In all areas of the city, approval of a sign permit application must be obtained from the building official, Planning Director, and Historic Review Board, if applicable, before any sign, except those specifically exempted, is erected, placed, painted, constructed, carved or otherwise given public exposure. The sign provisions of this chapter may be considered as a part of a development application or individually. Applications shall be filed with the City Recorder on an appropriate form in any manner prescribed by the city, accompanied with an application fee in the amount established by general resolution of the City Council.

(Ord. 415 § 7.102.010, 2002)

Sign guidelines and criteria can enhance the economic vitality and contribute to the visual quality of the city. Well-designed signs attract the eye, complement each other and draw attention to the buildings containing the businesses for which they are intended to advertise. In the review of sign applications within the city, the following criteria and standards will be considered by the Historical Review Board and Planning Commission:

A.

Signs are necessary to communicate information about places, goods, services and amenities. As such, they have a useful function; they should not confuse; they should inform with clarity.

B.

Signs are a part of the town's streetscape. Signage, in a collective sense, has a civic obligation to be in character with the rest of the streetscape.

C.

Buildings are signs in that they represent a kind of imagery through their architecture.

D.

Signage is visual. Good signage is an art form that should be addressed with sensitivity. In addition to communicating information, signage is an architectural element.

E.

Signs on buildings should not dominate or obscure the architecture of the building. A sign on a building should be compatible or integrated with its architecture.

(Ord. 415 § 7.102.020, 2002)

A.

Existing Signs. All existing signs on each business and residential premises shall be required to conform to the standards of this chapter on or before July 1, 2003. Upon adoption of the ordinance codified in this title, the person(s) in control of the business or property or in control of each business contained thereon, shall be required to submit a completed application form with a photograph of all existing signs according to Section 16.44.040(C), and pay no sign permit fee.

B.

Proposed Signs. No person shall place on, or apply to, the surface of any building, any painted sign, or erect, construct, place or install any other sign, unless a sign permit has been issued by the city for such sign. Application for a sign permit shall be made by the permittee in accordance with Section 16.44.040. The person(s) in control of the building or property or in control of each business contained thereon, shall make application for a sign permit in writing upon forms provided by the city. Such application shall contain the proposed location of each sign on the premises, the street and number of the premises, the name and address of the sign owner, the type of construction of each sign, the design and dimensions of each sign, type of sign supports, location of each sign on the premises, and other such information as may be required by the city.

C.

No person having a permit to erect a sign shall construct or erect same in any manner, except in the manner set forth in the approved application permit.

D.

Sign Permit Fees. The application for a sign permit shall be accompanied by a filing fee in an amount established by general resolution of the City Council.

(Ord. 419 § 7, 2002; Ord. 415 § 7.102.030, 2002)

The applicant shall submit three copies of:

A.

A drawing of the sign indicating its colors, lettering, symbols, logos, materials, size, and area;

B.

An elevation and plot plan indicating where the proposed sign will be located on the structure or lot, method of illumination, if any, and similar information.

C.

Signs existing September 26, 1995 shall be photographed with enough visual detail to determine their approximate size and location for inventory purposes.

(Ord. 415 § 7.102.040, 2002)

[The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Advertising structure means any notice or advertisement, pictorial or otherwise, and any structure used as, or for the support of, any notice or advertisement for the purpose of making anything known about goods, services or activities not on the same lot as the advertising structure.

Alterations means any change in size, shape, method of illumination, position, location, construction or supporting structure of a sign.

Balcony means a platform projecting form the exterior wall, enclosed by a railing, supported by brackets or columns or cantilevered out.

Banner means a temporary paper, cloth, or plastic sign advertising a single event of civic or business nature.

Billboard means the same as "advertising structure."

Building façade means the vertical exterior wall of a building including all vertical architectural features.

Building register sign means a sign which identifies four or more businesses contained within a single building structure or complex.

Bulletin board means a sign of a permanent nature, but which accommodates changeable copy, indicating the names of persons associated with, events, conducted upon or products or services offered upon, the premises upon which the sign is located.

Business means commercial or industrial enterprise.

Business frontage means the lineal front footage of the building or a portion thereof, devoted to a specific business or enterprise, and having an entrance/exit opening to the general public.

Cartoon means a caricature of an animate or inanimate object intended as humorous.

Construction sign means a sign stating the names, addresses or telephone numbers of those individuals or businesses directly associated with a construction project on the premises.

Curvilinear means represented by curved lines.

Direct illumination means a source of illumination directed towards such signs so that the beam of light falls on the exterior surface of the sign.

Flag means a light flexible cloth, usually rectangular and bearing a symbol(s) representing a nationality, statehood, or other entity.

Flashing sign means a sign incorporating intermittent electrical impulses to a source of illumination, or revolving in a manner which creates the illusion of flashing, or which changes color or intensity of illumination.

Fluorescent colors means extra bright and glowing type colors; includes day-glow orange, fluorescent green, etc.

Fluorescent lighting means light provided by tubes.

Free-standing means a sign which is entirely supported by a sign structure in the ground.

Frontage means the single wall surface of a building facing a given direction.

Illustration means a line drawing or silhouette of a realistic object.

Marquee means a permanent roofed, non-enclosed structure projecting over an entrance to a building which may be attached to the ground surface or not.

Neighborhood identification means a sign located at the entry point to a single-family subdivision comprising not less than two acres, or a sign identifying a multiple-family development.

Neon light means a form of illumination using inert gases in glass tubes. Includes black light and other neon lights.

Parcel or premises means a lot or tract of land under separate ownership, as depicted upon the count assessment rolls, and having frontage abutting on a public street.

Primary revenue source means no less than seventy-five (75) percent of gross total principal income derived from a business.

Public right-of-way means the area commonly shared by pedestrians and vehicles for rite of passage. An easement for public travel or access including street, alley, walkway, driveway, trail or any other public way; also, the land within the boundaries of such easement.

Quality material means materials that are appropriate to make temporary window signs, including poster board, heavy bond paper or wood. All temporary signs will be lettered using the approved lettering styles. Brown paper or brown bags, ragged edges or light-weight paper are not allowed.

Real estate sign means a sign indicating that the premise on which the sign is located, or any portion thereof, is for sale, lease or rent.

Sidewalk means hard surface strip within a street right-of-way to be used for pedestrian traffic.

Sign means any notice or advertisement, pictorial or otherwise, used as an outdoor display for the purpose of advertising a property or the establishment or enterprise, including goods and services, upon which the signs are exhibited. This definition shall not include official notices issued by a court or public body or officer, or directional, warning or information signs or structures required by or authorized by the law or by federal, state, county or city authority.

Sign, Area of. In determining whether a sign is within the area limitations of this title, the area of the total exterior surface shall be measured and computed in square feet; provided, that where the sign has two or more faces, the area of the total exterior surface shall be measured and divided by the number of faces; and provided further, that if the interior angle between the two planes of two faces exceeds one hundred thirty-five (135) degrees, they shall be deemed a single face for the purposes hereof. Measurement shall be made at the extreme horizontal and vertical limit of a sign.

Street frontage means the lineal dimension in feet of the property upon which a structure is built, each frontage having one street frontage.

Wind sign or device means any sign or device in the nature of a series of one, two or more banners fastened in such a manner as to move upon being subject to pressure by wind or breeze.

Window means all the glass included with one casement.

(Ord. 415 § 7.102.050, 2002)

The following signs and devices shall not be subject to the provisions of this chapter and shall not require a sign permit application:

A.

Memorial tablets, cornerstones or similar plaques not exceeding six square feet;

B.

Flags of national, state, or local government, and flags of U.S. historical significance (no more than two flags per store front, each flag not to exceed a size of three feet by five feet);

C.

Temporary political signs not exceeding four square feet, provided the signs located on private property, and are erected not more than thirty (30) days prior to, and removed within seven days following, the election for which they are intended;

D.

Temporary, non-illuminated real estate or construction signs (no more than one per parcel) not exceeding four square feet, provided the signs are removed within fifteen (15) days after sale, lease or rental of the property, or the completion of the project;

E.

Temporary signs for new businesses, after the city has been notified, for a period not exceeding thirty (30) days;

F.

Temporary paper signs placed upon a window opening of a nonresidential building, when such signs do not obscure more than twenty (20) percent of the window area, and are maintained for a period not exceeding fifteen (15) days. These temporary signs need to be of quality material and in keeping with the Aurora's historic character;

G.

Temporary paper signs that serve as notice of a public meeting when removed promptly after such meeting is held;

H.

Small non-illuminated informational signs such as "open/closed" signs (including one, three-foot by five-foot flag or banner per store front), credit card signs, rating or professional association signs, and signs of a similar nature. Only one of each type of sign, not to exceed three square feet in area per sign with no more than four in number of any individual business or any parcel of property and using HRB approved colors and lettering styles;

I.

Signs placed by state or federal governments for the purpose of construction, maintenance or identification of roads or other public agencies for the direction of traffic, and designed to fulfill the requirements of state and federal funding agencies;

J.

Nameplates indicating the name, address or profession of the occupant not exceeding three square feet;

K.

Signs within a building, provided the same do not primarily identify the business to persons outside the building;

L.

Signs for special events or sales, which shall be constructed of quality material and be in character with Aurora historical signage. These temporary signs will not be put up more than one week prior to the event or sale and will be removed immediately after the event or sale;

M.

Garage sale signs shall include the name and address of the person giving the sale, dates of the sale and be limited to three weekends per year per address. Signs are to be removed immediately at the close of the sale. Signs shall be maximum size of two square feet, signs shall be no more than four feet in height, and shall be self-supported and not affixed to public sings or utility poles. Signs shall not be placed in the city's park. Signs may be placed in the city right-of-way if placed no closer than four feet from the street. Sign may also be placed on private property with the owner's permission.

N.

A sign identifying the name of the occupant or owner provided the sign is not larger than one square foot, is not illuminated and is either attached to the structure or located within the front yard setback.

(Ord. 415 § 7.102.060, 2002)

The following general sign provisions apply to all signs, except those exempt signs specifically listed in Section 16.44.060, within the city:

A.

Wood is the recommended material for both the sign and the stanchion (in the case of free-standing signs). Signs which use plastic as part of the exterior visual effects are prohibited.

B.

Rectangular, straight-edge and oval signs are the preferred shape for signs. Signs with highly stylized, curvilinear edges are not permitted. Refer to approved sample sign styles available at City Hall.

C.

Sign graphics and lettering shall be carved, applied, painted or stained. Three-dimensional signs are not permitted. All lettering shall be uniformly aligned, evenly spaced, precise, cleanly executed and legible.

D.

Sign graphics shall be simple and bold. Sign graphics can contain line drawings or silhouette images of live or inanimate objects. Cartoon images, either line drawn or silhouette, of live or inanimate objects are prohibited.

E.

The number of colors used on signs shall be minimized for maximum effect. Four colors including the background color is maximum. Fluorescent colors are not allowed.

F.

Signs placed flat against the façade of the building that identify the historic name of a building are encouraged, provided they are of uniform color and design throughout the city and are no more than six square feet in area.

G.

Paper signs are not allowed on the exterior of any building, except as provided in Section 16.44.060.

H.

No sign shall be attached to a utility pole nor placed within any public right-of-way, except garage sale signs, subject to Section 16.44.060(M), or unless approved by the City Council.

I.

When lighting is used for signs, only subdued external and indirect incandescent lighting is allowed. Internal illumination and fluorescent and/or internal neon lighting is not allowed, except as provided in Section 16.44.110 of the general commercial (C) district.

J.

No sign shall contain any flashing lights, blinking or moving letters, characters or other elements, nor shall it be rotating or otherwise movable. Vertical banners, including self-supported vertical banners, "air dancer" and/or other inflated displays are prohibited.

K.

Billboard advertising signs, temporary signs, wind signs or devices are prohibited, except as allowed in Section 16.44.060.

L.

Advertising murals and bench signs are prohibited.

M.

Free-standing signs shall be the only type of signage permitted for detached business buildings, located in the historic commercial core, that were historically occupied as single-family residences.

N.

Signs and graphics for which the city is responsible (i.e., parking lots, public facilities, street signs, etc.) shall have a single lettering style and use black for the lettering and white as a background. Signs for city parks shall not exceed twelve (12) square feet.

O.

Temporary banners, pennants and flags advertising civic events shall be permitted, subject to removal within forty-eight (48) hours after the event concludes.

P.

Signs or devices (such as drink dispensers) that display the symbol, slogan or trademark of national product brands of soft drinks, or other products, or services shall be prohibited except as provided in Section 16.44.110.

Q.

Any unofficial sign which purports to be, is in imitation of or resembles an official traffic light or a portion thereof, or which hides from view any official traffic sign or signal, is prohibited.

R.

No sign or portion thereof shall be so placed as to obstruct any fire escape, standpipe or human exit from a window located above the first floor of a building; obstruct any door or exit from a building; or obstruct any required light or ventilation.

S.

Sandwich boards shall not obstruct pedestrian walkways, or in any way impede the normal flow of vehicular traffic, and comply with ADA requirements. Sandwich board signs must be removed at the end of each business day with a maximum allowable limit of one sign per store front. Sandwich board signs are considered to be informational signs, subject to HRB approval for colors and lettering styles.

T.

All signs in the historic commercial overlay and historic residential overlay shall conform to the requirements of Chapter 17.20 of the Aurora Municipal Code and the Design Review Guidelines for Historic District Properties.

(Ord. 493, § 2(Exh. A), 2021; Ord. 487 § 2, 2017; Ord. 419 §§ 9, 10, 2002; Ord. 415 § 7.102.070, 2002)

Signs in residential districts outside the historic residential overlay shall be permitted as follows:

A.

Neighborhood Identification. One sign shall be permitted at each entry point to developments, with more than ten (10) lots and/or units, not exceeding an area of eight square feet per sign, nor five feet in height above grade.

B.

Multiple-Family Residential and Conditional Uses. Where otherwise permitted, one sign of not more than four square feet, either attached to the building or freestanding, shall be permitted for multiple-family dwellings, containing four or more dwelling units and conditional uses. If freestanding, the sign shall be mounted in a planter or landscaped area and shall not exceed five feet in height, nor shall it be located within ten (10) feet of any property line.

C.

One sign pertaining to the lease or sale of a building or property, provided the sign is not larger than twenty-four (24) inches by thirty-six (36) inches, and is not illuminated.

D.

Unless otherwise exempt, all signs in the historic residential overlay shall require approval by the Historic Review Board pursuant to Chapter 17.20.

(Ord. 415 § 7.102.080, 2002; Ord. 499, § 3(Exh. B), 2022)

All signs in the historic commercial overlay shall require approval by the Historic Review Board pursuant to Chapter 17.20.

(Ord. 415 § 7.102.090, 2002)

Signs in the general commercial (C) district for properties not included in the historic commercial overlay are subject to Section 16.44.070 and will be permitted as follows:

A.

Free-standing Signs. Signs may be placed free-standing, provided that only one such sign shall be permitted for each business location on the premises using the formula of the lineal street frontage × (times) .15, which equals square footage for total sign area with thirty-six (36) square feet being the maximum allowable size; then one hundred (100) square feet maximum represents the aggregate total of all free-standing signs on the premises.

B.

In the case of shopping areas which are planned with four or more businesses having common parking areas, only one free-standing sign identifying the shopping area shall be allowed. Such sign shall not exceed ten (10) feet in height and shall be limited to a total area of thirty-six (36) square feet.

C.

Other signs shall be one of the following types:

1.

Placed flat against a building which supports it, and extending not more than eighteen (18) inches from the building;

2.

Attached to the front or bottom surface of a marquee, and extending no more than six inches past the outer edges of the marquee.

D.

The total aggregate area of all signs shall not exceed the following:

1.

On a side of a building facing a street, the area of signs shall not exceed one square foot for each lineal foot of building frontage, plus one-half square foot for each foot the building is set back from the street. The total area of signs shall not exceed two square feet for each lineal foot of building frontage.

2.

On those sides of the building not facing a street, signs shall be limited to twenty-five (25) square feet, unless set back more than twenty-five (25) feet from an abutting lot may be increased in area by an amount not to exceed one-half square foot for each foot of setback exceed two square feet for each lineal foot of building frontage.

E.

Light from a sign shall be directed away from a residential area and any abutting street. Interior illuminated signs are not allowed.

F.

Neon Signs. Neon-illuminated informational signs will be allowed in general commercial district only. The only signs allowed will be "Vacancy/No Vacancy," and "Open/ Closed." One sign per business and one hundred forty-four (144) square inches maximum size. Samples of approved neon colors are available at City Hall.

G.

Window and Door Signs. Window and door signs are those which are painted, displayed or placed on an interior translucent or transparent surface. Window graphics are usually most effective when they are simple and clearly displayed using light colors or dark colors with gold or equal color highlights. Window and door signs will be kept to a minimum.

1.

Number. Each building frontage will have no more than a total of two window/door signs.

2.

Area. Each window or door sign will not exceed twenty (20) percent of the total window/door area for each building.

3.

Placement. In all cases, window graphics will be limited to the first and second story windows.

H.

Registered trademarks on signs are allowed if they represent seventy-five (75) percent of the gross primary revenue source of a business.

I.

Exposed vending machines, such as those used to dispense soft drinks, and plastic and metal phone booths are prohibited.

(Ord. 415 § 7.102.100, 2002)

All signs existing on September 26, 1995, the date of the ordinance codified in this title, and not conforming with the provisions of this chapter are deemed nonconforming signs.

A.

No nonconforming sign shall be changed, expanded or altered in any manner which would increase the degree of its nonconformity, or be structurally altered to prolong its useful life, or be moved in whole or in part to any other location where it would remain nonconforming.

B.

Termination and Removal of Nonconforming Signs.

1.

Immediate Termination. Nonconforming signs which advertise a business no longer conducted or a product no longer sold on the premises where such sign is located shall be terminated and removed within fifteen (15) days after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this title.

2.

Termination by Change of Business. Any nonconforming sign advertising or relating to a business on the premises on which it is located shall be terminated upon any change in the ownership or control of such business.

3.

Termination by Amortization. Any nonconforming sign not terminated pursuant to any other provision of this title shall be terminated and removed on or before July 1, 2003.

C.

Historical Signs. Notwithstanding subsections A and B of this section, the owner of a nonconforming sign in existence September 26, 1995 may apply to the HRB within one year of that date for a determination that the sign qualifies as a historical sign by virtue of its age and vintage style. The criteria found in the historical colony, city and sign owners' records shall be used for determining the historical significance of any particular sign. The burden of proof shall be on the applicant.

(Ord. 419 § 8, 2002: Ord. 415 § 7.102.110, 2002)

A.

Any sign advertising or relating to a business, except a regular seasonal business, on the premises on which it is located, which business is discontinued for a period of thirty (30) consecutive days, regardless of any intent to resume or not to abandon such use, shall be presumed to be abandoned and all such signage, whether conforming or nonconforming to the provisions of this title shall be removed within thirty (30) days thereafter. Any period of such non-continuance caused by government actions, strikes, materials shortages or acts of God, and without any contributing fault by the business or user, shall not be considered in calculating the length of discontinuance for purposes of this subsection.

B.

An extension of time for removal of signage of an abandoned business, not to exceed an additional thirty (30) days, may be granted by the City Council upon an appeal filed by the legal owner of the premises or person in control of the business.

(Ord. 415 § 7.102.120, 2002)