(1)   BANNER, HORIZONTAL: A temporary horizontal sign composed of flexible material.

   (2)   BANNER, PROJECTING VERTICAL: A temporary vertical sign composed of flexible material, attached to two brackets that are affixed perpendicular to an exterior wall or column of a building.

   (3)   BLADE SIGN: A permanent sign composed of rigid material that hangs from a bracket or arcade. ATTACHED blade signs hang from a bracket permanently affixed to an exterior wall or column of a building. FREESTANDING blade signs hang from a bracket permanently affixed to a post that is separate from a building. ARCADE blade signs hang from an awning truss that is part of and/or attached to a building.

   (4)   DIRECTIONAL SIGN: A permanent sign that designates a functional aspect of a site such as the entrance or exit from a parking area, a loading area, a fire lane, or any similar feature approved by the Zoning Administrator.

   (5)   GROUND SIGN: A permanent sign displaying on the name of a multi-tenant complex, residential subdivision, or multi-family complex, and/or the respective address and that is placed along a street frontage as regulated in Article VIII. A ground sign is attached to one or two sides of a freestanding wall or other structure separate from a building.

   (6)   IDENTIFICATION SIGN: A permanent sign that displays the physical address of a building. The sign may also identify the occupant of a residence or the name of a building.

   (7)   MENU BOARD SIGN: A permanent sign displaying the menu of a restaurant.

   (8)   MONUMENT SIGN: A permanent sign that displays the name of a multi-tenant complex, no more than five (5) tenants within the subject complex, and the physical address of the complex. A monument sign is placed along a street frontage as regulated in Article VIII and is attached to one or two sides of a freestanding wall or other structure separate from a building.

   (9)   OUTDOOR MERCHANDISE: Items associated with a business use that are temporarily displayed outside the subject tenant space.

   (10)   PERMANENT SIGN: A sign displayed for an unrestricted period of time.

   (11)   POLITICAL SIGN: A temporary sign that supports or opposes a candidate for public office or supports or opposes a ballot measure.

   (12)   REAL ESTATE SIGN: A temporary sign pertaining to the sale, lease, or rental of property or a real estate “Open House” event or displaying information pertaining to the general contractor or architect of a permitted construction project.

   (13)   SIDEWALK SIGN: A temporary sign, placed on the property of a business to which it is associated, including but not limited to an A-frame or sandwich board sign.

   (14)   SIGN AREA: Unless otherwise specified in Article VIII, the area contained within the outer limits of the text, emblem, logo, or other display together with the material or color forming the background for the text, emblem, logo, or other display but not including the supporting structure or wall to which it is attached.

   (15)   TEMPORARY SIGN: Any sign displayed for a restricted period of time.

   (16)   TENANT DIRECTORY SIGN: A permanent sign listing various tenants in a multi-tenant complex that is located internal to the associated property.

   (17)   WALL SIGN: A permanent sign with only one sign surface that is attached parallel to an outside wall of a building. A wall sign may be painted on the wall surface or be of separate construction extending no more than ten (10) inches from the wall surface.

The following table (Table 8.1) shows which types of signs are allowed in each zoning district. An “X” means that type of sign is allowed. A blank means that type of sign is not allowed. A number in parentheses ( ) indicates additional conditions, provisions, and/or clarifications that will be found in the correspondingly numbered paragraphs in Section 8.03 of this Article.

 

   (1)   BLADE SIGNS shall require a building permit, comply with all provisions of Article VIII, and meet the following standards:

      (A)   One (1) blade sign, whether attached or freestanding, shall be allowed per tenant space.

      (B)   Blade signs shall not be placed so as to obstruct any windows or doorways.

      (C)   Blade signs shall be constructed of a rigid material, including but not limited to high-density urethane, and of sufficient density to resist gusts of wind.

      (D)   Blade signs shall be located no closer than five (5) feet from any other temporary or permanent sign.

      (E)   Blade signs may be illuminated by external light directed onto the sign, provided the light source is shielded and does not shine beyond the limits of the sign area it is intended to illuminate.

      (F)   The following requirements apply to ATTACHED blade signs:

         1)   Attached blade signs shall be fastened to a permanent bracket affixed perpendicular to a building support column or an exterior wall of the building.

         2)   For any building, the top of the attached blade sign shall be no higher than one (1) foot below the top of the building façade to which it is affixed.

         3)   For buildings of more than one story, the top of each attached blade sign shall be located no higher than the floor plate of the story directly above the associated tenant space.

         4)   The maximum allowed size shall be an area of twelve (12) square feet, no more than four (4) feet high, measured from the bottom to the top of the sign and/or bracket, and three (3) feet wide, measured from the wall surface to the outermost edge of the sign and/or bracket.

         5)   So as not to obstruct pedestrian or vehicular circulation, attached blade signs shall have a minimum clearance of eight (8) feet from the bottom of the sign or bracket to finished grade directly below.

         6)   Attached blade signs shall be located only on the exterior wall of the associated business, unless otherwise approved by the Zoning Administrator.

      (G)   The following requirements apply to FREESTANDING blade signs:

         1)   Freestanding blade signs shall be attached to a permanent bracket affixed to a post that is located:

            a)   On the subject property,

            b)   No further than fifteen (15) from the subject building entrance,

            c)   Within an established landscaped area, and

            d)   So as not to obstruct any sidewalk or vehicular passageway.

         2)   The maximum height from finished grade directly below the sign to the top of the sign and/or the post supporting the sign shall not exceed a height of five (5) feet.

         3)   The maximum allowed size of the sign shall be an area of twelve (12) square feet, no more than four (4) feet high, measured from the bottom to the top of the sign and/or bracket and three (3) feet wide, measured from the wall surface to the outermost edge of the sign and/or bracket.

      (H)   The following requirements apply to ARCADE blade signs:

         1)   Arcade blade signs shall be hung either parallel or perpendicular to the building from an awning truss that is part of and/or attached to a building.

         2)   So as not to obstruct pedestrian or vehicular circulation under, around or through the arcade, arcade blade signs shall have a minimum clearance of eight (8) feet from the bottom of the sign to finished grade directly below.

         3)   The sign shall not be illuminated.

         4)   The maximum allowed size shall be an area of twelve (12) square feet, no more than three (3) feet high and four (4) feet wide, measured from the outermost edge of the sign and/or bracket.

   (2)   DIRECTIONAL SIGNS shall be exempt from building permit, comply with all provisions of Article VIII, and meet the following standards:

      (A)   The maximum number of directional signs allowed shall be limited to the number required to safely inform the public as approved by the Zoning Administrator.

      (B)   The maximum allowed size of a directional sign shall be two (2) square feet in sign area.

      (C)   The directional sign may be either:

         1)   Freestanding, in which case the top of the sign shall not be more than five (5) feet above finished grade.

         2)   Placed flat against the façade of a building, in which case the top of the sign shall not be more than six (6) feet above adjacent finished grade directly below the sign.

      (D)   The directional sign may be illuminated by external light directed onto the sign, provided the light source is shielded and does not shine beyond the sign area it is intended to illuminate.

      (E)   If freestanding, the directional sign shall be set back a minimum of one (1) foot from any property line.

   (3)   GROUND SIGNS, whether new or modified, shall require a building permit, comply with all provisions of Article VIII, and meet the following standards:

      (A)   A ground sign is only permitted on the property of the associated multi-tenant complex, residential subdivision, or multi-family complex.

      (B)   A ground sign may include the name of a multi-tenant complex, residential subdivision or multi-family complex but shall not display the name and/or address of individuals within the respective uses. The physical address of a multi-tenant complex or multi-family complex may be placed on the sign. (See Figure 8.2, below.)

      (C)   All ground signs shall be located within a landscaped area no smaller than 120 square feet.

      (D)   No ground sign shall be allowed on the property of a multi-tenant complex that is displaying a monument sign. Before any building permit is issued for a ground sign, any existing monument sign shall be removed.

      (E)   The maximum allowed number of ground signs shall be:

         1)   For a multi-tenant complex, one (1) ground sign for each abutting arterial or collector street. (See Figure 8.3 for examples.)

         2)   No ground sign shall be allowed for a multi-tenant complex that has a wall sign for the overall complex.

         3)   For a residential subdivision where entrances are located on an arterial or collector roadway as defined in the General Plan, two (2) ground signs shall be allowed. If two signs are placed at one entrance, no ground sign shall be allowed at another entrance. (See Figure 8.4 for examples.)

      (F)   All ground signs shall be located:

         1)   Within fifty (50) feet of the driveway accessing the use or complex it serves.

         2)   Within ten (10) feet of the right-of-way line of the arterial or collector roadway on which it is located.

         3)   No closer than thirty (30) feet from any onsite ground sign and/or tenant directory sign and fifteen (15) feet from any offsite ground sign and/or tenant directory sign.

         4)   So as not to obstruct vehicular circulation, vehicular sight lines, and/or pedestrian circulation.

         5)   The ground sign must conform to all other standards for ground signs as stated in Article VIII.

      (G)   The maximum allowed area for a ground sign structure shall not exceed thirty-five (35) square feet, with a maximum height of five (5) feet from finished grade directly below the sign.

      (H)   The sign area (text, logo, and symbols) for a ground sign shall not exceed thirty-five (35) percent of the overall dimensions of the sign structure.

      (I)   A ground sign may be illuminated by one of the following methods:

         1)   External light directed onto the sign, provided the light source is shielded and does not shine beyond the sign area it is intended to illuminate.

         2)   Reverse pan channel text with halo lighting consisting of concealed lighting elements.

   (4)   IDENTIFICATION SIGNS shall be exempt from building permit, comply with all provisions of Article VIII, and meet the following standards:

      (A)   For all residential uses:

         1)   A maximum of two (2) identification signs are allowed for each lot, subject to the following:

            a)   One (1) identification sign displaying the address of the property shall be located at the driveway access, which may be within the required yard (setback) area.

            b)   An identification sign displaying the name of the residence shall not be located in the required yard (setback).

            c)   Properties fronting more than one (1) street or having two (2) or more driveways may display up to two (2) identification signs within the setback if the content is limited to the address.

         2)   The maximum allowed size of the identification sign structure shall be four (4) square feet. (Ord. #2007-05)

         3)   The identification sign may be freestanding but the height shall not exceed three (3) feet above finished grade directly below the sign.

         4)   The identification sign shall not be located in, or project into, any street or alley.

         5)   The identification sign may be illuminated by external lighting provided the light source is shielded and does not shine beyond the sign it is intended to illuminate.

      (B)   For non-residential uses only:

         1)   One (1) identification sign is allowed for each building.

         2)   Two (2) identification signs are allowed for a building that fronts on more than one street.

         3)   The maximum allowed size of the letters and/or numbers shall be twelve (12) inch font.

         4)   An identification sign for a multi-tenant complex shall be subject to the following:

            a)   For the building, the maximum allowed size of the letters and/or numbers shall be twelve (12) inch font.

            b)   For each tenant, the maximum allowed size of the letters and/or numbers shall be six (6) inch font.

         5)   An identification sign shall be placed on the exterior wall of the building. It shall not project more than three (3) inches from the wall and/or above the building façade.

         6)   An identification sign may be illuminated by one of the following methods:

            a)   External light directed onto the sign, provided the light source is shielded and does not shine beyond the sign area it is intended to illuminate.

            b)   Reverse pan channel text with halo lighting consisting of concealed lighting elements.

   (5)   MENU BOARD SIGNS shall be exempt from building permit, comply with all provisions of Article VIII, and meet the following standards:

      (A)   One (1) menu board shall be allowed per restaurant, whether it is an attached menu board or a sidewalk menu board.

      (B)   Menu board signs shall not be placed so as to obstruct any windows, doorways or other permanent signs.

      (C)   Menu board signs shall be made of rigid material of sufficient density so as to resist gusts of wind, including but not limited to high density urethane.

      (D)   The following requirements apply to ATTACHED menu boards.

         1)   A building mounted menu board sign shall be permanently affixed to the exterior wall or arcade column of a restaurant.

         2)   The maximum allowed size of the attached menu board sign shall be an area of ten (10) square feet, no more than four (4) feet high, and two and a half (2.5) feet wide.

         3)   The attached menu board sign shall not project more than three (3) inches from the exterior wall.

         4)   Attached menu boards shall be located a minimum of five (5) feet from any other permanent sign.

         5)   Attached menu board signs may be illuminated by external light directed onto the sign, provided the light source is shielded and does not shine beyond the sign area it is intended to illuminate.

      (E)   The following requirements apply to a freestanding SIDEWALK menu board.

         1)   Sidewalk menu board signs may be an A-frame type sign and shall be placed on the property of the business/complex where the restaurant is located.

         2)   Sidewalk menu board signs shall not obstruct pedestrian or vehicular passages.

         3)   The maximum allowed size of the sidewalk menu board sign shall be an area of ten (10) square feet, no more than four (4) feet high and two and one-half (2.5) feet wide.

   (6)   MONUMENT SIGNS, whether new or modified, shall require a building permit, comply with all provisions of Article VIII, and meet the following standards:

      (A)   A monument sign is only permitted on the property of a multi-tenant complex. It shall display the name of the multi-tenant complex and no more than five (5) of tenants within the subject complex. The physical address of the complex may also be displayed. (See Figure 8.5, below.)

      (B)   All monument signs shall be located within a landscaped area no smaller than 120 square feet.

      (C)   No monument sign is allowed on the property of a multi-tenant complex displaying a ground sign and/or existing monument sign. Prior to a building permit being issued for a monument sign, any existing ground sign and/or monument sign shall be permanently removed.

      (D)   The maximum allowed number of monument signs shall be:

         1)   One (1) monument sign for each abutting arterial, collector, or local street that is internal to the Town Center.

         2)   No monument sign is allowed on a minor collector street. (See Figure 8.6 for examples.)

      (E)   Unless otherwise approved by the Zoning Administrator, all monument signs shall be located:

         1)   Within fifty (50) feet of the driveway accessing the complex it serves.

         2)   Within twenty (20) feet of the right-of-way boundary line of the arterial or collector roadway on which it is located.

         3)   No closer than seventy-five (75) feet from any other onsite monument sign and/or thirty (30) feet from any other offsite monument sign.

         4)   So as not to obstruct vehicular circulation, vehicular sight lines, and/or pedestrian circulation.

         5)   In conformance with all other standards for monument signs as stated in Article VIII.

      (F)   The size of a monument sign structure shall be a maximum area of fifty-six (56) square feet, a maximum height of seven (7) feet from finished grade directly below the sign, and a maximum width of eight (8) feet.

      (G)   The total sign area (text, logo, and symbols) shall be a maximum of forty-six (46) square feet.

      (H)   To encourage artistic design that contributes to the unique quality and characteristics of Carefree, the Zoning Administrator may approve a maximum three- (3) foot projection along the top and/or two (2) sides of the monument sign structure that does not exceed 25% of the respective length of the top or sides of the monument sign.

      (I)   The maximum height of the letters or images on a monument sign shall be limited to the following:

         1)   Those identifying the name and/or logo of a multi-tenant complex shall be no more than twenty-four (24) inches in height.

         2)   Those identifying the name and/or logo for each tenant and/or the physical address of the complex shall be no more than twelve (12) inches in height.

      (J)   Two-sided monument signs shall display identical signage on both sides of the sign structure.

      (K)   A monument sign may be illuminated by one of the following methods:

         1)   Routed opaque sign panel with pushed through text and/or symbols, all consisting of completely opaque faces and transparent sides with halo lighting and concealed lighting elements.

         2)   Reverse pan channel text with halo lighting consisting of concealed lighting elements.

   (7)   TENANT DIRECTORY SIGNS shall require a building permit, comply with all provisions of Article VIII, and meet the following standards:

      (A)   Tenant directory signs are only allowed on the subject property of a multi-tenant complex, oriented toward internal traffic within the property/development, and are subject to the following:

         1)   If the subject property is less than two (2) acres in size:

            a)   Only one (1) tenant directory sign is allowed.

            b)   It shall be located no further than fifteen (15) feet from the building and adjacent to an established pedestrian walkway.

         2)   If the subject property is greater than or equal to two (2) acres in size:

            a)   A maximum of two (2) tenant directory signs are allowed, one (1) for each vehicular entry from a public street.

            b)   Each sign shall be located a minimum of thirty (30) feet from the public right-of-way.

      (B)   Tenant directory signs shall be located:

         1)   No closer than thirty (30) feet from any onsite ground sign, monument sign, or any other tenant directory sign,

         2)   No closer than fifteen (15) feet from any offsite ground sign, monument sign, or any other tenant directory sign, and

         3)   No closer than five (5) feet from any other temporary or permanent sign.

      (C)   The maximum allowed dimensions of a tenant directory sign shall be an area of twelve (12) square feet, no more than four (4) feet high and three (3) feet wide.

      (D)   The tenant directory sign shall be constructed of a rigid material, including but not limited to high-density urethane. Other similar materials may be approved by the Zoning Administrator.

      (E)   The maximum height of the letters or images on a tenant directory sign shall be limited to the following:

         1)   Those identifying the name, logo and/or physical address for a multi-tenant complex shall be no more than twelve (12) inches in height.

         2)   Those identifying the name and/or logo for each tenant shall be no more than eight (8) inches in height.

      (F)   Tenant directory signs may be illuminated by external light directed onto the sign, provided the light source is shielded and does not shine beyond the sign area it is intended to illuminate.

      (G)   An ATTACHED tenant directory sign shall be placed on the exterior wall of the building. It shall not project more than three (3) inches from the wall and shall be located no higher than two (2) feet below the top of the building façade.

      (H)   A FREESTANDING tenant directory sign shall meet the following requirements:

         1)   Shall be permanently affixed to a post constructed of Cor-ten steel. Other similar materials may be approved by the Zoning Administrator.

         2)   Shall not obstruct any sidewalk or vehicular passage.

         3)   The maximum height shall be seven (7) feet measured from the top of the freestanding tenant directory sign and post supporting it to finished grade directly below.

   (8)   WALL SIGNS, whether new or modified, shall require a building permit, comply with all provisions of Article VIII, and meet the following standards:

      (A)   Are limited to the name, logo, and address of an office, commercial, hotel, or resort use.

      (B)   Each tenant within a building is allowed one (1) wall sign.

      (C)   If the building fronts on two (2) streets or can be viewed from an arterial street, one (1) additional wall sign is allowed on a different façade.

      (D)   The maximum allowed size for a wall sign shall be as follows:

         1)   For buildings less than 5,000 gross square feet in area, the sign area shall not exceed one (1) square foot for every three (3) linear feet of frontage associated with the subject tenant.

         2)   For buildings 5,000 gross square feet or greater in area, the sign area shall not exceed one (1) square foot for every one (1) linear foot of frontage associated with the subject tenant.

      (E)   Multi-tenant complexes that do not have a ground sign or a monument sign are allowed one (1) wall sign subject to the following:

         1)   The wall sign shall only identify the multi-tenant complex. It may include the name or address, but shall not display the name and/or address of individual tenants.

         2)   The maximum allowed size of the wall sign shall be an area of twenty-four (24) square feet, no more than four (4) feet high and six (6) feet wide.

         3)   The maximum allowed height of the individual letters or symbols on the wall sign shall be twenty-four (24) inches.

      (F)   The top of the wall sign shall be no higher than two (2) feet below the top of the building façade to which it is affixed.

      (G)   For buildings of more than one story, the top of each wall sign shall not be located higher than the floor plate of the story directly above the associated tenant space.

      (H)   The wall sign shall not project more than ten (10) inches from the wall.

      (I)   The wall sign shall be located no closer than five (5) feet from any other temporary or permanent sign unless otherwise approved by the Zoning Administrator.

      (J)   A wall sign may be illuminated by one of the following methods:

         1)   External light directed onto the sign, provided the light source is shielded and does not shine beyond the sign area it is intended to illuminate.

         2)   Reverse pan channel text with halo lighting consisting of concealed lighting elements.

   (9)   BANNER SIGNS, HORIZONTAL shall require a temporary sign permit, comply with all provisions of Article VIII, and meet the following standards:

      (A)   No more than one (1) horizontal banner sign is allowed for each tenant occupying a minimum leasable area of five thousand (5,000) square feet.

      (B)   Businesses displaying a horizontal banner shall not also display a projecting vertical banner or sidewalk sign.

      (C)   The horizontal banner sign shall be subject to the following standards:

         1)   Shall be constructed of vinyl, cloth or similar material with folded and sewn edges.

         2)   The maximum size of the horizontal banner shall be an area of thirty-six (36) square feet, no more than three (3) feet high, and twelve (12) feet wide.

         3)   If attached to a wall, shall be parallel with the wall to which it is affixed.

         4)   Shall not be located on the rooftop.

         5)   Shall not be located higher than four (4) feet below the top of the building façade.

         6)   If hanging from an arcade, shall have a minimum clearance of eight (8) feet and shall not obstruct pedestrian circulation.

         7)   Banners shall not be illuminated.

         8)   A maximum of four (4) temporary sign permits may be issued per calendar year for horizontal banners.

      (D)   A non-profit 501(c)3 organization hosting a special event held on PRIVATE property shall be subject to the following standards for horizontal banners:

         1)   Horizontal banners related to a special event do not require a temporary sign permit but are regulated in association with the Special Event Permit.

         2)   Horizontal banners related to a special event may be displayed on either private property or public right-of-ways as approved by the Zoning Administrator in association with the Special Event Permit.

         3)   The maximum allowed size of a horizontal banner shall be an area of twelve (12) square feet, no more than three (3) feet high and four (4) feet wide.

         4)   The top of a horizontal banner sign staked to the ground shall not exceed a height of five (5) feet above the finished grade directly below the sign and shall not obstruct vehicular sight lines if placed near or adjacent to street right-of-ways.

   (10)   BANNER SIGNS, PROJECTING VERTICAL shall require a temporary sign permit, comply with all provisions of Article VIII, and meet the following standards:

      (A)   One (1) projecting vertical banner sign shall be allowed for each tenant space.

      (B)   A maximum of two (2) projecting vertical banners shall be allowed for each tenant space with more than thirty-five (35) continuous feet of building exterior.

      (C)   Businesses displaying a projecting vertical banner shall not also display a horizontal banner or sidewalk sign.

      (D)   Projecting vertical banners shall be constructed of vinyl, cloth, or similar material with folded and sewn edges.

      (E)   Projecting vertical banners shall be:

         1)   Located only on the exterior wall of the associated business, unless otherwise approved by the Zoning Administrator.

         2)   Fastened to two (2) permanent brackets affixed perpendicular to a building support column or an exterior wall of the building.

         3)   For all buildings, the top of the projecting vertical banner shall be no higher than one (1) foot below the top of the building façade to which it is affixed.

         4)   For buildings of more than one story, the top of each projecting vertical banner shall not be located higher than the floor plate of the story directly above the associated tenant space.

         5)   So as not to obstruct pedestrian or vehicular circulation, projecting vertical banners shall have a minimum clearance of seven (7) feet from the bottom of the sign or brackets to finished grade directly below.

      (F)   Projecting vertical banners and/or brackets shall be removed when not permitted and/or not in use. The maximum projection of any remaining fixture shall not exceed three (3) inches.

      (G)   Projecting vertical banners shall be located no closer than eight (8) feet from other projecting vertical banners and five (5) feet from any other temporary or permanent sign.

      (H)   No projecting vertical banner shall be illuminated.

      (I)   The maximum allowed size of the projecting vertical banner shall be an area of twelve (12) square feet, four (4) feet high, measured from the bottom to the top of the sign and/or bracket, and three (3) feet wide, measured from the wall surface to the outermost edge of the sign and/or bracket.

      (J)   A maximum of four (4) temporary sign permits may be issued per calendar year for projecting vertical banners.

   (11)   OUTDOOR MERCHANDISE shall be exempt from building permit, comply with all provisions of the Zoning Ordinance, and meet the following standards:

      (A)   Outdoor merchandise shall relate to the primary use of the business and shall not be considered signage as otherwise allowed in Article VIII.

      (B)   Outdoor merchandise shall be located:

         1)   No further than fifteen (15) feet from the building and adjacent to an established pedestrian walkway.

         2)   Outdoor merchandise shall not extend more than fifty (50) percent along the linear length of the building façade.

         3)   So as to not obstruct pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

   (12)   REAL ESTATE SIGNS shall be exempt from building permit, comply with all provisions of Article VIII, and meet the following standards:

      (A)   The maximum allowed size of the real estate sign shall be three (3) square feet in area, for example, one and one half (1.5) feet by two (2) feet as measured from outside of frame to outside of frame.

      (B)   A real estate sign shall be freestanding or, for a condominium, townhouse, or commercial unit, the sign may be placed in a window.

      (C)   Any freestanding real estate sign shall be mounted on single or double stakes or posts which shall be the only method of anchoring the sign to the ground, except for “Open House” signs, which shall be a sandwich or tent style.

      (D)   The maximum height of a freestanding real estate sign shall not exceed five (5) feet above finished grade directly below the sign, except for “Open House” signs, which shall not exceed a height of three (3) feet.

      (E)   Real estate signs shall have no riders or attachments, except for the following:

         1)   Real estate signs may have one (1) rider having maximum dimensions of 6" X 24", only displaying the name and/or contact information for the owner of the subject property, or the respective selling broker, architect, or contractor.

         2)   “For Sale” or “For Lease” signs may also have one (1) enclosed information box having maximum dimensions of 2" X 10" X 12"; or one (1) enclosed tube having maximum dimensions of 3" in diameter by 12" in length.

      (F)   Real estate signs shall not be illuminated.

      (G)   “For Sale” or “For Lease” signs shall be removed within five (5) days after the sale or lease of the property or building.

      (H)   A contractor’s or architect’s sign may only be displayed after a building permit has been issued and only during construction. It may include the name and telephone number of the general contractor and/or the architect, but no other information.

      (I)   For residential uses only:

         1)   One (1) “For Sale” sign, one (1) “Open House” sign, and one (1) contractor’s and/or architect’s sign are allowed onsite for each subject lot, house, or unit.

         2)   The maximum height of freestanding real estate signs, other than “Open House” signs, shall not exceed five (5) feet above finished grade directly below the sign.

         3)   In gated communities or non-gated condominium or townhouse complexes, only one (1) additional “For Sale” or “For Lease” sign may be displayed on common property at the entrance to the community or complex, subject to the following:

            a)   The homeowners’ association shall approve the additional sign.

            b)   The additional sign shall be either generic or branded by the homeowners’ association, and no real estate company name shall be shown.

            c)   When the subdivision has only one real estate company representing property within the subdivision, then, only during that time, such “For Sale” sign may contain the name of the subdivision or complex, the property address, and the name and/or logotype and phone number of the listing broker or agent.

            d)   The sign shall not exceed a height of five (5) feet.

         4)   For a property in a NEW single-family subdivision or for a unit in NEW condominium or townhouse complex:

            a)   A “For Sale” sign may contain only the name of the subdivision or complex, the property address, and the name and/or logotype and phone number of the listing broker.

            b)   A “Model Home” or “Sales Office” sign is allowed, which may contain only the words “Model Home” or “Sales Office,” the address of the property, and a directional arrow.

            c)   To advertise the entire subdivision or complex, one (1) “For Sale” sign, one (1) “Model Home” sign or “Sales Office” sign, and one (1) contractor’s or architect’s sign are allowed along each street frontage of the subdivision or complex. Each sign shall be freestanding.

            d)   New subdivisions or complexes with more than two hundred (200) feet of frontage along an arterial or collector road are allowed a maximum of two (2) onsite “For Sale” or “For Lease” signs per street frontage.

      (J)   For nonresidential uses only:

         1)   One (1) “For Sale” or “For Lease” sign is allowed on the exterior wall or window of each unit that is for sale or for lease.

         2)   A maximum of one (1) “For Sale” or “For Lease” sign and one (1) contractor’s or architect’s sign are allowed onsite for each street frontage for nonresidential properties with more than one tenant.

         3)   Nonresidential properties with more than two hundred (200) feet of frontage along an arterial road are allowed a maximum of two (2) onsite “For Sale” or “For Lease” signs per street frontage.

         4)   The maximum height of a freestanding real estate sign shall not exceed five (5) feet above finished grade directly below the sign.

         5)   If the real estate sign is attached to a building, the top of the sign shall not project above the building façade.

      (K)   “Open House” signs are further regulated as follows:

         1)   An “Open House” sign is allowed only for any residential use and nonresidential condominiums.

         2)   An “Open House” sign shall be a sandwich or tent style with a maximum height of three (3) feet.

         3)   An “Open House” sign shall contain the words “Open House” and/or an arrow. It may also include:

            a)   The address of the property, and/or

            b)   The name and/or logotype of the listing broker, or agent and/or their contact information, or

            c)   If the home is “For Sale by Owner” (“FSBO”), the name and/or contact information of the property owner or their representative.

         4)   An “Open House” sign may only be displayed during the actual hours of the open house and while the property owner or selling broker/representative is present at the open house.

         5)   “Open House” signs shall have no riders or attachments, except one (1) rider having maximum dimensions of 6" X 24", only displaying the name and/or contact information for the owner of the subject property, or the respective selling broker.

         6)   One (1) onsite “Open House” sign is allowed on the subject property. No permit is required for this sign.

         7)   In addition to the onsite “Open House” sign, up to eight (8) additional offsite “Open House” signs located in the Town right-of-way may be allowed per any one (1) open house, subject to the following:

            a)   Pursuant to Carefree Town Code Article 11-3, Section 11-3-3, an open house sign permit is required for offsite “Open House” signs.

            b)   An offsite “Open House” sign shall pertain only to a property located in the Town of Carefree.

            c)   One (1) “Open House” sign is allowed at the intersection of two (2) or more streets.

            d)   Two (2) signs are allowed at street intersections on Cave Creek Road or Tom Darlington Drive, one on each side of the right-of-way.

            e)   Properties which are not located at the corner of an intersection, but which have access fronting Cave Creek Road or Tom Darlington Drive, may have one (1) sign in the right-of-way on the side opposite to their property.

            f)   One (1) sign may be placed in the right-of-way where a curve in the street is sharper than a right angle, but where there is no intersecting street.

            g)   For gated communities, one (1) “Open House” sign may be placed at the entrance in the common area or the right-of-way adjacent to the gated entrance. Such sign shall be approved by the respective homeowners’ association.

            h)   Signs are not allowed in any medians that divide portions of paved or unpaved roads

            i)   The “Open House” sign shall be placed a minimum of one (1) foot behind the curb. If no curb is present, signs shall be located a minimum of three (3) feet from the edge of the pavement.

            j)   No sign shall be placed so as to obstruct pedestrian, bicycle, and/or vehicular traffic and visibility.

            k)   Sign placement and/or quantity of signs, other than as described above, may be approved by the town zoning administrator.

   (13)   SIDEWALK SIGNS shall be exempt from a permit, comply with all provisions of Article VIII, and meet the following standards (Ord. #2010-06; #2010-11; #2011-08, #2012-04):

      (A)   A maximum of one (1) sidewalk sign is allowed for each business located within Commercial (C) and/or Garden Office (GO) zoning and that is licensed with the Town of Carefree.

      (B)   A business displaying a sidewalk sign shall place the business name on the associated sign in a minimum size 12 font.

      (C)   The maximum allowed size shall be three and one-half (3.5) feet high and two and one-half (2.5) feet wide.

      (D)   A sidewalk sign shall be located no further than thirty-five (35) feet from the door of the primary customer entrance into the building of the associated business.

      (E)   A sidewalk sign shall be placed on the subject property in which the business is located and not within the public right-of-way. The Zoning Administrator may approve a request to locate a sidewalk sign in a landscape island located in the right-of-way and within thirty-five (35) feet from the door of the primary customer entrance of the associated business.

      (F)   A sidewalk sign shall not obstruct any pedestrian walkway, traffic circulation, and/or traffic line-of-sight, as determined by the Zoning Administrator.

      (G)   Any sidewalk sign must be removed each day upon the close of business.

      (H)   Sidewalk signs shall be constructed as follows:

         1)   Of a minimum one-half (½) inch thick high density exterior grade compressed wood, including but not limited to Omega or Medium Density Overlay board.

         2)   Of sufficient weight so as to resist wind gusts, storms, etc.

         3)   Sidewalk signs shall not be constructed of paper, poster board, or cardboard.

      (I)   No sidewalk sign shall be illuminated.

   (1)   Unless otherwise provided by this Article, all signs shall be located on the subject property.

   (2)   A temporary sign permit shall be issued for one (1) calendar month. For example, a permit issued on the first of the month will expire on the last day of that month; a permit issued on the 15th of the month will also expire on the last day of that month; etc.

   (3)   Signs for a private guard or security company and/or “no trespassing” signs are allowed and do not require permits provided each sign does not exceed one (1) square foot in area and two (2) feet in height from finished grade directly below the sign. No more than two (2) signs per street frontage are allowed.

   (4)   All signs associated with a business that has closed shall be removed by the landlord or property owner within five (5) working days of the date of closure.

   (5)   Except for wall signs, all signs may be back-to-back (double-sided). Each side may not exceed the maximum dimension stated for each respective type of sign.

   (6)   Unless otherwise provided by this article, sign height shall be measured from the finished grade directly below the sign to the top of the sign. Fill shall not be added for the purpose of elevating the sign.

The following signs are prohibited:

   (1)   Illuminated signs, except as specifically allowed by this Ordinance.

   (2)   With the exception of “open” signs placed in a commercial window, signs that use movement, lighting, or animation to give the illusion of action are prohibited. Such signs, without limitation, include the following:

      (A)   Revolving signs.

      (B)   Flashing signs with intermittent lighting and/or varying intensities of light, including a moving light or lights.

      (C)   Signs illuminated by internal lighting or by lights that are external but integral to the sign, such as bulbs or neon tubing that display a business logo or spell out the sign message.

   (3)   Signs that give off any sound.

   (4)   Any sign located above the eaves or parapet or attached to the roof of a building.

   (5)   Window signs, including pictures, symbols, or combinations thereof designed to communicate information about an activity, business, commodity, event, sale, or service, except those that are:

      (A)   For commercial uses only:

         1)   Placed inside a window or upon the window panes or glass and visible from the exterior of the window, and

         2)   Which, in combination, encompass no more than ten (10) square feet or twenty five percent (25%) of the subject window area, whichever is smaller.

      (B)   Otherwise provided for in Article VIII.

   (6)   Search lights or beacons.

   (7)   Flags, pennants, tethered balloons, or similar devices used for commercial advertisement.

   (8)   Signs attached to utility poles or other structures or located on the ground within the right-of-way of public or private streets, except as specifically allowed in this Ordinance or the Carefree Town Code.

   (9)   Signs not expressly allowed in this Article.

The following types of signs are exempt from regulation provided they meet all other requirements of this Article:

   (1)   Non-commercial flags:

      (A)   With a maximum height of twenty four (24) feet as measured from the top of the flagpole to finished grade directly below.

      (B)   That are less than an area of twenty-four (24) square feet in size and no more than four (4) feet high and six (6) feet wide.

      (C)   That are only flown between sunrise and sunset.

   (2)   One temporary political sign per lot per candidate and/or issue provided the size of each sign does not exceed three (3) square feet in area, for example eighteen (18) inches by twenty-four (24) inches. The sign shall be removed within fifteen (15) days of the results of the associated election.

   (3)   Political signs located in the Town of Carefree right-of-ways pursuant to Carefree Town Code Article 11-3 and Carefree Resolution 2012-01.

   (4)   A name plate of no more than one (1) square foot adjacent to an entry door.

   (5)   Signs displayed by the Town of Carefree for government or other public purposes.

   (1)   This section provides for the regulation of legal nonconforming signs. These regulations are designed to protect the rights of legally existing nonconforming signs but not promote expansion or enlargement of the signs.

   (2)   A legal nonconforming sign under this Ordinance is any sign lawfully erected under County zoning regulations at the effective date of incorporation, annexation, or under previous zoning regulations in effect at the time of adoption of this Ordinance or any amendment thereof, unless otherwise specified in Article VIII.

   (3)   No expansion or physical alteration that exceeds twenty-five (25) percent of the sign area or structure shall be made to any nonconforming sign unless such expansion conforms to the regulations specified in this Article.

   (4)   Any nonconforming sign which has been damaged by fire, flood, explosion, earthquake, war, riot, or act of God may be reconstructed and used as before, if done within six (6) months of such calamity. The Town Council, after review and recommendation by the Development Review Board, may determine that further delay in reconstruction was caused by unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of the owner and permit a reasonable extension of time for reconstruction. Any applicable regulations may be waived by the Town Council provided the restored sign is not more nonconforming than that which existed at the time of the calamity.

   (5)   Any nonconforming sign which ceases to be used for a period exceeding six (6) months shall be removed or converted to a conforming sign (except as provided in the preceding paragraph). A nonconforming sign shall not be changed to a different nonconforming use. This shall not prevent a change in ownership of the subject nonconforming sign.

   (1)   Purpose.

      (A)   The purpose of this Section is to provide a process to respond to special signage needs of proposed or existing uses, as well as to promote superior sign design, materials, and installation methods.

      (B)   A Comprehensive Sign Program (CSP) provides for flexibility to develop innovative, creative and effective signage and to improve the aesthetics of the Town.

   (2)   Applicability.

      (A)   All proposed or existing nonresidential multi-tenant complexes and/or mixed use developments.

   (3)   Review criteria.

      (A)   Applications for a Comprehensive Sign Program shall be reviewed and approved by the Planning Director. The Director may approve a CSP containing elements which exceed the permitted height, area, and number of signs specified in this Sign Ordinance if the CSP conforms to required findings as well as incorporates special design features that encourage quality signage.

      (B)   The required findings are as follows:

         1)   The development site contains unique or unusual physical conditions, such as topography, size, or relation to a public street that would limit or restrict normal sign visibility; or

         2)   The proposed or existing development exhibits unique characteristics of land use, architectural style, site location, physical scale, historical interest, or other distinguishing features that represent a clear variation from conventional development.

      (C)   Special design features include, but are not limited to:

         1)   Dimensional letters: Pan channel letters without raceways, non-illuminated reverse pan channel or flat cut out aluminum letters, or internal/indirect illuminated halo channel letters, on an unlit or otherwise indistinguishable background on a freestanding sign or building wall.

         2)   Simplified letter and/or logo copy to encourage easily recognizable business identification while simplifying the appearance of a streetscape.

         3)   Sign structure materials that utilize native or natural materials in the construction of sign structures resulting in improved and innovative sign design and an improved image of a business or development.

         4)   Sign structure which blends with the development site that incorporates a major element of a building façade or significant landscape feature, resulting in the creation of a unique image for a development.

   (4)   Sign Permit Required

      (A)   A sign permit is required for the construction and placement of individual signs contained in an approved Comprehensive Sign Program.

      (B)   All signs located in a multi-tenant complex or mixed use development are required to comply with the CSP, if such plan has been approved by the Town.

   (5)   CSP Submittal Requirements shall include the following:

      (A)   A CSP shall be prepared by a graphics design professional.

      (B)   A site plan to scale of the overall development, including all parcels included within the multi-tenant complex;

      (C)   The location(s) and sizes of existing and proposed buildings, parking lots, driveways, streets and landscaped areas of the development;

      (D)   The size, location, height, color, lighting source, and orientation of all proposed signs for the development, with a computation of sign area for each sign type;

      (E)   A complete set of standards, including but not limited to, letter size, style, colors, type(s), placement, number of signs and sign material(s), and illumination method (if applicable);

      (F)   A narrative description of the development to demonstrate that the sign program meets the required findings and/or sign design standards;

      (G)   Any other information deemed necessary to meet the findings noted above.