The purpose of this Chapter is to regulate the display of signs that pertain to businesses, activities and uses that take place on the same premises as where the sign is located. Signs that do not pertain to a business, activity and use that takes place on the same premises as where the sign is located are regulated by Chapter 895, Outdoor Advertising Signs, of the Cincinnati Municipal Code and by the applicable zoning district regulations of the Cincinnati Zoning Code. The regulations in this Chapter are intended to:

(a)

Provide property owners and occupants an opportunity for effective identification.

(b)

Maintain and enhance the quality of the city's appearance by limiting the number, area, location and design of signs permitted on all sites.

(c)

Protect residential districts from adverse impacts of excessive signs both from within residential districts and from surrounding districts.

(d)

Reduce sign clutter.

(e)

Ensure that signs are located and designed to maintain a safe and orderly pedestrian and vehicular environment.

(f)

Provide reasonable, yet appropriate conditions for identifying goods sold or produced or services rendered in all zoning districts.

(g)

Control the size, location and design of temporary and permanent signs so that the appearance of such signs will be aesthetically harmonious with their surroundings and will enhance the overall appearance of the built environment.

(h)

Eliminate any conflict that could be hazardous between commercial or identification signs and traffic control devices and signs.

(i)

Preserve and perpetuate uncluttered and natural views, significant architecture and cultural resources for the enjoyment and environmental enrichment of the citizens of the community and visitors.

(Ordained by Ord. No. 303-2006, § 1(Exh. A), eff. Nov. 25, 2006)

The definitions contained herein are applied to this Chapter, Chapter 1411 Downtown Development District, and Chapter 1417 Institutional-Residential District.

(Ordained by Ord. No. 303-2006, § 1(Exh. A), eff. Nov. 25, 2006)

"Awning Sign" means a sign painted on or attached to, or supported by an awning in any manner.

(Ordained by Ord. No. 303-2006, § 1(Exh. A), eff. Nov. 25, 2006)

"Banner" means a non-rigid cloth, plastic, paper, or canvas sign typically related to a public demonstration or for the promotion of civic, welfare or charitable enterprises.

(Ordained by Ord. No. 303-2006, § 1(Exh. A), eff. Nov. 25, 2006)

"Building Identification Sign" means a sign intended to identify a building from beyond the site on which the sign is located.

(Ordained by Ord. No. 303-2006, § 1(Exh. A), eff. Nov. 25, 2006)

"Canopy Sign" means a sign painted on, attached to, or made part of a canopy in any manner.

(Ordained by Ord. No. 303-2006, § 1(Exh. A), eff. Nov. 25, 2006)

"Changeable Copy Sign" means a sign or portion thereof with characters, letters, or illustrations that can be changed or rearranged by mechanical, electronic or manual means.

(Ordained by Ord. No. 303-2006, § 1(Exh. A), eff. Nov. 25, 2006)

"Commercial Sign" means a sign that proposes or promotes a commercial transaction or directs attention to a good, product, commodity, business, service, event, or other object that serves as the basis of a commercial transaction.

(Ordained by Ord. No. 303-2006, § 1(Exh. A), eff. Nov. 25, 2006; a. Ord. No. 372-2017, § 4, eff. Jan. 20, 2018)

"Construction Sign" means a nonpermanent sign identifying the persons, firms or businesses directly connected with an ongoing construction project.

(Ordained by Ord. No. 303-2006, § 1(Exh. A), eff. Nov. 25, 2006)

"Construction Site Wrap" means a temporary banner attached to a fence surrounding a construction site.

(Ordained by Ord. No. 322-2010, § 1, eff. Sept. 4, 2010)

"Entry Feature Sign" means a permanent on-site ground or wall sign that serves to identify the name of a residential, commercial, or industrial subdivision, multi-family development, or a planned development district.

(Ordained by Ord. No. 303-2006, § 1(Exh. A), eff. Nov. 25, 2006)

"External Illumination" means a source of illumination directed toward a sign so that a beam of light falls on the exterior surface of the sign and so arranged that no direct rays of light project from such artificial source into residences or streets.

(Ordained by Ord. No. 303-2006, § 1(Exh. A), eff. Nov. 25, 2006)

"Flag" means any fabric or bunting containing the officially recognized and adopted colors, patterns, or symbols used as the official symbol of a government or political entity.

(Ordained by Ord. No. 303-2006, § 1(Exh. A), eff. Nov. 25, 2006)

"Flashing Sign" means a sign that changes in intensity, color and pattern of illumination at less than ten-second intervals when the sign is activated.

(Ordained by Ord. No. 303-2006, § 1(Exh. A), eff. Nov. 25, 2006)

"Ground Sign" means a sign supported by structures or supports, permanently placed or anchored in the ground independent from any building or other structure. This term includes, but is not limited to, pole signs, freestanding signs, pylon signs and monument signs.

(Ordained by Ord. No. 303-2006, § 1(Exh. A), eff. Nov. 25, 2006)

"Identification Sign" means a sign that serves to identify only the name, address, and occupation conducted on or in the premises, business, building or portion of a building on which it is located.

(Ordained by Ord. No. 303-2006, § 1(Exh. A), eff. Nov. 25, 2006)

"Illegal On-Site Sign" means either:

(a)

An on-site sign erected without first complying with all ordinances and regulations in effect at the time of its construction and erection or use.

(b)

An on-site sign that was legally erected, but whose use has ceased, or the structure on which the display is placed has been abandoned by its owner, not maintained, or not used to identify or advertise an ongoing business after a period of more than 45 days. See § 1427-43.

(Ordained by Ord. No. 303-2006, § 1(Exh. A), eff. Nov. 25, 2006)

"Instructional Sign" means an on-site sign designed to be visible on-site or immediately adjacent to the site by pedestrians and motorists and that conveys instructions with respect to the premises on which it is maintained. Examples of such signs include a sign designating the entrance to or exit from a parking area, trespassing sign, a danger sign, entry or exit signs, directional signs, service entrance signs, and informational on-site signs.

(Ordained by Ord. No. 303-2006, § 1(Exh. A), eff. Nov. 25, 2006)

"Internal Illumination" means a source of illumination enclosed entirely within the sign and not directly visible from outside the sign.

(Ordained by Ord. No. 303-2006, § 1(Exh. A), eff. Nov. 25, 2006)

"Marquee Sign" means a sign painted on, attached to, or made part of a marquee in any manner.

(Ordained by Ord. No. 303-2006, § 1(Exh. A), eff. Nov. 25, 2006)

"Mural" means a picture on an exterior surface of a structure. A mural is a sign only if it is related by language, logo, or pictorial depiction to the advertisement of any product, service, place, person or the identification of any business.

(Ordained by Ord. No. 303-2006, § 1(Exh. A), eff. Nov. 25, 2006)

"Noncommercial Sign" means a sign that does not propose or promote a commercial transaction or direct attention to a good, product, commodity, business, service, event, or other object that serves as the basis of a commercial transaction.

(Ordained by Ord. No. 303-2006, § 1(Exh. A), eff. Nov. 25, 2006; a. Ord. No. 372-2017, § 4, eff. Jan. 20, 2018)

"Nonconforming Sign" means a sign that was lawfully erected or displayed under laws or ordinances in effect at the time of its installation, but that is not allowed under the current provisions of the Cincinnati Zoning Code.

(Ordained by Ord. No. 303-2006, § 1(Exh. A), eff. Nov. 25, 2006)

"Off-Site Sign" means a Commercial Sign (i) that proposes or promotes a commercial transaction to be conducted on a premises other than the premises on which the sign is located; or (ii) directs attention to a good, product, commodity, business, service, event, or other object that serves as the basis of a commercial transaction that is not conducted on the same premises as the premises on which the sign is located.

(Ordained by Ord. No. 303-2006, § 1(Exh. A), eff. Nov. 25, 2006; a. Ord. No. 372-2017, § 4, eff. Jan. 20, 2018)

"On-Site Sign" means (i) a Noncommercial Sign; (ii) a Commercial Sign that proposes or promotes a commercial transaction to be conducted on the same premises as the premises on which the sign is located; or (iii) a Commercial Sign that directs attention to a good, product, commodity, business, service, event, or other object that serves as the basis of a commercial transaction conducted on the same premises as the premises on which the sign is located.

(Ordained by Ord. No. 303-2006, § 1(Exh. A), eff. Nov. 25, 2006; a. Ord. No. 372-2017, § 4, eff. Jan. 20, 2018)

"Portable Sign" means a sign that is designed to be or capable of being moved or transported, and not permanently affixed or attached to any building, structure, or grounds.

(Ordained by Ord. No. 303-2006, § 1(Exh. A), eff. Nov. 25, 2006)

"Professional sign" means a sign indicating the name and occupation of a professional person or group of associated professional persons.

(Ordained by Ord. No. 303-2006, § 1(Exh. A), eff. Nov. 25, 2006)

"Projecting Sign" means a sign that is wholly or partly dependant on a building for support or suspended from a pole attached to a structure and that projects from the building at a perpendicular angle or approximately perpendicular angle. A Projecting Sign may not extend more than six feet from the wall to which it is attached.

Figure 1427-03-P1 Example of Projecting Sign

(Ordained by Ord. No. 303-2006, § 1(Exh. A), eff. Nov. 25, 2006)

"Real Estate Sign" means a sign advertising the sale, rental, open house or lease of the structure or property on which it is installed.

(Ordained by Ord. No. 303-2006, § 1(Exh. A), eff. Nov. 25, 2006)

"Roof Line" means the uppermost line or point of the facade or parapet of a flat roof structure, or the lower edge of an eve, gable or rake of a sloped roof structure.

(Ordained by Ord. No. 303-2006, § 1(Exh. A), eff. Nov. 25, 2006)

"Roof Sign" means a sign erected on or above the roofline of a building or structure.

(Ordained by Ord. No. 303-2006, § 1(Exh. A), eff. Nov. 25, 2006)

"Sandwich Board Sign" means a sign with two hinged, connected, or double-faced boards or other material that can be temporarily placed on the ground and is customarily placed on a sidewalk to advertise changing sales, specials, or products sold in the adjacent establishment.

(Ordained by Ord. No. 303-2006, § 1(Exh. A), eff. Nov. 25, 2006)

"Sign" means a writing or display, including a word or numeral; pictorial representation, including illustration or decoration; emblem, including device, symbol or trademark; flag, including banner, pennant, mural, or painting; or other figures of similar character that:

(a)

Is a structure or part thereof, or is attached to, painted on, or in other manner represented on a building or other structure, and

(b)

Is used to announce, direct attention to, or advertise, and

(c)

Is visible from outside a building.

(Ordained by Ord. No. 303-2006, § 1(Exh. A), eff. Nov. 25, 2006)

"Sign Face Area" means the area of the smallest enclosing circle, half-circle, parallelogram, or triangle that encloses all of the letters, figures or symbols that comprise the sign message, including any background forming an integral part of the display, but not including any structure supporting the sign, unless the support structure forms a part of the message being displayed. Irregular shapes shall be calculated by up to a maximum of three connected shapes.

(Ordained by Ord. No. 303-2006, § 1(Exh. A), eff. Nov. 25, 2006)

"Sign Height" means the distance between the highest point of the sign face or sign structure and the finished grade directly below it. The height may not be artificially increased by the use of mounding.

(Ordained by Ord. No. 303-2006, § 1(Exh. A), eff. Nov. 25, 2006)

"Site" means any tract or tracts of land that comprise a single, integrated development or use of land.

(Ordained by Ord. No. 303-2006, § 1(Exh. A), eff. Nov. 25, 2006)

"Temporary Sign" means a sign or advertising display designed, intended, or installed for a short period of time as regulated in this chapter (See § 1427-13 Temporary Signs). This excludes exempt signs as defined in § 1427-11.

(Ordained by Ord. No. 303-2006, § 1(Exh. A), eff. Nov. 25, 2006)

"Wall Sign" means a sign painted on or fastened to the wall of a building or structure in a plane parallel or approximately parallel to the plane of said wall and affixed in such a manner that the wall becomes the supporting structure for or forms the background surface of the sign.

(Ordained by Ord. No. 303-2006, § 1(Exh. A), eff. Nov. 25, 2006)

"Window Sign" means a sign painted on or affixed to a windowpane or glass door or displayed on the inside of the building or structure that is within two feet of a windowpane or glass door and is visible from a public right-of-way or adjacent property.

(Ordained by Ord. No. 303-2006, § 1(Exh. A), eff. Nov. 25, 2006)

The regulations set forth in this Chapter apply to all on-site signs in all districts, except in the DD District and in the IR District, where the sign regulations set forth in Chapter 1411, Downtown Development District, and Chapter 1417, Institutional-Residential District, apply where inconsistent with the regulations set forth in this Chapter.

A sign regulated by this Chapter may not be erected or displayed unless a building permit is obtained or the sign is listed as an exempt sign in § 1427-11. In addition, no Off-Site Sign may be erected or displayed unless it conforms to the requirements of Chapter 895, "Outdoor Advertising Signs" and applicable federal and state regulations.

(Ordained by Ord. No. 303-2006, § 1(Exh. A), eff. Nov. 25, 2006; a. Ord. No. 372-2017, § 4, eff. Jan. 20, 2018)

The following signs are exempt from the provisions of the Cincinnati Zoning Code and are permitted in any zoning district:

(a)

Signs erected or displayed in the public right-of-way and authorized under Chapter 723 of the Municipal Code; and

(b)

Signs erected or displayed on Fountain Square pursuant to Rules and Regulations for the Use of Fountain Square as authorized by Chapter 713 of the Municipal Code; and

(c)

Signs approved by the City for a special event authorized under Chapter 765 of the Municipal Code or other event authorized under Park Board rules; and.

(d)

Signs erected or displayed on city-owned property by the City of Cincinnati or by a third-party pursuant to a contract with the city subject to reasonable, uniform, viewpoint-neutral limitations that ensure the signs do not undermine the city's interests, including its interests in aesthetics and traffic safety.

(Ordained by Ord. No. 303-2006, § 1(Exh. A), eff. Nov. 25, 2006; a. Ord. No. 372-2017, § 4, eff. Jan. 20, 2018; a. Ord. No. 295-2019(Emer.), §§ 5, 6, eff. June 26, 2019)

The following signs, sign types, sign locations, and sign messages are prohibited:

(a)

In any public park or on any public property without the permission of the City of Cincinnati.

(b)

On any traffic control sign, utility pole, street sign, or tree.

(c)

In any location where the view of approaching or intersecting traffic would be obstructed. A sign may not be located so as to interfere with the safe movement of vehicles or pedestrians entering, leaving, or crossing a public right-of-way.

(d)

A sign affixed to a vehicle or trailer, unless the vehicle or trailer is used in ordinary course of business for the transportation of persons or materials and not for the primary purpose of advertising.

(e)

On any property without prior authorization granted by the property owner on which any sign is displayed.

(f)

Moving, flashing or animated signs, balloons, gas inflated signs or similar inflated signs, portable signs, searchlights, streamers, spinners, flags (other than those specifically permitted herein), outdoor image projections (signs projected from an external light source onto a building or structure) or any other similar devices.

(g)

Roof Signs.

(Ordained by Ord. No. 303-2006, § 1(Exh. A), eff. Nov. 25, 2006)

The following signs are exempt from the permit requirements of this Chapter and are permitted in any zoning district:

(a)

Street address numbers displayed in accordance with § 723-65, Displaying House Numbers, of the Cincinnati Municipal Code.

(b)

Public information, identification, special event, directional, and other signs erected by a government agency.

(c)

Notices posted by a public utility or other quasi-public agent in the performance of a public duty.

(d)

City entry, community or district identification signs not exceeding 20 square feet in area and eight feet in height.

(e)

Names of buildings, dates of erection, commemorative tablets and the like, when carved into stone, concrete or similar material or made of bronze, aluminum or other permanent type material.

(f)

Credit card, trading stamp, or trade association signs not exceeding one-half square foot each and not exceeding ten per establishment.

(g)

Flags not exceeding 72 square feet each. A flag may be displayed on a pole not exceeding 35 feet in height or the height of the principal structure on the site, whichever is less. No more than 4 flags or flagpoles are permitted per site.

(h)

One Identification Sign per dwelling unit or per business, not exceeding one square foot each.

(i)

Instructional On-Site Signs provided that such signs are limited to a maximum of six square feet in area. If constructed as a ground mounted sign the maximum height is four feet.

(j)

Temporary Open House Signs provided that they are limited in number to a maximum of four per event, limited in size to a maximum of 12 square feet in area and located at least 12 feet from the edge of the street pavement. An open house sign may only be installed the day before the open house and must be removed the same day of the open house after its conclusion. In no case shall an open house sign be installed for more than 48 continuous hours.

(k)

Real Estate Sign.

(1)

For all zoning districts, only one such sign is allowed per site per street frontage, and is limited in size to a maximum total sign face area of 24 square feet and 12 square feet for any single sign face.

(2)

The sign may be a ground sign, a window sign, or a wall sign.

(3)

All signs must be removed within 14 days after the sale, lease, or rental has occurred. These signs may only be installed on the property to which they refer.

(l)

Noncommercial Signs as regulated by § 1427-15.

(Ordained by Ord. No. 303-2006, § 1(Exh. A), eff. Nov. 25, 2006)

A temporary sign is permitted in any zoning district, requires obtaining a building permit or a Certificate of Compliance, may only be externally illuminated, and may include:

(a)

A Temporary Construction Sign provided that such a sign is limited in size to a maximum total sign face area of 64 square feet in commercial zoning districts and 32 square feet in residential zoning districts. Each site may only have one Temporary Construction Sign. Construction signs shall be installed no sooner than one (1) week prior to the commencement of construction on the site and must be removed within 24 hours of completion of construction or if the project ceases construction for 12 months or longer. Construction signs may be erected as wall or ground signs.

(b)

A Construction Site Wrap provided that such a sign in limited in height to no more than eight (8) feet. The purpose of a Construction Site Wrap is to conceal the construction site, inform people about the future uses, recognize principle parties, and create interest about the new development. The sign copy may be modified at any time during construction, if the Zoning Administrator approves the change. The sign may span the length of the fence. Construction Site Wraps shall be installed no sooner than one (1) week prior to the commencement of construction on the site and must be removed within 24 hours of the completion of construction or if the project ceases construction for 12 months or longer.

(c)

Decorations, banners, and signs for public demonstrations, special events, or for the temporary promotion of civic, welfare or charitable enterprises or events. A banner may not exceed 12 feet in any of its dimensions. These signs may be installed for a period not to exceed 30 days with a minimum of 30 days between installation periods for a maximum of four times for every calendar year.

(d)

Residential subdivisions with multiple lots for sale, lease, or rent may have one temporary ground mounted sign per perimeter street frontage around the subdivision in addition to signs allowed under § 1427-11(m) Real Estate Sign. The additional residential subdivision sign may not exceed 250 square feet in area or ten square feet for every lot offered, whichever is less. This sign must be at least 50 feet from a perimeter street or right-of-way surrounding the subdivision. No two signs, if allowed, may be closer than 200 feet to each other. The sign must be removed when 75% of the lots in the subdivision have received a certificate of occupancy.

(e)

One on-site commercial sign per site, installed only as a temporary ground sign, not exceeding 36 square feet per sign face, with a maximum of two sign faces and a maximum sign height of 5 feet. Such sign may be installed for a period not to exceed 30 days for a maximum of four times for every calendar year with a minimum of 30 days between installations.

(Ordained by Ord. No. 303-2006, § 1(Exh. A), eff. Nov. 25, 2006; a. Ord. No. 322-2010, § 2, eff. Sept. 4, 2010; Emer. Ord. No. 141-2015, § 35, eff. July 1, 2015)

(a)

Notwithstanding any other provision of this code, a noncommercial sign shall be permitted in any zoning district in lieu of any sign permitted in the district on the same terms under which the substituted sign is permitted in the district.

(b)

Notwithstanding any other provision of this code, except Section 1427-09, "Prohibited Sign Types, Locations and Messages," one or more noncommercial signs may be displayed as ground, window or wall signs in any zone district on each street frontage with a maximum total sign face area for all sign faces visible from any point along the street frontage of 36 square feet. Where a sign has two or more display faces, the area of all faces of the sign shall be included in determining the area of the sign, unless the two faces are joined back to back, are parallel to each other, are of equal size and are not more than 16 inches apart, in which case one face shall be included in determining the area of the sign.

(Ordained by Ord. No. 303-2006, § 1(Exh. A), eff. Nov. 25, 2006; a. Ord. No. 372-2017, § 4, eff. Jan. 20, 2018)

Off-Site Signs are permitted only in the CC-M, CC-A, CG-A, MG, and ME zoning districts and must be displayed in compliance with Chapter 895, Outdoor Advertising Signs, of the Cincinnati Municipal Code.

(Ordained by Ord. No. 303-2006, § 1(Exh. A), eff. Nov. 25, 2006)

One mural on only one wall of a building or structure is permitted. Murals require either a building permit or a Certificate of Compliance.

(Ordained by Ord. No. 303-2006, § 1(Exh. A), eff. Nov. 25, 2006)

In determining compliance with the maximum total sign area (See § 1427-35-(a), § 1427-37-(a), and § 1427-39-(a)), the following rules apply:

(a)

For a site with frontage on only one street, the linear feet of frontage along the street shall be counted for purposes of determining the maximum allowable sign area. For the purposes of § 1427-21, the building frontage is the horizontal linear dimension of the first story of the building.

(b)

The maximum total sign area for all buildings shall be the sum of the allowable building sign area permitted and the allowable ground sign area permitted in each of the individual zoning districts.

(c)

The maximum sign area for all building (wall, projecting, marquee, awning/canopy) signs shall be a multiple of the linear feet of building frontage occupied by an individual establishment, subject to the maximums delineated for each zoning district. No more than two building sign types may be used on a single building.

(d)

The maximum sign area for all ground signs shall be a multiple of the linear feet of lot frontage at the street, subject to the maximums delineated for each zoning district.

(e)

The maximum total sign area may be allocated among the permitted signs in each district, provided that each sign conforms to the applicable regulations of the district in which the sign is located and the applicable regulations for the type of sign.

(f)

In no case may the total area of all signs on a particular site exceed the maximum total sign area given for a site in a particular zoning district.

(g)

Signs that are exempt from permit requirements (§ 1427-11 Exempt Signs), listed as temporary signs (§ 1427-13 Temporary Signs) and non-commercial signs (§ 1427-15 Non-commercial Signs) do not count against the maximum total sign area for a site in a particular zoning district.

(Ordained by Ord. No. 303-2006, § 1(Exh. A), eff. Nov. 25, 2006)

The following regulations apply to wall signs (See § 1427-03-W), unless more specifically regulated elsewhere in this Chapter or by the District regulations applicable to the zoning district in which the sign is located:

(a)

A wall sign may not project above a roofline.

(b)

A wall sign may not be installed more than the permissible maximum height above grade as established per zoning district, as measured to the top of the sign.

(c)

Each individual wall sign face counts against the maximum total sign area (See § 1427-21) permitted for all signs on a site and against the total area permitted for a wall sign as allowed in each district.

Figure 1427-23-B Examples of Wall Signs

(Ordained by Ord. No. 303-2006, § 1(Exh. A), eff. Nov. 25, 2006)

The following regulations apply to ground signs (See § 1427-03-G), unless more specifically regulated elsewhere in this Chapter or by the District regulations applicable to the zoning district in which the sign is located:

(a)

A ground sign may not be closer to a lot line or right-of-way than the greater of one-half the sign height or 15' when within a sight triangle. Refer to Figures 1427-25-A and 1427-25-C.

(b)

Only one ground sign per site is permitted for sites with less than 400 lineal feet of lot frontage. A secondary ground sign may be permitted on a lot with more than 400 feet of street frontage, but in no circumstance may two ground signs be erected within 200 feet of each other as measured along the street frontage.

(c)

For corner lots or sites with sufficient lot frontage of 400 lineal feet or greater to permit two ground signs, the primary ground sign shall not exceed the maximum total sign face area or square feet per sign face permitted in a district. The total sign face area of the second sign shall not exceed 50% of the maximum total sign face area or square feet per sign face permitted in a district.

(d)

For lots with double street frontage one ground sign may be installed per street frontage. A ground sign on an arterial street or collector street shall not exceed a maximum total sign face area or square feet per sign face permitted in a district. Ground signs erected on any other street frontage shall not exceed 50% of the maximum total sign face area or square feet per sign face permitted in a district. Double frontage lots are not subject to the restrictions of § 1427-25(b).

(e)

Each individual ground sign face counts against the maximum total sign area (See § 1427-21) permitted for all signs on a site and against the total area permitted for a ground sign as allowed in each district.

(f)

Ground signs are subject to the requirements of all City of Cincinnati departments and agencies.

Figure 1427-25-A Ground Signs

Figure 1427-25-B Examples of Ground Signs

Figure 1427-25-C Site Triangle

(Ordained by Ord. No. 303-2006, § 1(Exh. A), eff. Nov. 25, 2006)

The following regulations apply to sandwich board signs (See § 1427-03-S), unless more specifically regulated elsewhere in this Chapter or by the District regulations applicable to the zoning district in which the sign is located:

(a)

Only one sandwich board sign is permitted per retail business or service.

(b)

Such a sign shall be displayed only during the business hours of the establishment.

(c)

Each sandwich board sign shall be limited in size to a maximum total sign face area of 12 square feet and 6 square feet for any single face. A single sign face shall not exceed 3 feet in height and 2 feet in width.

(d)

Sandwich board signs in the public right-of-way shall be in compliance with § 723-9 of the Municipal Code.

(e)

Sandwich board signs shall not require a building permit or Certificate of Compliance.

(Ordained by Ord. No. 303-2006, § 1(Exh. A), eff. Nov. 25, 2006; a. Ord. No. 320-2022, §§ 3, 4, eff. Oct. 12, 2022)

The following regulations apply to projecting signs (See § 1427-03-P2), unless more specifically regulated elsewhere in this Chapter or by the District regulations applicable to the zoning district in which the sign is located:

(a)

A projecting sign must be at least ten feet above the surface over which it projects, or at least 16 feet above a private vehicular passageway.

(b)

A projecting sign may not be installed above the roofline of a building or structure, or have a sign height more than 20 feet above the average natural grade at the sign location, whichever is less.

(c)

A projecting sign may not be wider than three and one-half feet nor exceed eight feet in height.

(d)

A projecting sign must be setback at least five feet from an interior side lot line or a division wall between different establishments.

(e)

A projecting sign may not project above a roofline. Refer to Figure 1427-27-A.

(f)

A projecting sign that projects into the right-of-way requires a revocable street privilege.

(g)

Projecting signs may only be located along or oriented toward a street frontage.

(h)

Each individual projecting sign face counts against the maximum total sign area (See § 1427-21) permitted for all signs on a site and against the total area permitted for a projecting sign as allowed in each district.

(i)

A projecting sign may not extend more than six feet from the wall to which it is attached to the end of the supporting structure.

Figure 1427-27-A Projecting Signs

Figure 1427-27-B Examples of Projecting Signs

(Ordained by Ord. No. 303-2006, § 1(Exh. A), eff. Nov. 25, 2006)

The following regulations apply to window signs (See § 1427-03-W1), unless more specifically regulated elsewhere in this Chapter or by the District regulations applicable to the zoning district in which the sign is located:

(a)

Window signs may not cover more than 20 percent of the total area of the particular window to which they are attached or related.

(b)

A window sign shall be limited to the ground floor or first floor windows only unless an establishment is located in one or more of a building's upper floors and occupies no portion of the first floor.

(Ordained by Ord. No. 303-2006, § 1(Exh. A), eff. Nov. 25, 2006)

Signs in historic districts or on historic landmarks require obtaining a Certificate of Appropriateness and shall be in conformance with any applicable guidelines for the district. See Chapter 1435 Historic Landmarks and Districts.

(Ordained by Ord. No. 303-2006, § 1(Exh. A), eff. Nov. 25, 2006)

The following signs are permitted in all districts (except as noted) where the use the sign is associated with is also permitted, limited, or conditional, subject to all other limitations, conditions, or prohibitions in this chapter.

Figure 1427-33 Examples of Entry Feature Signs

(Ordained by Ord. No. 303-2006, § 1(Exh. A), eff. Nov. 25, 2006; a. Ord. No. 140-2008, § 1, eff. May 23, 2008)

Signs in the O District must comply with the following:

(a)

Maximum Building Sign Area. (See § 1427-21)

(1)

OL District: 0.75 square feet for every linear foot of building frontage per establishment.

(2)

OG District: 1.5 square feet for every linear foot of building frontage per establishment.

(3)

Changeable Copy Signs are permitted in the OG District. They may be constructed as ground, wall, marquee, or canopy signs and are subject to all other size regulations for the particular sign type selected. Only one changeable copy sign per site is permitted. A Changeable Copy Sign may not be changed or rearranged at less than a ten second interval and may not include streaming, animating, or flashing text or images.

(b)

Maximum Ground Sign Area. (See § 1427-21)

(1)

OL District: 0.375 square feet for every linear foot of lot frontage on a street per site.

(2)

OG District: 0.75 square feet for every linear foot of lot frontage on a street per site.

For Signs in the OL District the following regulations apply:

For Signs in the OG District the following regulations apply:

(Ordained by Ord. No. 303-2006, § 1(Exh. A), eff. Nov. 25, 2006; a. Ord. No. 141-2008, § 1, eff. May 23, 2008; a. Ord. No. 393-2008, eff. Dec. 19, 2008)

Signs in the C and UM Districts must comply with the following:

(a)

Maximum Building Sign Area. The maximum sign area allowed is as follows: (See § 1427-21)

(1)

CN-P and CC-P Districts: One square foot for every linear foot of building frontage per establishment.

(2)

CN-M, CC-M and UM Districts: 1.5 square feet for every linear foot of building frontage on a street per site.

(3)

CC-A and CG-A Districts: Two square feet for every linear foot of building frontage per establishment.

(4)

Changeable Copy Signs are permitted in the CN-M, CC-M, CC-A, and CG-A Districts. They may be constructed as ground, wall, marquee, or canopy signs and are subject to all other size regulations for the particular sign type selected. Only one changeable copy sign per site is permitted. A Changeable Copy Sign may not be changed or rearranged at less than a ten second interval and may not include streaming, animating, or flashing text or images, except for time/temperature signs that may change up to twenty times per minute.

(b)

Maximum Ground Sign Area. The maximum sign area allowed is as follows: (See § 1427-21)

(1)

CN-M and CC-M Districts: 0.75 square feet for every linear foot of lot frontage on a street per site.

(2)

CC-A and CG-A Districts: One square foot for every linear foot of lot frontage on a street per site.

For Signs in the CN-P & CC-P Districts, the following regulations apply:

For Signs in the CN-M, CC-M & UM Districts, the following regulations apply:

For Signs in the CC-A & CG-A Districts, the following regulations apply:

(Ordained by Ord. No. 303-2006, § 1(Exh. A), eff. Nov. 25, 2006; a. Ord. No. 0221-2007, § 8, eff. July 6, 2007; a. Ord. No. 0222-2007, § 1, eff. July 6, 2007)

Signs in the M, RF-R, RF-C and RF-M Districts must comply with the following:

(a)

Maximum Building Sign Area. Two square feet for every linear foot of building frontage per establishment. (See § 1427-21)

(b)

Maximum Ground Sign Area. One square foot for every linear foot of lot frontage per site.

(c)

Changeable Copy Signs. Changeable Copy Signs are permitted in the M, RF-R, RF-C and RF-M Districts. They may be constructed as ground or wall signs and are subject to all other size regulations for the particular sign type selected. Only one changeable copy sign per site is permitted. A Changeable Copy Sign may not be changed or rearranged at less than a ten second interval and may not include streaming, animating, or flashing text or images.

For Signs in the M, RF-R, RF-C & RF-M Districts, the following regulations apply:

(Ordained by Ord. No. 303-2006, § 1(Exh. A), eff. Nov. 25, 2006)

An owner of property where an illegal sign is displayed has the duty to remove all illegal signs. If the Director of Buildings and Inspections finds an illegal sign, the director has the duty to issue an order for the sign to be removed within 60 days. The director has the duty to issue a notice of civil violation to an owner who fails to comply with an order to remove an illegal sign. If the property owner is found guilty of failing to comply with an order to remove an illegal sign, the director has the duty to cause the illegal signs to be removed pursuant to § 1101-73, Removal of Unlawful Signs, of the Cincinnati Building Code.

(Ordained by Ord. No. 303-2006, § 1(Exh. A), eff. Nov. 25, 2006; Emer. Ord. No. 141-2015, § 36, eff. July 1, 2015)

A nonconforming sign must be brought into conformity with the provisions of the Cincinnati Zoning Code then in effect if the sign is structurally altered, rebuilt, enlarged, extended, or relocated; or when the principal use of the property is changed from a commercial use to a residential use; provided, however, the repainting or refacing of an existing nonconforming sign is not considered an alteration within the meaning of this section.

(Ordained by Ord. No. 303-2006, § 1(Exh. A), eff. Nov. 25, 2006)

All signs must be maintained in a condition or state of equivalent quality to which was approved or required by the City. An on-premise sign advertising an activity, business, service or product must be removed or the sign face replaced with a blank face within 60 days of the activity, business, or service promoted by the sign being discontinued on the premises where the sign is displayed; if the use is not reestablished or a new use is not established within two years and a replacement sign face conforming to this Chapter installed, then the entire sign structure and mounting hardware must be removed.

(Ordained by Ord. No. 303-2006, § 1(Exh. A), eff. Nov. 25, 2006)

See Chapter 1451. Enforcement.

(Ordained by Ord. No. 303-2006, § 1(Exh. A), eff. Nov. 25, 2006)