Charlevoix City Zoning Code
SIGNS
§ 153.205 PURPOSE.
The purpose of this article is to regulate signs designed to be visible to the public in a manner which does not restrict the content thereof while:
(A) Recognizing the mass communications needs of both businesses and other parties;
(B) Protecting property values and neighborhood character;
(C) Creating a more attractive business climate;
(D) Promoting pedestrian and traffic safety by reducing sign distractions, obstructions and other hazards;
(E) Promoting pleasing community environmental aesthetics; and
(F) Discouraging visual competition among businesses.
(Prior Code, § 5.100) (Ord. 789, passed 3-19-2018)
§ 153.206 GENERAL PROVISIONS.
(A) Prohibited signs. The following signs shall not be allowed in any zoning district:
(1) Signs that are not consistent with the standards of this chapter;
(2) Signs that are not clean (i.e., are covered with materials that obscure the message, in whole or in part); signs that are not in good repair (i.e., having broken foundation, base or support structures, lighting fixtures and the like) and/or having a faded appearance;
(3) Signs that are structurally unsafe and/or dangerous (i.e., in a state of disrepair or being designed and/or constructed so as to pose a likely threat of total or partial collapse) (see division (E) below);
(4) Signs that are not securely affixed to a substantial structure that will hold the sign in a fixed position under normal weather conditions;
(5) Signs that are attached to any natural growth, such as trees, shrubs or other natural foliage;
(6) Signs other than official utility company signs affixed to power utility poles or other utility structures or fixtures;
(7) Signs located so as to interfere with the view necessary for motorists to proceed safely through intersections or to enter onto or exit from public streets or private roads (see § 153.142 of this chapter);
(8) Signs in public rights-of-way other than those allowed by the state’s TODS program;
(9) External neon signs other than in the GC, CBD or CH Districts;
(10) All types of pennants, streamers and airborne devices attached to the ground or buildings;
(11) Billboards;
(12) Internally lighted signs;
(13) Off-premises signs;
(14) Roof signs; and
(15) Signs containing an electronic sign face other than allowed by § 153.209(A) of this chapter.
(B) Signs authorized without a sign permit. The following signs are authorized in any district without a sign permit and are not included towards the maximum number of signs allowed on a parcel, but shall conform to the applicable requirements of this chapter and the applicable building codes:
(1) Signs posted on private property less than or equal to two square foot in sign face area;
(2) Signs erected by, on behalf of a governmental body for purposes of protecting the public health, safety and welfare;
(3) Official signs erected by public utilities;
(4) Flags or insignia;
(5) Any sign located wholly within a building and not visible from outside the building;
(6) Window signs located on the interior of a building. Window signs located on the exterior of a building are considered wall signs and are subject to all applicable regulations; and
(7) Public signs or signs sanctioned by a public body on public land are not subject to this chapter.
(C) Permit required for signs.
(1) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, no sign may be constructed, erected, moved, enlarged, illuminated or otherwise altered unless a sign permit has been issued in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. Repainting or changing the message of a sign is not in and of itself considered an alteration.
(2) Application for a sign permit shall be submitted to the Zoning Administrator on appropriate forms supplied by her or his office. Said application shall contain the following information:
(a) Name, address and telephone number of the applicant;
(b) Written permission of property owner on whose property the sign will be located (if the applicant is not the property owner);
(c) Type of sign as defined by this chapter;
(d) Scaled drawing showing sign size, height, type of support (if applicable), zoning district in which the sign will be located, location of sign on property including front and side yard setback distances and any other information required herein;
(e) Street address of the property upon which the sign will be located; and
(f) The name of the sign contractor, who shall erect the sign and/or sign structure.
(3) No permit shall be issued for the erection of any sign or signs until such sign(s) have been reviewed and approved by the Zoning Administrator and without first having paid a permit fee as established by the City Council.
(4) Any person aggrieved by a decision of the Zoning Administrator may appeal that decision to the zoning board of appeals.
(D) Signs in public rights-of-way. All signs in the U.S. 31 and M 66 Highway rights-of-way are jointly regulated by the city and the state’s Department of Transportation (MDOT) at locations approved by and installed in accord with the state’s TODS program.
(E) Unsafe signs.
(1) No person, corporation, business organization or other legal entity shall own or maintain any sign or advertising device that is structurally unsafe. For purposes of this section, the term STRUCTURALLY UNSAFE shall mean being in a state of disrepair or being designed and/or constructed so as to pose a likely threat of a total or partial collapse.
(2) The Zoning Administrator and/or other officials designated by the Zoning Administrator shall have the right to inspect signs and advertising devices to determine whether they are structurally unsafe. The Zoning Administrator and/or other officials designated by the Zoning Administrator may exercise this right of inspection by consent of the owner of the sign or advertising device and the owner of the property on which the sign or advertising device is located or by administrative search warrant.
(3) If the Zoning Administrator finds that a sign or advertising device is structurally unsafe, he or she shall serve on the owner of the sign or advertising device and the owner of the property on which the sign or advertising device is located a written notice, which specifies all of the following:
(a) The location of the sign or advertising device that is structurally unsafe;
(b) The nature of the unsafe condition;
(c) The date, no less than 20 days after the written notice was served, before which the owner of the sign or advertising device or the owner of the property on which the sign or advertising device is located shall remedy the unsafe condition;
(d) A statement that if the owner of the sign or advertising device or the owner of the property on which the sign or advertising device is located fails to remedy the unsafe condition within the time specified in the written notice, the city may enter onto the property to remedy the unsafe condition and charge the costs of such action, including reasonable attorney fees, to the owner of the sign or advertising device and/or the owner of the property on which the sign or advertising device is located;
(e) A statement that the owner of the sign or advertising device and the owner of the property on which the sign or advertising device is located has the right before the expiration of the deadline contained in the written notice to request a hearing before the City Council regarding whether the sign or advertising device is structurally unsafe;
(f) The service required by this subsection shall be personal service or service by certified mail, restricted delivery, return receipt requested. For purposes of this section, the phrase REMEDY THE UNSAFE CONDITION shall mean repairing the sign or advertising device so that it does not pose a serious threat of a total or partial collapse or removing the sign or advertising device from the property;
(g) If the owner of the sign or advertising device or the owner of the property on which the sign or advertising device is located requests a hearing before the City Council as provided in this section, the city shall take no action to remedy the unsafe condition until, after notice and hearing, the City Council finds that the sign or advertising device is structurally unsafe. A notice of the time, date and place of the hearing before the City Council shall be served on the owner of the sign or advertising device and on the owner of the property on which the sign or advertising device is located no less than 14 days before the scheduled hearing. The service of this notice may be made by first class mail. The owner of the sign or advertising device or the owner of the property on which the sign or advertising device is located may appeal an adverse decision by City Council to the circuit court as provided by law; and
(h) In exercising its right under this section to remedy the unsafe condition, either with or without a hearing before the City Council, the city shall remove the sign or advertising device from the property if the unsafe sign is in imminent danger of collapse causing injury or damage to persons or property. The costs of remedying and/or removing the unsafe condition shall be collected by the city from the owner of the sign or advertising device or the owner of the property on which the sign or advertising device is located.
(F) Non-conforming signs.
(1) Subject to the remaining restrictions of this section, non-conforming signs that were otherwise lawful on the effective date of this chapter may be continued, repaired and maintained as is necessary to keep in a sound condition.
(2) No person may engage in any activity that causes an increase in the extent of non-conformity of a non-conforming sign. In addition, no person may add illumination.
(3) A non-conforming sign may not be moved or replaced, except to bring the sign into greater conformity with this chapter.
(4) If a non-conforming sign is destroyed to the extent it is impractical to be restored using a majority of its existing major components, it may not thereafter be repaired, reconstructed or replaced except in conformity with all the provisions of this chapter, and the remnants of the former sign structure shall be cleared from the land.
(5) The message of a non-conforming sign may be changed so long as this does not create any new non-conformity.
(Prior Code, § 5.101) (Ord. 789, passed 3-19-2018)
§ 153.207 SIGN STANDARDS FOR ALL SIGNS.
(A) Number and placement requirements.
(1) A number of small signs with organized elements or cohesive design may be construed as a single sign. Where graphic material is displayed in a random manner without an organized relationship of elements, each element may be considered a single sign.
(2) No sign may extend above any parapet or be placed upon any roof surface, except that for purposes of this chapter, roof surfaces constructed at an angle of 75 degrees or more from horizontal shall be regarded as wall space.
(B) Computation of sign face area.
(1) The sign face area of a sign shall be computed by including the entire area within a single, continuous perimeter of a circle, triangle, rectangle or parallelogram enclosing the extreme limits of the writing, representation, emblem or other display, together with any material or color forming an integral part of the background of the display or used to differentiate the sign from the backdrop or structure against which it is placed, but not including any supporting framework or bracing that is clearly incidental to the display itself.
(2) If the sign consists of more than one section or module, all of the area, including that between sections or modules, shall be included in the computation of the sign face area.
(3) Subject to the provisions of § 153.208(B) of this chapter, the sign face area of two-sided, multi-sided or three-dimensional signs shall be computed by including the total of all sides designed to attract attention or communicate information.
(C) Sign height. The height of a sign shall be measured vertically from the ground level to the top of the sign, unless otherwise specified.
(D) Illumination and lighting.
(1) Externally lit signs shall be illuminated only with steady, stationary, shielded light sources directed solely onto the sign without causing glare, no unshielded lights, or lights directed upward or horizontally at sign faces, flashing lights, scrolling or moving electronic lights, or other distractive devices may be used in conjunction with any sign or business.
(2) Light bulbs or lighting tubes used for illuminating a sign shall not be visible from adjacent public rights-of-way or residential properties. Illumination by bare bulbs or flames is prohibited.
(3) External illumination for signs shall conform to all provisions of outdoor lighting. Such lighting shall be treated as Class 1 lighting and shall conform to the lamp and shielding restrictions and lumen caps.
(4) The fixtures used to illuminate signs shall not be directed toward nearby residential properties.
(5) Internally illuminated signs are permitted in certain circumstances as follows:
(a) Individual back-lit letters which are silhouetted against a softly illuminated wall.
(b) Individual letters with translucent faces, containing soft lighting elements inside each letter.
(c) Metal-faced box signs with cut-out letters and soft-glow fluorescent tubes.
(6) Fluorescent lights shall be allowed for indirect illumination when placed in such a manner that the light tubes are not exposed to view from the public right-of-way or sidewalk.
(7) A sign may be illuminated during the hours of operation of the facility being identified or advertised or until 11:00 p.m., whichever is later.
(8) Such signs shall provide an automatic timer to comply with the intent of this section.
(9) Illumination of off-premises signs is prohibited, except in the case of off-premises kiosks which are subject to the provisions of this Code.
(10) (a) Ground-mounted sign lighting is not permitted for freestanding signs on poles, where open space is visible from the bottom of the sign to the ground. The Zoning Administrator may approve ground mounted lighting for freestanding signs which are constructed in such a way that no open space is visible from the bottom of sign to the ground (such as solid base, landscaping).
(b) All ground-mounted lights shall be placed in such a manner that the angle of the lamp shall not be greater than 45 degrees measured from a horizontal plane to a line projected through the center of the lamp, and fixtures shall be fully shielded to contain and direct the light onto the sign only. All upward-directed sign lighting is prohibited.
(11) Underground wiring shall be required for all illuminated signs that are not attached to a building.
(E) Sign materials.
(1) Signs shall be constructed of durable materials.
(2) Natural or natural-like materials are encouraged. Earth tone colors are to be encouraged.
(3) It is recommended that the sign be constructed of materials compatible with the existing structure.
(Prior Code, § 5.102) (Ord. 789, passed 3-19-2018; Ord. 801, passed 4-15-2019; Ord. 854, passed 12-16-2024) Penalty, see § 153.999
§ 153.208 SIGN STANDARDS FOR SPECIFIC SIGNS.
(A) Ground signs.
(1) No part of a ground sign may exceed a height of 16 feet, measured from ground level.
(2) No part of a ground sign may be closer than four feet to the right-of-way line.
(B) Two-sided signs. A two-sided or multi-sided sign shall be regarded as one sign so long as the interior angle of a “V” type sign does not exceed 30 degrees and the two side are at no point separated by a distance that exceeds five feet; and the distance between the backs of each face of a double-faced (back-to-back) sign does not exceed three feet.
(C) Wall signs. No wall sign attached to a building may project more than 12 inches from the building wall. In those instances where a wall sign is affixed to the wall of the structure which lies on a right-of-way line, the bottom of the wall sign may be no closer than eight feet from the ground. In all other instances, see § 153.219 of this chapter for height requirements.
(D) Projecting signs.
(1) Projecting signs located above a public right-of-way shall be located at least nine feet from ground level, measured vertically from ground level to the bottom of the sign.
(2) Projecting signs located above an alley shall be located at least 16 feet above ground level, measured vertically from ground level to the bottom of the sign.
(3) No part of a projecting sign may extend more than eight feet over private property or a public right-of-way.
(E) Awning, canopy, marquee signs. Except for awning, canopy and marquee signs hanging entirely over private property, no part of an awning sign may be closer than eight feet from ground level.
(F) Temporary banner signs. Temporary banners in conjunction with a one-time event are only allowed in two specific locations within the city, adjacent to the city golf course and near the intersection of M 66 and U.S. 31. Temporary banners require a sign permit. Temporary banners may be erected not more than two weeks before the event and must be removed within two days after the event.
(G) Flags. Flags shall be a maximum of 15 square feet and shall be located so as to not interfere with pedestrian activity.
(H) Sandwich board signs.
(1) Shall be not more than 48 inches in height and 30 inches in width, and cannot exceed six square feet in sign face area;
(2) Shall be located on private property;
(3) Shall not block pedestrian access;
(4) Shall be constructed of durable materials and be clearly portable in terms of size, weight and placement;
(5) Shall only be displayed between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 12:00 a.m.;
(6) Shall use chalkboards or whiteboards for their signage area; and
(7) Shall not utilize changeable lettering for their messaging
(Prior Code, § 5.103) (Ord. 789, passed 3-19-2018) Penalty, see § 153.999
§ 153.209 SIGN STANDARDS FOR SPECIFIC LAND USE; SCHEDULE OF REGULATIONS.
(A) (1) Automobile gasoline service stations.
(a) In addition to the signs allowed by § 153.219 of this chapter, automobile gasoline service stations, including any business selling gasoline, may display one other sign with a sign face area not to exceed 18 square feet. For purposes of this division (A)(1), the sign may be an electronic sign face. Signs on pump canopies may be considered secondary to a station’s primary sign should the primary sign, for example be a ground sign. See § 153.210 of this chapter for all dimensional requirements.
(b) On-premises signs displayed over individual entrances or service bays shall be permitted. Not more than one such sign per bay shall be permitted and each sign shall not exceed four square feet in total sign face area. See § 153.210 of this chapter for all dimensional requirements.
(2) Major home occupations. Major home occupations may have one wall sign no larger than four square feet. See § 153.210 of this chapter for all dimensional requirements.
(3) Multi-tenant business center.
(a) Notwithstanding the requirements of § 153.210 of this chapter, in the case of a shopping center or other integrated group of stores or commercial buildings, one ground sign may be erected per street frontage. The maximum area for such a sign face shall be equal to 20 square feet one of sign face area for each business, or 60 square feet, whichever is less.
(b) See § 153.210 of this chapter for all dimensional requirements.
(Prior Code, § 5.104)
(B) Schedule of regulations for specific land use.
Table 153.209: Schedule of Regulations for Specific Land Use | ||||||
Land Use | Sign Type Allowed | Sign Face Area | Height | Number | Location | Permit Required? |
Major home occupations | Wall | Max 4 sf | Max 8 ft | Max 1 per parcel | First floor of building | Yes |
Business center | Ground | See division (A)(3) above | Max 16 ft | See division (A)(3) above | Min setback 4 ft from ROW | Yes |
Automobile gasoline service | Electronic | Max 18 sf | Max 16 ft | See division (A)(1) above | Min setback 4 ft from ROW | Yes |
Service bay | Max 4 sf | Min 8 ft | Max 12 ft | Max 1 per service bay | See division (A)(1) above | Yes |
(Prior Code, § 5.105)
(Ord. 789, passed 3-19-2018)
§ 153.210 R1, R2, R4, PC AND SR ZONING DISTRICTS.
The following signs are authorized in the R1 (Residential Low Density), R2 (Residential Medium Density), R4 (Residential Planned High Density), PC (Residential Private Clubs), and SR (Scenic Reserve) Zoning Districts. See § 153.219 of this chapter for all dimensional requirements.
(A) Signs not requiring a sign permit. Subject to any other applicable requirements and permits, the following signs are authorized without a sign permit:
(1) Signs authorized by § 153.206 of this chapter; and
(2) Temporary signs less than or equal to eight square feet in sign face area. Such signs shall be removed within seven days after the activity referenced has concluded.
(B) Signs requiring a sign permit. Subject to any other applicable requirements and permits, the following signs are authorized after issuance of a sign permit:
(1) Temporary signs greater than eight square feet in sign face area but not to exceed 36 square feet and less than eight feet in height. Such signs shall be removed within seven days after activity referenced has concluded; and
(2) On-premises ground sign.
(Prior Code, § 5.106) (Ord. 789, passed 3-19-2018)
§ 153.211 PUD ZONING DISTRICT.
The following signs are authorized in the PUD (Planned Unit Development) Zoning District. See § 153.219 of this chapter for all dimensional requirements.
(A) Signs not requiring a sign permit. Subject to any other applicable requirements and permits, the following signs are authorized without a sign permit:
(1) Signs authorized by § 153.206(B) of this chapter; and
(2) Temporary signs less than or equal to 16 square feet in sign face area. Such signs shall be removed within seven days after the activity referenced has concluded.
(B) Signs requiring a sign permit. Subject to any other applicable requirements and permits, the following signs are authorized after issuance of a sign permit:
(1) Temporary signs greater than 16 square feet in sign face area but not to exceed 36 square feet and less than eight feet in height. Such signs shall be removed within seven days after activity referenced has concluded;
(2) On-premises ground sign;
(3) On-premises projecting sign; and
(4) On-premises wall sign.
(C) Mixed-use planned unit development. Except for the signs permitted under this section, no other signs are permitted in residential areas of a PUD Zoning District, but are allowed in the commercial areas of a PUD Zone District. See § 153.219 of this chapter for all dimensional requirements.
(Prior Code, § 5.107) (Ord. 789, passed 3-19-2018)
§ 153.212 PF ZONING DISTRICT.
The following signs are authorized in the PF (Public Facilities) Zoning District. See § 153.219 of this chapter for all dimensional requirements.
(A) Signs not requiring a sign permit. Subject to any other applicable requirements and permits, the following signs are authorized without a sign permit:
(1) Signs authorized by § 153.206(B) of this chapter; and
(2) Temporary signs less than or equal to 16 square feet in sign face area. Such signs shall be removed within seven days after the activity referenced has concluded.
(B) Signs requiring a sign permit. Subject to any other applicable requirements and permits, the following signs are authorized after issuance of a sign permit:
(1) Temporary signs greater than sixteen (16) square feet in sign face area but not to exceed 36 square feet and less than eight feet in height. Such signs shall be removed within seven days after activity referenced has concluded;
(2) On-premises ground sign; and
(3) On-premises wall sign.
(Prior Code, § 5.108) (Ord. 789, passed 3-19-2018)
§ 153.213 GC ZONING DISTRICT.
The following signs are authorized in the GC (General Commercial) Zoning District. See § 153.219 of this chapter for all dimensional requirements.
(A) Signs not requiring a sign permit. Subject to any other applicable requirements and permits, the following signs are authorized without a sign permit:
(1) Signs authorized by § 153.206(B) of this chapter;
(2) Temporary signs less than or equal to 16 square feet in sign face area. Such signs shall be removed within seven days after the activity referenced has concluded; and
(3) External neon signs no larger than two square feet in sign face area.
(B) Signs requiring a sign permit. Subject to any other applicable requirements and permits, the following signs are authorized after issuance of a sign permit:
(1) Temporary signs greater than 16 square feet in sign face area, but not to exceed 36 square feet and less than eight feet in height. Such signs shall be removed within seven days after activity referenced has concluded;
(2) On-premises awning, canopy or marquee sign;
(3) On-premises ground sign;
(4) On-premises projecting sign; and
(5) On-premises wall sign.
(Prior Code, § 5.109) (Ord. 789, passed 3-19-2018)
§ 153.214 CM ZONING DISTRICT.
The following signs are authorized in the CM (Commercial Mixed Use) Zoning District. See § 153.219 of this chapter for all dimensional requirements.
(A) Signs not requiring a sign permit. Subject to any other applicable requirements and permits, the following signs are authorized without a sign permit:
(1) Signs authorized by § 153.206(B) of this chapter;
(2) Temporary signs less than or equal to 16 square feet in sign face area and less than eight feet in height. Such signs shall be removed within seven days after the activity referenced has concluded; and
(3) Portable signs. See § 153.208(H) of this chapter.
(B) Signs requiring a sign permit. Subject to any other applicable requirements and permits, the following signs are authorized after issuance of a sign permit:
(1) On-premises temporary ground signs greater than 16 square feet in sign face area but not to exceed 36 square feet and less than eight feet in height. Such signs shall be removed within seven days after activity referenced has concluded;
(2) On-premises awning, canopy or marquee sign;
(3) On-premises ground sign; and
(4) On-premises projecting sign.
(Prior Code, § 5.110) (Ord. 789, passed 3-19-2018)
§ 153.215 CBD ZONING DISTRICT.
The following signs are authorized in the CBD Zoning Districts. See § 153.219 of this chapter for all dimensional requirements.
(A) Signs not requiring a sign permit. Subject to any other applicable requirements and permits, the following signs are authorized without a sign permit:
(1) Signs authorized by § 153.206(B) of this chapter;
(2) Temporary signs less than or equal to 16 square feet in sign face area and less than eight feet in height. Such signs shall be removed within seven days after the activity referenced has concluded;
(3) External neon signs no larger than two square feet in sign face area;
(4) One commercial flag per business. See § 153.208(G) of this chapter; and
(5) Portable signs. See § 153.208(H) of this chapter.
(B) Signs requiring a sign permit. Subject to any other applicable requirements and permits, the following signs are authorized after issuance of a sign permit:
(1) Temporary signs greater than 16 square feet in sign face area but not to exceed 36 square feet and less than eight feet in height. Such signs shall be removed within seven days after activity referenced has concluded;
(2) On-premises awning, canopy, marquee sign;
(3) On-premises ground sign;
(4) On-premises projecting sign; and
(5) On-premises wall sign.
(C) Commercial properties on Bridge Park Drive located beneath Bridge Park.
(1) Each business may attach a sign less than or equal to two square feet in the sign face area on the Bridge Park railing above the location of their business. A sign permit must be obtained, which must also be approved by the City Manager. The method of sign attachment must be included in the sign permit application. A sign permit approved under this division is valid only for the permit applicant and cannot be transferred to another entity.
(2) One multi-tenant business center sign meeting § 153.209(A)(3)(a) may be placed at the northwest corner of the parcel, directly in front of the mechanical units of the building. The sign will be no more than seven feet wide and shall not extend beyond seven feet above the ground. The sign shall follow the sign permit requirements, and shall, in the opinion and with the approval of the City Manager, complement the wayfinding signage of the city. The sign may include the specific logo identity of the establishments located within the building.
(Prior Code, § 5.111) (Ord. 789, passed 3-19-2018; Ord. 834, passed 1-2-2023; Ord. 849, passed 6-3-2024)
§ 153.216 I ZONING DISTRICT.
The following signs are authorized in the I (Industrial) Zoning District. See § 153.219 of this chapter for all dimensional requirements.
(A) Signs not requiring a sign permit. Subject to any other applicable requirements and permits, the following signs are authorized without a sign permit:
(1) Signs authorized by § 153.206(B) of this chapter; and
(2) Temporary signs less than or equal to 16 square feet in sign face area and less than eight feet in height. Such signs shall be removed within seven days after the activity referenced has concluded.
(B) Signs requiring a sign permit. Subject to any other applicable requirements and permits, the following signs are authorized after issuance of a sign permit:
(1) Temporary signs greater than 16 square feet in sign face area but not to exceed 36 square feet and less than eight feet in height. Such signs shall be removed within seven days after activity referenced has concluded;
(2) On-premises awning, canopy, marquee sign;
(3) On-premises ground sign;
(4) On-premises projecting sign; and
(5) On-premises wall sign.
(Prior Code, § 5.112) (Ord. 789, passed 3-19-2018)
§ 153.217 PO AND MC ZONING DISTRICTS.
The following signs are authorized in the PO (Professional Office) and MC (Marine Commercial) Zoning Districts. See § 153.219 of this chapter for all dimensional requirements.
(A) Signs not requiring a sign permit. Subject to any other applicable requirements and permits, the following signs are authorized without a sign permit:
(1) Signs authorized by § 153.206(B) of this chapter; and
(2) Temporary signs less than or equal to 16 square feet in sign face area and less than eight feet in height. Such signs shall be removed within seven days after the activity referenced has concluded.
(B) Signs requiring a sign permit. Subject to any other applicable requirements and permits, the following signs are authorized after issuance of a sign permit:
(1) Temporary signs greater than 16 square feet in sign face area but not to exceed 36 square feet and less than eight feet in height. Such signs shall be removed within seven days after activity referenced has concluded;
(2) On-premises awning, canopy, marquee sign;
(3) On-premises ground sign;
(4) On-premises projecting sign; and
(5) On-premises wall sign.
(Prior Code, § 5.113) (Ord. 789, passed 3-19-2018)
§ 153.218 CH ZONING DISTRICT.
The following signs are authorized in the CH (Commercial Hospitality) District. See § 153.219 of this chapter for all dimensional requirements.
(A) Signs not requiring a sign permit. Subject to any other applicable requirements and permits, the following signs are authorized without a sign permit:
(1) Signs authorized by § 153.206(B) of this chapter;
(2) Temporary signs less than or equal to 16 square feet in sign face area and less than eight feet in height. Such signs shall be removed within seven days after the activity referenced has concluded; and
(3) External neon signs no larger than two square feet in sign face area.
(B) Signs requiring a sign permit. Subject to any other applicable requirements and permits, the following signs are authorized after issuance of a sign permit:
(1) Temporary signs greater than 16 square feet in sign face area, but not to exceed 36 square feet and less than eight feet in height. Such signs shall be removed within seven days after activity referenced has concluded;
(2) On-premises ground sign;
(3) On-premises projecting sign; and
(4) On-premises wall sign.
(Prior Code, § 5.114) (Ord. 789, passed 3-19-2018)
§ 153.219 SCHEDULE OF REGULATIONS.
Table 153.219: Schedule of Regulations by Zoning District | |||||
Zoning District | Max Sign Face Area
|
Max Height
|
Max. Number
|
Location
|
Permit Required?
|
Sign Type | |||||
Table 153.219: Schedule of Regulations by Zoning District | |||||
Zoning District | Max Sign Face Area
|
Max Height
|
Max. Number
|
Location
|
Permit Required?
|
Sign Type | |||||
R1, R2, R2A, R4, PC, SR | |||||
Temporary | Max 36 sf | Max 8 ft | 1/public frontage | Min setback 4 ft from ROW | No - if sign face area less than/equal to 8 sf |
Ground | Max 16 sf | Max 16 ft | 1/public frontage | Min setback 4 ft from ROW | Yes |
PUD | |||||
Temporary | Max 36 sf | Max 8 ft | 1/public frontage | Min setback 4 ft from ROW | No - if sign face area less than/equal to 16 sf |
Wall | Max 30 sf | Max 8 ft | 1/parcel | First floor of building | Yes |
Ground | Max16 sf | Max 16 ft | 1/public frontage | Min setback 4 ft from ROW | Yes |
Projecting | Max16 sf | Min 8 ft Max 12 ft | 1/public frontage | Shall not be located in ROW | Yes |
PF | |||||
Temporary banner | Max 30 sf | Max 16 ft | n/a | U.S. 31/M 66 intersection only. Shall not be located in ROW | Yes |
Temporary | Max 36 sf | Max 8 ft | 1/public frontage | Min setback 4 ft from ROW | No - if sign face area less than/equal to 16 sf |
Wall | Max 30 sf | Max 8 ft | 1/parcel | First floor of building | Yes |
Ground | Max 16 sf | Max 16 ft | 1/public frontage | Min setback 4 ft from ROW | Yes |
GC | |||||
Temporary | Max 36 sf | Max 8 ft | 1/public frontage | Min setback 4 ft from ROW | No - if sign face area less than/equal to 8 sf |
Wall | Max 30 sf | Max 8 ft | 1/parcel | First floor of building | Yes |
Awning, canopy, marquee | Max 16 sf | Max 8 ft | 1/awning, canopy, or marquee | Shall not be located in ROW | Yes |
Ground | Max 20 sf | Max 16 ft | 1/public frontage | Min setback 4 ft from ROW | Yes |
Projecting | Max 16 sf | Min 8 ft Max 12 ft | 1/parcel | Shall not be located in ROW | Yes |
External neon | Max 2 sf | Max 8 ft | 1/business | n/a | No |
CM | |||||
Temporary | Max 36 sf | Max 8 ft | 1/public frontage | Min setback 4 ft from ROW | No - if sign face area less than/equal to 16 sf |
Portable | Max 6 sf | Max 4 ft | 1/business | No | |
Awning, canopy, marquee | Max 16 sf | Max 8 ft | 1/awning, canopy, or marquee | Shall not be located in ROW | Yes |
Ground | Max 16 sf | Max 16 ft | 1/public frontage | Min setback 4 ft from ROW | Yes |
Projecting | Max 16 sf | Min 8 ft Max 12 ft | 1/parcel | Shall not be located in ROW | Yes |
CBD1 | |||||
Temporary | Max 36 sf | Max 8 ft | 1/public frontage | Min setback 4 ft from ROW | No - if sign face area less than/equal to 16 sf |
Wall | Max 30 sf | Max 8 ft | 1/parcel | First floor of building | Yes |
Portable | Max 6 sf | Max 4 ft | 1/business | No | |
External neon | Max 2 sf | Max 8 ft | 1/business | n/a | No |
Commercial flag | Max 15 sf | n/a | 1/business | Shall not interfere with pedestrians | No |
Awning, canopy, marquee | Max 16 sf | Max 8 ft | 1/awning, canopy, marquee | Shall not be located in ROW | Yes |
Ground | Max 16 sf | Max 16 ft | 1/public frontage | Min setback 4 ft from ROW | Yes |
Projecting | Max 16 sf | Min 8 ft Max 12 ft | 1/parcel | Shall not be located in ROW | Yes |
1 See § 153.215(C) regarding commercial properties on Bridge Park Dr. located beneath Bridge Park. | |||||
PO, MC | |||||
Temporary | Max 36 sf | Max 8 ft | 1/public frontage | Min setback 4 ft from ROW | No - if sign face area less than/equal to 16 sf |
Wall | Max 30 sf | Max 8 ft | 1/parcel | First floor of building | Yes |
Awning, canopy, marquee | Max 16 sf | Max 8 ft | 1/awning, canopy, marquee | Shall not be located in ROW | Yes |
Ground | Max 16 sf | Max 16 ft | 1/public frontage | Min setback 4 ft from ROW | Yes |
Projecting | Max 16 sf | Min 8 ft Max 12 ft | 1/parcel | Shall not be located in ROW | Yes |
CH | |||||
Temporary | Max 36 sf | Max 8 ft | 1/public frontage | Min setback 4 ft from ROW | No - if sign face area less than/equal to 16 sf |
Wall | Max 30 sf | Max 8 ft | 1/parcel | First floor of building | Yes |
Ground | Max 20 sf | Max 16 ft | 1/public frontage | Min setback 4 ft from ROW | Yes |
Projecting | Max 16 sf | Min 8 ft Max 12 ft | 1/parcel | Shall not be located in ROW | Yes |
(I) Industrial | |||||
Temporary | Max 36 sf | Max 8 ft | 1/public frontage | Min setback 4 ft from ROW | No - if sign face area less than/equal to 16 sf |
Temporary banner | Max 30 sf | Max 16 ft | n/a | Adjacent to city golf course. Shall not be located in the ROW | Yes |
Wall | Max 30 sf | Max 8 ft | 1/parcel | First floor of building | Yes |
Awning, canopy, marquee | Max 16 sf | Max 8 ft | 1/awning, canopy, marquee | Shall not be located in the ROW | Yes |
Ground | Max 16 sf | Max 16 ft | 1/public frontage | Min. setback 4 ft from ROW | Yes |
Projecting | Max 16 sf | Min 8 ft Max 12 ft | 1/parcel | Shall not be located in the ROW | Yes |
(Prior Code, § 5.115) (Ord. 789, passed 3-19-2018; Ord. 834, passed 1-2-2023)