[Ord. No. 4190, 2-1-2021]
A.
The City recognizes that signs are a necessary means of visual communication
for the public convenience and that uses and activities have the right
to identify themselves by using signs that are accessory and incidental
to the use on the property where the signs are located. The purpose
of this Article is to:
1.
Minimize incompatibility between signs and their surroundings;
2.
Provide for signs within reasonable limitations, consistent
with the goals and objectives of the community, to retain the special
character and economic advantages that rest largely on the quality
of the community's appearance;
3.
Protect the public from hazardous conditions by prohibiting
signs that are structurally unsafe or obscure, distract the vision
of motorists, or compete or conflict with necessary traffic signs
and warning signals;
4.
Eliminate hazards caused by the size and placement of signs
and reduce the possibility of injuries to those coming near or under
signs;
5.
Promote the health, safety and public welfare of the City, its
residents and its visitors;
6.
Regulate signs in accordance with the City's policies and with
the U.S. and Missouri Constitutions; and
7.
Protect the right to free speech by the display of messages
on signs through content-neutral regulations.
[Ord. No. 4190, 2-1-2021]
A.
The requirements of this Article apply to all signs and support structures
located within the City. The following are signs and messaging that
are not regulated by this Article including any requirements for sign
permits:
2.
Address Numbers.
a.
For the purpose of safety services locating a property, a sign
denoting the number and street address of the premises is permitted,
provided that such sign complies with the applicable Building and
Fire Codes.
3.
Directional Signs.
a.
On-premises signs directing and guiding traffic on private property
that do not exceed four (4) square feet each and that bear no advertising
matter.
5.
Fuel Pumps, ATMs and Shopping Cart Corrals.
a.
Signs located on fuel pumps, ATMs, shopping cart corrals, or
similar structures.
6.
Integral Signs.
a.
Any inscription carved into stone or similar material that is
integral to a building, such as those commonly found on cornerstones,
stamped into sidewalks, or identified by plaques or tables.
8.
Minor Noncommercial Message Signs.
a.
Signs not exceeding two (2) square feet in area that do not
contain a commercial message.
9.
Patio Signs.
a.
Any sign located on umbrellas or similarly related private patio
furniture or seating.
11.
Public Signs.
a.
Signs installed or required by the public utility providers,
the City, St. Charles County, or any agency of the State of Missouri
or Federal government.
12.
Seasonal Decorations.
a.
Any lighting, signs, or related decorations erected on a seasonal
basis in observance of religious, national, or state holidays that
are not intended to be permanent in nature and which do not contain
a commercial message.
13.
Vehicle Signs.
a.
Signs painted on or otherwise attached to currently licensed
motor vehicles that are not primarily used as signs.
[Ord. No. 4190, 2-1-2021]
A.
The standards of this Article may be waived or modified through one
(1) of the following procedures, except where an alternative procedure
is specified in this Article:
[Ord. No. 4190, 2-1-2021]
A.
Savings And Severability.
1.
If any clause, section, or other provision of the application
of this Article shall be held by any court of competent jurisdiction
to be unconstitutional or invalid, such clause, subsection, or other
part of the application of this Article shall be considered eliminated
and not affecting the validity of the remaining clauses, sections,
or applications remaining in full force and effect.
B.
Administration And Interpretation.
1.
This Article shall be administered and enforced by the Community
Development Director.
2.
Literal readings of the Code language will be used.
3.
Regulations are no more or less strict than as stated.
4.
Application of the regulations that are consistent with the
rules of this Article are nondiscretionary actions to implement the
requirements of this Article.
5.
This Article shall be interpreted in a manner consistent with
the First Amendment guarantee of free speech.
6.
Where this Article is silent, or where the rules of this Article
do not provide a basis for concluding that a sign is allowed, said
sign is therefore prohibited.
[Ord. No. 4190, 2-1-2021]
A.
Except as provided for in Section 425.470, Applicability, or where otherwise expressly stated, Table
425.540.A, Summary of Permanent Sign Standards, and Table 425.540.B, Summary
of Temporary Sign Standards, establish all permitted sign types and establish where a sign permit is required for individual signs in accordance with Section 405.200, Sign Permit.
[Ord. No. 4190, 2-1-2021]
A.
The following types of signs are specifically prohibited:
2.
Attention-Grabbing Devices.
a.
Windblown devices, not including projecting signs.
b.
Flashing, intermittent, or moving signs that flash or move more
than once every three (3) seconds, blinker, racer type, animated,
whirligig devices, and other similar types of attention-grabbing devices.
c.
Beacons, spotlights, and searchlights, except for emergency
purposes;
d.
Pennants, ribbons, or streamers.
e.
Portable signs, not including A-frame or T-frame sidewalk signs
as allowed in this Chapter.
f.
Balloon signs or air-activated signs.
3.
Location.
a.
Signs which are not securely affixed to the ground or otherwise
affixed in a permanent manner to an approved supporting structure
unless specifically permitted as a temporary sign.
b.
Signs that are applied to trees, utility poles, benches, trash
receptacles, newspaper vending machines or boxes, or any other unapproved
supporting structure.
c.
Signs placed on any surface located on, over, or across any
right-of-way shall be prohibited unless otherwise permitted by this
Article or authorized by the Public Works Director.
d.
Signs that obstruct or substantially interfere with any window,
door, fire escape, stairway, ladder, or opening intended to provide
light, air, ingress, or egress to any building.
[Ord. No. 4190, 2-1-2021]
A.
Sign Area.
1.
The sign area is the entire face of a sign, including the advertising
surface and any framing, trim, or molding but not including the supporting
structure.
2.
Signs Enclosed In Frames Or Cabinets.
a.
The area of a sign enclosed in frames or cabinets is determined
based on the outer dimensions of the frame or cabinet surrounding
the sign face.
 Figure 425.520.A.2
Sign Area - Signs Enclosed in Frames or Cabinets
|
3.
Individual Letters Or Elements.
a.
The area of a sign comprised of individual letters or elements
attached to a building wall is determined by calculating the area
of the smallest square or rectangle that can be drawn around the letters
and/or elements. Signs consisting of individual letters and/or elements
will be measured as one (1) sign when the distance between the letters
and/or elements is less than two (2) times the dimension of each letter
and/or element.
 Figure 425.520.A.3
Sign Area - Individual Letters or Elements
|
B.
Building Facade Area.
1.
The building facade area is the entire surface area of the facade
where a sign is located or is proposed to be located, including building
walls, doors, windows, recessed and projecting areas, and all other
features.
 Figure 425.520.B
Building Facade Area
|
2.
The calculation shall be based on viewing the facade from a
ninety-degree angle (i.e., straight on), regardless of facade insets,
offsets, or angles.
3.
For single-tenant buildings and multi-tenant buildings with
a shared entrance, the facade length is measured between two (2) side
facades.
4.
For multi-tenant buildings with separate entrances for each
tenant, the facade length is measured from the individual tenant's
party wall to the opposite party wall or the side facade, if applicable.
5.
The facade height is measured from the ground to the top edge
or roofline of a building with a flat roof, the eave line of a building
with a gambrel, gable or hip roof, or the deckline of a building with
a mansard roof.
[Ord. No. 4190, 2-1-2021]
A.
Safety.
1.
No sign permitted by this Article shall be placed or erected
so as to prevent ready access to any window, door, passageway or fire
escape, nor shall any sign be placed on private property in such a
manner as specified in this Code so as to constitute a hazard to motor
vehicles and pedestrian traffic or obscure the view of motor vehicle
operators or pedestrians.
2.
No sign may be erected so that by its location, color, size,
shape, nature or message it would tend to obstruct the view of or
to be confused with official traffic signs or other signs erected
by governmental agencies.
3.
No sign may be located so that it substantially interferes with
the view necessary for motorists to proceed safely through intersections
or to enter onto or exit from public or private streets, roads or
parking lots.
B.
Clearance.
1.
The lowest point of a sign that extends over an area intended
for pedestrian use shall be at least eight (8) feet above the finished
grade below it. The lowest point of a sign that extends over an area
intended for vehicular use shall be at least fourteen (14) feet above
the finished grade below it.
C.
Materials.
1.
Permanent signs shall be constructed of durable materials and
installed to comply with applicable City Codes. Permanent signs shall
not be made of paper, cloth, canvas (except for awning and canopy
signs), cardboard, wallboard, or other similar nondurable materials.
2.
Permanent signs shall be securely fastened to the ground or
to some other substantial supportive structure so that there is virtually
no danger that either the sign or the supportive structure may be
moved by the wind or other forces of nature and cause injury to persons
or property.
3.
Signs containing unpainted metal or reflective material of any
type shall be prohibited.
4.
All visible structural components of signs (excluding the sign
face) shall be constructed of natural materials that blend with the
natural environment or are compatible (however, not necessarily identical)
in color and texture with the adjoining buildings or shall be painted
a neutral or compatible color that is compatible with adjoining buildings
and/or the natural environment.
D.
Illumination.
1.
Unless otherwise prohibited by this Article, signs may be illuminated
in accordance with the following:
a.
Lighting directed toward a sign shall be shielded so that it
illuminates only the face of the sign and does not shine directly
onto surrounding areas.
b.
Illumination on the surface of an illuminated sign, measured
at the brightest point ten (10) feet from the surface of the sign,
shall not exceed five (5) foot-candles.
c.
No illumination source shall create a traffic hazard or distraction
to operators of motor vehicles.
d.
No sign may contain or be illuminated by flashing or intermittent
lights or lights of changing degrees of intensity.
e.
Illumination of electronic message signs shall comply with Section 425.550(C)(4), Electronic Message Center.
E.
Sign Setbacks.
1.
Freestanding signs shall be set back from the property lines
in accordance with Table 425.540.A, Summary of Permanent Sign Standards, and Table 425.540.B, Summary of Temporary
Sign Standards.
2.
Attached signs are not subject to setback requirements.
[Ord. No. 4190, 2-1-2021]
A.
Table 425.540.A, Summary of Permanent Sign Standards, establishes the allowed permanent sign types and standards. Permanent signs are subject to additional standards in Section 425.550, Additional Standards for Permanent Signs.
|
Table 425.540.A
Summary of Permanent Sign Standards
| ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Key: P = Permitted, — = Not Permitted
| ||||||||||||||
|
Sign Type
|
Sign Permit Required
|
RR-R4
|
R5-R6
|
MU
|
CO
|
C1
|
C2
|
LI
|
PA
|
Number of Signs, Maximum
|
Sign Area, Maximum Per Face
|
Sign Height, Maximum
|
Sign Location
|
Additional Standards
|
|
Permanent - On-Premises - Attached
| ||||||||||||||
|
Awning or canopy
|
Yes
|
—
|
—
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
1 per awning or canopy
|
30% of the awning or canopy surface area
|
Maximum building height in the applicable zoning district
|
Flush to the sides or front of an awning or canopy, or hung
beneath a canopy
|
Sections 425.550(B)(1) and 425.550(B)(2)
|
|
Projecting
|
Yes
|
—
|
—
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
1 per building entrance
|
10 square feet
|
Maximum building height in the applicable zoning district
|
Below the roofline
|
Section 425.550(B)(1)
|
|
Roof
|
Yes
|
—
|
—
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
No maximum
|
The combined sign area of all roof and wall signs shall not
exceed 6% of the building facade area.
|
Maximum building height in the applicable zoning district
|
On roofs not more than 6 feet above the lowest point of the
roof, and not extending above a parapet wall or above the roof's major
ridgeline
|
Sections 425.550(B)(1) and 425.550(B)(4)
|
|
Suspended
|
Yes
|
—
|
—
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
1 per building entrance
|
4 square feet
|
Maximum building height in the applicable zoning district
|
Shall not project beyond the limits of the awning or canopy
to which it is attached
12 feet from other suspended signs
|
Sections 425.550(B)(1) and 425.550(B)(5)
|
|
Wall
|
Yes
|
—
|
—
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
No maximum
|
The combined sign area of all roof and wall signs shall not
exceed 6% of the building facade area.
|
Maximum building height in the applicable zoning district
|
On walls, parapets, or gasoline station canopies
|
Sections 425.550(B)(1) and 425.550(B)(6)
|
|
Permanent - On-Premises - Freestanding
| ||||||||||||||
|
Changeable copy
|
Yes
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
P
|
Only allowed as part of a monument sign
|
40 square feet
|
6 feet
|
10 feet from lot lines
|
Sections 425.550(C)(1) and 425.550(C)(3)
|
|
Drive-through
|
Yes
|
—
|
—
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
2 per drive-through lane
|
36 square feet per sign, 72 square feet total
|
7 feet
|
10 feet from lot lines; adjacent to drive-through lane(s) in
side and rear yards
|
Sections 425.550(C)(1) and 425.550(C)(3)
|
|
Electronic message center
|
Yes
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
P
|
P
|
—
|
P
|
Only allowed as part of a monument sign
|
35% of the monument sign area, not to exceed 32 square feet
|
6 feet
|
10 feet from lot lines
|
Sections 425.550(C)(1) and 425.550(C)(4)
|
|
Monument
|
Yes
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
MU, CO, C1, C2, LI, PA: 1 per street frontage
RR-R6: 2 per vehicular entrance to the subdivision or multi-unit
development
|
100 square feet
|
10 feet
|
10 feet from lot lines
|
Sections 425.550(C)(1) and 425.550(C)(5)
|
|
Pole
|
Yes
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
P
|
P
|
—
|
—
|
1 per lot
|
C1: 120 square feet
C2: 200 square feet
|
C1: 20 feet
C2: 35 feet
|
15 feet from lot lines
|
Sections 425.550(C)(1) and 425.550(C)(2)
|
|
Permanent - Off-Premises - Freestanding
| ||||||||||||||
|
Billboard
|
Yes
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
—
|
See Section 425.550(D)(1)
|
See Section 425.550(D)(1)
|
See Section 425.550(D)(1)
|
See Section 425.550(D)(1)
|
Section 425.550(D)(1)
|
B.
Table 425.540.B, Summary of Temporary Sign Standards, establishes the allowed temporary sign types and standards. Temporary signs are subject to additional standards in Section 425.560, Additional Standards for Temporary Signs.
|
Table 425.540.B
Summary of Temporary Sign Standards
| |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Key: P = Permitted
| |||||||||||||||||
|
Sign Types
|
Qualifications
|
Sign Permit Required
|
Right-of-Way
|
RR-R4
|
R5- R6
|
MU
|
CO
|
C1
|
C2
|
LI
|
PA
|
Sign Area, Maxi-mum
(square feet)
|
Number of Signs, Maximum
|
Sign Height, Maximum
(feet)
|
Sign Location
|
Duration
|
Additional Standards
|
|
On-Premises - Commercial Message - Attached or Freestanding
| |||||||||||||||||
|
Banner
|
—
|
Yes
|
—
|
—
|
P Multi-unit build-ings only
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
32
|
1 per street frontage or 1 per non-residential tenant and no
more than 3 per property at 1 time
|
5 (free-standing)
|
10 feet from property lines
|
45 days per year, not to exceed 14 consecutive days at a time;
or up to 60 consecutive days for a new use or change in non-residential
use
|
Sections 425.560(A), and 425.560(C)(1)
|
|
On-Premises - Commercial Message - Freestanding
| |||||||||||||||||
|
Sidewalk
|
—
|
No
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
8
|
1 per tenant
|
4
|
See Section 425.570(C)(2)
|
No limit
|
Sections 425.560(A), and 425.560(C)(2)
|
|
Yard
|
Properties for sale or lease
|
No
|
—
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
Residential zoning districts: 6
Mixed-use and non-residential zoning districts: 32
|
1 per street frontage
|
5 in residential zoning districts
8 in mixed-use and non-residential zoning districts
|
10 feet from property lines
|
No limit
|
Sections 425.560(A), and 425.560(C)(3)
|
|
Yard
|
Properties with an active grading or building permit
|
No
|
—
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
32
|
1 per street frontage
|
8
|
10 feet from property lines or attached to a con-struction fence
|
No limit
|
Sections 425.560(A), and 425.560(C)(3)
|
|
Yard
|
New residential development with an active sales or leasing
office
|
No
|
—
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
64
|
1 per street frontage
|
8
|
—
|
No limit, except develop-ments with permanent leasing offices
shall remove all such signs upon the issuance of a certificate of
occupancy.
| |
|
Yard
|
New residential development with an active sales or leasing
office
|
No
|
—
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
32
|
2 per sales center
|
5
|
On the same property as the sales or leasing office
|
No limit, except develop-ments with permanent leasing offices
shall remove all such signs upon the issuance of a certificate of
occupancy.
| |
|
Yard
|
New residential development with an active sales or leasing
office
|
No
|
—
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
18
|
2 per every 25 lots or units
|
5
|
At least 250 linear feet from the entrance and may not be oriented
to traffic on abutting publicly accepted roads
|
No limit, except develop-ments with permanent leasing offices
shall remove all such signs upon the issuance of a certificate of
occupancy.
| |
|
On-Premises - Noncommercial Message - Attached or Freestanding
| |||||||||||||||||
|
Banner or yard
|
—
|
No
|
—
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
Mixed-use and non-residential zoning districts and multi-unit
uses: 32
All other zoning districts and uses: 6
|
No limit
|
5 (freestanding)
|
10 feet from property lines
|
No limit
| |
|
Off-Premises - Noncommercial Message - Freestanding
| |||||||||||||||||
|
Banner
|
—
|
Yes
|
P
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
32
|
1 per location, 5 per activity or event
|
5
|
10 feet from property lines on City-owned property; or within
right-of-way adjacent to non-residential zoning districts
|
10 consecutive days
|
Sections 425.560(A), and 425.560(C)(1)
|
|
Yard
|
Directional signs only
|
No
|
P
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
3
|
1 per intersection in any 1 direction; 8 per activity or event
|
3
|
Right-of-way
|
Not more than 1 day before and 1 day after an activity or event,
3 consecutive days maximum
|
Sections 425.560(A), and 425.560(C)(3)
|
|
Yard
|
New residential development with an active sales or leasing
office
Directional signs only
|
Yes
|
P
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
See Section 425.560(B) (3)
|
See Section 425.560(B)(3)
|
12
|
See Section 425.560(B) (3)
|
See Section 425.560(B)(3)
|
See Section 425.560(B)(3)
|
[Ord. No. 4190, 2-1-2021]
A.
Generally.
1.
Permanent signs are allowed as indicated in Table 425.540.A, Summary of Permanent
Sign Standards, and are subject to the additional standards
of this Section.
B.
On-Premises Signs - Attached.
1.
Generally.
a.
Attached signs shall be designed to be consistent and compatible
with the building to which the signs are attached, including proportional
scale and compatible design, materials, and color.
b.
Attached signs may be illuminated.
c.
Attached signs shall be permitted on any building elevation,
regardless of street frontage; however, in no case shall attached
signs be allowed on building elevations fronting Lake Saint Louis,
Lake Saint Louise, or property that is zoned or used for residential
purposes, unless it is determined by the Community Development Director
that a sufficient combination of distance, buffer, or other conditions
exists between the subject property and the proposed sign so that
the sign will not be visible from such property or will not adversely
affect such property. A sign approved in this manner shall not be
illuminated.
2.
4.
Roof Sign.
a.
In no case shall the maximum sign surface area of any permitted
roof sign exceed two hundred (200) square feet on any one unplatted
parcel of land or five hundred (500) square feet on any platted parcel
of land.
C.
On-Premises Signs - Freestanding.
1.
Generally.
a.
Freestanding signs shall be designed to be consistent and compatible
with the building with which the signs are associated, including proportional
scale and compatible design, materials, and color.
b.
Freestanding signs shall be placed within a landscaped area
equal in size to the area of the sign face or shall be located within
an improved area clearly oriented toward pedestrians, such as a seating,
dining, or landscaped entry area.
c.
Freestanding signs serving multiple tenants or parcels must
be owned and operated by the owner of the parcel and be available
to serve all tenants.
d.
Freestanding signs may be illuminated.
2.
Changeable Copy Sign.
a.
Signs are permitted only as they can be incorporated into monument
signs.
b.
One (1) sign may be placed on each side of a two-faced monument
sign.
c.
Signs, whether incorporated into one (1) side of a monument
sign or two (2) sides of a monument sign, will be permitted at only
one (1) location on any one lot.
4.
Electronic Message Center.
b.
Location.
(1)
Signs, whether incorporated into one (1) side of
a monument sign or two (2) sides of a commercial sign, will be permitted
at only one (1) location on any one lot in close proximity to the
facility's main vehicular entrance.
(2)
Signs located in the MU, C1 or C2 District shall
be located no closer than two hundred fifty (250) feet from the nearest
residential property line.
c.
Display.
(1)
Use of graphic functions such as explode, swirl,
flash, grow, melt, x-ray, scroll (up or down), write-on, travel, inverse,
roll, twinkle, snow or other animation is prohibited.
(2)
Use of video or moving video images is not permitted.
(3)
Displays on signs must be displayed for a minimum
of thirty (30) seconds between the hours of 6:00 A.M. and 10:00 P.M.
Display boards shall remain static without change of message between
the hours of 10:00 P.M. and 6:00 A.M.
(4)
Change to a separate display must utilize the graphic
functions of fade-out and fade-in.
(5)
Signs must be designed and equipped to freeze the
device in one (1) position if a malfunction occurs.
d.
Brightness.
(1)
Signs must have capabilities for regulating brightness.
(2)
The brightness of signs must automatically adjust
via photocell for use during daylight hours and non-daylight hours.
(3)
The maximum permitted brightness is five thousand
(5,000) NIT (candela per square meter) during daylight hours and three
hundred (300) NIT (candela per square meter) during non-daylight hours.
e.
At the request of appropriate City officials at any reasonable
time following installation, the operator of the sign shall demonstrate
that settings are in compliance with the requirements of this Subsection.
5.
Monument Sign.
a.
Monument sign foundations shall be constructed with a finished
material, such as brick or stone.
b.
Monument signs may be located in medians and in such cases are
not subject to setback requirements but shall comply with sight distance
requirements.
c.
In residential zoning districts, freestanding signs supported
by a fence, wall, posts, columns, or other permanent measure will
be allowed in lieu of permitted monument signs.
D.
Off-Premises - Freestanding.
1.
Billboards.
a.
Purpose.
(1)
The intent of these regulations is to regulate
and control the display of billboards to promote roadway safety, convenience
and enjoyment of roadway travel and to preserve the aesthetic character
along major roads.
b.
Location.
(1)
Billboards shall be permitted in the CO, C1, C2
and LI Zoning Districts in areas within six hundred sixty (660) feet
of the nearest edge of the right-of-way and visible from any part
of the interstate or primary highway system subject to these regulations
and any superseding regulations by the Missouri Department of Transportation
or Sections 226.500 to 226.600, 71.288, RSMo., as amended.
c.
Spacing.
(1)
No sign structure shall be erected within two thousand
(2,000) feet of an existing billboard on the same side of the highway.
(2)
Before a permit is issued, the applicant shall
submit a sign survey to indicate the relative vertical and horizontal
distances between the proposed sign and all other pole-mounted signs
within one thousand (1,000) feet. If, by reason of height, size or
spacing, the proposed sign creates a significant disharmony with pole-mounted
signs within one thousand (1,000) feet or unreasonably detracts from
the visibility of other neighboring signs or properties, the Planning
and Zoning Commission or Community Development Director may require
reasonable modification of the sign's dimensions to cure such deficiencies
as a condition to granting a permit.
(3)
No sign shall be located in such a manner as to
obstruct or otherwise physically interfere with the effectiveness
of any official traffic sign, signal or device or obstruct or physically
interfere with a motor vehicle operator's view of approaching, merging
or intersecting traffic.
(4)
The spacing requirements do not apply to signs
which are separated by buildings, natural surroundings or other obstructions
in such a manner that only one (1) sign facing located within such
distance is visible at any one time. Directional or other official
signs or those advertising the sale or lease of the property on which
they are located or those which advertise activities on the property
on which they are located, including products sold, shall not be counted
nor shall measurements be made from them for the purpose of compliance
with spacing provisions.
(5)
The measurement in this Subsection shall be minimum
distances between outdoor advertising sign structures measured along
the nearest edge of the pavement between points directly opposite
the signs along each side of the highway and shall apply only to outdoor
advertising sign structures located on the same side of the highway
involved.
d.
Setbacks, Safety Clearances And Heights.
(1)
In order to provide a safety zone to prevent injury
or property damage from collapse of billboard caused by acts of God
or other causes, each billboard shall have the following minimum setbacks:
(a)
Ninety (90) feet from its nearest edge to the right-of-way
of any interstate or primary highway.
(b)
Ninety (90) feet from all property lines and from
all roofed structures, from all points of the off-premises billboard.
(i)
The applicant shall present documentation to the reasonable
satisfaction of the Community Development Director that the applicant
has secured the legally enforceable right to prevent the erection
of structures within the setback zones.
(c)
One thousand (1,000) feet from any interchange,
existing or approved for construction by the Missouri Highway and
Transportation Department, intersection at grade or safety rest area.
Said one thousand (1,000) feet shall be measured from the beginning
or ending of the pavement widening at the exit from or entrance to
the main traveled way.
(d)
One thousand (1,000) feet from land zoned for residential
or public activity purposes.
e.
Height.
(1)
Each off-premises billboard shall have a maximum
height, measured from the ground to the highest point of such off-premises
billboard, of thirty-five (35) feet.
f.
Size.
(1)
The maximum area for any one (1) sign shall be
six hundred seventy-two (672) square feet with a maximum width of
twenty (20) feet and a maximum length of fifty (50) feet, inclusive
of border and trim but excluding the base or apron, supports and other
structural members.
(a)
In determining the size of a conforming or nonconforming
sign structure, temporary cutouts and extensions installed for the
length of a specific display contract shall not be considered a substantial
increase to the size of the permanent display, provided that the actual
square footage of such temporary cutouts or extensions may not exceed
thirty-three percent (33%) of the permanent display area.
(2)
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 (2) displays to each
facing, but sign structure shall be considered as one (1) sign.
g.
Lighting.
(1)
No revolving or rotating beam or beacon of light
that simulates any emergency light or device shall be permitted as
part of any sign. No flashing, intermittent or moving light or lights
will be permitted.
(2)
External lighting, such as floodlights, thin-line
and gooseneck reflectors, are permitted, provided that the light source
is directed upon the face of the sign and is effectively shielded
so as to prevent beams or rays of light from being directed into any
portion of the main traveled way of the interstate or federal-aid
primary highway and the lights are not of such intensity so as to
cause glare, impair the vision of the driver of a motor vehicle, or
otherwise interfere with a driver's operation of a motor vehicle.
(3)
No sign shall be so illuminated that it interferes
with the effectiveness of, or obscures, any official traffic sign,
device or signal, nor shall the illumination be directed toward any
residential area.
(4)
The maximum average lighting intensity level for
such sign shall be twenty (20) foot-candles.
(5)
No billboard shall have any electronic, digital,
tri-vision or other changeable copy display.
h.
Nuisances.
(1)
Any off-premises billboard which, because of lack
of maintenance, upkeep, vandalism, accumulation of litter, refuse
or debris or the deterioration of landscaping, lighting or fencing,
becomes unsightly or unsafe is hereby declared to be a nuisance and
shall be subject to abatement by the City in the same manner as all
other nuisances on private property.
i.
Access.
(1)
Direct access to off-premises billboards from curb
cuts along a State highway or service road shall be prohibited. Direct
access shall be gained through paved roads and drives which are private
and internal to a lot or parcel. All vehicles, equipment and people
used to build, service, maintain and repair such signs must confine
their activity so as not to interfere with pedestrian or vehicular
traffic on public roads.
j.
Application Procedure.
(2)
The sign located on the billboard face shall be approved through the sign permit process (Section 405.200).
(3)
A building permit, electrical permit and/or certification
of a structural engineer may be required in association with a billboard
structure and/or sign.
(4)
The City shall not issue a permit for any new off-premises
billboard without a permit having first been issued by the Missouri
Highway and Transportation Commission.
k.
Annual Inspection.
(1)
Owners of all signs erected after the effective
date of this Code shall be required to submit an inspection report
from a Missouri licensed engineer as to the sign's structural integrity.
Such certification shall be done on or before June 1 of each year.
Failure to submit a report shall result in the immediate revocation
of the sign's permit.
[Ord. No. 4190, 2-1-2021]
A.
Generally.
1.
Temporary signs are allowed as indicated in Table 425.540.B, Summary of Temporary
Sign Standards, and are subject to the additional standards
of this Section.
2.
No balloons, ribbons, flags, pennants, ornaments or other embellishments
shall be attached to any temporary signs.
3.
Temporary signs shall not be affixed to any public utility structure,
tree, fence or any public or existing private sign standard.
4.
Temporary signs may not be illuminated.
5.
Any person, persons, firm, corporation or partnership promoting
the event promoted by a temporary sign shall be presumed to be the
owner of such sign.
6.
Because of the nature of materials typically used to construct
temporary signs and to avoid the unsightliness of deteriorating signs
and all safety concerns which accompany such a condition, temporary
signs shall be removed or replaced when such sign is deteriorated.
7.
Temporary signs placed or exhibited in a manner not in compliance with the provisions of this Code are subject to removal in accordance with Section 425.570(D), Removal Of Signs.
8.
The Community Development Director may approve an alternative
sign type in lieu of a permitted sign type.
B.
Temporary Signage For New Residential Developments.
1.
In addition to permitted temporary signs allowed as indicated
in Table 425.540.B, Summary
of Temporary Sign Standards, additional temporary signs,
including but not limited to pole flags, banners, display home canopies
and off-premises directional signs may be approved for new residential
developments subject to approval by the Community Development Director.
2.
All such signs shall be removed upon the cessation of the presence
of an active sales or leasing office within the development or when
more than eighty percent (80%) of the buildable lots have been issued
occupancy permits or when more than eighty percent (80%) of the units
have been leased or sold.
3.
Off-Premises Directional Signs.
a.
Eligibility.
(1)
Residential off-premises directional signs are
permitted for residential developments located within the City limits
when eighty percent (80%) or less of the buildable lots have been
issued occupancy permits or when eighty percent (80%) or less of the
units have been leased or sold.
b.
Size And Design.
(1)
Signs shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet
in area.
(2)
Signs shall be designed to accommodate equally
sized space for lettering and logos of at least four (4) and no more
than eight (8) individual residential developments. Any unused space
shall on the sign be made available for any eligible residential development.
The entity that installed the sign structure shall not have the authority
to deny or approve the addition of lettering or logos for individual
residential developments on the sign.
(3)
The sign shall not exceed twelve (12) feet in height.
(4)
Signs shall be substantially uniform in appearance.
c.
Number And Location.
(1)
Signs shall be located on public rights-of-way
at the intersection of arterial or collector streets, or upon a City-approved
location.
(2)
No more than two (2) signs may be placed at such
intersections, providing service for traffic moving in different directions.
However, such signs may be configured with two (2) faces, in which
case no more than one (1) sign may be located at the intersection.
(3)
Signs shall conform to the visibility clearance requirements of Section 425.080, Visibility At Intersections.
(4)
Signs shall be located within one and five-tenths
(1.5) miles of the residential developments advertised on the sign.
d.
Permitting And Maintenance.
(1)
The sign design and location shall be approved
by the City Administrator.
(2)
Applicants shall submit a boring and excavation permit to the Public Works Department. Insurance and bonding requirements shall be equal to those required in Section 511.200 for driveway approaches and sidewalks.
(3)
The applicant for the boring and excavation permit
is responsible for maintaining the sign with respect to safety and
appearance until the sign is removed.
(4)
Lettering and logos for individual residential
developments shall be removed from the sign within thirty (30) days
following the issuance of occupancy permits for more than eighty percent
(80%) of the buildable lots in the development or when eighty percent
(80%) or more of the units have been leased or sold. When lettering
and logos for all residential developments have been removed from
the sign, the sign itself shall also be removed.
C.
Permitted Sign Types.
1.
Banners.
a.
Banner signs may be displayed only as a wall sign on a building
facade or as a ground-mounted sign.
b.
All banner signs shall be securely fastened to the facade of
the building or to two (2) or more posts in the ground.
c.
All freestanding banner signs shall include wind cuts to reduce
the tendency of the banner to billow or sail.
2.
Sidewalk Signs.
a.
A-frame and T-frame sidewalk signs are permitted.
b.
Signs shall be located on the private or public sidewalk immediately
adjacent to the front door of the business utilizing the sign when
the business is open.
c.
Such signs may be located no further than twenty (20) feet from
the front door of the business and must be in front of the front facade
of the business, if the business is located in a multi-tenant building.
d.
Such signs may be adorned with balloons.
e.
Signs shall not obstruct safe and clear pedestrian paths along
sidewalks.
[Ord. No. 4190, 2-1-2021]
A.
Maintenance.
1.
All signs and all components thereof, including without limitations,
supports, braces and anchors, shall be kept in a state of good repair.
2.
All signs and all components thereof shall be maintained so
that faded and chipped paint is removed and replaced, so that sign
faces containing unintended holes, breaks or missing parts are repaired
and/or replaced.
B.
Abandonment.
1.
If a sign advertises a business, service, community, accommodations,
attraction or other enterprise or activity that is no longer operating
or being offered or conducted, that sign shall be considered abandoned
and shall, within sixty (60) days after such abandonment, be removed
by the sign owner, owner of the property on which the sign is located,
or other party having control over such sign.
C.
Sign Shells.
1.
If the message portion of a sign is removed, leaving only the
supporting shell of a sign or the supporting structural components,
the owner of the sign or the owners of the property where the sign
is located or other person having control over such sign shall, within
sixty (60) days of the removal of the message portion of the sign,
either replace the entire message portion of the sign or remove the
remaining sign components.
D.
Removal Of Signs.
1.
Signs may be removed by authorized officials of the City if:
a.
Proper approval and permit from the City were not obtained prior
to display;
b.
Proper approval or permit has expired;
c.
A temporary sign becomes unsightly;
d.
The sign violates any provision of this Article; or
e.
The sign constitutes a hazard to the public safety and welfare
of the residents of the City of Lake Saint Louis or persons traveling
on the public streets and roadways of the City.
2.
Confiscated signs will be destroyed or otherwise properly disposed
of fourteen (14) days from the date of confiscation.
[Ord. No. 4190, 2-1-2021]
A.
Purpose.
1.
The intent of a comprehensive sign plan is to facilitate the
planning of cohesive signage for specific areas or developments that
may be unique in character and design otherwise not compatible with
the standard sign regulations. Through a comprehensive sign plan process,
applicants set specific sign regulations that will govern the specific
property(ies), which shall supersede the requirements of this Article,
as applicable.
2.
The intent of a comprehensive sign plan is not to allow more
signage than necessary for visibility and readability, but to allow
for a creative approach that is specific to the qualities and needs
of a development.
B.
Applicability.
1.
A comprehensive sign plan may be applied for in any zoning district
for one (1) or more parcels.
2.
The comprehensive sign plan shall only apply to on-premises
signs. The requirements of this Article applicable to off-premises
signs may not be modified by a comprehensive sign plan.
3.
An approved comprehensive sign plan shall govern the properties
under the plan and shall remain in effect over the properties until
it is amended, replaced or voided.
4.
Planned unit developments approved prior to the effective date
of this Code which included sign plans and/or sign standards will
be considered comprehensive sign plans and subject to the requirements
of this Section.
D.
Application Requirements.
1.
A site plan, depicting the proposed plan of development and
illustration of proposed sign locations;
2.
Descriptions and drawings indicating the proposed placement,
quantity, size and materials of all signs; and
3.
A narrative description of the common theme for signage within
the property, how it relates to architectural and/or landscaping elements
of the development, and a description of any site features that necessitate
the deviation from the requirements of this Article.
E.
Criteria For Review.
1.
Placement.
a.
All signs shall be placed where they are sufficiently visible
and readable for their function.
b.
Factors to be considered shall include the purpose of the sign,
its location relative to traffic movement and access points, site
features, structures and sign orientation relative to viewing distances
and viewing angles.
2.
Quantity.
a.
The number of signs that may be approved within any development
shall be no greater than that required to provide project identification
and entry signs, internal circulation and directional information
to destinations and development subareas and business identification.
b.
Factors to be considered shall include the size of the site,
the number of buildings, and the division or integration of sign functions.
3.
Size.
a.
All signs shall be no larger than necessary for visibility and
readability.
b.
Factors to be considered in determining appropriate size shall
include topography, volume of traffic, speed of traffic, visibility
range, proximity to adjacent uses, amount of sign copy, placement
of display (location and height), lettering style and the presence
of distractive influences.
c.
In no event shall a plan contain a sign or combination of signs
which exceed by more than fifty percent (50%) the maximum sign area
specified in Table 425.540.A, Summary of Permanent Sign Standards, and Table 425.540.B, Summary of Temporary
Sign Standards.
4.
Materials.
a.
Sign materials shall be compatible with architectural and/or
natural features of the project. This may be accomplished through
similarity of materials for sign structures and faces, the use of
complementary colors, similarity of architectural style or the use
of consistent lettering style and typography.
[Ord. No. 4190, 2-1-2021]
A.
Continuation.
1.
Nonconforming signs may remain until they are required to be
removed under the provisions of this Section.
B.
Alterations.
1.
A nonconforming sign cannot be enlarged, expanded or otherwise
improved except for the purpose of normal maintenance and incidental
repairs.
2.
The only alteration to a nonconforming sign that is permitted
is a change in the sign face, the words or symbols used or the message
displayed.
3.
Any other alteration or change must be to bring the nonconforming
sign into compliance with the regulations of this Code.
