Brunswick City Zoning Code
CHAPTER 1270
Signs
1270.01 PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES.
(a) Purpose. It is the purpose of these regulations to permit the use of signs as a means of communication in the City; to maintain and enhance the City's natural and manmade environment; to encourage an attractive and healthy economic environment; to minimize the possible adverse effects of signs on nearby public and private property; and to enable the fair and consistent enforcement of these sign regulations.
(b) Objectives. It is further the purpose of this chapter to achieve the following signage objectives through regulation of signs, including provisions to control the type, design, size, location and maintenance thereof:
(1) To promote clarity and effectiveness in sign communications, by encouraging signs of high quality graphic design that are visible, legible and readable in the circumstances in which they are seen;
(2) To protect the. general public from damage and injury caused by the distractions, hazards and obstructions caused by signs of excessive size or number;
(3) To eliminate any conflict between signs which would be hazardous to the safety of the motoring public or pedestrians;
(4) To control the design of signs so that their appearance will be aesthetically harmonious with their surroundings;
(5) To promote attractive and maintain high value residential districts;
(6) To provide reasonable, yet appropriate, conditions for signs in nonresidential districts by relating the size, type and design of signs to the type and size of establishments;
(7) To ensure among businesses an equitable distribution of the right to identify a place or activity with a visible on-premises sign by preventing signs which block other signs and cause confusing visual clutter;
(8) To provide for appropriate signs for the encouragement of industrial development; and
(9) To preserve the value of property by assuring the compatibility of signs with surrounding land uses.
(c) Findings. The purposes and objectives stated above are based on the following findings concerning signs:
(1) Without adequate regulation and design standards, signs are a nuisance;
(2) That business and other institutions located along public and private streets have a need to identify themselves and their activities to motorists and pedestrians by means of signs;
(3) That excessive signs with respect to structural type, size and number create dangerous traffic conditions, intrude on motorist and pedestrian enjoyment of the natural and manmade beauty of the City, and as such, are detrimental to the public health, safety and general welfare of the City;
(4) In view of the foregoing, all signs not conforming with the provisions of this chapter are hereby declared a nuisance. lt is further declared that the regulations contained in this chapter are necessary to abate the nuisance and to achieve the purposes of this chapter;. and
(5) Regulation of certain types of signs, including instructional and nameplates/addresses, are necessary to protect the health, safety and welfare of the residents of the City.
(Ord. 20-13. Passed 4-22-13.)
1270.02 GENERAL PROVISIONS.
The following regulations shall apply to all signs in the City:
(a) No sign shall be erected unless it is in compliance with the regulations of this Chapter and the Building Code.
(b) No sign shall obstruct or interfere with traffic or traffic visibility, or resemble or imitate signs or signals erected by the City or other governmental agency for the regulation of traffic or parking.
(c) No sign, whether free standing, ground-mounted or attached to a building or other structure, may project over any public street, sidewalk or other public right-of-way, except as expressly permitted in this Chapter.
(d) Any Sign which is permanently mounted shall bear, in a permanent position, a clearly legible identification stating the name and address of the owner of the sign, and the person, firm or corporation responsible for its construction, and the date of erection.
(e) No sign shall be permitted as the principal use on a premises. Signs shall only be permitted as accessory uses. (Ord. 20-13. Passed 4-22-13.)
1270.03 MEASUREMENT STANDARDS.
The area of a sign shall be determined as follows:
(a) Free-standing. The area of a free-standing sign includes all lettering, wording and accompanying designs and symbols, together with the background, whether open or enclosed, on which they are displayed, but does not include any supporting framework, bracing or other structure incidental to the display. When a sign has two identical sides, back-to-back, the area shall be calculated for one side only. When a sign has more than two sides, the total area of all sides of the sign shall not exceed twice the maximum area for a two-sided sign.
(b) Wall Sign. For a wall sign, the sign area is considered to include all lettering, wording, accompanying designs or symbols and background material, but does not include any supporting framework and bracing which are incidental to the display. Where the sign consists of individual letters or symbols attached to, or painted on, a building surface or window, the area shall be considered to be only the rectangular area of the letters or symbols.
(c) Maximum Area. For wall signs, the maximum area is based on the horizontal width of the wall on which the sign is attached.
(d) Lettering Size. Except as otherwise provided herein, lettering on all signs shall be a minimum of two (2) inches in height.
(Ord. 20-13. Passed 4-22-13.)
1270.04 GENERAL DESIGN CRITERIA.
A sign, as permitted in the various zoning districts in the City, and as described in Tables A through C, Basic Design and Regulatory Elements, shall be designed, constructed and maintained to conform to the purposes and objectives in Section 1270.01; as well as the following general design criteria:
(a) Flashing Light. No sign shall have animation, moving parts, flashing lights or changing colors, except part of a sign, which by means of changes in copy or moving parts, indicates time or temperature. Signs may be illuminated by either external or internal sources of light. However, no illuminated sign shall be permitted where any part of such sign flashes on or off or displays changing degrees of intensity. This regulation applies to signs located outside buildings and to window signs inside buildings which can be observed from the outside.
(b) Visibility at Intersections. No temporary or permanent sign over 3.75 feet in height shall be erected or maintained within fifty feet of an intersection, as measured from the point of intersection of the right-of-way lines.
(c) Horizontal Dimensions. Required setbacks from property or right-of-way lines shall be the horizontal distance between the sign structure and the property or right-of-way line. No portion of the sign shall extend across a right-of-way or property line.
(d) Number of Signs. The number of signs permitted shall be subject to the requirements of Tables A through C, Basic Design and Regulatory Elements, which follow the text of this chapter.
(Ord. 20-13. Passed 4-22-13.)
1270.05 TABLES OF BASIC DESIGN AND REGULATORY ELEMENTS.
All signs are subject to Tables A through C, Basic Design and Regulatory Elements, which follow the text of this chapter.
(Ord. 20-13. Passed 4-22-13.)
(Ord. 20-13. Passed 4-22-13.)
1270.06 INSTRUCTIONAL SIGNS.
Instructional signs that are clearly intended for instructional purposes shall be permitted as needed provided such signs comply with the following:
(a) The signs are not larger than necessary to serve the intended instructional purpose;
(b) The number of instructional signs located on the site are the minimum needed to serve the intended instructional purpose;
(c) (EDITOR’S NOTE: Former subsection (c) was repealed by Ordinance 33-2021, passed June 14, 2021.)
(d) The signs are not in a location and do not possess design characteristics that constitute or serve to attract attention beyond the perimeter of the site.
(Ord. 20-13. Passed 4-22-13.)
1270.07 WALL SIGNS.
All wall signs shall comply with the following standards:
(a) General. All wall signs are subject to the requirements of the Tables of Basic Design and Regulatory Elements in Tables Athrough C. ,Wall signs may be attached flat to, or pinned away from, the wall, but not project from the wall more than twelve inches.
(b) Multiple Signs. Where an activity or use has frontage on more than one dedicated right-of-way, such activity or use may display one wall sign oriented to each right-of-way. Where a building has multiple tenants or occupants, each tenant may display an individual wall sign. The maximum sign face for each tenant shall be determined by the horizontal width of the space occupied by the tenant.
(Ord. 20-13. Passed 4-22-13.)
1270.08 HIGH RISE SIGNS.
Each property/Unified Site located in C-H District or a conditionally permitted use under Section 1266.04(d) in the 1-L District within 900 feet of the centerline of Interstate 71 may have one High Rise Sign located in a commercial or industrial district and designed to be. seen from 1-71. Such High Rise Sign shall be an accessory use to a principally permitted or conditionally permitted use and shall be located within 900 feet of the 1-71 centerline and shall be located within 50 feet of the principal parking area for the property/Unified Site. Such High Rise Signs shall have a maximum area of 120 square feet. The top elevation of such High Rise Signs shall be less than 1220.5 feet USGS datum, which is equal to 55 feet above the pavement elevation of 1-71 at the S.R. 303 overpass. (Ord. 20-13. Passed 4-22-13.)
1270.09 CHANGEABLE COPY BOARDS.
Changeable copy boards are permitted, provided that the changeable copy portion of the sign does not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the total area of the sign.
(Ord. 20-13. Passed 4-22-13.)
1270.10 TEMPORARY SIGNS.
(a) Temporary signs are those designed to be used for a limited period of time and shall comply with the following:
(1) Temporary signs are permitted as provided in Tables A, Band C, except as otherwise provided by state and/or federal law. Such signs shall be subject to all requirements of the Ohio Basic Building Code, including the National Electric Code, and shall be located, used and maintained so as not to result in a hazard or nuisance for motorists or adjacent property owners.
(2) Notwithstanding the signs prohibited by Section 1270.11, the following types of signs are permitted as temporary signs:
A. Pennants or banners;
B. Signs constructed of nondurable material;
C. Revolving search light; and
D. Any other type of sign that is not expressly prohibited by this chapter.
(Ord. 20-13. Passed 4-22-13.)
(3) Temporary signs shall be removed within forty-eight (48) hours of expiration of the temporary sign permit. Temporary signs shall be permitted for not more than a total of fifty (50) days per calendar year, except as otherwise provided by state and/or federal law.
(Ord. 33-2021. Passed 6-14-21.)
(4) Temporary signs that are erected in order to advertise the sale or lease of real property upon which they are erected shall be removed within seven (7) days after the real property is sold or leased. There shall be no maximum number of days per calendar year such temporary signs may be permitted. No permit shall be required for temporary signs erected in order to advertise the sale or lease of real property.
(Ord. 20-13. Passed 4-22-13.)
(5) For commercial or industrial development, project signs shall not be erected prior to issuance of a building permit and must be removed upon issuance of a certificate of occupancy. Project signs for a residential subdivision shall be removed upon eighty percent (80%) occupancy of the development. (Ord. 113-2020. Passed 2-22-21.)
(b) Temporary relief from the temporary sign regulations shall be provided as follows:
(1) Persons and/or entities owning or leasing property in commercial or industrial zoning districts in the City upon which their business is located may, upon issuance of necessary permits by the City and execution of a Stipulated Agreement, in such form as promulgated by the City Manager, may erect authorized temporary signage in such manner as permitted by Section 1270.10(a) and (b).
(2) The maximum total number of permits and the durational requirements for display of temporary signage contained in Codified Ordinance Section 1270.10(a) shall be waived.
(3) The temporary relief granted herein is effective from November 15th through December 31st annually.
(4) The City Manager may, in his/her sole discretion, refuse to issue permits for temporary relief from the temporary sign regulations where the Applicant: (a) previously violated a Stipulated Agreement relative to such temporary relief; (b) is presently in violation of any regulations contained in Codified Ordinance Chapter 1270; or (c) is presently in violation of any other regulation of the Codified Ordinances, including, without limitation, the Building Code, the Zoning Code or the Business Regulation and Taxation Code.
(Ord. 96-2020. Passed 2-8-21.)
1270.11 PROHIBITED SIGNS.
The following types of signs are prohibited in the City, except as otherwise specifically authorized by this chapter:
(a) Portable signs or trailer signs;
(b) Roof signs;
(c) Projecting signs;
(d) Signs using flashing lights;
(e) Pennants or banners;
(f) A-frame or sandwich board signs;
(g) Signs resembling traffic control devices or signs;
(h) Merchandise, equipment, products, vehicles or other items not themselves for sale and placed for attention getting, identification or advertising purposes;
(i) Abandoned signs;
(j) Miscellaneous signs or posters tacked or posted on poles, walls, fences or other structures;
(k) Off-premises signs;
(I) Signs constructed of nondurable materials such as paper or cloth, except for temporary signs as specifically authorized by this chapter; and
(m) Pole Signs, as defined herein.
(Ord. 20-13. Passed 4-22-13.)
(n) Streamers. (Ord. 135-17. Passed 2-12-18.)
1270.12 NONCONFORMING SIGNS.
(a) Generally. In addition to providing specific standards for every new sign, this chapter is intended to cause every sign in violation of any provision of this chapter to eventually be removed, altered or replaced so as to conform with this chapter. This section shall be used in the regulation of nonconforming signs, in addition to the requirements for nonconformities in Chapter 1272.
(b) Authority to Continue Existing Nonconformities. A permanent sign which is nonconforming, which was erected pursuant to a City permit, which was in place on the effective date of this chapter and which remains or becomes nonconforming upon the adoption of this chapter, or any subsequent amendment thereto, may be continued only in accordance with the following regulations:
(1) Repairs. Ordinary repairs and nonstructural alterations may be made to a nonconforming sign. No structural alteration shall be made in, to or upon such nonconforming sign, except those required by law to make the sign conform to this chapter.
(2) Additions and enlargements. A nonconforming sign shall not be added to or enlarged in any manner, except to make the sign conform to this chapter.
(3) Moving. A nonconforming sign shall not be moved in whole or in part to any other location unless such sign and the use thereof is made to conform to this chapter.
(4) Restoration of damaged signs. A nonconforming sign, which is destroyed or damaged by fire or other cause to the extent that the cost of restoration thereof exceeds fifty percent of the replacement cost of such sign, shall not be restored unless it is made to conform to this chapter. If such damage or destruction is less than fifty percent of the replacement cost, no repair or construction shall be done unless restoration is started within six months from the date of the partial destruction and is diligently pursued to completion.
(5) Discontinuance of use. A nonconforming sign, the use of which is discontinued for thirty days, shall thereafter conform to this chapter.
(6) Change of use. Where a business use or identity associated with a non-conforming sign at the time of the adoption of this chapter thereafter terminates or changes, such termination or change of use shall require termination of the nonconforming sign, and such sign shall thereafter conform to this chapter.
(Ord. 20-13. Passed 4-22-13.)
1270.13 INFLATABLE SIGNS.
Inflatable signs referenced in this chapter pertain to all inflatable structures, signs, balloons, figures, sculptures, playground equipment, etc. used for the purpose of advertising and not intended for human occupancy.
Inflatable signs shall be permitted only in accordance with the following regulations and other applicable regulations of this chapter.
(a) The company that installs inflatable signs must be a properly registered contractor and provide a Certificate of Insurance in the amount of two million dollars ($2,000,000). No bond is required.
(b) Construction, erection, safety and maintenance of all inflatable signs shall be in accordance with all local and state regulations, including the International Fire Prevention Code and the current edition of the Ohio Building Code.
(c) Inflatable signs shall be secured in an approved manner so as not to encroach upon the air rights of adjoining properties, including street right-of- way.
(d) Inflatable signs shall not be installed below or within ten feet horizontally of any electrical conductors, phone conductors, CATV conductors, fire alarm conductors or any other similar installations.
(e) The inflatable structure shall be ground-mounted or attached to supports and guy wires ground-mounted or securely attached to the building roof, pending confirmation that the imposed loads of the inflatable do not exceed the live load used in its design. No inflatable structure will be permitted to be secured to any mechanical equipment, parapet walls or other items normally found on the roof of a structure.
(f) The location of the inflatable structure shall not create a nuisance to adjacent or surrounding properties.
(g) Each applicant must pay a fee of thirty dollars ($30.00) to obtain an inflatable sign permit.
(h) Each applicant who uses an inflatable display is limited to no more than four times per year.
(i) The duration of each inflatable display shall comply with conditions of Temporary Signs, as contained in Tables A-C.
(j) Each applicant who uses an inflatable sign is required to wait at least thirty days before subsequent use.
(k) No more than one inflatable sign shall be permitted at any one property and/or business unit.
(I) Signage on the inflatable shall be limited to no more than eight words.
(m) A special annual permit may be obtained for inflatable figures which shall not contain any form of lettering or advertisement. This permit will be allowed as a conditionally permitted use in the commercial districts, per Section 1274.16, and must be approved by the Planning Commission and City Council. Such permit must be obtained by a registered and bonded contractor for a twelve-month calendar year, renewable annually. The contractor must inspect the condition of the inflatable every thirty days for condition of the equipment and to ensure anchoring/structural devices are stable for the intended use. The Building Inspector must inspect the initial installation, as well as any annual renewals. The annual fee for this special permit shall be one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00).
(n) The contractor registered for installation of inflatables accepts full responsibility for the imposed design loads, and anchoring devices either ground-mounted or rooftop. The City reserves the right to request a report from an Ohio Registered Structural Engineer at the contractor's expense if questionable structural issues arise.
(o) Refer to Basic Design and Regulatory Elements Tables for modifications. (Ord. 20- 13. Passed 4-22-13.)
1270.14 ADMINISTRATION.
(a) Permit Required. Except as otherwise provided in these Codified Ordinances, no person shall erect, construct, enlarge, move or convert a sign in the City without first obtaining a permit for such sign from the Division of Building. A fee, as established in Chapter 1216, shall accompany an application for such permit. Where a non-conforming sign(s) exists on the property subject to a permit application, no permit shall issue until such time as such non-conforming sign(s) is made to conform with the requirements of this chapter. (Ord. 72-2021. Passed 9-27-21.)
(b) Permit Exceptions. The actions in subsections (b)(1) to (3) hereof do not require a permit for an existing conforming sign. Requirements for changes to nonconforming signs are set forth in Section 1270.12.
(1) Changing of the advertising copy or message on an existing changeable copy sign or a similar approved sign, whether illuminated or non-illuminated;
(2) Painting, repainting, cleaning or other normal maintenance and repair of a sign not involving structural changes or replacement of the plastic face, provided that it is due to a change caused by breakage and/or deterioration of the face and not for the substitution of a new or different advertisement; and
(3) Any other operation which does not modify the sign or sign structure for any existing conforming sign.
(c) Planning Commission Review. The Planning Commission shall review, as part of a site plan review, the site location of all free-standing identification signs.
(d) Maintenance. Every sign in the City, including signs for which a permit is not required, shall be maintained in good structural condition at all times. The Division of Building shall inspect and have the authority to order the repair, alteration or removal of signs which become dilapidated.
(e) Dangerous Signs. The Division may declare a sign unlawful and order its removal if it endangers public safety by reasons of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation or abandonment. Any such declaration shall state the reasons of the Division for stating that the sign constitutes a safety hazard to the general public.
(f) Removal by City. In emergency cases, the Division may cause the immediate removal of a dangerous or defective sign without notice. The cost of removal of the sign by the City shall be considered a debt owed to the City by the owner of the sign and the owner of the property, and may be recovered in an appropriate court action by the City or by assessment against the property. The cost of removal shall include any incidental expense incurred by the City in connection with the sign removal.
(g) Abandoned Signs. Except as otherwise provided in these Codified Ordinances, a non-conforming sign (including all pole signs) which is located on property which becomes vacant and unoccupied for a period of four months or more, or a sign which pertains to a time, event or purpose which no longer applies, shall be deemed to have been abandoned and must be removed and such signs are hereby declared to be a nuisance. All abandoned signs are prohibited and shall be removed by the owners of the signs or the owners of the property at such owners' expense. A monument or ground sign which is located on property which becomes vacant and unoccupied for a period of four (4) months or more, and otherwise conforms to the provisions of this chapter, shall have its sign face removed and made neutral by replacement of the former sign face with a opaque sign face, by reversing the existing sign face, by replacing the existing sign face with a sign face made of the same material and same background color or by replacing with a sign face indicating the availability of the premises upon which the sign is located; the conforming sign structure may remain in place. Abatement of nuisance abandoned signs shall be accomplished pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 678 of the Codified Ordinances. The penalty provisions of Chapter 678 shall be applicable to the abatement of nuisance abandoned signs.
(h) Building Code Review. All signs shall be subject to the applicable requirements of the Ohio Basic Building Code. In case of a conflict between any provision of this chapter and a provision of such Code, the more restrictive requirement shall apply.
(Ord. 20-13. Passed 4-22-13; Ord. 5-16. Passed 2-8-16.)
1270.15 DEFINITIONS.
(a) Sign. "Sign" means any display figure, painting, drawing, banner, flag, placard, pennant, poster or other device intended to be read from a dedicated right of way, which is designed, intended or used to convey a message, advertise, inform or direct attention to a person, institution, organization, activity, place, object or product. A sign may be a message painted or placed on, or attached directly or indirectly to, a structure, natural object or vehicle. For the purposes of construction and zoning regulations, including abandonment and removal of signs, "signs" includes "sign structure." "Sign" does not include the following: nameplates, house/address numbers, flags of a non-commercial symbolic meaning, public regulatory and safety devices authorized by the City or other regulatory agency, holiday decorations and postings evidencing property boundaries.
(b) Classification by Structural Type. (See Diagram attached hereto).
(1) "Changeable copy sign" means a sign utilizing letters or pictorial panels which are readily changeable, which are not bolted or otherwise fastened to the sign panel and which can be changed without the use of tools.
(2) "Free-standing sign" means a sign which is not attached to a building, fence or similar structure.
(3) "Ground sign" means a free-standing monument sign which has its supporting base designed as an integral part of the sign and which rests totally or primarily on the ground at grade level.
(4) "Illuminated sign" means a sign which transmits light, either by means of exposed tubing or lamps on its surface or internal light transmitted through sign faces.
(5) "Pole sign" means a sign not attached to a building, fence or similar structure, which is erected on a freestanding mast or pole(s), excluding High Rise Signs as provided in Section 1270.08.
(6) "Indirectly illuminated sign" means a sign which reflects light from an external source intentionally directed on it.
(7) "Portable sign" means a sign not permanently attached to the ground or a structure.
(8) "Projecting sign" means a sign, other than a wall sign, which is attached to and projects from a structure or building face.
(9) "Roof sign" means a sign which has its principal support on the roof or walls of a building and which has more than half of its vertical dimension above the roof peak or above an extension of the building facade.
(10) "Wall sign" means a sign painted on or attached to the exterior face of an exterior wall of a building, parallel with the wall and projecting not more than twelve inches therefrom.
(11) "Mural" means a graphic (artistic) expression applied directly to a building or structure, as defined in Section 1242.02(13), which is not intended for advertisement purposes.
(12) "Electronic moving message/digital display sign" means a sign, or portion thereof, that displays electronic text information; still images, graphics, or pictures, with or without information; defined by a small number of matrix elements using different combinations of light emitting diodes (LED's), fiber optics, light bulbs, or other illumination devices within the display area where the message change sequence is accomplished immediately or by means of face, repixalization, or dissolve modes. Electronic graphic display signs include computer programmable, microprocessor controlled electronic or digital displays.
(13) "Monument sign" means a sign whose vertical dimension is greater than its width, and whose lowest horizontal component that extends across the entire width of the sign is two feet or 1/4 of the width from the ground, or has a supporting base/columns resting totally or primarily at grade level. Monument signs shall be solely permitted on Unified Sites in accordance with the requirements of Table B.
(c) Other Definitions.
(1) "Abandoned sign" means a sign which no longer correctly identifies any person or advertises a bona fide business or activity conducted or product available on the premises where such sign is displayed.
(2) "Logo" means the distinctive, commonly recognized company signature, trademark or identifying symbol as used in company advertising, letterheads or other signage.
(3) "Nonconforming sign" means an advertising structure or sign which was lawfully erected and maintained prior to the enactment of this chapter and any amendments thereto, and which fails to conform to all applicable regulations and restrictions of this chapter.
(4) "Sign structure" means a structure which supports, has supported or is capable of supporting, a sign.
(5) "Unified Site" means a property or properties that are serviced by integrated and common parking areas, access drives and related design features, which may include commercial and/or industrial land uses.
(6) "Nameplate" means a sign indicating the name, address or profession of a person occupying a lot or a part of a building.
(7) “Instructional sign" means signs that are clearly intended for instruction purposes.
(Ord. 20-13. Passed 4-22-13.)
1270.16 MURALS.
Murals, as defined in Section 1270.15(b)(11 ), shall be a conditionally permitted use in the commercial districts in accordance with the following regulations and other applicable regulations of this chapter.
(a) The owner of record of the building or structure on which the proposed mural is to be placed shall, in writing, consent to the placement of said mural on the property and shall agree to restore the wall, facade or surface upon which the mural is placed to its prior existing condition if and at such time the mural is not maintained by the applicant.
(1) The permit application shall include a statement detailing the applicant's plans for the maintenance, repair or removal of the mural.
(2) Upon removal of the mural, the entire wall face shall be painted by the owner(s) or person in possession of the wall with quality exterior paint guaranteed by the manufacturer to last a period of ten years or more.
(b) Neither the mural, nor placement of the mural, shall constitute a significant traffic safety hazard; endanger public health or safety; or be injurious to the use and enjoyment of other property in the immediate vicinity of the proposed location.
(c) Murals shall be non-verbal, shall not include trademarks, excluding the nameplate of the artist.
(Ord. 20-13. Passed 4-22-13.)
1270.17 ELECTRONIC MOVING MESSAGE/DIGITAL DISPLAY SIGNS.
Electronic moving message/digital display signs, as defined in Section 1270.15(b) (12), shall be conditionally permitted only in the C-H Highway Interchange Commercial District, C-G General Commercial District, and the GWC Gateway Commercial District in accordance, with the following regulations and other applicable regulations of this chapter.
(a) Electronic moving message/digital display signs, as defined in Section 1270.15(b)(12), shall comply with the following:
(1) Frequency. Copy (lettering) change shall not be more frequent than once per 15 seconds. There shall be a three (3)-second "pause" in which a still image or blank screen is shown following every message.
(2) Prohibited signs.
A Flashing sign a directly or indirectly illuminated sign, or portion thereof, that exhibits changing light or color effect by any means, so as to provide intermittent illumination that changes light intensity in sudden transitory bursts and creates the illusion of intermittent flashing light by streaming, graphic bursts showing movement, or any mode of lighting which resembles zooming, twinkling, or sparkling;
B. Spinning;
C. Rotating; and
D. Video- imagery produced by signs that have the capability of processing up to 30 frames per second.
(3) Color. Copy (lettering) shall be limited to two colors on an electronic moving message/digital display sign with a uniform and non-changing contrasting background. Colors shall remain uniform and shall not alternate within any word or message.
(4) Illumination. An applicant shall provide a photometric plan outlining proposed illumination levels (in footcandles). Illumination levels shall not exceed one footcandle, as measured from adjacent rights-of- way and residential uses and districts.
(5) Spacing. There shall be a minimum distance of 70 feet between electronic moving message/digital display signs.
(6) Number of signs. One electronic moving message/digital display sign shall be permitted per unified site.
(7) Maintenance. At no time shall the total face illumination area fall below 98%.
(b) Electronic moving message/digital display signs shall be limited to ground signs only, subject to number, size, and setback requirements in Section 1270.05- Table B. The total height shall be a maximum of seven (7) feet above finished grade at the sign location, including berming, contouring, or mounding. The sign face shall have a maximum 5-ft. height and a maximum 2-ft. exposed base. The changeable copy portion shall not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the total area of the sign.
(c) All electronic moving message/digital display signs, and parts thereof, shall be securely constructed in conformance with applicable City Building, Fire and Electrical Codes, and the applicable standards of this chapter. All signs shall have a surface of facing materials which are durable for the intended life of the sign. All signs shall be attached in compliance with applicable local and state codes.
(Ord. 20-13. Passed 4-22-13.)
1270.99 PENALTY.
Any violation of this chapter where no penalty is otherwise specifically provided for shall result in a penalty as provided in Section 1244.99.
(Ord. 20-13. Passed 4-22-13.)
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EXHIBIT A
Table A: R-R, R-L, R-M Residential Districts Basic Design and Regulatory Elements | ||||||||
Type of Sign Permitted | Number of Signs Permitted | Maximum Sign Face (S.F.) | Minimum ROW Setback (ft.) | Side Line Setback (ft.) | Maximum Height (ft.) | Permit Required | Lighting Permitted | Other Special Requirements |
Ground (multi-family, residential development and conditional uses permitted in Residential Districts) | 1/entrance | 25 | 10 | 15 | 7' for sign face and maximum 2' high exposed base | Yes | Yes | |
Wall | 1 | One times wall width | Building | Building | --- | Yes | Yes | |
Temporary | 4 | 32 sq. ft./ property | Height of sign | 15 | 5 | Yes | No | |
Inflatable | 1 | Not to exceed height | Equal to height | Equal to height | 30 | Yes | Yes Int./Ext. | |
Instructional | See Section 1270.06 | 4 | 1 | 5 | 2 | Yes | Yes | See Section 1270.06 |
Table B: C-N, C-G, GW-C, C-O, AND C-H Commercial Districts Basic Design and Regulatory Elements | ||||||||
Type of Sign Permitted | Number of Signs Permitted | Maximum Sign Face (sq. ft.) | Minimum ROW Setback (ft.) | Side Line Setback (ft.) | Maximum Height (ft.) | Permit Required | Lighting Permitted | Other Special Requirements |
Wall: C-N, C-G, GW-C, and C-H Wall: C-O | 1 per street frontage/tenant 1 per street frontage/tenant | 2 times wall Width 1 times wall | Building Building | Building Building | ---- ---- | Yes Yes | Yes External only | Maximum area: 250 sq.ft. See Section 1270.07 Limited to either wall or ground |
Ground | 1 per street frontage | 40 | 2 | 15 | 7' for sign face and maximum 2' high exposed base | Yes | Yes Back lit or Internal | 25 ft. from Residential District. 500' minimum distance between signs. |
Monument- Unified Site with minimum of five (5) tenants and 15,000 square feet gross floor area | 1 per street frontage | 90 | 2 | 15 | 20 | Yes | Yes Back lit or Internal | 25 ft. from Residential District. 500' minimum distance between signs. |
Monument- Unified Site with minimum ten (10) tenants and 60,000 square feet gross floor area | 1 per street frontage | 160 | 2 | 15 | 40 | Yes | Yes Back lit or Internal | 25 ft. from Residential District. 500' minimum distance between signs. |
Pole | --- | --- | --- | ---- | ---- | --- | --- | Pole signs are prohibited. |
Table B: C-N, C-G, GW-C, C-O, and C-H Commercial Districts Basic Design and Regulatory Elements | ||||||||
Type of Sign Permitted | Number of Signs Permitted | Maximum Sign Face (sq. ft.) | Minimum ROW Setback (ft.) | Side Line Setback (ft.) | Maximum Height (ft.) | Permit Required | Lighting Permitted | Other Special Requirements |
High Rise | 1 | 120 | Located within 900' of the I-71 centerline & within 50' of the principal parking area | Located within 900' of the I-71 centerline & within 50' of the principal parking area | 55' above the pavement elevation of I-71 at the S.R. 303 overpass | Yes | Yes | |
Inflatable | 1 | Not to exceed height | Equal to height | Equal to height | 30 | Yes | Yes Int./Ext. | |
Murals | 1 per building | Entire area of bldg. wall on uninterrupted plane | --- | --- | --- | Yes | Yes | See Section 1270.16 |
Temporary | 4 | 32 sq. ft./property | Height of sign | 15 | 5 | Yes | No | |
Instructional | See Section 1270.06 | 4 | 1 | 5 | 2 | Yes | Yes | See Section 1270.06 |
Table C: I-L and I-D Industrial Districts Basic Design and Regulatory Elements | ||||||||
Type of Sign Permitted | Number of Signs Permitted | Maximum Sign Face (S.F.) | Minimum ROW Setback (ft.) | Side Line Setback (ft.) | Maximum Height (ft.) | Permit Required | Lighting Permitted | Other Special Requirements |
Wall | 1 per street frontage/tenant | 3 times the wall width | Building | Building | --- | Yes | Yes | See Section 1270.07 |
Ground | 1 per street frontage/entrance | 40 | 5 | 15 | 7' for sign face and maximum 2' high exposed base | Yes | Yes | More than 200 ft. from a residential district. 500' minimum distance between signs. |
Pole Signs | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | Pole signs are prohibited. |
Temporary | 4 | 32 sq.ft./property | Height of sign | 15 | 5 | Yes | No | |
Inflatable | 1 | Not to exceed height | Equal to height | Equal to height | 30 | Yes | Yes Int./Ext. | |
Instructional | See Section 1270.06 | 4 | 1 | 5 | 2 | Yes | Yes | See Section 1270.06 |
(Ord. 33-2021. Passed 6-14-21.)