[7-21-2021 by Ord. No. 1796]
Signs perform an important function in identifying and promoting
businesses, services, neighborhoods, events, economic development,
and other matters of interest to the public. The intent of this article
is to regulate all signs within the City of Holland
to ensure that they are appropriate for their respective uses, they
keep with the neighborhood characteristics as recognized and promoted
by the City of Holland's Master Plan, they prevent
traffic hazards, they provide safe conditions for pedestrians, and
they protect public health, safety, and general welfare by:
A.
Setting standards and providing uniform regulations that permit reasonable
use of signs;
B.
Preserving the various characteristics found within the zone
districts and neighborhoods throughout the City of Holland,
regardless of sign content. In preserving the character
of the various neighborhoods, signage shall be scaled appropriately whereby properties with frontage on
wide streets with higher speed limits are permitted larger signs than narrow streets with lower speed
limits;
C.
Prohibiting the erection of signs that may create
a hazard to pedestrians and motorists in terms of number, size, illumination,
and location;
D.
Avoiding excessive amounts of signs so that the
existing signs provide adequate identification and
direction while minimizing clutter, unsightliness, and confusion;
and
E.
Establishing a clear process for requiring permits for signs, allowing some signs without permits, and allowing
legally nonconforming signs to continue without jeopardizing
the useful life of the sign.
[7-21-2021 by Ord. No. 1796]
A.
A permit is required to erect, alter, place, or replace any sign or sign structure as regulated and
required by this article or by the City's Code of Ordinances. A permit
is also required for substantial maintenance or repair to an existing nonconforming sign.
B.
To obtain a sign permit, an application shall be filed with Community
and Neighborhood Services. Exception: Sign permits in the CDT, NDT,
EDT, WDT and CENT Subdistricts of the F Zone District shall be reviewed and issued by the Downtown Development Authority
(DDA).
[7-21-2021 by Ord. No. 1796]
The following signs may be installed or erected
without a permit:
A.
Government signs.
B.
Public K-12 school signs where the State Superintendent
has exclusive jurisdiction.
C.
Placards.
D.
Historic markers placed under the authority of the local, state,
or federal government.
E.
Address numbers.
F.
Hours of operation and other similar business information.
G.
Window signs applied to the interior of the window/door
glass.
H.
Window signs applied to the exterior of the window/door
glass where the sign does not exceed 15% of the glass
area. Windows that are immediately adjacent, on the same wall face
of the same building, may be averaged together.
I.
Noncommercial flags.
J.
Advertising flags at nonresidential properties with
a maximum size of 15 square feet, with one per business per street frontage. Other types of flags,
or multiple flags shall be allowed as a temporary
sign with a permit.
K.
Noncommercial signs in all zone districts subject to the following:
|
Street Frontage
|
Total Size
(square feet)
|
Height
(feet)
|
Number
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Up to 60 linear feet
|
12
|
6
|
No limit on the number of signs, but the total area of all signs
added together shall not exceed the total size.
|
|
61 to 200 linear feet
|
24
|
6
| |
|
201 to 400 linear feet
|
32
|
6
| |
|
Over 400 linear feet
|
64
|
6
|
L.
One temporary sign per special event at nonresidentially
used properties in the LDR, CNR, MDR, or TNR Zone Districts, provided that the sign is not displayed for more than two weeks
per event.
M.
Handicap signage with the international symbol of
accessibility or van accessible recognized logo for Americans with Disability Act (ADA) compliance and accessibility.
N.
Signs in conjunction with a construction project
or site plan approval, subject to the size chart in the tables in Section 39-8.04. Signs shall be
removed upon approval of the permit work or upon issuance of a certificate
of occupancy.
[Amended 2-2-2022 by Ord. No. 1812]
O.
Traffic direction signs at commercial properties less than six square
feet in area and six feet in height.
P.
Temporary signs for advancing the public interest,
for a prescribed amount of time, when authorized by City Council.
Q.
Downtown Development Authority (DDA) signs.
R.
Writing or logos that are an integral part of a fabric umbrella,
used primarily to provide shade or cover to customers.
S.
Murals. There are two type of murals, referred to
as Type 1 and Type 2.
1.
Definitions.
a.
Type 1: a design or representation that does not contain promotional
or commercial advertising painted or drawn on a wall.
b.
Type 2: an original, one-of-a-kind, unique design or representation
that contains limited references to the establishment, product, or
service provided on the site, which is painted or
drawn on a wall on that site.
2.
Type 1 and Type 2 murals in all zone districts shall not be considered a sign, and shall not be required to obtain permits, but shall be subject
to the restrictions set forth in this subsection.
3.
Prior to installation of a mural, the property
owner shall request a determination from the Zoning Administrator
of whether the proposed design is a sign, or a Type 1 mural, or a Type 2 mural.
4.
The Design Review Board (DRB) shall review the design if the proposed
location is within the CDT, NDT, EDT, WDT, and CENT Subdistricts of
the F Zone District.
5.
Based on the review of the design:
a.
If the proposed design is determined to be a sign, the applicant shall comply with all requirements
of this article.
b.
If the proposed design is determined to be a Type 1
mural, no further review or action is necessary.
c.
If the proposed design is determined to be a Type 2
mural, the mural shall comply with the following
requirements:
1)
The graphics, words, and/or symbols referencing the establishment,
product, or service are limited in scope and dominance, and not readily
construed as commercial advertising. References shall be subtle and
integrated into the overall mural.
2)
For purposes of this subsection, "limited in scope and dominance"
shall mean that the graphics, words, or symbols that reference the
establishment, product, or service do not exceed 20% of the mural area, and shall be integrated throughout the mural and not placed in a concentrated area or a manner
where it becomes a prominent advertisement.
3)
The references to an establishment, product, or service are
not in the form of traditional building signage.
Traditional signs on the same wall shall be reviewed
separately under applicable sign requirements.
|
Type 2 Mural
 |
T.
Banners
as allowed and installed in accordance with the “City of Holland
Banner Policy for Community Improvement Neighborhood Organizations
and Business Districts."
[Added 10-4-2023 by Ord. No. 1839]
[7-21-2021 by Ord. No. 1796; amended 10-20-2021 by Ord. No. 1804]
See Article 39-14 for definitions of sign types.
A.
F-CDT, F-NDT, F-EDT, F-WDT and F-CENT Zone Districts.
[Amended 12-1-2021 by Ord. No. 1805]
|
Regulation
|
Wall Sign
   |
Freestanding Sign
|
Projecting Sign
|
Awning/Canopy/ Marquee
 |
Temporary Freestanding Sign
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Examples
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Maximum height
|
Signs shall be placed below the 2nd floor windowsill, unless
waived by the DRB.
See Section 39-8.08.
|
6 feet
|
Signs shall be placed below the 2nd floor windowsill, unless
waived by the DRB.
See Section 39-8.08.
|
Signs shall be placed below the 2nd floor windowsill, unless
waived by the DRB.
See Section 39-8.08.
|
48 inches
|
|
Maximum size
|
1 square foot per linear foot of building width, up to 32 square
feet per sign
|
32 square feet
|
6 square feet
|
2 square feet per linear foot of building width
|
30 inches deep, 30 inches wide
|
|
Maximum number
|
1 per business, per street or parking frontage
|
1 per property
|
1 per business per street frontage; no more than 1 per 25 feet
of building width
|
1 per face of the awning, canopy, or marquee
|
1 per business
|
|
Minimum setback
|
N/A
|
The principal building setback in the zone district. See Section 39-3.13
|
Projecting signs that extend over the public right-of-way shall comply with Section 39-8.10B.
Projecting signs shall not project more than 36 inches from
the face of a building or wall.
|
Awnings, canopies, marquees, and projecting signs that extend over the public right-of-way shall comply with Section 39-8.10B.
|
Shall be within 1 foot of the building; shall leave at least
6 feet of unobstructed sidewalk
|
|
Diagram
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
NOTES:
| |
 |
Wall signs shall be contained within the boundaries of the wall
and shall not extend beyond the edge of the wall, nor above the roofline
of a building.
|
 |
For wall signs, the distance between the face of the wall and
the face of the sign shall not be more than 12 inches. If the distance
is greater than 12 inches, the sign shall be considered a projecting
sign.
|
 |
Reader boards are allowed on a wall or a freestanding sign,
but not on both signs at one property.
|
 |
Signs shall be affixed flat to the face of the awning or canopy.
|
 |
Temporary movable freestanding signs shall be subject to the requirements of Section 39-8.07.
|
|
F
|
Signs in a PUD Zone District will be allowed using the standards of this chart. See Section 39-8.02.
|
B.
NMU, RMU, F-RM, F-SIXT, F-WASH and F-SSV Zone Districts.
|
Regulation
|
Wall Sign
|
Freestanding Sign
|
Projecting Sign
|
Awning/Canopy/ Marquee
|
Temporary Freestanding Sign
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Examples
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maximum height
|
N/A
|
5 feet
|
Awnings, canopies, marquees, and projecting signs that extend over the public right-of-way shall comply with Section 39-8.10B.
|
Awnings, canopies, and marquees shall not project more than
48 inches from the face of a building or wall and shall maintain a
clearance of at least 8 feet from the public sidewalk.
|
48 inches
|
|
Maximum size
|
1 square foot per linear foot of building width
|
25 square feet on streets with a speed limit of 10 to 35 miles
per hour. 50 square feet on streets with a speed limit greater than
35 miles per hour.
|
6 square feet
|
2 square feet per linear foot of building width
|
30 inches deep, 30 inches wide
|
|
Maximum number
|
1 per business, per street or parking frontage
|
1 per property
|
1 per business, per street or parking frontage
|
1 per face of the awning, canopy, or marquee
|
1 per business
|
|
Minimum setback
|
May only be placed on a wall facing a street or parking area
|
5 feet
|
Projecting signs that extend over the public right-of-way shall comply with Section 39-8.10B.
Projecting signs shall not project more than 36 inches from
the face of a building or wall.
|
Awnings, canopies, marquees, and projecting signs that extend over the public right-of-way shall comply with Section 39-8.10B.
Awnings, canopies, and marquees shall not project more than
48 inches from the face of a building or wall and shall maintain a
clearance of at least 8 feet from the public sidewalk.
|
Shall be within 1 foot of the building; shall leave at least
6 feet of unobstructed sidewalk
|
|
Diagram
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NOTES:
| |
|
|
Wall signs shall be contained within the boundaries of the wall
and shall not extend beyond the edge of the wall, nor above the roofline
of a building.
|
|
|
For wall signs, the distance between the face of the wall and
the face of the sign shall not be more than 12 inches. If the distance
is greater than 12 inches, the sign shall be considered a projecting
sign.
|
|
|
Reader boards are allowed on a wall or a freestanding sign,
but not on both signs at one property.
|
|
|
Signs shall be affixed flat to the face of the awning or canopy.
|
|
|
Temporary movable freestanding signs shall be subject to the requirements of Section 39-8.07.
|
|
F
|
Signs in a PUD Zone District will be allowed using the standards of this chart. See Section 39-8.02.
|
C.
CMU and GMU Zone Districts.
|
Regulation
|
Wall Sign
|
Freestanding Sign
|
Projecting Sign
|
Awning/Canopy/ Marquee
|
Temporary Freestanding Sign
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Examples
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maximum height
|
N/A
|
25 feet
|
Projecting signs shall not project more than 36 inches from
the face of a building or wall and shall maintain a clearance of at
least 8 feet from the public sidewalk.
|
Awnings, canopies, and marquees shall not project more than
48 inches from the face of a building or wall and shall maintain a
clearance of at least 8 feet from the public sidewalk.
|
48 inches
|
|
Maximum size
|
10% of the wall area, for each wall where signs are placed
|
75 square feet per sign
|
6 square feet
|
2 square feet per linear foot of building width
|
30 inches deep, 30 inches wide
|
|
Maximum number
|
No maximum
|
1 sign if 300 feet or fewer of frontage; 2 signs if more than
300 feet of frontage
|
1 per business per street frontage
|
1 per face of the awning, canopy, or marquee
|
1 per business
|
|
Minimum setback
|
N/A
|
12 feet
|
Projecting signs shall not project more than 36 inches from
the face of a building or wall and shall maintain a clearance of at
least 8 feet from the public sidewalk.
|
Awnings, canopies, marquees, and projecting signs that extend over the public right-of-way shall comply with Section 39-8.10B.
|
Shall be located on private property, within 1 foot of the building.
|
|
Diagram
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NOTES:
| |
|
|
Wall signs shall be contained within the boundaries of the wall
and shall not extend beyond the edge of the wall, nor above the roofline
of a building.
|
|
|
For wall signs, the distance between the face of the wall and
the face of the sign shall not be more than 12 inches. If the distance
is greater than 12 inches, the sign shall be considered a projecting
sign.
|
|
|
Reader boards are allowed on a wall or a freestanding sign,
but not on both signs at one property.
|
|
|
Signs shall be affixed flat to the face of the awning or canopy.
|
|
|
Temporary movable freestanding signs shall be subject to the requirements of Section 39-8.07.
|
|
F
|
Signs in a PUD Zone District will be allowed using the standards of this chart. See Section 39-8.02.
|
D.
OS and A Zone Districts.
|
Regulation
|
Wall Sign
|
Freestanding Sign
|
Projecting Sign
|
Awning/Canopy/ Marquee
|
Temporary Freestanding Sign
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Examples
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maximum height
|
N/A
|
6 feet
|
Projecting signs shall not project more than 36 inches from
the face of a building or wall and shall maintain a clearance of at
least 8 feet from the public sidewalk.
|
Awnings, canopies, marquees, and projecting signs that extend over the public right-of-way shall comply with Section 39-8.10B.
|
48 inches
|
|
Maximum size
|
10% of the wall area, for each wall where signs are placed
|
32 square feet per sign
|
6 square feet
|
2 square feet per linear foot of building width
|
30 inches deep, 30 inches wide
|
|
Maximum number
|
No maximum
|
2 per property
|
1 per tenant, per building wall
|
N/A
|
1 per business
|
|
Minimum setback
|
N/A
|
12 feet
|
Projecting signs shall not project more than 36 inches from
the face of a building or wall and shall maintain a clearance of at
least 8 feet from the public sidewalk.
|
Awnings, canopies, and marquees shall not project more than
48 inches from the face of a building or wall and shall maintain a
clearance of at least 8 feet from the public sidewalk.
|
Shall be located on private property, within 1 foot of the building
|
|
Diagram
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NOTES:
| |
|
|
Wall signs shall be contained within the boundaries of the wall
and shall not extend beyond the edge of the wall, nor above the roofline
of a building.
|
|
|
For wall signs, the distance between the face of the wall and
the face of the sign shall not be more than 12 inches. If the distance
is greater than 12 inches, the sign shall be considered a projecting
sign.
|
|
|
Reader boards are allowed on a wall or a freestanding sign,
but not on both signs at one property.
|
|
|
Signs shall be affixed flat to the face of the awning or canopy.
|
|
|
Temporary movable freestanding signs shall be subject to the requirements of Section 39-8.07.
|
|
F
|
Signs in a PUD Zone District will be allowed using the standards of this chart. See Section 39-8.02.
|
E.
LDR, CNR, MDR and TNR Zone Districts. Signs in these
zones are only allowed with nonresidential uses.
[Amended 12-1-2021 by Ord. No. 1805]
|
Regulation
|
Wall Sign
|
Freestanding Sign
|
Projecting Sign
|
Awning/Canopy/ Marquee
|
Temporary Freestanding Sign
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Examples
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maximum height
|
N/A
|
6 feet
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
48 inches
|
|
Maximum size
|
12 square feet
|
32 square feet per sign
|
6 square feet
|
2 square feet per linear foot of building width
|
30 inches deep, 30 inches wide
|
|
Maximum number
|
1 per street frontage
|
2 per property
|
1 per building wall
|
1 per face of the awning, canopy, or marquee
|
1 per property
|
|
Minimum setback
|
N/A
|
Signs less than 16 square feet shall be set back 10 feet from
all property lines. Signs greater than 16 square feet shall be set
back at the minimum setback for principal buildings in the zone district.
|
Projecting signs shall not project more than 36 inches from
the face of a building or wall and shall maintain a clearance of at
least 8 feet from the public sidewalk.
|
Awnings, canopies, and marquees shall not project more than
48 inches from the face of a building or wall and shall maintain a
clearance of at least 8 feet from the public sidewalk.
|
Shall be located on private property, within 1 foot of the building
|
|
Diagram
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NOTES:
| |
|
|
Wall signs shall be contained within the boundaries of the wall
and shall not extend beyond the edge of the wall, nor above the roofline
of a building.
|
|
|
For wall signs, the distance between the face of the wall and
the face of the sign shall not be more than 12 inches. If the distance
is greater than 12 inches, the sign shall be considered a projecting
sign.
|
|
|
Reader boards are allowed on a wall or a freestanding sign,
but not on both signs at one property.
|
|
|
Signs shall be affixed flat to the face of the awning or canopy.
|
|
|
Temporary movable freestanding signs shall be subject to the requirements of Section 39-8.07.
|
|
F
|
Signs in a PUD Zone District will be allowed using the standards of this chart. See Section 39-8.02.
|
F.
HDR and MHR Zone Districts.
[Amended 12-1-2021 by Ord. No. 1805]
|
Regulation
|
Wall Sign
|
Freestanding Sign
|
Projecting Sign
|
Awning/Canopy/ Marquee
|
Temporary Freestanding Sign
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Examples
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maximum height
|
N/A
|
6 feet
|
Projecting signs shall not project more than 36 inches from
the face of a building or wall and shall maintain a clearance of at
least 8 feet from the public sidewalk.
|
N/A
|
48 inches
|
|
Maximum size
|
12 square feet
|
32 square feet
|
6 square feet
|
2 square feet per linear foot of building width
|
30 inches deep, 30 inches wide
|
|
Maximum number
|
1 per street frontage
|
2 per property
|
1 per building wall
|
1 per face of the awning, canopy, or marquee
|
1 per building
|
|
Minimum setback
|
N/A
|
Signs less than 16 square feet shall be set back 12 feet from
all property lines. Signs greater than 16 square feet shall be set
back at the minimum setback for principal buildings in the zone district.
|
Projecting signs shall not project more than 36 inches from
the face of a building or wall and shall maintain a clearance of at
least 8 feet from the public sidewalk.
|
Awnings, canopies, and marquees shall not project more than
48 inches from the face of a building or wall and shall maintain a
clearance of at least 8 feet from the public sidewalk.
|
Shall be located on private property, within 1 foot of the building
|
|
Diagram
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NOTES:
| |
|
|
Wall signs shall be contained within the boundaries of the wall
and shall not extend beyond the edge of the wall, nor above the roofline
of a building.
|
|
|
For wall signs, the distance between the face of the wall and
the face of the sign shall not be more than 12 inches. If the distance
is greater than 12 inches, the sign shall be considered a projecting
sign.
|
|
|
Reader boards are allowed on a wall or a freestanding sign,
but not on both signs at one property.
|
|
|
Signs shall be affixed flat to the face of the awning or canopy.
|
|
|
Temporary movable freestanding signs shall be subject to the requirements of Section 39-8.07.
|
|
F
|
Signs in a PUD Zone District will be allowed using the standards of this chart. See Section 39-8.02.
|
G.
I Zone District.
[Amended 12-1-2021 by Ord. No. 1805]
|
Regulation
|
Wall Sign
|
Freestanding Sign
|
Projecting Sign
|
Awning/Canopy/ Marquee
|
Temporary Freestanding Sign
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Examples
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maximum height
|
N/A
|
10 feet
|
Projecting signs shall not project more than 36 inches from
the face of a building or wall and shall maintain a clearance of at
least 8 feet from the public sidewalk.
|
Awnings, canopies, and marquees shall not project more than
48 inches from the face of a building or wall and shall maintain a
clearance of at least 8 feet from the public sidewalk.
|
48 inches
|
|
Maximum size
|
10% of the wall area, for each wall where signs are placed
|
75 square feet per sign
|
6 square feet
|
2 square feet per linear foot of building width
|
30 inches deep, 30 inches wide
|
|
Maximum number
|
No maximum
|
1 sign if 300 feet or fewer of frontage; 2 signs if more than
300 feet of frontage
|
1 per storefront or 1 per street frontage if building does not
have storefronts
|
1 per face of the awning, canopy, or marquee
|
1 per business
|
|
Minimum setback
|
N/A
|
The principal building setback in the zone district
|
Projecting signs shall not project more than 36 inches from
the face of a building or wall and shall maintain a clearance of at
least 8 feet from the public sidewalk.
Awnings, canopies, marquees, and projecting signs that extend over the public right-of-way shall comply with Section 39-8.10B.
|
Awnings, canopies, and marquees shall not project more than
48 inches from the face of a building or wall and shall maintain a
clearance of at least 8 feet from the public sidewalk.
|
Shall be located on private property, within 1 foot of the building
|
|
Diagram
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NOTES:
| |
|
|
Wall signs shall be contained within the boundaries of the wall
and shall not extend beyond the edge of the wall, nor above the roofline
of a building.
|
|
|
For wall signs, the distance between the face of the wall and
the face of the sign shall not be more than 12 inches. If the distance
is greater than 12 inches, the sign shall be considered a projecting
sign.
|
|
|
Reader boards are allowed on a wall or a freestanding sign,
but not on both signs at one property.
|
|
|
Signs shall be affixed flat to the face of the awning or canopy.
|
|
|
Temporary movable freestanding signs shall be subject to the requirements of Section 39-8.07.
|
|
F
|
Signs in a PUD Zone District will be allowed using the standards of this chart. See Section 39-8.02.
|
H.
PUD Planned Unit Development Zone District (Section 39-5.10).
[Amended 2-2-2022 by Ord. No. 1812]
1.
Signs shall generally comply with the sign requirements of the closest zone district. The Planning Commission may approve variations when rationale
is provided.
2.
Professional sign specifications shall be included
with a PUD application to be reviewed and approved by the Planning Commission.
3.
A sign permit shall be obtained from the Zoning
Administrator prior to erecting signage.
4.
PUD Zones created prior to UDO. Signage shall be
installed as approved by the Planning Commission in
the original development plan or subsequent modifications. Requested signage that does not meet the requirements of the development
plan shall be reviewed by the planning staff and the original development plan modified. Significant or substantial signage changes shall be referred to the Planning
Commission for approval.
I.
ED Education Zone District. All signs in the
ED Zone District shall require a permit, unless otherwise
exempted. Signs shall have no height or area restrictions
and have a zero setback from the property
line. Signs in this zone district are intended
primarily to be of such size, scale and location
to serve this pedestrian-oriented community.
[7-21-2021 by Ord. No. 1796]
The following signs are permitted in the NMU, CMU, RMU, GMU,
I, A, and F Zone Districts, in addition to those described in Section 39-8.04. These signs shall also be permitted in the PUD Zone District, unless specifically prohibited
by the PUD agreement.
A.
Temporary signs. Temporary displays containing pennants, streamers, banners, balloons, balloon signs, feather signs and other
similar temporary signs are allowed, subject to a sign permit, provided that:
C.
Neighborhood commercial district identifier sign. A sign used for the purpose of identifying an established neighborhood
commercial area shall be permitted with the following standards:
1.
The neighborhood commercial area shall be comprised of two or more
storefront businesses on two or more separate properties.
2.
The size, type, and location of the sign(s) is compatible
with the neighborhood commercial district in which the signs will be located.
3.
The signs will enhance the identification of the
established neighborhood commercial area and benefit all businesses.
4.
Maximum of two signs of similar design, located
in or near the established neighborhood commercial area.
5.
Signs shall be located on private property.
6.
Freestanding signs shall not exceed a maximum of
six feet in height and 25 square feet in area and shall not create
a visibility hazard for motorists or pedestrians.
7.
Wall signs shall not exceed a maximum of 25 square feet in area and
shall be placed on the front facade or side of a building.
D.
Directional signage at commercial or industrial complexes. Additional signage may be installed for the purpose of directing traffic,
in addition to other allowed signs, with the following
standards:
E.
Community improvement neighborhood organization and business district banners as allowed in § 39-8.03.
[Added 10-4-2023 by Ord. No. 1839]
[7-21-2021 by Ord. No. 1796]
A.
All signs may be internally or externally illuminated,
except for movable freestanding signs. If externally
illuminated, the source of light shall be enclosed and directed to
prevent light from shining directly onto traffic or residential properties.
B.
Signs shall not scroll, flash, blink, oscillate,
or have any other appearance of movement.
C.
Electronic reader board signs.
1.
Electronic reader board signs, otherwise known as
"electronic message centers" (EMCs), shall have an instantaneous change
between messages, with a minimum seven-second delay between displays.
2.
Electronic reader board signs are not permitted
within the CDT, NDT, EDT, WDT, and CENT Subdistricts of the F Zone
District.
3.
Electronic reader board signs are permitted on a wall or freestanding sign, but not on both signs at one property.
4.
Glare shall be reduced and/or minimized in such
a manner as to maintain an appropriate level of contrast during the
day and at night.
[7-21-2021 by Ord. No. 1796]
A.
Standards.
1.
Attachment. The sign shall not be attached to a building, secured to the ground, nor permanently attached
to any element, including, but not limited to, trees, signs, light poles, planters, etc.
2.
Location. A movable freestanding sign shall be placed
within one foot of the building that contains the
business using the sign. The sign may be placed on private property or within the public right-of-way.
3.
Clear public sidewalk. There shall be provided at all times, an unobstructed,
straight public sidewalk aisle of six feet in width. A movable
freestanding sign shall not be placed in a manner that obstructs
or impedes pedestrian traffic or sidewalk plowing/cleaning or creates
a visibility hazard for vehicular, bicycle, and/or pedestrian traffic.
4.
Construction. All movable freestanding signs shall
be constructed of wood, metal, or other similarly durable material
approved by the Community and Neighborhood Services Department (CNS). Movable freestanding signs shall have adequate support to
prevent tipping or movement of the sign and shall
not present a tripping hazard to pedestrians.
5.
Illumination. Movable freestanding signs shall not
be illuminated.
B.
Limitations on display.
1.
Movable freestanding signs shall be displayed only
during the hours in which the business it promotes is open. The entire sign structure, including sign panel and
supporting structure, shall be removed and placed
indoors during those hours not on display.
2.
In the CDT, NDT, EDT, WDT, and CENT Subdistricts of the F Zone District, movable freestanding signs shall not be displayed
one hour before a Tulip Time Festival parade, during such parade,
and one hour after such parade.
[7-21-2021 by Ord. No. 1796]
A.
All signs in the CDT, NDT, EDT, WDT, and CENT Subdistricts
of the F Zone District, except movable freestanding signs, shall be approved by the Design Review Board (DRB).
B.
Standards for DRB sign approval. Prior to the issuance of a permit,
the DRB shall find that all of the following standards are met, and
shall document the findings. Findings of the DRB are advisory and
may be appealed to the Board of Appeals. For purposes
of interpretation, the DRB shall use local design guidelines, as may be amended, and the context of surrounding buildings and signage in determining whether a proposed sign meets the following standards.
C.
Additional authority. The DRB shall also have the power to do the
following within the CDT, NDT, EDT, WDT, and CENT Subdistricts of
the F Zone District:
1.
Waivers. Waive certain requirements for the following types of signs:
a.
Wall signs. This type of sign may be larger
than 32 square feet or located above the second floor windowsill if
the DRB determines that based on the size, scale and/or architectural
features of the building, the proposed size and/or location is compatible
with the architecture of the building and surrounding
area.
[Amended 10-20-2021 by Ord. No. 1804]
b.
Awning, canopy, marquee signs. These signs may
be located above the second floor windowsill, or may project more
than four feet beyond the face of a building, if
the DRB determines that the proposed location is compatible with the
architecture of the building and surrounding area.
c.
Projecting signs. These signs may be located
above the second floor windowsill if the DRB determines that the proposed
location is compatible with the architecture of the building and surrounding area.
2.
Sign calculations. The DRB shall limit the total area of all signs added together, so that the total signage on a wall face does not exceed two square feet per linear foot of building wall width. Freestanding signs, movable
freestanding signs, temporary signs, and flags shall not be included in this calculation.
3.
Approved signs not specifically listed. Sign types that are not specifically listed in Section 39-8.04 may be permitted by the DRB, provided that they meet the following criteria:
a.
Determination of similar sign type. The DRB shall determine
which type of sign listed in Section 39-8.04 is most similar to the sign being proposed.
b.
Size. The maximum area of the proposed sign shall not exceed the maximum for the most similar sign type determined in Section 39-8.08C.3.
c.
Number of signs. The maximum number of signs shall not exceed the maximum for the most similar sign type determined in Section 39-8.08C.3.a.
[7-21-2021 by Ord. No. 1796]
The following signs are prohibited:
A.
Pennants, streamers, banners, balloons, or feather signs as permanent signs. These signs shall be permitted in some cases as temporary signs (Section 39-8.05A).
B.
Signs that employ any flashing, moving, oscillating,
blinking, or variable intensity light, such as rolling, fading, moving,
or animated parts that are designed to give the appearance of movement.
C.
Roof signs.
D.
Billboards and off-premises advertising signs.
[Amended 11-2-2022 by Ord. No. 1830]
1.
Exceptions. The following types of signs shall not be considered
billboards or off-premises advertising:
a.
Multi-tenant signs located on a shared access
drive.
b.
Conforming signs that have subsequently been
separated from their original parcel may continue
to be used as originally intended.
c.
Joint signage. Adjacent property owners may
enter into a written agreement to have joint signage. No additional sign area for any individual property shall be granted due to a joint signage agreement.
E.
A business that has been closed for 60 consecutive days shall ensure
that all of their signs are removed from the property.
F.
Any vehicle (including trailers) with the primary
function of acting as a sign, unless a temporary
sign permit has been issued.
G.
Any sign not specifically permitted by this article,
except as permitted by the DRB in the CDT, NDT, EDT, WDT, and CENT
Subdistricts of the F Zone District.
[7-21-2021 by Ord. No. 1796]
A.
Sign erector's license. A sign installer shall obtain
an annual sign erector's license from the City Clerk
prior to installing any permanent sign that has a
vertical height greater than the horizontal setback from any property line.
1.
Applications shall include public liability and property damage insurance documentation in the amounts specified in Chapter 2 of the City Code of Ordinances. Every policy of insurance required by this section shall bear an endorsement to the effect that the insurer shall notify the licensee and the City Clerk in writing at least 10 days prior to the expiration of such policy.
2.
The City may proceed with legal action to suspend or revoke the license
if the licensee shall at any time fail to comply with the provisions
of this article or shall fail to comply with any written directions
of the Building Official and Zoning Administrator,
based upon the provisions of this article.
B.
Revocable license agreement required for signs projecting over right-of-way. Projecting signs, awnings, canopies, and marquees which extend over the City right-of-way shall have
a clear space of eight feet from the bottom of the structure to the ground. A revocable license agreement from City Council is required prior to obtaining a permit. The following are exceptions
to this requirement:
1.
Flags projecting over the right-of-way shall be attached to the wall of the building at
least six feet above the adjacent grade, shall not
project more than three feet from the face of the wall, and shall
maintain a clear space of eight feet from the bottom of the flag to the ground.
2.
Temporary movable freestanding signs.
C.
Light poles, utility poles, or another supporting member of a building or property shall not be used
for the placement of any sign unless the owner of the pole or supporting member has given permission
for such use and the sign conforms to all requirements
of this article.
D.
Signs shall not be placed in, upon, or over any public right-of-way, alley or other public place
unless authorized by the approving authority.
[Added 11-2-2022 by Ord. No. 1830[1]]
E.
A sign shall not be erected in any place where it
may, by reason of its position, shape, color, or other characteristic,
interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with any authorized
traffic signs, signal, or device, or constitute a
nuisance.
F.
Adverse impact of article. Any person adversely affected by the provisions
of this article, with the exception of those provisions relating to
licensing and permits, may apply for a variance from
the Board of Appeals as described in Section 39-12.12C.
G.
Savings clause. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or
phrase of this article is for any reason held to be invalid, such
invalidity shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the
remaining portions of this article. The City Council hereby declares that it would have adopted this article in each
section, subsection, sentence or phrase thereof, irrespective of the
fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses,
or phrases be declared invalid.
[7-21-2021 by Ord. No. 1796]
Signs shall be measured as follows:
A.
A single-faced sign shall be measured within a single,
continuous perimeter composed of either the smallest square, rectangle,
or circle which encloses the extreme limits of writing, representation,
emblem, logo, frame (if part of the sign), or any other figure of
similar character.
 |
B.
Framing around a sign shall be included in the overall sign calculation if it is an integral material or color
to the sign. An "integral material" shall be one
that is part of the specific sign, rather than an
architectural detail or a sign frame that could remain
in place even if the sign was replaced by another sign.
C.
The support structure of a sign shall not be included in the overall area.
D.
A multifaced sign shall be calculated by measuring
each sign face and adding them together.
E.
If two sign faces are placed back-to-back, this shall be measured
and counted as one sign. If one of the sign faces is larger, the sign area shall be calculated using
the larger of the two faces.
F.
If two sign faces are placed back-to-back and separated
by more than a forty-five-degree angle, each face shall be calculated
independently, and they shall be counted as a multi-faced sign.
G.
The height of a sign shall be measured as the vertical
distance from the highest point of the sign to the grade of the ground immediately beneath the sign.
H.
The setback of a sign shall be
measured from the leading edge of the sign to the
property line.
[7-21-2021 by Ord. No. 1796]
A.
All signs shall be maintained free of peeling paint or paper, sun
fading, staining, rust, or other conditions which impair the legibility
of such sign. Routine maintenance shall not require
a permit. Exact replacement of faded or worn letters, and similar
repairs, shall be considered routine maintenance.
B.
Any signs permitted by the provisions of this article,
including all supports, braces, guys, and anchors, shall be maintained
in conformance with this article and in such a manner so as not to
cause a hazard to the public.
[7-21-2021 by Ord. No. 1796]
A.
Nonconforming signs may not be expanded, enlarged,
or extended; however, they may be maintained and repaired to continue
the useful life of the sign.
B.
A nonconforming sign may be diminished in size,
and may have the message or design changed.
C.
Any nonconforming sign, sign structure, or frame
substantially destroyed by neglect, deterioration, fire, accident,
or other casualty loss (50% or more) shall not be restored or rebuilt
unless it conforms to this article.
D.
A nonconforming sign removed for maintenance or
repair, with a permit, shall be reinstalled within 90 days.
[7-21-2021 by Ord. No. 1796]
A.
Unsafe signs. If the Zoning Administrator determines
any sign is unsafe or constitutes a hazard to the
public, such as obstructing vision of vehicle drivers
or pedestrians, they may have the sign removed or
require its immediate removal.
B.
Signs in violation of UDO. If the
Zoning Administrator determines any sign has been
constructed, erected, or maintained in violation of the provisions
of this article, they may have the sign removed or
require its immediate removal.
C.
Unauthorized signs on public property. Any sign placed or erected in a public right-of-way or other public land, without being specifically
approved, shall be deemed an unlawful sign. The City
shall remove such sign or require its immediate removal,
and shall not be required to notify any party of the removal of the sign in advance.
D.
Civil infraction. A person who violates or fails to comply with a
notice to remove the sign under this article is responsible for a Class II civil infraction and is subject to the civil fines set forth in the schedule of fees and charges adopted in Chapter 2 of the Code of Ordinances or any other fee that may be imposed by the court. Each act of violation and each day upon which such violation occurs shall constitute a separate violation.
