Bellevue City Zoning Code
ARTICLE XXI
Signs
§ 155-21.01 Purpose.
The purpose of these requirements is to provide a framework within which the identification and informational needs of all land uses can be harmonized with the desires and aesthetic standards of the general public. It is intended through the provisions contained herein to give recognition to the legitimate needs of business, industry and other activities, in attaining their identification and informational objectives. It is a basic tenet of this article that unrestricted signage does not support the existing character of the Village and does not benefit either private enterprise or the community at large as it creates traffic safety hazards, visual clutter, confusion for vehicle drivers and visual blight. It is similarly the intent of this article to protect the character of residential neighborhoods by discouraging the encroachment of signage which undermines the intended character of such areas.
§ 155-21.02 Definitions.
For the purposes of this article, the following terms and definitions shall apply. See Figures 1 through 19 at the end of this chapter for examples of sign types.
ALTER
To change or otherwise modify a sign, including structural modifications and modifications to nonstructural elements of the sign such as the frame and sign copy.
AWNING SIGN
A sign which is painted on or attached directly to an awning.
BILLBOARD
A sign, other than off-premises directional signs and political signs, which does not pertain to the principal use of the premises on which it is located.
CANOPY SIGN
A sign which is painted on or attached directly to a canopy.
DECORATIVE DISPLAY
A decorative, temporary display designed for the entertainment or cultural enrichment of the public and having no direct or indirect sales or advertising content.
ERECT
To build, construct, attach, place, suspend, affix or paint.
FREESTANDING SIGN
A sign other than a ground, pole or portable sign which is not attached to a building and is capable of being moved from one location to another on the site on which it is located.
GROUND SIGN
A sign supported by one or more columns, uprights or braces in the ground surface and having a height not in excess of eight feet.
MARQUEE SIGN
A sign attached to or hung from a marquee, canopy or other covered structure projecting from and supported by the building and extending beyond the building wall, building line or street lot line.
NON ACCESSORY SIGN
A sign, other than an off-premises directional sign or political sign, that does not pertain to the principal use of the premises on which it is located.
OFF-PREMISES DIRECTIONAL SIGN
A sign which provides direction to another location.
POLE SIGN
A display sign supported by one or more columns, uprights or braces in the ground surface and having a height in excess of eight feet.
PORTABLE SIGN
A sign and sign structure which is designed to facilitate the movement of the sign from one zoning lot to another. The sign may or may not have wheels, changeable lettering and/or hitches for towing. A sign shall be considered portable only if such sign is manifestly designed to be portable to facilitate its movement from one zoning lot to another, and shall not be considered a freestanding sign under this chapter.
PROJECTING SIGN
Projecting sign means a sign which is affixed to any building or structure, other than a marquee, awning or canopy, any part of which extends beyond the building wall more than 18 inches.
PYLON SIGN
A ground sign in excess of eight feet in height.
ROOF SIGN
A sign which is erected, constructed and maintained on or above the roof of a building.
SIGN AREA
The area of a sign shall be computed as including the entire area within a regular geometric form or combination of such forms comprising all the display area of the sign and including all of the elements of the matter displayed and structural and nonstructural trim. Where a sign has two or more faces, the area of all faces shall be included in determining the area of the sign, except that where two such faces are placed back-to-back, parallel to one another and less than 12 inches apart from one another, the area of the sign shall be the area of one face.
SIGN COPY
Portion of a sign which describes the business or service establishment, including, but not limited to, the name, type of, and nature of said establishment.
SIGN, ACCESSORY
A sign which pertains to the principal use of the premises.
SIGN, NONACCESSORY
A sign which does not pertain to the principal use of the premises.
TEMPORARY SIGN
A display sign, banner, or other advertising device constructed of cloth, canvas, fabric, plastic or other light temporary material, with or without a structural frame, or any other sign intended for a limited period of display, but not including decorative displays for holidays or public demonstration.
WALL SIGN
A display sign which is painted on or attached directly to the building wall and projecting not more than 18 inches from the wall.
WINDOW SIGN
A sign affixed to a window so as to be observable from the opposite side of the window to which such sign is located or affixed.
§ 155-21.03 Sign permits.
A.
Permit required. Except as provided in Subsection B below, it shall be unlawful for any person to erect, alter or relocate within the Village any sign or other advertising structure without first obtaining a permit from the Zoning Administrator and making payment of fee or fees as provided below. Sign permits are not transferable between owners and any changes in the name of a business on a sign shall require a permit. Painting, repainting, servicing or cleaning of sign, or the changing of the advertising copy or message thereon shall not be considered an erection or alteration which requires a sign permit unless a structural change is made. The changing of a name on all nonconforming signs shall be considered an alteration and said sign shall be made to conform to the requirements of this section. Repair to a conforming sign damaged by winds, vandalism, fire or an act of God shall not require a permit provided each repair restores sign to original design and meets all necessary structural and electrical codes. Permits for change of copy on billboards may be issued on an annual basis for each billboard face by the Zoning Administrator at a fee as provided herein.
B.
Signs not requiring a permit. No person may erect, alter or relocate any sign within the Village without first obtaining a permit from the Zoning Administrator, with the exception of the following:
(1)
Wall signs, which are used as nameplates, not exceeding two square feet in area; occupational signs denoting only the name and profession of the occupants in a commercial, public or other institutional building and not exceeding two square feet in area.
(2)
Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings, and date of erection when cut into any masonry surface or when constructed of bronze or aluminum.
(3)
Traffic or other municipal signs, legal notices, danger and such temporary emergency or nonadvertising signs.
(4)
Sign advertising the rental, sale or lease of the property upon which it is located.
(5)
Gasoline price signs.
(6)
Directional signs regulating on-site traffic and parking with not more than six square feet of sign area.
(7)
Flags bearing the official design of a nation, state, municipality, educational institution, organization, or as approved by the Zoning Administrator.
(8)
Barber poles when a minimum of seven feet above the pedestrian right-of-way.
(9)
Menu boards at drive-through restaurants with a maximum size of 60 square feet.
C.
Application for sign permit. Applications for permits shall be made upon forms provided by the Zoning Administrator and shall contain or have attached thereto the following information:
(1)
Name, address and telephone number of the applicant.
(2)
Location of building, structure or lot to which or upon which the sign or other advertising structure is to be attached or erected.
(3)
Position of the sign or other advertising structure in relation to nearby buildings or structures.
(4)
One blueprint or drawing of the plans and specifications and methods of construction and attachment to the building or in the ground.
(5)
Name of person, firm, corporation or association erecting the sign and structure.
(6)
Written consent of the owner of property where the sign is to be erected.
(7)
In all cases where wiring is to be used in connection with the structure, it shall comply with the local, county or state electrical code(s).
(8)
Such other information as the Zoning Administrator shall require demonstrate compliance with this and all other ordinances of the Village.
D.
Sign permit issued if application in order. The Zoning Administrator, upon review of an application for a sign permit and determination that the proposed sign complies with the requirements of this chapter, shall issue a sign permit. In the case of illuminated signs, both an electrical permit and a building permit are required.
E.
Sign permit fee. Prior to the erection or alteration of any sign, except those signs specifically exempted herein, a permit shall first be obtained from the Zoning Administrator for such erection or alteration, and a permit fee paid to the Village according to the schedule of fees as shall be established from time to time by resolution of the Village.
F.
Sign permit revocable at any time. A sign permit issued pursuant to this article may be revoked by the Zoning Administrator upon the permittee's violation of any of the conditions contained herein. If the work authorized by a sign permit has not been completed within four months after date of issuance, said permit shall become null and void.
§ 155-21.04 General requirements for all signs.
A.
Permit number. Every sign hereafter erected or altered shall have placed on the face of the sign in a conspicuous place thereon, in letters not less than 1/2 inch in height, the date of erection, the permit number and the voltage of any electrical apparatus used in connection therein. Any change to the sign shall require the original permit number to remain on the sign.
B.
Illumination. Signs may be permitted to be internally and externally lighted, reflectorized, glowing, or otherwise illuminated, except as provided elsewhere in this chapter. All illumination shall be concentrated on the area of the sign or landscape feature so as to prevent glare upon the street or adjacent property. No sign shall be illuminated by other than electrical means or devices, and wiring shall be installed in accordance with all Codes and Ordinances. In no instance shall such illumination be located so as to be hazardous to traffic. Illuminations shall not be of a flashing, intermittent flashing.
C.
Signs not to constitute a traffic hazard. No sign shall be erected in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear traffic vision.
D.
Face of sign shall be smooth. No nails, tacks or wires shall be permitted to protrude from the front of any sign. This shall not exclude, however, the use of block letters, electrical reflectors, or other devices which may extend over the top and in front of the advertising structure.
E.
Obscene matter prohibited. It shall be unlawful for any person to display upon any sign or other advertising structure any specified anatomical areas or specified sexual activities as defined herein.
F.
Removal of certain signs. Any sign now or hereafter existing which no longer advertises a bona fide business conducted, or a product, or entertainment, service or commodity offered or sold on the lot shall be taken down and removed by the owner, agent or person having the beneficial use of the building or structure upon which said sign shall be found within 30 days after written notice from the Zoning Administrator. This provision may be waived by the Zoning Board of Appeals for signs having historic value.
G.
Public right-of-way. No sign shall be erected or placed in the public right-of-way unless specifically authorized.
H.
Sign setbacks. All freestanding, ground, pole, portable and pylon signs shall be set back not less than five feet from all street right-of-way lines except as otherwise provided herein.
I.
Construction.
(1)
All pole signs shall be securely built, constructed and erected upon posts and standards sunk at least 42 inches below ground level and embedded in concrete. Wood or wood products shall be of Wolmanized® or equal treatment. A lightning grounding device shall be provided in accord with applicable electric codes.
(2)
All letters, figures, characters or representations in cutout or irregular form, maintained in conjunction with, attached to, or super imposed upon any sign shall be safely and securely built or attached to the sign structure.
(3)
All wall signs shall be of noncombustible material.
(4)
All wall signs shall be safely and securely attached to structural members of the building by means of metal anchors, bolts or expansion screws. In no case shall any wall sign be secured with wire, strips of wood or nails.
§ 155-21.05 Permitted signs accessory to churches, schools, and nonprofit institutions.
A.
Churches, schools, colleges, buildings housing governmental functions and utilities of the Village, county or state, or any subdivision thereof, are permitted to erect a sign irrespective of the zoning district within which such use is to exist. Such signs may be illuminated. Such signs, when of a permanent nature, shall be constructed of materials approved by the Zoning Administrator and shall meet all the requirements of this chapter, be limited to ground, portable and temporary signs as defined in this chapter and subject to the following conditions:
(1)
Ground signs.
(a)
There shall be no more than one sign.
(b)
Such signs shall be set back from the lot line at least 1/3 of the distance from the lot line to the nearest building, but need not be set back more than 100 feet from the property line.
(c)
No sign shall exceed 20 square feet in area, unless the sign is located more than 50 feet behind the property line, then said sign may be increased by five additional square feet for each additional 10 feet of setback, but in no event shall such sign exceed 50 square feet in area.
(2)
Temporary signs.
(a)
Not more than one construction sign for building or remodeling of buildings shall be allowed not to exceed 32 square feet in total surface area and shall be located on the premises being utilized for such construction. Such sign shall be removed upon completion of construction or upon cessation of work for a period of six months.
(b)
One sign advertising the rental, sale or lease of property shall be allowed. Such sign shall not exceed six square feet in area and not exceed six feet in height.
(3)
Portable sign.
(a)
Portable signs not exceeding 32 square feet in area for each face of such sign shall be allowed and shall be permitted as temporary signs for periods not to exceed seven consecutive days in a twenty-eight-day period and not to exceed 28 days in any one year. In no instance shall such signs be located so as to obstruct parking spaces or automobile or pedestrian travel lanes. Such signs shall not flash or be located so as to obstruct traffic vision and lighting shall be of a type so as not to be confused with traffic controls and not to cause distraction to vehicle drivers.
(b)
Connections to an energy source for lighting shall be in accord with all codes of the Village, county and state and shall not be exposed in any way that may constitute a safety hazard to the public. This provision shall apply to existing portable signs and to new portable signs.
(4)
Off-premises directional signs.
(a)
Directional signs not exceeding four square feet in area per sign face may be located in any district and shall not exceed a total of two such signs per using entity.
(b)
Permission for the location of directional signs shall be secured by the owner of such sign from the property owner of the property on which such sign is to be located.
§ 155-21.06 Permitted signs in all agricultural and residential districts.
A.
Wall, ground and temporary signs, as defined in this chapter, are allowed in all agricultural and residential districts, provided such signs shall not be illuminated unless otherwise provided for in this chapter and subject to the following conditions by type:
(1)
Ground signs.
(a)
Signs advertising the lots and/or buildings in any subdivision or multiple-family development. It shall be permissible for a real estate broker or builder to erect one sign not to exceed a total surface area of 32 square feet or an overall height of six feet, to advertise the lots and/or buildings in any one subdivision.
(b)
Multiple-family residential units and mobile home park districts:
[1]
Any person owning or operating any multiple-family residential units or mobile home park may erect a sign bearing the name of the development. Such sign shall not exceed 32 square feet in area or exceed an overall height of six feet above the ground level. The sign may be lighted during the hours of darkness, but shall not contain advertising or information other than the name of the development and status of occupancy. No more than one sign may be erected for each development entrance.
(c)
Funeral homes. One ground sign having a sign face of not more than 32 square feet for each sign face which may be not exceed an overall height of six feet above the ground. Such sign may be lighted between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.
(2)
Wall signs.
(a)
Dwelling nameplate. For each dwelling unit, one nameplate not exceeding two square feet in area indicating name of occupant.
(b)
All wall signs shall be safely and securely attached to structural members of the building by means of metal anchors, bolts or expansion screws.
(3)
Temporary signs.
(a)
Garage sale signs. Garage sale signs may be used to advertise a garage sale and shall be promptly removed upon completion of the garage sale.
(b)
Banners and pennants. During periods of "open house" for new homes, banners and pennants may be allowed for periods not to exceed 30 consecutive days as designated in the sign permit.
(c)
Construction signs. For building or remodeling of residential buildings, not more that one sign shall be allowed not to exceed 10 square feet in total surface area and shall be located on the premises being utilized for such construction. Such sign shall be removed upon completion of construction or upon cessation of work for a period of six months.
(d)
One sign advertising the rental, sale or lease of property shall be allowed not to exceed 10 square feet and not to exceed a height of six feet.
§ 155-21.07 Permitted signs in BOS and B-2 Districts.
A.
BOS and B-2 districts sign types allowed. Wall, awning, canopy, freestanding, ground, marquee, projecting, pole, window, vehicle and temporary signs as defined in this chapter and subject to the following conditions:
(1)
Ground sign.
(a)
One ground sign shall be permitted having a sign area of not more than 32 square feet for each sign face. On corner lots, two such signs are permissible where business fronts both streets. Such sign shall not exceed six feet in height.
(b)
Not more than one ground sign may be erected accessory to any one development regardless of the number of buildings, separate parties, tenants or uses contained therein. On corner lots, two such signs are permissible where business fronts both streets.
(c)
No ground sign shall be located nearer than five feet to any existing or proposed right-of-way line.
(d)
Ground signs may not be illuminated with flashing lights.
(2)
Pole.
(a)
To be allowed only when a ground sign cannot be erected due to building location or other site constraints and upon approval of the Planning Commission.
(b)
One pole sign maybe erected accessory to any one development regardless of the number of buildings, separate parties, tenants or uses contained therein.
(c)
A pole sign shall not be erected to a height greater than 30 feet above the level of the street upon which the sign faces. The distance from the ground to the bottom of the sign shall be not less than eight feet and shall be so erected as to not obstruct traffic vision. The area of such sign shall not exceed 120 square feet for each sign face.
(d)
Signs may not be illuminated with flashing lights.
(e)
Time and temperature signs shall be permitted.
(f)
All pole signs shall be securely erected upon posts and standards at least 42 inches below ground level and shall be embedded in concrete. Wood or wood products shall be of wolmanized or equal treatment.
(3)
Projecting.
(a)
One projecting sign may be erected at each entrance to a business or office establishment.
(b)
Projecting signs must project at right angles to the building, have no more than two faces, and project no more than five feet from the face of the building.
(c)
The bottom of the sign projecting must be at least 10 feet above ground level and its top may not extend higher than whichever of the following is lowest:
[1]
Twenty-five feet above grade.
[2]
The sills of the first level of windows above first story.
[3]
The lowest part of the roof.
(d)
The area of each projecting sign may not exceed 24 square feet for each sign face, unless the sign includes a public message device (such as a time and temperature sign). In the case of a public message device, an additional 10 square feet on each face is allowed.
(4)
Wall.
(a)
Wall signs may be provided on all street sides, parking lots sides or alley sides of a building. Where a single principal building is devoted to two or more business, offices or commercial uses, the operator of each such use may install a wall sign. The total sign area of all wall signs on any one wall shall not exceed 10% of the wall surface of such wall. In those instances where a change of tenancy occurs which presents a hardship in providing signage based on this requirement, the Zoning Board of Appeals may vary these provisions.
(b)
Signs may not be illuminated with flashing lights.
(c)
Time and temperature signs shall be permitted.
(d)
Materials required. All wall signs of a greater area than 50 square feet shall have surfaces of noncombustible material.
(e)
Limitation on placement. No wall sign shall cover wholly or partially any wall opening, nor project beyond the ends or top of the wall to which it is attached.
(f)
Projection and height. No wall sign shall have a greater thickness than 12 inches measured from the wall to which it is attached to the outermost surface. Wall signs may project over the public right-of-way not to exceed 12 inches provided a clearance of not less than seven feet six inches is maintained below the sign if it projects more than four inches. A wall sign shall not project above the roofline.
(5)
Awning, canopy and marquee.
(a)
Letters may be painted or otherwise affixed to any permissible awning, canopy, or marquee subject to the following regulations:
[1]
Lettering or letters shall not project above, below or beyond the vertical drip of the awning or canopy.
[2]
Lettering on a marquee shall not extend beyond the geometric figure which encloses the sign message.
[3]
No awning, canopy or marquee sign shall extend below a minimum height of seven feet six inches.
[4]
The area of such sign shall be limited as part of the total sign area for all signs as provided in Subsection A(4)(a) above.
(6)
Window.
(a)
Window signs shall not exceed 30% of the glass area of the window area on the section of building front occupied by the business.
(7)
Temporary or real estate signs.
(a)
For sale or rental of individual units, there shall be no more than one sign, except that on a corner lot two signs, one facing each street shall be permitted. No such sign shall exceed six square feet in area for each sign face of, and all such signs shall be removed upon occupancy.
(b)
Signs advertising buildings under construction may be erected for the period of construction and shall not exceed a face area of 64 square feet for each sign face. Such signs shall be erected on the building or lot where such construction is being carried on and shall advertise only the architect, engineer contractor, subcontractor, building or materials and equipment used, and the proposed use.
(c)
Temporary window signs are allowed only on the inside of the window and only if they advertise special sales or events lasting no more than 15 days. They shall occupy no more than 30% of the area of the window in which they appear.
(d)
No temporary sign shall be strung on a building exterior or on a sign structure or across any public right-of-way nor shall any temporary sign project beyond the property line except as authorized by the Village Council.
(e)
Temporary signs found by the Zoning Administrator to be in torn or damaged condition must be removed by the owner within three days after receipt of notice to do so from the Zoning Administrator. Temporary signs found to be unsafe shall be removed immediately upon receipt of notice from the Zoning Administrator.
(8)
Attention getting devices.
(a)
Attention getting devices including searchlights, pennants, banners, propellers, spinners, streamers, balloons and similar devices or ornamentation designed for purposes of attracting attention, promotions or advertising are allowable only subject to approval of the Planning Commission for a period not to exceed 15 days except as otherwise prohibited herein.
§ 155-21.08 Permitted signs in industrial districts.
A.
The provisions of § 155-21.07 shall also apply to industrial districts. In addition, nonaccessory and off-premises directional signs shall be permitted according to the following conditions, provided further that in those instances where the Michigan Department of Transportation has jurisdiction, a permit shall be filed with the appropriate state agency.
(1)
Nonaccessory sign.
(a)
Area and height limitations. No billboard may be erected or maintained with a greater surface area than 300 square feet, an overall height above the ground greater than 35 feet, or bottom less than three feet above the ground surface.
(b)
Location. Billboards may be erected only in industrial districts. No billboard may be erected or maintained within 500 feet of any public park, recreation ground, public reservation, school or church nor within 50 feet of street lines at any street intersection and shall have a minimum setback from the front property line which meets the setback requirement of the district.
(c)
Spacing. Billboards shall be located no closer to one another than 1,000 feet.
§ 155-21.09 Nonconforming signs.
A.
Nonconforming signs. All signs existing prior to the adoption of this chapter that do not conform to the provisions of the chapter shall be permitted to continue as nonconforming signs, provided that the nonconforming sign meets the following criteria:
(1)
The sign was lawful at its inception;
(2)
Continuance of the sign would not be contrary to the public health, safety or welfare of the residents of the Village;
(3)
No useful purpose would be served by strict application of the provisions of this article with which the sign does not conform; and
(4)
The sign is not insecure, in danger of falling, or otherwise unsafe.
B.
Signs on nonconforming uses. A nonconforming use shall not be permitted to add additional signs to the building or premises. This shall not preclude the changing of copy on a nonconforming sign which was manifestly designed to provide changeable lettering. Signs on nonconforming uses may be maintained.
§ 155-21.10 Unsafe and damaged signs and sign maintenance.
A.
Unsafe signs. When any sign becomes insecure, in danger of falling, or otherwise unsafe, or if any sign shall be unlawfully installed, erected or maintained in violation of any of the provisions of this chapter, the owner or lessee shall, upon receipt of a written notice from the Zoning Administrator, forthwith in the case of immediate danger, and in any case in not more than 24 hours, make such sign conform to the provisions of this chapter or shall cause it to be removed. If the order is not complied with within 24 hours, the Zoning Administrator may remove such sign at the expense of the owner or lessee.
B.
Damaged signs. If any sign or advertising structure or supporting structure is torn, damaged, defaced or destroyed, and not repaired or replaced within 10 days of said casualty, the Zoning Administrator shall issue a written notice to the owner or lessee of the sign requiring the repair, replacement or removal within 20 days. In the event said owner or lessee does not repair, replace, or remove the sign pursuant to the notice, or cannot establish a good-faith effort to comply, the Zoning Administrator is authorized to cause removal of the sign. The expense of removing the sign shall be paid by the owner or lessee of the sign or by the owner of the building or structure or property from which the sign or structure was removed.
C.
Sign maintenance. All signs, together with all their supports, braces, guys and anchors, shall be maintained in good working order; and when not galvanized or constructed of approved corrosion-resistant, noncombustible materials, shall be painted when necessary to prevent corrosion. The exteriors of all signs, supporting members, painted surfaces, advertising materials and lettering shall be kept in good repair so as to present a neat and orderly appearance. All bulbs or component parts of the sign, including the electrical switches, boxes and wiring used in the illumination of the sign must be well maintained and in good repair. It shall be the duty and responsibility of the owner or lessee of every sign to maintain the immediate premises occupied by the sign in a clean, sanitary and healthful condition.
 DECORATIVE DISPLAY SIGN |
 FREESTANDING SIGN |
 POLE SIGN |
 MARQUEE SIGN |
 PORTABLE SIGN |
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