The mayor and council find that signs provide an important medium through which individuals may convey a variety of messages. However, left completely unregulated, signs can become a threat to public safety as a traffic hazard and detriment to property values and the city's overall public welfare as an aesthetic nuisance. By enacting this ordinance, the mayor and council intend to:

(a)

Balance the rights of individuals to convey their messages through signs and the right of the public to be protected against the unrestricted proliferation of signs;

(b)

Protect the public health, safety, and welfare;

(c)

Reduce traffic and pedestrian hazards;

(d)

Maintain the historical image of the city;

(e)

Protect property values by minimizing the possible adverse effects and visual blight caused by signs;

(f)

Promote economic development; and

(g)

Ensure the fair and consistent enforcement of sign regulations.

(Ord. of 1-4-2007)

Abandoned sign shall be considered abandoned when the business activity or firm, which such sign advertises, is no longer in operation, or does not have a current occupation tax certificate in effect.

Aggregate sign area shall mean the area of all signs on a parcel, excluding the area of one face of all double-faced signs.

Animated sign shall mean a sign with action, motion, or changing colors which requires electrical energy. This definition does not include signs which indicate time, temperature, or date.

Awning sign shall mean any structure made of cloth, plastic, or metal with a metal frame attached to a building and projecting over a thoroughfare which can be retracted to a position flat against the building when not in use.

Banner shall mean a sign of lightweight fabric or similar material that is securely mounted to a pole or a building. National flags, state or municipal flags, or the official flag of any institution or business shall not be considered banners.

Billboard sign shall mean a sign with a sign area between 150 square feet and 672 square feet which is supported by one or more poles secured into the ground.

Canopy shall mean any structure, other than an awning, made of cloth, plastic, or metal with metal frames attached to a building and projecting over a thoroughfare which is carried by a frame supported by the ground or sidewalk.

Changeable copy sign shall mean a sign or portion thereof with characters, letters, or illustrations that can be changed or rearranged without altering the face or the surface of the sign. A sign on which the message changes more than four times per day shall be considered an animated sign and not a changeable copy sign for purposes of this ordinance. A sign on which the only copy that changes is an electronic or mechanical indication of time or temperature shall be considered a "time and temperature" portion of a sign and not a changeable copy sign for purposes of this ordinance.

Commercial message shall mean any sign wording or other representation that directly or indirectly advertises, names, or calls attention to a business, service, or other commercial activity.

Directory sign shall mean a sign which identifies the name of the development, multiuse activities within shopping centers, or office complexes.

Double-faced sign shall mean a sign which has two display areas placed back to back against each other or where the interior angle formed by the display area is 60 degrees or less, where one face is designed to be seen from one direction and the other face from another direction.

Freestanding sign shall mean a sign securely affixed to a support structure which is permanently attached to the ground and wholly independent of any building for support, such as monument signs.

Illuminated sign shall mean a sign that has light cast upon the sign from a source either internal to the sign or from an external light source directed primarily toward such sign.

Instructional sign shall mean a sign used to give direction or specific instruction to the public, such as, but not limited to, "Enter," "Exit," "No Parking," "Drive Thorough," "Restroom," and so forth. Such signs will contain only instructional information and shall not be used for the purpose of business name and/or advertisement.

Marquee shall mean any hood or awning of permanent construction projecting from the wall of a building above an entrance and extending over a thoroughfare.

Monument sign shall mean a freestanding sign mounted directly upon the ground with the sign support structure extending the length and width of the sign or hidden by an external material compatible with the sign. Such sign may not be attached to or be a part of or supported by the building in or to which the sign applies.

Nonconforming sign shall mean any sign which does not conform to the provisions of this article.

Off-premises sign shall mean a device that directs persons to a different location from where the sign is located.

Parcel shall mean a separate tax unit of real property on county real estate records.

Portable sign shall mean a sign which is not permanently affixed, including but not limited to signs mounted or painted on vehicles which are parked in such a manner as to serve the purpose of an advertising device.

Projecting sign shall mean any sign which is attached to a building or other structure and extends beyond the line of the structure or beyond the surface of that portion of the building or structure to which it is attached. A "horizontal projecting sign" shall mean any sign which is greater in width than in height. A "vertical projecting sign" shall mean any sign which is greater in height than in width.

Pylon sign shall mean a freestanding sign which rests upon a pylon or pole.

Roof sign shall mean a sign attached to or supported by the roof of a building which extends above the immediately adjacent roof line of the building.

Sidewalk or sandwich sign shall mean a movable sign not secured or attached to the ground or surface upon which it is located.

Sign shall mean a device or representation for visual communication which is used for the purpose of bringing the subject thereof to the attention of others.

Sign area shall mean the smallest square, rectangle, triangle, circle, or combination thereof, which encompasses the entire sign, inclusive of any border and trim but excluding the base, apron, supports, and other structural members. The sign face shall be equal to the sign area.

Sign base shall mean the supporting structure of a sign located below the sign face.

Sign face shall be equal to the sign area.

Sign height shall mean the distance in vertical feet from the elevation of the adjacent dedicated public street, at the edge of the pavement, to the highest point of the sign structure. For property with an elevation higher than the adjacent public street, the height shall be measured from ground level at base of sign to the highest point of the sign structure. The ground shall not be altered for the sole purpose of providing additional sign height.

Street clock shall mean any timepiece erected upon a standard and located on a sidewalk or any exterior of a building or structure for the convenience of the public and which advertises a place of business.

Structural trim shall mean the molding, battens, cappings, nailing strips, latticing, and platforms which are attached to the sign structure.

Temporary sign shall mean any sign constructed of cloth, canvas, light fabric, cardboard, wall board, or other like materials, with or without frames, intended to be displayed for a limited period of time.

Trailer sign shall mean any sign mounted on wheels and that may be moved from location to another.

Wall sign shall mean a sign fastened or placed upon or parallel to the exterior wall of the structure itself, whether front, rear or side of the structure.

Window sign shall mean a sign installed flush with or on a window and intended to be viewed from the outside.

(Ord. of 1-4-2007)

(a)

Permits.

(1)

Except as specifically excluded from the provisions of this ordinance, it shall be unlawful for any person to post, display, substantially change, or erect a sign in the city without first having obtained a sign permit.

(2)

Existing signs which conform to the provisions of this ordinance that would be required to obtain a permit under the regulations of this ordinance must register with the city within 90 days of the effective date of this ordinance. The information provided for registration will be the same information required in a permit application under section 902(b). No permit fee will be required for the registration of existing signs.

(3)

Every permitted sign shall display in a conspicuous place, in letters no less than one inch in height, the date of erection and the permit number.

(b)

Application information. Applications for sign permits required by this ordinance shall be filed by the sign owner or the owner's agent with the city clerk. The application shall describe and contain the following:

(1)

The street address of the property upon which the sign is to be located and a map of the property which bears an indication of the proposed location of the sign.

(2)

The aggregate area for all signs on the parcel.

(3)

The name(s) and address(es) of the owner(s) of the real property upon which the subject sign is to be located.

(4)

Consent of the owner, or the owner's agent, granting permission for the placement or maintenance of the sign.

(5)

Name, address, phone number and business license number of the sign contractor.

(6)

The type of sign to be erected, the area of the sign, the height of the sign, the shape of the sign, and an explanation of how the sign is to be mounted or erected.

(7)

The distance of the sign from the closest adjacent sign in either direction.

(8)

The size of the parcel on which the sign is to be placed, and the street frontage on the side of the property where the sign will be exhibited.

(9)

In the case of an illuminated sign, evidence that a licensed electrical contractor has examined the sign plans and specifications respecting all wiring and connections and has concluded, upon such examination, that they comply with the city's electrical code.

(10)

Such other information as the city shall require to demonstrate full compliance with this and all other laws and ordinances of the city.

(c)

Time for consideration. The city shall process all sign permit applications within 30 business days of the city's actual receipt of a completed application and a sign permit fee. The clerk shall give notice to the applicant of the decision of the city by hand delivery or by mailing a notice, by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the address on the permit application on or before the 30th business day after the city's receipt of the completed application. If mailed, notice shall be deemed to have been given upon the date of mailing in conformity with this section. If the city fails to act within the 30-day period, the permit shall be deemed to have been granted.

(d)

Denial and revocation.

(1)

Procedure. The city shall deny permits to applicants that submit applications for signs that do not comply with the provisions of this ordinance, incomplete applications, and applications containing any false material statements. Violation of any provision of this ordinance will be grounds for terminating a permit granted by the city for the erection of a sign. Should it be determined that a sign permit was issued pursuant to an incomplete application or an application containing a false material statement, or that a permit has been erroneously issued in violation of this ordinance, the clerk shall revoke the permit. Should the city deny a permit, the reasons for the denial are to be stated in writing and mailed by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the address on the permit application on or before the 30th business day after the city's receipt of the application. Any application denied and later resubmitted shall be deemed to have been submitted on the date of resubmission, instead of the date of the original submission. No permit shall be denied or revoked, except for due cause as hereinafter defined, and the applicant is granted a public hearing before a hearing officer designated by the city. The applicant will be given ten days written notice of the time, place and purpose of the hearing, with a statement of the reason for the denial of the permit application, or the revocation of a permit. "Due cause" is the violation of the provisions of this ordinance, state or federal law, or the submission of an incomplete application or an application containing false material statements.

(2)

Appeal. An individual whose permit application has been denied or a permittee whose permit has been revoked may appeal the decision of the hearing officer to the city council provided that he/she files written notice of an appeal with the city clerk within ten business days of the hearing officer's decision. Such appeal shall be considered by city council at the next city council meeting held after the city's receipt of the written notice of appeal, provided that notice of appeal is received a minimum of two full business days before the meeting.

(3)

Petition. In the event an individual whose permit has been denied or revoked is dissatisfied with the decision of the city council, he/she may petition for writ of certiorari to the superior court as provided by law.

(e)

Permit expiration. A sign permit shall become null and void if the sign for which the permit was issued has not been completed and installed within six months after the date of issuance. No refunds will be made for permit fees paid for permits that expired due to failure to erect a permitted sign. If later an individual desires to erect a sign at the same location, a new application must be processed and another fee paid in accordance with the fee schedule applicable at such time.

(f)

Fees. The cost of a permit for each sign or other advertising structure regulated by this ordinance is in the schedule of fees and charges on file in the office of the city clerk. In the event a sign permit application is denied, the base fee amount shall be retained, with the balance being refunded to the applicant.

(g)

Variances. Where a literal application of the terms of this ordinance, due to special circumstances, would result in an unusual hardship in an individual case, a variance may be granted where all the following conditions exist:

(1)

Exceptional conditions pertaining to the property where the sign is to be located as a result of its size, shape, or topography, which are not applicable to other lands or structures in the area.

(2)

The applicant would be deprived of rights that are commonly enjoyed by others similarly situated.

(3)

Granting the variance would not confer on the applicant any significant privileges which are denied to others similarly situated.

(4)

The exceptional circumstances are not the result of action by the applicant.

(5)

The requested variance is the minimum variance necessary to allow the applicant to enjoy the rights commonly enjoyed by others similarly situated.

(6)

Granting of the variance would not violate more than one standard of this ordinance.

(7)

Granting the variance would not result in allowing a sign that interferes with road or highway visibility or obstruct or otherwise interfere with the safe and orderly movement of traffic.

(h)

Enforcement and penalties.

(1)

All signs shall be maintained in good condition as to present a neat and orderly appearance in accordance with the following standards.

(2)

Except for banners, flags, and temporary signs conforming in all respects with the requirements of this ordinance, all signs shall be constructed of permanent materials and shall be permanently attached to the ground, a building, or other structure by direct attachment to a rigid wall, frame, or structure.

(3)

Every sign, including, but not limited to those signs for which permits are required, shall be maintained in a safe, presentable, and sound structural condition. Broken panels, missing letters, defective illumination, torn fabric, flaking or peeling paint and other damage to a sign, shall be replaced or repaired.

(4)

If a determination is made by the city that any sign is unsafe, not secure, in violation of this section, or is in violation of any applicable law or a public danger, notice of such violation shall be given to the property owner and/or occupant where such sign is located. The property owner and/or occupant shall have 30 days from the date of said notice to remove, repair, or remedy said violation.

(5)

Any person violating any provision of this ordinance shall be guilty of an offense and upon conviction, shall be fined not less than $50.00 and not more than $150.00 for each offense. Each day shall constitute a separate offense.

(Ord. of 1-4-2007)

(a)

Prohibited signs. The following types of signs are prohibited throughout the city, except as provided for in section 907

(1)

Animated signs, except for the movable hands on street clocks and time-temperature-date signs;

(2)

Signs on public rights-of-way other than publicly owned or maintained signs;

(3)

Window signs which exceed 20 percent of the window area;

(4)

Signs which contain words, pictures, or statements which are obscene, as defined by the O.C.G.A. § 16-12-80;

(5)

Signs which simulate an official traffic control or warning sign or hides from view any traffic or street sign, signal or public service sign;

(6)

Signs which emit or utilize in any manner any sound capable of being detected on any traveled road or highway by a person with normal hearing;

(7)

Signs which interfere with road or highway visibility or obstruct or otherwise interfere with the safe and orderly movement of traffic;

(8)

Signs erected by nailing, fastening, or affixing the sign in any manner to any tree, post, curb, utility pole, or other structure except as set forth herein;

(9)

Signs which advertise any activity, service, or product prohibited by the laws or regulations of the United States or the State of Georgia or by the ordinance or resolutions of the city;

(10)

Permanently-installed banners and fluttering ribbons and similar devices, except for flags of governments and their agencies;

(11)

Signs constituting a hazard to safety or health by reason of inadequate design, construction, repair or maintenance;

(12)

Illuminated signs with lights which glare into or upon the surrounding area or any residential premises or districts operators of vehicles or pedestrians on the public right-of-way;

(13)

Signs having lights or illuminations that flash, move, rotate, scintillate, blink, flicker, or vary in intensity or color, or use intermittent electrical pulsations;

(14)

Roof signs;

(15)

Portable signs;

(16)

Pylon signs;

(17)

Vehicles parked or placed in such a way to be viewed from the public right-of-way and used for the sole purpose of providing advertisement or products or directing people to a business activity located on the same or nearby property or to any other premises. This shall not apply to vehicles used for the normal course of business;

(18)

Courtesy benches, trashcans, and similar devices on which advertising is displayed;

(19)

Trailer signs; and

(20)

Sandwich signs.

(a)[(b)]

Restrictions in residential zoning districts.

(1)

Parcels located in residential zoning districts shall only contain noncommercial messages, excepting the advertisement of home occupations and yard/garage sales on the premises and the sale or renting of such premises. Signs shall not have an aggregate sign area greater than five square feet. Signs having a height of greater than five feet above the grade level of the adjacent street to which the parcel on which the sign is located shall not be located in the residential zoning districts. No sign in a residential zoning district shall have a sign area of greater than 2.5 square feet.

(2)

Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, temporary signs, not exceeding 32 square feet in area announcing a land subdivision residential development, shall be permitted in residential zoning districts on the premises of the land subdivision. Such signs shall be spaced not less than 300 feet apart. They shall be removed when 75 percent of the lots in the subdivision are conveyed.

(Ord. of 1-4-2007)

(a)

Height. In addition to other height requirements set forth in this article for specific types of signs, the following general height requirements shall be adhered to:

(1)

No sign shall exceed 20 feet in height at the highest point on the sign except billboards which may be 70 feet in height.

(2)

All sign heights shall be measured from the grade level of the adjacent street to which the property on which the sign is located has access. The level of the ground shall not be altered in such a way as to provide additional sign height.

(b)

Wind pressure and dead load requirements. Where required by this ordinance, signs and other advertising structures shall be designed and constructed to withstand a wind pressure of not less than 40 pounds per square foot of area and to receive dead loads as required in the building code or other ordinances of the City of Bloomingdale.

(c)

Right-of-way restrictions. No freestanding sign may be located within five feet of right-of-way lines.

(d)

Consent of owner required. No sign shall be located on any building, fence or other property belonging to another person without the consent of the owner, and as permitted under the provisions of this ordinance.

(e)

Sign illumination. Illuminated signs shall conform to the following:

(1)

External illumination shall be located by a stationary, steady light source, to be shielded and directed solely at the sign without any direct illumination escaping above or beyond the sign; internally lit signs shall be illuminated by fluorescent light source;

(2)

Light sources to illuminate signs shall neither be visible from any street right-of-way nor cause glare hazardous to pedestrians or vehicle drivers or so as to create a nuisance to adjacent properties;

(3)

Spot-lighting of signs shall be restricted to not more than one shielded light fixture per side for sign faces up to 40 square feet and not more than two shielded light fixtures per side for sign faces over 40 square feet;

(4)

The intensity of the light shall not exceed 20 foot candles at any point on the sign face; and

(5)

Signs shall not have light-reflecting backgrounds but may use light-reflecting lettering.

(6)

Colored lamps are not permitted.

(f)

Maximum aggregate sign area. Subject to the other restrictions set forth in this article for specific types of signs and for specific zoning districts, parcels may contain more than one sign, provided that:

(1)

Parcels exceeding three acres shall be allowed a maximum aggregate sign area for the entire parcel of 300 square feet.

(2)

Parcels less than three acres but greater than 30,000 square feet shall be allowed a maximum aggregate sign area for the entire parcel of 180 square feet.

(3)

Parcels less than 30,000 square feet in size and 100 feet or more in width at the front property line shall be allowed a maximum aggregate sign area for the entire parcel of 100 square feet.

(4)

Parcels less than 30,000 square feet in size and less than 100 feet at the front property line shall be allowed a maximum aggregate sign area for the entire parcel of 60 square feet.

(5)

These limits shall not include the area of any principal use wall signs or billboard signs located on the parcel.

(6)

These limits shall include the area of all freestanding signs on the parcel.

(g)

Sign requirements are summarized in the table below. Consult each section for all applicable requirements.

(Ord. of 1-4-2007)

(a)

Billboard signs.

(1)

Billboard signs shall not exceed 672 square feet of sign area. Billboard sign area shall not exceed 14 feet in height or 48 feet in length.

(2)

Billboard signs shall only be located on parcels in commercial or industrial zoning districts. Billboard signs shall only be located on parcels in zoning districts that allow such uses and only then when the parcels are adjacent to a designated federal interstate highway. Billboard signs shall be oriented towards the interstate highway.

(3)

No billboard sign shall be located within 1,000 feet of another billboard sign.

(4)

No billboard sign shall be located within 500 feet of residential zoned parcels.

(5)

Billboard signs shall be set back at least 15 feet from the property line of the property on which the sign is erected.

(6)

No billboard sign shall be located within 500 feet in any direction of a public park, public playground, public recreation area, public forest, scenic area, or cemetery; provided, however, that such sign may be located within 500 feet of a public park, public playground, public recreation area, public forest, scenic area, or cemetery when the sign is separated by buildings or other obstructions so that the sign located within the 500-foot zone is not visible from the public park, public playground, public recreation area, public forest, scenic area, or cemetery.

(7)

A billboard sign shall constitute a self-supporting structure erected on one or two poles permanently attached to a concrete foundation. The foundation shall be designed to carry the weight and windload of the sign, in the soil in which it is placed. The sign's pole(s) and supporting apparatus shall be fabricated only from painted or galvanized steel or metal. No portion of the supporting structure for the sign shall be visible above the advertising display area.

(8)

Each billboard sign, including its supports, braces, guys, and anchors, shall be maintained in a safe, presentable, and good structural material condition at all times, which includes the repair or replacement of defective parts, painting, repainting, cleaning, and other acts required for the maintenance of said sign.

(b)

Freestanding signs. All freestanding signs shall conform to the requirements of section 904

(1)

Freestanding signs shall not exceed 200 square feet of total area, which shall include signage and structure, and shall be governed by size of the parcel, as determined below:

i.

Parcels exceeding three acres shall be allowed a maximum total area for the entire parcel of 200 square feet.

ii.

Parcels less than three acres but greater than 30,000 square feet shall be allowed a maximum total area for the entire parcel of 120 square feet.

iii.

Parcels less than 30,000 square feet in size and 100 feet or more in width at the front property line shall be allowed a maximum aggregate sign area for the entire parcel of 60 square feet.

iv.

Parcels less than 30,000 square feet in size and less than 100 feet at the front property line shall be allowed a maximum aggregate sign area for the entire parcel of 40 square feet.

(2)

The width of the sign structure shall be a minimum of 20 percent of the width of the sign it supports.

(3)

The height of the sign base shall be no greater than 70 percent of the total sign height.

(4)

The area of a sign structure for any freestanding sign is limited to the same number of square feet as the sign face that it supports.

(5)

All freestanding signs fronting on a street right-of-way shall be required to be set back at least five feet from the adjacent right-of-way. However, if conditions exist so as to make this impractical, this may be reduced provided such reduction does not create a hazard to motorists or pedestrians and that no portion of the sign is located in the right-of-way.

(6)

Freestanding signs shall be separated by a distance of not less than 200 foot intervals along each street of the parcel. In the event that a street frontage of less than 200 feet exists for any premises, only one sign shall be permitted along that frontage, notwithstanding that a greater number of signs may appear to be permitted by this section.

(7)

In lieu of a freestanding sign, a development may use signs on entrance structures such as fences or walls. The number of sign faces is limited to two per entrance, on either side of the entrance and confined to the entrance area. The distance between sign faces shall not exceed 100 feet. Such signs are subject to the size limitations of this section.

(c)

Wall signs.

(1)

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. No wall sign shall exceed 300 square feet in area or ten percent of the wall face, whichever is less, on each street facing wall.

(2)

No wall sign shall be permitted to extend more than six inches beyond the building line, and shall not be attached to a wall at a height of less than ten feet above the sidewalk or ground.

(3)

Wall signs shall be safely and securely attached to the building wall by means of metal anchors, bolts, or expansion screws of not less than three-eighths-inch in diameter embedded into the wall at least five inches. However, such signs may rest in or be bolted to strong, heavy metal brackets or saddles set not over six feet apart, each of which shall be securely fixed to the wall as provided above. In no case shall any wall sign be secured with wire, strips of wood, or nails.

(4)

All wall signs shall conform to the wind pressure and dead load requirements of section 904

(5)

Wall signs shall only be located on property in commercial or industrial zoning districts.

(6)

Each building tenant shall be limited to one wall sign on each street facing wall.

(7)

Wall signs must be contained within any single wall panel, window, door or other architectural component upon which they are placed.

(d)

Awnings and canopy signs.

(1)

No portion of a canopy or awning sign shall be less than nine feet above the level of the sidewalk or public thoroughfare over which it is erected.

(2)

No awning or canopy shall be permitted to extend beyond a point one foot inside the curb line.

(3)

There is no limitation on width of awnings; provided, however, full compliance with the wind pressure and dead load requirements of section 905 is required.

(4)

Only one sign per each side of an awning shall be permitted.

(5)

Each building tenant shall be limited to one awning or canopy sign on each street facing wall.

(6)

Awnings shall be securely attached to and supported by a building.

(7)

Awnings may be constructed of cloth or metal; provided, however, all frames and supports shall be of metal.

(8)

Canopies may be constructed of cloth, plastic, or metal hood; provided, however, all frames and supports shall be of metal.

(9)

Awnings shall be securely attached to and supported by a building. Posts or columns beyond the building line shall not be permitted for awnings. No awning shall be attached to the wood jambs, frames, or other wood members of a building (frame buildings excepted) when such building is less than ten feet from public property.

(10)

The frameworks of canopies shall be designed by a structural engineer and approved by the building inspector as in compliance with the building code of the City of Bloomingdale. All frames and supports shall be of metal and designed to withstand a wind pressure as provided in section 904

(11)

No advertising shall be placed on any awning or canopy, except that the name of the owner and the business, industry, or pursuit conducted within the premises may be painted or otherwise permanently installed in a place not exceeding 12 inches in height on the front and side of the awning or canopy.

(e)

Projecting signs.

(1)

Projecting signs, including frames, braces, and supports, shall be designed by a structural engineer or manufacturer, and shall be constructed of incombustible materials and two-faced.

(2)

Reflectors shall be provided with the proper glass lenses concentrating any illumination upon the sign and preventing glare upon the street or adjacent property.

(3)

Any moveable part of a projecting sign such as the cover of a service opening shall be securely fastened by chains or hinges.

(4)

Except by special permission of city council, projecting signs shall be limited in area as follows:

i.

Horizontal projecting signs shall not exceed 50 square feet on each side.

ii.

Vertical projecting signs shall not exceed 100 square feet on each side.

iii.

The distance measured between the principal faces of any projecting sign shall not exceed 18 inches.

(5)

Every projecting sign shall be placed at least ten feet from the edge of any public sidewalk over which it is erected, no more than two feet from the face of the wall to which it is attached, measuring from the point of the sign nearest the wall, and at least one foot from any curbline. Every projecting sign shall be placed at least 15 feet above any public right of way, alley, driveway, or thoroughfare over which it is erected.

(6)

Projecting signs exceeding ten square feet in area or 50 pounds in weight shall not be attached to nor supported by frame buildings nor the wooden framework of a building. Such signs shall be attached to masonry walls with galvanized expansion bolts at least three-quarter inch in diameter, shall be fixed in the wall by means of bolts extending through the wall, shall contain proper size metal washer or plate on the inside of the wall, and shall comply with the wind pressure and dead load requirements of section 904

(7)

No projecting sign shall be secured with wire, strips of wood, or nails, nor shall any projecting sign be hung or secured to any other sign.

(8)

V-shaped signs consisting of two single-faced signs erected without a roof and without a ceiling shall not be permitted.

(9)

Projecting signs shall only be located on property in commercial or industrial zoning districts.

(f)

Marquees.

(1)

Marquees, including the anchors, bolts, supports, lads, and braces, shall be constructed of incombustible materials, designed by a structural engineer, and illuminated.

(2)

Marquee roofs shall be properly guttered and connected by downspouts to a sewer so that rain water will not drip or flow onto public property.

(3)

Marquees shall be used for no other purpose than to form and constitute a roof, and at least 25 percent of the area of the roof of every marquee shall be of glass or other incombustible transparent substance.

(4)

No portion of a marquee shall be less than ten feet above the level of the sidewalk or other public thoroughfare over which it is erected. No marquee shall be permitted to extend beyond the point one foot inside any curbline. No marquee shall be wider than the entrance or entrances of the building, plus five feet on each side. However, where the entrances to a building are not more than 20 feet apart, a marquee may be made a continuous single structure between the entrances.

(5)

Marquees shall be supported solely by the building to which they are attached, and no columns or posts shall be used as supports.

(6)

Marquee roofs, except the glass area required, shall be designed and constructed to support a live load of not less than 100 pounds per square foot. Marquees shall be designed to meet the wind pressure requirements provided in section 904

(7)

No marquee shall be erected on any building of wood frame construction unless attached to the masonry, concrete, or steel supports of the building.

(8)

Signs attached to or hung from the marquee shall be completely within the border line of the marquee outer edge and shall in no case be lower than ten feet above the sidewalk or public thoroughfare.

(9)

No sign or advertising material shall exceed five feet in height exclusive of the name of the establishment exhibiting such marquee.

(10)

No advertising material shall be placed upon the roof of any marquee.

(11)

Marquees projecting over public property shall be illuminated by at least 16 candle power of illumination for each 50 square feet or fraction thereof of area from sunset to 10:00 p.m. every Monday through Saturday night of each week.

(12)

Marquee signs shall only be located on property in commercial or industrial zoning districts.

(g)

Temporary signs.

(1)

No temporary sign shall exceed four feet in one of its dimensions or 32 square feet in area.

(2)

Temporary signs weighing in excess of 50 pounds must be approved by the building inspector as conforming to the safety requirements of the building code of Bloomingdale.

(3)

No temporary signs shall extend over or into any street, alley, sidewalk, or other public thoroughfares more than four inches from the wall upon which it is erected and shall not be placed or project over any wall opening.

(4)

Every temporary sign shall be attached with wire or steel cables. No strings, ropes, or wood slats for anchorage or support purposes shall be permitted.

(5)

Permits for temporary signs shall authorize their erection and maintenance for a period not exceeding 30 days.

(6)

The advertisement contained on any temporary sign shall pertain only to the business, industry, or pursuit conducted on or within the premises on which such sign is erected or maintained. This provision shall not apply to signs of a civic, political, or religious nature.

(7)

No more than three permits for temporary signs shall be issued to any applicant in any calendar year, with a required 30-day minimum waiting period between issuances.

(h)

Street clocks.

(1)

Street clocks shall be constructed of incombustible material, including the frames, braces, and supports.

(2)

The dial of such clock shall be not less than 30 inches nor more than 40 inches in diameter.

(3)

Any glass forming a part of the clock shall be safety glass or plate glass at least one-quarter inch thick and in case any single piece or pane of glass has an area exceeding three square feet, it shall be constructed of wire glass, securely held in place.

(4)

The cover or service openings of street clocks shall be securely fashioned by metal hinges.

(5)

Clocks supported on the corner of any building or structure at the intersection of two streets shall not be less than 15 feet nor more than 20 feet above the sidewalk and shall not project from the face or wall of the building or structure more than five feet.

(6)

Clocks erected on the sidewalk shall be supported upon a post of ornamental design, shall be not less than 15 feet in height, shall be not more than 20 inches from the outer edge of any curb, and shall be at least 20 feet from the corner of the intersection of the lines of any street, measured parallel with street.

(7)

Clocks erected on the exterior of any building or structure shall comply with the requirements set forth in section 904 concerning wind pressure and dead load requirements.

(8)

Any person erecting a street clock on any public sidewalk shall obtain special written permission of city council in addition to all other permits required by this ordinance.

(9)

No person shall be permitted to erect more than one street clock at any one business location.

(10)

Only the name of the owner, proprietor, or manager of the place of business erecting and maintaining such clock, and the nature of the business, shall be permitted as advertising matter on such clock.

(11)

Street clocks shall keep accurate time and shall be promptly repaired or removed if this requirement is not complied with.

(12)

Clock signs shall only be located on property in commercial or industrial zoning districts.

(i)

Changeable copy signs.

(1)

No more than one sign per street frontage of any premises shall contain changeable copy.

(2)

The area of changeable copy shall not exceed 32 square feet per sign face with no more than 4 lines of copy. Copy height shall be eight inches maximum and four inches minimum.

(3)

Changeable copy shall be securely fastened to the sign face and neatly maintained to appear as initially designed and placed.

(j)

Directory signs. Signs identifying the name of the development, multiuse activities within shopping centers, or office complexes, shall be permitted subject to the following standards:

(1)

The location of such signs shall not create a hazard or conflict with the movement of pedestrian or vehicular traffic and shall be set back at least 30 feet from any street or driveway intersection or shall be erected flat against a principal building.

(2)

The sign shall be compatible to the materials, colors, and architecture of the design for the development.

(3)

The sign shall conform with the size requirements for freestanding signs, as set forth in section 905(b).

(4)

A maximum of one sign per establishment or use shall be permitted per directory sign face, and only the official logo or principal name of uses within the development shall be erected on the directory sign, in addition to the name of the overall development.

(5)

No additional freestanding sign shall be permitted on the same lot or tract of land where a directory sign is provided and available for each principal use.

(Ord. of 1-4-2007)

(a)

Nonconforming signs, which met all legal requirements when erected, may stay in place, provided that within 90 days of the effective date of this ordinance the owner of the non-conforming sign or his designee registers the sign with the city. Such registration shall contain the information listed in section 902 and shall specify the sign being registered as non-conforming and shall state that the sign was completely installed before the effective date of this ordinance. The payment of a fee is not required for the registration of a nonconforming sign. Nonconforming signs shall be permitted until one of the following conditions occurs:

(1)

The deterioration of the sign or damage to the sign makes it a hazard or unsightly.

(2)

Ninety days have expired from the effective date of this ordinance without the sign being registered.

(b)

No changes in shape, size, or design, shall be permitted except to make a nonconforming sign comply with all requirements of this ordinance.

(c)

A nonconforming sign may not be replaced by another nonconforming sign except where changed conditions beyond the control of the owner render the sign nonconforming or warrant the sign's repair.

(Ord. of 1-4-2007)

(a)

Signs erected by a public officer in the performance of his duties including, but not limited to, public notices, safety signs, danger signs, traffic and street signs, memorial plaques, and historical markers, shall be exempt from the provisions of this ordinance.

(b)

The following types of signs shall be exempt from the permit requirements of this ordinance and shall not count towards the maximum aggregate sign area limits provided in section 904(f):

(1)

Temporary political signs concerning candidates for public office and ballot issues not exceeding four square feet in area. Such signs shall be erected no earlier than 60 days prior to an election or referendum and removed no later than seven days after the election or referendum.

(2)

Temporary signs advertising the date, time, and location of a garage or yard sale and not exceeding four square feet in area. Such signs shall be posted no more than three days prior to and removed one day after the sale.

(3)

Signs attached to the inside of a window and not exceeding four square feet in area which do not exceed 20 percent of the area of the window pane.

(4)

Signs which are an integral part of the historic character of a landmark building or historic district.

(5)

Flags of any government or governmental agency or any patriotic, religious, charitable, civic, educational or fraternal organization not exceeding 40 square feet in area.

(6)

Temporary signs in conjunction with special events such as a philanthropic campaign or church, circus, carnival, or other community activity. Such signs shall not be erected more than 14 days in advance of the event, and shall be removed within three days after the termination of the event.

(7)

Temporary displays or decorations customarily associated with any national, state, local, or religious holiday or celebration. Such signs shall be erected no more than 45 days before and removed no later than 14 days after the celebration.

(8)

Temporary banners shall not be erected more than 14 days in advance of the event, and shall be removed within three days after the termination of the event.

(9)

Temporary signs identifying the architect, engineer, developer, or contractor when placed upon construction sites and not exceeding 64 square feet in area. Such signs shall not be erected prior to approval of a site plan and shall be removed no later than seven days after completion of the project.

(10)

Home and commercial building occupational signs identifying the name and profession of the occupant(s) and not exceeding two square feet in area.

(11)

Memorial or commemorative plaques or tablets denoting a building name and/or date of erection or a location of historic significance and not exceeding four square feet in area.

(12)

Property identification signs indicating the address and/or name and not exceeding two square feet in area for residential land uses or five square feet in area for nonresidential land uses.

(13)

On premises, no trespassing, no hunting, and similar public notice type signs less than six square feet in area, provided no such sign shall be allowed on any public right-of-way.

(14)

Non-illuminated signs, having a sign area of less than 2.5 square feet and not exceeding three in number, provided they are not located in the public right-of-way. Such signs on commercial or industrial zoned parcels shall be limited to four times a year for a period of ten days at a time. Each period of display shall be separated by at least 30 days.

(15)

Information signs of a public utility regarding its poles, lines, pipes, or facilities.

(16)

Instructional signs having a sign area of less than 2.5 square feet.

(Ord. of 1-4-2007)