Exciting enhancements are coming soon to eCode360! Learn more 🡪
City of Moscow Mills, MO
Lincoln County
By using eCode360 you agree to be legally bound by the Terms of Use. If you do not agree to the Terms of Use, please do not use eCode360.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
The purpose of these regulations is to provide minimum control of permanent signs to promote the health, safety, and general welfare of the public by lessening hazards to pedestrian and vehicular traffic, by preserving property values, and by preventing a proliferation of unsightly and incompatible development which has a general blighting effect on the City. For "temporary signs" see other applicable Ordinances.
For the purposes of this article, the following definitions shall apply:
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
An office or individual having specific authority to administer the regulations of this article.
AWNING, CANOPY, AND MARQUEE SIGN
A sign mounted or painted on, or attached to, an awning, canopy, or marquee.
BILLBOARD (OFF-PREMISES SIGN)
A sign structure advertising an establishment, merchandise, service, or entertainment, which is not sold, produced, manufactured, or furnished at the property on which said sign is located, such as billboards or outdoor advertising signage.
CANOPY (OR MARQUEE)
A permanent roof-like shelter extending from part or all of a building face onto which signs may be placed.
CHANGEABLE COPY SIGN (AUTOMATIC)
A sign with a time interval of 15 seconds or greater such as an electronically controlled message board where different copy changes are shown. Electronically controlled public service time, temperature and date sign message boards may have a minimum time interval of three seconds.
CHANGEABLE COPY SIGN (MANUAL)
A sign on which copy is changed manually in the field, such as reader boards with changeable letters or changeable pictorial panels.
CHURCH BULLETIN BOARD
A sign attached to the exterior of a church or located elsewhere on church premises and used to indicate the services and/or other activities of the church, and including the church name, if desired.
CITY
City of Moscow Mills, Missouri and its agencies, departments, agents and employees acting within their respective areas of authority.
CITY PROPERTY
Property of the City of Moscow Mills, whether or not the property is at the time being used for a public purpose, and includes that property which is owned, rented or leased to the City of Moscow. This definition shall not apply to property owned by the City which is leased or rented to others.
COPY (PERMANENT)
The wording on a sign surface either in permanent or removable letter form.
DETACHED SIGN
(See "Ground or Pole Sign.")
DIRECTIONAL SIGN
Any sign which serves solely to designate the location or direction of any place or area.
DIRECTLY ILLUMINATED
Any sign designed to provide artificial light either through transparent or translucent material from a light source within the sign.
ELECTRICAL SIGN
Any sign containing electrical wiring which is attached or intended to be attached to an electrical energy source.
ERECT
To build, construct, attach, hang, re-hang, place, affix, or relocate and includes the painting of lettering for signs.
EVENT
A noteworthy social occasion or happening of a non-commercial nature.
EXEMPT SIGNS
Signs exempted from normal permit requirements and fees.
FACADE
The front or main part of a building facing a street; for purposes of this article the facade is defined as measured from the ground elevation to the parapet line.
FACE OF SIGN
The entire area of sign on which copy could be placed. For purposes of this article, the area in square feet of the smallest geometric figure which describes the area enclosed by the actual copy of a sign. For fascia signs, the copy area limits refer to the message, not to the illuminated background.
FACIA SIGN (OR WALL SIGN)
A sign attached to or erected against a wall of a building with the face horizontally parallel to the wall.
FLAG, NON-COMMERCIAL
A flag of the Federal, State or local government or one having the name and/or corporate logo or symbol of the business establishment.
FLASHING SIGN
A sign or accessory light which is illuminated on an intermittent cycle except changeable copy sign (automatic).
FLUTTERING SIGN
A sign which flutters and includes banners and commercial flags.
FREESTANDING SIGN
(See "Ground or Pole Sign.")
GRADE
The average level of the finished surface of the ground adjacent to a sign or the exterior wall of the building to which a sign is affixed.
GROUND OR POLE SIGN
A freestanding sign resting upon the ground or attached to it by means of one or more poles or standards.
HEIGHT OF SIGN
The measurement from the top of the highest structural element of the sign to the average level of the finished ground surface or grade.
IDENTIFICATION SIGN
A sign containing only the name and address of the occupant or business establishment.
INSTITUTIONAL SIGN
A sign identifying the institutional or governmental facility.
LOGO
A letter, character, or symbol used to represent a person, corporation or business enterprise.
MEMORIAL SIGN
The permanent part of a building which denotes the name of the building, date of erection, historical significance or similar information.
NON-CONFORMING SIGN (LEGAL)
Any advertising structure or sign which was lawfully erected and maintained prior to such time as it came within the preview of this article and any amendments thereto, and restrictions of this article, or a non-conforming sign for which a variance has been issued.
NON-ELECTRICAL SIGN
Any sign that does not contain electrical wiring or is not attached or intended to be attached to an electrical energy source.
OUTDOOR ADVERTISING SIGN
An off-premises or billboard type sign.
PARAPET OR PARAPET WALL
That portion of a building wall that rises above the roof level.
PERSON
Any individual, firm, partnership, association, corporation, company or organization of any kind, or any lawful successor thereto or transferee thereof.
PORTABLE READER BOARD
A portable changeable copy sign.
PREMISES
That portion of a lot or building occupied by a single occupant, exclusive of common area, if any, shared with adjacent occupants.
PROJECTING SIGN
Any letter, word, sign device or representation used in nature of an advertisement or announcement projecting perpendicularly from the building.
RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION PROJECT SIGN
Directional sign to subdivisions under construction and project site promotional sign.
RIGHT-OF-WAY
That part of any street, road, alley or avenue dedicated for public use as a walkway or thoroughfare for pedestrians or motor vehicles, whether or not the public improvements thereon extend to the full dedicated limits of such right-of-way.
ROOF LINE
The top edge of the roof or the top of the parapet, whichever forms the top line of the building silhouette.
ROOF SIGN
A sign mounted on the roof of a building or projecting above the top of the roof line (except a ground or pole sign).
ROTATING SIGN
A sign or portion of a sign which moves in a revolving or similar manner.
SIGN
Any identification, description, illustration, or device illuminated or non-illuminated which is visible to the general public and directs attention to a product, service, place, activity, person, institution, business or solicitation, including any permanently installed or situated merchandise; or any emblem, painting, flag, banner, pennant, or placard designed to advertise, identify or convey information. Sign supports are not considered part of the sign.
STRUCTURAL TRIM
The molding, battens, nailing strips, latticing, and platforms which are attached to the sign structure.
SUBDIVISION SIGN
A permanent ground sign identifying a subdivision entry, subdivision name, and/or street names within the subdivision.
SUPPORTS
Sign supports shall apply to all structures by which the sign is held up, including for example: poles, braces, guys and anchors.
TEMPORARY SIGN
Any sign or banner:
A. 
Erected or placed for the purpose of advertising or promoting a specific civic, political, charitable, religious, or commercial event which is not a continuous event;
B. 
Advertising a garage sale, estate, or yard sale;
C. 
Supporting or promoting a political position or candidate in an upcoming election;
D. 
Advertising a business' sale or liquidation;
E. 
Advertising the construction, financing, or sale of residential or commercial real estate; or
F. 
Providing direction to a residential subdivision, church, or business.
WINDOW SIGN
A sign permanently affixed to either side of the glass of an exterior door or window. For the purpose of this article, a glass brick wall shall be deemed a window. This definition does not include merchandise located in the window.
A. 
Except as hereinafter provided for certain specified exempt signs, no sign subject to the provisions of this article shall be erected, altered, or relocated without first obtaining a permit from the Planning and Zoning Commission with the approval of the Board of Aldermen. To obtain a permit, the person(s) erecting said sign shall file an application upon forms provided by the City Clerk. Application for a sign and permit approval must occur prior to erection of a sign. Otherwise, said sign shall be deemed in violation of this article.
B. 
Permit applications. Applications for both temporary and permanent sign permits shall be submitted to the Planning and Zoning Commission and approved by the Board of Aldermen and shall contain or have attached thereto the following information:
1. 
The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the applicant, the owner of the property on which the sign is to be erected or affixed, the owner of the sign, and the person to be erecting or affixing the sign.
2. 
The location of the building, structure, or zoning lot on which the sign is to be erected and/or affixed.
3. 
A site plan of the property involved, showing accurate placement thereon of the proposed sign.
4. 
Two blueprints or ink drawings of the plans and specifications of the sign to be erected or affixed and method of construction and attachment to the building or in the ground. Such plans and specifications shall include details of dimensions, materials, color, and weight.
5. 
If required by the Planning and Zoning Commission, a copy of stress sheets and calculations prepared by or approved by a registered structural engineer licensed by the State of Missouri showing that the sign is designed for dead load and wind pressure in any direction in the amount required by this and all other applicable Ordinances of the City.
6. 
The written consent of the owner of the building, structure, or property on which the sign is to be erected or affixed.
7. 
Such other information as the Planning and Zoning Commission may require to determine full compliance with this and other applicable Ordinances of the City.
C. 
Fees. An applicable fee per sign shall be paid to the City of Moscow Mills for processing of a permanent sign permit. The fee must be paid at the time the application is filed. There shall be no charge for processing of a temporary sign permit.
D. 
Denial or revocation. The Planning and Zoning Commission may deny, suspend or revoke a permit issued under provisions of this article whenever the permit is issued on the basis of a misstatement of fact or fraud. When a sign permit is denied by the Planning and Zoning Commission or the Board of Aldermen, a written notice of denial to the applicant, together with a brief written statement of the reasons for the denial shall be given to the applicant.
E. 
Six month deadline. If the work authorized under a sign permit has not been completed within six months after the date of issuance, the permit shall become null and void. An applicant must re-file the appropriate information when said permit is voided.
A. 
Unsafe signs. If any sign is found to be unsafe or insecure, or is a menace to the public, the Planning and Zoning Commission or the Board of Aldermen shall give a written notification to the owner of the property to which such sign is erected or affixed to remove or alter such unsafe or insecure sign within 10 days upon receipt of notification. Upon failure to comply with such notice within the time specified, the Board of Aldermen shall find the owner of the sign in violation and take appropriate legal action to remove or repair said sign. The Board of Aldermen may cause any sign that is an immediate peril to persons or property to be removed summarily and without notice.
B. 
Obsolete signs.
1. 
Any obsolete sign that does not advertise an existing business or a product shall be taken down and removed by the owner of the property to which the obsolete sign is attached within 10 days after notification from the Board of Aldermen. Upon failure to comply with such notice within the time specified, the Administrative Officer shall cause for removal of such sign, and any expense incidental thereto shall be paid by said owner.
2. 
At the termination of a business or commercial enterprise, all signs pertaining thereto shall be removed from public view within 90 days of such termination.
C. 
Alteration and maintenance of non-conforming signs. Any non-conforming signs shall be brought into compliance when the following occurs:
1. 
Damage to a sign which requires repairs which will exceed 50% of the replacement value of the sign.
2. 
Required maintenance which will exceed 50% of the replacement of the sign.
3. 
A change in ownership or tenancy for the premises on which a legal nonconforming sign is located.
4. 
Relocation of a sign either on the premises or to another location.
5. 
Remodeling which encompasses more than 50% of the display frontage of the business to which the sign relates.
D. 
Sign condition.
1. 
All signs shall be maintained and in good working order including, but not limited to, operational electrical service and components and sign colors and detail that match the approved sign design.
2. 
All building facades, sign boards, and other areas to which signs are attached shall be returned to a smooth, finished surface that matches the building at the time of sign removal.
Upon approval of the sign permit a tag with the appropriate sign permit number will be issued by the City. The applicant has the responsibility to see that the tag is permanently affixed, at the time the sign is erected, to the lower right-hand corner of the sign in plain view from the nearest public street fronting the sign. All permanent signs shall have the appropriate tag. All other signs are considered to be temporary and shall follow those provisions related to such.
A. 
The following signs shall be prohibited:
1. 
Signs containing flashers, animators, electronic or mechanical movement or contrivances of any kind except for those signs classified as a changeable copy sign (automatic). This shall also apply to the interior of a building where flashing lights or other mechanical or electronic contrivances are used in conjunction with window signs or other advertisements which can be viewed from the outside of the building.
2. 
Paper posters and signs painted directly on exterior walls, chimneys or other parts of the building.
3. 
Signs or other advertising structures displaying any obscene, indecent or immoral matter or containing subject matter which the Board of Aldermen find offensive to children or residents of Moscow Mills.
4. 
No sign or other advertising structure erected regulated by this article shall be at the intersection of any streets in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision; or at any location where, by reason of its shape or color, it may interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device.
5. 
Roof signs.
6. 
Signs on parked vehicles. Signs placed on or affixed to vehicles and/or trailers which are parked on a public right-of-way, public property, or private property where the apparent purpose is to advertise a product or direct people to a business or activity located on the same or nearby property. However, this is not in any way intended to prohibit signs placed on or affixed to vehicles and trailers, such as permanent lettering on motor vehicles or magnetic signs, where the sign is incidental to the primary use of the vehicle or trailer or for sale signs on vehicles and personal property.
7. 
"A" frame or sandwich board and sidewalk, or curb signs except as otherwise noted in this article.
8. 
Portable reader board (changeable copy sign).
9. 
Commercial flags, streamers and pennants.
10. 
Signs attached or affixed to stop sign, street signs, telephone poles or utility poles.
11. 
Garage sales signs exceeding 24 inches by 24 inches, posted earlier than two days prior to sale or left up longer than 24 hours following the sale.
[Amended 11-9-2020 by Ord. No. 925]
A. 
The following signs shall be exempt from all but the maintenance and public safety requirements of this article.
1. 
Awning, canopy and marquee signs. Awning signs not exceeding a gross area of four square feet or canopy and marquee signs not exceeding a gross area of 25 square feet, indicating only the name of the activity conducted on the premises on which the sign is located and/or a brief generic description of the business conducted by the activity. All such signs shall be constructed in accordance with the Building Code provisions of the City of Moscow Mills. Advertising material of any kind is strictly prohibited on awning and canopy signs.
2. 
Agricultural business sign. Business signs, not exceeding 32 square feet, when located on property used for agricultural purposes and pertaining to the sale of agricultural products grown or produced on the premises.
3. 
Business nameplates. Nonelectrical nameplates denoting the business name of an occupation legally conducted on the premises, provided that the sign area does not exceed two square feet in area.
4. 
Bulletin boards. Bulletin boards, not exceeding 20 square feet, for public, charitable, or religious institutions where the same are located on the premises of said institutions.
5. 
Directional signs for all zoning classifications except I-1 and I-2. Signs not exceeding four square feet in area, which provide instruction or direction and are located entirely on the property to which they pertain, to identify restrooms, public telephones, walkways, parking lot entrances and exits, and features of a similar nature. The Board of Aldermen shall have the authority to deny such signs if they are deemed unnecessary or to be used for advertising purposes.
6. 
Directional signs for zoning classifications I-1 and I-2. Signs not exceeding 12 square feet in area, which provide instruction or direction and are located entirely on the property to which they pertain, to identify restrooms, public telephones, walkways, parking lot entrances and exits, and features of a similar nature. The Board of Aldermen shall have the authority to deny such signs if they are deemed unnecessary or to be used for advertising purposes.
7. 
Flags, emblems and insignias (for noncommercial purposes). Flags, emblems and insignias of political, professional, religious, educational and corporate organizations shall not exceed a height of five feet and a width of eight feet. Such flags, emblems and insignias may only be used for noncommercial purposes and comply with all applicable regulations pertaining to flag etiquette. National, state and City flags shall be exempt from all provisions contained within the permanent sign regulations, providing that such flags are used for noncommercial purposes and comply with all applicable regulations pertaining to flag etiquette.
8. 
Government and institutional signs. Signs of a duly governmental body, including traffic or other similar regulatory devices, directional signs, legal notices, warnings at railroad crossings, and other instructional or regulatory signs having to do with health, hazards, parking, swimming, dumping, and so forth.
9. 
House number sign. Provided such signs do not flash and that additional numbers are placed according to 911 requirements of Lincoln County.
10. 
Interior signs. Signs which are fully located within the interior of any building or within an enclosed lobby of any building which are intended solely for information relating to the interior operation of the building in which they are located.
11. 
Memorial signs. Memorial signs or tablets listing names of buildings and date of erection, when cut into any masonry surface or inlaid so as to be part of the building or when constructed of bronze or other incombustible material.
12. 
Religious and historic symbols. Religious symbols, identification emblems of religious order, or commemoration plaques of recognized historical agencies, provided that no such symbol, plaque, or identification emblem shall exceed four square feet and provided further that all such symbols, plaques and identification emblems shall be placed flat against a building, stone, or other permanent surface.
A. 
All signs in this section are considered permanent and shall be located in the zoning districts as set out herein.
B. 
Signs Permitted In A-1 Agricultural District. For uses permitted upon review and approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission, refer to appropriate zoning District for sign regulations. The regulations below shall only apply to an agricultural business advertising agricultural products which are sold from the premises on a year-round basis (vegetables, greenhouse stock).
1. 
Changeable copy sign. Only one sign shall be permitted per street facing. Said sign shall not exceed 24 square feet per facing or 48 square feet per facing for the total aggregate sign area. Sign shall not exceed 15 feet in height above the average street grade. Sign copy shall only advertise goods or products sold on the premises and not contain the name of the business.
2. 
Permanent agricultural business signs. There shall not be more than one ground sign per street facing containing only the name of the business or enterprise on the premises. Said sign shall not exceed 32 square feet per facing or 64 square feet for the total aggregate sign area. Signs may be illuminated. Sign shall not be higher than 15 feet above the average grade. A changeable copy sign shall be allowed in addition to a ground sign provided individual permits are obtained.
C. 
Signs permitted in all residential districts. In all residential districts, the following signs are permitted in accordance with the regulations set forth herein:
1. 
Subdivision signs. All subdivision signs shall be ground signs. Subdivision signs indicating only the name of the development, the management or developer thereof, and/or the address or location of the development shall be permitted. There shall not be more than two residential subdivision signs for each point of vehicular access to a development. No new subdivision signs shall be permitted within the median of a public street. Subdivision signs shall not exceed 50 square feet in area for each exposed face and not exceed a total aggregate area of 100 square feet. Subdivision signs may be located in any required yard and must be located outside of the City right-of-way. Signs located adjacent to an arterial or collector roadway shall be set back five feet from the right-of-way.
2. 
Name and address signs. Signs may not contain letters or numbers exceeding 12 inches in height. In addition, all houses must be numbered according to the 911 regulations of Lincoln County.
3. 
Home occupations. Signs relating to a business activity or enterprise in the home is prohibited in all residential districts.
D. 
Signs permitted in all C Commercial and I Industrial Districts (Non-Residential). In certain non-residential districts, the following signs are permitted in accordance with the regulations set forth herein:
1. 
Ground signs.
a. 
Ground signs as described above shall be permitted as follows:
(1) 
C-1 Neighborhood Commercial. No ground sign permitted.
(2) 
C-2 Community Commercial District. The maximum height may not exceed 12 feet. The face of such sign may not exceed 50 square feet per sign face or a total area of 100 square feet.
(3) 
C-3 General Commercial. The maximum height may not exceed 30 feet. The face of such sign may not exceed 100 square feet per face or a total aggregate sign area of 200 square feet.
(4) 
Lots directly abutting the right-of-way of Highway 61 or Highway C, the following maximum height and size will apply:
(a) 
C-3 General Commercial. The maximum height may not exceed 45 feet. The face of such sign may not exceed 250 square feet per face or a total aggregate sign area of 500 square feet.
(5) 
C-4 Regional Shopping Center. The maximum height may not exceed 45 feet. The face of such sign may not exceed 900 square feet per face or a total aggregate sign area of 1,800 square feet and may include a changeable sign (automatic) to be used for:
(a) 
Public service messages or time, date and temperature.
(b) 
On-site commercial messages only.
(6) 
I-1 Light Industrial and I-2 Heavy Industrial. The maximum height may not exceed 30 feet. The face of such sign may not exceed 100 square feet per face or a total aggregate sign area of 200 square feet.
b. 
The following regulations shall apply to all ground (pole and monument) signs in all zoning Districts:
(1) 
One ground sign shall be allowed per each public street fronting the lot with the exception of identification signs. A ground sign shall be allowed fronting a private street or access drive in lieu of a permitted ground sign as approved by the Board of Aldermen. Where a lot has no frontage on a public or private street, the Planning and Zoning Commission shall determine frontage for all sign locations.
(2) 
Ground signs are limited to a commercial message pertaining to the business or enterprises operating on the lot on which the ground sign is located.
(3) 
When multiple tenants occupy a single building on a lot, tenants' signs shall be grouped and placed on the same set of sign supports.
(4) 
Ground signs shall not extend nearer than 10 feet to the public right-of-way (as measured from the sign edge).
(5) 
Sign heights will be measured from the elevation of the adjacent street or the elevation of the average finished ground elevation along the side of the building facing the street, whichever is greater.
(6) 
The structural supports of all ground/pole signs shall consist of one or more of the following: decorative in nature, architecturally treated, concealed within the supporting base, concealed by rigid trim and/or skirting material.
(7) 
All ground/pole signs shall be located in a protected landscaped area.
2. 
Commercial and industrial park sign.
a. 
A commercial or industrial park shall be permitted an entrance identification sign. Such sign shall identify the name of the development and may also include the names of the businesses within the commercial/industrial park. The Planning and Zoning Commission shall determine the boundaries of the commercial/industrial park, if said boundaries are not established by plat.
b. 
The placement of the sign shall be on a lot at the entrance to the development and shall occupy one of the regular ground sign locations for this lot. Such commercial/industrial park signs must conform to all signage regulations for that District including size and height.
c. 
In addition to the entrance identification sign, each lot or building within an office development accessed via a private drive and/or parking lot shall be permitted one monument sign not to exceed 30 square feet in area. A wall sign that meets the minimum standards of this section may be used in lieu of the monument sign.
3. 
Churches.
a. 
Churches shall be permitted one ground sign up to 50 square feet in size of which 24 square feet may be used as changeable copy. All other sign requirements shall apply including ground sign regulations as contained in this article, as appropriate. Design of such signs shall be of monument style and lighted so as to not detract from any adjoining residential property.
b. 
Churches located in commercial Districts may elect to construct a sign in conformance with the size and height requirements of that District.
4. 
Wall signs.
a. 
The total area of each wall sign shall not exceed 5% of the building facade or 32 square feet, whichever is greater. A wall sign shall be permitted on each wall which, or is oriented to, a street or access drive. If the business fronts on more than one street or access drive, the sign area for each wall shall be computed separately. Where a business has no wall fronting on a street or access drive, the Planning and Zoning Commission shall determine frontage for all sign locations.
b. 
Awning, canopy, and marquee signs anchored to the primary building may be used in place of a wall sign. Awning, canopy, and marquee signs used in place of wall signs will be subject to the same requirements as a wall sign.
c. 
All support structures for wall mounted signs shall be concealed from public view.
d. 
No signs shall be installed above the roof line.
e. 
A maximum of two background colors shall be used for all box type wall signs within a multi-tenant shopping center. A limit on background color shall not apply to tenants that take up greater than 30,000 square feet in area.
f. 
The facade area behind all wall signs within a multi-tenant shopping center shall be treated with the same materials and color.
g. 
In commercial and industrial developments where multiple wall signs are used, a consistent sign theme shall be maintained for all wall signage. The sign theme shall apply to sign style, color, and placement. The sign theme shall be established at the submittal of the initial sign permit application. Existing developments shall establish a sign theme by July 1,2008 and install signs in compliance with this theme by January 1,2009.
5. 
Changeable copy signs. Changeable copy signs may be permitted in conjunction with ground signs provided they are permanently mounted or affixed to a structure and advertise only goods or services available on the premise. When used in conjunction with a ground sign, changeable copy signs must be located on the same sign supports. Said sign shall not exceed 24 square feet per sign facing or 48 square feet for the total aggregate sign area. In no case shall the sign flash or contain any other mechanical or electronic contrivance.
6. 
Window signs. Permanent window signs may be affixed to a window (see "Definitions") advertising goods or services sold on the premises, provided that the total of all signs, including those temporarily mounted in that window, occupy no more than 20% of the window's area. No flashing or other mechanical contrivances shall be permitted in conjunction with such advertising on a permanent basis. These regulations shall not apply to merchandise or products.
7. 
Awning, canopy or marquee signs. See "Definitions".
8. 
Identification signs. One identification sign is permitted for the principal access to the premises and one sign for the secondary access. The sign shall not exceed 12 square feet in area per sign facing or 24 square feet for the gross aggregate sign area.
9. 
Flashing or revolving signs. Flashing signs and revolving signs are expressly prohibited (see "Prohibited Signs") with the exception of time and temperature signs which serve the public interest.
10. 
Menu board signs.
a. 
All fast food menu signs shall not exceed 40 square feet for the gross aggregate sign area. Two signs are allowed per site as approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission.
b. 
All menu items, promotions, pictures, or other displays related to the menu sign(s) must be contained within the permanent structure of the menu sign(s).
11. 
Produce stands. Produce stands which are not operated in conjunction with a supermarket or other retailer shall be permitted one "A" frame or sandwich board. The sign shall not be located on the right-of-way and shall be maintained in a neat and orderly fashion. The sign shall be constructed of wood, metal, or plastic; no cardboard or paper signs shall be permitted. The sign shall advertise the items and prices for sale on the premises.
12. 
Service stations and convenience stores.
a. 
One price sign per pump island shall be permitted; each sign shall be a maximum of two square feet per sign face.
b. 
Signs advertising products available at the subject business shall be permitted on each pump island; each sign shall not exceed two square feet per sign face.
A. 
Definitions. For the purpose of this section, see the definition of "Temporary Sign" in § 46.575.
B. 
Public safety. No temporary sign shall be placed or erected so as to prevent ready access to any window, door, passageway, or fire escape, nor shall any temporary sign be placed on private property in such a manner as to obscure the view of motor vehicle operators or pedestrians.
C. 
Secure fastening of signs. All temporary signs shall be sufficiently anchored, tied, or connected to a substantial base to prevent displacement/movement due to weather (i.e. rain, wind, snow, etc.) and shall not present a hazard to pedestrians or vehicles.
D. 
Presumption as to ownership of sign. Any person or entity promoted or supported by a temporary sign shall be presumed to be the owner of such sign.
E. 
Signs on City right-of-way and City property. No person or entity shall erect or place any temporary sign on the state, county, or City right-of-way or on City property.
F. 
Public utility poles. No temporary sign shall be placed on any telephone, electric or other utility pole, whether or not such utility pole is located on any right-of-way.
G. 
Traffic and pedestrian regulation signs. No temporary sign shall be placed on or affixed to any sign or its supporting structure which has as its purpose the regulation of or warning to motor vehicle or pedestrian traffic.
H. 
Size of temporary signs. All temporary signs in zoning districts A-1, R-1, R-2, R-3, shall not exceed six square feet, and all temporary signs in all other zoning districts shall not exceed 32 square feet.
I. 
Each temporary sign shall be removed within 30 days of placement. Exception: On-site signs advertising the sale of residential or commercial real estate may be left in place until the real estate is sold.
J. 
Other advertising devices. Other advertising devices shall include, but not be limited to, cold air balloons, helium balloons, and search lights. 1. Cold Air Balloons. Cold air balloons are permitted at a height not to exceed 32 feet and shall be set back and anchored so as not to obstruct the line-of-sight for traffic. 2. Helium Balloons. Such balloons shall be set back and anchored at a distance equal to the height the balloon is to be tethered from the edge of the property. 3. Search Lights. Search lights may not interfere with the normal use of adjacent property or cause interference to motor vehicle or pedestrian traffic. Each business is permitted two such advertising devices per calendar year for a period not to exceed seven days each. Such devices may not be placed on the roof of a building. Such devices shall be required to submit a permit application to the Planning and Zoning Commission and receive approval prior to use.
Any person, firm, corporation or partnership who shall violate any provisions of this article, and be found guilty of such offense, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor. Any owner of property who suffers or permits such temporary signs to be placed on his/her property, or remain on his/her property in violation of the Article shall, upon being found guilty of such violation, be deemed to be guilty of a misdemeanor, but the fine imposed on such property owner shall be limited to $10 with each day constituting a separate offense. In the event the violation is committed by a renter, leasee or mobile home park resident, the property owners will not be penalized or held responsible for such offense.
A. 
The following provisions are applicable to all signs subject to the regulations of this article:
1. 
All signs must be maintained in good repair at all times.
2. 
No signs other than those authorized by City regulations shall be erected or posted on City street right-of-way or other public properties.
3. 
Underground wiring shall be required for all illuminated or electrical ground type signs.
4. 
No sign shall violate the corner visibility regulations. (See "Supplementary Regulations".)
5. 
All signs must meet the City's Building Code and other applicable regulations.
A. 
Intent and purpose.
1. 
Within the previous sections, sign regulations applied specifically to on-premises advertising. However, the City recognizes another classification of signage which advertises goods and/or services available off of the premises. Said signs exist primarily for the directing or communicating with the traveling public. Because such signs are freestanding and their content is not necessarily related to the uses of the premises upon which it is erected, billboards for purposes of this article are considered a distinct business. This distinction is the basis for treating billboards separately from on-premises advertising.
2. 
The intent of this section is to provide reasonable restrictions to:
a. 
Eliminate hazards to pedestrians and motorists brought about by distracting sign displays.
b. 
Improve the appearance of the City.
c. 
Promote the general safety and welfare of the public.
B. 
Permitted zones.
1. 
Billboards or outdoor signage pertaining to "off-premises" shall be a permitted use in all zoning Districts except the following listed below, or unless specifically prohibited within that district's regulations.
a. 
R Districts.
b. 
C-1 and C-2 Districts.
2. 
Billboards shall only be allowed along Highway 61.
C. 
General provisions.
1. 
A one-time fee for the permit application shall be as established and paid to the City of Moscow Mills. As per this section, regulating business licenses for outdoor advertising, the sign applicant must also obtain a business license. The business license term shall be from July first through June 30th of each year. The license fee for each billboard shall be as adopted by Ordinance and shall not be prorated.
2. 
Before any City sign permit is valid, billboards or other outdoor advertising must comply with all State and Federal laws.
3. 
Non-conforming or abandoned signs. Where a sign structure does not include advertising information other than for the use of the sign for a period of 120 continuous days, such sign structure shall be deemed in violation thereafter and shall be removed. Non-conforming signage shall be removed or brought into compliance within 90 days from changes in State Statutes pertaining to off-premises advertising signage.
4. 
No sign or billboard (off-premise sign) shall be permitted which contains obscene statements, words, or pictures.
5. 
No sign shall be placed on rocks, trees or on poles maintained by public utilities.
6. 
All outdoor advertising signs erected in the City shall be documented by a Registered Engineer to withstand wind pressures of no less than 15 pounds per square foot.
7. 
The Planning and Zoning Commission or the Board of Aldermen may require any additional information as deemed necessary to protect the health, safety and general welfare of the public.
D. 
Signs permitted. Lighting restrictions, size location and specifications:
1. 
Lighting. No sign shall be permitted which is an imitation of, or which resembles an official control device, railroad sign or signal, or which hides from view or interferes with the effectiveness of an official traffic control device or any railroad sign, signal, or traffic sight-lines. Illuminated signs shall be so constructed as to avoid glares or reflection on any portion of an adjacent highway or residential buildings. However, no flashing or rotating flashing illumination shall be permitted.
2. 
Location and spacing. All billboards must be erected in the permitted District zones along Highway 61 and must meet the following location requirements:
a. 
No sign structure shall be hereafter erected within one mile of an existing sign on the same side of the highway. This distance shall be measured along the nearest edge of the pavement at points directly opposite the signs along each side of the highway. This shall apply to only outdoor advertising sign structures located on the same side of the highway involved.
b. 
No sign shall be located in such a manner as to obstruct or otherwise physically interfere with the effectiveness of an official traffic sign, signal, or device or obstruct or physically interfere with a motor vehicle operator's view of approaching, merging, or intersecting traffic.
c. 
No portion of any sign shall be located within a 660 feet radius of any point of any residence or residentially zoned District.
d. 
No outdoor advertising sign shall be placed closer than 1,000 feet to the beginning or end of an interchange ramp taper of a dual or proposed dual highway. No business sign shall be so located to obstruct the vision of traffic using entrance ways, driveways, or any public road intersection.
e. 
All outdoor advertising signs shall be required to meet the yard provisions in the districts in which they are permitted. The front yard setback from the road right-of-way shall be a minimum of 30 feet.
f. 
No sign shall be located on the right-of-way of any road or on any slope or drainage easement for such road.
g. 
No portion of a billboard shall be placed within a fifty-foot radius of any point of a building.
h. 
All outdoor advertising signs shall be placed on a separate lot as established by subdivision regulations contained in this article.
3. 
Size.
a. 
The maximum area for any one sign shall be three times the size permitted in the zoning District with a maximum height of 30 feet and a maximum length of 60 feet, inclusive of border and trim but excluding the base, apron, or supports, and other structural members. The area shall be measured by the smallest square, rectangle, triangle, circle, or combination thereof which will encompass the entire sign.
b. 
The maximum size limitations shall apply to each side of a sign structure, and signs may be placed back to back, double faced, or in V-type construction with not more than two displays to each facing, but such sign structure shall be considered as one sign.
4. 
Height. The maximum height shall not exceed 45 feet above-ground level or the grade level of the adjoining street, whichever is higher.
5. 
Type. All outdoor advertising signage shall consist of a monopole type design.
No person shall be issued a sign permit in accordance with this article without first having paid the applicable license fee contained on the approved fee schedule and obtained an "Outdoor Advertising Signs, Billboards and Structures" Business License from the City Clerk.
The provisions of the City Code shall apply to this article and any license issued hereunder specifically including, but not limited to, the provisions which address suspension, revocation, denial or renewal of licenses, penalty fees, and the investigation fee set forth in. However, the specific provisions of this article shall control and take precedence over any provision of Article I, to the contrary. Any provision of this article which addresses the same topic as this, but which is not in conflict with the provisions of Article I, shall be read in conjunction with and as an alternative to the provisions of Article I.
Written application for a license for outdoor advertising signs, billboards and structures shall be submitted to the City Clerk on forms provided by the City and shall include, but not be limited to, the name, address and phone number of the person which is applying for the license.
The license term shall be from July 1 through June 30 of each year. The license fee shall be equal to 2% of the gross annual revenue of each advertising sign, billboard or structure licensed. The total license fee for those persons which are applying for licenses for more than one advertising sign, billboard or structure in the City shall be the aggregate sum for each advertising sign, billboard or structure. License fees for outdoor advertising signs, billboards and structures shall not be prorated.
In addition to obtaining a license as required herein, the applicant must also comply with the provisions and requirements of the City of Moscow Mills Ordinances, Standards, and Regulations.