Cologne City Zoning Code

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

§ 153.060 ON-SITE SEWAGE TREATMENT STANDARDS.

The installation and repair of individual on-site sewer systems shall be in compliance with Minnesota Pollution Control Agency rules, Minn. Rules, Chapter 7080.

(A) Permit required. No person shall install, repair, alter or pump an on-site sewer system without first obtaining a permit. Applications provided by the city must be completed in writing prior to issuance of a permit. Permit fees are established by resolution of the City Council.

(B) License required. Installation, repair, pumping and hauling of private on-site sewer systems requires licensing per Minn. Rules, Chapter 7080.

(1) Soil percolation tests must be completed by a competent, independent tester and must be favorable for the operation of an on-site sewer system before a permit will be issued.

(2) Soil percolation tests and scaled site location plans must be submitted for both primary and secondary (backup) treatment systems with the initial application.

(3) Installations, alteration, repairs and maintenance shall be performed in accordance with the latest Minn. Rules, Chapter 7080 standards published by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

(4) No private on-site sewer system shall be permitted on any site less than one acre, subject to all conditions or exceptions noted in this chapter.

(Ord. 150, passed 2-22-2000; Ord. passed 3- -2007)

§ 153.061 ODORS AND EMISSIONS.

Odors and emissions from any use shall not exceed the regulations set forth by Minnesota Pollution Control Agency rules.

(Ord. 150, passed 2-22-2000; Ord. passed 3- -2007)

§ 153.062 DUST AND PARTICULATES.

Dust and particulate matter from any use shall be in compliance with and regulated by Minnesota Pollution Control Agency rules.

(Ord. 150, passed 2-22-2000; Ord. passed 3- -2007)

§ 153.063 NOISE AND VIBRATIONS.

Noise and vibrations generated from any use shall be in compliance with and regulated by Minnesota Pollution Control Agency rules.

(Ord. 150, passed 2-22-2000; Ord. passed 3- -2007)

§ 153.064 GLARE.

Glare or illumination from any source of lighting from any use shall be aimed or deflected away from adjoining property and public rights of way, except street lighting and traffic signals.

(Ord. 150, passed 2-22-2000; Ord. passed 3- -2007)

§ 153.065 WASTE.

All waste generated from any use shall be managed in compliance with and regulated by Minnesota Pollution Control Agency rules. Waste generated on any premises shall be kept in containers designed for waste collection and stored in a structure or within an enclosed or screened area. The accumulation, storage, processing or disposal of waste, compost or recyclable materials on any premises, which is not generated on that premises, is prohibited, except as specifically provided in this chapter.

(Ord. 150, passed 2-22-2000; Ord. passed 3- -2007)

§ 153.066 EXPLOSIVES.

Any activity or operation requiring the use, storage or manufacturing of explosives shall be located no closer than 500 feet from any residence, provided further that the location of said activity or operation is such that damage from explosion, including flying debris, vibration or smoke, is limited to the site on which the activity or operation is permitted.

(Ord. 150, passed 2-22-2000; Ord. passed 3- -2007)

§ 153.067 BURNING.

No person shall start or allow any open burning on any property in the city without first having obtained an open burn permit. Any person setting a fire or burning anything in the city shall do so following Department of Natural Resources and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency rules.

(Ord. 150, passed 2-22-2000; Ord. passed 3- -2007)

§ 153.068 BULK STORAGE.

The storage of all bulk liquids, fuels, chemicals, and gases shall be in compliance with and regulated by Minnesota Pollution Control Agency rules, Minnesota State Fire Marshal rules and the Minnesota State Building code.

(Ord. 150, passed 2-22-2000; Ord. passed 3- -2007)

§ 153.069 OUTSIDE STORAGE.

All products, materials and equipment, except as specifically provided in this chapter, shall be stored within permitted structures, except for the following:

(A) Agricultural products, equipment and appurtenances owned by the owner of the property and used on the property on which they are kept.

(B) A maximum of three licensed and operational motor vehicles per residential dwelling unit, parked on the permitted driveway area.

(C) A maximum of one of the following may be stored outside of a structure for more than 48 hours on any residential parcel, provided also they are stored on the permitted driveway area.

(1) Boat (must be on a trailer).

(2) Camper.

(3) Motor home.

(4) Snowmobile (maximum of two on one trailer).

(5) Personal watercraft (maximum of two on one trailer).

(6) Motorcycle.

(7) Trailer.

(D) Clothes lines, antennae, air conditioners, outdoor grills, play equipment, ornaments and monuments.

(E) Temporary storage of materials and equipment during construction and landscaping.

(F) Storage of products, materials and equipment, excluding rubbish or junk, which is necessary to an approved business operation in a commercial or industrial district, and which is completely screened from adjoining properties and rights-of-way. The site plan review process is required to determine the appropriateness for storage permitted in this section, surfacing required for the storage area and the screening required.

(G) Outside display of vehicles, equipment and merchandise for direct sale to consumers when such outside display is customary and necessary to the trade and is a permitted use within the zoning district. The site plan review process is required to determine the appropriateness of the storage or display proposed, surfacing required for the display area and any additional landscaping or screening which may be required.

(Ord. 150, passed 2-22-2000; Ord. passed 3- -2007)

§ 153.070 SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT.

(A) Stormwater shall be managed in accordance with the National Urban Runoff Program (NURP) standards for the design of new stormwater ponds and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's urban best management practices, titled Protecting Water Quality in Urban Areas to the review of any proposed development occurring to reduce non-point source pollutant loadings in stormwater runoff.

(B) Existing natural drainageways, natural water storage or retention areas, and vegetated soil surfaces should be used to the greatest extent possible to store, filter and retain stormwater runoff before discharge occurs into any public waters. When natural features and vegetation are not available to handle stormwater runoff, constructed facilities such as diversions, settling basins, skimming devices, dikes, and manmade waterways and ponds may be used. Preference shall be given to designs using surface drainage, vegetation, and infiltration rather than buried pipes and manmade materials and facilities. Development should be planned and conducted in a manner that will minimize the extent of disturbed areas, runoff velocities, erosion potential, and reduce and delay runoff volumes.

(Ord. 150, passed 2-22-2000; Ord. passed 3- -2007)

§ 153.071 WETLAND PROTECTION AND MANAGEMENT.

In accordance with the Wetlands Conservation Act of 1991, the following regulations shall apply to wetland areas:

(A) Permanent natural buffer areas and appropriate erosion control measures be taken surrounding wetland areas to prevent sedimentation of the wetland.

(B) Wetlands may not be drained or filled, wholly or partially, unless replaced by restoring or creating wetland areas of at least equal public value. Wetland encroachment must be guided by the following principles in descending order:

(1) Avoiding the direct or indirect impact of the activity that may destroy or diminish the wetland;

(2) Minimizing the impact by limiting the degree or magnitude of the wetland activity and its implementation;

(3) Rectifying the impact by repairing, rehabilitating, or restoring the affected wetland environment;

(4) Reducing or eliminating the impact over time by preservation and maintenance operations during the life of the activity;

(5) Replacing or providing substitute wetland resources or environments.

(Ord. 150, passed 2-22-2000; Ord. passed 3- -2007)

§ 153.072 WOODLAND PRESERVATION.

In residential areas, structures shall be located in such a manner that the maximum number of woodlands shall be preserved. If large numbers of trees are cut in residential areas, trees shall be replanted in a density and manner satisfactory to the City Council. Clearcutting of woodlands for non-agricultural purposes is prohibited, unless the action involves a utility or roadway, required by the public, and includes a reforestation plan required by the City Council.

(Ord. 150, passed 2-22-2000; Ord. passed 3- -2007)

§ 153.073 EROSION AND SEDIMENTATION CONTROL.

(A) No land occupant or developer in the city shall cause or conduct any land disturbing activity which causes excessive erosion or sedimentation, or which results in damage to water or soil resources. All development in the city shall conform to the natural limitations presented by the topography and soil types in order to minimize soil erosion and sedimentation. Erosion and sedimentation controls shall be consistent with the MPCA' s best management practices.

(B) Land disturbing activities shall occur in increments of workable size such that adequate erosion and sediment controls can be provided throughout all phases of the development. The smallest practical area of land shall be exposed or otherwise disturbed at any one period of time. Areas where natural vegetative barriers are not enough to contain erosion and sedimentation from penetrating water bodies, wetlands, water courses or neighboring properties shall be staked with silt fences and straw bales.

(Ord. 150, passed 2-22-2000; Ord. passed 3- -2007)

§ 153.074 SEASONAL MINERAL EXTRACTION.

(A) Any seasonal or temporary mineral extraction activity in the city requires a permit approved by the City Council and must meet the following conditions:

(1) An application for seasonal extraction must be filed with the City Clerk, and an approved permit must be received from the City Council prior to beginning of operations;

(2) The applicant must furnish the city with detailed plans, identifying existing elevations and contours, material quantities, access/haul routes and final grades/contours.

(3) The duration of a seasonal extraction permit shall be from April 15 to October 15 of the permit year;

(4) Material stockpiles may not remain after the duration of the permit.

(5) Topsoil may not be removed from the site, unless authorized by the City Council.

(B) A seasonal extraction permit shall not be required for any of the following:

(1) Excavation for a foundation, cellar or basement of a building if a building permit has been issued.

(2) Excavation by state, county, city or city authorities in connection with construction or maintenance of roads, highways or utilities.

(3) Excavation less than 100 square feet in area or one foot in depth in a calendar year.

(4) Excavation or grading for agricultural purposes.

(1) Topsoil shall be removed from the excavation area(s) and stockpiled for rehabilitation.

(2) Rehabilitation shall be continuous, occurring as quickly as possible after the extraction operation has moved into another part of the extraction site.

(3) The excavation area shall be graded to blend in with the unexcavated area, without changing or impacting the natural course of drainage.

(4) Topsoil shall be replaced and the disturbed area re-seeded prior to permit expiration.

(5) All water areas resulting from excavation shall be eliminated upon rehabilitation of the site, unless previously approved by the city.

(6) The slope of the restored site shall not exceed a 5:1 ratio.

(D) The City Council shall require the applicant or owner of the premises on which the seasonal extraction operation is located to post cash escrow or letter of credit in an amount and form determined by the City Council. This letter of credit or cash shall pay the city the extraordinary cost and expense of repairing any roads where such repair work is made necessary by the seasonal extraction, or to complete rehabilitation of the site consistent with the rehabilitation standards in § 153.074(C) and any out of pocket expenses incurred in the enforcement of this chapter. The security shall remain in full force for a minimum period of one year after expiration of the extraction permit to guarantee the required rehabilitation as well as the other requirements herein provided.

(Ord. 150, passed 2-22-2000; Ord. passed 3- -2007)

§ 153.075 LANDSCAPING.

(A) Minimum quantities. All new development activities, including site modifications or use intensifications, shall be subject to landscaping improvements. The following table illustrates requirements within each zoning district:

District	Overstory Trees	Foundation Plantings4
R-1	Two trees/unit/street frontage1	None
R-2	Two trees/unit/open space exposure2	1/10 ft. building and parking area
R-3	Eight trees plus two trees/unit3	1/10 ft. building and parking area
PUD	Based on underlying uses	Based on underlying uses
C-1	Eight trees or 1/3,000 sq. ft. site area5	1/10 ft. building and parking area
C-2	Eight trees or 1/3,000 sq. ft. site area5	1/10 ft. building and parking area
C-3	Eight trees or 1/3,000 sq. ft. site area5	1/10 ft. building and parking area
I-1	Eight trees or 1/3,000 sq. ft. site area5	1/10 ft. building and parking area
P/I	Eight trees or 1/3,000 sq. ft. site area5	1/10 ft. building and parking area
Notes to table:
1. Trees shall be deciduous and planted at the boulevard, except on cul de sacs where one of the required trees may be planted off the boulevard but in the front yard area.
2. Two trees shall be deciduous. Unit exposures with street frontage shall be planted at the boulevard.
3. Tree spacing must include trees at the boulevard at minimum 50 feet intervals.
4. The calculation for the number of foundation plantings is based upon one planting for each lineal feet of building perimeter and parking lot perimeter. Plantings may be grouped rather than dispersed at ten feet intervals.
5. The required number of trees is based upon a minimum of eight trees or one tree per 3,000 square feet of site area, whichever is greater. Tree spacing must include trees at the boulevard at minimum 50 feet intervals.

(B) Minimum standards.

(1) Overstory trees.

(a) Deciduous trees: Two-and-a-half-inch caliper planting size, balled and burlapped.

(b) Coniferous trees: Six feet in height planting size, balled and burlapped.

(2) Foundation plantings. Coniferous and deciduous shrubs shall be planted at a minimum of 1/3 of the mature spread and height of typical growth habits.

(3) Boulevard trees. All boulevard trees shall be hardwood shade trees or flowering trees.

(4) Overstory mix. When multiple quantities of overstory trees are required, at least 75% of the trees required shall be deciduous trees.

(5) Hardiness. All landscape materials proposed shall consistent with Minnesota hardiness zones, whether indigenous or foreign. Plant species must also be tolerant to snow storage, exposure to salt and sun scald in parking areas.

(6) Diversification. In any development in which at least eight overstory trees or foundation plantings are required, at least three varieties of plantings are required. In residential subdivisions, at least three varieties of boulevard trees are required on each side of a block.

(7) Warranty. All required landscape materials shall be warranted for growth for a minimum of two years after planting.

(Ord. 150, passed 2-22-2000; Ord. passed 3- -2007)

§ 153.076 FENCING.

(A) General.

(1) No fence may be erected which creates visual obstructions at any intersection, alley, driveway or street for safe vehicular, bicycle or pedestrian movement. Only decorative fences may be constructed in the required residential front yard (that area between any wall of the principal structure and any public right-of-way). Electric fences may not be used and such material as hog wire fencing and barbed wire fencing will not be allowed. Snow-stop fencing, used between November 1 and April 1, construction fencing, and other similar temporary fencing are permitted without site plan review.

(2) All fences shall be constructed and maintained in a substantial, workmanlike manner and of material reasonably suited for the purpose for which the fence is proposed to be used. Every fence shall be constructed so that the side containing the framing supports and cross pieces face the interior of the fence owner's lot. Any fence which does not comply with the provisions of this Section or which endangers the public safety, health or welfare shall be considered a public nuisance.

(B) Site plan review required. A sketch plan showing property lines and the proposed location of the fence shall be submitted to the City Clerk for administrative site plan review. The City Clerk or designee shall promptly verify whether the proposed fencing meets the requirements of this section or whether additional review or interpretation is required. No site plan may be approved and no fence may be constructed unless in conformity with the requirements of this chapter. The City Clerk may refer and the applicant may request referral of the site plan to the Planning Commission for clarification on any questions of conformity with zoning ordinance provisions.

(1) Residential fences. Fences may be placed on the property line, except only decorative fences may be located in the required front yard (that area between any wall of the principal structure and any public right-of-way). Privacy or security fences (non-decorative fences) must be constructed from and located at the rear of the principal structure and may be no closer to any public right-of-way than the principal structure. See Appendix A for illustrations of privacy fence locations. Upon review and consideration of individual site conditions, the Planning Commission may modify certain privacy fence setback provisions, provided the exceptions or modifications are consistent with the intent of this chapter and the modifications do not result in standards that others with similar situations, site conditions, and circumstances would not be granted.

(2) Non-residential fences Fences may be placed on the property line, except fences located in the front yard may be no closer than 15 feet from the right-of-way or the front of the parking area, whichever setback is greater. Any fence located in a front yard area must be a cyclone fence or similar non-opaque type of fencing. Any gated fences must be set back a sufficient distance from any public street so that no vehicle parked in front of the gate obstructs the street.

(3) Easements. Fences may be located within platted or recorded yard area public easements, provided the easement areas do not contain or are not specifically planned to contain public utilities, public drainage facilities, trails, sidewalks, wetlands, or surface waters.

(D) Height.

(1) Residential fences. The maximum height of any residential fence shall be six feet, except when a residential property line abuts a commercial or industrial use the fence may be eight feet in height along that property line. The maximum height of a decorative fence shall be three feet.

(2) Non-residential fences. The maximum height of any non-residential fence shall be eight feet.

(E) Exceptions.

(1) Decorative fences. Decorative fences are permitted in the front yard area of residential properties, provided the following requirements are met. Fencing may not obstruct vehicular or pedestrian views or passage at intersecting public streets or driveways or pedestrian ways. Decorative fences shall not exceed three feet in height. Decorative fences shall be either a vertical picket-type or horizontal rail-type. Picket board widths shall not exceed four inches and the minimum spacing between picket boards shall not be less than two inches. Rail-type fences shall be either two-rail or three-rail and shall include a minimum of four-inch spacing between rails. See Appendix B for illustrations of decorative fences. The Planning Commission may modify specific dimensional standards for pre-manufactured decorative fencing, provided the provided the modifications are consistent with the intent of this chapter and the modifications do not result in standards that others with similar situations, site conditions, and circumstances would not be granted.

(2) Subdivision development fencing. Fencing that is approved as a part of a subdivision development may be exempt from some of the dimensional requirements of this section, subject to recommendation of the Planning Commission and approval by the City Council.

(Ord. 150, passed 2-22-2000; Ord. passed 3- -2007)

§ 153.077 SIGN REGULATIONS.

(A) General provisions. Signs that are permitted by this chapter shall meet the following requirements:

(1) A sign is a structure or a part of a structure for the purpose of applying yard and height requirements.

(2) Except as specifically permitted herein, no signs shall be permitted within public rights-of-way other than authorized public street signs, public safety and public informational signs, and city-authorized civic signs and seasonal decorations.

(3) Electronic messaging signs (electronic changeable message, electronic graphic display, video display, or any other electronic message display) are permitted on-site advertizing signs, according to specific dimensional standards and criteria for signs in the C-l, C-2, C-3, I-1, and P/I Zoning Districts, and subject to the following requirements:

(a) The electronic display background color tones, illumination intensity, lettering, logos, pictures, illustrations, symbols, and any other electronic graphic or video display for advertising signs shall not change at intervals less than 15 minutes;

(b) The maximum duration of the transition of the electronic image or message change shall be no more than two seconds;

(c) All electronic messaging signs must be equipped with a default mechanism that will stop the messaging or freeze the image in one position when a malfunction in electronic programming occurs;

(d) Small electronic messaging signs that are pedestrian-oriented, customer service signs and not highway-oriented general advertizing signs, such as drive-through restaurant menu boards and gas pump dispenser information, are not subject to restrictions on the frequency of message change intervals or default equipment; and

(e) Time or temperature signs or similar non-commercial, non-message-content, public information signs are not subject to restrictions on the frequency of message change intervals or default equipment.

(4) Illuminated signs shall be permitted in the C-l, C-2, C-3, I-1, and P/I Zoning Districts, provided such external illumination source is shrouded and not directed toward public rights-of-way or adjacent property, or such signs are illuminated by an internal light source. The source of sign illumination may not blink, flash, change in illumination intensity, or otherwise change in outward appearance.

(5) Business signs shall not be painted, attached, or in any manner affixed to trees, rocks or similar natural surfaces.

(6) No signs of any type will be painted directly on to the roof or the sides of a building.

(7) Signs which interfere with the ability of vehicle operators or pedestrians to see traffic signals, or which impede the vision of traffic by vehicle operators or pedestrians are prohibited.

(8) Signs shall not project above the roofline of any structure.

(9) No sign shall obstruct any window, fire escape or opening intended to provide entry or exit to any structure or building or public way.

(10) Campaign signs posted by bona fide candidates for political office or by a person or group promoting a political issue for a candidate may be placed in any district subject to the requirements of the district. Campaign signs may be posted for a period not to exceed 60 days and shall be removed within seven days following the date of the election.

(11) Temporary banners and pennants employed for grand opening of business establishments, special events and holidays shall be removed within 14 days after such an opening, event or holiday. Banners or pennants which are an integral part of the design or architecture or a building are permitted.

(12) One temporary identification sign, setting forth the name of the project, architect, engineers, contractors, planners and financing agencies, may be installed at a construction site in any district for the period of construction. The sign area of a temporary identification sign shall not exceed 35 square feet.

(13) In any district, one temporary real estate sign may be erected for the purpose of advertising the lease or sale of property upon which it is placed. Only one such sign shall be permitted per street frontage.

(a) Such sign shall be removed within seven days following lease or sale.

(b) The maximum size of such signs for each district is as follows:

Residential Districts	10 sf
Agriculture and Public/Institutional Districts	25 sf
Commercial/Industrial Districts	32 sf

(14) Temporary real estate advertising signs may be erected for the purpose of selling or promoting a residential project of five or more dwelling units or any new residential projected provided:

(a) Such sign shall not exceed 50 square feet in area and have a maximum height of ten feet.

(b) Maximum number of said temporary real estate advertising signs shall not exceed two in number.

(d) Such signs shall be removed when the project is 75% complete, sold, or leased.

(e) Such signs shall be located no closer than 150 feet to a pre-existing residential dwelling unit.

(f) Information regarding the size and location of said temporary real estate advertising signs must be transmitted to the zoning officer prior to the issuance of the building permit.

(15) Portable/temporary advertising signs are prohibited in all districts except as specifically authorized below.

(a) Portable/temporary advertising signs are coincidental to or used in conjunction with a civic, school, or church function.

(b) Portable/temporary advertising signs are allowed three times per year per business for grand openings, anniversaries, holidays, or other special events.

(d) Prior approval by the Planning Commission or its designee shall be required for the use of any such portable/temporary advertising sign.

(e) Portable/temporary signs shall not exceed 64 square feet in area and shall not be located in public rights-of-way or any location obstructing vehicular visibility.

(f) Temporary retail product advertizing signs that are no larger than four square feet in area and are attached to buildings, gas pumps, or authorized outdoor product displays are exempt from the restrictions in divisions (a) through (e) above.

(16) One address sign shall be required per building in all districts.

(17) Signs are permitted on window or door awnings provided the sign area does not exceed district dimensional standards for total wall area signs or lettering size and the awnings do not extend above the height of the wall.

(18) Signs located on the interior of a building and not visible from the exterior are exempt from the provisions of this chapter.

(19) A comprehensive sign plan is required at the time of Planning Commission review of any proposed commercial or industrial development. The plan shall indicate the location, size, height, color, lighting and orientation of all proposed signs and shall be submitted for approval pursuant to the regulations of the city.

(20) Legal nonconforming signs may not be expanded or intensified but may be continued through repair, maintenance, restoration, or replacement, unless:

(a) The sign is discontinued for a period of more than one year (discontinued shall mean the use or business associated with the sign with the sign has been discontinued for a period of more than one year); or

(b) The sign is destroyed by fire, neglect, or other peril to the extent of greater than 50% of its market value, and no building permit has been applied for within 180 days of when the sign was damaged.

(B) District regulations. In addition to those signs permitted in all districts, signs as herein designated shall be permitted in each specified district and shall conform as to size, location and character according to the requirements herein set forth.

(1) The following signs are permitted in the Agriculture, Residential, Public/Institutional and Planned Unit Development Districts.

(a) Name plate signs: One sign not to exceed two square feet in area for each single family detached dwelling or six square feet in area for each multiple family building. The nameplate shall indicate only name and address.

(b) Park, recreational, and agricultural signs: one freestanding sign per street frontage for each above use in the districts, provided the sign shall not exceed 24 square feet in area and shall not be placed closer than ten feet to any street right-of-way, and shall not exceed ten feet in height.

(c) Area identification sign: One sign not to exceed 24 square feet in area for each planned residential district entrance, provided said sign is not placed within ten feet of any street right-of-way and not in exceed of ten feet in height.

(d) Public, medical, religious, cultural, and educational building signs:

1. One freestanding sign for each permitted use in the Public and Institutional District, provided the sign shall not exceed 80 square feet in area and shall not be placed closer than ten feet to any street right-of-way or property line, and shall not exceed 20 feet in height. The freestanding sign for a public or institutional use with multiple principal buildings shall not exceed 24 feet in height.

2. Wall signs are permitted on each wall with street frontage, provided such signs do not exceed 10% of the wall area or up to 64 square feet in area, whichever is smaller. The plane of the wall sign must be affixed to and parallel with the wall. The average height of individual lettering on wall signs shall not exceed 15% of the height of the wall area the sign is affixed to or a maximum of 24 inches in height, whichever is less. The Planning Commission may vary the maximum lettering height if it is determined such lettering is not out scale with the total wall area or building facade or in instances where such wall signs face major roadways rather than local streets. Exceptions to lettering height may also be considered for first and last letters of a sign, for logos, or for emblems.

3. One off-premises sign is permitted for each public, medical, religious, cultural, and educational building that is located within a Planned Unit Development District, with dimensional standards as allowed in division 1. above, provided the use and the location of the off-premises sign are part of the same approved Planned Unit Development.

(2) The following signs are permitted in the C-1 Convenience Commercial, C-3 General Commercial, and I-1 Industrial Park Districts:

(a) Businesses. Businesses may have a maximum of one freestanding sign per building and one wall sign per wall with street frontage, or no freestanding sign and two wall signs.

(b) Wall signs.

1. Wall signs are permitted on each wall with street frontage, provided such signs do not exceed 10% of said wall area or up to 64 square feet in area, whichever is smaller. Wall signs may include individual signs for multiple businesses located within the same structure, provided such signs are similar in size, complementary in nature, and collectively do not exceed the maximum sign area permitted on a wall. The plane of the wall sign must be affixed to and parallel with the wall.

2. The average height of individual lettering on wall signs shall not exceed 15% of the height of the wall area the sign is affixed to or a maximum of 24 inches in height, whichever is less. The Planning Commission may vary the maximum lettering height if it is determined such lettering is not out scale with the total wall area or building facade or in instances where such wall signs face major roadways rather than local streets. Exceptions to lettering height may also be considered for first and last letters of a sign, for logos, or for emblems.

(c) Freestanding signs. One freestanding sign is permitted per structure provided, the sign does not exceed 80 square feet in area and 20 feet in height and is placed no closer than ten feet from any street right-of-way. Any structure with multiple tenants and proposed multiple tenant advertising may expand the allowable sign area to 100 square feet.

(d) Area identification signs. One area identification sign is permitted per commercial or industrial development approved by the city as a single development and containing four or more lots or detached business structures. Area identification signs shall not exceed 64 square feet in area and 20 feet in height, or be placed within ten feet of any street right-of-way.

(3) The following signs are permitted for commercial structures in the C-2 Central Business District:

(a) Wall signs.

1. Wall signs are permitted on each wall with street frontage, provided such signs do not exceed 10% of the wall area or up to 64 square feet in area, whichever is smaller. Wall signs may include individual signs for multiple businesses located within the same structure, provided such signs are similar in size, complementary in nature, and collectively do not exceed the maximum sign area permitted on a wall. The plane of the wall sign must be affixed to and parallel with the wall.

(b) Projecting signs. One projecting sign is permitted on each wall with street frontage, provided such sign does not extend more than three feet from the plane of the wall, the bottom of such sign is located at least eight feet above the ground elevation where the sign is placed, and such sign does not exceed 18 square feet in area.

(c) Freestanding signs. One freestanding sign is permitted per structure, provided the sign does not exceed 80 square feet in area and 20 feet in height and is placed no closer than ten feet from any street right-of-way. No building on property with a freestanding sign shall also be entitled to a projecting sign.

(C) Site plan approval. All signs, except temporary signs and address signs, require Planning Commission site plan review according to § 153.017. Upon approval by the Planning Commission and the payment of all city fees, the City Clerk may issue a sign permit.

(D) Maintenance and repair. All signs shall be maintained in a safe and aesthetic condition at all times.

(Ord. 150, passed 2-22-2000; Ord. passed 3- -2007; Am. Ord. 150-P, passed 9-8-2009; Am. Ord. 150-Y, passed 1-7-2019)