise permitted in nonresidential districts,
one freestanding sign may be permitted where it is determined by the
City that otherwise permitted signage would be inadequate in identifying
the business use and that one of the following conditions is met:
[1]
The use is a restaurant or service station.
[2]
The business use is located on a parcel which, by virtue of
topographic conditions, substantially restricts the visibility of
the premises. Required landscaping, mounding and required building
setbacks shall not be deemed an obstruction to visibility.
[3]
The use employs a freestanding sign in lieu of a wall sign due
to unique requirements of the business.
[4]
The use is an office building or an office complex; provided,
however, not more than one freestanding sign is installed in lieu
of any wall signage otherwise permitted under the terms of this article.
(b)
The required conditions to erection, relocation and maintenance
of freestanding signs are as follows:
[1]
The total height, including the base of a freestanding sign,
shall not exceed 15 feet.
[2]
The sign area shall not exceed 45 square feet per side, limited
to two sides or 90 square feet total.
[3]
The sign shall be located within a minimum setback of 15 feet
from any property line or from the back of the curb of an adjacent
access drive. In all cases, the freestanding sign shall be set back
20 feet from the back of the curb of an adjacent public street.
[4]
The sign shall not impede normal pedestrian movement nor obstruct
the driver line-of-sight for motor vehicle traffic.
[5]
The sign may be illuminated.
(3)
Signs accessory to automobile service stations and service station/mini-mart
only. The following signs are permitted as accessory only to automobile
service stations, subject to the conditions specified below:
(a)
Racks for the orderly display of cans of engine oil may be located
on or at the ends of each pump island or adjacent to the station building.
(b)
Two tire racks, not to exceed five feet in height, six feet
in length and five feet in depth, shall be permitted at each gasoline
or tire service station for the purpose of displaying new tires. Such
racks shall comply with all setback and yard requirements and shall
only advertise the products contained thereon.
(c)
Items for sale on the premises shall not be displayed within
25 feet of any property line, and any display of such items must comply
with all applicable regulations. Products may be displayed under pump
island canopies or between pumps within the area of the pump island
base.
(d)
One double-faced sign presenting the pricing of gasoline products
sold upon the premises shall be permitted as follows:
[1]
Each sign shall not exceed 10 square feet per side.
[2]
No letter or numeral on any pricing sign shall exceed 10 inches
by 10 inches by 14 inches in size.
[3]
No pricing sign shall exceed a height of 15 feet.
[4]
Pricing signs may be combined as part of the permitted freestanding
business identification sign. The total area of such a combined sign
shall not exceed 45 square feet per side.
(4)
Awning or canopy signs. Letters may be painted or otherwise
permanently affixed to any permissible awning or canopy, subject to
the following conditions:
(5)
Temporary window signs. Each commercially zoned establishment
may have one or more temporary window signs, subject to the following
provisions:
(a)
Temporary window signs shall not exceed 25% of the total display
glass area of any building facade in which such signs are displayed.
(b)
Temporary window signs shall be limited to those describing
or advertising a retail sale promotion or special sale or event.
(c)
Temporary window signs shall not be included in the computation
of total allowable sign surface area.
(6)
Beacons. Beacons, as defined in § 290-8.2 of this article, shall be permitted for grand openings, subject to the following:
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General
Provisions, Art. I)]
(7)
Portable signs. Portable signs shall be permitted for grand openings, as defined in § 290-8.2 of this article, subject to the following:
(8)
Changeable copy. Changeable copy shall only be permitted for:
(a)
Church bulletin signs, in accordance with § 290-8.4B(4).
(b)
Freestanding and wall signs for public agencies and theaters,
provided that sign area does not exceed that allowed by the provisions
of this article.
(c)
Public service display of time and temperature.
(9)
Real estate.
(a)
A sign for the purpose of advertising the sale of property may
be installed; provided, however, that a real estate sign shall:
[1]
Not be illuminated or electrically operated, nor include any
moving parts.
[2]
Not exceed an area of 16 square feet.
[3]
Not exceed 15 feet in height
[4]
Be limited to on-site advertising only.
[5]
Be located on the subject property and set back not less than
15 feet from any lot line for nonresidential property and five feet
for a residential property.
[6]
Be removed no later than 10 days subsequent to the signing of
a purchase contract.
(b)
Number. There shall be a maximum of one real estate sign allowed
per zoning lot; unless the lot is a corner lot, in which case a maximum
of two signs shall be permitted. In no case, however, shall more than
one sign be installed per street frontage.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General
Provisions, Art. I)]
Except as otherwise provided in this article, it shall be unlawful
for any person to erect, re-erect, alter, relocate, affix or paint
(does not refer to maintenance) any sign without first having obtained
a sign permit therefor. Where electrical and/or construction is required
in connection with erecting, re-erecting, altering, affixing or painting
a sign, the Mayor shall review the plans with the Zoning Administrator
prior to issuing the sign permit.
A.
Application procedure.
(1)
Application
for a sign permit shall be made in writing on forms provided by the
City and shall include:
(a)
Site plans for freestanding signs only, in triplicate, drawn
to scale and fully dimensioned, showing:
[1]
A North arrow.
[2]
A dimensioned site plan of the parcel or lot upon which the
sign is to be located.
[3]
The name, address and telephone number of the person erecting
the sign.
[4]
The name, address and telephone number of the person applying
for the sign permit.
[5]
The name, address and telephone number of the owner of the property
upon which the sign is to be erected.
[6]
The location and setback of the sign upon the parcel or lot
upon which it is to be erected.
(b)
Three copies of all signage drawings, including freestanding
signs, with elevation and section showing sign faces, exposed surfaces
and horizontal dimension in scale as to size, proportion and color
and indicating the dimension between the lowest elevation of the sign
and grade, the projection from buildings or sign structures, and a
description of the sign, including, but not limited to, illumination
and colors.
(c)
Three copies of structural and electrical plans.
(d)
The written consent of the owner of the building, structure
or property upon or to which the sign is to be erected.
(e)
Such other information as the City shall require to show full
compliance with this and all other laws and ordinances of the City.
(2)
Each application for a sign permit shall be reviewed by the
Mayor for the purpose of determining compliance with the provisions
of this article and all other applicable laws and ordinances of the
City.
B.
Issuance or denial of sign permit.
(1)
The City shall issue a sign permit for the erection, re-erection,
alteration, relocation, affixing or painting of a sign within the
City when the required permit application is properly made, all appropriate
fees have been paid and the City has determined that the sign will
comply with the provisions of this article and all other applicable
laws and ordinances of the City.
(2)
When any application for sign permit is denied by the Mayor,
the City shall give written notice of the denial to the applicant,
together with a brief written statement of the reasons for the denial.
Appeal from the Mayor's decision to deny a permit application may
be made by the applicant in accordance with the ordinance of the City.
C.
Exceptions. Any requested exception from the terms of this article shall be reviewed and evaluated by the Planning and Zoning Board as a special use as set forth in Article X.
D.
Limitations. Sign permits shall allow the erection, re-erection,
alteration, relocation, affixing or painting of a sign only on the
property designated in the permit and only by the person to whom the
permit was issued and shall not be transferable. A separate sign permit
must be obtained for each sign for which a permit is required.
E.
Permit fees. Every sign permit application shall be accompanied by
a fee as set from time to time by the City Council to reimburse the
City for expenses incurred in connection with its sign inspections
and services. This fee will be waived for nonprofit and governmental
organizations.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General
Provisions, Art. I)]
