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:
An office or individual having specific authority to administer
the regulations of this article.
A sign mounted or painted on, or attached to, an awning,
canopy, or marquee.
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.
A permanent roof-like shelter extending from part or all
of a building face onto which signs may be placed.
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.
A sign on which copy is changed manually in the field, such
as reader boards with changeable letters or changeable pictorial panels.
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 of Moscow Mills, Missouri and its agencies, departments,
agents and employees acting within their respective areas of authority.
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.
The wording on a sign surface either in permanent or removable
letter form.
(See "Ground or Pole Sign.")
Any sign which serves solely to designate the location or
direction of any place or area.
Any sign designed to provide artificial light either through
transparent or translucent material from a light source within the
sign.
Any sign containing electrical wiring which is attached or
intended to be attached to an electrical energy source.
To build, construct, attach, hang, re-hang, place, affix,
or relocate and includes the painting of lettering for signs.
A noteworthy social occasion or happening of a non-commercial
nature.
Signs exempted from normal permit requirements and fees.
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.
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.
A sign attached to or erected against a wall of a building
with the face horizontally parallel to the wall.
A flag of the Federal, State or local government or one having
the name and/or corporate logo or symbol of the business establishment.
A sign or accessory light which is illuminated on an intermittent
cycle except changeable copy sign (automatic).
A sign which flutters and includes banners and commercial
flags.
(See "Ground or Pole Sign.")
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.
A freestanding sign resting upon the ground or attached to
it by means of one or more poles or standards.
The measurement from the top of the highest structural element
of the sign to the average level of the finished ground surface or
grade.
A sign containing only the name and address of the occupant
or business establishment.
A sign identifying the institutional or governmental facility.
A letter, character, or symbol used to represent a person,
corporation or business enterprise.
The permanent part of a building which denotes the name of
the building, date of erection, historical significance or similar
information.
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.
Any sign that does not contain electrical wiring or is not
attached or intended to be attached to an electrical energy source.
An off-premises or billboard type sign.
That portion of a building wall that rises above the roof
level.
Any individual, firm, partnership, association, corporation,
company or organization of any kind, or any lawful successor thereto
or transferee thereof.
A portable changeable copy sign.
That portion of a lot or building occupied by a single occupant,
exclusive of common area, if any, shared with adjacent occupants.
Any letter, word, sign device or representation used in nature
of an advertisement or announcement projecting perpendicularly from
the building.
Directional sign to subdivisions under construction and project
site promotional sign.
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.
The top edge of the roof or the top of the parapet, whichever
forms the top line of the building silhouette.
A sign mounted on the roof of a building or projecting above
the top of the roof line (except a ground or pole sign).
A sign or portion of a sign which moves in a revolving or
similar manner.
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.
The molding, battens, nailing strips, latticing, and platforms
which are attached to the sign structure.
A permanent ground sign identifying a subdivision entry,
subdivision name, and/or street names within the subdivision.
Sign supports shall apply to all structures by which the
sign is held up, including for example: poles, braces, guys and anchors.
Any sign or banner:
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;
Advertising a garage sale, estate, or yard sale;
Supporting or promoting a political position or candidate in
an upcoming election;
Advertising a business' sale or liquidation;
Advertising the construction, financing, or sale of residential
or commercial real estate; or
Providing direction to a residential subdivision, church, or
business.
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:
(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.
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.
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.