1. The purpose of this Article is to ensure that:
   1. Each sign user has an opportunity to provide information, identification and direction to a permitted use.
   2. The unique character and quality of the City’s appearance, which is essential to its economic, cultural, and social welfare, is protected and preserved.
   3. The City’s property values, which are essential to the City’s sustainability and the general welfare of its residents, are maintained and enhanced.
   4. That the safety of the public is promoted by avoiding visual clutter, reducing conflicts between and among signs, reducing the incidence of certain design elements that tend to distract motorists, promoting proper maintenance, requiring removal of abandoned signs, and by subjecting signs to design review.
   5. The number, size, scale, proportions, design and balance of signs are regulated according to content-neutral standards that are based on architectural quality and character.
   6. A sound economic and business climate is promoted through the reinforcement and encouragement of graphic excellence.
   7. Safe and efficient wayfinding is promoted.
   8. Incentives are provided that encourage pedestrian-scale signs.
   9. Signs are no larger in area than is necessary to convey the speaker’s message.
   10. The First Amendment rights of property owners are respected, and the right to signage is regulated to protect the aesthetics of the City while reducing the distractions to and aiding in the ease of navigation for drivers, consistent with the requirements of Metromedia, Inc. v. City of San Diego, 453 U.S. 490 (1981) and other applicable caselaw.
2. Signs installed, erected, altered, painted or repainted in the City shall comply with any applicable requirements of this Article, unless otherwise provided herein.
3. The permitting requirements of this Article shall not apply to the installation, alteration, erection, painting or repainting of the following signs, which may be installed without prior approval by the City except as necessary for structure permits required under the Florida Building Code and the related Board of Architectural approval required for permanent structures:
   1. Temporary signs authorized by this Article, including:
      1. Temporary noncommercial signs, provided they comply with Section 11-109 of the Zoning Code.
      2. Real estate signs, provided they comply with Section 11-107 of the Zoning Code.
      3. Signs announcing or advertising a licensed going-out-of-business sale, provided they comply with Section 14-70 of the City Code.
      4. Paper or other such temporary signs in show or display windows or doors, provided they comply with Section 11-108.A. of the Zoning Code.
      5. Decorative signs displayed for City-wide celebrations, conventions, and commemorations when authorized by the City Commission or City Manager’s designee for a prescribed period of time.
   2. Signs that are not visible from public rights-of-way, public waterways, or neighboring properties.
   3. Signs that are less than one-half (½) of one (1) square foot in area that are incorporated into machines or equipment.
   4. Signs that are affixed to merchandise, provided they comply with Section 11-108.C. of the Zoning Code.
   5. Signs identifying the entrance or exit of parking lots and parking garages that do not contain any commercial advertisements, provided they comply with the portion of Section 11-104. of the Zoning Code that relates to parking garages.
   6. Flags that comply with Section 11-102. of the Zoning Code and that meet the following criteria:
      1. In all zoning districts:
         1. No individual flag shall exceed fifteen (15) square feet in area;
         2. Flags that are displayed on a ground mounted flagpole shall not exceed a lateral dimension (length) greater than twenty-five (25%) percent of the height of the flagpole;
         3. Flags may be displayed at duly licensed marinas or boat docking facilities for navigation purposes as necessary or required for the safety of boaters;
         4. No more than two (2) flags may be displayed per flagpole; and
         5. No flag may display a commercial message or be used to draw attention to a commercial establishment, except as otherwise expressly permitted by law.
      2. In addition to the criteria in Section 11-101.C.6.(a), in MX1, MX2, MX3, MF2, MF3, and MF4 Districts, and all nonresidential districts:
         1. The total area of all flags displayed on a building site shall not exceed forty-five (45) square feet; and
         2. No building site shall have more than three (3) flagpoles (which may be either vertical or mast-arm) installed.
      3. In addition to the criteria in Section 11-101.C.6.(a), in SFR and MF1 Districts:
         1. The total area of all flags displayed on a building site shall not exceed fifteen (15) square feet; and
         2. No building site shall have more than one (1) flagpole (which may be either vertical or mast-arm) installed.
   7. Signs that are affixed to merchandise and are not larger than six (6) square inches in area and that are not prohibited by Section 11-102.
   8. Paper or other such temporary signs that are affixed or otherwise attached to or displayed within glass display windows of commercial establishments and stores, provided that:
      1. Not more than one (1) such sign shall be permitted within or upon any one (1) display window;
      2. Not more than two (2) signs shall be permitted in any one (1) business establishment; and
      3. No such sign shall exceed two hundred fifty (250) square inches in sign area.
   9. Temporary Window Wraps
      1. Glass windows and doors of unoccupied and/or vacant retail spaces must be screened by temporary window wraps on the ground floor.
      2. Preapproved designs for ground floor window wraps (e.g. “For Lease”) are permitted in unoccupied or vacant retail spaces on a temporary basis without a permit. Unique designs, that are graphically consistent with the city’s Window Wrap Style Guide, are permissible 180 days prior to a business’ opening or reopening (e.g. “Coming Soon”) following administrative aesthetic review by the Development Services Director or designee, in consultation with the Economic Development Department. Temporary window wraps must be removed within seventy-two hours of the business’ opening.
      3. This section shall not be enforced in a manner that creates a conflict with Section 553.79, Florida Statutes, or any other applicable laws.
      4. General Design Standards.
         1. Location: Ground Floor Shopfront.
         2. Number permitted: Limited only by number of windows.
         3. Wrap Area: One-hundred (100%) percent of the window area.
         4. Wrap Length: Limited only by length of window.
         5. Lettering: Lettering size shall not exceed twenty-five (25%) percent of any window or door panel. Lettering shall be oriented in a horizontal fashion.
         6. Total Text Size: Total text shall not exceed twenty-five (25%) percent of the total wrap area.
         7. Wrap Height: Limited only by height of window.
         8. Information: name, logo, contact information, social media handles and other relevant information specific to the incoming tenant or landlord.
         9. Embedded real estate signs shall comply with Section 11-107.
4. Signs erected and maintained pursuant to the discharge of governmental functions, or that are required by law, ordinance, or government regulation, or that are required to be posted in order to effectuate a legal right, shall not be subject to the provisions in this Article.
5. No person may post, display, or distribute any signs, advertisements, circulars, handbills, or printed or written matter relating to any business or commercial activities on any property or facilities owned or operated by or for the City without first obtaining authorization in writing from the City Commission or City Manager’s designee or unless otherwise authorized by law.
6. Nothing in this Article shall be read to permit or authorize any sign that displays an image or message which is not within the protection of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution or of the Florida Constitution, including an image or message that is obscene (as that term is construed in Miller v. California, 413 U.S. 15 (1973)), or that violates any valid state or federal law, including, for example, laws governing libel and extortion.

(Ord. No. 2022-27, 05/31/2022)

All signs shall comply with the following design standards:

1. Signs shall not disfigure or conceal architectural features or details of a structure.
2. The size and location of signs shall be proportional to the scale of the related structure and compatible with adjacent signage.
3. The use of lettering and sign design shall enhance the architectural character of the related structure, and if the sign is an attached sign, the particular facade on which the sign is located.
4. The following sign types and design elements are prohibited:
   1. Abandoned signs, defined as any owner or lessee identification signs advertising a commodity or service associated with a premises that is still in place more than sixty (60) days from the date the premises are vacated and such activity has ceased to exist on the premises.
   2. Bare bulb signs.
   3. Box signs.
   4. Cabinet signs.
   5. Diagonal lettering, except with respect to temporary noncommercial signs governed by Section 11-109, or as otherwise permitted herein.
   6. Exposed neon tubing.
   7. Pennants, banners, streamers, balloons, blinking and flashing lights, streamer lights, flags except as provided in Section 11-101.C. herein, and any other fluttering, spinning, rotating or similar type attention attractors and advertising devices.
   8. Portable signs, displaying a commercial message, which are designed to be transported on a vehicle or worn on a person, including: a sign mounted on a bike trailer, vehicle trailer, or truck bed that is used to advertise any business or product that is not the business or principal purpose of the vehicle; or a human sign. However, this provision shall not prohibit any of the following:
      1. Those signs on a vehicle that identify its business, purpose, or principal products, so long as such vehicle is engaged in the usual business or regular work of the vehicle owner, and not used merely, mainly, or primarily to display advertisement;
      2. Such advertising devices as may be attached to or displayed on and within the normal unaltered lines of the vehicle of a licensed transit carrier, when and during that period of time such vehicle is regularly and customarily used to traverse the public highways during the normal course of business;
      3. Signs on public buses or trolleys;
      4. Signs on taxicabs; and
      5. Bumper stickers.
   9. Temporary lettering or graphics, except with respect to temporary noncommercial signs governed by Section 11-109, or as otherwise permitted herein.
   10. Signs attached to or placed on a vehicle (including trailers) that is parked on public or private property. This prohibition, however, shall not apply in the following cases:
       1. Identification of a firm or its principal products on a vehicle operating during the normal hours of business, provided, however, that no such vehicle shall be parked on public or private property with signs attached or placed on such vehicle for the purpose of advertising a business or firm or calling attention to the location of a business or firm.
       2. Vehicles carrying a sign displaying only a noncommercial message, including signs dealing with the candidacy of individuals for elected office.
       3. Passenger automobiles which require governmental identification, markings or insignias of a local, state or federal government agency.
   11. Vertical lettering, except with respect to temporary noncommercial signs governed by Section 11-109, or as otherwise permitted herein.
   12. Animated or flashing signs, except that temporary animated or flashing signs attached to amusement rides, vending carts, and sideshow equipment used in a City event specifically authorized by the City Commission shall not be prohibited.
   13. Electronic signs.
5. All exterior signs shall be in good repair and free of chipping, pitting, cracking, peeling, fading or discoloration. Lighted signs shall have all lights working.

The following conditions and restrictions shall apply to illuminated signs:

1. Except as hereinafter provided in this section, illuminated signs, or illumination in show windows, display windows and displays, in or upon any building or structure, shall have the source of light concealed from view from the exterior of the building or structure, except that where channel letters or figures are used for any sign the illumination thereof may be visible if recessed within the depth of the channel.
2. Intensities of illumination in all cases shall be approved by the Electrical Inspector before the issuance of a sign permit for compliance with the following Maximum Illumination Intensity Levels:

3. Illuminated signs located within five hundred (500) feet of a residential zone, and which are visible from such residential zone, shall be turned off not later than 10:00 PM each night.
4. No intermittent or flashing illumination will be permitted.
5. Hanging exposed neon tubing signs will be permitted on the inside of glass show windows, provided that the size of said signs shall not exceed ten (10%) percent of the total glass area where they occur, or six-hundred (600) square inches, whichever is less. All such signs located within a distance of five (5) feet from any glass show window shall be subject to the above regulations.
6. Transformer boxes, outlets, conduits, and other accessory equipment for any sign shall be placed so that they are not visible from the exterior.
7. Wooden signs shall not have electric lights or fixtures attached to them in any manner.

The provisions contained in the following table shall be applicable within all zoning districts.

*Height is measured from the established grade.

**Including all appendages of sign.

All signs attached to a building shall be fastened directly to the walls by well-secured metal anchors in such a manner as to withstand a wind pressure load equal to one-hundred-fifty (150) miles per hour for a one (1) hour period. No signs shall be erected so as to obstruct any door, window, or fire escape and any building or structure, or so as to obstruct the visibility of any traffic control sign or traffic control signal.

Detached signs are subject to the following provisions:

1. Specific locations. Except as provided for under Sections 11-105.B. and 11-107, detached signs will be permitted only upon premises zoned for commercial or industrial use and facing, abutting and fronting upon U.S. Route 1, (also known as South Dixie Highway) or upon Southwest Eighth Street, subject to the following conditions and restrictions:
   1. The face of any such sign shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area; and the top of the face of such sign shall not be more than six (6) feet above the finished grade of the ground, except that:
      1. Detached signs, the top of the face thereof being not more than eleven (11) feet above the finished grade of the ground, shall be permitted at the following locations:
         1. Upon premises abutting and fronting upon Southwest Eighth Street and lying east of LeJeune Road and upon premises lying west of LeJeune Road; and
         2. Fronting upon Southwest Eighth Street, where such premises extend as an entity from street to street measured in an east and west direction; and where the building on such premises, or some portion thereof, is at least two (2) stories in height.
      2. Detached signs, the top of the face thereof, being not more than twelve (12) feet above the finished grade of the ground, shall be permitted upon premises facing, abutting and fronting upon U.S. Route 1 (also known as South Dixie Highway).
   2. Foundations shall be of masonry; supporting members shall be of metal or masonry construction; the sign itself shall be metal, masonry or plastic construction.
   3. The face of any such sign shall be set back at least five (5) feet from the front or any side property line, except in the case of such signs erected upon premises abutting and fronting upon Southwest Eighth Street east of LeJeune Road, and upon premises abutting and fronting upon Southwest Eighth Street west of LeJeune Road where no front setback shall be required; the sign shall be so set and placed that its centerline is at a normal to, or is parallel with, the front property line; and both faces of the sign, or the face and the back thereof, shall be parallel to each other.
   4. Each such sign shall be landscaped as approved or required by the Development Services Department.
   5. A monument sign may contain up to three (3) building tenant names subject to the discretion of the Board of Architects and the following conditions and limitations:
      1. Monument sign structure shall not exceed six (6) feet in height.
      2. Monument signs shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in total area.
      3. Monument signs shall be landscaped subject to the discretion to the Board of Architects.
      4. Monument signs shall be located a minimum of five (5) feet from any right-of-way, sidewalk or driveway.
      5. Only one (1) such sign shall be permitted on any one (1) premises.
      6. No monument shall be placed or constructed in such a manner as to produce an unsafe visual clearance at any intersection or driveway location.
2. Specific cases. Subject to the applicable regulations and requirements of this article, detached signs shall be permitted in the following cases, subject to the conditions and restrictions as noted:
   1. Apartment buildings, apartment-hotel buildings and hotel. Detached signs the face thereof not exceeding six (6) square feet in area, shall be permitted to be erected upon premises of an apartment building, apartment/hotel building and hotel, but no more than one such sign shall be permitted in connection with any such building or with any group of such buildings operated together as an entity. Such detached sign shall be placed on a standard with cross arms, and the height thereof shall not exceed nine (9) feet from the finished grade of the ground to the top of the standard or post, except, however, that the height of detached signs upon premises of an apartment building, apartment hotel building and hotel facing, abutting and fronting upon U.S. Route 1 (also known as South Dixie Highway), shall not exceed a height of twelve (12) feet from the finished grade of the ground to the top of the standard or post.
   2. Service stations. Service stations dispensing products of companies which have a standard trademark sign shall be permitted to erect one such detached trademark sign on the premises of the station, such sign to be of a height and size as in accord with the standard height and size of similar signs of other stations handling the same products, subject to all requirements of the Florida Building Code and ordinances of this City. Signs which advertise the price of gasoline dispensed at a service station shall be permitted to be affixed or otherwise attached to the detached trademark sign pole subject to the following conditions and restrictions:
      1. The face of any such sign shall not be larger than a maximum of three (3) feet wide or a maximum of three (3) feet high or larger overall than a total of eight and one-half (8½) square feet, and shall be surrounded by a one (1) inch aluminum or galvanized iron pipe frame.
      2. The lettering and context of such signs shall be limited and restricted to the following:
         1. The words “Self Serve.”
         2. The grade and price of not more than three (3) gasoline grades.
      3. The type style of the letters and numbers shall be Helvetica and the height of the letters and numbers of such signs shall not exceed the following:
         1. The words “Self Serve” in upper case letters-three (3) inches.
         2. The letters designating the “Grade”-five and one-half (5½) inches.
         3. The dollars and cents numbers-eight and one-half (8½) inches.
         4. The tenths cent numbers-five and one-half (5½) inches.
      4. The color scheme of such signs shall be as follows:
         1. Letters and numbers-white.
         2. Background-black.
         3. Pipe frame-black.
      5. The sign may be so designed that the letters and/or numbers can be readily removed and replaced.
      6. Not more than one (1) price sign shall be permitted to be erected for any one (1) service station. This provision, however, shall not preclude the sign from having a front and back as set forth herein in subparagraph (g).
      7. Such price sign shall be so attached or erected on the detached sign pole that the face of such sign is perpendicular to, or parallel with the front property line and both faces of the sign or the face and back thereof, shall be parallel to each other.
      8. No such signs shall be located or placed at a corner intersection of a street in such a manner that it would block or obscure the visibility at the street intersection.
      9. No illumination shall be permitted for such sign.
      10. The structural design and method of attachments of such sign shall be subject to approval of the Structural Engineer.
      11. Such sign shall initially be subject to approval by the Board of Architects and shall not be installed or erected without a permit, however, subsequent changes of the letters and/or numbers shall not require a permit and shall not be required to be submitted to the Board of Architects for approval, provided, however, that all such changes shall be professionally lettered.
      12. The Code Enforcement Officer shall cause to be removed any such signs not conforming with the provisions of this section.
   3. Parking lots. Detached signs may be erected upon off-street parking lots of ten-thousand (10,000) square feet or more in area, which are operated in connection with stores or other places of business. Wording on the sign shall be limited to the name of the business and may include the words “Customer Parking Only” or any combination thereof. Only one (1) such sign, not larger than twenty-four (24) square feet, shall be permitted on any one (1) such parking lot. Any necessary entrance or exit signs will be permitted with a limit of two (2) signs to each entrance and exit with a maximum area of three (3) square feet and maximum width of two (2) feet, and location must be approved by the Board of Architects. Only the words “Exit only” or “Entrance Only” shall be permitted on said entrance and exit signs.
   4. Motels. Detached signs, the face thereof not exceeding thirty-two (32) square feet in area, shall be permitted to be erected upon the premises of a motel. Only one (1) such detached sign shall be permitted on the motel premises. The height of such detached sign shall not exceed nine (9) feet from the finished grade of the ground to the top of the sign, provided, however, that the height of detached signs upon premises of a motel facing, abutting and fronting upon Southwest Eighth Street and upon U.S. Highway 1 (also known as South Dixie Highway) may be erected to a height not to exceed the height limits permitted by Section 11-105.A. hereof for such streets. The words Motel or Motor Court or similar designation of any motel, as defined herein, shall not be used to designate any building or facility except in a Commercial, Commercial Limited, or Industrial District, even though the area of living units within such building meet the minimum requirements for motels under the Zoning Code.
   5. Historical markers. Whenever any building, structure, site or artifact has been designated as an historic landmark by the Historic Preservation Board, a detached historical marker shall be permitted to be erected upon the site, subject to the following conditions and restrictions:
      1. The size and design of such historical marker shall be in accordance with the historical markers cast for the State of Florida's Bureau of Historical Sites and Properties as if the same were fully set forth herein.
      2. The historical marker and the letters on such historical marker shall be of cast aluminum or cast bronze.
      3. The supporting member of such marker shall be of metal imbedded in a masonry foundation.
      4. The marker may describe events, people, places, ideas and identify the sponsor, but the text on the marker shall be subject to approval of the Historic Preservation Board.
      5. The letters on such marker shall be painted in gold leaf, but the color of the background of such marker shall be subject to approval of the Historic Preservation Board.
      6. The face of any such marker erected on private property shall be set back a minimum of five (5) feet from the front property line and a minimum of fifteen (15) feet from any interior property line.
      7. On corner intersections no such marker shall be placed within fifteen (15) feet of any official right-of-way line.
      8. Any such historic marker on private property shall be so erected that its face is perpendicular to or is parallel with the front property line.
      9. The top of such marker shall not be more than seven and one-half (7½) feet above the finished grade of the ground.
      10. The location of the historical marker on private property shall be subject to approval of the Historic Preservation Board.
      11. The location of historical markers on public property shall be subject to approval by the City Commission upon recommendation from the Historic Preservation Board.
      12. Historical markers erected in Commercial, Commercial Limited, and Industrial Districts may be illuminated, provided, however, that the source of illumination be shaded and not directly visible from any public right-of-way.

Except as provided for under Section 11-104 and except for signs herein otherwise permitted upon building sites during construction of a building thereon, no advertising sign, exposed to view from any public street, highway, thoroughfare, waterway or public place shall be erected, used or maintained upon any lot or parcel of land which is, by the terms of a deed or contract for deed still in force, restricted to purposes of improvements or occupation for residential purposes, or which is now or may hereinafter be zoned by ordinance for residence purpose only, whether such residence purpose be single-family, duplex or multiple-family unless the same shall conform in construction, location, size and type to the provisions of this ordinance.

Signs pertaining to the sale, lease, or rental of property or buildings shall be permitted in any use district subject to the following conditions and restrictions:

1. The sign may identify the property, the owner or agent and the address and telephone number of the owner or agent relative to the premises upon which the sign is located. In MX1, MX2, and MX3 Districts , signs may also contain information concerning building description, price, terms and availability.
2. The face surface of such sign shall not be larger than:
   1. Forty (40) square inches, in SFR, MF1, MF2, MF3, and MF4 , provided, however, that it shall be permissible to attach thereto one (1) of the following additional signs not exceeding forty (40) square inches and containing the wording or information:
      1. “By appointment only.”
         1. “Open.”
         2. “Sold.”
         3. “Listing agent name and telephone number.”
   2. In MX1, MX2 and MX3 Districts, the face surface of such signs shall not be larger than two hundred and fifty (250) square inches.
3. The sign shall be constructed of metal, plastic, wood or pressed wood. In SFR, MF1, MF2, MF3 and MF4 Districts , said signs shall be fastened to a supporting member constructed of angle iron not exceeding one (1) inch by one (1) inch or two (2) inch by two (2) inch wooden post, provided that said supporting member shall be all white or all black in color and have no letters or numbers upon it. In MX1, MX2, and MX3 Districts, the same criterion applies for signs requiring a supporting member.
4. The supporting member shall be driven into the ground to provide that the top of the face of such sign shall not be more than four (4) feet above the finished grade of the ground.
5. All such signs shall be lettered professionally, but such signs shall not be required to be submitted to the Board of Architects for approval and no permit shall be required for the installation or erection of such signs.
6. Only one (1) such sign shall be permitted on any one (1) premises, provided, however, that where the property abuts a waterway or golf course, a sign may also be placed or erected to be visible from such waterway or golf course with such sign having a setback from the waterway or golf course of not less than five (5) feet.
7. Such sign shall be so erected or placed that its center line is parallel or perpendicular to the front property line.
8. Such sign shall not be erected or placed closer than five (5) feet to the front property line unless the main part of the building is less than five (5) feet from the front property line, in which case the sign may be placed in or upon a front or side door, window or elevation of the building.
9. Nothing contained herein shall be construed as prohibiting the same wording from being on both the front and back of the sign.
10. Where such sign is suspended from an arm of the support, such arm shall not exceed a length of sixteen (16) inches.
11. All such signs shall be erected on a temporary basis.
12. Such sign shall be kept in good repair and shall not be illuminated or constructed of a reflective material and shall not contain any flags, streamers, movable items or like devices.
13. Any such sign shall be removed within five (5) days from the date a binding agreement is entered into for the sale, lease or rental of the property or immediately upon the removal of the property from the market, whichever occurs first.
14. Any Code Enforcement Officer may cause to be removed any such sign not conforming to the provisions of this section.

No sign bearing a commercial message, which is visible from the exterior of the building , shall be located or displayed in or from any show window, display window, or door or other window when such sign is so designed or displayed so as to attract attention from the exterior of the building except that:

1. Temporary paper signs will be permitted as provided under Section 11-101.C.
2. Permanent signs shall be permitted to be installed or affixed to or painted upon any show window, display window, or door or other window as provided for elsewhere in this article as shall be approved by the Board of Architects.
3. The foregoing shall not prohibit the use of bona fide price tags when such tags are affixed to or attached to merchandise displayed for sale, providing that the size and number of such signs shall be aesthetically in keeping with the building as shall be approved by the Board of Architects.

1. Temporary signs displaying only a noncommercial message shall be permitted, subject to all of the following conditions:
   1. Except as provided in Section 11-109.B. below, there shall be no more than one (1) temporary noncommercial sign per building, lot, and/or tenant space.
   2. No sign permitted under this Section shall exceed twenty-two (22) inches by twenty-eight (28) inches in size.
   3. Signs permitted under this Section shall be a minimum of five (5) feet from a public right-of-way.
   4. Signs permitted under this Section shall not be erected or placed closer than five (5) feet to the front and/or side property line, except that in cases where the main part of the building is less than five (5) feet from the front property line, signs permitted under this Section may be placed in or upon a front or side door, window, or wall of the building.
   5. Signs permitted under this Section shall be allowed for a period not to exceed one-hundred and twenty (120) days.
2. Bonus signs. A maximum of two (2) additional temporary signs displaying only a noncommercial message – making a total of three (3) such signs – shall be permitted per building, lot, and/or tenant space during the time period that begins no earlier than ninety (90) days prior to the date of any national, state, or local election and that ends within five (5) days after such an election, provided that such signs comply with all other applicable provisions in this Section.
3. Windows. Temporary noncommercial signs that are otherwise in compliance with this Section may be posted, affixed, or attached to a window.
4. Examples. A temporary noncommercial sign would include, simply by way of example, a sign installed for a temporary period that displays support for a political candidate or issue, that reflects an ideological or religious position, that directs the public to the existence or location of a noncommercial event, or that reflects any other solely noncommercial message.
5. Construction, materials, and maintenance.
   1. Sign post(s) shall only be constructed of metal, plastic, wood or pressed wood.
   2. Sign face(s) shall only be constructed of metal, plastic, wood, pressed wood, cardboard or paper.
   3. Pursuant to Section 11-102.E., all sign(s) shall be maintained and kept in good repair and otherwise comply with any applicable provisions in Section 11-102.
6. Prohibited signs.
   1. Signs permitted under this Section shall not be pasted, glues, printed, painted, affixed or attached by any means whatsoever to the following: vacant lot(s); utility pole(s); utility pole supports/guy wires; tree(s); light poles; rights-of-way signage; public rights-of-ways and/or surfaces; sidewalk(s); paving surfaces; swales; curbs or any other property of any governmental entity without first obtaining authorization in writing from the City Commission or City Manager’s designee or unless otherwise authorized by law.
   2. Signs or sign posts shall not be illuminated or constructed of a reflective material and shall not contain any flags, streamers, movable items, fluttering, spinning, rotating or similar attention attractors or advertising devices.
   3. Banners, flags, cloth or signs constructed of other similar materials are prohibited.
7. Penalties.
   1. Signs located on public rights-of-way. Failure to comply with all of the provisions contained within this Section shall cause the sign to be removed.
   2. Signs located on private properties. The City may issue a courtesy warning followed by a civil citation if compliance is not achieved.
   3. These penalties shall be cumulative with other remedies under the Code, including the availability of requests for injunctive relief.
8. Enforcement. The provisions of this Section shall be enforced by the appropriate city personnel as determined by the City Manager.

Historical plaques may be installed upon buildings, structures and/or artifacts which have been designated as historic landmarks by the Historic Preservation Board, subject to the following conditions and restrictions:

1. The Historic Preservation Board shall establish a standard for an historical marker, which will include its design, material, color, and text.
2. The size of such plaque shall not exceed eighteen (18) inches in width by eighteen (18) inches in height.
3. Such plaque shall be erected flat against the surface of building, structure or artifact.

Signs which encroach greater than nine (9) inches over public rights-of-way shall be subject to the following conditions and restrictions:

1. The property owner shall execute a restrictive covenant prepared by the City Attorney, which shall run with the title of the land, agreeing to provide public liability insurance coverage for the encroachment in the minimum limits required by the City, and naming the City as additional insured under the policy.
2. An executed copy of the restrictive covenant, together with certificate of required insurance, shall be presented to the Building Official, prior to the issuance of any permits for such work.
3. Signs must be in accordance with the provisions of this section and the Florida Building Code, and maintained in good condition at all times at the property owner's expense.
4. The City of Coral Gables reserves the right to remove, add, maintain or have the owner remove any sign within the right-of-way at the owner's expense.
5. The property owner shall be legally responsible for the encroachment, and shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the City against any claims for damages or injuries resulting in any manner from the encroachment.

Signs which encroach nine (9) inches or less may be administratively approved by the City Architect and must comply with, and are subject to items C, D and E as specified in this section.

Restaurant establishments may install one permanent outdoor menu board subject to the following restrictions:

1. Restaurant menu boards shall be located within ten (10) feet of that establishment's main entrance.
2. Restaurant menu boards shall be permanently wall-mounted, maintained in good condition and contain current menus.
3. Restaurant menu boards shall not exceed thirty-six (36) inches in height by twenty-four (24) inches in width by four (4) inches in depth.
4. Framing materials (other than fasteners) for menu boards shall be made of wood, brass or aluminum, and shall blend in and be consistent with the color of the building façade.
5. All restaurant menu boards shall be required to have a sliding or hinged glass door, and must have an operational key lock.
6. Backdrop night lighting may be incorporated but must be integrated within the menu board and shielded to reduce glare.
7. Information displayed on the menu board shall be limited to the specific restaurant's menus and the restaurant's hours of operation.

Free-standing signs identifying the presence of security and alarm systems shall be permitted in any Single-Family, Multi-Family 1, and Multi-Family 2, Multi-Family 3 and Multi-Family 4 Districts subject to the following conditions and restrictions:

1. Printed information on the sign shall be limited to a warning message and manufacturer and/or installer's name, address and telephone number.
2. The face surface of such sign shall not be larger than sixty-three (63) square inches in size.
3. The sign shall be constructed of metal or plastic and said signs shall be fastened to a supporting member constructed of metal not exceeding one (1) inch diameter or square. Said supporting member shall be all white or all black in color and have no letters or numbers upon it.
4. The overall height of the sign shall not exceed three (3) feet above finished grade of the ground.
5. All such signs shall be lettered professionally, but shall not be required to be submitted to the Board of Architects for approval and no permit shall be required for the installation or erection of such signs.
6. Only two (2) such signs shall be permitted per property with no more than one (1) per side.
7. Such sign shall not be erected or placed closer than five (5) feet to the front property line unless the main part of the building is less than five (5) feet from the property line, in which case the sign may be placed in or upon the front or side door, window or elevation of the building.
8. Such sign shall be kept in good repair and shall not be illuminated or constructed of a reflective material.
9. Any Code Enforcement Officer may cause to be removed any such sign not conforming with the provisions of this section.

1. Signature event signs are permitted for “City-owned” museums, theaters or one screen cinemas within the Central Business District (CBD) to promote community based events, activities, exhibits, and shows within the facilities subject to all of the following:
   1. Sponsorship. The sign may only be erected by a unit of government or cultural institution.
   2. Permitted use and location. “City-owned” museums, theaters or one screen cinemas located within the CBD.
   3. Maximum building sign area.
      1. Museums and theaters. A maximum of five (5%) percent of gross surface area of each building façade that faces onto a public street.
      2. One screen cinemas. A maximum of five (5%) percent of gross surface area of only the portion of the building façade utilized for one screen cinemas, excluding any areas of the building façade not utilized for one screen cinemas, that faces onto a public street.
         
         See “Sign, building façade sign calculation” definition to determine building facade calculations.
   4. Sign type. May include pennants, flags, cable-hung banners and vertical banners.
   5. Sign content.
      1. May include logos and/or sponsorship/corporate branding up to a maximum of twenty (20%) percent of the allowable sign area.
      2. Shall not include a changeable copy.
      3. Vertical lettering orientation is permitted.
      4. Shall only advertise events, activities, exhibits, and shows contained within the facilities. Offsite advertising is prohibited.
2. Sign location and construction.
   1. Constructed of cloth, synthetics or other flexible/pliable materials.
   2. May hang or be mounted from a building by a pole, wire or similar supporting/mounting device.
   3. Shall be attached to supporting structures capable of withstanding continuous wind without deflections or rotations that would cause deformation, failure or other damage to such signs and structures subject to applicable Florida Building Code requirements.
   4. Shall not be mounted or project vertically from the roof, roof structure, towers, poles or any architectural feature or appendage of the building.
   5. Projection signage or signage that projects from the building facades or sides is prohibited.
   6. Shall not be nailed, taped or affixed by temporary means to any building façade walls, windows, etc.
   7. Shall not be directly illuminated.
3. Time limitations for sign placement and removal. Signs may be placed up to ninety (90) days prior to a scheduled event and during the event. All signs shall be removed within seven (7) days of completion of the event, activity, exhibit or show.
4. Review process.
   1. Board of Architects. Applicants shall be required to secure approval from the Board of Architects prior to submittal for a building permit.
   2. Review and approval for historic properties. Applicants shall be required to secure administrative approval from the Development Services Department and Historical Resources Department prior to building permit review and approval.
   3. Encroachments. Signs may encroach into the adjacent right-of-way a maximum of nine (9) inches if such sign is located a minimum of ten (10) feet above the established grade. Building permit review is only required for encroachment per these provisions. An Encroachment Agreement may be required by the Public Works Department.

C. All other applicable provisions of Article 5, Section 11-102, General Design Standards that are applicable to all signs and Article 11, Signs shall be applicable unless indicated otherwise within these provisions.

1. Signs identifying artwork that is being presented as part of the City’s Art in Public Places Program may be installed on or near such pieces of artwork subject to all of the following:
   1. Maximum sign area. Up to a maximum of one hundred-and-twenty-one (121) square inches may be permitted per sign.
   2. Temporary and permanent sign type(s). The Cultural Development Board (CDB) when reviewing temporary and permanent sign types shall satisfy applicable design standard provisions within Article 5, Section 11-102, General Design Standards that are applicable to all signs and Article 11.
   3. Sign quantity and content. Up to two (2) permanent signs may be permitted per permanent art piece and one (1) temporary sign per temporary art piece subject to the following:
      1. Project name; date of creation; date of installation; artist name; construction materials; artwork title; specific donors; and/or other applicable information, and.
      2. Donor name(s); description of the artwork; artist(s) biographical information; dedication information, developer commissioned artwork information and applicable public benefit information.
         
         The discretion for the placement of the second permanent sign shall be subject to Board of Architects review and approval. All of the above signs shall require review and approval by the CDB prior to Board of Architect review.
   4. Sign location and construction.
      1. Signs may be affixed to a building, structure or mounting pedestal/base located in close proximity to the artwork.
         1. Mounting pedestals shall not exceed thirty-six (36) inches in height, and shall require review and approval by the CDB.
         2. Signs shall not be internally illuminated.
         3. Signs shall not include changeable copy.
2. Review process.
   1. Board of Architects. Applicants shall be required to secure review and approval for both temporary and permanent signs from the Board of Architects.
   2. Historically designated properties and districts. Art in Public Places Signage that is installed on a historically designated property shall require review and approval by the Historic Preservation Board. Artwork that is designated as a part of the historic landmark may have signage that is in compliance with Section 11-110, “Historic Plaques” either in conjunction with Art in Public Places Signage, or in lieu of Art in Public Places Signage, subject to review and approval by the Historic Preservation Board.
3. All other applicable provisions of Article 11, Signs shall be applicable unless indicated otherwise within these provisions.

1. Site plan reviews. Applicants requesting site plan review from the Planning and Zoning Division may request review of signage as a part of the required site plan review process. The Planning Director may require applicants undergoing site plan review to secure sign review and approval in association with site plan review. This shall be applicable to the following reviews:
   1. Mixed-use developments.
   2. Planned Area Developments (PAD).
   3. Special Use Districts.
   4. Conditional uses.
   5. Subdivisions for residential uses with a minimum of fifty (50) homes and five (5) acres.
2. Review process. Applicants shall apply to the Planning and Zoning Division for review as a total signage package for such developments. Such applications shall require design review and recommendation before the Planning and Zoning Board and final approval by the City Commission.
3. Review criteria. In reviewing an application, the Planning and Zoning Division, Planning and Zoning Board and the City Commission shall review the application to determine if the request satisfies all of the following criteria:
   1. The design, type, size, number, lettering, logos, construction, materials, type of illumination, and location of the proposed signage are in conformance with the architecture and character of the building, development, etc.
   2. The potential use of the signs for advertising instead of identification, informational, or directional purposes.
   3. The visibility and impact of the design, type, size, number, lettering, logos, construction, materials, type of illumination, and location of the proposed signs has on adjoining properties.
   4. The proposed signage is within the intent and provisions of the current Sign Code provisions.
   5. If the proposed signage is consistent and not in conflict with the intent of the Zoning Code, Comprehensive Plan and City Code.
4. Signage that is not permitted as part of this Article shall not be permitted.
5. Application requirements. The Planning and Zoning Division shall determine the application submission requirements as provided within the Department’s Development Review Procedures Handbook.

1. Sign review. Applicants requesting signage for existing developed properties for the below listed may request sign review.
   1. Special Use Districts; and
   2. Subdivisions for residential uses with a minimum of fifty (50) homes and five (5) acres.
2. Review process. Applicants shall apply to the Development Services Department for review. Such applications shall require design review and final approval before the full membership of five (5) or more members of the Board of Architects.
3. Review criteria. In reviewing an application, the Development Services Department and the Board of Architects shall review the application and determine if the request satisfies all of the following criteria:
   1. The design, type, size, number, lettering, logos, construction, materials, type of illumination, and location of the proposed signage are in conformance with the architecture and character of the building, development, etc.
   2. The potential use of the signs for advertising instead of identification, informational, or directional purposes.
   3. The visibility and impact of the design, type, size, number, lettering, logos, construction, materials, type of illumination, and location of the proposed signs has on adjoining properties.
   4. The proposed signage is within the intent and provisions of the current Sign Code provisions.
   5. If the proposed signage is consistent and not in conflict with the intent of the Zoning Code, Comprehensive Plan and City Code.
4. Signage that is not permitted as part of this Article shall not be permitted.
5. Application requirements. The Development Services Department shall determine the application submission requirements.

1. In the event that a building, buildings or property exhibits special circumstances, the property owner can submit an application for a variance to the provisions of this Article.
2. The Development Services Department and Board of Adjustment in its review for justification of a variance shall determine if the request satisfies the following criteria:
   1. That special conditions and circumstances exist which are peculiar to the land, structure or building involved and which are not applicable to other lands, structures or buildings in the same zoning district.
   2. That the special conditions and circumstances do not result from the actions of the applicant.
   3. That granting the variance requested will not confer on the applicant any special privilege that is denied by this Ordinance to other lands, buildings or structures in the same zoning district.
   4. That literal interpretation of the provisions of the Zoning Code would deprive the applicant of rights commonly enjoyed by other properties in the same zoning district under the terms of the Zoning Code and would work unnecessary and undue hardship on the applicant (see also definition of necessary hardship).
   5. That the variance granted is the minimum variance that will make possible the reasonable use of the land, building or structure.
   6. That granting the variance will not change the use to one that is different from other land in the same district.
   7. That the granting of the variance will be in harmony with the general intent and purpose of the Zoning Code and that such variance will not be injurious to the area involved or otherwise detrimental to the public welfare.

1. All signs issued sign permits, or that were otherwise lawfully existing at the time of adoption of this Article, but which are not in conformance, may continue as nonconforming signs, subject to the following:
   1. No such nonconforming sign shall be enlarged, increased, relocated, nor extended to occupy a greater area than was occupied at the effective date of adoption or amendment of this Article.
   2. If any such use for which the sign ceases for any reason for a period of more than twelve (12) months, any subsequent sign shall conform to the regulations specified herein.
   3. Nonconforming signs that are damaged by any cause may be repaired if the cost of the repair does not exceed fifty (50%) percent of the current replacement value of the sign. Such repairs shall be limited to routine painting, repair and replacement of electrical components. Change of copy shall not be permitted.
   4. Signs that were installed at the time of a building’s or structure’s initial construction, but were removed or altered, and such building or structure is classified as contributing historic structure may be restored or replicated subject to Historic Preservation Department and Historic Preservation Board review and approval.
   5. The City Commission may require a nonconforming sign to be brought into immediate conformity with all or part of the provisions contained herein or be removed when evidence is presented by City Staff, which indicates the sign to be hazardous to the public or to have been abandoned by its owners. All costs associated may be assessed to the current property owner of record.
2. Any sign lawfully existing as of February 26, 1985, may be continued provided such sign shall not be replaced or structurally altered unless such sign is then made to comply with the provisions of this Article.
3. If a sign is removed from a wall or facade of a building in order to renovate, enlarge, and/or structurally alter such wall or facades, such sign shall not be replaced unless it is made to comply with the provisions of this ordinance; providing, however, that this provision shall not prevent routine maintenance or repair to either the sign or the wall on which it is mounted.

Where discrepancies exist between sections and other sections of the Code, the most stringent standards shall apply.

1. Interpretation; substitution of noncommercial speech for commercial speech. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Article or Code to the contrary, any sign erected pursuant to the provisions of this Article or Code or otherwise lawfully existing with a commercial message may, at the option of the owner, contain a noncommercial message in lieu of a commercial message. The noncommercial message may occupy the entire sign face or any portion thereof. The sign face may be changed from commercial to noncommercial messages, or from one noncommercial message to another, as frequently as desired by the owner of the sign, provided that the sign is not a prohibited sign or sign-type and provided that the size, height, setback and other dimensional criteria contained in this Article and Code have been satisfied.
2. Severability Generally. If any part, section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, phrase, clause, term, or word of this Article is declared unconstitutional by the valid judgment or decree of any court of competent jurisdiction, the declaration of such unconstitutionality shall not affect any other part, section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, phrase, clause, term, or word of this Article.
3. Severability where less speech results. Without diminishing or limiting in any way the declaration of severability set forth above in subsection A, above, or elsewhere in this Article, this Code, or any adopting ordinance, if any part, section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, phrase, clause, term, or word of this Article is declared unconstitutional by the valid judgment or decree of any court of competent jurisdiction, the declaration of such unconstitutionality shall not affect any other part, section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, phrase, clause, term, or word of this Article, even if such severability would result in a situation where there would be less speech, whether by subjecting previously exempt signs to permitting or otherwise.
4. Severability of provisions pertaining to prohibited signs and sign elements. Without diminishing or limiting in any way the declaration of severability set forth above in Section 11-119.A. above, or elsewhere in this Article, this Code, or any adopting ordinance, if any part, section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, phrase, clause, term, or word of this Article is declared unconstitutional by the valid judgment or decree of any court of competent jurisdiction, the declaration of such unconstitutionality shall not affect any other part, section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, phrase, clause, term, or word of this Article that pertains to prohibited signs, including specifically those signs and sign elements that are prohibited by Section 11-102.D. Furthermore, if any part, section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, phrase, clause, term, or word of Section 5-1902 is declared unconstitutional by the valid judgment or decree of any court of competent jurisdiction, the declaration of such unconstitutionality shall not affect any other subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, phrase, clause, term, or word of Section 11-102, thereby ensuring that as many prohibited sign-types as may be constitutionally prohibited continue to be prohibited.
5. It is the intent of the City to regulate signage in a manner that implements the purposes of this Article as expressed in Section 11-101. The City finds that the purposes stated in Section 11-101 are legitimate, substantial, and compelling public interests, that the regulation of signage provided by this Article is unrelated to the suppression of free expression, and that the incidental restrictions on expression that may occur as a result of these regulations is no more than is essential to the furtherance of the public interests. However, if a court of competent jurisdiction finds any regulation herein to be based upon content and, further, declares such regulation unconstitutional, then it is the intent of the City of Coral Gables that only that portion of the provision that is found unconstitutional be severed from this Article, and if it is not possible for the court to strike only the portion of the provision that is found unconstitutional, then it is the intent of the City of Coral Gables that all signs that would be subject to the stricken provision will instead be subject to the next surviving provision for a sign of like geometry and character that is more restrictive than the stricken provision in terms of sign area.