[HISTORY: Adopted by the Common Council of the City of St.
Francis 11-1-2022 by Ord. No. 1501.[1] Amendments noted where applicable.]
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also repealed former Ch. 380,
Signs, consisting of Art. I, Commercial Off-Site Signs, adopted as
§§ 8.14 and 8.20 of the 1981 Code, and Art. II, General
Regulations, adopted 12-20-2005 by Ord. No. 1207 (§ 14.15
of the 1981 Code), as amended.
A.Â
Purpose and objectives. The purpose of this chapter is to regulate
noncommercial, commercial and event signage with a comprehensive system
of reasonable, effective, consistent, and nondiscriminatory sign standards
and requirements. The Common Council, by enacting this chapter, recognizes
the City has a significant and substantial governmental interest in
promoting public safety and aesthetic values through the regulation
of signs displayed within the City of St. Francis. Sign regulations,
including but not limited to those which control the type, design,
size, location, and safe construction, are hereby established to further
the goals of safety and aesthetics and achieve more specifically,
the following objectives:
(1)Â
To enable the public to locate goods, services and facilities without
difficulty or confusion;
(2)Â
To protect property values, public investment and overall neighborhood
character by promoting an attractive, harmonious and aesthetically
pleasing environment and preventing conditions which have undesirable
impacts on surrounding properties;
(3)Â
To promote the development of attractive and harmonious residential
districts, viable commercial districts and to identify industrial
and other uses;
(4)Â
To protect the public and promote safety, including but not limited
to traffic and pedestrian safety; and to minimize effects of signs
which may distract or obstruct visibility of official traffic signals
and other safety or informational devices;
(5)Â
To protect scenic views and the visual environment along all city
streets, highways and rights-of-way and to promote overall aesthetics,
avoid clutter and avoid inappropriate scale; and
(6)Â
To preserve the historically and architecturally unique character
of the City.
B.Â
Furthermore, the Common Council intends that the regulations set
forth in this chapter leave ample and adequate alternative channels
of commercial speech communication for the messages portrayed on such
advertising signage, namely, print media, broadcast media, and point-of-purchase
display, and is narrowly defined so as to limit any prohibitions on
commercial speech on exterior signage.
C.Â
Jurisdiction. This chapter shall apply to all signs in the City of
St. Francis. This chapter, however, shall not be construed to amend
or conflict with any other ordinances or applicable law governing
official traffic signs or signals.
The following definitions shall be used by this chapter to assist
in the establishment of clear-cut signage regulations. In general,
"sign types" refers to the style of the sign. "Sign purposes" refer
to where or how a sign is used. "Sign measurement" explains how the
dimensions of a sign are determined.
A type of projecting, on-building sign consisting of a fabric
or fabric-like sheathing material.
A sign that is designed so that characters, letters, or illustrations
can be changed or rearranged without altering the face or the surface
of the sign. Such signs are also referred to as "electronic message
boards" or "time and temperature devises." A changeable copy sign
can be a wall sign, projecting sign or freestanding sign.
A sign that may have changeable copy and that is limited
to the display of information of interest to the general community
regarding scheduled public events and public activities.
A sign that indicates only the name, direction, and/or distance
of a governmental facility. This definition does not pertain to off-premises
advertising signs.
A sign that indicates only the name, logo, and or direction
of a pedestrian or traffic facility, or a particular building within
a complex of structures, on the property on which said facility or
building is located.
A self-supporting sign resting on or supported by means of
a base on the ground. Only monument signs and ground signs shall be
permitted. The base and support(s) of any and all freestanding signs
shall be concealed and shall comply with the State Building Code.
Wisconsin Statutes require that all sellers and distributors
of motor fuel shall post in a conspicuous place and on every pump
the net selling price per gallon of such motor fuel. The price display
on a motor fuel sign is exempt from the size limitations on a freestanding
or wall sign. The exemption shall apply only to fuel prices, and not
to brand names and logos, or to special sales of not-fuel products.
The exempt area on any pricing sign shall be limited to no more than
32 square feet.
A sign indicating the name and/or address of the project,
property owner, tenant and/or manager of the property, address, and
name and phone number of the property manager.
A type of projecting, on-building sign sheltering the entrance
and/or entrance approaches of a theater, auditorium, fairground, museum
or other use, which advertises present and scheduled events.
A type of freestanding sign whose bottom edge is located
within one foot of a ground-mounted pedestal and whose top edge does
not exceed the height limit set forth in Attachment 380-1 to this
chapter.
A building with more than one business that has gained approval
from the City.
A sign that directs attention to a business, commodity, service,
or entertainment conducted, sold, or offered elsewhere than upon the
premises where the sign is displayed. Advertising signs include billboards.
No new off-premises advertising signs shall be permitted within the
City.
A type of on-building sign, other than a wall sign that is
attached to and projects more than one foot, generally perpendicular
from a structure or building face.
Any object, device, display, structure, or part thereof,
which is used to advertise, identify, display, direct or attract attention
to an object, person, institution, organization, business, product,
service, event, or location by any means, including words, letters,
figures, designs, symbols, fixtures, colors, illumination, or projected
images. Signs do not include the flag or emblem of any nation, organization
of nations, state, city, religious, fraternal, or civic organization;
also merchandise and pictures or models of products or services incorporated
in a window display, works of art which in no way identify a product,
or scoreboards located on athletic fields. Definitions of particular
functional, locational, and structural types of signs are listed in
this section. (Traffic control and other public agency signs located
within a right-of-way are not included within this definition and
are not regulated by the provisions of this chapter.)
The total exterior surface of a sign having one exposed display
surface or 1/2 of such total for a sign having more than one display
surface, including structural members which frame the display surface,
but not the supporting members.
For characters individually mounted on a building wall and painted
display signs integrated into decorative wall graphics, the area within
a line circumscribed closely around each word of the display.
The distance from the grade at the base of a detached sign
to the highest point on the sign or its supporting structure.
A sign or advertising display (including festoons, pennants,
banners, pin wheels and similar devices) intended to be displayed
for a specific period of time. Included in the definition of "temporary
signs" are retailers' signs temporarily displayed for the purpose
of informing the public of a "sale" or other special/limited time
offer.
The area formed by measured along the property line on corner
lots for a distance of 15 feet in each direction along each right-of-way
line and connected by a hypotenuse to form a triangle. No sign(s)
shall be allowed within the vision clearance triangle area.
A type of on-building sign mounted parallel to a building
facade or other vertical building surface.
Any sign placed inside or upon an interior window surface,
or painted directly upon a window, and which is usually intended to
be seen from the exterior.
A.Â
Approval required. No sign shall hereafter be located, erected, moved, reconstructed, extended, enlarged, converted or structurally altered, nor shall the face of a sign or color be changed without a sign permit issued under the provisions of this chapter, unless said sign is exempt from the sign ordinance requirements per § 380-4.
B.Â
Approval process. Sign applications shall be filed with the City
of St. Francis Zoning Administrator, who shall review the application
for its completeness, accuracy, design integrity, and material for
construction. If the sign is approved, the Zoning Administrator shall
inform the Building Inspector. If the applicant is notified that or
the sign does not meet the requirements of this chapter, it may be
appealed to the Planning Commission, which shall approve or deny the
application within 45 business days of receipt of the appeal from
the applicant. In considering a sign permit, the Zoning Administrator
and the Planning Commission shall consider the following:
(1)Â
The appearance, materials for construction, location, lighting, height
and size of the sign;
(2)Â
Safety of operators of vehicles upon the adjoining streets and highways;
(3)Â
The effect of the sign on property values within the immediate area;
and
(4)Â
The effect of such sign with respect to the scenic beauty of the
vicinity in which the sign is proposed to be located.
C.Â
Application. Application for a sign shall be made on forms provided
by the Zoning Administrator and must contain the following information:
(1)Â
Name and contact information of the applicant and the property owner
of the location of building, structure, or lot upon which the sign
is to be attached or erected.
(2)Â
Name of person, firm, corporation, or association erecting the sign.
(3)Â
Written consent of the owner or lessee of the building, structure,
or land to which or upon which the sign is to be affixed. If the property
owner is the applicant, no separate written consent is required.
(4)Â
A scaled drawing of such sign indicating the dimensions, the materials
to be used, the type of illumination, if any, and the method of construction
and attachment.
(5)Â
A scaled colored depiction of the proposed sign showing the exact
color scheme is required. The City may accept a superimposed rendering
of the site with the proposed sign(s).
(6)Â
A scaled site plan indicating the location and position of such sign
in relation to nearby buildings, landscaping, structures, public streets
and rights-of-way.
(7)Â
The applicant shall pay the applicable fee. The fee schedule is on
file with the City Clerk/Treasurer and Zoning Administrator. The fee
shall be as established from time to time by the Common Council.
(8)Â
Additional information as required by the Zoning Administrator or,
upon appeal or referral under this chapter, the City Plan Commission.
D.Â
Special exception. Proposed new signs or modifications to existing
signs not in conformity with this chapter shall not be permitted unless
a special exception has first been granted by the Planning Commission.
The sign application shall be forwarded to the Planning Commission
for special consideration and approval without a public hearing with
the fee established by the Common Council from time to time. The Plan
Commission may grant an exception to the height and/or sign area requirements
upon its finding that, due to existing topographic conditions and/or
existing building(s) on or adjacent to the subject property, strict
compliance with the applicable height and/or sign area requirements
of this chapter would be unduly burdensome and that the intent of
this chapter will be maintained notwithstanding the granting of the
exception.
E.Â
Appeals. An applicant may appeal a decision made by the Planning
Department to the Common Council.
F.Â
Sign permit required. All approved sign applications shall apply
for and receive a sign permit from the Zoning Administrator prior
to any installation. Electrical permits shall also be required for
hardwired illuminated signs.
A.Â
No permit required. The following signs are permitted in all zoning
districts without City review or permit, subject to the following
and any other applicable regulations:
(1)Â
Real estate signs. One real estate sign not exceeding 12 square feet
in area in all residential districts or 32 square feet in all other
districts which acknowledges the sale or rental of the premises upon
which the sign is temporarily located. In residential zoning districts,
the property owner shall be allowed to place one sign on the property
for sale. One additional off-premises open house sign may be located
on property adjacent to the intersection of the street where the sale
is to be held and the nearest arterial street only on the day of the
open house. Open house signs must be removed on the same day. Other
than open house signs, no real estate sign shall be located in a street
right-of-way. Signs that become a nuisance or create a vision problem
will be removed by the City immediately. The property owner or real
estate company shall be responsible for removing all signs no later
than five days after the sale of the home or rental of the premises.
(2)Â
Rummage sale and garage sale signs. Subject to the provisions of § 367-6 of this Code, one temporary rummage sale or garage sale sign not exceeding 12 square feet in area may be erected on the property having the sale. One additional off-premises garage sale sign may be located on property adjacent to the intersection of the street where the sale is to be held and the nearest arterial street on the day of the sale. Signs must be removed on the same day. Signs that become a nuisance or create a vision problem will be removed by the City immediately. Rummage sale and garage sale signs shall not be erected or placed within a public right-of-way.
(3)Â
Portable/temporary signs. Portable/temporary signs, such as banners,
pennants, and/or for display purposes in any district, provided that
no more than one temporary sign is allowed per property or per business
on multitenant commercial sites; a portable sign shall not be located
in any public right-of-way; shall not be internally illuminated, shall
not be located closer than 10 feet to an adjacent property; shall
not be over 24 square feet in area; will not extend over or onto any
street, alley, sidewalk, or other public thoroughfare. Individual
signs shall be displayed for a maximum of 30 days and reflect a professional
appearance. Trailers with changeable copy lettering shall be prohibited.
(4)Â
Flags. Flags or banners representing the United States, the State
of Wisconsin, Milwaukee County, the City of St. Francis, or any bona
fide religious, fraternal, or educational organization may be displayed
in any district without a permit. Flagpoles may display business name/logos
in nonresidential zoned districts. Flagpoles displaying business logos
may be permitted as long as other flags are flying in conjunction
with it. One logo flag of a company or business shall be allowed,
provided that it is flown along with the American flag and shall not
be larger than that flag and no larger than 32 square feet in size.
(5)Â
Holiday decorations. Holiday decorations may not contain a commercial
message, shall not encroach upon the street right-of-way and decorations
shall not cause a hazard to traffic or adjoining property.
(6)Â
Official signs. Official signs, such as traffic control, parking
restrictions, and public building directional signs, may be erected
and may encroach upon the street right-of-way, provided that such
signs will not cause a hazard to traffic or adjoining property.
(7)Â
Election campaign signs. Election campaign signs may be erected,
provided that permission is obtained from the property owner, renter
or lessee prior to their placement; the provisions of § 12.04
Wis. Stats., are complied with; and further provided that no political
campaign sign located in any residential district, or within 50 feet
of any public right-of-way, may use or employ an electronic, mechanical
or electromechanical message generator, or audio broadcast component.
The total of all political signs on a lot shall not exceed 32 square
feet. No election campaign sign shall be located in a public right-of-way
or on public property. The St. Francis Police Department shall be
authorized to remove any political campaign signs that are placed
in the public right-of-way, or on other public property, in violation
of the provisions of this section.
(8)Â
Window/door signs. Window or door signs may be placed on the inside
of buildings and shall not be flashing. Signs displayed inside buildings
and inside of the glass shall not be subject to the limitations on
the number of signs or count towards the business's maximum sign
area. Window signs shall not exceed 25% coverage of the total window
area.
(9)Â
Memorial signs. Memorial (cornerstone) signs, tablets, names of buildings,
and date of erection when cut into any masonry surface or when constructed
of metal and affixed flat against a structure, including signs marking
sites or buildings of historical significance.
(10)Â
Light pole mounted banners. Light pole mounted banners shall
comply with the following: one banner per light pole not to exceed
12 square feet in area; minimum ground clearance height of six feet
as measured from adjacent grade to the bottom of the banner. Banners
shall be maintained in good repair. No banner shall be mounted on
any light pole in a City right-of-way without prior approval of the
Common Council following a recommendation by the Planning Commission.
(11)Â
Temporary contracting business signs (painting, paving, landscaping,
etc.) shall not exceed six square feet and shall be removed no later
than five days following the completion of a project. No more than
one sign may be placed on the property.
B.Â
Temporary construction/development signs. Temporary signs are permitted
for projects with valid City approvals within the City of St. Francis.
This type of signage is subject to the following regulations:
(1)Â
Number of signs. Up to two signs will be permitted per frontage on
any parcel.
(2)Â
Size. Temporary construction/development signs shall not exceed 32
square feet in area and shall not exceed eight feet in height.
(3)Â
Duration. Temporary signs shall be removed following completion of
construction project or upon the installation of a permanent sign
for the development. For residential projects these signs shall be
permitted to remain on the subject property until a time at which
building permits have been issued for 80% or more of the lots or 80%
of the units sold in the development.
C.Â
Home occupation and professional home office signs. One sign or nameplate
to identify the approved business conducted on the property. Said
sign shall not exceed two square feet in area and shall be mounted
flush against the dwelling. The sign shall not be illuminated.
D.Â
Directional signs. Six square feet in area or less with a maximum
height of four feet are allowed. Directional signs include, but are
not limited to, those that read "enter," "exit," "shipping," "customer
parking," "employee parking," and "receiving." Company logos, not
to exceed one square foot per sign, may be placed on directional signs
permitted under this section. There shall be a minimum setback of
three feet from any property line.
E.Â
Community information signs. A sign that displays information of
interest to the general community regarding scheduled public events
and public activities. Signs shall be erected not more than 30 days
prior to event and removed within two days following said event. Each
property is allowed no more than one community information sign at
one time. Signs shall not exceed 24 square feet, nor have a maximum
height exceeding eight feet.
F.Â
Sandwich board/A-frame signs. Sandwich board/A-frame signs shall
not exceed four feet (48 inches) in height and 2Â 1/2 feet (30
inches) in width ad shall not block the sidewalk. Each business is
allowed no more than one sandwich board sign advertising the business.
Multitenant buildings are allowed one sign per 20 linear feet of building
width, with a minimum separation of 10 feet. Sandwich board use shall
be limited to advertising the on-site business. No off-premises business
or event shall be advertised. All sandwich board signs shall be subject
to the following standards:
(1)Â
One sign, having no more than two sides, per premises.
(2)Â
Sign shall be placed on a level and stable surface and shall be internally
weighted to prevent movement by wind gusts. Anchoring the sign to
the building or ground with ties, chains or similar mechanisms is
prohibited.
(3)Â
Sign shall be constructed of finished materials such as wood, metal,
aluminum, or plastic. Rough-cut plywood or similar unfinished material
is prohibited.
(4)Â
Sign structure and message shall have a professional application.
A chalkboard background with handwritten message is permitted; however,
a message by spray paint, stencil or similar application is prohibited.
Background material such as paper, cardboard or similar material shall
be prohibited.
(5)Â
Sign structure and message shall not use highly reflective materials,
colors or neon and shall not resemble a traffic sign.
(6)Â
Sign shall not be illuminated or contain moving parts.
(7)Â
Sign shall be displayed only during hours of operation.
(8)Â
Sign placement shall maintain a minimum clearance width of four feet
when located on any pedestrian walkway and shall not obstruct ingress/egress
to the site or building entrance(s).
(9)Â
Sign placement for stand-alone buildings shall remain on private
property outside of the public right-of-way.
(10)Â
Sign placement for restaurants within a multitenant building
shall maintain a maximum ten-foot setback from the principal building
entrance for the business or entity to which the sign pertains.
G.Â
Vehicle signs. Provided they are attached to a vehicle and not a
trailer, and incidental to the primary use of the business. Vehicles
with advertising shall only be allowed to park on the premises for
said business that holds an approved occupancy permit. Vehicles must
be "in-use", which is defined as using the vehicle for business use
by moving the vehicle off site at least once per business day. Long
term storage of vehicles with advertising shall not be allowed.
A.Â
Table 1 Standards are incorporated into this chapter by reference
and compliance with the standards therein is required.
B.Â
Unused/abandoned signs:
(1)Â
All unused signs that are also nonconforming with the provisions
of this chapter shall be removed from the premises upon which it or
they are located within 30 days from the date of notice of violation.
(2)Â
All unused signs that otherwise conform to the provisions of this
sign chapter and have a valid sign permit may remain on the premise
for six months following the conclusion or termination of the reason
for the sign. The unused sign shall have the copy, text, icon or any
other message delivering features removed within 30 days from the
date of notice of violation.
C.Â
Measurement of signs. In calculating the area of a sign to determine
whether it meets the requirement of this chapter, the Zoning Administrator
shall include the sign copy area, but not the border or frame surrounding
that copy. Supporting members of a sign shall be excluded from the
area calculation. Area of irregularly shaped signs or signs containing
two or more detached elements shall be determined by the area of the
smallest regular polygon that will encompass all elements of the sign.
D.Â
Location:
(1)Â
All signs shall be constructed/erected on the business property.
(2)Â
No sign shall be located within the vision clearance triangle.
(3)Â
No sign shall identify or direct attention to a business, activity,
or enterprise that is not located on the same premises as the sign.
Off-premises signs, except official signs, are prohibited in the City
of St. Francis.
(4)Â
When required for safety, curbs, protective bumpers or planters shall
be placed below signs to prevent damage from passing motor vehicles
or pedestrians.
E.Â
Maintenance:
(1)Â
The owner of any sign shall keep it in good maintenance and repair,
which includes restoring, repainting to the same color, or replacement
of a worn or damaged legally existing sign to its original condition.
General maintenance does not require a sign permit. The owner shall
also maintain the premises on which the sign is erected in a clean,
sanitary, and inoffensive condition, free and clear of all obnoxious
substances, rubbish, weeds, and grass. Restoration or painting for
the same business which changes the name, size, color, face or location
of a sign will not require a new sign permit.
(2)Â
The owner of any sign shall be required to have all parts and supports
of a sign properly painted as directed by the Zoning Administrator
unless they are galvanized or otherwise treated to prevent rust and
deterioration.
(3)Â
If the sign ownership should transfer, the new owner shall be responsible
for the maintenance of the sign.
(4)Â
If the name of the business changes, the property owner shall be
required to submit a new sign application.
A.Â
Existing nonconforming signs:
(1)Â
Signs lawfully existing at the time of the adoption or amendment
of this chapter may be continued although the use, size or location
does not conform to the provisions of this chapter. However, it shall
be deemed a nonconforming sign, and the provisions of this chapter
shall apply to specific nonconforming rights.
(2)Â
Any legal nonconforming sign hereafter relocated, moved, reconstructed,
extended, enlarged, changed (not including changing the sign face),
altered, or modified by the owner's request shall be made to
comply with the provisions of this chapter. Maintenance of nonconforming
signs including changing the sign face of existing advertising areas,
replacing light bulbs and painting is permitted. Repair and/or replacement
of a nonconforming sign cabinet or supporting structure, however,
is not permitted. Nonconforming signs damaged by storm events or accidental
shall be allowed to be reconstructed back to the degree of nonconformity
as it was prior to the damaging event.
A.Â
General standards:
(1)Â
No sign shall resemble, imitate, or approximate the shape, size,
form, or color of railroad or traffic signs, signal or device.
(2)Â
No sign shall obstruct or interfere with the effectiveness of railroad
or traffic signs, signals or devices. Signs shall not be placed so
as to obstruct or interfere with traffic visibility.
(3)Â
No person shall display upon any sign or other sign structure any
obscene, indecent, or immoral copy.
(4)Â
No signs or any part thereof or sign anchors, braces, or guide rods
shall be attached, fastened, or anchored to any fire escape, fire
ladder, or standpipe, and no such sign or any part of any such sign
or any anchor, brace, or guide rod shall be erected, put up, relocated,
or maintained so as to hinder or prevent free ingress or egress through
any door, doorway, window, or fire escape or so as to hinder or prevent
the raising or placing of ladders against such building by the Fire
Department of the City, as necessity therefore may require.
B.Â
Lighting:
(1)Â
Illuminated signs, other than digital reader boards displaying time
and temperature, shall not be illuminated during nonbusiness hours
or beyond 10:00 p.m., whichever is later.
(2)Â
No sign shall be lighted in such a way as to cause glare or impair
driver visibility upon public ways or adjacent properties. If external
illumination is approved by staff, the fixture shall be mounted on
a permanent unmovable base and the neck so as to prevent the fixtures
from being tampered with or redirected. The sources of a sign's
illumination (bulb or direct lamp image) shall not be visible from
any street, sidewalk, or adjacent property.
(3)Â
Externally lit signs shall be lit with fully shielded fixtures.
(4)Â
Signs shall not flash, animate or blink other than approved LED devices.
Sirens, strobe lights and other illuminated devices shall not be used
to draw attention to a sign or business.
(5)Â
All electrically illuminated signs shall be grounded and shall comply
with the state electrical code. All electrical connections, or wiring
to, or within the sign are subject to the provisions of the Ch. Comm.
16, Wis. Adm. Code, and shall be approved by the listing agency certified
by Ch. Comm. 16, Wis. Adm. Code.
C.Â
Wind pressure and dead-load requirements. The applicant and installers
shall ensure that all signs and other display structures shall be
designed and constructed to withstand a minimum wind load of 80 miles
per hour and snow load of not less than 40 pounds per square foot
of area and shall be constructed to receive dead loads as required
by the Building Inspector pursuant to the City Building Code.
D.Â
Landscaping. Freestanding signs shall be landscaped at their base.
The plantings shall extend a minimum of one foot beyond the edges
of the sign. A landscape plan shall be reviewed and approved by the
City Zoning Administrator. Landscaping shall consist of shrubs, flowers,
small trees or dry landscaping materials including, but not limited
to, decorative rock, railroad ties, bark chips, and other decorative
materials. The landscaping plan for permanent freestanding signs shall
be approved at the time the sign application is approved.
A.Â
Wall signs or building signs. Wall signs or building signs shall
be placed against the exterior walls of buildings; the total area
of signage shall not exceed 1Â 1/2 square feet in area for every
one linear foot of building face width on which it is mounted; and
shall not exceed the height or project beyond the building. There
is no limit to the number of wall signs on a building; subject to
the total sign area is not to exceed the allowance for said building.
Multiple tenant buildings shall have a master sign plan approved identifying
maximum areas for each tenant. No wall signs shall be permitted when
adjacent to or within 100 feet of a residentially zoned property.
B.Â
Marquee and canopy signs. Marquee and canopy signs affixed flat to
the surface of a marquee or canopy are permitted in lieu of a wall
sign, provided that the sign does not extend vertically or horizontally
beyond the limits of such marquee, awning, or canopy. A marquee or
canopy may extend up to 12 feet beyond the building to which it is
affixed; however, it shall not extend closer than one foot to the
vertical plane formed by the curbline in a shopping center. A name
sign not exceeding four square feet in area located immediately in
front of the entrance to an establishment may be suspended from a
marquee or canopy, provided that the name sign is at least eight feet
above the sidewalk. The canopy sign shall be considered one of the
two allowable signs.
C.Â
Projecting signs. Projecting signs are affixed to the building and
project out. The maximum area for projecting signs is 12 square feet.
The bottom edge of the projecting sign shall be mounted to provide
a minimum clearance zone of eight feet between the sign and ground
elevation. Projecting signs shall not project into the public right-of-way.
D.Â
Monument/ground signs:
(1)Â
All new signs and/or replacement of existing signs located along
arterials or major thoroughfares shall be placed on a monument base
constructed of the same material and color or shall enhance the exterior
architecture of the principal building. For purposes of this chapter,
arterials include East Howard Avenue, South Kinnickinnic Avenue, South
Lake Drive, East Layton Avenue, and South, Packard Avenue. Monument
signs are also required within the St. Francis R-3, R-4, R-5, B-1,
B-2, IU, M-1 and M-2 Zoning Districts.
(2)Â
The width of the sign base shall be adjusted to match the width of
the sign box/sign panel. The monument sign shall not exceed the overall
height above the mean lot grade set forth in Attachment 380-1 to this
chapter and shall be entirely outside the sign setback line.
(3)Â
Monument signs shall not exceed the face area per side set forth
in Attachment 380-1 to this chapter.
(4)Â
Monument signs shall be positioned perpendicular to the public right-of-way
and shall comply with the applicable setback requirement for the district.
(5)Â
Address plaque or numbers shall be required on the monument base
or incorporated onto the sign face and shall not be counted towards
the overall signage area.
A.Â
Residential signs, sign regulations applicable to the R-1, R-2 and
R-3 Zoning Districts.
(3)Â
Rules for particular sign purpose:
(a)Â
Identification sign for multifamily dwelling, institutional
use, or group development is allowed one monument and one wall sign,
subject to the size limitations in Attachment 380-1 to this chapter.
Subdivisions are allowed one identification sign at each entrance
to said subdivision subject to the size limitations in Attachment
380-1 to this chapter. The minimum required setback is 10 feet from
front yard lot line and five feet from side yard lot line.
B.Â
Nonresidential signs, sign regulations applicable to the B-1, B-2,
IU, M-1 and M-2 Zoning Districts.
(3)Â
Rules for particular sign purpose:
(b)Â
Wall sign. For single tenant buildings, one primary wall sign
with a maximum area subject to the size limitations in Attachment
380-1 to this chapter. One secondary wall sign, subject to the size
limitations in Attachment 380-1 to this chapter, is allowed on a different
wall, subject to the wall containing a secondary entrance or facing
a road or parking lot.
(c)Â
Monument/ground sign: One free-standing monument/ground sign
per lot. The maximum height and area permitted shall be as set forth
in Attachment 380-1 to this chapter. The minimum required setback
shall be as set forth in the district regulations.
A.Â
Design standards. Signage of properties shall be designed to blend,
rather than contrast with the building in terms of coloring, location,
font, size, and number.
B.Â
Time-and-temperature, LED devices and changeable copy signs:
(1)Â
Shall not exceed 25% of the total sign area and the area devoted
to the changeable display shall be counted towards the total sign
area.
(2)Â
Shall not change more frequently than once every 30 seconds.
(3)Â
Shall not be displayed during nonbusiness hours for the subject property
unless the sign is utilized only as a time and temperature sign.
(4)Â
Shall not exceed more than three lines of text.
(5)Â
Text lines must be at least four inches in height.
(6)Â
Shall consist of letters and numbers only.
(7)Â
Animated, flashing, pulsating, multicolored displays or similar types
are prohibited.
(8)Â
Time and temperature displays are permitted so long as the display
changes no more frequently than once every six seconds.
(9)Â
A maximum of two faces may be permitted.
(10)Â
Message boards are only permitted when they are a part of a
permanent sign.
(11)Â
Individual manual changeable copy shall be limited to one font
color.
(12)Â
All applications for electronic LED signs and changeable copy
signs shall be subject to review and approval by the Planning Commission.
(13)Â
Electronic message centers (EMC) shall be allowed as a permitted
use when the general conditions noted above and all of the following
are met:
(a)Â
Signs and LED devices may be illuminated.
(b)Â
Single stand-alone message centers are prohibited.
(c)Â
The EMC must be integrated into the sign design.
(d)Â
The sides of the units cannot be exposed. The unit must be wrapped
or have a shroud around the sides that integrate into the main sign's
aesthetics.
(e)Â
Back-to-back units (double sided) cannot have a visible space
between them. There must be one solid constant top, bottom, and side
panel enclosing the back-to-back units.
(f)Â
There cannot be any exposed wiring for data cables. Only buried
data cable or remote units are permitted.
(g)Â
In no case shall the lighting intensity of any sign exceed 60
footcandles when measured with a standard light meter held perpendicular
to the sign face at a distance of ten inches. Documentation of the
foot candles shall be provided with the sign application.
(h)Â
All units and controls must be electrically listed and comply
with their listing.
(i)Â
No permit to add an EMC to an existing sign shall be granted
unless the entire sign complies with this chapter.
(j)Â
For any EMC with a combination of fixed and changeable LED the
entire message area shall be counted towards the maximum square footage.
(k)Â
Any ECM that faces a lot line of any lot in a residential district
shall be not less than 50 feet from that lot line.
C.Â
Number of signs:
(1)Â
Buildings occupied by a single business are allowed wall signage
in accordance with Section 17.608. In addition, if otherwise permitted
under this chapter, businesses may erect one ground sign. Businesses
with multiple street frontages and buildings exceeding 40,000 square
feet may submit an application to the Zoning Administrator for one
additional wall sign. The building must meet both criteria for minimum
building size and multiple street frontages.
(2)Â
All multitenant buildings with four or more units may provide a wall
sign tenant directory up to eight square feet that shall not count
towards the wall signage.
(3)Â
Separate individual channel lettering wall or canopy or fascia signs
may be allowed for each tenant in a retail, shopping, industrial or
commercial center, subject to the approval of an overall coordinated
sign plan by the Planning Commission for the building. Size of wall
signs approved in this manner shall be calculated using the width
of the bay occupied by each tenant.
(4)Â
Large developments, including single or multiple buildings with a
cumulative size of over 40,000 square feet, may have an additional
ground or wall sign to identify the development, subject to an application
being filed and approved by the Planning Commission.
(5)Â
Price signs for gasoline or diesel fuel sales as required by law
shall not be subject to limitations on numbers of signs; however,
such price signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in area.
D.Â
Overall coordinated sign plan:
(1)Â
Master sign plan. All multiple tenant buildings shall be required
to submit a coordinated master sign plan to the Planning Commission
for approval. The intent of the master sign plan is to set forth a
theme for the placement, lettering style, color, construction, material
and related design considerations of signs, while at the same time
minimizing sign confusion and clutter. All owners, tenants and subtenants
shall comply with the approved Master Sign Plan. The Master Sign Plan
may exceed the permitted number and size of signs allowed, per the
discretion of the Planning Commission upon its determination that
the specific variation is reasonably required due to the size or location
of the particular building.
(2)Â
Master identification sign. The overall coordinated sign plan shall
permit multiple-tenant buildings with more than four commercial tenants
to have one freestanding monument sign identifying the name of the
commercial center as a master identification sign. The master identification
sign can display tenants for up to four units, provided that it is
a four-tenant-or-less building.
(3)Â
Wall signs. The overall coordinated sign plan shall permit multiple-tenant
buildings to have a single wall sign for each approved business located
on the building. In addition to the wall sign, the business name may
be placed on a single master identification monument sign.
E.Â
Prohibited signs. The following signs are prohibited within the City:
(1)Â
Off-premises advertising signs.
(2)Â
Pole signs.
(3)Â
Roof signs, other than time and temperature signs.
(4)Â
Billboards.
(5)Â
Inflatable devices.
(6)Â
Pennants and streamers.
(7)Â
Searchlights or beacons.
(8)Â
External neon signs.
(9)Â
Fluttering signs.
(10)Â
Signs attached to a tree or landscape feature.
(11)Â
Trailer mounted signs.
Attachment 380-1 is attached to and hereby made part of this
chapter. Signs shall conform to the limitations on size, area and
number set forth in the table for each zoning district and shall be
prohibited where so designated.
A.Â
To achieve the general purpose and objectives of the this chapter,
it is necessary to remove all signs that are illegal, nonconforming,
prohibited and unused. Each such classification of signs involves
a varying level of impact upon the general purpose and objectives
of this chapter.
B.Â
Sign removal. Any sign and its supporting structure determined to
be in violation of this chapter shall be removed within a reasonable
time period established by the City Zoning Administrator, unless the
City Zoning Administrator determines that such sign qualifies as a
nonconforming sign. If such signs are not removed from the premises
by the owner, user, or property owner following the time period established
by the City Zoning Administrator, such signs shall be subject to an
action by the City to compel the removal of such sign at the property
owner's expense. The existence of any prohibited or illegal sign
shall also be considered a violation of the provisions of the sign
code and shall be subject to penalties.
C.Â
Compliance. A business or property that has legal signage that does
not meet the requirements of this chapter shall be allowed to keep
the legal non-conforming signage. If an applicant or property owner
requests new signage (other than sign face replacements), the new
signage shall meet all requirements of this chapter.
Any person who violates any provision of this chapter or who violates the provisions of any approval granted under this chapter shall be subject to the provisions of § 1-4 of this Code. Each day a violation exists constitutes a separate violation and is punishable as such.
