Cassville City Zoning Code
ARTICLE X
Sign Regulations
Section 400.590 Intent and Purpose.
[R.O. 1997 §400.590; Ord. No. 1088 §2, 12-9-1991; Ord. No. 1746, 4-13-2015; Ord. No. 1910, 12-10-2024]
A.
It is the intent and purpose of these Sign Regulations to qualify, supplement, or define the allowable uses of the several types of signs allowed in the district regulations appearing elsewhere in this Article; and to accomplish the following intent:
1.
To encourage the reasonable, orderly and effective display of signs;
2.
To enhance the physical appearance of the City;
3.
To reduce visual clutter;
4.
To prevent blighting influences;
5.
To protect property values;
6.
To provide minimum standards to safeguard life, health and property by regulating and controlling the size, height, design, quality of materials, construction locations, electrification and maintenance of all signs and sign structures; and
7.
To authorize the use of signs which are compatible with their surroundings.
Section 400.600 Use Regulations.
[R.O. 1997 §400.600; Ord. No. 1088 §2, 12-9-1991; Ord. No. 1746, 4-13-2015; Ord. No. 1910, 12-10-2024]
Any sign shall, by definition, be a structure. No land or building or structure shall be used for sign purposes except as allowed in the sign use regulations herein. No sign shall be erected, enlarged, constructed, or otherwise installed without first obtaining a sign permit, and a sign permit shall be legally issued only when in compliance with this Article. All signs shall be constructed in such a manner and of such material that they shall be safe and substantial. Scale drawings of the sign and manner of supports shall be furnished to the Utility Billing Clerk in application for a sign permit for all signs.
Section 400.610 Classifications; Definitions.
[R.O. 1997 §400.610; Ord. No. 1088 §2, 12-9-1991; Ord. No. 1108 §§4 — 5, 10-12-1992; Ord. No. 1746, 4-13-2015; Ord. No. 1910, 12-10-2024]
A. BILLBOARD SIGN (OFF-PREMISES SIGN) BULLETIN BOARD SIGN BUSINESS SIGN CONSTRUCTION SIGN DIGITAL SIGNS FEATHER FLAG SIGN FLASHING OR MOVING SIGNS IDENTIFICATION SIGN LOGO SIGN NAME PLATE SIGN REAL ESTATE SIGN
Functional Types. (See Illustration 1 following the definitions below.)
A sign which directs the attention of the public to any goods, merchandise, property, business, service, entertainment, or amusement conducted or produced which is bought or sold, furnished, offered, or dealt in at a location other than on the premises where such sign is located.
A sign that indicates the name of an institution or organization on whose premises it is located and which contains the name of the institution or organization, the name or names of persons connected within, and announcement of persons, events, or activities occurring at the institution. Such sign may also present a greeting or similar message.
A sign which directs attention to a business or profession conducted, or to products, services, or entertainment sold or offered upon the premises where such sign is located, or to which it is affixed.
A temporary sign indicating the names of the architects, engineers, landscape architects, contractors, and similar artisans involved in the design and construction of a structure, complex or project only during the construction period and only on the premises on which the construction is taking place.
Display of a message by manipulation of light projected onto a screen or otherwise produced within the screen, including displays using light-emitting-diode (LED) technology, plasma technology, or any industry equivalent that produces the same result as these technologies.
A sign which directs attention to a business or profession conducted, or to products, services, or entertainment sold or offered upon the premises where such sign is located, or to which it is affixed.
Any illuminated sign on which the artificial light is not constant in intensity and color at all times which may emit a series of sudden and transient bursts of light. For the purpose of this regulation, any revolving, rotating, moving, animated, signs with moving lights or signs which create the illusion of movement shall be considered as a flashing sign. Flashing or moving signs shall include signs that display electronic images, graphics, or pictures, with or without text information. A flashing or moving sign may be constituted of matrix elements using light-emitting diodes (LEDs), fiber optics, light bulbs, fluorescent lights, halogen lights or other illumination devises within the display area. Frequently, these signs are digital signs and are programmable and it can be programmed to alter the electronic display, images or messages.
A sign giving the name and address of a building, business, development, or establishment. Such signs may be wholly or partially devoted to a readily recognized symbol.
A distinctive company signature, trademark, or service mark as used by a manufacturer, dealer, franchisee or supplier of services to distinguish a product or service from those competitors, and usually registered and protected by law.
A sign giving the name and/or address of the owner or occupant of a building or premises on which it is located and, where applicable, a professional status.
A sign pertaining to the sale or lease of a lot or tract of land on which the sign is located, or to the sale or lease of one (1) or more structures or a portion thereof on which the sign is located.
 |
B. AWNING, CANOPY, OR MARQUEE SIGN BANNER SIGN FEATHER SIGN GROUND SIGN POLE SIGN PORTABLE SIGN PORTABLE SWINGER SIGN and A-FRAME OR SANDWICH SIGN PORTABLE TEMPORARY ATTRACTION SIGN BOARD PROJECTING SIGN READER BOARD SIGN ROOF SIGN ROOF SIGN, INTEGRAL WALL SIGN WINDOW SIGN
Structural Types.
A sign that is mounted or painted on or attached to an awning, canopy, or marquee. No such signs shall project above, below, or beyond the awning, canopy, or marquee.
Any sign of lightweight fabric or similar material that is mounted to a pole or a building at one (1) or more edges. National flags, state or municipal flags, or the official flag of any institution or business shall not be considered banners. Banner signs include any sign attached to any permanent structure property, such as the railing system of a deck or attached to permanent fencing.
A freestanding sign usually comprised of nylon or other similar lightweight fabric affixed to a pole. These signs are propelled by the wind to create motion. Flags are not considered feather signs.
Any sign placed upon, or supported by, the ground independently of the principal building or structure on the property, where the bottom edge of the sign is no greater than six (6) feet above the elevation of ground. The support structure for the sign shall be no less than one-half (1/2) the width of the display surface area, and shall be surrounded by a decorative base constructed of landscape timbers, stone, brick or other masonry material. The City Compliance Officer may approve other types of permanent bases for ground signs if the proposed materials are not susceptible to weather and decay.
Any sign placed upon, or supported by, the ground independently of the principal building or structure on the property where the bottom of the sign is six (6) feet or more above the ground level.
Any sign not permanently attached to the ground or other permanent structure, or a sign designed to be transported, including, but not limited to, signs designed to be transported by means of wheels; signs converted to A- or T-frames; menu and sandwich board signs; balloons used as signs; umbrellas used for advertising; and signs attached to vehicles parked and visible from the public right-of-way, unless said vehicle is used in the normal day-to-day operations of the business.
An advertising device which is ordinarily in the shape of an "A" or some variation thereof, located on the ground, easily movable, not permanently attached thereof, and which is usually two-sided.
A single- or double-surface painted or poster-panel-type sign or some variation thereof, which is temporary in nature, usually mounted on wheels, easily movable, not permanently attached thereto.
A sign that is wholly or partly dependent upon a building for support and which projects more than twelve (12) inches from such building.
A portion of a ground sign designed to give information relative to the business where it is located, which information may change frequently.
A sign totally supported by the roof of a structure.
Any sign erected or constructed as an integral or essentially integral part of a normal roof structure of any design, such that no part of the sign extends vertically above the highest portion of the roof, and such that no part of the sign is separated from the rest of the roof by a space of more than six (6) inches.
A sign fastened to or painted on a wall of a building or structure in such a manner that the wall becomes merely the supporting structure or forms the background surface, and which does not project more than twelve (12) inches from such building, nor above the roof of the building.
Any sign, pictures, symbol, or combination thereof, designed to communicate information about an activity, business, commodity, event, sale or service that is placed inside a window or upon the window.
C. COMMERCIAL MESSAGE DISPLAY SURFACE AREA HISTORIC SIGN (CONTINUOUS USE BY EXISTING BUSINESS) HISTORIC SIGN (RESTORED HISTORICAL BUILDING) ILLUMINATED, DIRECT ILLUMINATED, INDIRECT NON-CONFORMING SIGN OFF-PREMISES SIGN ON-PREMISES SIGN SHOPPING CENTER STREET FRONTAGE
Definitions Of Sign-Related Terms, Phrases And Words. As used in this Article, the following terms shall have these prescribed meanings:
Any sign wording, logo, or other representation that, directly or indirectly, names, advertises, or calls attention to a business, product, service, sale or sales event or other commercial activity.
The net geometric area enclosed by the display surface of the sign, including the outer extremities of all letters, characters and delineations; provided, however, "display surface area" shall not include the structural supports for freestanding signs.
A sign constructed prior to 1970 which has been maintained to advertise a business which has maintained its existence prior to 1970. A historic sign may advertise a business which has been owned by numerous individuals or entities so long as the name of the business has remained the same.
Historic signs which are part of a restored building that reflects the historic use of the building by a business which existed in the restored building prior to 1950.
Signs which are internally lighted or have lights on the sign.
Signs which have lighting which shines onto the sign and the illumination is the reflection of this light from the sign.
A sign existing at the effective date of the adoption of this regulation on January 1, 1992, which could not be built under the terms of this regulation.
A sign which directs attention to a business, commodity, service, entertainment or attraction sold, offered, or existing elsewhere than upon the same lot where such sign is displayed. The term "off-premises" sign shall include an outdoor billboard sign on which space is leased or rented by the owner thereof to others for the purposes of conveying a commercial or non-commercial message.
A sign which directs attention to a business, commodity, service, entertainment, attraction which is sold, offered or existing on the same lot where such sign is displayed.
Two (2) or more retail stores and/or service establishments, or one (1) retail store and one (1) service establishment, sharing customer parking areas, regardless of whether said stores and/or establishments occupy separate structures or are under separate ownerships.
The distance for which a lot line of a zone lot adjoins a public street, from one (1) lot line intersecting said street to the farthest distance lot line intersecting the same street.
Section 400.620 Prohibited Signs.
[R.O. 1997 §400.620; Ord. No. 1088 §2, 12-9-1991; Ord. No. 1489 §1, 9-20-2005; Ord. No. 1596 §1, 9-8-2009; Ord. No. 1746, 4-13-2015; Ord. No. 1910, 12-10-2024]
A.
Prohibited signs are as follows:
1.
Portable Temporary Attraction Signs With Or Without Wheels. Under no circumstances will portable temporary attraction signs be allowed, whether mounted on vehicles, wheels, platforms, or freestanding, except:
a.
A business may utilize one A-frame sign not exceeding seven (7) square feet being no more than two (2) feet wide and three and one-half (3.5) feet in height on its property during its business hours advertising its products or services.
b.
Churches, schools and other not-for-profit institutions may maintain an event sign or banner not exceeding thirty-two (32) square feet on its property for up to twenty (20) days per year to advertise a special event. An example of a special event is vacation bible school, revival, back-to-school events, and sporting events.
2.
Signs On Public Property. Any sign installed or placed on public property, except signs of the City of Cassville, the State of Missouri and the United States Government shall be forfeited to the public and subject to confiscation. In addition, the City of Cassville may authorize signs on public athletic fields and signs of a temporary nature to advertise civic events or other community activities sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce or other not-for-profit, nonreligious entity. In addition to other remedies hereunder, the City shall have the right to recover from the owner or person placing such a sign the full costs of removal and disposal of such sign.
3.
Obscene Or Indecent Advertisement. No person shall display upon any sign or other advertising structure any obscene, indecent or immoral matter.
4.
Flashing Or Moving Signs. Flashing or moving signs which are not digital signs are prohibited. Digital signs must comply with the following criteria:
a.
The static display time for each message is a minimum of ten (10) seconds;
b.
The time to completely change from one (1) message to the next for a changeable display is a maximum of two (2) seconds, and the time to completely change from one (1) message to the next for digital technology shall be instantaneous with no discernible time gaps between displays;
c.
The change of message must occur simultaneously for the entire sign face;
d.
The outdoor advertising structure must meet all other requirements of the other provisions of this Chapter;
e.
Any such sign shall be designed such that the sign will freeze in one (1) position if a malfunction occurs;
f.
The image does not flash or flicker. The sign shall not have a revolving or rotating beam or beacon of light that simulates any emergency light or device. No digital sign which has intermittent or moving light or lights will be permitted, except for scoreboards and other illuminated signs displaying public service information, such as time, date or temperature. Digital signs which have intermittent or moving light or lights which display the time and location of events may be allowed by special use permit. Special use permits shall not be granted for signs which advertise goods, services or prices;
g.
No projected image(s) or message(s) shall appear to move or be animated;
h.
The sign luminance shall not exceed three hundred (300) candelas per square meter in full white mode between the periods of sunset to sunrise as calculated by the United States Naval Observatory; and
i.
They meet all other requirements in this Article;
j.
No digital sign will be permitted on property adjacent to Missouri State Highway 37 unless the applicant has first obtained a permit from the Missouri Department of Transportation.
5.
Off-Premises Signs. Off-premises signs are prohibited, except: signs promoting civic, philanthropic or community betterment are allowed with a special use permit and must comply with all other requirements of this Article; and a business or institution may maintain one (1) off-premises sign that is located on property which is immediately adjacent to Missouri State Highway 37. These signs must meet all other requirements of this Article.
6.
Feather Signs. Feather signs are permitted under the following conditions:
a.
Flags may be displayed between 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. and must be taken down and stored inside during non-working hours.
b.
Signs cannot exceed eight (8) feet in total height, including the base.
c.
Signs cannot exceed two (2) feet in width.
d.
Flags may not be within seventy-five (75) feet of an identified crosswalk.
e.
Flags must be set back ten (10) feet from and sidewalk or right-of-way.
f.
Feather flags are prohibited around the square.
g.
Flags must relate directly to the business where displayed and shall not include vulgar or inappropriate language or graphics.
h.
Political advertising or services not related to the business exclusively are prohibited.
7.
Logo Signs. Logo signs which exceed fifteen percent (15%) of the wall where the sign is placed are prohibited. No more than one (1) logo sign will be allowed in addition to any other permitted ground sign which may include the logo. Logos which are a part of other signs defined is this Article shall be governed by the type of sign and the regulations pertaining to those signs. A permit shall be required for logo sign and the City will not charge a fee for that permit.
8.
Roof Signs. Roof signs which project more than twelve (12) inches beyond the face of the building.
9.
Non-Compliant Signs. Signs which do not comply with the other provisions of this Chapter are prohibited.
Section 400.630 Exemptions.
[R.O. 1997 §400.630; Ord. No. 1088 §2, 12-9-1991; Ord. No. 1105 §§4 — 5, 8-10-1992; Ord. No. 1116 §§4 — 5, 3-8-1993; Ord. No. 1746, 4-13-2015; Ord. No. 1910, 12-10-2024]
A.
The following signs shall be exempt from the requirements of this Article:
1.
Flags or emblems of a governmental or of a political, civic, philanthropic, educational, or religious organization displayed on private property.
2.
Signs of a duly constituted governmental body, including traffic or similar regulatory signs, legal notices, warnings at railroad crossings, and other instructional or regulatory signs having to do with health, hazards, parking, swimming, dumping, etc.
3.
Memorial signs and tablets displayed on private property.
4.
Small signs, not exceeding six (6) square feet in area, or four (4) feet in height, displayed on private property for the convenience of the public, including signs to identify entrance and exit drives, parking areas, one-way drives, restrooms, freight entrances, and other similar signs. These signs shall be constructed of durable weatherproof material.
5.
Score boards and fence signs in athletic stadiums.
B.
The following signs are exempt from Section 400.640, Permits, of this Article, but shall comply with all of the other regulations imposed by this Article:
1.
Nameplate signs not exceeding two (2) square feet in gross area accessory to a single-family or two-family dwelling.
2.
Bulletin board signs not exceeding thirty-two (32) square feet in gross area accessory to a church, school, or public or non-profit institution.
3.
Temporary signs for the sale of household goods at a residence (garage sale) for a period not to exceed three (3) consecutive days.
4.
Real estate signs not exceeding six (6) square feet in area, including the frame, and no more than three (3) feet in height, including the frame, advertising the property on which the sign is located which is for sale or rent. Real estate signs advertising the property, on which the sign is located may be up to eighteen (18) square feet, including the frame. If the property being advertised consists of two (2) or more acres, the real estate sign advertising the property on which the sign is located may be up to thirty-two (32) square feet including the frame, if the property being advertised consists of ten (10) or more acres, the real estate sign may be up to six (6) feet off the ground at its highest location. No tract may have more than one (1) real estate sign, unless it is a corner lot, and then it may have one sign on each street, up to a maximum number of two (2).
5.
Construction signs not exceeding thirty-two (32) square feet in area are allowed only during the period of construction, not to exceed one (1) year.
6.
Churches, schools and other not-for-profit institutions may maintain an event sign or banner not exceeding thirty-two (32) square feet on its property for up to twenty (20) days per year to advertise a special event.
Section 400.640 Permits.
[R.O. 1997 §400.640; Ord. No. 1088 §2, 12-9-1991; Ord. No. 1128 §§4 — 5, 9-13-1993; Ord. No. 1599 §1, 10-19-2009; Ord. No. 1746, 4-13-2015; Ord. No. 1910, 12-10-2024]
A.
Requirement. No person shall erect, structurally alter, relocate or maintain a sign or other advertising structure as defined in this regulation without first obtaining a permit from the compliance officer or designee and making payment of the fee as set forth herein. Routine repairs and maintenance and changes in the painted or printed copy do not require a new permit so long as the structure of the sign is not altered. Structural alterations involving minor extensions shall require a permit based on the square footage of the extension. All such repairs and changes shall be done under the supervision of the Compliance Officer or designee.
B.
Application For Permanent Sign. Application for permits shall be made on forms provided by Utility Billing Clerk and shall contain or have attached thereto the following information:
1.
Name, address, email address and telephone number of the applicant.
2.
Location of building, structure or lot to which or upon which the sign or other advertising structure is to be attached or erected.
3.
Position of the sign or other advertising structure in relation to nearby buildings or structures.
4.
One (1) drawing and/or photo of the plans and specifications and method of construction and attachment to the building or in the ground.
5.
Name, address, phone number and if supplied the email address of the person or entity erecting structure.
6.
Written consent of the owner of the building, structure or land to which or on which the structure is to be erected.
7.
Any electrical permit required and issued for the sign.
8.
Such other information as the compliance officer or designee shall require showing full compliance with this and all other laws of the City.
9.
No sign will be permitted on property adjacent to Missouri State Highway 37 unless the applicant has first obtained a permit from the Missouri Department of Transportation.
10.
If ownership of a business changes with a complying sign and the signage does not change, the permit may be transferred to the new owner without a new permit fee. If the name of the business is changed, then a new permit and fee will be required. A current permit owner may change his sign without a new permit so long as there is no change in the structure and the sign is otherwise in compliance.
C.
Application For Temporary Sign. Application for permits shall be made on forms provided by the Utility Billing Clerk and shall be limited to the following:
1.
Permits for temporary signs erected for sales or special occasions or purposes shall be authorized for a period not to exceed ten (10) consecutive days, with further restrictions of three (3) temporary permits issued per calendar year. One (1) temporary sign per business site shall be allowed at any one (1) time. Permits for temporary signs may be granted for civic events for periods of up to two (2) consecutive days for up to thirty (30) times per year.
2.
Permits for temporary signs erected to provide identification of construction projects or new building may be authorized for a six (6) month period and, upon application to the enforcement agency, may be renewed for successive six (6) month periods; provided, that no additional fee shall be required for renewal of such permits.
D.
Upon filing of an application for a sign permit, the Compliance Officer or designee shall examine such plans and specifications and other data and the premises upon which it is proposed to erect the sign or other advertising structure, and if it shall appear that the proposed structure is in compliance with all of the requirements of this regulation and all other laws of the City, the Compliance Officer or designee shall verify the proposed sign is in compliance to the Utility Billing Clerk by endorsing the permit application. Upon endorsement by the permit officer and the payment of all required fees, the Utility Billing Clerk shall issue the permit. The applicant must commence work on a sign permitted within sixty (60) days of the date the sign permit is issued, and the applicant shall proceed on the work in a diligent and workmanlike manner until work authorized under the permit is completed.
E.
Revocation.
1.
All rights and privileges acquired under the provisions of this regulation or any amendment thereto are mere licenses revocable for cause at any time by the Board of Aldermen, and all such permits shall contain this provision.
2.
The compliance officer or designee is hereby authorized to recommend the revocation of any permit upon failure of the holder thereof to comply with any provision of this regulation.
F.
Fee Schedule. Each application for a sign permit shall be accompanied by the applicable fees, which shall be established by the Board of Aldermen from time to time by resolution. The fees for sign permits shall be:
G.
Penalties. Any person erecting, constructing or altering any sign structure without obtaining a permit or paying the permit fee as required in this regulation shall, in addition to the payment of such permit fee, pay an additional penalty fee of fifty dollars ($50.00).
Section 400.650 Maintenance.
[R.O. 1997 §400.650; Ord. No. 1088 §2, 12-9-1991; Ord. No. 1746, 4-13-2015; Ord. No. 1910, 12-10-2024]
A.
Existing Sign Maintenance. All signs shall be designed, constructed, and maintained in compliance with applicable provisions of the Building Code and the Electrical Code of the City. Except for banners, flags, temporary signs, feather flag signs and window signs conforming in all respects with the requirements of this regulation, all signs shall be constructed of permanent materials and shall be permanently attached to the ground, a building, or another structure by direct attachment to a rigid wall, frame, or structure.
B.
Removal Of Unsafe Or Illegal Signs. If the Compliance Officer or designee shall find that any sign or other advertising structure regulated herein is unsafe or insecure, or is a menace to the public, or has been constructed or erected, or is being maintained in violation of the provisions of this regulation, he shall give written notice to the permittee thereof. If the permittee fails to remove or alter the structure so as to comply with the standards herein set forth within ten (10) days after such notice, such sign or other advertising structure may be removed or altered to comply by the Compliance Officer or designee at the expense of the permittee or owner of the property upon which it is located. The Compliance Officer or designee shall refuse to approve a permit to any permittee or owner who refuses to pay costs so assessed. The compliance officer or designee may cause any sign or other advertising structure which is an immediate peril to persons or property to be removed summarily and without notice. Feather flag signs not in compliance will be removed immediately by the Compliance Officer.
C.
Sign Maintenance Enforcement.
1.
All signs within the City shall be maintained in a safe condition and in such a manner that they shall not become a visual detriment to the community at large. The designated official shall be charged with the responsibility and authority to inspect all signs within the City and direct the maintenance of said signs. Maintenance of signs is defined as keeping sign structures in a safe condition, free of rust, with broken glass or plastic replaced, electrical lights and other electrical operations in operable condition, letters and other sign components in the equivalent condition as on the sign permit or as approved.
2.
Should the Compliance Officer or designee find a non-maintained sign as defined above, it shall cause the owner of said sign to be notified as to the deficiency and the corrective action that needs to be taken.
3.
Should the owner fail to exhibit evidence of compliance within forty-five (45) days after the mailing of the letter of notification, the Compliance Officer or designee shall cause the owner to be cited for violation of this regulation.
D.
Painted Sign Maintenance. The owner of any sign as defined and regulated by this regulation shall be required to painted any sign if the sign is peeling, blistering, cracking or has faded. The owner shall keep painted all parts and supports of the sign, unless the same are galvanized or otherwise treated to prevent rust.
E.
External Lighting. External lighting of signs such as floodlights, thin line and gooseneck reflectors are permitted, provided the light source is directed upon the face of the sign and is effectively shielded so as to prevent beams or rays of light from being directed into any portion of a street, dwelling or a business. The lights used to illuminate the signs shall not be of such intensity so as to cause glare, impair the vision of drivers of a motor vehicle, or otherwise interfere with a driver's operation of a motor vehicle. No sign shall be so illuminated that it interferes with the effectiveness of, or obscures an official traffic sign, device or signal.
Section 400.660 Non-Conforming Signs.
[R.O. 1997 §400.660; Ord. No. 1088 §2, 12-9-1991; Ord. No. 1746, 4-13-2015; Ord. No. 1910, 12-10-2024]
A.
For the purpose of this Section, a "non-conforming sign" shall be defined as a sign existing on January 1, 1992, which could not be built under the terms of this regulation or under the terms of other City regulations.
B.
On-premises non-conforming signs are prohibited.
C.
Off-premises non-conforming signs are prohibited.
D.
Signs which are non-conforming, as provided in this regulation, shall not be repaired, altered or moved unless it be made to comply with the provisions of this regulation. No alteration of non-conforming signs shall be undertaken without the issuance of a permit. No fee will be charged for the permit, provided the alterations do not substantially alter the basic design or concept of the sign.
E.
Should any non-conforming sign be damaged by any means to an extent of more than fifty percent (50%) of its replacement cost at the time of damage, it shall not be reconstructed except in conformity with the provisions of this regulation.
Section 400.670 District Regulations.
[R.O. 1997 §400.670; Ord. No. 1088 §2, 12-9-1991; Ord. No. 1108 §§6 — 7, 10-12-1992; Ord. No. 1132 §§4 — 11, 9-13-1993; Ord. No. 2001-1329 §§1 — 2, 4-2-2001; Ord. No. 1460 §1, 11-1-2004; Ord. No. 1585 §1, 6-15-2009; Ord. No. 1746, 4-13-2015; Ord. No. 1910, 12-10-2024]
A.
A-G Agricultural And R-S Residential Suburban District.
1.
Functional types permitted:
a.
Bulletin board signs.
b.
Business signs pertaining only to the sale of agricultural products produced on the premises and home occupations.
c.
Construction signs.
d.
Identification signs.
e.
Nameplate signs.
f.
Real estate signs.
g.
Historical signs (continuous use by existing business and restored historical building).
3.
Number of signs permitted: one (1) sign per zoning lot.
5.
Real Estate Signs. Real estate signs not exceeding six (6) square feet in area, including the frame, and no more than three (3) feet in height, including the frame, advertising the property on which it is located as for sale or rent. Real estate signs advertising the property on which it is located is for sale or rent may be up to eighteen (18) square feet including the frame, if the property being advertised consists of two (2) acres or more. Real estate signs advertising the property on which it is located as for sale or rent may be up to thirty-two (32) square feet including the frame, if the property being advertised consists of ten (10) acres or more. No real estate sign shall be higher than six (6) feet off the ground at its highest location. No tract may have more than one (1) real estate sign, unless it is a corner lot and then it may have one (1) sign on each street up to a maximum number of two (2).
6.
Identification signs for churches, hospitals, police stations, fire stations and other similar public facilities: sixty-five (65) square feet.
7.
Maximum height: ten (10) feet.
8.
Required setbacks: none.
9.
Illumination: bulletin board and identification signs that do not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet on one (1) face for churches, hospitals, police stations, fire stations, and other similar public facilities may be indirectly illuminated.
B.
R-1 Single-Family Dwelling Districts, R-2 Two-Family Dwelling Districts, And R-3 Multiple-Family Dwelling Districts.
1.
Functional types permitted:
3.
Number of signs permitted: one (1) sign per zoning lot.
4.
Maximum Gross Area.
a.
Business signs: fifty (50) square feet. Home occupations: two (2) square feet.
b.
Bulletin board and identification signs: six (6) square feet.
c.
Construction signs: thirty-two (32) square feet.
d.
Name plate signs: two (2) square feet.
e.
Real Estate Signs. Real estate signs not exceeding six (6) square feet in area, including the frame, and no more than three (3) feet in height including the frame, advertising the property on which it is located is for sale or rent. Real estate signs advertising the property on which it is located is for sale or rent may be up to eighteen (18) square feet including the frame, if the property being advertised consists of two (2) acres or more. Real estate signs advertising the property on which it is located is for sale or rent may be up to thirty-two (32) square feet including the frame, if the property being advertised consists of ten (10) acres or more. No real estate sign shall be higher than six (6) feet off the ground at its highest location. No tract may have more than one (1) real estate sign, unless it is a corner lot, and then it may have one (1) sign on each street up to a maximum number of two (2). If a subdivision is being developed, the developer may have one (1) sign not more than one hundred (100) square feet in area announcing the sale of lots and/or houses in a subdivision may be located on said development. Said sign shall be removed at the end of three (3) years or when seventy-five percent (75%) of the lots have been sold, whichever occurs sooner.
f.
Identification signs for churches, hospitals, police stations, fire stations, apartment buildings and other similar public facilities: sixty-five (65) square feet.
5.
Maximum height: ten (10) feet.
6.
Required setback: no sign shall be placed closer than ten (10) feet from the property line or edge of street easement, whichever is more.
7.
Illumination: bulletin boards and identification signs may be indirectly illuminated so long as the illumination does not shine light onto the neighbor's property or be a distraction to drivers.
C.
M-P Manufactured Home Park District.
3.
Number of signs permitted: one (1) sign per home space.
4.
Maximum gross area: sixteen (16) square feet.
5.
Maximum height: eight (8) feet.
6.
Required setbacks: no sign shall be placed closer than ten (10) feet from the lot line nor closer than one-half (1/2) of the distance between the mobile home and the property line.
7.
Illumination: signs may be illuminated indirectly.
D.
C-1 Central Business District.
E.
C-2 General Commercial District.
1.
Functional types permitted:
a.
Bulletin board signs.
b.
Business signs.
c.
Feather flag signs.
d.
Construction signs.
e.
Identification signs.
f.
Nameplate signs.
g.
Real estate signs.
h.
Historical signs (continuous use by existing business and restored historical building).
i.
Non-static digital signs are allowed that meet the criteria listed below:
(1)
No more than one (1) digital billboard sign is allowed per lot or development site.
(2)
One (1) digital wall sign is allowed, not to exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in size; this sign can't extend higher than the wall is tall and does not project more than fifteen (15) inches from the building's face.
(4)
Digital billboards shall be equipped with software programming controls that automatically turn off the sign if the display is malfunctioning in any way.
(5)
Digital billboard signs within the City limits shall be a maximum of ten (10) feet in height, measured from the ground.
(6)
Digital billboard signs shall not exceed a gross surface area of two hundred (200) square feet, inclusive of border and trim on each side.
(7)
The maximum brightness levels for digital signs (LED) shall not exceed three hundred (300) candelas per square meter in full white mode between the periods of sunset to sunrise as calculated by the United States Naval Observatory. Certification must be provided by the installer or manufacturer of the sign at the time of application.
(8)
Digital billboard signs will be a minimum distance of one hundred (100) feet from an existing or future residential area.
(9)
No sign shall be located in such manner as to obstruct or otherwise physically interfere with the effectiveness of an official traffic sign, signal, or device or obstruct or physically interfere with a motor vehicle operator's view of approaching, merging, or intersecting traffic.
(10)
Each sign must have a light-sensing device that will adjust the brightness of the display as the natural ambient light conditions change.
(11)
The City of Cassville, Missouri, shall have legal recourse to have any sign removed at owner's expense that does not comply with this Article.
3.
Number of signs permitted:
a.
Awning, canopy, marquee or wall signs: no limitation.
b.
Ground signs: one (1) per zoning lot unless the total square footage of the building is more than one hundred thousand (100,000) square feet, and then two (2) ground signs are permitted. If an entity in a C-1 or C-2 District has a historical sign, then two (2) signs are permitted, one (1) historical sign and one (1) conforming ground sign.
c.
Projecting signs: one (1) per zoning lot.
4.
Maximum Gross Surface Area.
a.
Signs shall not exceed a gross surface area of two hundred (200) square feet unless the total square footage of the building is more than one hundred thousand (100,000) square feet, and then total maximum surface area shall not exceed five percent (5%) of the total square footage of the building.
b.
Projecting signs shall not exceed twenty (20) square feet.
c.
Ground signs shall not exceed fifty (50) square feet if set back no more than ten (10) feet from a property line, and may be increased ten (10) square feet in surface area for each two (2) feet in additional setback to a maximum of sixty-five (65) square feet and ten (10) feet in height.
d.
Ground signs located in the C-2 District on zoning lots directly bordering Missouri State Highway 37 (excluding Business Highway 37) will have a maximum gross surface area of two hundred fifty (250) square feet.
5.
Maximum height:
a.
Ten (10) feet in height as measured from the higher of the surface of the lot or the lowest surface on the adjacent street or highway, except for signs located on a lot in a C-2 District directly bordering the right-of-way of Missouri State Highway 37 (excluding Business Highway 37).
b.
Pole signs located in the C-2 District on zoning lots directly bordering Missouri State Highway 37 (excluding Business Highway 37) may have a maximum height requirement of thirty-five (35) feet. These signs shall have a minimum setback from the highway right of way of ten (10) feet from the property line adjoining the highway right-of-way.
6.
Required setback: none, except that any sign that exceeds one hundred (100) square feet in gross surface area shall be set back ten (10) feet from the front property line, unless otherwise specified, and ground signs shall be set back no less than ten (10) feet. For signs located along state highways within the C-2 District, the ten (10) foot setback may be measured from the edge of pavement rather than the property line, provided that no part of the sign is on State right-of-way, and that the sign does not impair the vision of motorists or otherwise cause a safety hazard. At such time as the Highway Department widens pavement width or right-of-way, the sign must be moved accordingly at the cost of the property owner.
7.
Illumination: illuminated signs shall be permitted.
F.
I-1 Light Industrial And I-2 Heavy Industrial Districts.
4.
Maximum Gross Surface Area. Signs shall not exceed a gross surface area of three hundred (300) square feet; projecting signs shall not exceed twelve (12) square feet; ground signs shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet and twenty (20) feet in height.
6.
Required setbacks: none, except that advertising signs shall maintain the same setback that is required for principal structures and shall be no farther from a dedicated State highway right-of-way than one hundred (100) feet, and shall be no closer than five hundred (500) feet to another advertising sign.
7.
Illumination: illuminated signs shall be permitted.