The purpose of this chapter is to regulate the number, size, type, use, design, construction and location of signs within the city. These regulations are established in order to promote the overall economic well-being of the city, while at the same time providing for the health, safety and welfare of the public by reducing the adverse effects of signs on safety, property values, traffic, and the enjoyment of the scenic beauty of the city.

These regulations are intended to avoid excessive competition and clutter among sign displays in the demand for public attention, eliminate dangerous, dilapidated and unsightly signs and provide for adequate maintenance and inspection of signs within the corporate limits of the city, consistent with constitutional guarantees and while providing for adequate opportunities for effective means of communication.

Nothing in this article shall be construed to regulate the content of the message displayed on any sign.

(Ord. No. 1649, § 2(Exh. A), 10-1-2020)

A.

Section 1-20 of these land development codes (LDC) provides a definition of sign and sign types.

B.

Unless noted otherwise within these regulations, no person shall erect, alter, repair, replace, or relocate any sign without approval of a city building permit, in compliance with the requirements below:

1.

Except as exempted elsewhere in this chapter, all building permit applications for signs shall be submitted by a licensed professional, and all electrical, mechanical, or plumbing work shall be performed only by individuals licensed for such work.

2.

Applications shall include a detailed sketch, with dimensions, of the sign to be installed, the dimensions of the building and the sign location.

3.

In the case of a ground sign, a property survey which indicates the sign location on the site with setback measurements is required.

4.

For a wall sign, an elevation sketch of the building façade is to be attached, drawn to scale and indicating the location of the proposed sign.

5.

Certified engineered drawings may be required, as determined by the chief building official (CBO).

6.

All permit applications shall include an affidavit from the property owner providing permission for the sign installation.

C.

No sign is permitted to interfere with the sight visibility at intersections, as further detailed in section 3-07.

D.

No sign shall in any way resemble a traffic signal or emergency vehicle light. This includes any rotating or flashing signal lamps of any color.

E.

No sign shall use words of warning, such as "STOP," "LOOK," "DANGER," or any other word, phrase, symbol or character that in any way interferes with, distracts or confuses motorists.

F.

No sign shall be permitted to interfere with the free use of any fire escape, emergency exit, or standpipe, or to obstruct any window to such an extent that the light or ventilation is reduced below that required by any provision of this code or other ordinances of the city.

G.

No sign shall have lights that are flickering or sparkling.

H.

All signs, permanent or temporary, shall be constructed in such a manner that the sign will not become a danger to people, animals or property during inclement weather. If a sign cannot be properly secured it must be removed prior to any storm activity.

I.

All signs are permitted to be double faced.

J.

Signs shall be on private property, and are prohibited on the public sidewalk or right of way, unless otherwise provided within these regulations.

K.

Signs which are placed above pedestrian walkways or parking areas shall have a minimum clearance of eight (8) feet from the bottom edge of the sign.

L.

All sign construction shall be in compliance with these LDC regulations and the applicable Florida Building Code.

(Ord. No. 1649, § 2(Exh. A), 10-1-2020)

The following signs do not require a sign permit, but they must comply with the construction, location, height and maintenance requirements found within these regulations.

A.

Traffic control message signs installed in accordance with applicable provisions of the Traffic Control Manual published by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).

B.

Signs wholly within a building or enclosed space, excluding window signs which are detailed below.

C.

Noncommercial message signs provided the size, location and amount are in compliance with the requirements for temporary signs in section 5-10.

D.

One sign or cornerstone per building, when cut into any masonry surface or when constructed of bronze or other noncombustible materials and fully and permanently incorporated into the surface of the building.

E.

Window signs, which shall not interfere with visibility through the window and which shall not exceed twenty-five (25) percent of the total window glass area for each side of the building or unit where the sign is displayed.

F.

Signs identifying the address of a property, and shall be located in a place that is clearly visible from the right of way.

G.

Address identification on a private driveway or curb face with letter/number height no greater than four (4) inches.

H.

Legal notices, as required by state or local laws.

I.

Signs incorporated into machinery, equipment or other products by the manufacturer.

J.

Hanging or shingle signs, one (1) per business, provided the size is no greater than two (2) square feet and the bottom of the sign is at least eight (8) feet above the walkway.

K.

Door signs used to identify the name of the business accessed through the door, with a maximum area of one (1) square foot per exterior access door.

L.

Signs affixed to a vehicle that do not increase the size of the vehicle which are either painted on, magnetically attached, or otherwise attached to operable and properly licensed vehicles regularly used and operated.

M.

Temporary signs which are in compliance with the requirements within section 5-10.

(Ord. No. 1649, § 2(Exh. A), 10-1-2020)

The following signs are prohibited.

A.

Blinking or flashing signs that have not been approved by FDOT or that do not conform to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).

B.

Signs on seawalls, docks or retaining walls, except informational noncommercial signs indicating No Wake, Manatee Zone, or similar messaging, provided the sign area does not exceed four (4) square feet and the height is no greater than five (5) feet above the water line.

C.

Signs on fences or free standing walls.

D.

Snipe signs and any sign attached to trees or utility poles, or other structures not intended to support signs.

E.

Portable signs, except as may be used by a government agency to convey public safety messages.

F.

Obscene signs.

G.

Signs on public property except those erected by a governmental agency having jurisdiction.

H.

Backlit awning signs.

I.

Discontinued signs.

J.

Roof signs, except in compliance with section 5-15.

K.

Signs that emit a sound, odor or visible material, such as smoke or steam.

L.

Abandoned or dilapidated signs.

M.

Signs in violation of the Florida Building Code.

N.

Flag signs, pennants, searchlights, twirling signs, balloons or inflatable signs, except as may be expressly permitted pursuant to the special event permitting procedures.

O.

Signs with optical illusion of movement by means of a design that presents a pattern capable of giving the illusion of motion.

P.

Any sign which is located, constructed, or maintained in such a way that such sign may be confused with or interfere with official traffic signs, signals, or devices placed by any governmental agency having jurisdiction of the right-of-way or which may obstruct or interfere with a driver's view of approaching, merging or intersecting traffic.

Q.

Signs or displays within the right of way.

R.

Signs on vehicles which project from the vehicle.

(Ord. No. 1649, § 2(Exh. A), 10-1-2020)

A.

All signs shall be constructed and maintained in accordance with the provisions and requirements of the city's building codes, electrical codes, this LDC, and other applicable codes.

B.

All copy area shall be maintained so as to be legible and complete.

C.

All signs shall be maintained in a vertical position unless originally permitted otherwise, and in a good and safe condition.

D.

Damaged faces or structural members shall be promptly repaired.

E.

Electrical systems, fasteners, and the sign and structure as a whole shall be maintained at all times in a safe condition.

F.

Temporary signs shall be constructed of sturdy material such as wood, hard plastic, vinyl, Masonite, or particle board of sufficient thickness to withstand the weather elements commonly experienced within the city. Cardboard and paper faced temporary signs are strictly prohibited unless safely fastened, in entirety, to a backing made of material set forth in this section.

(Ord. No. 1649, § 2(Exh. A), 10-1-2020)

A.

Any unauthorized or prohibited sign located on any city property, public right of way, utility pole or tree will be removed by the city and disposed of without notice to the owner of the sign.

B.

The chief building official (CBO) or designee may order the removal of any sign which is not maintained within the requirements of these regulations or the Florida Building Code.

C.

Signs which are out of compliance with these regulations shall be removed and, if replaced, shall be replaced with conforming signs.

D.

The following signs shall be removed immediately upon notification or will be subject to code enforcement action according to the city code of ordinances chapter 30:

1.

Signs which are out of compliance with the visibility requirements in section 3-07.

2.

Any sign damaged beyond repair, as determined by the CBO.

3.

Prohibited signs in any location.

(Ord. No. 1649, § 2(Exh. A), 10-1-2020)

A.

Signs which were previously permitted for installation, but which do not conform to the most current provisions of this chapter are considered nonconforming signs. These signs shall be permitted to remain until one (1) or more of the following occurs. At which time, the signs shall be removed, redesigned, or replaced with signs which are in compliance with this chapter.

1.

The building where the sign is located is vacated or abandoned for six (6) or more consecutive months or for eighteen (18) months within a three (3) year period. This does not apply when closure is due to a natural disaster or declared state of emergency.

2.

The site is redeveloped or the structures on the site are modified to an extent greater than fifty (50) percent of the value of the structures, as determined by the CBO.

3.

The sign is destroyed or damaged to an extent more than fifty (50) percent of the current replacement cost, as determined by the CBO.

4.

The sign is in need of modification or repair and the cost of said modification or repair exceeds fifty (50) percent of the current replacement cost, as determined by the CBO.

5.

The sign has been in place for twenty (20) years from the date of the original sign permit. If the sign permit date cannot be determined, the administrator shall make the determination as to the age of the nonconforming sign based on available building permit, business tax and property tax data.

B.

A nonconforming sign shall not be expanded or altered in such a manner as to increase its nonconformity.

C.

A nonconforming sign shall not be moved or relocated unless the nonconformity is corrected.

(Ord. No. 1649, § 2(Exh. A), 10-1-2020)

A.

Planned development. Signs which are part of a planned development shall be subject to the following:

1.

Signage within a planned development, which is detailed in section 2-26 of these regulations, shall incorporate a common architectural and aesthetic integrity, context harmony, and theme.

2.

Signage within a planned development will be subject to approval by the city commission for aesthetics, dimensions, materials, colors, illumination, context and location.

3.

Approved signage requirements shall be detailed within the required development agreement.

(Ord. No. 1649, § 2(Exh. A), 10-1-2020)

In addition to any other applicable provision of these regulations, the following minimum standards shall apply to all temporary signs:

A.

Temporary signs in compliance with this section do not require a permit. Approval of a building permit is required prior to installation of any temporary sign which exceeds the requirements of this section.

B.

Temporary signs shall be removed within three (3) days after the date upon which the sign has fulfilled its purpose (e.g., the scheduled event or occurrence has concluded), except as detailed below.

C.

In cases where a temporary sign is advertising products or services for sale on the property, the temporary sign may only be erected during the time period when a person may actually purchase the products or services on the property.

D.

On properties zoned residential or used for residential purposes, no temporary sign shall exceed six (6) square feet and the total number of temporary signs on any one residential site shall not exceed two (2).

E.

On non-residential sites, no temporary sign shall exceed nine (9) square feet and the total number of temporary signs on any one non-residential site shall not exceed two (2).

F.

If the temporary sign is a ground sign, the maximum height of any such sign shall be four (4) feet.

G.

Temporary signs shall be located at least five (5) feet from any right of way, at least ten (10) feet from the side and rear property lines, shall be in compliance with the sight visibility requirements detailed in LDC section 3-07, and the sign shall not be illuminated.

H.

Construction sites. Sites under development with an approved site plan or development order shall be permitted temporary signs related to the development, as detailed below:

1.

On sites for development of a single family or duplex residence no temporary sign shall exceed sixteen (16) square feet in area; the height shall be no greater than six (6) feet; and the total number on any one (1) site shall not exceed two (2) temporary signs.

2.

On all other sites for development no temporary sign shall exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area; the height shall be no greater than eight (8) feet; and the total number on any one (1) site shall not exceed three (3) temporary signs.

3.

Temporary signs shall be removed when the project has been completed, suspended or abandoned for at least three (3) months.

I.

Temporary off-site signage may be erected only upon compliance with the following:

1.

Temporary off-site signs shall be located within one (1) mile of the activity, event, or place being displayed or promoted on the sign and the activity, event, or place so displayed or promoted on the sign shall be required to be located within the jurisdictional boundaries of the city.

2.

The owner of the property on which the sign is to be located has consented to the placement of the sign.

3.

There shall be no more than two (2) temporary off-site signs on any one (1) property.

4.

The size, height, and placement of the sign shall comply with the requirements set forth in this section.

5.

No sign shall be erected on or within any right-of-way.

(Ord. No. 1649, § 2(Exh. A), 10-1-2020)

A.

Wall signs intended for permanent installation require approval of a building permit prior to installation.

B.

A maximum of three (3) walls may contain wall signage.

C.

If a wall is to contain multiple signs, the aggregate area shall be in compliance with the maximums provided within this section for that wall.

D.

Canopy signs are wall signs and shall be subject to the size and dimension requirements of this section.

E.

Signs identifying the address of an establishment are not calculated in the maximum allowable area of a wall sign.

F.

For the purpose of determining the area of wall signs, the total area is that which is located within the exterior framework containing the sign face and framing, regardless of the shape of the sign.

G.

Except for the thickness of signs, no wall sign shall project into or over public property or right-of-way.

H.

Wall sign thickness shall be no greater than twelve (12) inches from the wall face.

I.

The top edge of a wall sign shall be no higher than the top of the load bearing walls.

J.

The bottom edge of wall signs shall be a minimum height of eight (8) feet above the finished grade directly below the sign.

K.

The permitted sign area for multiple walls may not be aggregated onto one (1) wall to gain more sign face.

L.

Single tenant sites. A single tenant establishment may have one (1) or more wall signs, in compliance with the following:

1.

The attached wall sign on the front of a building or unit shall have a maximum area that is equal to or less than the linear footage of the building or unit frontage (one (1) lin. ft. equals one (1) sq. ft.), to a maximum of eighty-four (84) square feet. When the building frontage is a distance greater than two hundred (200) feet from the edge of the right of way, the maximum area may be increased by fifty (50) percent (one (1) lin. ft. equals one and one-half (1.5) sq. ft.), to a maximum of one hundred twenty-six (126) square feet.

2.

Additional wall signs are permitted on two (2) additional sides, each with a maximum area of thirty-two (32) square feet. When the wall face is a distance greater than two hundred (200) feet from the edge of the right of way, the maximum area for that one (1) side shall be no greater than forty-eight (48) square feet.

3.

A maximum of three (3) walls may contain signage.

M.

Multi-tenant sites. A multi-tenant establishment may have one (1) or more wall signs, in compliance with the following:

1.

The attached wall sign on the front of a building or unit shall have a maximum area that is equal to or less than the linear footage of the building or unit frontage (one (1) lin. ft. equals one (1) sq. ft.), to a maximum of one hundred (100) square feet. When the building frontage is a distance greater than two hundred (200) feet from the edge of the right of way, the maximum area may be increased by fifty (50) percent (one (1) lin. ft. equals one and one-half (1.5) sq. ft.), to a maximum of one hundred fifty (150) square feet.

2.

Additional wall signs are permitted on two (2) additional sides with a maximum area for each additional side of forty-two (42) square feet. When the wall face is a distance greater than two hundred (200) feet from the edge of the right of way, the maximum area for that one (1) side shall be no greater than sixty-three (63) square feet.

3.

A maximum of three (3) walls may contain signage.

4.

When a multi-tenant establishment provides wall signage for each individual unit, the requirements above for single tenant sites shall apply for each unit.

(Ord. No. 1649, § 2(Exh. A), 10-1-2020)

A.

Ground signs intended for permanent installation require approval of a building permit prior to installation.

B.

Front setback. The front setback for all ground signs shall be at least five (5) feet from the front property line, as measured from the front facing edge of the sign. Additional setback requirements may be implemented when necessary to maintain visibility at intersections, as established in section 3-07 of these regulations.

1.

Setback measurements shall be made in a straight line from that portion of the sign nearest the property boundary to the property boundary.

C.

Side setback. The side setback of a ground sign shall be measured from the side facing edge of the sign and shall comply with the requirements below:

1.

When the property frontage is one hundred (100) feet or greater, the side setback shall be a minimum of twenty-five (25) feet.

2.

When the property frontage is less than one hundred (100) feet, the side setback shall be a minimum of five (5) feet, or twenty (20) percent of property frontage, whichever is greater.

D.

Height. The height of signs shall be measured from the developed grade level on the property, next to the nearest street paving or paved pedestrian sidewalk, to the highest point of the sign, including all decorative portions of the sign.

E.

Area. The area of a ground sign shall include the total area that is located within the exterior framework containing the entire sign face, regardless of the shape of the sign.

F.

Sign separation. No ground sign shall be closer than fifteen (15) feet from any other ground sign, regardless of whether on the same site or on an abutting site. For those properties less than one hundred (100) feet in width, that distance may be reduced to ten (10) feet.

G.

Single tenant sites. A single tenant establishment may have one (1) or more ground signs, in compliance with the following:

1.

When the property frontage is one hundred (100) feet or greater, the primary ground sign shall have a maximum height of fifteen (15) feet and a maximum area of eighty-four (84) square feet.

2.

When the property frontage is less than one hundred (100) feet, the primary ground sign shall have a maximum height of eight (8) feet and a maximum area of forty-eight (48) square feet.

3.

For those locations with a second frontage, a second ground sign is permitted with a maximum height of eight (8) feet and a maximum area of thirty-two (32) square feet.

H.

Multi-tenant sites. A multi-tenant establishment may have one or more ground signs, in compliance with the following:

1.

The primary ground sign shall have a maximum height of fifteen (15) feet and a maximum area of one hundred (100) square feet.

2.

For those locations with a second frontage, a second ground sign is permitted, with a maximum height of eight (8) feet and a maximum area of forty-eight (48) square feet.

(Ord. No. 1649, § 2(Exh. A), 10-1-2020)

All changeable copy and electronic message center signs shall be as follows:

A.

All such signs shall be classified by sign type and be in compliance with the sign type regulations contained herein.

B.

Electronic message centers shall only display messages using the following transitional methods: static, fade, dissolve, scroll, and fly-in. Static messages shall hold the display face for a minimum of three (3) seconds before transitioning to another static image.

C.

Messages or images displayed shall not have the appearance of flashing, flickering, blinking, pulsating, or motion videos.

D.

All electronic message centers shall come equipped with functioning automatic dimming technology which automatically adjusts, at all times while the electronic message center is operating, the sign's brightness in direct correlation with ambient light conditions.

E.

No electronic message center shall exceed a brightness level of six thousand (6,000) nits during daytime use or five hundred (500) nits during nighttime use and must account for adverse weather conditions that reduce the amount of sunlight.

(Ord. No. 1649, § 2(Exh. A), 10-1-2020)

The following nonstructural signs are required to receive approval prior to installation, and shall be in compliance with the size and location regulations provided below:

A.

Painted wall sign. A painted wall sign shall comply with the wall sign regulations in section 5-11 for those areas containing text or images that are directly related to business operations. Zoning authorization is required prior to installation.

B.

Awning sign. Signs incorporated into or affixed to an awning shall comply with the wall sign regulations in section 5-11. Zoning authorization is required prior to installation.

C.

Sign faces and inserts. Sign face replacements shall require approval of a building permit, which may be applied for under the terms and conditions below:

1.

The installation shall consist of sign face replacement within an existing sign cabinet only.

2.

Permits may be issued to builders, handyman companies and others who operate businesses or own properties that have existing signs cabinets.

3.

No structural work or metal fabrication of any kind is permitted as part of a permit issued to non-certified contractors.

4.

No electrical work, plumbing, or mechanical work shall be permitted except to a licensed contractor.

5.

All permit applications shall be accompanied by a notarized statement attesting that there is no plumbing, electrical or structural work of any kind involved in the replacement.

(Ord. No. 1649, § 2(Exh. A), 10-1-2020)

A.

A roof sign may only be permitted upon approval of a variance and where it can be demonstrated that it is the only option available to adequately identify the property.

B.

Roof signs are not permitted on properties with existing ground signs, or with adequate space to permit ground signage.

C.

If the need for a roof sign is demonstrated, only one (1) sign shall be permitted on a property.

D.

The maximum height of a roof sign shall be six (6) feet above the top of the highest load bearing wall.

E.

The maximum area of a roof sign shall be forty-eight (48) square feet.

F.

When a previously approved roof sign is damaged such that replacement is required, as determined by the chief building official (CBO), the provisions of this section shall apply.

(Ord. No. 1649, § 2(Exh. A), 10-1-2020)

A.

For 911 and emergency response purposes, the primary address of the building shall be displayed on the property, shall be visible from the public or private street, and shall comply with the requirements of the Florida Building Code.

B.

For nonresidential buildings, the address or range of addresses shall be incorporated into the signage permitted for the property with numerals/letters a maximum of eight (8) inches in height, but the address shall not be counted against allowable copy area.

C.

In addition to the address being posted on a single family residential mailbox or single family dwelling, a sign not to exceed three (3) square feet may be posted on the dwelling at or near the main entrance, provided the sign is visible from the public or private street.

(Ord. No. 1649, § 2(Exh. A), 10-1-2020)