Unless expressly authorized by this article, a premises may
not have more than one freestanding sign, not including temporary
signs. Unless expressly authorized by this article, businesses may
not advertise on both a multi-tenant sign and another freestanding
sign, not including temporary signs, located on the premises.
(Ordinance 7040 adopted 2/19/19)
(A)
Attached
Sign (also termed Attached Wall Sign or Wall Sign).
An
attached sign or attached wall sign is a sign that is attached to,
applied to, applied on, or supported by any part of a building (such
as a wall, parapet, canopy facia, awning, arcade, mansard, or marquee)
that encloses or covers usable space (as contrasted to a freestanding
or detached sign).
An attached sign may be attached to, affixed upon, or painted
upon a wall surface with the sign facing parallel to and projecting
not more than eighteen inches from the surface of the building or
appurtenance. Attached signs painted or applied directly upon an exterior
wall surface must be professionally designed and constructed, consist
of professional quality workmanship and exterior grade paints and
materials, and be maintained at all times so that there is minimal
fading, chipping, or peeling. The property owner shall remove any
attached signs painted or applied directly upon an exterior wall surface
that have not been properly maintained or are in a deteriorated condition.
A sign attached to or painted upon an awning or a canopy and
visible to the exterior is considered in the allowable calculations
for wall signs (also see “awning sign” and “canopy
sign” for additional limitations). Luminous gaseous tubing,
LED lights, or other strip lighting attached directly to a wall surface
is considered a “wall sign” when forming a border for
the subject matter, when directing attention to the subject matter,
or when forming letters, logos, symbols, or pictorial designs of any
kind. Attached signs or attached wall signs must comply with the following
provisions:
(1)
Maximum
height:
Attached signs may not extend higher than the
height of the wall surface, unless noted below for parapet signs:
(2)
Maximum
size:
Attached signs must comply with the following provisions
for the total maximum surface area of all attached wall signs per
facade in aggregate:
(a)
For single-tenant buildings:
(i)
Front (main entry) facade only: The maximum square footage of an
attached sign on the front of a single-tenant building may not exceed
2 square feet per lineal width in feet of building width of the wall
upon which the sign is mounted, and in no case may any of the sign’s
dimensions exceed 75 percent of the corresponding width or the height
of the wall, with a maximum of 200 square feet.
(ii)
Side and rear facades: The maximum square footage of an attached
sign on a side or rear facade of a single-tenant building may not
exceed one square foot per lineal width in feet, of the wall upon
which the sign is mounted, and in no case may any of the sign’s
dimensions exceed 50 percent of the corresponding width or the height
of the wall, with a maximum of 100 square feet.
(b)
For “end-cap” tenants in multi-tenant strip center buildings:
(i)
Front (main entry) facade only: The maximum square footage of an
attached sign on a front facade for “end cap” tenants
in multi-tenant building may not exceed 2 times the lineal width,
in feet, of the tenant frontage. Tenant wall sign shall only be permitted
upon the wall fronting the tenant and in no case may the sign’s
dimensions exceed 75 percent of either the corresponding width or
the height of the wall. The total maximum sign area may not exceed
200 square feet.
(ii)
Side facade: The maximum square footage of an attached sign on a
side facade for “end cap” tenants in a multi-tenant building
may not exceed one square foot per lineal width, in feet, of the wall
upon which the sign is mounted adjacent to the tenant space, and in
no case may the sign’s dimensions exceed 25 percent of either
the corresponding width or the height of the wall. The total maximum
sign area shall not exceed 100 square feet.
(c)
For “interior” tenants in multi-tenant strip center buildings:
(i)
Front (main entry) facade only: The maximum square footage of an
attached sign on a front facade for “interior” tenants
in a multi-tenant building may not exceed the square footage of 2
times the lineal width of the wall upon which the sign is mounted,
and in no case may the sign’s dimensions exceed 75 percent of
either the corresponding width or the height of the wall. The total
maximum sign area shall not exceed 200 square feet.
(ii)
Side and rear facades: Attached wall signs are not permitted for
interior tenants.
(d)
For buildings three or more stories in height: The square footage of an attached sign that identifies the building name, and that is not attached to a tenant space, shall not exceed one square foot per the lineal width, in feet, of the frontage of the building, in addition to the total sign area otherwise allowed in this Section 4.78(A) and the maximum area for the building name sign shall be 100 square feet.
(e)
For multiple tenant building with “interior” tenants
that do not have direct exterior exits (such as office buildings,
indoor shopping malls, and other similar uses)the total sign area
of all wall signs for all tenants combined may not exceed the allowable
sign area allowed in Section 4.78(2)(a).
(f)
The total combined area of attached signs (including attached wall
signs, awning signs, and canopy signs) for any elevational view shall
not exceed that allowed for attached signs as set forth in Section
4.78(2)(a).
(3)
Location:
Attached signs are allowed in all nonresidential and mixed-use
zoning districts.
(4)
Placement/setbacks:
On the vertical face only of a building; attached signs must
be comprised of individual letters or characters attached directly
to the building face or to a raceway, or unilluminated panels comprised
of individual letters or characters (cans, illuminated panels or illuminated
box type signs shall not be permitted) and must be professionally
designed, constructed, and applied in a workmanlike manner.
(B)
Awning
Sign.
An awning sign is a sign that is painted or applied
directly on the surface of an awning. Awning signs must comply with
the following provisions:
(1)
Maximum
height:
The height of an awning sign shall be no greater
than the vertical face only of the awning (for purposes of this subsection,
the front vertical surface area for a “bubble” awning
is located only on the front of the awning and not on its sides, and
comprises the awning surface as measured from the bottom edge to that
point on the awning that is less than 45 degrees to the ground plane,
as viewed on the elevational view of the awning).
(2)
Maximum
size/area:
Awning signs must comply with the following
provisions:
(a)
Shall not exceed the lineal width of the awning upon which the sign
is applied;
(b)
Shall not be internally illuminated (can be illuminated using downward
focused wall-mounted “gooseneck” or other decorative wall
lighting);
(c)
Shall be designed and installed as an integral, architectural element
of the entire building system in a uniform, rhythmic systematic design
pattern, including compatible color and lighting; and
(3)
Location:
Awning signs are allowed in all nonresidential and mixed-use
zoning districts.
(4)
Placement:
Awning signs must have a minimum vertical clearance of 8 feet
above any sidewalk or pedestrian travel surface, and 14 feet above
any vehicular parking or circulation surface.
(C)
Temporary
Signs.
Temporary signs include banners, balloons, pennants, inflatables, streamers, sails, air-supported devices, feathers, wind devices, and other similar types of temporary signs (but not including noncommercial flags, which are regulated by above Section 4.70) that may be placed on a structure or at a site that is intended to draw attention to a particular commercial event or commercial product must comply with the following provisions:
(1)
Maximum
size/area:
The maximum surface area of all temporary
signs located on a property or tract of land, may be no greater than
two times the width of the wall containing the main entrance of the
building, or tenant space occupied by the applicant who intends to
display the temporary signage. In no case may the total square footage
of the surface area of all the temporary signs located on a property
or tract of land exceed 200 square feet.
(2)
Maximum
Height:
Temporary signs attached to the building may
not exceed the height of the building. Freestanding temporary signs
such as balloons, inflatables, or wind devices shall not exceed the
height of the building or a maximum of 12 feet, whichever is less.
(3)
Location:
Temporary signs attached to the building are allowed in all
nonresidential, mixed-use, multifamily, and townhouse zoning districts,
and allowed for any nonresidential use (such as a church, school,
or day care center) that is located in an agricultural, single-family,
or two-family zoning district. Except as expressly allowed under this
Article 5, freestanding temporary signs (such as balloons, inflatables,
streamers, sails, or wind devices) are only allowed in nonresidential
and the commercial areas of mixed use zoning districts.
(4)
Placement:
Temporary signs attached to a building must be securely attached
to the vertical face only of a building or a canopy so that the banner
does not move, flap, wave, flutter, or twirl. Temporary signs may
not be attached to an object such as a fence, screening wall, tree,
utility pole or structure, or permanent sign support, and may not
extend vertically above the roofline of the structure. Nonresidential
uses located in residential districts, such as schools and churches
may attach temporary signs to fences and other structures when approved
by the Building Official where the temporary sign will not impose
undue stress on the structure. All temporary signs must be on-premises
and may not be located on public property or in the public right-of-way.
All freestanding temporary signs must be securely affixed to the main
structure or the ground capable of withstanding a 70 mph wind and
be setback a minimum of 15 feet from the edge of the street or the
back of the curb.
(5)
Maximum
number:
The maximum number of temporary signs in nonresidential
and commercial areas of mixed use zoning districts, shall be limited
by the maximum total area of 200 square feet, but in no case shall
the total number of temporary signs exceed 3.
(6)
Duration:
Temporary signs may be displayed no more than 20 calendar days
from the date the associated business, person, organization, activity,
or event first opens to the public, which shall be indicated on the
sign permit application.
(D)
Blade
Sign, Pedestrian.
Pedestrian blade signs are generally
placed perpendicular to the building’s front entrance facade,
and they are either suspended beneath a canopy or awning or attached
directly to, and project out from, the building’s facade. Blade
signs may not encroach into any public right-of-way or over any public
easement (except a pedestrian easement. A pedestrian blade sign must
have a minimum clearance of 8 feet above any sidewalk or pedestrian
travel surface, and fourteen feet above any vehicular parking or circulation
surface. Pedestrian blade signs must comply with the following provisions:
(1)
Maximum
size/area:
The maximum surface area of a pedestrian blade
sign is 4 square feet when suspended beneath a ground-level canopy
or awning, or attached to a building on the ground-level facade. The
blade sign may be no larger than 8 square feet when attached to the
building’s second or higher story.
(2)
Location:
Pedestrian blade signs are allowed in all nonresidential and
mixed-use zoning districts, and allowed for any nonresidential use
(such as a church, school, or day care center) that is located in
an agricultural or residential zoning district.
(3)
Placement/setbacks:
A pedestrian blade sign must be suspended beneath a canopy or
awning, or attached to building’s entrance facade at a minimum
height of 8 feet from the grade of the sidewalk and a maximum height
of 10 feet, measured from the lowest portion of the frame or structure
of the sign.
(4)
Maximum
number:
A business may have one pedestrian blade sign
per public entrance.
(E)
Canopy
Sign.
A canopy sign is a type of attached sign that is
painted or applied directly on the surface of an attached or freestanding
canopy, or that is designed to be an integral part of the face of
a canopy. Canopy signs must comply with the following provisions:
(1)
Maximum
height:
The height of a canopy sign may not extend beyond
the vertical face of the canopy.
(2)
Maximum
size/area:
A canopy sign’s size and area must comply
with the following:
(3)
Location:
Canopy signs are allowed in all nonresidential and mixed-use
zoning districts.
(4)
Quality:
Canopy signs must be professionally designed and constructed,
consist of professional quality workmanship and exterior grade paints
and materials, and be maintained at all times so that there is minimal
fading, chipping, or peeling.
(5)
Placement/setbacks:
Canopy signs may be placed on the vertical face only of a canopy
(not on the roof). Canopy signs must have a minimum vertical clearance
of 8 feet above any sidewalk or pedestrian travel surface, and 14
feet above any vehicular parking or circulation surface.
(6)
Maximum
number:
There may be no more than one canopy sign per
canopy face.
(F)
Changeable
Message Sign (nonelectronic, also termed Reader Board Sign).
A nonelectronic changeable message sign is a wall-mounted or
freestanding sign (or a portion of a larger sign), with manually interchangeable
letters and symbols. It includes nonelectronic bulletin boards and
theater marquees; but, it is not a “Programmable Sign.”
A changeable message sign may be a component of another type of sign,
such as a monument or pylon sign, and all applicable standards for
the type of sign of which it is a part apply including, but not limited
to, those pertaining to maximum height, maximum size/area, permissibility
in each zoning district, placement/setbacks, or number of signs permissible
per lot.
(G)
Changeable
Message Signs (Electronic).
See “Programmable Sign.”
(H)
Construction
Sign.
A construction sign is a temporary sign allowed
while a development project is being constructed on the premises upon
which the sign is located. Construction signs must comply with the
following provisions:
(1)
Maximum
height:
A construction sign may be no more than 15 feet
in height.
(2)
Maximum
size/area:
A construction sign may be no more 32 square
feet.
(3)
Location:
Construction signs are allowed in all zoning districts, but
not on lots containing model home signs.
(4)
Placement/setbacks:
Construction signs must be placed a minimum of 10 feet from
any property or right-of-way line.
(5)
Maximum
number:
The maximum number of construction signs at a
single site is one per 1,500 feet of total street frontage (or portion
thereof). The total street frontage shall be based on the frontage
of the street named on the construction permit as the address of the
site.
(6)
Duration:
Construction signs may remain at a project until it is complete.
Construction signs must be removed prior to final building inspection
or occupancy of the structure.
(I)
[Reserved.]
(J)
Menu
Board.
A menu board is an on-site display that is utilized
by restaurant, entertainment, and other business establishments in
a drive-through operation. The menu board may be wall-mounted near
the establishment’s primary entrance, or may be freestanding
at a drive-in or drive-through food service establishment, and may
have a speaker and an electronic visual order display board or panel
that verifies what the patron is ordering at the drive-through. Menu
boards must comply with the following provisions:
(1)
Maximum
height:
The maximum height of a menu board is 8 feet
if freestanding; if it is mounted upon a wall above a sidewalk, the
top edge must be no higher than 7 feet above nearest sidewalk grade.
(2)
Maximum
size/area:
The maximum surface area of a menu board is
45 square feet.
(3)
Location:
Menu boards are allowed in the zoning districts that allow the
associated use by right (or by SUP where applicable).
(4)
Placement/setbacks:
Menu boards, if freestanding, are prohibited in the front building
setback(s); menu boards are prohibited in a side or rear yard where
adjacent to any residential zoning district.
(5)
Maximum
number:
If freestanding, two menu boards per establishment
(or per drive-through lane, if more than one) are allowed. However,
drive-in style restaurants may have one menu board per parking stall,
plus up to two menu boards for a drive-through lane. If wall-mounted,
one menu board per business is allowed.
(K)
Monument
Sign.
A monument sign is a type of freestanding ground
mounted sign having a low profile and the structure of which being
made of stone, concrete, decorative metal, brick, or similar materials
that is designed to complement the architecture of the building or
complex on the premises where the sign is located. The lower edge
of a monument sign must be contiguous with the ground (that is, solid
from the ground up), and may not be elevated above grade by the use
of poles, struts or wires, and may not incorporate embellishments
or cut-outs. All sign panels on a monument sign must be architecturally
compatible and cohesively designed. Monument signs must comply with
the following provisions:
(1)
Maximum
height:
The maximum height for a monument sign is 7 feet,
including the monument base, as measured from the average ground level
at the base to the topmost portion of the sign or structure. The ground
upon which a monument sign is located may be bermed (or designed as
a raised planter with heavy evergreen landscaping to conceal the planter
on all sides) a maximum of 2 feet above average grade where the sign
is placed.
(2)
Maximum
size/sign area:
The maximum surface area of a monument
sign is 50 square feet.
(3)
Location:
A monument sign is allowed in all zoning districts, but is prohibited
on individual single- or two-family residential lots.
(4)
Placement/setbacks:
A monument sign must be placed a minimum of 5 feet from any
property or right-of-way line.
(5)
Maximum
number:
A site is allowed only one monument sign per
street frontage, or a maximum of one per 300 feet of total street
frontage if no pole or pylon sign is also used , but in no case are
more than 3 monument signs allowed.
(L)
Multi-Tenant
Complex Sign.
(1)
A
“Unified-lot” means two or more contiguous premises, whether
in a single building or multiple buildings, which are a part of the
same site plan, shopping center, business complex, or other similar
type of multi-tenant development.
(2)
Except as expressly provided for within this subsection (L), owners or tenants of property located within a unified-lot may not construct, or advertise on, freestanding signs, except on multi-tenant complex signs that are the subject of a unified-lot sign agreement, to which they are a party, as further detailed in below subsection (f).
(3)
A multi-tenant complex sign is a type of freestanding sign that is used to identify the name of a multiple-building and multiple-tenant retail shopping center, a business park, or an industrial, commercial or office center or complex to assist public safety and emergency personnel in identifying individual businesses or tenants on the site or within the shopping center or business complex. A multi-tenant complex sign must be mounted on a single structural element on one of the lots represented on the sign. A multi-tenant complex sign is allowed with a fully executed unified lot agreement, as more particularly described in below subsection (f). Freestanding businesses that are represented on a multi-tenant complex sign, and that have a minimum building square footage of 5,000 square feet, are also allowed one monument sign on their own lot, in addition to representation on a site-applicable multi-tenant complex sign. All sign panels on a multi-tenant complex sign must be architecturally compatible and cohesively designed. Multi-tenant complex signs must comply with the following provisions:
(a)
Maximum height:
The maximum height of a multi-tenant complex sign is 35 feet. If located within 100 feet of an elevated portion of Interstate Highway 635, Interstate Highway 30 or President George Bush Turnpike/State Highway 190 and if sign visibility is impeded due to the highway elevation, the Planning Director may approve up to 10 feet of additional height, but in no case may it exceed a total height of 40 feet, in accordance with the alternative compliance provisions of Article 1, Division 2 of this Chapter 4.
(b)
Maximum size/area:
The maximum surface area of multi-tenant
complex signs is 150 square feet per side for pylon style signs, and
200 square feet per side for monument style signs.
(c)
Location:
Multi-tenant complex signs are allowed in
all nonresidential and mixed-use zoning districts on a unified-lot
development site of combined contiguous lots that is at least 5 acres
in size.
(d)
Placement/setbacks:
Multi-tenant complex signs must
be placed a minimum of 10 feet from any property or right-of-way line.
Multi-tenant complex signs may be only masonry pylon or monument style
(that is, they may not be pole signs).
(e)
Maximum number:
Only one multi-tenant complex sign is
allowed per 20 acres in the development and only one per street frontage.
(f)
Unified-lot sign agreement:
A unified-lot sign agreement, in a form provided by the City, is required whenever the owners (or the sole owner if only one) of 2 or more contiguous lots agree to treat their separate lots as one unified lot for the limited purpose of sharing a multi-tenant complex sign. The property owners must both be named as parties and execute the agreement. The agreement shall provide the following: (i) a legal description of the properties subject to the agreement; (ii) the parties agree to treat their separate lots as one unified lot; (iii) the parties agree to maintain the sign in accordance with Section 4.72 of this Article 5; (iv) a provision that the parties, their heirs, and assigns forego any rights to additional freestanding street front signage on the premises covered by the agreement (except for freestanding businesses who may have one additional monument sign on their own lot); (v) a provision that the agreement is a covenant running with the land to be filed and made a part of the Deed Records of the applicable county of jurisdiction; and (vi) a provision that the agreement cannot be amended or terminated without the consent of the Building Official. A unified-lot sign agreement is not effective until a true and correct copy of the approved agreement is filed with the applicable county and a copy is filed with the Building Official.
(M)
Mural
(also termed Original Art Display).
A mural is a nonelectronic,
static work of art applied directly to a building’s wall surface.
Murals are intended for viewing and enjoyment by the public as art.
Murals must comply with the following provisions:
(1)
Maximum
height:
A mural may extend no higher than the height
of wall surface.
(2)
Location:
Murals are allowed in all nonresidential and mixed-use zoning
districts.
(3)
Placement/setbacks:
Murals may only be placed on the vertical face only of a building.
They must be professionally applied by an experienced mural-painting
artisan(s) using paint that will weather well and will generally remain
legible and in its original appearance for at least 5 years following
application.
(4)
Maximum
number:
The number of murals is limited to one per building,
or one per street frontage for a corner or through lot or property.
(N)
Pole
Sign.
A pole sign is a single-support style sign that
is placed on or anchored in the ground, and that is structurally independent
of any building or other structure. Pole signs are prohibited in all
zoning districts.
(O)
Programmable
Signs (Electronic).
A programmable sign is a sign that
displays changing content through animated, scrolling, or moving messages.
For the purposes of this subsection, “changing content”
means content (of whatever nature) changing more than once every 4
hours. The term includes, but is not limited to, signs that project
animated moving images, messages, or moving images by means of electronic
or ‘digital’ illumination such as cathode ray tubes, light
emitting diodes (LED), plasma screens, liquid crystal displays, fiber
optics, lasers, projectors and similar technology. Electronic programmable
signs must comply with the following provisions:
(1)
Maximum
height:
The maximum height for an electronic programmable
sign is the same standard as the type of sign on which it is attached
(such as a monument sign, pole, or pylon sign).
(2)
Maximum
size/area:
The maximum surface area of an electronic
sign is the same standard as the type of sign on which it is attached
(such as a monument sign, pole, or pylon sign)[.]
(3)
Location:
Electronic programmable signs are allowed as freestanding monument
signs in all nonresidential and mixed-use districts on property that
is not adjacent to IH-635, IH-30, or State Highway 190. An electronic
programmable sign is also permitted as a freestanding monument sign
in a residential district on a site that contains and operates as
a lawful nonresidential use, and that has at least one frontage on
a Type D (four-lane, divided) or larger thoroughfare, as shown on
the City’s adopted Major Thoroughfare Plan, in which case the
electronic programmable sign may only be placed on a Type D or larger
street frontage. Additionally, where located within a residential
district or within 25 feet of a residential district, electronic programmable
signs are prohibited from displaying illuminated messages between
10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. to further minimize potential negative impacts
on surrounding residential properties.
(4)
Attached
signs or Attached Wall Signs.
Attached programmable signs
are prohibited in all districts.
(5)
Placement/setbacks:
The placement and setback standard for an electronic programmable
sign is the same as the type of sign on which it is attached (such
as a monument sign or pylon sign).
(6)
Maximum
number:
One electronic programmable sign is allowed per
site. Except on a site in a nonresidential zoning district with frontage
on 2 or more streets, or more than 300 feet of frontage on a single
street, a maximum of 2 electronic programmable signs are allowed,
both of which must be monument signs.
(7)
Electronic
programmable signs are prohibited from:
(a)
Displaying animated, full-motion or other moving images, or display a flashing or blinking image, an image that incorporates intermittent or bursts of illumination, or an image that scrolls, fades, rolls, shades, dissolves, or otherwise gives the appearance of movement that is not solely a transition between displays as provided by Subsection 4.78(O)(7)(c) below;
(b)
Projecting an image onto a structure, building, the ground, or another
object;
(c)
Displaying an image for a period of less than eight seconds, or exceeding
a period of two seconds during a transition between a complete change
of message (other than black screen);
(d)
Transitioning from one display to the next in a manner that requires
the viewer to read subsequent displays in order to determine the message
being conveyed; or
(e)
Including any audio message.
(8)
A
programmable sign must be equipped with a properly functioning automatic
dimmer to adjust the luminance of the sign relative to ambient light
so that at no time the sign will exceed the luminance limitations
of Subsections 4.70(I) and 4.70(J) [sic]. A programmable sign must
be equipped with a properly functioning default mechanism that will
cause the sign to revert immediately to a single, fixed, non-transitory
image or to a black screen if the sign malfunctions. The owner of
a programmable sign must provide the Building Official with current,
valid contact information for a person who is authorized and able
to turn off the programmable sign within four hours of notification
in the event of a malfunction.
(9)
The
sign face(s) of a freestanding monument sign may be converted to a
programmable sign only in a manner that fully conforms to the provisions
of this GDC. A lawfully existing, nonconforming sign must be made
conforming in all respects including, without limitation, setbacks,
sign area, height, and number in order to convert the sign face(s)
of the sign to a programmable sign.
(P)
Pylon
Sign.
A pylon sign is a double- (or multiple-) support
single-tenant or multi-tenant style sign that is placed on, or anchored
in, the ground, and that is structurally independent of any building
or other structure. Pylon signs must be designed in such a manner
so that the support structures are architecturally and visibly distinct
from one another. Pylon signs must be located entirely on private
property and not within any public right-of-way or easement. All sign
panels on a multi-tenant pylon sign must be architecturally compatible
and cohesively designed. All supports for a pylon sign must be constructed
of masonry products (or be constructed in such a manner as to have
the appearance of masonry (however, stucco construction is not allowed).
Pylon signs must comply with the following provisions:
(1)
Maximum
height:
A pylon sign may be a maximum height of 22 feet.
(2)
Maximum
size/area:
The maximum surface area of a pylon sign is
150 square feet.
(3)
Location:
Pylon signs are allowed in all nonresidential zoning districts
with the exception of NS, NO, UR, UB and DT districts (only monument-style
freestanding signs are allowed in those districts).
(4)
Placement/setbacks:
A pylon sign must be placed a minimum of 20 feet from any property
or right-of-way line.
(5)
Maximum
number:
One pylon sign per site per public street frontage
is allowed (not allowed if property only has access from an access
easement or nonpublic street); minimum spacing between freestanding
pylon signs on-site and from those on adjacent properties shall be
at least 150 feet.
(Q)
Reader
Board Sign.
Reader board signs must comply with the standards
of a “Changeable Message Sign, Nonelectronic.”
(Ordinance 6773 adopted 5/19/15; Ordinance 6943 adopted 11/7/17; Ordinance
7040 adopted 2/19/19; Ordinance 7196, sec. 5, adopted 2/2/21)
(A)
Purpose.
The City values and recognizes that historical signs foster civic pride in the history of the City, support and stimulate business and industry, strengthen the economy of the City, enhance the quality of life for all citizens, and contribute to the overall positive nature of the community. Therefore, upon application by the property owner or owner of the sign, and pursuant to the criteria and procedures set out within this Section 4.79, a sign may be designated as an historic sign. A sign designated as an historic sign shall be exempt from the general sign regulations of this Article 5, except for applicable safety requirements and regulations that are expressly applicable to historic signs.
(B)
Permit
Required.
No sign shall be considered an historic sign for the purposes of this Section 4.79 without first being designated as an historic sign by City Council and subsequently issued an historic sign permit by the Building Official.
(C)
Application
for an Historic Sign Permit.
For a sign to be designated
as an historic sign and qualify for an historic sign permit, the applicant
must file a written application with the Building Official, in a form
provided by the City, and include a site plan, elevations of the sign,
engineering drawings when determined necessary by the Building Official,
and any additional information necessary to determine if the proposed
sign meets the minimum criteria to qualify as an historic sign.
(D)
Criteria.
In order to be designated as an historic sign, an applicant
must provide sufficient evidence demonstrating that the sign meets
all of the following criteria:
(1)
Materials,
technology, and design.
The sign must be architecturally
and aesthetically representative of a period of construction that
existed fifty (50) years prior to the date of the time the application
is submitted by the applicant. An historic sign may use newer technologies
(e.g., LED lighting) so long as it retains its overall historic character.
(2)
Integrity.
The sign must retain the majority of its character-defining
features (materials, technologies, structure, colors, shapes, symbols,
text, and/or art) that have historical significance, or are integral
to overall sign design, or convey historical or regional context.
If character-defining features have been altered or removed, the majority
of the features must have the potential to be restored to their historic
function and appearance.
(3)
Safety.
The sign must be structurally safe or can be made safe without
substantially altering its historical appearance.
(4)
Location.
The sign may not be a billboard, unless approved in accordance
with subsection (E).
(5)
Date
of Construction.
The sign must have been originally constructed
more than fifty (50) years before the date of application.
(E)
Issuance
of Historic Sign Permit.
The Building Official is the
responsible official for processing a historic sign application and
issuing a sign permit upon recommendation of the Plan Commission and
an affirmative vote for approval by 5 members of the City Council.
The City Council may approve a sign that was originally constructed
over twenty-five (25) years (but less than fifty (50) years) before
the date of application as an historic sign with an affirmative vote
of 7 members of the City Council.
(F)
Fees.
The non-refundable fee for an historic sign permit shall be the same for “Signs-New, repair or reface attached or detached,” provided for in the Fee Schedule of Section 30.301 of the City Code.
(G)
Improper
Designation; Failure to Properly Maintain Historic Sign.
(1)
Suspension
or Revocation of Sign Permit.
(a)
The Building Official may suspend or revoke any sign permit issued
under the provisions of this article upon a determination that the
permit was issued in error or on the basis of incorrect or false information,
whenever the permit was issued in violation of any of the provisions
of this article or any other ordinance of the City or any state or
federal law, or when the historic sign no longer meets the criteria
upon which the permit was issued.
(b)
The suspension or revocation is effective immediately upon written
notice being personally delivered or mailed to the person to whom
the sign permit was issued at the address provided by the applicant
in the respective sign permit application, to the owner or benefactor
of the sign, or to the owner of the premises upon which the sign is
located.
(c)
If the sign approved as an historic sign has not been repaired, restored,
constructed, or relocated within six (6) months after designation
is granted, the designation and permit shall expire.
(d)
Any sign installed under a revoked historic sign permit must be removed
by the permit holder, sign owner, or property owner within fifteen
calendar days following the mailing of the written notice of the revocation.
(e)
If an historic sign permit is issued for a historic sign in existence
on the date of enactment of this Section, the permit will be valid
for the life of the sign so long as the sign maintains compliance
with requirement of this Section.
(2)
Appeal.
The owner of the sign or the owner of the premises upon which
the sign is located may appeal the decision of the Building Official
to revoke or suspend an historic sign permit to the City Council.
The appeal must be in writing and filed with the Building Official
within ten (10) business days of the Building Official sending notice
of the revocation or suspension.
(H)
Repairs
and Restoration.
(1)
An
historic sign may be repaired, restored, and/or adaptively reused
if there is sufficient surviving fabric or sufficient historical documentation
(photographs, postcards, permits, or other records) on which to base
the treatment concept. An existing historic sign may be repaired,
restored, or rehabilitated either in place, or off-site and then re-erected
on site.
(2)
An
historic sign may be repaired or restored to any past appearance prior
to fifty (50) years before the date of application. If the owner of
an historic sign can provide documentation or physical evidence that
the original design included intermittent lighting features (e.g.,
flashing, blinking, chasing or sequentially lit elements which create
the appearance of movement) or moving parts, those sign elements may
be repaired and restored.
(3)
An
historic sign that will be adaptively reused must retain, repair,
or restore the majority of the character-defining features (e.g.,
materials, technologies, structure, colors, shapes, symbols, text,
typography and/or artwork) that have historical significance, or are
integral to the overall design of the sign, or convey historical or
regional context. Changes to character-defining text are not allowed;
any or all text that is not character defining can be changed. Changes
to text must either match or be compatible with existing text or the
text being replaced, in terms of materials, letter size, font, and
color.
(I)
Relocating
an Historic Sign.
An historic sign may only be relocated
under the following conditions:
(2)
An
historic sign may not be relocated to property zoned residential.
(3)
Relocated
detached historic signs must be located no less than ten (10) feet
from the property line.
(4)
Relocated
historic signs that project into the public right-of-way shall follow
the rules and procedures of this Article, and shall follow the sign
permitting process.
(J)
A freestanding
historic sign that was historically used to identify a multiple-building
or multi-tenant shopping center, business park, or industrial, commercial,
or office complex shall be treated as a Multi-tenant Complex Sign
for calculating allowable sign face square footage on the premises.
(Ordinance 7229 adopted 6/22/21)
